In the seasoned midsize sedan class seldom does the Hyundai Sonata disappoint its buyers. It is a comprehensive option that concocts opulence with comfort in a setup that reeks of pragmatism. The 2012 Sonata is based on a similar set of ideologies, and though the vehicle had been redesigned in the outgoing model, the changes in the current iteration improve its ride quality, fuel efficiency, and feature list considerably. Its safety scores are first-grade and with its comprehensive warranty package, the Japanese offering cements its place in the market. But amidst all of its strengths, the reliability of the vehicle is substandard. Despite its high sales volume, Sonata’s 1268 complaints and 8 recalls spell trouble in capital letters. Most of the problems of the vehicle are concerned with its mechanical and electrical components and even the ancillary niggles have a considerable impact. A 2012 Hyundai Sonata for sale is available at just under $20,000 and it competes with the likes of the Kia Optima, the Ford Fusion, and the Nissan Altima.
2012 Hyundai Sonata User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Illumination of airbag warning light: The 2012 Hyundai Sonata airbag light problem has been one of its most commonly recurring concerns. Across the current iteration, buyers have reported the airbag warning light remaining illuminated inadvertently. While no reason for the problem has yet been established, the continuous illumination signifies that the airbags might not deploy properly in case of a crash, increasing the risk of injuries to the occupants.
- Non-deployment of airbags and seat belts: In the list of Hyundai Sonata known issues, buyers of the 2012 MY have reported the failure of the airbags to deploy and the seat belts to restrain the occupants in case of a crash. This happens due to a short circuit in the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which renders such functionalities inoperable. To deal with the issue, Hyundaihas introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 18V137000.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning brake lights: In the 2012 Hyundai Sonata common problems list, complainants have reported the brake lights of the midsize sedanremaining illuminated despite the pedal not being depressed. This happens due to the brake light switch staying extended because of a damaged stopper pedal. The issue has a widespread impact and considering its implications, the Japanese brand has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 15V759000, to deal with the issue.
- Burning exterior lights: Buyers of the 2012 Sonata have also reported the tail lights of the sedan burning consistently. As a result, they need to be replaced excessively. Even the headlights have been reported suffering from a similar issue.
- Underwhelming infotainment system performance: In the 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems listed on NHTSA, complainants have recorded the radio system losing its power and rebooting inadvertently. In some other cases, users have also recorded the Bluetooth system failing to connect, which reduces the overall usability of the infotainment system.
Mechanical Complaints
- Hesitant transmission unit: Buyers of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have also reported the transmission unit hesitating when shifting between gears. Complainants have recorded visible lags when shifting or the vehicle slipping gears, which results in erratic performance.
- Failure of the engine: The Sonata engine problems are its most commonly noted concerns. In the current iteration, complainants have recorded the engine losing power and stalling inadvertently. It most commonly happens due to damage to the connecting rods, which results in a premature engine failure. To deal with the issue, Hyundai has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 15V568000.
- Failure of the power steering: The 2012 Hyundai Sonata steering coupler problems are highly recurring. When turning the vehicle or traveling over uneven surfaces, complainants have recorded the steering wheel making a clunking noise due to the steering coupler becoming damaged. It is a safety issue, as it affects the overall control of the vehicle.
- Substandard braking performance: The 2012 Hyundai Sonata’s brake problems are concerned with the brake pedals becoming extremely mushy, which fails to bring the vehicle to a halt. This can increase the risk of a rear-end collision due to an increased halting distance and time.
Structural Complaints
- Peeling exterior paint: In several cases, buyers of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have reported the exterior paint of the vehicle peeling unexpectedly. While no cause is yet known, the exposed surfaces can rust reducing the structural integrity of the vehicle.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|
1. |
28th Dec 2018 |
18V934000 |
High-pressure fuel pipe leakage |
During engine replacement, the high-pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged or improperly torqued, which can result in a leak. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the fuel pipe, free of cost. |
|
2. |
27th Feb 2018 |
18V137000 |
Disable airbags and seat belt pretensioners |
Due to a short circuit in the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), the frontal airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and side curtain airbags might not deploy. |
Dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of cost. |
|
3. |
4th Oct 2017 |
17V617000 |
Detachment of seat belts from their pretensioners |
In the vehicles previously repaired under recall 17V152000, the front seat belt linkages may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners. |
Upon inspection of the connection between the seat linkage and the pretensioner, dealers will add a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of cost. |
|
4. |
8th Mar 2017 |
17V152000 |
Detachment of seat belt linkages |
The front seat belt linkages may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners. |
Upon inspection of the connection between the seat linkage and the pretensioner, dealers will repair them, as necessary, free of cost. |
|
5. |
16th Nov 2015 |
15V759000 |
Deterioration of brake pedal stopper pad |
Due to the deterioration of the brake pedal stopper pad, the brake light switch plunger may remain extended even when the pedal has been released. |
Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of cost. |
|
6. |
10th Sept 2015 |
15V568000 |
Possible engine stall |
Due to the metal debris inside the engine, the connecting rods might get damaged, resulting in engine failure. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the engine assembly, free of cost. |
|
7. |
18th July 2014 |
14V434000 |
The vehicle might roll away |
Due to the detachment of the transmission shift cable from the shift lever pin, the transmission may fail to register the vehicle in “Park” and roll away. |
Upon inspection, dealers will repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of cost. |
|
8. |
12th July 2012 |
12V352000 |
Unintended deployment of curtain airbags |
Without command, the curtain airbags may inflate without deployment. |
Dealers will replace the side curtain airbags, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata is your general handyman. It excels in almost all departments and puts the best interest of the buyers at the forefront. It is highly frugal, impressively quick as per its segment standards, and manages to scale the ranks of success with its likable leisure and comfort quotient. However, the compact sedan has not had the cleanest record when it comes to the user experience. Even in the current iteration, the number of complaints and recalls seems to be blown out of proportion. Though the Japanese brand is revered for its proactive approach, the widespread impact and consistent recurrence of issues, make the 2012 Sonata an underwhelming proposition. So, in its segment, we suggest buyers opt for the 2012 Nissan Altima instead.
