2012 Hyundai Sonata Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,558 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 1% of the 1,558 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Prior to recall notification, my vehicle's engine was making a very loud, clanking noise., and would not accelerate. If I attempted to press on the gas pedal, the noise would become louder. While on a busy highway, the car stalled and would not start. I had to have my vehicle towed to a garage. Upon inspection, the mechanics stated the engine was beyond repair and would have to be replaced. A rebuilt engine, with 50,000 miles was placed into the vehicle. I had to obtain a rental car for a week while my car was being repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10816083, filed 2015-11, 105,000 miles“My recent 2012 Hyundai Sonata (32k miles) A/C stopped working - took it to dealer. He told a stone or debris may have hit the condenser and put the hole in it and its not covered under warranty (60k). Its no mistake of mine either. I always drive safe and maintain my car nicely. Dealer asked me to pay 800$ out of my pocket for the same. I am pretty sure other Sonata owners will also have the same issue because of bad quality of parts & design for Hyundai Sonata. I sincerely request you to take a look into this and prevent the brand (Hyundai) and dealers exploiting the car buyers like this.”
NHTSA complaint #10607808, filed 2014-07, 32,000 miles“When accelerating from idle, such as sitting at a stop sign, stop light, or waiting to pull out onto the highway, the engine will just start to move the car and then delay, allowing you to push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor with no response for 2-4 seconds. This happens at all times of day and weather. The only common factor is that it happens after the car has been at idle for a moment, such as coasting through a parking lot or sitting at a traffic light. It happens about every 2-4 days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450132, filed 2012-03, 400 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required the oil reservoir to be refilled after 3-4 weeks. Additionally, there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to Jiffy Lube for a top off, the mechanic would inform the contact that the oil reservoir was empty and needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11707491, filed 2025-12, 158,000 miles“The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that various functions on the steering wheel including the horn, cruise control, and other electrical functions; all failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that a warranty had been placed on the vehicle for the clock spring which they linked to the failure. The steering wheel also began to stick soon after the diagnosis. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the dealer could not provide an appointment until months out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11627450, filed 2024-11, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10211674Apr 15, 2022The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 10 years or 120,000…
- 10211673Apr 15, 2022The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime…
- 10211669Apr 15, 2022Applicable vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit Abnormal Noise or No…
- 10211665Apr 15, 2022Certain vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise or no…
- 10207813Jan 31, 2022This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to Electric Waste Gate Actuator (EWGA) equipped vehicles listed below. Refer to the…
- 10207811Jan 21, 2022The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime…
- 10207801Jan 19, 2022The warranty coverage for certain Theta II engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a…
- 10204252Nov 3, 2021Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 8 | 5% |
| 2018 | 14 | 4% |
| 2017 | 19 | 2% |
| 2016 | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 11 | 1% |
| 2011 | 45 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 30 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 11% |
| 1999 | 23 | 19% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 14% |
| 1996 | 6 | 26% |
| 1995 | 9 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 35% |
| 1992 | 4 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 21% |
| 1989 | 5 | 45% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
567 complaintsSteering
301 complaintsElectrical system
235 complaintsAir bags
170 complaintsBrakes
158 complaintsExterior lighting
141 complaintsOther or unknown
125 complaintsFuel system
114 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsVehicle speed control
84 complaintsSeat belts
75 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology