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Engine coolingPart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202322%
202111%
201985%
2018144%
2017192%
2016172%
2015212%
2014213%
2013402%
2012111%
2011451%
200961%
200820%
200781%
2006303%
200553%
200452%
2003147%
2002165%
20012311%
20003111%
19992319%
199848%
1997714%
1996626%
1995914%
1993935%
1992418%
1991621%
1989545%

Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Engine
567 complaints
Steering
301 complaints
Electrical system
235 complaints
Air bags
170 complaints
Brakes
158 complaints
Exterior lighting
141 complaints
Other or unknown
125 complaints
Fuel system
114 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
97 complaints
Vehicle speed control
84 complaints
Seat belts
75 complaints
Body 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