2012 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 567about this part
- Share
- 36%of 1,558 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 567 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 36% of the 1,558 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved and 69 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have done an oil consumption test with Hyundai that proves my oil is burning extremely fast. It also stalls and the acceleration has slowed down. When costarring up the car it sounds loud. This problem has been going on since 2020. As of feb. 2021 Hyundai stated that my problem with my engine will not be solved because of the oil consumption.”
NHTSA complaint #11398225, filed 2021-02, 130,000 miles“After having to have my engine replaced due to my crank shaft getting clogged with metal pieces on the highway and destroying the engine. I've been having issues with the replacement engine feeling like it's stalling out or losing throttle either during a turn or shortly after. It's never popped and error code and only happens now and then.”
NHTSA complaint #11324543, filed 2020-05, 126,000 miles“I have a2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 limited doesn't take the gas when u press it and it makes a knocking sound also so I checked the oil everything fine and all the rest of the fluids no problem there the car only has 58000 thousand miles on it also while I was driving it home from work it was losing power”
NHTSA complaint #11406368, filed 2021-04, 58,000 miles“I was in motion on the interstate and service engine light popped on and it was told it ended up being the camshaft. On my way to shop the next day my car cut off on the interstate and everything worked but car would not crank. Was told it was engine. I had no warning and yes my oil had been changed.”
NHTSA complaint #11407378, filed 2021-04, 158,000 miles“The vehicle does not start as it doesn't recognize the key fob. My daughters and wife have been stranded on different occasions as they were not able to start the car. Something is wrong with the electrical as the engine does not recognize the key. I am scared to take the car on long trips as this happens frequently and it can take up to 20 attempts before the engine starts. Please help!!”
NHTSA complaint #11321554, filed 2020-04, 100,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V934000Dec 28, 2018Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014, Santa FE Sport 2013–2014
- 15V568000Sep 10, 2015Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011–2012
Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 10178174Jul 13, 2020This Dealer Best Practice intends to inform dealers of a proposed settlement (âSettlementâ) for a class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ)…
- 10177127Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedures on TSB #20-01-004H-1…
- 10177126Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and…
- 10177125Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and…
- 10167769Oct 28, 2019The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs…
- 10167767Oct 28, 2019Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs…
- 10167765Oct 28, 2019Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine…
- 10167764Oct 28, 2019Hyundai 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 P132600.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 | 28 | 32% |
| 2022 | 25 | 26% |
| 2021 | 34 | 25% |
| 2020 | 32 | 18% |
| 2019 | 87 | 54% |
| 2018 | 212 | 57% |
| 2017 | 385 | 50% |
| 2016 | 452 | 62% |
| 2015 | 629 | 55% |
| 2014 | 303 | 40% |
| 2013 | 739 | 39% |
| 2012 | 567 | 36% |
| 2011 | 968 | 29% |
| 2010 | 29 | 8% |
| 2009 | 56 | 12% |
| 2008 | 48 | 11% |
| 2007 | 41 | 6% |
| 2006 | 44 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
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 complaintsSuspension
36 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