2012
Hyundai
Sonata
Starting at N/A USD | 0
198 hp @ 6300 rpm
Horsepower
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Explore
Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary
Performance
Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency
198 hp
Horsepower
184 ft-lb
Torque
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
6-speed
Transmission
Efficient
Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Capacity70.0 L
Interior
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality
5
Seating
464 L
Cargo
1,036 mm
Front Legroom
790 mm
Rear Legroom
Climate Control
Convenience
Keyless Entry
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Seating
Technology
Advanced connectivity and intelligent features
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
AM/FM Stereo
Steering Controls
Safety
Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers
Airbags
Front Side Airbags
Stability
Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Brake Assist
Monitoring
Security
Security System
Child Safety Locks
Dimensions
Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style
Length
15 ft9.8"
4.82m
Width
6 ft0.2"
1.83m
Height
4 ft9.9"
1.47m
Wheelbase
9 ft2"
2.79m
Gallery
See the 2012 Hyundai Sonata from every angle
Colors
Express yourself.
Iridescent Silver Blue Pearl
#B8D0E1
Indigo Night
#103A6F
Shimmering White
#FFFFFF
Harbor Grey Metallic
#646464
Midnight Black
#000000
Radiant Silver
#DCDCDC
Pacific Blue Pearl
#707A83
Sparkling Ruby
#8E0617
Trim Levels
View all trim levels for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Safety Reports
1527 complaints reported to NHTSA
1527
Total Reports
51
Crashes
36
Injuries
90
Fires
Most Common Issues
ENGINE
550
STEERING
299
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
229
AIR BAGS
166
SERVICE BRAKES
156
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
139
Recent Reports
ODI #11701056
Nov 23, 2025
AIR BAGSSTRUCTUREUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Noticed there’s a crack on the passenger side dashboard of the car that’s about 12 inches long. From what I read this could cause issues with any possible airbag deployment.
Incident: Nov 23, 2025VIN: 5NPEB4AC4CH***
ODI #11700126
Nov 18, 2025
ENGINE
The engine in my Hyundai Sonata (replacement engine VIN [XXX] ) experienced a complete internal failure. The component that failed is the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, which is known for issues related to metal debris, oil restriction, rod bearing wear, and resulting piston and compression failure. The failed engine is currently at the dealership (Carolina Hyundai) and is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk because the engine lost power unexpectedly, ran extremely rough, and became inoperable. A sudden loss of power while driving could have caused a crash, especially in traffic situations. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. They performed a compression test and found all cylinders at extremely low PSI (35–45 psi). The dealer stated the engine cannot perform the required bearing clearance test due to the level of internal damage. Hyundai Corporate initially declined assistance, calling it a piston failure, but the symptoms and damage are consistent with the known Theta II recall issues. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and all diagnostic information has been submitted to Hyundai under PA Reference #XXX. Hyundai Corporate has not yet responded to me with a case manager. Before the engine failure, the vehicle had rough running and loss of power, but no warning lights or messages illuminated on the dashboard. Symptoms appeared shortly before the engine became undriveable. Based on the dealer’s findings and the engine’s known defect history, it is my assessment that the failure is related to the same issues described in Hyundai’s Theta II engine recall (Campaign 132). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Jun 18, 2024VIN: 5NPEB4AC1CH***
ODI #11695628
Oct 26, 2025
AIR BAGSSEAT BELTSENGINE
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure at 241,433 miles on August 7, 2025. The failure aligns with known safety defect symptoms described under NHTSA Recall Campaign 15V568000 and 17V226000, which cite premature bearing wear due to metal debris during engine manufacturing. My vehicle had previously received the knock sensor update under Campaign T3G and failed the BCT (bearing clearance test), confirming bearing damage. Despite this, Hyundai denied my engine replacement claim, stating the issue was related to a fuel pipe and not a rod bearing issue—this is contrary to their own recall documentation and dealer diagnosis. Hyundai continues to deny engine replacement, in violation of their federal recall obligations under 49 U.S.C. §30120. Their refusal endangers public safety by ignoring engine failures that can lead to stalling and crashes. I request NHTSA intervention to compel Hyundai Motor America to comply with federal law and perform the necessary recall repairs on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Jul 25, 2025VIN: 5NPEC4AC7CH***
ODI #11695453
Oct 24, 2025
ENGINE
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata cut off and stopped working! The vehicle locked up in the middle of a main street and would not start back up causing a very unsafe situation. There were no check engine lights on or anything at the time of the incident I immediately had the vehicle towed and inspected it has been determined that the engine is failing! Upon research I found out that these engines have had recalls in the past. Carfax shows that the vehicle has been taken in for routine maintenance and oil changes when needed. I am looking to see if the engine replacement could be covered for this vehicle.
Incident: Oct 14, 2025VIN: 5NPEC4AC6CH***
ODI #11695169
Oct 23, 2025
Crash
ENGINE
My engine seized on the highway on my way home from work. The service department has been horrid. They lied about who the manager is. They lied about the reason behind not wanting to honor the recall. They are rude - threatened to tow my car today after I waited 6 days to hear back from them about the issue with my car and determination. Was extremely rude. Stated that they were not honoring the recall because there was obvious signs of my engine being tampered with or certain parts on my engine, but could not provide a name of the part or a serial or model number so that this could be verified. I need this addressed immediately.
Incident: Oct 17, 2025VIN: 5NPEC4AC2CH***
ODI #11694876
Oct 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No incident to report. Vehicle not regularly driven in about 5 years, other than to keep battery charged. But charge not hold. Have to charge battery again the next day. This is to reporting a crack in the passenger side dashboard where airbag is located.
Incident: Oct 17, 2025VIN: 5NPEC4AB0CH***
ODI #11694092
Oct 17, 2025
AIR BAGSUNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is the 2nd Hyundai I've owned, same year make and model. The first one was totaled due to the air bag deployment. The accident did not warrant the air bag deploying. I should have reported it at the time. I didn't realize that I could and now it's too late. The claim has already been submitted. Now, we have the same exact car and a crack has appeared on the passenger dash. My concern is the airbag. The crack just appeared from nowhere. I do not feel that we should have to pay for a replacement dash. Is this something that can be repaired by Hyundai, as it poses a risk to my 18 year old student driver. My number is [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Oct 1, 2025VIN: 5NPEC4AC1CH***
ODI #11692347
Oct 9, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My car has a problem whith the break lamps, the sockets that hold the bulbs are melting and they have deformed making it hard to replace the fused bulbs. Also the brake light stay on even after the engine is off draining the Battery and causing a short circuit.
Incident: Aug 18, 2025VIN: 5NPEB4AC6CH***
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.
View All Reports on NHTSA