360 complaints reported

2012 Hyundai Sonata Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
360
Crashes
3
Fires
39
Injuries
3

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2024

Engine stalled in middle of the road while travelling. It put me in danger of getting into an accident. Tried getting appointment with dealership and nonappointments available for next 30 days. No warnings before the failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2024
May 2024

The engine failed causing my steering and breaks to lock up on the interstate going 70mph surrounded by 18 wheelers, which was a total surprise as my car had no warning lamps on. Fortunately, I was able to guide my Hyundai safely to the side of the highway where I waited 5 hours for a tow truck. After leaving my car at Hyundai for 3 weeks due to an engine recall I was totally unaware of, they informed me they will not approve a new engine due to lack of service history? The only this lacking in my s"service history" are a few oil changes which I did myself due to the engine burning so much oil due to the recall. After eight years in the military as a mechanic I'm pretty sure I can handle an oil change on a sedan. Hyundai also refused to put me in a loaner for any of this process. [XXX] informed me that "my vehicle was effected by the sonata engine connecting rod bearing inspection campaign. Additionally, the warranty coverage for the engines short block assembly (consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to restart. After numerous attempts, the vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

2012 Hyundai Sonata engine ceased on [XXX] heading west away from Dallas, Texas on [XXX] leaving my young daughter stranded in the middle of nowhere on her way to Lubbock Texas. Daughter had car towed by AAA to the closest Hyundai dealer and Hyundai dealer did not advise daughter that recalled engine due to known failures that been replaced in or about 2011 at approx 60,000 miles was an engine known to fail post engine replacement and expected to fail again within approximately 50-60,000 miles oats replacement engine had same issues as original recalled engine. Daughter sold car as junk for $200 to service guy at shop not knowing engine could be replaced. Dealers are not being forthcoming about replacing the engine. In this particular Hyundai Sonata, which, even though was replaced, previously, was known and expected to fail again according to service people. Hyundai needs to be held accountable for this issue and not just brush off the problem and not make it public that all these cars should be recalled. Daughter could’ve been hurt on the interstate and we’re fortunate. She was not hurt but she was very frightened by the ordeal, forced to purchase a new car as she was told her car could not be repaired by repair shop, at great expense, and great stress and frightening experience for young girl. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2023
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 152,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2024
Feb 2024

My engine has locked up at 60,000 miles . I got the car when it was only 30,000 miles on it back in Jan 2021. It locked up on me in Oct 2022. I took it to the Carolina Hyundai dealership . Corporate will not help me get the engine fixed because of the first owner not keeping up with the oil changes . But I did my part in keeping up with the vehicle maintenance. I even tried filing this with BBB Auto but it went in their favor . All because I could not get the information for the maintenance of the vehicle that happened 2012-2016. Due to privacy and security reasons . Auto shops will not release what was done on the vehicle and some was not reporting to CarFax then when the car was owned by the first owner . Please help .

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2022
Dec 2023

I started financing my 2012 Hyundai in 2019. Feb of 2021 the vehicle stopped without any warning. I paid to get the vehicle towed to Brandon Hyundai in which the did replace the engine and the starter free of charge. I was able to continue to drive my vehicle everything seemingly fine. Fast forward to late 2023 the engine light is back on, I’ve taken my vehicle to Hyundai dealership several times relating to the engine light being on each time having nothing resolved in regards to this matter with Hyundai stating theres no one there who’re able to inspect the engine. My oil light has remained on for a number of months in 2023 I’ve had to get an oil change several times this year and Hyundai isn’t able to explain as to why the vehicle isn’t retaining oil.12/15/23 around 11 pm the vehicle began to make an unfamiliar noise, stall, jerk and not accelerate. I am now unable to drive my vehicle and have to loss hope in my vehicles reliability and most importantly my safety.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2023
Dec 2023

Engine completely stopped working while driving down the road. Brought to mechanic and told seized engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Oct 2023

while traveling at interstate speeds vehicle engine failed along with some associated electronics. Vehicle was a risk of being impacted by other vehicles traveling at greater speed until moved to the shoulder. Vehicle was towed and inspected by service center that stated the engine was seized up due to possible bearing issues. No warning lamps illuminated until time of engine failure. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by Hyundai or insurance.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2023
Oct 2023

Due to the recall of my car's engine (VIN [XXX] ), on July 11, 2023, I dropped off my 2012 Hyundai Sonata to get my faulty and failing engine inspected at my local Hyundai dealership. After being approved for an engine replacement, I submitted the necessary paperwork proving ownership and routine maintenance of my vehicle. Two months of ineffective and infrequent communication went by thus leaving me without my vehicle. Unfortunately, Hyundai Motor America/corporate headquarters made it increasingly difficult to meet all their prerequisites to have my recalled engine replaced, which, ironically, is due to their faulty engineering. To replace the engine myself would cost nearly $5000. After finally being given confirmation that all necessary documents were submitted, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement stating completely false and confusing reasons. The reasons (attached) genuinely proved the company's disinterest in helping me; I have never requested an engine replacement before nor have ever owned a Hyundai before this one--which will be my last. When questioned, an HMA representative referred me to the Better Business Bureau, confidently believing the BBB would overturn HMA's decision. Unfortunately, the BBB was unable to assist due to the age of the car. Any class action suits against Hyundai only cover vehicles manufactured between 2013 and present-day. That said, my car is still unsafe and inoperable, which, with a pregnant wife (who is also in the National Guard), is absolutely unacceptable. I feel compelled to escalate this situation until it is resolved. With the above stated, I would like Hyundai Motor America to replace the current engine within my 2012 Hyundai Sonata and also provide proof of my previous “requests” for an engine replacement---which do not exist. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2023
Oct 2023

The engine has stalled in middle of the road on several occasions. I have a had an independent service center confirm.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2022
Oct 2023 Fire

ENGINE FIRE “RECALL” -ENGINE FIRE / ALREADY HAD A FIRE INVESTIGATOR INSPECT MY VEHICLE - MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK , IM NOT HURT PHYSICALLY, BUT IM EMOTIONALLY TRAUMATIZED ,PTSD - THE PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED BY HYUNDAI . VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HYUNDAI’s INSPECTOR & MERCURY INSURANCE INSPECTOR. They said there was a leak in my engine which they had replaced the long block of my engine do to an engine recall . They replaced that in 2020. -NO WARNING LIGHTS On 01/03/23 I was at a stop light, I started to smell gas in my car , then I saw white smoke , i then looked at my gauges to see if there was any warning lights were on but there wasn’t . My heat temperature was normal . As I looked up I noticed black smoke started coming from my vehicle . I quickly shut off my car but that didn’t help stop the smoke . I literally got out of my vehicle rite before flames engulfed my vehicle . I immediately called 911 . & then contacted my insurance & Hyundai

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2023
Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil and that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Sep 2023

gasoline engine. yes, it is available. This vehicle has broken down and left me stranded at the side of the road more than a few times. It has failed on the Interstates , as well as local highways. The dealer refuses to replace the faulty engine. No warning lights have come on with regard to the gasoline engine. Ever since I purchased the vehicle, it sounds like there are marbles in the gas engine when its running at low rpm. The oil leaks are extreme and getting worse. It is smoking badly. I just do not have any more money to pour into this vehicle. I want a new engine from Hyundai.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2023
Aug 2023

The engine on my vehicle is knocking and causing the vehicle to slow down on its own and the vehicle to overheat.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power and staled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,011.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Jul 2023 Fire

The car engine has seized while I was driving. Engine started smoking up and car won’t start

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2023
Jul 2023

I went to get my car fixed at a local garage but the employee came back with a recall information form printed out and said my engine and oil consumption problem was under a recall and would not charge me for the work. Hyundai dealership in Brockton. Ma refused to fix the issues & made my car further damaged and gave me a 1 week rental. I’ve had this car for a little over 1 year. Now today my car lit up lights on the dash while I was driving, locked up and won’t start. I’m currently on the side of the road.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Jul 2023

The car completely shut off in the middle of the road. It coasted to a nearby gas station and would not crank back up. There was NO oil in the vehicle, but no leaks and is up to date on oil changes and servicing. After putting oil in the engine, the car was able to crank and we attempted to drive it home. It stalled in the middle of the road and completely shut off and would not drive. It had to pushed out of the middle of the road, stopping traffic and risking our safety. Two mechanics saw us and stopped by to take a look. Upon inspection of the oil/engine they noted metal shavings (gritty) oil and the engine sounded like a propellor when we tried cranking it. It is available for inspection, however it is currently sitting on the side of the road in someone's yard. This problem has been noted on a recall with Hyundai Sonata vehicles, (metal shavings inside the block, debris circulates through the block and ends up stuck in the oil galleries, which is exactly what appears to have happened) It has not been inspected yet, I'm trying to see where I can get it towed. There were no warning lamps whatsoever before it shut off. Now, the engine light is on. and the oil light came on after it shut down the first time, but went off upon putting oil in it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Jul 2023

On 04/25/2023 while driving to work my car all of a sudden started flashing “check engine light”. The flashing was continuous and my car lost almost all power and would not go above 2 rpm. It was terrifying. I immediately notified Hyundai and had my car towed to dealership. Now Hyundai is telling me I can’t get rental reimbursement until they approve and engine replacement, which can take up 2 months.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2023
Jul 2023

The car quit on road going 40 mph. Won't restart.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Jul 2023

Hyundai denied engine replacement after providing them with complete and full oil change history.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2022
Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,476.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2023
Jun 2023

I purchased a 2012 Hyundai sonata from Dulles auto in Leesburg VA at the end of Feb. 2023 on June third my husband and I were driving on 395 at 74 miles and hours and lost all power to our car. We were in the middle of the highway around 2:00 pm and we manage to get over to the side with out getting hit as the engine was smoking !!!. We then called a tow truck which took 2 hours because there was another accident behind us that could not move and tow truck was stuck in that. We were in the wedding and missed the ceremony which is devastating. We had the car towed to dealer and they looked at the car and said engine seized and needs to be towed to a Safford brown Hyundai in Leesburg. We did just that. We asked for a loaner car from dealer that we bought car from and from Hyundai and both said they didn't have any loaner. They both told me i can rent a car but no guarantee if i will get reimbursed. I have three drivers in my house and a car i had for 3months and 1 week before it broke down. I still have no car no loaner and no help. Hyundai in Leesburg did everything that Hyundai corp asked and took pictures i showed proof that the dealer did oil change 12-22 before i bought end of Feb. 2023. They then asked for engine cover be removed and then it was diagnosed as sludge on the engine and that is why it has seized and can not be repaired. It would cost $9000 to fix and I bought it for 12,000.00 for my 17 year old. No one will take responsibility or help so we are asked what we can do and what rights we have. During the 3months that we had the car it ran great and no lights ever came on or any warnings that why it was such a shock when this happened. I have lost work time for all the hours i have to put in for this and get no calls back or help. Please contact me at [XXX]/ I can get picture and notes from Hyundai if needed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Mar 2023
Jun 2023

Made a left turn on a busy intersection when all of a sudden the knocks from the engine got loud and and an alarm came up stating to pull over and to stop my car. I had it towed to the dealership where they state that it’s a connecting rod issue that has an extended warranty on it. They recommended that I have the entire engine replaced. I filed a claim with their claims department where they denied it because I was apparently out of warranty with it. I am not because their extended warranty covers up to 150,000 miles and I’m at 104575 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2023

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has 360 Engine complaints on file. 3 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.