2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems
567 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata — 36% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the engine started knocking, and smoke emitted from under the hood. The contact decelerated to approximately 15 MPH and drove to her nearby residence. Upon…”
filed Jul 31, 2026
“Vehicle engine caught fire in April 2026! Tow company sold for parts without my permission! Immediately after gaining possession of my car. I didn't have comprehensive insurance, only basic. I had a brain bleed stroke Nov. 2022 and this is causing stress, setbacks. No attorneys want to take the…”
filed Jul 30, 2026
“Diagnosed 07/20/2026 with catastrophic oil ring failure requiring engine replacement. Engine can stall due to oil degradation/absence of causing uncontrolled vehicle handling and fire. This would put myself and others at risk. It has been diagnosed at dealership. Complaint Narrative: The subject vehicle is…”
filed Jul 29, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during…Campaign 15V568000 · Sep 10, 2015
Engine problems in other Sonata years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 Sonata | 26 | 31% |
| 2022 Sonata | 24 | 26% |
| 2021 Sonata | 34 | 27% |
| 2020 Sonata | 30 | 18% |
| 2019 Sonata | 83 | 53% |
| 2018 Sonata | 206 | 56% |
| 2017 Sonata | 382 | 50% |
| 2016 Sonata | 444 | 62% |
| 2015 Sonata | 614 | 54% |
| 2014 Sonata | 299 | 40% |
| 2013 Sonata | 728 | 38% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.