2012 Hyundai Sonata
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Decode a VIN8 recalls and 1,556 owner complaints on record for this model year.
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B pillar separated from the frame during collision causing catastrophic intrusion into the cabin upon impact leading to death of the driver. No other occupants in the vehicle. Multiple investigators noted the B pillar failure upon inspection. Independent, certified crash reconstruction expert also noticed immediately that the B pillar had failed which caused cabin intrusion to an extraordinary degree considering the 2 vehicles involved were going less than 40mph. Vehicle is available for inspection. In addition, edr data reveals that although throttle was engaged, rpm's remained at idle up to the time of impact. Driver pushing on the gas and vehicle not responding.
VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY COLLISION CAUGHT ON FIRE.
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine started smoking. The vehicle was overheated and the vehicle flap and cooling warning light message displayed. The contact was able to pull over safely and exit the family out. There were 4 passengers, the wife, and 3 children. The entire vehicle was destroyed and engulfed in flame. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the wrecking yard. There was a police report. There were minor injuries to the wife and 1 daughter. The contact related the fire to NHTSA Campaign Number 20V746000 (Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 2,000
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and turning the vehicle off, the husband exited the vehicle and walked around to the passenger side. After opening the front passenger-side door, the vehicle erroneously rolled backward down the driveway and crashed into a tree. During the incident, the husband was knocked to the ground and dragged 20 feet down the driveway. During the incident, the husband sustained a head bruise and laceration, an injured leg, and an injured arm. The front passenger also sustained bruised ribs, a head and left knee injury from the vehicle crashing into a tree. Both persons required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V434000(Power Train). The failure mileage was 112,000.
I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE 2014 IT WAS USED AND HAD 38,940 MILES. I'VE HAD TO BUY THREE 3 STARTERS & 1 BATTERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THE MECHANIC IN FLORIDA STATED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WHICH WAS SHORTING OUT MY STARTER/BATTERY. I TOOK THE CAR TO RICK CASE HYUNDAI IN PLANTATION, FL, AFTER THE FIRST STARTER DIED, I DO NOT RECALL THE EXACT DATE AND THEY TOLD ME TO GET A REFUND FROM HYUNDAI AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WOULD HAVE BEEN BETWEEN SEPT.-DEC. 2014. I HAVE ONLY BEEN REIMBURSED $310.00 FROM HYUNDAI TO DATE FOR THE FIRST STARTER. I GET MY OIL CHANGED EVERY 3,000-5,000 MILES. I TOOK THE CAR TO LITHIA HYUNDAI IN FRESNO TWICE, JAN. 2016 FOR RECALL 132 ' THEY CLAIMED NOTHING IS WRONG. SEVEN MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. FIRST COMPLAINT, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HOME LAST NIGHT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND STALLED WHILE DRIVING; I HAD TO TAP THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR TOOK OFF. THIS HAPPENED ON A BUSY ROAD WITH CARS AROUND. WHEN BACKING THE CAR, THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE. THIS MORNING, THE CAR DID THE SAME THING ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT, BECAUSE IT WOULD SLOW DOWN WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS PEDAL ' IT WAS LIKE I AM RUNNING OUT OF GAS AND I HAVE THE TANK ALMOST FULL. IT WOULD TAKE OFF AGAIN AFTER TAPPING THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES. THIS WAS ON A VERY BUSY ROAD WITH A LOT OF CARS. MY FIANC TOOK THE CAR AUGUST 2016 TO VISALIA HYUNDAI AND THEY TRIED TO CLAIM MY CAR/VIN # DOES NOT SHOW IT AS BEING UNDER RECALL. I HAD TO PAY $81.00 TO GET THAT FIXED AND THAT ISSUE WAS PART OF A RECALL AS WELL BUT I WAS TOLD MY VIN # DID NOT SHOW UP FOR IT. I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND ENGINE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2014 & HYUNDAI HAS DONE NOTHING. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY FAILED TO DO ANYTHING. I'VE PAID A LOT OF $$$ MONTHLY FOR THIS CAR & ON REPAIRS FOR A CAR THAT ISN'T SAFE. *TR
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. AS WELL AS THE HORRIBLE TICKING (CYLINDERS NOT INJECTORS!) MAINLY AT FIRST WAS THE RADIO WOULD GO OUT. WAS NOT EVEN A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE, DEALERS ANSWER WAS TO "REMOVE THE FUSE AND PUSH BACK IN AND IT WILL WORK". SO I DID, SHADY BUT I DID. THEN CRUISE WOULD NOT WORK, WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER SHUT OFF VEHICLE THEN MAYBE IT WOULD WORK. NEXT MY CAR KEPT BURNING OUT HEADLAMPS. FRIGGIN EXPENSIVE (I USE SILVER SILVERSTAR ULTRA HEADLIGHTS FOR LONG TRIPS) I'M NOW ON MY 8TH SET. I EVEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR CHEAP HEADLIGHTS! OOPS! THEN THE CLICKING AND POPPING STARTED WITH THE FRONT WHEELS FIRST ONLY IN REVERSE THEN ALL THE TIME ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING. I WAS PAST THE WARRANTY AND BECAUSE I DIDN'T ASK ABOUT IT BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED THEY DIDN'T FIX IT!!! THEN THE CRAZY ELECTRICAL STUFF STARTED! MY DOME LIGHT STOPPED WORKING RIGHT SO I HAD TO TURN IT OFF COMPLETELY. THEN PARKING TAIL LIGHT STOPPED WORKING. FINALLY I WENT THROUGH MY THIRD BATTERY AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO ASK WHAT ALL THIS CRAPPIE AS ABOUT, OH IT'S A BAD BATTERY, YOU KNOW THEY DO GO BAD THEY SAID. WELL THANK GOD I PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY FIXED AN AXLE, CLOCK SPRING REPLACED BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL, I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY AND STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. RECENTLY AFTER THIS WHOLE ORDEAL I STARTED WITH THE DEALER IN AUGUST AND DIDN'T GET MY CAR FIXED AND BACK TO ME UNTIL ALMOST CHRISTMAS! GOT MY CAR BACK TAIL LIGHT STILL DOESN'T WORK, CRUISE IS SOMEWHAT FIXED RADIO DID IT AGAIN AND GUESS WHAT, THE HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT AGAIN A WEEK AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR!!! ARRRGGGHHHH! I WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW SET OF HEADLIGHTS (BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS TELL YOU TO REPLACE IN PAIRS) AND GUESS WHAT EVEN THE BRAND NEW BULB DOESN'T WORK!!! I SPENT ALMOST 30K ON THIS CAR AND MY 18K COROLLA WAS WAY BETTER! FUNCTIONING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRAIN AND BACK INJURIES AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS AND SHOULDER, WHO BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Incident Date: August 14, 2024 Location: [XXX] Description of the Problem: The vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic fire without warning while in normal use. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The failure appears to have originated from the electrical system and/or engine (exact cause UNKNOWN), which resulted in the vehicle igniting unexpectedly. Safety Risk: This failure created an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard to all occupants. The vehicle caught fire suddenly, leaving no time to react or prevent injury. There was no crash or external cause associated with this fire. The incident required emergency response from Butts County Fire and Emergency Services, who generated an official report. Injuries and Trauma: My son suffered burn injuries to his fingers, requiring emergency medical treatment. There is neurological damage to the fingertips, indicating lasting physical injury. In addition, my son experienced significant psychological trauma due to sudden exposure to a life-threatening vehicle fire, including acute emotional distress during the incident and ongoing fear associated with vehicle safety. This demonstrates the extreme danger posed by a sudden, unpreventable vehicle fire. Inspection / Confirmation: The incident was documented by Butts County Fire and Emergency Services. At this time, manufacturer inspection is UNKNOWN, dealer inspection is UNKNOWN, and insurance inspection is UNKNOWN. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the fire. The failure occurred suddenly and without notice. Defect Pattern Concern: This incident is consistent with known issues involving Hyundai Sonata vehicles, including engine and electrical system failures and reports of vehicle fires. This complaint is submitted to request a formal investigation. Prior Hyundai fire defects reported for this model. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving to her residence at unknown speeds, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while making a U-turn. The brakes and emergency brake were inoperable. The seatbelt was inoperable. The driver jumped out of the window. A pedestrian attempted to alert her of the fire. The vehicle exploded after exiting the vehicle. The contact sustained an injury to her leg, but no medical attention was provided. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There was no report of a crash or airbag deployment. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. The vehicle was auctioned off by the towing company.
I was driving I seen smoke then full flames on my windshield and I tried to stop and put my car in park to get out but my brakes stopped working and I couldn’t get the gear in park so I opened the driver door and had to jump out of the car .I had an engine replacement a year before for it being recalled and police and firefighters were on scene after incident
Butts County Fire and Emergency Services made a report about the car catching on fire. There was an electrical problem and/or the engine caught on fire. My son’s fingers got burned and he was taking to the emergency room. Further neurological damage done to all of his finger tips. No warning car just blew up in fire. My son’s fingers could have died during the car fire.
There were no warnings or indicators of a problem. My husband was driving down the highway when he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. He pulled over, but the car was already on fire. The fire department put out the fire, and the car is likely to be totaled by insurance. The car is currently available for inspection but will be taken into possession by insurance soon.
I AM CONTACTING YOU REGARDING THE FOLLOWING RECALLS, PART 573 SAFETY RECALL REPORT 17V-226 AND 15V-568 AFTER VISITING HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TWICE, MY CAR STILL HAS KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, AND THE LAST MONTH MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE
ON 10/10/18 MY VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MILES. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUBSEQUENTLY BURST INTO FLAMES. 911 WAS CALLED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THERE WAS NOT A CRASH PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HOOD AREA OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. A CLAIM HAS BEEN FILED WITH INSURANCE AND A REPORT WAS GENERATED BY THE THOMASTON FIRE AND THOMASTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE ARE ATTACHED.
Airbags failed to deploy. I was involved in a hit and run accident. Vehicle has not been inspected. I had a recall done on it with paperwork confirming it was fixed. I have 4 herniated discs in my back and neck.
Filed by owners of this model year and unverified by NHTSA — one person’s account, not an established fact.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
Remedy: Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Published by model year, not by VIN — may not apply to this vehicle, or may already have been done. Confirm with a dealer.