general problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

The airbag warning light came on, so we took it in to see about a recall on the airbag control unit issue that required a wire filter kit as out lined in a recall in 2011-2013 Sonatas and Sonata hybrids. In fact, upon reading the invoice filling out this form, I think that is exactly the issue, and potamkin Hyundai is ignoring the recall. The invoice states that "airbag module need fixing caused by the dtc for the driver airbag resistance is too high, and has liquid leaking out of it through the connector into the clock spring, and need to replace the air bag incongruent with clock spring to perform repair correctly" the technician explained to my son that driving the car in it's current state, the air bag could go off at any moment, possibly killing him. Their airbag could kill my child. The repair is quoted at $1588 and the solution was to turn off the airbag until a decision could be made if my son wanted to drive the car home, which he did, so not it is disabled. It is a Hyundai manufactured airbag, a safety feature installed into this vehicle that should not degrade over time. It is actually the reason my aunt bought the car for her child and why my son bought the car from her. The car has never been wrecked, the airbag had never been deployed or otherwise molested, has been dealer maintained, and had an extended warranty. I spoke to a Hyundai representative and am awaiting a call back, I do not think that he should be responsible for repair of a defective, degrading safety feature built and manufactured by Hyundai, installed a vehicle built and manufactured by Hyundai. I believe other people should be warned that their Sonata airbags might also have this dangerous issue and it should be immediately investigated. Attached is the invoice given to my son.

The warning light for the airbags is on on my dashboard with no airbags ever been deployed.

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.

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 540-686-5624, c. Wills136@comcast. Net.

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.

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).

With no warning my car left me sit on the side of the road and when started the engine made an awful knocking noise. Hyundai denied to replace the engine despite there being at least 2 engine recalls. When I asked why they said it was due to no maintenance records so I provided them with maintenance records like they requested and then they deny it again and say they aren’t replacing the engine because the problem with my engine had nothing to do with the 2 engine recalls my vehicle is affected by.

On June 24, 2025, while driving approximately 1. 5 hours away from home, a warning message appeared on my dashboard stating: “hybrid system warning. Stop and do not drive. ” I immediately pulled over and contacted my insurance company, who arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealership (thomas Hyundai in cumberland). The warning clearly indicated that it was not safe to continue driving. Later, I found out that the issue reported (recall 198) have presented cases ending with fire of the engine. It is critical to mention that in January 2025, I attended the official manufacturer recall for this vehicle, which was supposed to ensure safety and reliability. Despite this, the vehicle failed and left me stranded in an unsafe area. Since then, I have been without my vehicle for over three weeks. I contacted Hyundai customer care and opened a case. I was repeatedly told a case manager would call me within three business days, but I never received any follow-up until I insisted. I was eventually assigned a case manager named snowy, and also remained in contact with the dealership. On several occasions, both snowy and the dealership assured me that the vehicle would be ready by Thursday, July 10 and that it was not until then that I could start to request a reimbursement for my rental expenses. I repeatedly asked for confirmation because I am renting a car at my own expense in order to go to work and manage my life. However, on Thursday, July 10, I called again and was told the vehicle would instead be ready by Tuesday, July 15. Then, on Friday, July 11, I received an email stating that the engine had just arrived, and that the dealership was only now able to begin repairs. After that, and only once the car is finished, Hyundai will “review” the case and determine whether I qualify for reimbursement. This is unacceptable. I have been without a vehicle for over three weeks, forced to rent a car entirely at my own expense.

2011-2013 Sonata (yf) and airbag control unit (recall campaign 174) I did the recall at sterling mcall in 10/2022 and I had no airbag light before after I did the recall the airbag light came on the dashboard -the dealers scanned the car and it is visible on the baseboard however the dealer is reluctant to repair it and asked 3 weeks of diagnostic and 500 dollars only for diagnostic and nothing about the repair I showed them the recall repair failure is their responsibility and the airbag should be permanently fixed not to be worried about it from time to time the dealer's excuse is that car titles salvage however the car is being serviced at the dealer and is passing state inspection every year. I filed a complaint in bbb nad the dealer failed to respond and sent me a threatening letter for emailing their executive.

Sterling mccall Hyundai at houston 77074 installed an airbag unit as part of a recall last visit. The airbag light came, and I went to the dealership to fix the light, they said they were not responsible, and they wanted a $490 inspection cost plus the repair, and I had to leave the car for 3 weeks. They scanned the car and airbag showed on the dashboard the dealership must install genuine parts that do not require fixing every couple of months, which is their responsibility. I am flagging the belvoir on my recall so far. This is not a good reputation for your company I hope this is done urgently to avoid further issues and we maintain a good relationship rather than fighting.

My seatbelt in the front seat does not work effectively. My airbag light is on recall 169 anchor pretensioner inspection is the recall I see that is associated with my seatbelt recall 174 airbag control unit is the recall that I see associated with the airbag light both recalls say they are completed. I called the Hyundai dealership and they said reach out to the manufacturer because there are no open recalls on my car. Both are safety concerns that I hope can get addressed.

Vehicle went over a pothole where the manhole cover was few inches above ground. Vehicle was traveling at 15 mph. The driver side seat and airbags deployed on it went over the pothole.

The hybrid warning system came on. The ready light is blinking and beeping. The car is jerking.

Airbag clock springs module malfunction disabling emergency deployment of the driver’s side airbag in the event of a collision. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2. 0 turbo with 93,336 miles on it, ending seized up going at highway speed causing instant and complete loss of power. Smoke started coming out from under the front engine compartment hood making me think the car was on fire. Trying to get the car manuvered off the highway and over to the right side of the road I was almost involved in a collision with other traffic. I was scared almost to death. Hyundai motor America is now refusing to repair my vehicle even though it is covered under their extend warranty.

Airbags light shows up on the dashboard one day and it won’t go away, I was just driving and it came on. No collision has occurred causing airbag light to come on.

The brake lights keep going off, they have been replaced several times. The passenger airbag deployed on a stop sign and cracked the entire windshield. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to come off. Please help.

My vehicle sometimes stops on the highway. I get the alert hybrid system warning, do not drive. The dealership was charging over $8000 to fix the problem. They even told me they don't know if the problem will be solved after changing my oil pump.

My Sonata 2012 the engine was replaced it seized up on the highway. Since then ive had multiple issues; 1. My brake pedal seems to get pulled to the floor all the way at random times I have to pump the brake for it to release itself. 2. Ive replaced the purge valve 3 going on 4 times as well as the cadilac converter due to it being clogged. 3. My car is so loud it makes a hissing noise and a winding sound people say its my transmission going out but no one can pinpoint the problem. 4. My brake lights and head lights go out all the time been replaced bout 100 times. Lights on the dash r on; airbag, check engine tire pressure . Please I need my vehicle looked over by a professional and or help replacing these issues ASAP.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle and noticed that the dashboard was severely cracked. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed about similar failures with 2011-2014 vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,696.

Sitting in parking lot with car running in park and passenger airbag deployed with person sitting in the passenger seat. No injury to passenger but windshield broke and driver seatbelt will not move now.

The air bag light is on in my dashboard and this car has never been in an accident before and I’ve gotten it checked by a professional mechanic and the code is reading driver airbag resistance high codes b1346 and b1481.

Cracked dash board the dash board has two cracks that run from windshield to passenger area. Located right where the srs label is and the airbag is located and second crack is about 5 to 6" to the left. Dealer states that the airbag will not deploy correctly if needed. I have read a lot on line about this issue, . In cases that Hyundai would correct the issue but in my case they will not. I have spoken with someone that had same issue and the dashboard was replaced by Hyundai because of my very concerns. I am looking to see how this can get replaced without me having to pay $4000 to get it repaired. This car has been maintained and kept in very good condition.

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of 18v137000 (seat belt, air bags) on October 2019. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall remedy completed. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 mph, another vehicle intercepted her lane and crashed into the front driver side tire. No air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries on her left leg and her neck but did not seek any medical attention at the moment of the crash. The contact stated the following day, she called her primary doctor and was receiving physical therapy for her injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a collision shop. A dealer was not contacted nor made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The break light don’t want to turn off seat belts don’t latch.

The front dashboard panel that protects the passenger side airbag has cracked in several different places. These cracks have created pieces with sharp and pointed edges that may cause injuries to face, eyes and upper body of the passenger in case of an airbag deployment.

Involved in a head on crash with a deer at 63 mph. Front end completely smashed in. All components including air bag sensor detached from vehicle on impact. Airbags did not deploy.

Fake place and fake appointment. They give me an appointment after 1 month and I went to do the recall on the airbag unit they told me no part. Very bad experience.

The air bag sensor light will not turn off. Several months ago I had brake light sensory issues that cost me $1,500. 00 and now its the air bag light.

The airbag warning light went on while driving without any cause, no recent accident or repair. After starting the engine, the light goes off for a couple seconds, goes back on, then stays on most of the time while driving but will go off for a minute or two occasionally. Checked for codes and looked at the fuses - both are good. I'm reluctant to take it to the dealer based on the probable repair cost and believe this should be a recall issue.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel upon start of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer and an appointment was scheduled to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

My air bag light turned on without any code. My dash cracked with only 40k miles.

On March 19th, 2022 I was t-boned and my airbags failed to deploy causing me to slam my head against my window. I herniated two discs in my neck because of the accident. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata had just had it's engine replaced due to the engine recall and had also never been in a wreck. My airbag light came on after the wreck. Sent my car to be fixed and light went off. I was hit again 2 weeks ago and afain, airbags failed to deploy. Notified Hyundai of the situation and was told my car wasn't part of the airbag recall.

On March 19th I was involved in wreck where the other driver was at fault. The lady t-boned me on my driver's side. Airbags never deployed so my head smashed into the window leaving me with a concussionand spinal injury. My usually working horn failed as well. I would also like to mention that I have only had this car a year. I was also told it was never in a wreck and had 1 owner. Nope. A week after I got it, I was driving and my engine seized while I was doing 70mph. The steering stopped working, but somehow managed to pull off to the side. I had to stay in my car because of the busy highway. It was 100+ weather and my windows wouldn't work. I sat there for 2 hours. Took the car to a shop just to find out about the engine recall that I believe my car wasn't apart of, but should have been. Fought with Hyundai for them to fix it then lost my job because I was denied a loaner car while waiting. 2 months later they finally fix it. Now the breaks do a weird grinding thing a lot, my shifter slips out of place, the steering column wobbles, the engine is constantly making a disturbing noise and is sluggish, it has trouble shifting when accelerating. I have had the car rapidly accelerate instead of slow down when stopping at a stop sign or light. I only got it to stop after stomping the breaks repeatedly while throwing it in park and turning the car off all at the same time. Emergency break and traction control light come on a lot. It's throwing a high speed can bus code, but only sometimes. My gas mileage has went down to 16-18 mpg. Oil changes are necessary every month. And my taillights burn out every 1 to 2 months. Now I have 4 traffic tickets. And that was all before the wreck. Hyundai refuses to call me back after they reluctantly fixed the first recall.

Front and back lights keep going out. Replacing monthly. Also air bag light starting to show off and on.

Front seat belts do not fasten properly and air bag light stays on. I don’t see a pending recall, however did notice certain models recalled. This is a huge safety issue that is very concerning to me. I would appreciate if someone could get in touch with me to discuss further. Thank you. Jessica ortiz; 505-670-4335.