general problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

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.

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.

Driving came to a stop ,light turned green made a u-turn to go to the gas station heard a pop noise smoke came from inside the car tried stopping it but the brake pedal sunk into the ground pressed my emergency brake it was seized wouldn’t go down (never had that issue my brakes always work ) I smelled brake fluid and seen the abs light on the dash then the power started to go out and my girlfriend almost got trapped in the car.

Came off the highway to a stop sign went turn and the engine just seized and would not start no matter what I did. Had to have it towed to my house. Safety risk was just off the road so I did not get hit. Police stop and told me to get a tow truck. And no warning signs at all.

My 2012 Hyundai Sonata originally had its engine replaced under Hyundai’s recall (NHTSA recall #17v226000) due to the theta ii gdi engine defect. The replacement engine was installed by the dealership as part of the recall. However, the replacement engine has now failed after only ~50,000 miles, exhibiting the same issues (engine knocking, stalling, and eventual failure). This occurred despite proper maintenance and care. The dealership contacted Hyundai, and I also contacted Hyundai consumer affairs directly. Both refused to replace or assist with the failed replacement engine. It is unacceptable that a recall replacement engine would fail so soon and that Hyundai will not stand behind the part they used to correct a safety defect. The issue remains a serious safety concern, especially since engine failure can lead to fire. I request that NHTSA investigate the durability and safety of replacement engines and Hyundai’s refusal to support affected owners when these replacement engines fail prematurely. I have case number with Hyundai 41436693.

Vehicle loses power while driving making it unsafe to drive, it can cause an accident in certain conditions like when passing another vehicle or crossing a street. There is a recall for this issue.

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 75 mph on the highway, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. No warning lights illuminated. The contact veered over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off, and she noticed smoke coming from the engine. A bystander behind her noticed the flames coming up from the engine. The contact mentioned she exited the vehicle and called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to atow lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The engine and the abs warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the maintenance records were needed. The contact was using an independent mechanic for maintenance and did not have the records. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

This is the first time I have an engine failure. I drove my car 3 min before merging into the route 1 highway. In approximately 800 feet, my car went haywire, all lights in the dashboard went on, the steering wheel got stiff, and the car speed dropped off, I almost got rear-ended. I made an effort to pull over to the break lane. The car shut off and I could not get it to start. I opened the hood, a light smoke was coming out of the engine. I left it open to make sure it doesn't get worse. After 10 min, a state trooper stopped by to check on my safety, I informed him that I called the insurance to report the incident and request a tow truck. After the tow truck dropped off my car in front of my house, I called a mechanic to check it, he informed me that the engine is seized.

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.

Engine seized due to extremely low oil despite more than regular oil changes.

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.

While driving on the highway with my two minor children, my vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. I lost power in the middle of traffic, which was extremely dangerous — we were nearly rear-ended and had to coast to the shoulder. The check engine light had been on for some time prior to the incident, but there were no other warning messages. After being towed, the car would not start again, even after attempting to jump-start it. A mechanic inspected it and believes the engine is seized. I later discovered that my 2012 Sonata is equipped with the theta ii engine, which is known for sudden failure due to oil starvation or bearing wear. Although there are no current recalls on my VIN, the symptoms are consistent with the known theta ii engine defect. This situation put me and my children at serious risk, and I believe this failure needs to be addressed as a safety issue.

Hybrid system malfunction do not drive warning light comes on while driving and stalls out the car.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle briefly hesitated before starting. After starting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was advised to the take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000.

On [xxx] at approximately [xxx], my [xxx] daughter was using my car to go to work. When she called us and informed my husband that the car did not start. At that point he asked to video call him so that he can visually see what was going on. She was directed to turn on the car again at and that point, the car started then smoke was noticed from coming out of the hood. My daughter managed to open the hood where flames emerged from the center of the engine. She then ran in the house to get a fire extinguisher and managed to put it out and it reignited. She then made a second attempt with another fire extinguisher where it briefly subsided and then grew larger. At that point the fire dept arrived and successfully extinguished the fire and deemed the car totaled after the fire marshall carefully inspected the car. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle was leaking engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Due to the oil leak, the vehicle was left with no oil in the engine, causing the engine to seize. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed the vehicle only had a 60-day warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,761.

Unknown cought fire under the hood was engulfed within minutes.

Engine suddenly shut off middle of the road while driving and will not restart. No warning lights came on prior to the engine failure. My family safety was put at risk since engine shut off middle of the road and I had to push it to the corner lane. Just imagine if I was on the middle lane on a highway when this happened. Alternator, battery was checked by a mechanic. . . No issue.

When driving. Slow down to turn or to use round about car goes into ev. When I go to accelerate the gas motor will not re engage and the hybrid alarm system will go off. I lose all power to go any where. I have to pull over shut my car off give it a min then restart so the motor will come back on so I can drive again. I have to do this mulitple time in a 20 mile drive.

I took the car to the dealer because the codes was reading engine assembly issues. I took it to the dealer and they stated it was the knock sensor and they got it approved to replace it now they saying it's the engine and it was denied. I just got the engine from the dealership in 2020.

I bought car octv230th little after month as driving engine failure occurred had towed to dealership and they sent to authorized hyndai dealership for the extended warranty campaign. That garage acknowledged problems with the cars engine stating rod bearing clearance and the engine had to be replaced then charged me denied the extended warranty they initially said would classify for. I couldn't keep up with traffic and was very busy almost cause a crash.

Car engine light is flashing.

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.

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that various functions on the steering wheel including the horn, cruise control, and other electrical functions; all failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that a warranty had been placed on the vehicle for the clock spring which they linked to the failure. The steering wheel also began to stick soon after the diagnosis. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the dealer could not provide an appointment until months out. The contact then stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact began to pull over as the eps(electrical power steering) and several other warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. As the contact opened the door, a fellow motorist had also pulled over to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire. Soon after exiting the vehicle, the entire vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames. The fire department quickly arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact was not injured, no other occupants were inside the vehicle, and the contact was unsure if a fire or police report was filed. Some of the grass and trees in the area had caught fire as a result of the failure. The remains of the vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Engine oil level goes low very soon after an oil change less than 1000 miles driven and oil becomes black on dip stick when checking the oil level in between oil changes and there is no noticeable oil leaks. At one point the oil level was below the low level indicator on dip stick.

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Connecting rod bearing failed.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle, and an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. Despite the vehicle repeated engine shut off failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service. The vehicle was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Oil consumption engine issues.

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.

On July 29, 2024, my 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid was parked in our driveway. About 10 minutes later an engine fire started that consumed the car. The local fire departmemt put out the fire but the car was totaled. The fire also destroyed a storage shed and some windows were damaged. The car was taken to the Hyundai dealer for servicing when the engine light came on on March of 2024. The car was left for a few days with the dealer. The NHTSA recall number 23v651000 was not repaired during that service call.

Received Hyundai recall 251 the end of 2023. Car taken to Hyundai dealer in March 2024 and dealer could not make the repairs on the recall. The end of July, the car caught fire (engine fire) when the car was parked for 10 minutes. Car and adjacent structure was destroyed.

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.