Makes›Hyundai›Sonata›2012

2012 Hyundai Sonata

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Hyundai Sonata
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL, front right. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan 2.0t/2.0t Limited, 4dr Sedan Gl/Gls/Limited, 4dr Sedan Hybrid Standard/Limited
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
36 combined · 34 city / 39 hwy
Length
189.8 in
Curb weight
3,206–3,483 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 51% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,507 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,344 lb (4dr Sedan 2.0t/2.0t Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (34 city / 39 highway), 51% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1507 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sonata — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Sonata →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 2.0t/2.0t Limited189.8 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,344 lb60/40
4dr Sedan Gl/Gls/Limited189.8 in72 in57.9 in110.2 in63 / 63 in3,206 lb61/39
4dr Sedan Hybrid Standard/Limited189.8 in72.4 in57.9 in110.2 in63 / 63 in3,483 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonata Hybrid Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive34 / 39 / 36+51%$1,850247
Sonata2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 27+43%$2,500329
Sonata2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 27+43%$2,500329
Sonata2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26+38%$2,600342
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.9 MPG2012 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata.

Similar 2012 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Hyundai Sonata (this car)36 MPGNot rated11
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Chevrolet Malibu26 MPGNot rated2
2012 Volkswagen Passat34 MPGNot rated11
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer28 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (11)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Engine · Dec 1, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 128,948 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 272,126 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Risk
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
Engine · Dec 28, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V934000 · 150,730 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Feb 27, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V137000 · 580,058 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Oct 4, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V617000 · 443,545 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage · Mar 8, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V152000 · 977,778 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Nov 16, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V759000 · 304,900 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Engine · Sep 10, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V568000 · 470,000 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jul 18, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V434000 · 883,000 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jul 24, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V352000 · 29,767 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,507Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
34Involved a crash
93Involved a fire
30Injuries reported
78,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine619
Steering253
Electrical System217
Air Bags165
Service Brakes147
Unknown Or Other132
Exterior Lighting121
Power Train104
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 424/11: 224/12: 325/01: 325/02: 325/03: 125/04: 525/05: 125/06: 225/07: 525/08: 325/09: 625/10: 925/11: 325/12: 326/01: 126/02: 426/03: 426/04: 526/05: 126/06: 626/07: 626/09: 126/10: 224/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 619 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Steering — 253 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Electrical System — 217 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sonata years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sonata51–Not rated00
2026 Sonata51193.3 inNot rated16
2025 Sonata47193.3 in★★★★★028
2024 Sonata47193.3 in★★★★★156
2023 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★2103
2022 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★3114
2021 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★4190
2020 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★4198
2019 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★0172
2018 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★2384
2017 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★5880
2016 Sonata41191.3 in★★★★★9887

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →