2012 hyundai Sonata engine problems

severe 378 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

378

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 15V568000 10/09/2015

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

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.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

engine · filed 12/31/2020

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. THE CAR STARTED KNOCKING NOT RUNNING WELL. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP THEY STATED I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT HAD SEIZED. THE REPAIR SHOP ALSO STATED THEY HAD REPLACED 20 OF THE SAME MODEL WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY TO SEE IF THEY WILL CO…

engine · filed 12/29/2025

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required the oil reservoir to be refilled after 3-4 weeks. Additionally, there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to Jiffy Lube for a top off, the mechanic would inform the contact that the oil reservoir was empty and needed t…

engine · filed 12/29/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) WAS RECEIVED IN OCTOBER OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIE…

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 hyundai Sonata?

It's a meaningful issue. 378 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.