The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has a total of eight recalls from its manufacturer, Hyundai, but like many car safety recalls, some of them are related, covering additional vehicles to the original group of cars where the problem was discovered.
In the case of Hyundai’s 2012 Sonata, some vehicles have been recalled for problems related to their original repair under a recall notice. The recall notices for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata include problems with airbags, engine issues, fuel system, power train, seat belts, and service brakes.
You can check whether your 2012 Hyundai Sonata is affected by these recalls by entering your car’s VIN in the Hyundai safety recall and service campaign search tool, or by entering your VIN in the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s online safety recall checking tool.
Potential High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leaks
On December 28, 2018, Hyundai recalled over 150,000 vehicles, including Hyundai Sonatas made between 2011 and 2014 for potential problems with the high-pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet. All of the recalled vehicles were previously repaired during Hyundai’s recall numbers 14V-568 and 17V-226, related to engine stalling and connecting rod wear.
This recall is a follow-up to the previous recall due to potential problems with damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued fuel pipe alignment. The improperly installed high-pressure fuel pipe represents a potential fire hazard.
Engine Stall Due To Connecting Rod Wear
Some of the 470,000 Hyundai vehicles affected by connecting rod wear could be part of the 2018 High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak recall, but in September 2015, Hyundai issued a recall for 2011-2012 Sonatas which were made between December 11, 2009 and April 12, 2012 at the Hyundai plant in Alabama. The affected Sonatas were made with a 2.0 or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine.
The cause of the recall is metal debris that was not completely removed during manufacturing. Connecting rods damaged by the debris make a metallic knocking noise and can eventually cause engine failure.
Hyundai’s recall and instructions to dealers included free inspection and engine replacement. Hyundai Motor North America also increased its short block engine sub-assembly warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles for all vehicles affected by the recall. Hyundai’s number for this major recall is 132, and the NHTSA recall number is 15V568000.
Disabled Airbag/Seat Belt Pretensioners
In February and April 2018, Hyundai recalled over 580,000 vehicles, including 2012 Sonatas and 2012 Sonata Hybrids which had potential faults in their airbag control units (ACU). The faulty units could short circuit in an accident, leading to malfunctions in the seat belt pretensioners, and failure of front and side airbags to deploy.
Hyundai’s recall repair is an external wire filter kit, which will correct the potential failure in the airbag control unit (ACU).
Seat Belt Linkage Detachment Problems
In October 2017, Hyundai recalled approximately 443,000 vehicles, including 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrids which had been previously repaired under its seat belt linkage recall 17V-152. Hyundai rechecked and verified the seat belt linkage and pretensioner to ensure safety. Hyundai recalled nearly one million 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrids in April 2017 to repair the seatbelt linkage problem. The second recall was necessary because some repairs were not properly executed, leading to the need for additional checks and repairs.
Brake Pedal Stopper Pad Issues
On January 6, 2016, Hyundai recalled approximately 304,000 2011 to 2012 Sonatas because the brake pedal stopper pad potentially deteriorated, leading to brake lights potentially being displayed incorrectly to vehicles driving behind the Sonata. The problem could potentially lead to accidents due to following drivers being unaware that the Sonata was no longer braking.
In addition, deterioration of the brake pedal stopper pad also caused the transmission to potentially be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Hyundai dealers were instructed to replace the brake pedal stopper pad at no charge.
Transmission Shift Cable Detachment/Risk of Rollaway
On July 18, 2014, Hyundai recalled over 880,000 2011-2014 Sonatas made between December 11, 2009 and May 29, 2014. The transmission shift cable in these cars has the potential to become detached from the shift lever pin, leading to drivers not being able to accurately detect the vehicle’s gear. Potential hazards included the car moving in an unexpected direction, or in not being in PARK when the driver parked the car. The affected cars have the potential of rolling away if they are placed in PARK without the parking brake being applied. Rollaways and wrong gears represent serious safety hazards. Hyundai began inspecting and repairing connections between the transmission shift cable and shift lever in September 2014.
If you own a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, you should have received a notice in the U.S. Mail about your car’s safety recalls. Hyundai refers to state vehicle registrations to notify owners of safety recalls on their cars. You can also look up your car’s recall information using Hyundai’s online recall tool.
Hyundai, like other carmakers, must fix safety recall problems at no charge. You can also keep track of your car’s recall information through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s VIN check tool, and through their SaferCar App.
If you receive a recall notice for your 2012 Hyundai Sonata, don’t disregard it. It could represent a serious safety risk. You can also risk your car’s ability to be repaired under its warranty. Recalls and repairs help you and others to continue driving safely.
