2012 Hyundai Sonata Service and Repair Manual
Everything in this factory service and repair manual for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata is tied to this exact year, engine and trim, so the specifications and tightening sequences you work to are the ones Hyundai published for this car rather than a figure carried over from an adjacent model year.
Engines covered
- 2.4L inline-four — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 2.4L inline-four full hybrid — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 2.0L inline-four (122 cu in) — DOHC, turbocharged, gasoline
Body styles covered
- 4-door sedan
Trims covered
- 2.0T
- 2.0T Limited
- GL
- GLS
- Hybrid
- Hybrid Premium
- Limited
- SE
Known issues on the 2012 Sonata. Four recalls are on federal record for this model year. The first is an engine recall covering cars previously repaired under two earlier campaigns, and it concerns the high pressure fuel pipe: a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. The second covers the curtain side airbags, which may inflate without a deployment command. The third covers the brake light switch, where the brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate and allow the switch plunger to remain extended instead of retracting as it should. The fourth covers the front seat belt anchorages, where the seat belt linkages for both front belts may detach from the anchor pretensioners. Owners have filed 2,265 complaints for the year and Hyundai has issued 126 technical service bulletins.
Whether you are tracing a fuel leak at the high pressure pipe, testing a brake light switch that will not release, or servicing the hybrid or 2.0T powertrain, this manual holds you to the OEM procedure and the correct value for your specific 2012 Sonata.
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 star
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.
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 t
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.
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.
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.
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.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous drivers-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These infla
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driverside airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN),
A Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Please see attached for details. Impacted vehicles are also noted below. For further
A Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Impacted vehicles are also noted below. For further information regarding settlement
Hyundai has settled a class action lawsuit that alleges that certain Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles (defined below) contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (ZF-TRW ACUs) that are vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress,
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows. This repair pro
In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers upon request. This supplemental security meas
This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
Showing the 8 most recent of 177 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE SKIDDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRAIN AND BACK INJURIES AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS AND SHOULDER, WHO BOTH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MAN
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and turning the vehicle off, the husband exited the vehicle and walked around to the passenger side. After opening the front passenger-side door, the vehicle erroneously rolled backward down the driveway and crashed into a tree. During the incident, the husband was knocked to the ground and dragged 20 feet down the driveway. During the incident, the husband sustained a head bruise and laceration,
I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JUNE 2014 IT WAS USED AND HAD 38,940 MILES. I'VE HAD TO BUY THREE 3 STARTERS & 1 BATTERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THE MECHANIC IN FLORIDA STATED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WHICH WAS SHORTING OUT MY STARTER/BATTERY. I TOOK THE CAR TO RICK CASE HYUNDAI IN PLANTATION, FL, AFTER THE FIRST STARTER DIED, I DO NOT RECALL THE EXACT DATE AND THEY TOLD ME TO GET A REFUND FROM HYUNDAI AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WOULD HAVE BEEN BETWEEN SEPT.-DEC. 2014. I HAVE ONLY BEEN REIMBURS
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. AS WELL AS THE HORRIBLE TICKING (CYLINDERS NOT INJECTORS!) MAINLY AT FIRST WAS THE RADIO WOULD GO OUT. WAS NOT EVEN A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE, DEALERS ANSWER WAS TO "REMOVE THE FUSE AND PUSH BACK IN AND IT WILL WORK". SO I DID, SHADY BUT I DID. THEN CRUISE WOULD NOT WORK, WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER SHUT OFF VEHICLE THEN MAYBE IT WOULD WORK. NEXT MY CAR KEPT BURNING OUT HEADLAMPS. FRIGGIN EXPENSIVE (I USE SILVER SILVERSTAR ULTRA HEADLIG
B pillar separated from the frame during collision causing catastrophic intrusion into the cabin upon impact leading to death of the driver. No other occupants in the vehicle. Multiple investigators noted the B pillar failure upon inspection. Independent, certified crash reconstruction expert also noticed immediately that the B pillar had failed which caused cabin intrusion to an extraordinary degree considering the 2 vehicles involved were going less than 40mph. Vehicle is available for inspec
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A LOUD, ABNORMAL BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN LOST BRAKING AND STEERING ABILITIES AS THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOUD BANG WAS A RESULT OF EITHER A TIRE BLOWING OR A DEFECTIVE STRUT THAT CAUSED THE TIRE BLOW. THE CONTACT
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 p
ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2018, I WAS IN A PARKING STRUCTURE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PARK. I WAS ON THE RAMP TO THE 2ND FLOOR WHEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON, MY CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY QUICKLY REVERSED BACKWARDS AND HIT THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH LIKE A BUMPER CAR. I WAS TRYING TO PRESS THE BREAK BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I STARTED SCREAMING FOR SOMEONE TO HELP THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL. AFTER GOING B
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED AWAY. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE, BUT IT CRASHED INTO A WOODEN FENCE. THE DRIVER'S LEFT LEG BECAME STUCK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE FENCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAWED THE FENCE OFF IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR AND GET THE DRIVER OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HIP, LEFT THIGH, KNEE CAP, AND FOOT. THE DRIVER REQUIRED MEDIC
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.
CAR PUT IN PARK TO CALL A PERSONS HOUSE WAS AT HIS NEIGHBORS HOUSE NEXT DOOR FOR DIRECTIONS RAN OFF IN DITCH THOUGHT AT TIME I MIGHT HAVE LEFT CAR IN DRIVE .WENT DOWN BANK WHEN MY DOG AND I STOPPED CAR IN PARK DID NOT THINK NOTHING ELSE ABOUT IT UNTIL TODAY. WENT TO STORE CAME BACK PARKED 2012 SONATA IN DRIVEWAY LEFT CAR ON TO RUN IN HOUSE RIGHT QUICK SO DOG WOULD BE COOL. I PUT LEGS OUTSIDE CAR 2012 SONATA TOOK OFF LIKE A BAT OUT OF [XXX] THREW ME OUT ON THE GROUND. I HURT MY BACK AND REAR EN
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, HIS VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V617000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE THE CONTACT AND HE LURCHED FORWARD. THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V137000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILUR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE IN HER RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT FELL WHICH CAUSED HER TO SCRAPE HER CHIN NEEDING 10 STITCHES. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE AND THE POLICE ATTEMPTED TO PIECE TOGETHER THE SCENARIO, THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK, WHEN SHE TURNED IT OF
Showing the 15 most serious of 1556 complaints filed with NHTSA.
