2012 Hyundai Sonata Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 97 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 6% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 86,000 miles.
- 97power train complaints
- 86,000median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 69 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 97 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sonata | 3 | 18% | 19,025 |
| 2024 Sonata | 6 | 13% | 16,500 |
| 2023 Sonata | 16 | 18% | 50 |
| 2022 Sonata | 24 | 26% | 8,500 |
| 2021 Sonata | 25 | 19% | 21,500 |
| 2020 Sonata | 24 | 13% | 16,599 |
| 2019 Sonata | 8 | 5% | — |
| 2018 Sonata | 40 | 11% | 40,538 |
| 2017 Sonata | 56 | 7% | 43,000 |
| 2016 Sonata | 59 | 8% | 60,000 |
| 2015 Sonata | 135 | 12% | 50,000 |
| 2014 Sonata | 55 | 7% | 51,000 |
| 2013 Sonata | 94 | 5% | 57,555 |
| 2012 Sonata | 97 | 6% | 86,000 |
| 2011 Sonata | 173 | 5% | 49,444 |
| 2010 Sonata | 21 | 6% | 47,500 |
| 2009 Sonata | 41 | 9% | 38,889 |
| 2008 Sonata | 14 | 3% | 61,500 |
| 2007 Sonata | 9 | 1% | 35,000 |
| 2006 Sonata | 22 | 2% | 76,860 |
| 2005 Sonata | 5 | 3% | 59,755 |
| 2004 Sonata | 10 | 5% | 43,750 |
| 2003 Sonata | 10 | 5% | 9,300 |
| 2002 Sonata | 11 | 3% | 72,832 |
| 2001 Sonata | 18 | 9% | 69,334 |
| 2000 Sonata | 19 | 7% | 72,000 |
| 1999 Sonata | 14 | 11% | 71,313 |
| 1998 Sonata | 12 | 24% | 42,000 |
| 1997 Sonata | 9 | 18% | 72,000 |
| 1996 Sonata | 5 | 22% | — |
| 1995 Sonata | 15 | 23% | 142,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Knock sensor needs to be replaced upon evaluation of an inspection on March 27, 2026. It failed a mission codes and upon my understanding the knock sensor one circuit range performance pink wonder single sensor is an engine failure as well as I did an ODB test myself on May 19 of 2026 for the Knox…
p1326, rod bearing failure and seizure of motor without warning.
I own a 2012 Hyundai sonata with 114000 miles on it. I have had it since 62000 miles and have replaced a lot of parts to keep it running well. My current issue is the hybrid charging system warning light comes on and the hybrid system will stop working when it does this. It has already left me…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 Hyundai Sonatas have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 97 owner complaints about power train for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata (6% of the 1,557 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 86,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
Other 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems
See all 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems or power train problems across all Sonata years.