2012 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
577 owners have reported engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 37% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 66,000–125,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
577 complaints 37% of all 2012 complaints 92,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (344 of 577). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.
Engine complaints by Sonata year
Related recalls
Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk
Fire riskA high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly tightened during an engine replacement, so fuel can leak out. Fuel leaking near an ignition source can cause a fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 18V934000 · Dec 2018Engine
Can stall0 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.
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.
Recall 15V568000 · Sep 2015Get an email when your 2012 Hyundai Sonata gets a new recall
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Other 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems
Common questions
What are common 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems?
Complaints most often name the drain plug, engine control module (ECU / ECM) and oil / lubrication.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 66,000–125,000 miles. The middle value is about 92,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems?
Yes: 18V934000, 15V568000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Sonata year has the most engine complaints?
The 2011 Sonata, with 1,011 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.