Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 inspection. In addition, edr data reveals that although throttle was engaged, rpm's remained at idle up to the time of impact. Driver pushing on the gas and vehicle not responding.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle and noticed that the dashboard was severely cracked. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed about similar failures with 2011-2014 vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,696.
The passenger rear door will not open from the inside OR the outside. The door lock on the inside of the car will not open. Door is in locked position. Problems like this are all over the internet regarding Hyundai cars. This is a safety issue because someone in the back seat can NOT open the door and are potentially locked inside the car with no way out. This could be life and death if there was a fire, accident, etc. Independent repair center has inspected and confirms. No warning lights. Just happened in September 2024.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was a large crack on the dashboard. The contact was unaware of what caused the crack on the dashboard. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
On June 8th, 2018 my husband was driving down interstate 85 in charlotte nc going about 60 MPH when the vehicle stalled. He coasted the car to the side of the interstate. He turned the vehicle off then tried to restart it and nothing happen and power was dead in the car. Then he saw smoke coming from under the hood. The doors won't open so he had to climb out though the sunroof to safety. He opened the hood and the engine was inflamed with fire. He called the fire department, they came and put the fire out. The reason I'm filing this compliant is because he could have been seriously hurtor killed if the sunroof was close. Hyundai has no explanation for why this is happening and my vehowas total lost. We also have pictures and a video. I can't upload the video so if someone contacts me I will email it.
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 back and forth about 5 times before being stopped by the vehicle behind me. The vehicle was stationary when this all happened.
While driving car on rt 50 west bound towards the bay bridge, an engine popping noise occurred, then fumes starting coming from vents. Pull car over while getting out flames were already coming from the engine. Within minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames. No time to retrieve any items inside the car. The md transportation authority police were on the seen and called fire dept. Fire department said it was an electrical based on sparks as they were putting out the fire. Hyundai investigated the car remains and could not determine any cause.car pictures are to large of a file to submit
Takata recall. My son was driving down a major state route at 9:30 pm when the car suddenly lost power, shortly there after, it stalled out, all the dashboard lights went on and within 2-3 mins, smoke poured from the front of the car and within 2 mins the front of the car was one huge blaze of fire. He was lucky to get out in time. It was very traumatic for him to say the least, not to mention as his parents, we were on face time with him after he pulled over and saw this as it was happening and couldn't be there to assist him.
On July 15th 2018 at 10:30 am while driving at 35+ MPH the car started smoking from the hood area, after pulling over I noticed it was smoking quite heavy, I raised the hood and the engine was on fire... Hyundai of Canada refuses to respond to my requests for compensation...
The vehicle was parked. I tried to turn the car on but it didn't come on, and then I noticed it smoking under the hood. About 5 minutes later there were flames coming from under the hood and quickly spread to the rest of the car.
Body complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the body & structure of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 3% of the model year's 1,558 complaints. The component named most often is body (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Sonata body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 6 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.