Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
The ABS (Antilock Brake System) or BMS ( Brake Module System) warning light illumination came on flashing "DO NOT DRIVE " and the brakes sieze-up making it impossible to drive. Key Hyundai in Jacksonville previously charged me $2600 to replace the BMS and within warranty. A few months later the same company charged me another $342.56 to diagnose the same issue. I had to rent a car for $700 while in the service repair department. Key Hyundai was unable to fix my 2012 Sonata hybrid except offering me a replacement hybrid battery and control system for $12,900. I declined. I believe that the campaign 251 involves this problem. I had to get the car towed to another mechanic that is currently working on the vehicle.
My car caught fire while being towed by my motorhome in south miami, fl on route to key west, fl. A south miami, fl Hyundai dealer repaired my car but did not replace all the parts paid for by my auto insurance company. The repair shop did not keep the burned parts as requested by me and my insurance company representative. Later, another Hyundai dealer completed the repairs as authorized by Hyundai USA after numerous communications with me, but the Hyundai dealer would not provide me with the burned parts as requested. Hyundai did not report that a fire had caused the damage. Not sure if Hyundai USA or its dealers have requirements to report fires in their vehicles. I have names of contacts with Hyundai USA in ca. I have the burned TPMS sensor not replaced by Hyundai, but paid for at my expense to a tire store in my home town. …
Approx one year post engine replacement, and 2 weeks prior turbo system replacement, I am having major issues with my sonatait struggles to stay started, it always hesitates and doesn't want to move when I press accelerator, shakes jolts and shudders, the smell of burning oil comes thru the vents and even smoke comes out from under the vehicle. The engine is leaking masses amounts of oil that seem to be leaking from all over the under carriage and half way to the back underneath the car, oil is in the wheel wells, and even splashed on the rims, the spark plugs are covered in oil, huge plums of white and dark smoke come out of the tailpipes, literally blinding anyone behind me, press the accelerator to the floor and it just shudders and smokes even more, check engine light is on and states malfunctioning turbo system, boost pressure sensor malfunction, sluggish will not gain speed, oil …
In June 2019 I purchased 4 brand new tires ( general altimax brand) from bentley Hyundai. Since the purchase I had to replace one new tire in August 2019 due to frequent low air pressure. Now I'm in dec 2019 and frequent low air pressure continues to happen. The general altimax tire brand is dangerous and has poor quality. After having my vehicle tires serviced there was no nails in the tire but was informed general altimax tires are substandard quality and May cause safety concerns. As a driver I do not want to be on the road and the air just deflates causing an accident or death. My vehicle is parked at work 8 plus hours 5-6 days a week or driving city streets to run errands or at church. For the past 3 days my vehicles has been parked and today I start my vehicle and the low pressure light comes on again. I just had my tires check on 11/26/19. …
The 18 inch tires on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have zero traction on any surface that is not dry. A dusting of snow makes it impossible to drive this car. Traveling at 5 MPH while turning from a dead stop into the neighborhood on a light coating of snow caused the car to slide out of control and hit a large rock causing front fender/ bumper damage then bounced back onto the road. This is not the first time the car has slid on anything but a dry surface. All last winter, we had to leave the car in the garage if there was any snow on the ground. We have never had this problem with another vehicle. It is undriveable in any snow. I have complained to the dealer and they say they have heard about complaints on the 18 inch tires, but offer no solutions. These tires are a hazard and need to be replaced. I have looked for snow tires or other solutions, but they are not made for 18 inch wheels.
We have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, bought new, and now with very low mileage...less than 13,000 miles as of February, 2017. Original tires are kumho p205/65r16. The left front tire consistently loses air pressure when garaged. Took only a few days to go from 33 psi to 24. This tire has to be re-inflated at least each week. Car was taken to the local Hyundai dealership, tires were inspected, and reported as having no problems. Car was taken back to this dealership few days ago. Service advisor was sympathetic but offered no help. Smiled, then walked away. Will now be taking the car to a tire outlet, at our expense, for yet another tire inspection. We feel that these kumho tires May be unsafe. We May end up replacing them with a more superior brand tire and / or selling the car.
Multiple parts have been replaced on my front end from what mechanics thought were the problem but my wheel still sticks/pull to the left while driving even after multiple front end work and alignments. Also, I've replaced head lights, tail lights, breaks and reverse lights numerous times because something keeps blowing them. When I press the volume button on the steering it changes the screen on the radio. I'm assuming it's something with wiring malfunctioning. The cruise control on the wheel doesn't always work as well
Low profile hancock tire 225 / 45 r18 has a sidewalls with a lip on it that extends above the wheel's .. Each of the tires shows spots where a part of the tire's lip was sliced right off or in big gashes...or is it tire rot? . Each gash are noth even close to the rim and shows no sign of hitting a curb. Each of my tires have a vo u please of these gashes. Dealer said nope thats not normal but its holding air so nothis they can do. . The new 2012 Hyundai Sonata equipped with these tires was purchased in July 2014.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard a knocking noise coming from the front driver's side tire. The contact also heard a clicking sound when depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to jim burke Hyundai (1424 5th ave n a, birmingham, al 35203), but the dealer was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,700.
The passenger side airbag deployed without reason. The tremendous force and flying debris caused the driver to react and brush the front passenger side wheel against the curb. Plastic pieces were thrown throughout the front of the car. Luckily, there were no injuries. Earlier that same day the car had been serviced by the Hyundai dealer for a radio issue.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 2% of the model year's 1,558 complaints. The component named most often is pressure monitoring and regulating systems (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Sonata wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.