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CarMonitor

Transport Canada + NRCan

2012 Hyundai Sonata

Everything Canada’s open data holds on this vehicle: what has been recalled, what it costs to run, and how efficient it is compared with everything else on the road.

Recalls

11

10 current

Combined

8.5L/100 km

Fuel, a year

$2,635

20,000 km, Ontario prices

Recalls

Good news: Recall repairs cost you nothing. Book with any manufacturer dealer and quote the recall number — no time limit, however many owners the vehicle has had.

Brakes

Transport Canada recall 2024080 · manufacturer campaign R0246

8 February 2024

Transport Canada lists: Accent 2012–2015 · Elantra 2011–2015 · Equus 2014–2015 · Genesis 2011–2015 · and 5 more

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, brake fluid could leak into the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) and cause it to short circuit. Note: This recall replaces recall R0246 (Transport Canada recall number 2023-527). For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid model is affected by this recall.

Why it matters

A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.

What the dealer will do

Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse for the ABS module. Hyundai recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.

353,849 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2021612 · manufacturer campaign R0181 (GWMS:11D160)

1 October 2021

Transport Canada lists: Sonata 2011–2015 · Tucson 2010–2013

What is wrong

Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine. For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid is affected by this campaign. All vehicles previously included in TC # 2021-033 are now part of this new campaign. Vehicles that were previously repaired under campaign R0181 (Transport Canada #2021-033) do not require this software update.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.

What the dealer will do

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.

51,508 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety TC

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2020592 · manufacturer campaign R0177

2 December 2020

Transport Canada lists: Santa Fe 2012 · Sonata 2011–2013, 2016 · Veloster 2015–2016

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with a 1.6 L GDI, 2.0 L GDI, or 2.4 L MPI engine, the connecting rod bearings could wear prematurely. As a result, there could be an abnormal knocking noise from the engine and/or the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with worn connecting rod bearings, the engine could fail. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. In some cases, a damaged connecting rod could puncture the engine block and cause an oil leak. Note: For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this recall. Additional Note: Engine compartment fires can happen for many different reasons. In some cases, there is too much damage to find the cause of a fire.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Oil that leaks onto a hot component could cause a fire.

What the dealer will do

Hyundai will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an engine inspection test, to determine if there is bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual.

14,549 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety TC

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2019640 · manufacturer campaign R0153 (80CA08)

16 December 2019

Transport Canada lists: Santa Fe 2013–2019 · Sonata 2011–2019 · Tucson 2014–2015, 2019 · Veloster 2019

What is wrong

Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This affects Sonata and Santa Fe Sport equipped with a 2.4 L GDI or 2.0 L Turbo GDI engine, as well as Tucson equipped with a 2.4 L GDI engine.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident.

What the dealer will do

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Vehicles previously repaired under Product Improvement Campaign R0153 (TC # 2019-130) do not require this software update. Owners can find additional information at <a href="http://www.hyundaiengineinfo.ca">www.hyundaiengineinfo.ca</a>.

275,533 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety TC

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2019012 · manufacturer campaign R0151 (91C004)

10 January 2019

Transport Canada lists: Santa Fe 2013–2018 · Sonata 2011–2018 · Tucson 2014–2015

What is wrong

When repairs were completed under recall campaign 2015-428 (Hyundai #R0101) or 2017197 (Hyundai #R0130), the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on the fuel pump outlet. A fuel leak could occur if the pipe was damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the recall repair.

Why it matters

Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or property damage.

What the dealer will do

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. If fuel leakage is detected, the fuel pipe will be replaced with a new one.

7,027 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Airbag

Transport Canada recall 2018261 · manufacturer campaign R0144 (81C049)

15 May 2018

Transport Canada lists: Sonata 2011–2013

What is wrong

On certain gasoline and hybrid engine vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control unit may become damaged. This could cause the airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in certain collisions where deployment is warranted, which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will install a wire harness kit between the ACU connector and vehicle harness connector as necessary. Note: This recall does not affect the 2013 model year Sonata Hybrid.

41,067 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety TC

Seats And Restraints

Transport Canada recall 2017146 · manufacturer campaign R0128 (71CA10)

15 March 2017

Transport Canada lists: Sonata 2011–2015

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the connections between the front seat belts and the floor mounted seat belt anchor pretensioners may not have been attached properly during assembly. This could result in a front seat belt possibly detaching from the anchor pretensioner. If the vehicle were to be involved in a collision, and the seat belt were to detach, it could increase the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the anchor pretensioner’s cable connector for both front seat belts and repair as necessary. <b> Note: For the 2015 model year, it is only Sonata Hybrid models that are affected. </b>

64,106 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2015428 · manufacturer campaign R0101

25 September 2015

Transport Canada lists: Sonata 2011–2012

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the engine crankshaft may not have been properly cleaned to remove metallic debris during manufacturing. If the debris is not completely removed from the crankshaft’s oil passages, it can be forced into the connecting rod oiling passages restricting oil flow to the bearings, increasing the potential of premature bearing wear. If the vehicle continues to be driven with a worn connecting rod bearing, the bearing could fail, which could cause an engine stall while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of motive power which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. A worn connecting rod bearing could also result in the illumination of the oil pressure lamp in the instrument cluster.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the engine assembly. Hyundai will also increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/200,000 kilometers for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas.

33,786 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2014323 · manufacturer campaign R0092

1 August 2014

Transport Canada lists: Sonata 2011–2014

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the shift cable may detach from the shift lever. As a result, the driver may not be able to select a different gear position, or place the transmission in the PARK position. If the driver cannot place the vehicle in the PARK position and exits the vehicle without applying the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away, which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will inspect the shift cable connection and repair as necessary.

57,531 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Airbag

Transport Canada recall 2012230 · manufacturer campaign R072, R073, R074

24 July 2012

Transport Canada lists: Sonata 2012–2013

What is wrong

On some vehicles, due to a defect in manufacturing of the inflator module, the side curtain airbag(s) could deploy without warning. Unintended airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause injuries to vehicle occupants.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will replace the affected side curtain airbag(s).

2,311 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr
1 replaced by later campaigns

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2019130 · manufacturer campaign R0153 (80CA08)

11 March 2019

Replaced: This recall has been replaced by a later campaign. Check the newer one — the repair may have changed.

Transport Canada lists: Santa Fe 2013–2018 · Sonata 2011–2018 · Tucson 2014–2015

What is wrong

Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This affects Sonata and Santa Fe Sport equipped with a 2.4 L GDI or 2.0 L Turbo GDI engine, as well as Tucson equipped with a 2.4 L GDI engine.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident.

What the dealer will do

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Vehicles repaired under Service Campaigns, C0336, C0344, or C0347, already have this software update. Owners can find additional information at <a href="http://www.hyundaiengineinfo.ca">www.hyundaiengineinfo.ca</a>.

255,370 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSuperseded

Efficiency and running cost

Class
Full-size
In its class
More efficient than 99% of 81 2012 vehicles in this class
Tailpipe CO₂
196 g/km

Set your own distance and pump price · Full efficiency ranking

Watch this vehicle

Recall letters go to whoever owns the car on paper, which may not be you. Save your 2012 Hyundai Sonata and we will email you the day Transport Canada issues a new recall for it.

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Common questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Transport Canada has 11 recalls on record for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, of which 10 are current and 1 has been replaced by later campaigns. Recall repairs are free at any manufacturer dealer.
What fuel economy does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata get?
NRCan rates the 2012 Hyundai Sonata at 8.5 L/100 km combined, emitting 196 g of CO2 per kilometre. There are 4 rated versions; this is the median.
What does it cost to run a 2012 Hyundai Sonata for a year?
At 20,000 km a year and Ontario average prices, about $2,635 in fuel, producing roughly 3,927 kg of CO2. Your own distance and prices will change this — the calculator lets you set both.

Source: Transport Canada — Vehicle Recalls Database; NRCan — Fuel consumption ratings. Data current as of 30 July 2026. Running cost uses Ontario average prices (155 ¢/L, 14.5 ¢/kWh), which are hand-maintained estimates. 30,784 rated vehicles on file.