2012 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems – Drivers Experience Premature Engine Failure!

Drivers need to know the worst 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems before buying this model year. By recognizing the seven worst engine issues, like seizing, failure, engine noise, stalling, engine fires, lack of acceleration, and rough idling, car owners can prevent these issues from worsening over time. 

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In addition, car owners need to know the reliability of the most recent Sonata model and how this car stacks up against the competition. This way, drivers can compare the 2021 Sonata to see which car is best for them to purchase. 

Seven Worst 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

• Engine Seizing

The most common engine issue when addressing the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems focuses on the engine seizing while driving. There were multiple reports of the problem occurring at an average of 85,300 miles, with owners considering this a 91 out of 10 on the severity scale. The typical repair cost for the engine seizing comes to $4,920 to replace the engine.

• Owner #1 stated the engine started making noises while driving. The autobody shop tried to restart the car and the engine seized again, noticing the oil was completely dry even though the owner replaced the engine just 3 months ago. There were no signs of oil damage or excess oil consumption when the problem was noticed.
• Owner #2 reported the engine gives out even after performing regular maintenance for many years. The engine locks up without any warning lights on the dashboard, causing expensive 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems. 
• Owner #3 reported the oil light faintly flickered on the dashboard, followed immediately by the car shaking, stuttering, shuddering, and dying while driving. All the dashboard lights turned on and the car stopped moving. 

The engine typically seizes due to a mechanical failure in the Sonata, such as the oil being excessively used and causing oil starvation. If the engine runs out of oil and the oil isn’t moving as it should, itnerla aprs rub against each other and cause excess friction ,leading to a quick breakdown of parts.  

• Engine Failure

Owners report the engine fails at around 91,050 miles, with this problem reaching an 8,3 out of 10 on the severity scale. Owners state the most common solution is to replace the engine, with the typical repair cost coming to around $130 for the overall fix.

• Owner #1 reported they serviced their car properly and performed regular maintenance for years, including going in for every recall to see if the engine was working property. One day, without warning, the engine and motor just stopped, without any knocking, lights, or noticeable sounds. The check engine light repeatedly turns on, even after the auto body shop cleans the sensor and resets it in the car. The 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems continue occurring despite being serviced regularly.
• Owner #2 reported every light on the dashboard turned on and the car wouldn’t move. The dark has turned off and on, but that did not fix the issue. 

The most common causes of engine failure and the other 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems include improper lubrication, overheating, and detonation in your vehicle. 

• Noise from Engine 

The noise from the engine typically occurs at around 73,450 miles, with the owner considering this problem to be an 8.2 out of 10 on the severity scale.

• • Owner #1 complained the car has a very loud engine knock, indicating a failed piston rod in the engine.

• Engine knock is usually caused by faulty belt tensioners, worn bearings, bad knock sensors, a lean air and fuel mixture, bad timing, or reduced octane levels. 

• Some of the ways in which owners can fix the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems regarding engine knock includes:
  • Upgrading the fuel you use in your Sonata to use a higher octane rating
  • Including additives in your car to clean carbon build ups
  • Bringing your Sonata in for a tune-up and asking the worker to install new spark plugs and wires to prevent any future 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

• Engine Stalling

There are many reports of the engine stalling in the 2012 Sonata, with owners reporting this occurring at around 57,650 miles on average. The severity rating of this problem comes to 9.1 out of 10, with owners stating they oftentimes have to replace the fuse box for around $210.

• Owner #1 stated the car loses power multiple times on consecutive days without any warning. The car dies, the radio turns off, the air conditioning turns off, and all of the dashboard lights go dark. 
• The most common causes of the stalling and the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems in this instance includes a lack of fuel, not receiving enough air, or not receiving enough engine power. Common reasons include an empty gas tank, faulty fuel pump, broken spark plugs, water in the fuel, failed sensors, and a broken ignition coil.

• Engine Fire

Owners report an engine fire can occur in their Sonata at around 81,500 miles, with the problem reaching a 10 out of 10 on the severity scale.

• • Owner #1 said the car suddenly catches fire and smoke emits from under the hood. In just minutes, the car was engulfed in flames, posing an extreme danger to the driver, occupants, and other vehicles. 

• The most common causes of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems in this instance and the engine fire is blown fuses, spilled oil under the hood, oil or fluid leaks, cracked wiring, and loud sounds from the exhaust system. 

• Not Accelerating

One of the most common 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems includes the car not being able to accelerate, with this problem usually occurring at around 91,500 miles. Owners state this problem is a 9 out of 10 on the severity sle, with the most common solution being to replace the turbo switch at around $150. 

• The most common causes of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems and why your car won’t accelerate focuses on a clogged mass airflow sensor, malfunctioning oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor malfunction, dirty fuel filter, clogged air filter, or broken timing belt. 
  • Replacing the mass airflow sensor in your Sonata costs between $292 and $403.
  • An oxygen sensor replacement costs between $113 and $478 to fix the recurring 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems. 
  • Replacing your throttle position sensor is between $171 and $219, with the labor between $59 and $74 to fix the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems. 
  • A fuel filter replacement is between $50 and $170, with the labor between $45 and $100 for between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours of work.
  • An air filter replacement is between $61 and $74 to fix the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems and the car not accelerating.
  • Lastly, a broken timing belt costs around $300 to $500 to replace.  

• Idling Rough 

The final issue when addressing the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems focuses on the car idling and running orgh. 

• • There are various symptoms that you will notice if the car begins running rough:
    • Vacuum Leak – The vacuum hoses can succumb to wear and tear and become damaged over time or develop a leak. If too much air gets mixed in with the fuel, this can cause the engine to misfire, resulting in the car’s idling rough symptoms at a higher RPM.

• The average cost for a vacuum leak diagnosis in your car is between $88 and $111 to remedy the car idling rough symptoms. 

• • • Faulty Spark Plugs – Spark plugs use the ignition coils’ electrical current to ignite the air to fuel mixture within the engine’s combustion chamber. A plug that has become damaged over time or is installed incorrectly can result in the fuel being burned at an improper rate.

• On average, the spark plugs can usually cost around $30 for you to install and buy yourself while going to a mechanic could add around $100 to $200 in labor costs for them to install the spark plugs in your vehicle. 

• • • Dirty fuel Injector – The fuel injection is for optimal performance and preventing car idling rough symptoms. That being said, if the fuel injectors in your car are dirty, this can contribute to poor gas mileage and other 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems.

• To replace a damaged or dirty fuel injector, the average price is about $800 to $1,450. 

• • • Faulty Carburetor – Black exhaust smoke is usually a strong indicator of an issue with the carburetor. Using a carburetor cleaner is a simple step to dissolve these deposits and prevent the car idling rough symptoms.
      • Replacing your car carburetor is between $200 and $300 on average, with the range costing between $500 and $800 to fix the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems. 

• Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Malfunction – An ECT Sensor is a variable resistor that responds to changes in temperature and can affect the rough idle when cold. On the other hand, a sensor that has an electric short will affect the driver’s ability to control the car and cause the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems.

• Replacing your ECT sensor is usually between $123 and $158, with the labor between $82 and $104, taking between 1 and 1.5 hours of work. 

• Faulty Air Intake Temperature Sensor – Symptoms of a bad intake air temperature sensor that can car idling rough symptoms is the engine stalling, the engine surging, the hard starting, the excessive fuel consumption, and the stumble and jerking while accelerating. 

• Replacing the air intake temperature sensor in your car is between $95 and $106, with labor costs between $40 and $51 for between 30 and 45 minutes of work. 

2012 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems Recall

Hyundai Motor Company was forced to recall nearly 500,000 mid-size cars in 2015 due to the engine concerns. A malfunctioning problem in the affected cars could cause them to fail without warning. 

• • The affected vehicles in the 2015 recall included 470,000 Hyundai Sonata vehicles that were produced in the 2011 and 2012 model years. The 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems were traced back to faulty 2-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline engines. 
  • The company also was forced to recall almost 100,00 Hyundai Accent cars due to faulty lights that could cause safety problems. 
  • The recall was posted by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in late 2015, stating that the metal debris might not have been removed from the crankshaft area during manufacturing. 

• This problem can cause the oil flow to the engine and the road bearings to be restricted, leading to premature failure. If the rod bearings fail, it can cause the engine to stall and result in a crash. 

Is the Hyundai Sonata Reliable?

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata is a fairly reliable vehicle, considering the extent of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems in previous model years. The 2021 year ranked #4 in Midsize Cars, and earned the ‘Finalist’ spot in two categories: 2021 Best Midsize car for the Money and the Best Midsize Car for Families.

• The positives of the 2021 Sonata includes a great fuel economy, upscale interior with spacious and comfortable seats, user-friendly tech features, and a good predicted reliability rating with a long warranty.
• The negatives of this model year include a lack of horsepower and acceleration, and so-so engine power that stems from the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems years before. 

Hyundai Sonata vs. The Competition

To get an idea of if the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems outweigh the positives, we need to compare this model against other similar cars on the market.

Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry 

• The Toyota Camry has better handling than the Sonata, a great fuel economy, and two powerful engine options that eclipse the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems.
• The similarities of both vehicles includes the interior space, cargo area, comfortable seating, and long list of standard safety features and infotainment options. 

Hyundai Sonata vs. Kia K5

• The similarities between the K5 and the Sonata include the similar amount of passenger space and long feature list.
• However, the K5 is more agile, has better handling, and has a more turbocharged engine that outweighs the negatives of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems are detrimental to the car’s rating and are standing on the market. Despite this year of problems, the 2021 Sonata is a safe and reliable car to purchase.