2012 Hyundai Sonata
Introduction to the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata was a midsize sedan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The gasoline-powered engines included a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 198 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.3-liter V6 with 274 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.
The Sonata was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced features. However, it also had some shortcomings, such as a lack of rear legroom, a noisy cabin, and a relatively weak base engine.
Engine
2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder
Oil Consumption Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage. Solution: Replace piston rings and other engine components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
No Issues Found
3.3-Liter V6
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure Description/Symptoms: Failed timing chain tensioner can cause the timing chain to slip, leading to engine damage. Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Six-Speed Manual
No Issues Found
Six-Speed Automatic
Shifting Problems Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed shifts, or harsh shifting. Solution: Replace or reprogram transmission control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Five-Speed Automatic
Torque Converter Shudder Description/Symptoms: Vibration while driving at low speeds, especially when accelerating. Solution: Replace torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+ Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID 14V463000
Suspension
Rear Suspension Sagging Description/Symptoms: Rear end of the vehicle drops prematurely, affecting handling and stability. Solution: Replace rear springs and shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, even when the vehicle is not running. Solution: Check for parasitic draw and replace faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical Short Description/Symptoms: Blown fuses, flickering lights, or malfunctioning electrical components. Solution: Find and repair source of electrical short. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
Exterior
No Issues Found
Interior
Dashboard Cracking Description/Symptoms: Dashboard develops cracks or splits over time. Solution: Replace dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+ Recalls: None Found
Seat Heater Malfunction Description/Symptoms: Seat heater does not work or becomes too hot. Solution: Replace seat heater element or control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata had some notable issues, particularly with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the six-speed automatic transmission, and the suspension. The engine issues could be serious and expensive to fix, while the transmission and suspension issues were generally less severe but still required attention. The electrical system, exterior, and interior also had some problems, but these were less common and less costly to address.