2012 Hyundai Sonata: engine overheating

Filed Jul 27, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

It first started when the engine needed to be replaced, I spent thousands trying to get it repaired, soon after they fixed the engine everything started going wrong ( I truly think they put in a faulty or wrong engine @ Hyundai) the car was overheating, I would take it in they would say it’s one thing pay thousands and it wasn’t it, changed the coolant that goes into the cabin, there’s always been a chemical smell since…still overheats, they said maybe it’s the thermostat, spent more money still didn’t fix it, the battery now won’t stay charged(trunk battery) not sure if they hooked it up wrong…the seatbelt hasn’t worked in years, I take it in they say it’s fine, it never clicks, I have to click it in to the passenger seat for safety. They always say it’s fine! I will never ever buy another Hyundai in life due to all of the issues I’ve experienced with mainly Hyundai dealership service mechanics and dealerships, I’m now dealing with a faulty car that could still be a great car if they didn’t mess it up, I thought I was doing right by always only taking my car to Hyundai and goodness I was wrong! There are no “recalls” currently on my car but honestly, did they even do the recalls correctly?! I disagree! They have literally lied, drained my wallet and disappointed me all while making my car worse, it’s like dr’s take these meds that might fix the issue but it’s going to mess up something else, it’s a guessing game all while killing you or in this case my car!!! I don’t know dates, all I know is Hyundai has all the records! Oh and the last straw was them driving my car without my permission mint you, they took it to a totally different shop without my knowledge & had someone else repair the frame which I was unaware of & drive it with ZERO oil in my car which now my car has been sitting for the most part since they repaired my car(or lack there of) because they broke my car! yes I turned it in when it happened, I just never heard anything from anyone now I’m carless

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

I have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that has a problem with its ABS Module. It is overheating and causes my car to stop its brake and motor functions while driving. I contacted the dealership to get a rental or replacement in the meantime and they told me there is nothing they can do and to drive with caution. I called the manufacturer to get a rental for the meantime and they told me the same thing. I have looked on the recall documents and it says they should give me a vehicle in the meantime if it is unsafe to drive. Please, I don't even want the car at this point because of all the problems with it and with my dissatisfaction with customer service from any Hyundai business. But if I could just get a car that is safe to drive while I wait for the recall to have a remedy , I would take that.

Filed Aug 25, 2023 · Engine · TX

The engine on my vehicle is knocking and causing the vehicle to slow down on its own and the vehicle to overheat.

Filed Mar 24, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · HI

I was driving my car at approximately 45 MPH when my car began smoking and overheating and making a knocking sound from the engine. I pulled over and checked but had coolant in the vehicle as I had just got my car serviced 3 weeks prior. I was about to get onto the highway when my car decelerated and the oil lamp and engine light started flickering as my car lost power and started smoking profusely.

Filed Jul 7, 2022 · Engine · 67,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine, and the vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2022 · Lights · NY

Tail light sockets overheats causing bulb to become stuck and whole tail light assembly needs replacement

Filed May 16, 2022 · Engine · 2,000 miles · CA · fire · 2 injuries

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine started smoking. The vehicle was overheated and the vehicle flap and cooling warning light message displayed. The contact was able to pull over safely and exit the family out. There were 4 passengers, the wife, and 3 children. The entire vehicle was destroyed and engulfed in flame. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the wrecking yard. There was a police report. There were minor injuries to the wife and 1 daughter. The contact related the fire to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 20V746000 (Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 2,000

Filed Jun 26, 2021 · Engine · PA · fire

Dear To Whom It May Concern, My cars VIN: [XXX] There is a recall (the federal safety agency Recall Number20V746000) that I found on this website for my car that the dealership below is claiming is not correct and will not work on. Springfield Hyundai Address: 754 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064 My car has been having engine issue even after it getting services at another Hyundai Dealership Service Center. Engine overheats and smoke came out several times. Not it is jerking while I drive - loosing power. I barely was able to get the car to the service, that is how bad the state of the engine is at the moment. Initially when I took the car to the service center they said there is no recall at all on my car, even though the Hyundai customer service agent acknowledged the recall I mentioned above. After some push back from me, the service agent at the center said there was a recall but not the one I mention above a different one. I would really appreciate some help getting the recall above sorted out. Thank you in advance. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · TN

Car brake light keep overheating causing the brake light sockets to burn out

Filed Oct 28, 2018 · Engine · 87,000 miles · GA

Car was in motion and decelerated in busy city street traffic 55mph 2way street. Car coasted and within seconds came to a complete stop. Would not restart. Engine light lit. I believe the engine is defective. Previously complained to dealer about middle glove box overheating from engine. Air was rerouted but was told engine couldn't be replaced unless it died.

Filed Aug 30, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · FL · fire

I was driving my 2012 hyundia sonata down the road, and all of a sudden, the whole car shut off. This caused the steering wheel and the brakes to fail. Fortunately, I was able to make it to the side of the road, and I smelled smoke. At first, I thought the engine was overheating, so I opened the hood to see what was going on. I saw a ball of fire, and quickly grabbed my 4 year old and 10 year old out of the car. By the time I got them out of the car, the whole engine bay engulfed in flames. After telling my story, I have had multiple people reach out to me with similar stories.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Engine · 103,000 miles · CA · fire

I was driving on the freeway when my 2012 hyundai sonata began making a rattling sound and lose power and the engine died. There were no check engine lights, oil lights or overheating gauge indications prior to this. As I was pulling to the side of the freeway smoke began coming from under the hood. When I stopped on the side of the freeway and opened the hood, the bottom portion of the engine was on fire and I could see the flames coming out from underneath.