Problems · by component
2012 Hyundai Sonata structure problems
39 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata cite structure, 3% of all 1,559 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
39
3% of all complaints
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
What owners say about the structure
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Noticed there’s a crack on the passenger side dashboard of the car that’s about 12 inches long. From what I read this could cause issues with any possible airbag deployment.”
“The passenger rear door will not open from the inside OR the outside. The door lock on the inside of the car will not open. Door is in locked position. Problems like this are all over the internet regarding Hyundai cars. This is a safety issue because someone in the back seat can NOT open the door and are potentially locked inside the car with no way out. This could be life and death if there was a fire, accident, etc. Independent repair center has inspected and confirms. No warning lights. Just happened in September 2024.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was a large crack on the dashboard. The contact was unaware of what caused the crack on the dashboard. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle and noticed that the dashboard was severely cracked. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed about similar failures with 2011-2014 vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,696.”
“B pillar separated from the frame during collision causing catastrophic intrusion into the cabin upon impact leading to death of the driver. No other occupants in the vehicle. Multiple investigators noted the B pillar failure upon inspection. Independent, certified crash reconstruction expert also noticed immediately that the B pillar had failed which caused cabin intrusion to an extraordinary degree considering the 2 vehicles involved were going less than 40mph. Vehicle is available for inspection. In addition, edr data reveals that although throttle was engaged, rpm's remained at idle up to the time of impact. Driver pushing on the gas and vehicle not responding.”
“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON BUT IT DIDN'T COME ON, AND THEN I NOTICED IT SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND QUICKLY SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE CAR.”
Showing 6 of 39 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.