2012 Hyundai Sonata seats & seat belts problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V137000Feb 27, 2018580,058 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.

  Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

• Recall 17V617000Oct 4, 2017443,545 vehicles
  SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

  Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.

• Recall 17V152000Mar 8, 2017977,778 vehicles
  SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

  Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026TXAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   The passenger side curtain and front airbags popped with no crash or reason, yes Hyundai will be able to inspect upon pick up. My safety risk was fortunately at minimal during times of explosion because I had just parked the vehicle when curtain side air bags went off first then slowly reserving when the front passenger side air bags went off good thing I wasn’t on highway going highway speeds. The manufacturer said some one will reach out to me in 2 business days. No there…

   NHTSA complaint #11767119 · source
2. Filed Apr 14, 2026127,819 miOHSeats & Seat Belts

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side seat belt unexpectedly detached. Several attempts were needed to secure the seat belt while driving. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s seat belt became inoperable and failed to latch properly. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was also contacted. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11731186 · source
3. Filed Oct 26, 2025VAAirbagsEngineSeats & Seat Belts

   My 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure at 241,433 miles on August 7, 2025. The failure aligns with known safety defect symptoms described under NHTSA Recall Campaign 15V568000 and 17V226000, which cite premature bearing wear due to metal debris during engine manufacturing. My vehicle had previously received the knock sensor update under Campaign T3G and failed the BCT (bearing clearance test), confirming bearing damage. Despite this, Hyundai…

   NHTSA complaint #11695628 · source
4. Filed Jul 27, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSeats & Seat Belts

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11676453 · source
5. Filed Jul 29, 2024NYAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   My seatbelt in the front seat does not work effectively. My airbag light is on Recall 169 ANCHOR PRETENSIONER INSPECTION is the recall I see that is associated with my seatbelt Recall 174 AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT Is the recall that I see associated with the airbag light Both recalls say they are completed. I called the Hyundai Dealership and they said reach out to the manufacturer because there are no open recalls on my car. Both are safety concerns that I hope can get addressed.

   NHTSA complaint #11605141 · source
6. Filed Nov 11, 2023ILSeats & Seat Belts

   Seat belt unbuckles from base. This was a recall for sonatas but ours is having this problem but it says it is not a part of the recall

   NHTSA complaint #11554660 · source
7. Filed May 17, 2023MDBrakesElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   My vehicle is experiencing several recall issues. The seat belt in driver seat randomly pops unlocked which is very dangerous while driving, the headlights and brakes lights go out once a month due to some electrical issues with the vehicle, the tire bearing clocks when the vehicle is turning

   NHTSA complaint #11522483 · source
8. Filed Jan 28, 2023AZSeats & Seat Belts

   Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited had some kind of seat belt recall done in 2017. Not sure what as we were not given any documentation. We are having problems engaging the Driver's seat belt that started in the last month of 2022. Hyundai keeps referring us to the local dealer to see if indeed it is part of that recall. The local dealer insists on charging $160.00 inspection fee, if it's covered Hyundai will be charged. A knowledgeable mechanic should be able to sit in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11504203 · source
9. Filed Jan 12, 2023AZSeats & Seat Belts

   Driver's seat belt takes 3 to 5 times for it to engage. A recall was done for the front driver's seat seatbelt. Campaign recall was done in December 2017 at Chapman Hyundai Phoenix.

   NHTSA complaint #11501509 · source
10. Filed Aug 22, 2022WASeats & Seat Belts

    Driver’s side seat belt frequently unlatches on own while driving vehicle. This places the driver at risk for significant harm should this occur during a collision. This problem has not been inspected or confirmed by the manufacturer or other professionals. The only warning lamp possibly associated with this is the airbag warning lamp.

    NHTSA complaint #11480521 · source
11. Filed Mar 1, 2022NMAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

    front Seat belts do not fasten properly and air bag light stays on. I don’t see a pending recall, however did notice certain models recalled. This is a huge safety issue that is very concerning to me. I would appreciate if someone could get in touch with me to discuss further. Thank you. [XXX]; [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

    NHTSA complaint #11454763 · source
12. Filed Jun 30, 2021FLSeats & Seat Belts

    Seat belt doesn’t latch properly. It’s been happening for a while now. I have to fidget with the metal clip into the slot several times, and sometimes I just can’t wear it at all because it doesn’t latch.

    NHTSA complaint #11422886 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology