2012 Hyundai Sonata Airbag Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are airbag problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
170 owners have reported airbag problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 11% of all complaints for this year and the 4th most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 60,000–108,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
170 complaints 11% of all 2012 complaints 85,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (87 of 170). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Airbags complaints by the year the problem happened.
Airbags complaints by Sonata year
Related recalls
Side / window, Pretensioner
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. 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.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge.
Recall 18V137000 · Feb 2018Curtain airbag may inflate without warning
Crash riskManufacturing error can cause the side curtain airbags to inflate with no crash and no deployment command. A sudden deployment can injure occupants and block the driver's view, raising the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge.
Recall 12V352000 · Jul 2012Get an email when your 2012 Hyundai Sonata gets a new recall
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Other 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems
Common questions
What are common 2012 Hyundai Sonata airbag problems?
Complaints most often name the frontal and inflator module.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata airbag problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 60,000–108,000 miles. The middle value is about 85,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Sonata airbag problems?
Yes: 18V137000, 12V352000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Sonata year has the most airbag complaints?
The 2011 Sonata, with 419 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.