Owners have filed 217 complaints
about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
94.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
199.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
126.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
168.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4322.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2211.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5026.0%
150,000+ miles
2110.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD
9.7% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2012peak 9Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
EA21003Opened 22 Dec 2021Closed 5 Feb 2024ENGINE
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine...
PE19003Opened 29 Mar 2019Closed 22 Dec 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Rec...
DP18003Opened 21 Aug 2018Closed 10 May 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)...
PE18003Opened 16 Mar 2018Closed 30 Aug 2019AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. ODI also evaluated data from the automotive air bag system supplier, ZF-TRW (ZF), to review vehicles that may contain the same air bag control unit (ACU) used in the subject vehicles. Hyundai Motor America (HMA) issued recall No. 18...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15,000 milesRussellville, ARFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH on the highway, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. No warning lights illuminated. The contact veered over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off, and she noticed smoke coming from the engine. A bystander behind her noticed the flames coming up from the engine. The contact mentioned she exited the vehicle and called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to Atow lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesThornton, COFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly start to lose motive power. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The dealer stated that they could not service the recall until the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesCollege Station, TXFire
ENGINE
ENGINE FIRE, NON COLLISION. JUST DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON UNTIL ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. LOST POWER AND ENGINE BECAME EXTREMELY HOT. HAD TO TOW TO MECHANIC WHO SAID ENGINE MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND I WOULD NEED NEW ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11193283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesDanbill, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE THAT WAS STRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS BENT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE'S BODY DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT SERVICED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11110828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,259 milesKahuku, HIFire
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND BURST INTO FLAMES, ALL OF THE SONATAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, ALL SONATAS WILL AT THE LEAST BURN UP THE ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, OR BATTERIES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. OUT OF 35 SONATAS TESTED 35 HAD THIS PROBLEM. CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA, HYUNDAI FULLERTON, HYUNDAI CONSUMER COMPLAINT LINE AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT . EVERY SONATA HYBIRD IN THE WORLD, (TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE) WILL BURN UP THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, OR LITHIUM BATTERIES (WHICH WILL CATCH FIRE) BETWEEN 70,000 &120,000 MILES, HYUNDAI WILL NOT WARRANTY THE FAILURE, THIS IS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.. A PART IN THE COOLING SYSTEM WILL DISINTEGRATE AND CRUMBLE APART LIKE A WET COOKIE, THEN YOU WILL HAVE A 3/4" HOSE COMING OFF THE WATER PUMP PUMPING ALL THE WATER OUT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM, WITH LESS THEN A GALLON OF COOLANT THIS WILL TAKE 2 SECONDS, EVERYTHING WILL OVERHEAT AND YOU CAN THROW THAT CAR AWAY, A NEW ENGINE IS $7,000.00 A TRANSMISSION, $6,000.00 LITHIUM BATTERIES $10,000.00 ALL PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE INSTALLATION..
NHTSA complaint #10650584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,259 milesKahuku, HIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND BURST INTO FLAMES, ALL OF THE SONATAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, ALL SONATAS WILL AT THE LEAST BURN UP THE ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS, OR BATTERIES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. OUT OF 35 SONATAS TESTED 35 HAD THIS PROBLEM. CONTACTED HYUNDAI USA, HYUNDAI FULLERTON, HYUNDAI CONSUMER COMPLAINT LINE AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT . EVERY SONATA HYBIRD IN THE WORLD, (TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE) WILL BURN UP THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, OR LITHIUM BATTERIES (WHICH WILL CATCH FIRE) BETWEEN 70,000 &120,000 MILES, HYUNDAI WILL NOT WARRANTY THE FAILURE, THIS IS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.. A PART IN THE COOLING SYSTEM WILL DISINTEGRATE AND CRUMBLE APART LIKE A WET COOKIE, THEN YOU WILL HAVE A 3/4" HOSE COMING OFF THE WATER PUMP PUMPING ALL THE WATER OUT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM, WITH LESS THEN A GALLON OF COOLANT THIS WILL TAKE 2 SECONDS, EVERYTHING WILL OVERHEAT AND YOU CAN THROW THAT CAR AWAY, A NEW ENGINE IS $7,000.00 A TRANSMISSION, $6,000.00 LITHIUM BATTERIES $10,000.00 ALL PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE INSTALLATION..
NHTSA complaint #10650584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Duluth, MN
POWER TRAIN
While driving and everything is going along fine it will suddenly jerk and make a sound as if I've been hit behind. I'm not sure if it's part of the detached shift cables or transmission or something else. Sometimes it will jerk violently while going uphill also.
NHTSA complaint #11752611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid well maintained by original owner, under 130,000 miles. May of 2025 AC stopped working intermittently (Hyundai dealer replaced AC hose). Aug 2025 AC stopped working AGAIN (same dealer could NOT identify problem). Car has consistent Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive messages lights and sirens when braking. Code PA186 comes up (low state of charge code for hybrid battery). December 2025 brought car back to SAME Hyundai dealer who NOW says car suddenly needs a 10k transmission (BUT still no idea what PA186 code is related to). Got transmission drained at different shop and NO NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED! Every repair shop OUTSIDE OF HYUNDAI who has scanned for codes gets the PA186 error and say it is related to HYBRID BATTERY LOW STATE OF CHARGE (I am the original owner THUS lifetime hybrid battery warranty). June 2026 different Hyundai dealer for repair of AC and PA186 code. NEW Hyundai dealer says AC issue is NOT related to the PA186 code. They still dont know what PA186 code is but want to charge me $5100 for engine wiring harness electrical short. SIDE NOTE!! Engine wiring harness electrical short is known issue for ABS module recall 251 for this car. Hyundai has denied the engine wiring harness electrical short repair as part of ABS recall 251 warranty and STILL cant tell me why Hybrid System Warning Lights and PA186 code is come on. Is electrical issue really harness or HYBRID battery?? Car is currently at Hyundai dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11744480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid well maintained by original owner, under 130,000 miles. May of 2025 AC stopped working intermittently (Hyundai dealer replaced AC hose). Aug 2025 AC stopped working AGAIN (same dealer could NOT identify problem). Car has consistent Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive messages lights and sirens when braking. Code PA186 comes up (low state of charge code for hybrid battery). December 2025 brought car back to SAME Hyundai dealer who NOW says car suddenly needs a 10k transmission (BUT still no idea what PA186 code is related to). Got transmission drained at different shop and NO NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED! Every repair shop OUTSIDE OF HYUNDAI who has scanned for codes gets the PA186 error and say it is related to HYBRID BATTERY LOW STATE OF CHARGE (I am the original owner THUS lifetime hybrid battery warranty). June 2026 different Hyundai dealer for repair of AC and PA186 code. NEW Hyundai dealer says AC issue is NOT related to the PA186 code. They still dont know what PA186 code is but want to charge me $5100 for engine wiring harness electrical short. SIDE NOTE!! Engine wiring harness electrical short is known issue for ABS module recall 251 for this car. Hyundai has denied the engine wiring harness electrical short repair as part of ABS recall 251 warranty and STILL cant tell me why Hybrid System Warning Lights and PA186 code is come on. Is electrical issue really harness or HYBRID battery?? Car is currently at Hyundai dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11744480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid well maintained by original owner, under 130,000 miles. May of 2025 AC stopped working intermittently (Hyundai dealer replaced AC hose). Aug 2025 AC stopped working AGAIN (same dealer could NOT identify problem). Car has consistent Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive messages lights and sirens when braking. Code PA186 comes up (low state of charge code for hybrid battery). December 2025 brought car back to SAME Hyundai dealer who NOW says car suddenly needs a 10k transmission (BUT still no idea what PA186 code is related to). Got transmission drained at different shop and NO NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED! Every repair shop OUTSIDE OF HYUNDAI who has scanned for codes gets the PA186 error and say it is related to HYBRID BATTERY LOW STATE OF CHARGE (I am the original owner THUS lifetime hybrid battery warranty). June 2026 different Hyundai dealer for repair of AC and PA186 code. NEW Hyundai dealer says AC issue is NOT related to the PA186 code. They still dont know what PA186 code is but want to charge me $5100 for engine wiring harness electrical short. SIDE NOTE!! Engine wiring harness electrical short is known issue for ABS module recall 251 for this car. Hyundai has denied the engine wiring harness electrical short repair as part of ABS recall 251 warranty and STILL cant tell me why Hybrid System Warning Lights and PA186 code is come on. Is electrical issue really harness or HYBRID battery?? Car is currently at Hyundai dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11744480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesRussellville, ARFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH on the highway, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. No warning lights illuminated. The contact veered over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off, and she noticed smoke coming from the engine. A bystander behind her noticed the flames coming up from the engine. The contact mentioned she exited the vehicle and called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to Atow lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesMorgan City, LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted every ten minutes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced by the dealer and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was completed. The contact stated that the failure was present prior to the recall repair being performed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred a week after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11618661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesSan Manuel, AZ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while attempting to close the passenger’s side rear door, the door failed to lock as needed. The contact tied the door closed. The contact stated that the driver's side rear door was locked, and the contact was unable to open the door. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer when the passenger’s side door was not locking. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the latch and locking mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that when the driver's side rear door failed to lock securely, the vehicle was not returned to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #11616173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesAnthony, NM
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hybrid system and that the hybrid system needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was not the original transmission, and the cooler was damaged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11588669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesAnthony, NM
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hybrid system and that the hybrid system needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was not the original transmission, and the cooler was damaged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11588669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesAnthony, NM
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hybrid system and that the hybrid system needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was not the original transmission, and the cooler was damaged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11588669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,020 milesSan Mateo, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS and hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that was previously performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact the failure was not related to the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 151,020.
NHTSA complaint #11588172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stonecrest, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11586614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesCypress, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with automatic transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,290 milesOceanside, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 155,290. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11585776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMount Prospect, IL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, noticing an excessive amount of understeer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11583265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11583317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest, (13663 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78249) who informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11572278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11566338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesKansas City, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check brake and hybrid system message was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the ABS activated inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11565084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cold Spring, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11562117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,340 milesChandler, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Brakes and Hybrid System Warning: Safely Stop and Do Not Drive messages were displayed. The brakes then made a grinding sound while the brake pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty HCU (Hybrid Control Unit) and AHB (Active Hydraulic Boost). The dealer retrieved DTC Codes: P1886 (Inappropriate and Low SOC) and C1237: (Primary Pressure Sensor Signal). The dealer replaced the oil valve gasket and recalibrated the brakes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,340. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11557250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Pull Over. Stop the Vehicle" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle became drivable after waiting 30 minutes to an hour. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, made an abnormally loud sound, and failed to respond. The contact shifted into park(P) and shifted back into reverse(R), and the vehicle jerked and responded. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11537898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Pull Over. Stop the Vehicle" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle became drivable after waiting 30 minutes to an hour. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, made an abnormally loud sound, and failed to respond. The contact shifted into park(P) and shifted back into reverse(R), and the vehicle jerked and responded. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11537898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSan Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate up a hill, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Several attempts to restart and jumpstart the vehicle failed. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had failed due to metal shavings in the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSan Jose, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate up a hill, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Several attempts to restart and jumpstart the vehicle failed. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had failed due to metal shavings in the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.