2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls and problems
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 6 safety recalls and 155 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
Recall 23V-651: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Recall 20V-746: Engine
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Recall 20V-393: Equipment
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
Recall 18V-137: Air Bags, Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 17V-617: Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 17V-152: Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 68 | |
| Power Train | 31 | |
| Electrical System | 23 | |
| Unknown or Other | 15 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Service Brakes | 12 | |
| Steering | 10 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Visibility | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 4
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Back-Up Alarm — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) › Software — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,259 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years
Compare all Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years · All Hyundai models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 23V-651 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-746 (engine), 20V-393 (equipment), 18V-137 (air bags, seat belts), 17V-617 (seat belts) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Owners report engine problems most often (68 reports), followed by power train (31). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,259 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.