2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks 2nd worst out of 15 model years, with a complaint index of 93 and 154 complaints tied to 6 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 51% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 88,000 miles.
- Complaints
- 154
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 34 city / 39 hwy
Top 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine79 (51%)
- Transmission & Powertrain30 (19%)
- Brakes27 (18%)
- Electrical System25 (16%)
- Other15 (10%)
- Steering10 (6%)
- Fuel System8 (5%)
- Structure & Body5 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (3%)
- Airbags3 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine losing power or stalling at highway speed, sometimes followed by smoke or an engine compartment fire.
- Some owners describe the vehicle catching fire without a collision, in one case burning completely.
- Reports describe brakes making grinding noises and then failing to stop the car, in one case leading to a crash.
- Owners describe the drivetrain hesitating when switching from hybrid to gas power, causing the engine to rev with no gear engagement.
- Some owners report the 12V electrical system cutting out while driving or the battery failing to charge fully.
- One report describes the panoramic sunroof shattering and scattering glass into the cabin.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Other272,126 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
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.
Remedy: 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.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 34 MPG
- Highway
- 39 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 model year has a complaint index of 93, the second highest among the 15 model years with data, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Sonata Hybrid years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 51% of complaints (79 of 154), including 5 reported fires, with a median failure mileage of 88,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Sonata Hybrid have engine recalls?
- Yes. Recall 20V746000 covers connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely inside the engine on 2011-2013 and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles, among other Hyundai models.
- How many recalls affect the 2012 Sonata Hybrid?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Sonata Hybrid, covering brakes, engine, an accessory outlet, airbags, and two seat belt campaigns.
- How does the 2012 Sonata Hybrid compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 93 is worse than the 2013 model's 100-adjacent figure is actually higher, but among all years listed the 2013 (100) and 2012 (93) rank as the two worst, while 2018, 2020, and 2024 rank Best with much lower indexes.