2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 27 brake complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 18% of all complaints filed for the year, tied to one crash. A related brake recall (campaign 23V651000) also covers this model year, advising owners to park outside.
- Brakes complaints
- 27
- 18% of 154
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 113,340 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brake pedal goes to the floor or produces no stopping power, sometimes preceded by a hybrid brake warning lamp.
- Vehicle triggers a "check brakes" chime and refuses to start or move, even with no fluid leaks visible.
- Loud grinding noise from the brakes occurs during low-speed maneuvers like backing out of a parking space or driveway.
- While driving at highway speed with cruise control on, a hybrid safety warning and brake failure alert appear and the car loses acceleration.
- Emergency brake engages on its own while driving at various speeds, requiring the engine to be turned off to reset the system.
- Rear brake lights burn out repeatedly despite multiple bulb replacements.
When 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 7, 2013, latest Jun 16, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 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.
Brakes complaints by Sonata Hybrid model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 27 brake complaints for the 2012 Sonata Hybrid, which is 18% of the 154 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- Yes. Campaign 23V651000 covers brakes on the 2012 Sonata Hybrid among other Hyundai models. It does not require owners to stop driving, but advises parking outside and away from structures until repaired.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this brake issue is 113,340 miles.
- Did the 2012 Sonata Hybrid brake issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows one crash linked to brake complaints for this model year and no reported fires or injuries.
- How does 2012 compare to other Sonata Hybrid years for brake complaints?
- The 2012 model's 27 brake complaints and 18% share are lower than 2013 (29 complaints, 27%) and 2014 (41% share), but higher than 2016 through 2025, several of which had zero brake complaints.