2012 Hyundai Sonata Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 323 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 21% of all complaints that year, with 38 fires, 9 injuries, and 4 crashes reported. Median mileage at failure was 90,000. A related recall (15V759000) addresses the brake pedal stopper pad, not the fire issue directly.
- Electrical System complaints
- 323
- 21% of 1,556
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 38
- Injuries reported
- 9
- Median mileage
- 90,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power steering and power brakes along with all-electronics shutdown while driving.
- Multiple owners describe smoke or fire coming from the fuse box or engine wire harness, sometimes with a burning odor noticed beforehand.
- Several complaints describe fires starting near the tail light or brake light assembly, often after brake lights stayed on or failed to illuminate.
- Owners report the instrument panel warning lights flashing or fully illuminating just before smoke or fire appeared underneath the vehicle.
- Some owners noticed a fuel-like smell inside the cabin before an electrical fire developed.
When 2012 Hyundai Sonata electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 4, 2011, latest Apr 21, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
- NHTSA 15V759000Nov 16, 2015Electrical System304,900 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Electrical System complaints by Sonata model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?
- NHTSA lists 323 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Sonata, making up 21% of all 1,556 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata electrical system?
- There is a related recall, campaign 15V759000, covering a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate and leave the brake light switch plunger extended. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- Are the electrical problems dangerous?
- NHTSA data tied to this component includes 38 fires, 9 injuries, and 4 crashes for the 2012 Sonata, with electrical failures reported at a median mileage of 90,000.
- Is the 2012 Sonata worse than other Sonata years for electrical issues?
- The 2012 Sonata's electrical complaints made up 21% of its total complaints, similar to 2013 (20%) and 2018 (21%), and higher than 2016 (16%) and 2017 (11%), based on the year-by-year complaint data.