There are 50 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Sonatain NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
While I was driving my car wouldn’t go no higher than 60mph and kept dropping speed but I came to a stop and when I stopped the car was smoking. I heard knocking noise and rumbling noise on the passenger side. It wouldn’t start again
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was discovered to be 98,000. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 99,000; however, a Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 237,532.
came off the highway to a stop sign went turn and the engine just seized and would not start no matter what I did. had to have it towed to my house. safety risk was just off the road so i did not get hit. police stop and told me to get a tow truck. and no warning signs at all
I started the car, put it into gear and then the breaks wouldn’t work. The car dash said something like check breaks hybrid system failure do not drive. There is not recall on my car but the Hyundai service department doesn’t know how to fix it. This is the second time it’s happened. I’m scared to drive it. Please investigate!
I drive a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited. After a recent fill-up, I began experiencing delayed acceleration, engine hesitation, and what appears to be misfiring—especially at low throttle. Most notably, the brake lights stay illuminated even when the car is turned off, which drains the battery and poses a major safety hazard. I scanned the vehicle with an OBD-II scanner and received code P0504, which points to a brake light switch malfunction. I also noticed that pressing the start button with my foot off the brake still starts the engine instead of going into accessory mode—confirming abnormal brake signal behavior. I replaced the brake light switch, which temporarily fixed the issue, but the symptoms returned within a day. After researching, I found there was a recall (NHTSA 15V759000) for a nearly identical issue involving the brake light switch and stopper pad. However, my VIN is not listed, even though I am experiencing the same safety-critical symptoms. This issue poses a significant safety risk on the road, and I believe my vehicle should be included in the affected population of the recall or issued a Technical Service Bulletin extension.
On [XXX] while driving approximately 1.5 hours away from home, a warning message appeared on my dashboard stating: “Hybrid System Warning. Stop and Do Not Drive.” I immediately pulled over and contacted my insurance company, who arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealership (Thomas Hyundai in Cumberland). The warning clearly indicated that it was not safe to continue driving. Later, I found out that the issue reported (recall 198) have presented cases ending with fire of the engine. It is critical to mention that in January 2025, I attended the official manufacturer recall for this vehicle, which was supposed to ensure safety and reliability. Despite this, the vehicle failed and left me stranded in an unsafe area. Since then, I have been without my vehicle for over three weeks. I contacted Hyundai customer care and opened a case. I was repeatedly told a case manager would call me within three business days, but I never received any follow-up until I insisted. I was eventually assigned a case manager named Snowy, and also remained in contact with the dealership. On several occasions, both Snowy and the dealership assured me that the vehicle would be ready by Thursday, July 10 and that It was not until then that I could start to request a reimbursement for my rental expenses. I repeatedly asked for confirmation because I am renting a car at my own expense in order to go to work and manage my life. However, on Thursday, July 10, I called again and was told the vehicle would instead be ready by Tuesday, July 15. Then, on Friday, July 11, I received an email stating that the engine had just arrived, and that the dealership was only now able to begin repairs. After that, and only once the car is finished, Hyundai will “review” the case and determine whether I qualify for reimbursement. This is unacceptable. I have been without a vehicle for over three weeks, forced to rent a car entirely at my own expense. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Hybrid system malfunction Do not Drive warning light comes on while driving and stalls out the car
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my [XXX] Daughter was using my car to go to work. When she called us and informed my husband that the car did not start. At that point he asked to video call him so that he can visually see what was going on. She was directed to turn on the car again at and that point, the car started then smoke was noticed from coming out of the hood. My daughter managed to open the hood where flames emerged from the center of the engine. She then ran in the house to get a fire extinguisher and managed to put it out and it reignited. She then made a second attempt with another fire extinguisher where it briefly subsided and then grew larger. At that point the fire dept arrived and successfully extinguished the fire and deemed the car totaled after the Fire Marshall carefully inspected the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When driving. Slow down to turn or to use round about car goes into EV. When i go to accelerate the gas motor will not re engage and the hybrid alarm system will go off. I lose all power to go any where. I have to pull over shut my car off give it a min then restart so the motor will come back on so i can drive again. I have to do this mulitple time in a 20 mile drive.
I was driving I seen smoke then full flames on my windshield and I tried to stop and put my car in park to get out but my brakes stopped working and I couldn’t get the gear in park so I opened the driver door and had to jump out of the car .I had an engine replacement a year before for it being recalled and police and firefighters were on scene after incident
The starter has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 years. I know this is a hyundai problem because talking to other Hyundai owners have the same issue.
Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Incident Date: August 14, 2024 Location: [XXX] Description of the Problem: The vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic fire without warning while in normal use. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The failure appears to have originated from the electrical system and/or engine (exact cause UNKNOWN), which resulted in the vehicle igniting unexpectedly. Safety Risk: This failure created an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard to all occupants. The vehicle caught fire suddenly, leaving no time to react or prevent injury. There was no crash or external cause associated with this fire. The incident required emergency response from Butts County Fire and Emergency Services, who generated an official report. Injuries and Trauma: My son suffered burn injuries to his fingers, requiring emergency medical treatment. There is neurological damage to the fingertips, indicating lasting physical injury. In addition, my son experienced significant psychological trauma due to sudden exposure to a life-threatening vehicle fire, including acute emotional distress during the incident and ongoing fear associated with vehicle safety. This demonstrates the extreme danger posed by a sudden, unpreventable vehicle fire. Inspection / Confirmation: The incident was documented by Butts County Fire and Emergency Services. At this time, manufacturer inspection is UNKNOWN, dealer inspection is UNKNOWN, and insurance inspection is UNKNOWN. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the fire. The failure occurred suddenly and without notice. Defect Pattern Concern: This incident is consistent with known issues involving Hyundai Sonata vehicles, including engine and electrical system failures and reports of vehicle fires. This complaint is submitted to request a formal investigation. Prior Hyundai fire defects reported for this model. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Butts County Fire and Emergency Services made a report about the car catching on fire. There was an electrical problem and/or the engine caught on fire. My son’s fingers got burned and he was taking to the emergency room. Further neurological damage done to all of his finger tips. No warning car just blew up in fire. My son’s fingers could have died during the car fire.
The rear tail lights repeatedly "burn out" and have to be replaced. This endangers me and other drivers when the tail lights are not working. The police have told me to fix it. I took it to the dealer who said it will cost $900 to replace wiring. Hyundai has issued an extended warranty (no recall) for this problem but will only fix it if the wires have melted. I believe this is manufacturer defect that they should repair.
On July 29, 2024, my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was parked in our driveway. About 10 minutes later an engine fire started that consumed the car. The local Fire Departmemt put out the fire but the car was totaled. The fire also destroyed a storage shed and some windows were damaged. The car was taken to the Hyundai Dealer for servicing when the engine light came on on March of 2024. The car was left for a few days with the dealer. The NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000 was not repaired during that service call.
The hybrid warning system came on. The ready light is blinking and beeping. The car is jerking
Check engine light comes on, brake system malfunction warning message appears and says to pull over, vehicle goes into limp mode. Hyundai dealership says $150 to diagnose problem.
I’ve been having issues with my Gas Gauge not recognizing how much gas I have in my car. I can fill my tank up, and the gas light constantly stays on. I’ve been looking online and came across other Hyundai owners having the same problem. I also have been having what seems to be an electrical issue where my passenger door, does not open and it’s intermittent which also seems to be connected to why my car ceiling light won’t turn on all the time. Lastly, I have to constantly change the head light bulbs and the break light bulb. I’ve owned my car for 3 1/2 years now, and I shouldn’t have to keep having to put money into it when it seems to be a known issue.
Saying check brakes and safely pull over hybrid battery failure
•brake failure •this has happened at indiscriminate times including the highway, suddenly the car tells me to stop driving and the brakes don’t work as they should, no telling this would happen until it occurs. When pressing brakes, a loud noise rumbles through the car and I am no longer able to drive at any speed higher than 5 mph (an issue for being on the road) risk of possible collision as this happens suddenly and gives short time to take action •UKNOWN •was inspected by local dealer, they said it was the primary pressure sensor which is a part of the Hydraulic brake booster pump. They wanted to replace the entire hydraulic unit even though it was only the sensor that was faulty and it would cost me $3,503.61 which is an ABSURD price for an electrical issue that I did not see coming at all and it is a robbery of regular people who need their cars to get to the places they need to be (work and family) this is NOT a luxury, I need my car •no warning signs or lights until the issue actually occurred. The only light that showed was the ABS lights, maybe it’s linked to the recall about the brake fluid leaking causing fires?
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026