CarModelProblems.com

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
153Complaints
6Recalls
2Crashes
5Fires
2Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (43.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 3.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine67 · 43.8%RecalledRecall 20V746000
Power Train28 · 18.3%not available
Electrical System22 · 14.4%not available
Vehicle Speed Control13 · 8.5%not available
Service Brakes12 · 7.8%RecalledRecall 23V651000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11 · 7.2%RecalledRecall 23V651000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE67 · 43.8%
POWER TRAIN28 · 18.3%
Unspecified / other15 · 9.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 8.5%
SERVICE BRAKES12 · 7.8%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC11 · 7.2%
STEERING10 · 6.5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5 · 3.3%
STRUCTURE:BODY4 · 2.6%

Percentages are the share of the 153 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 6 campaigns

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 2020 · reported 12/01/2020

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical

NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 2020 · reported 07/02/2020

An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 17V617000 · 2017 · reported 10/04/2017

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 18V137000 · 2018 · reported 02/27/2018

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:front:anchorage

NHTSA campaign 17V152000 · 2017 · reported 03/08/2017

In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 2023 · reported 09/22/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“ENGINE BLEW A ROD SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. GOING 75 MILES AN HOUR AND HEARD A LOUD CLICKING SOUND THAT RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE…”NHTSA complaint 11173828 — filed 02/03/2019 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY REV VERY HIGH IT STARTED ABOUT 3 WEEKA AGO WHILE DRIVING AT AROUND AN AVERAGE OF 45MPH IN CITY…”NHTSA complaint 11169886 — filed 01/14/2019 · ENGINE
“THE CAR BEGAN LURCHING FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (65+ MPH) WHEN TRAVELLING IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON A FLAT HIGHWAY ON DAY 1, AFTER…”NHTSA complaint 11165369 — filed 01/05/2019 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

42012122820141116201618462018284202017820226142024132026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 67 of 153 NHTSA complaints (43.8%), followed by power train (28), electrical system (22), unspecified/other issues (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?

153 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V746000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.