Two problems related to brake light switch have been reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata based on all problems reported for the 2012 Sonata.
Recall #15v759000, dated 11/16/15 for 2011-2012 Sonata's built between certain dates. My car fell outside of those dates with a January 3, 2012 date. However my 2012 Sonata, VIN number 5npec4ac3ch447491 is having the exact same problem. How many others out there with Sonatas built after the June 30,2011 cutoff date are having the problem as well. As for me, I was first alerted by other drivers that could not determine when I was braking or not that I had a problem with the ability to retain a charge on my battery due to the brake lights staying illuminated, draining the battery charge, 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. As known, these conditions increase the risk of a crash and harm to indidvidiuals, up to and including death. I suggest this be researched for the need to repair this problem on the 2012 Sonatas that were continued to be built after 6/30/2011. Thank you.
Around 60,000 miles, my driver's side brake light harness melted and had to be replaced. Around 80,000 miles, my passenger brake light harness melted and had to be replaced. Around the same time, 80,000 miles, my automatic door lock master switch began failing. I'm wondering if there's an electrical flaw causing these problems. Perhaps the writing doesn't hold up in hot climates, I live in a desert where the car is subject to temperature up to 140f as it is parked in direct sunlight. I notice more malfunction with locks on extremely hot days.