general problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

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.

Unknown, my esp keeps coming trying to see if it’s recall.

Based on what I experienced, the fire appears to have resulted from an internal mechanical or electrical failure that occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion. No prior issues or dashboard alerts were present at the time, and there was no external impact or damage that could explain the fire.

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 June 24, 2025, 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.

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 contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that various functions on the steering wheel including the horn, cruise control, and other electrical functions; all failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that a warranty had been placed on the vehicle for the clock spring which they linked to the failure. The steering wheel also began to stick soon after the diagnosis. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the dealer could not provide an appointment until months out. The contact then stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact began to pull over as the eps(electrical power steering) and several other warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. As the contact opened the door, a fellow motorist had also pulled over to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire. Soon after exiting the vehicle, the entire vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames. The fire department quickly arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact was not injured, no other occupants were inside the vehicle, and the contact was unsure if a fire or police report was filed. Some of the grass and trees in the area had caught fire as a result of the failure. The remains of the vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

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.

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?.

The brake lights keep going off, they have been replaced several times. The passenger airbag deployed on a stop sign and cracked the entire windshield. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to come off. Please help.

My vehicle sometimes stops on the highway. I get the alert hybrid system warning, do not drive. The dealership was charging over $8000 to fix the problem. They even told me they don't know if the problem will be solved after changing my oil pump.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulb socket had failed, and the mechanic determined that the passenger's side headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a goodwill repair. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

My brake lights are constantly needing replaced. Sometimes they stay on even when I'm not braking, other times they won't come on at all when I brake. I've gotten them replaced many times but it doesn't seem to fix the problem. I've almost gotten rear ended 3 times now bc my lights have failed to come on when hitting the brakes.

The abs (antilock brake system) or bms ( brake module system) warning light illumination came on flashing “do not drive “ and the brakes sieze-up making it impossible to drive. Key Hyundai in jacksonville previously charged me $2600 to replace the bms and within warranty. A few months later the same company charged me another $342. 56 to diagnose the same issue. I had to rent a car for $700 while in the service repair department. Key Hyundai was unable to fix my 2012 Sonata hybrid except offering me a replacement hybrid battery and control system for $12,900. I declined. I believe that the campaign 251 involves this problem. I had to get the car towed to another mechanic that is currently working on the vehicle.

I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.

This vehicle and many other same vehicles around the same year are experiencing hybrid system failure for no reason and when this happens the car shuts down and has almost caused multiple accidents by shutting down immediately and not driving. This vehicle has a brand new motor, transmission and battery.

Check engine lights on and says “warning do not drive the hybrid brakes may fail do not drive “.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, she heard a loud sound at the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact then stated that she was informed that the dealer, that the fuel hose was replaced, and the VIN was included in the VIN was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 18v934000 (engine) however, the contact was then informed by the dealer that the vehicle failed to start and diagnosed that the vehicle experienced unknown electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

I went to start my car up 10 days ago and it began to alarm with a message to check the brake system. My car was stuck and wouldn't drive. This also happened in July 2022 while I was on the highway. I could no longer accelerate and the gas pedal no longer gave power. I had to put on my hazard lights and coast to the far right lane. I took it to the Hyundai dealership near by and they said it wasn't safe to drive. I left it there and was told that Hyundai would replace the part in good faith at no charge but charged me $700 for labor. This is becoming a problem. I was told the car could catch fire while driving or while parked and that I could continue to drive it. I decided not to drive it because I do not feel safe.

Air bag light will not go off and has not been inspected by dealership. I was out here checking for any recall. I am in texas and can not get inspection/registration with this light on. Also I have front light out on driver side front and back, I have had to change bulbs several times have even replaced brake light assembly back in 2022 and light is burned out again as of right not 4/2024 dealership says that extended warranty will not be covered for burnt out brake lights because of aftermarket part. I have also a case with bbb auto and at this date 4/10/2024 no response.

While driving, the engine abruptly seized up and stopped without any warning. This was a replacement engine from a previous recall. The transmission warning light had illuminated the previous day, after which the car began to hesitate when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear but otherwise drove normally. When the engine seized up, every warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The car still had full battery power but the engine would not turn over or make any response when the key was turned. After placing the car in neutral and pushing it several blocks, the engine began to smoke. The smoke progressively and quickly worsened until fire was visible under the hood in the engine compartment. The engine compartment was then engulfed in fire which spread to the front of the passenger compartment. The car had to be extinguished by the local volunteer fire department.

While driving on the freeway, the hybrid system warning, safely stop and do not drive will alternately flash with check brake and continuously the alarm sound with the park brake red light. The car would loose acceleration, and the brake pedal goes to the floor when applied. Once stopped, I restarted the car and the same things happen. The car can accelerate on and off for about 5mph. Brake pedal still goes to the floor. After restarting the car for 30-minutes- 1 hour, there are no warning lights or alarm. The car can be driven again. I brought to independent mechanic and found the code c1604 and there’s a recall 251 on abs brake system- recommended to bring to dealer. Brought to dealer, they say that recall 251 had no fix yet. They diagnosed that the safety plug relay needs to be replaced. Dealer replaced it and said that the car is fixed. Pick up the car from the dealer. After 20 miles of driving the same problem occurred- hybrid system warning, safely stop and do not drive will alternately flash with check brake and continuously the alarm sound with the park brake red light. Had the car towed back to the dealer. After 2 days, the dealer says it’s possibly a transmission issue. I asked how come it wasn’t diagnosed the first time around? no clear response. Issue occurred 4 times already.

This is a 2012 Sonata hybrid. The vehicle popped under the hood when my wife was driving to visit her father. My son opened the hood and fire started shooting out from next to the exhaust manifold. The car was just into gurnee Hyundai for service. They had the car for a month and a half. I still don't think that they did anything when they had it. Anyway, the car burnt completely to the ground in the front engine area. I already contacted Hyundai America, and, even Hyundai and south korea. This happened on September 8th. I have pictures, I also have the warranty individual who inspected the car before the dealer worked on it, or I have the warranty information. They have the documentation.