2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V746000Dec 1, 2020128,948 vehicles
  ENGINE

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

  Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 4, 202515,000 miARFireTowedEngine

   The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH on the highway, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. No warning lights illuminated. The contact veered over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off, and she noticed smoke coming from the engine. A bystander behind her noticed the flames coming up from the engine. The contact mentioned she exited the vehicle and called 911. No injuries…

   NHTSA complaint #11684970 · source
2. Filed May 14, 2024145,000 miNMTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hybrid system and that the hybrid system needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was…

   NHTSA complaint #11588669 · source
3. Filed Aug 11, 2023ALEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Pull Over. Stop the Vehicle" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle became drivable after waiting 30 minutes to an hour. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11537898 · source
4. Filed Jul 10, 202355,000 miCATowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate up a hill, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Several attempts to restart and jumpstart the vehicle failed. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had failed due to metal shavings in…

   NHTSA complaint #11531444 · source
5. Filed Sep 22, 2022130,000 miVAEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was then depressed but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and the hybrid engine warning message was displayed and advised the driver to “Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” the vehicle. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11485913 · source
6. Filed Aug 26, 202268,000 miWITowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a catalytic converter and engine failure. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer replaced the engine; however, the failure reoccurred.…

   NHTSA complaint #11481409 · source
7. Filed May 24, 2022168,000 miFLEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated and the vehicle started losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and jolted. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact continued to drive at a slower speed however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving to her residence. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11465908 · source
8. Filed Mar 1, 2022155,000 miALTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the recall was serviced. Soon after the recalled pair, the "Hybrid System Warning Light, Safely Stop and Do Not Drive," warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer was notified…

   NHTSA complaint #11454689 · source
9. Filed Feb 17, 2022150,000 miCATowedEngine

   The contact's wife owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to his residence. The Customer Service Department was contacted and the representative suggested that the vehicle be taken to an…

   NHTSA complaint #11452448 · source
10. Filed Nov 12, 202199,612 miAZTowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal beeping sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that she pulled into a parking lot, parked, and turned off the vehicle. The next day the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the system hybrid module needed to…

    NHTSA complaint #11440255 · source
11. Filed Sep 3, 2021106,000 miGATowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an intermittent knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. A few months later, the engine began to overheat while driving at various speeds and a message stating "Do Not Drive, Please Pull Over" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that she needed an engine…

    NHTSA complaint #11431585 · source
12. Filed Aug 16, 202141,500 miMOEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the contact was unable to schedule a recall repair appointment with the dealer as the dealer would not return his phone calls. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that he had been hearing abnormal sounds coming from the engine while driving.…

    NHTSA complaint #11429276 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology