2012 Hyundai Sonata brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 2, 2026130,000 miAZTowedBrakes

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check brake and "Hybrid System Warning Safely Stop - Do Not Drive" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact replaced the hydraulic pressure units and hydraulic unit assemblies (HECU/ABS modules). The contact stated that after the repairs, the failure returned approximately 30,000 miles later.…

   NHTSA complaint #11715039 · source
2. Filed Nov 29, 2025FLFireBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11701989 · source
3. Filed Oct 5, 2025FLFireBrakesEngine

   Driving came to a stop ,light turned green made a U-turn to go to the gas station heard a pop noise smoke came from inside the car tried stopping it but the brake pedal sunk into the ground pressed my emergency brake it was seized wouldn’t go down (never had that issue my brakes always work ) I smelled brake fluid and seen the abs light on the dash then the power started to go out and my girlfriend almost got trapped in the car

   NHTSA complaint #11691470 · source
4. Filed Oct 1, 2025100,000 miNVTowedBrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The engine and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local…

   NHTSA complaint #11690830 · source
5. Filed Sep 26, 2025ILBrakes

   The part of hand break assembly that’s inside the disk break (the drum assembly) fell off when the dealer ( [XXX] Hyundai, Schaumburg, IL) tried to adjusted. I went to the dealer because the hand break stop to function. I suspect very bad design of the whole assembly disk and drum break. Also the dealer stated that all assembly was rusted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11690018 · source
6. Filed Sep 5, 2025VAAirbagsBrakesEngine

   With no warning my car left me sit on the side of the road and when started the engine made an awful knocking noise. Hyundai denied to replace the engine despite there being at least 2 engine recalls. When I asked why they said it was due to no maintenance records so I provided them with maintenance records like they requested and then they deny it again and say they aren’t replacing the engine because the problem with my engine had nothing to do with the 2 engine recalls my…

   NHTSA complaint #11685368 · source
7. Filed Aug 15, 2025MOFire1 injuredBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11680813 · source
8. Filed Jul 12, 2025MOBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   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!

   NHTSA complaint #11673042 · source
9. Filed Jul 8, 2025ILBrakesElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11671946 · source
10. Filed Dec 29, 2024GABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    In October of 2023, I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to the laundry mat about a quarter of a mile from my home. I stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, a warning sound burst from my dasher board. The message stated, "Hybrid Warning-DO NOT DRIVE: CHECK BRAKES". The brakes completely stopped working, the pedal was to the floor and the accelerator was stalling. After managing to get the vehicle back to my home, naturally I went to the Dealership (Langdale…

    NHTSA complaint #11632938 · source
11. Filed Nov 20, 2024GABrakes

    ACTIVE HYDRAULIC BOOSTER failed while driving. 2012 with 114,000 miles on it. Brand new engine and transmission installed from prior recalls. Hyundai dealership said it was covered under anything and would cost $5K to get fixed.

    NHTSA complaint #11626344 · source
12. Filed Sep 29, 2024OKBrakesLightingAcceleration & Cruise Control

    The driver side seat belt wont click and stay in almost half the time i drive my car… after reading other complaints its looking like this is a common thing. Within the past year ive noticed lots of times that when im going to lock my car with my fob, it wont lock and its because the passenger side lock button on the inside of door is in a stuck between lock/unlock position… resulting in me having to lean over to manually unlock the door even when I’ve unlocked my car with…

    NHTSA complaint #11617074 · 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