2012 Hyundai Sonata electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 3, 2026GAFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Incident Date: August 14, 2024 Location: [XXX] Description of the Problem: The vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic fire without warning while in normal use. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The failure appears to have originated from the electrical system and/or engine (exact cause UNKNOWN), which resulted in the vehicle igniting unexpectedly. Safety Risk: This failure created an immediate…

   NHTSA complaint #11729048 · source
2. Filed Mar 23, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11726267 · source
3. Filed Feb 24, 2026237,532 miAZElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was discovered to be 98,000. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 99,000; however, a Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 237,532.

   NHTSA complaint #11720161 · source
4. 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
5. Filed Sep 26, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11689829 · source
6. 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
7. 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
8. Filed Jul 11, 2025VAAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine

   On [XXX] 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…

   NHTSA complaint #11672813 · 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 Jun 11, 2025GAFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11666360 · source
11. Filed Apr 13, 2025CTFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11654369 · source
12. Filed Feb 27, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11645253 · 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