2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems
Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 44% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 97,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “engine seized” (12% of reports).
- 67engine complaints
- 97,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 65%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine seized: mentioned in 8 of 67 complaints (12%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 5 of 67 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 62 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 67 complaints, 4 a fire, 1 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata Hybrid | 1 | 11% | 15,395 |
| 2023 Sonata Hybrid | 7 | 47% | 34,000 |
| 2022 Sonata Hybrid | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2021 Sonata Hybrid | 21 | 38% | — |
| 2020 Sonata Hybrid | 8 | 50% | — |
| 2019 Sonata Hybrid | 3 | 60% | — |
| 2018 Sonata Hybrid | 5 | 56% | 47,000 |
| 2017 Sonata Hybrid | 45 | 56% | 70,500 |
| 2016 Sonata Hybrid | 73 | 55% | 80,000 |
| 2015 Sonata Hybrid | 19 | 35% | 48,250 |
| 2014 Sonata Hybrid | 12 | 43% | 68,092 |
| 2013 Sonata Hybrid | 40 | 37% | 90,500 |
| 2012 Sonata Hybrid | 67 | 44% | 97,000 |
| 2011 Sonata Hybrid | 40 | 42% | 94,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints about engine for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (44% of the 154 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 97,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The most frequent phrase is “engine seized”, in 8 of 67 complaints, followed by “motive power” (5).
See all 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems or engine problems across all Sonata Hybrid years.