2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 16%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,340miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 16% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,340 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was backing out of the driveway and the check brake warning started going off. The brake pedal went to the floor. The whole system of the car shut down. My hydraulic unit failed and they will not cover it under warranty. Thank god I wasn't driving when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11149748, filed 2018-11, 90,132 miles“I have had to change my break lights 8 times since january. Both my rear left and right brake lamps keep burning out constantly, even though I've replaced the bulbs many times. I have now received 2 warnings about it. I have taken my car into Hyundai and after a lot of frustration they do a temporary fix then it happens again. This is huge safety issue, as brake lights are required by law, and if they aren't working properly, they pose a huge risk to driver and those around. Other sonatas are on recall for this but I am being told my VIN does not qualify. …”
NHTSA complaint #11110316, filed 2018-07, 120,000 miles“I was driving at about 55 MPH on the expressway with the cruise control engaged. Suddenly there was a loud dinning and the panel on the dash flashed hybrid safety warning , brake failure . The care would not accelerate. I was able to pull over onto the shoulder. The car would not go over 5 MPH. I pulled off of the expressway as best I could. I then shut the engine down. I restarted the engine and the warning was gone. I took side roads home, but the warning did not return. The total failure of engine power was a very dangerous situation. I took the car in to the dealer on 4/21/14. …”
NHTSA complaint #10584709, filed 2014-04, 6,700 miles“When the car was started a beeping alarm sounded with a warning stating that there was a brake failure. Yellow triangle with black exclamation point also warning me not to drive. Brakes had severe grinding when trying to move. This is the second time that this has happened to the car. First time was approximately a year ago. I was originally told then that there may have been a hydraulic problem but then told that it was a bad connection somewhere. Waited approximately 15 minutes and car starts with out a problem. My fear is that the brakes will lock or fail while I'm driving on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10594158, filed 2014-05, 62,085 miles“2 major problems with this car. One is a brake issue and one is transmission issue I do have approximately 160k on the car now. The transmission issue goes back to when the car had approximately 40 to 50 k on it and was taken to dealer because of severe banging from one gear to another.. Periodically it has done this since then..dealer could not get it to do it.. And said it could be normal.. Car is well taken care of and now needs transmission..brakes have done wierd things. …”
NHTSA complaint #11187140, filed 2019-03, 160,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra…Covers: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011–2015, Tucson 2010–2013, 2015, Elantra 2011–2015 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10173552Mar 30, 2020This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to electric A/C compressors equipped in hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid…
- 10173548Mar 25, 2020If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 8% |
| 2015 | 14 | 26% |
| 2014 | 11 | 39% |
| 2013 | 26 | 24% |
| 2012 | 25 | 16% |
| 2011 | 17 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
68 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology