2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,630miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 3% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,630 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While slowly moving downhill, on the freeway, during rush hour traffic, I attempted to change lanes and accelerated quickly. The switch from hybrid to gas engine interface only caused the engine to rev (increase RPM) without any gear being engaged. I quickly let off the peddle and depressed it again. It then engaged the transmission, narrowly averting an accident. This has happened 5-6 times since purchasing this car when traveling slowly and then trying to get a burst from the gas engine. I spoke with the dealership, and took it in for a check per their recommendation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489701, filed 2012-12, 7,450 miles“The car was at a stop light and burst into flames, all of the sonatas have this problem, all sonatas will at the least burn up the engines, transmissions, or batteries due to this problem. Out of 35 sonatas tested 35 had this problem. Contacted Hyundai USA, Hyundai fullerton, Hyundai consumer complaint line and they refuse to do anything about it . …”
NHTSA complaint #10650584, filed 2014-10, 77,259 miles“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 pulled over and turned off the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11485913, filed 2022-09, 130,000 miles“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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11481409, filed 2022-08, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10240082Jul 11, 2023A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased…
- 10227320Nov 3, 2022Certain vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise, or no crank/no start condition related to…
- 10227317Nov 3, 2022Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or…
- 10227316Nov 3, 2022The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from…
- 10227313Nov 3, 2022Op code/part number (reference guide for service campaign t6g)
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10211675Apr 28, 2022The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage or malfunction is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended…
- 10211667Apr 28, 2022Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine…
- 10211666Apr 28, 2022Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
68 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
5 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 29, 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