2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 44%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 44% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 4 a fire, 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.
“Driving along the highway when I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine while returning home the sound got louder, then I lost control of the vehicle. I regain some control and pulled over on the side of the road. I realized that all the oil leaked out and there were some metal parts on the road. Took it to the dealer when they told me a rod fell through the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11013486, filed 2017-08, 63,000 miles“My vehicle blew a piston rod while I was driving down the highway on cruise control doing 2000 RPM's. I have always kept up on the maintenance with this car but when I had it towed to the dealership they are saying that it was my fault. They do have an open recall on my year, make, model and engine size but not my VIN. I have done my research online and I have found other cases like this. The car only has 69,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10870404, filed 2016-05, 69,000 miles“04/20/16 ' mileage 71585 ' check engine light came on while driving, engine made loud noises ' had towed to Hyundai ' engine needs to be replaced we purchased the 2012 Hyundai sonanta hybrid pre-owned vehicle may 17, 2014 with 17128 miles on it. This is the history of our 'check engine' lights 05/26/14 ' mileage 54114 ' the evap purge valve was leaking. 11/13/15 ' mileage 63071 ' said there was a past code for a misfire and was no longer active 12/2/15 ' mileage 64087 ' sparkplugs have carbon build up.”
NHTSA complaint #10863102, filed 2016-05, 71,585 miles“While driving the vehicle on side street we heard a knocking noise. We had our car towed to local mechanic where they diagnosed engine rod failure. Car was well maintained with oil changes. Oil and clean and full when error occurred. No warning lights or check engine light ever alerted. Had vehicle towed to romero Hyundai was purchased. They confirmed diagnosis and advised to call customer care as the vehicle previously had 10 visits to dealership for other failures. Over the last month customer care has not been able to assist.”
NHTSA complaint #11054121, filed 2017-12, 97,000 miles“After I exited the freeway while traveling to my mothers on thanksgiving day I was stopped at a light to turn left onto a street and when I tried to go the car would not move I had to push the gas peddle all the way down and when it finally went it jumped/jerked really bad which almost caused me to hit the car in front of me and after that it was going really slow. 2 days prior the car was lagging while slowing down to break seemed like the system wasn't reading that I want to slow down and stop which again almost caused me to have an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11155826, filed 2018-12, 61,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The…Covers: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011–2013, 2016, Veloster 2015–2016, Santa FE 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11030331Mar 26, 2026This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing…
- 11030330Mar 26, 2026This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing…
- 11006829Aug 19, 2024Hyundai 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…
- 10165455Aug 12, 2019If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid…
- 10160102Apr 19, 2019This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to electric A/C compressors equipped in hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid…
- 10110937Mar 9, 2017Some Veloster (FS) and Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) vehicles may experience a check engine warning light ON with any of the following DTCs found stored: ? P0442 - Evaporative System…
- 10117922Jan 13, 2017Hyundai has launched a service campaign to inspect and if needed, repair the evaporative emissions canister and bracket on certain model year 2011? 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 11% |
| 2023 | 7 | 47% |
| 2022 | 2 | 11% |
| 2021 | 21 | 38% |
| 2020 | 8 | 50% |
| 2019 | 3 | 60% |
| 2018 | 5 | 56% |
| 2017 | 46 | 57% |
| 2016 | 73 | 55% |
| 2015 | 19 | 35% |
| 2014 | 12 | 43% |
| 2013 | 40 | 37% |
| 2012 | 68 | 44% |
| 2011 | 40 | 42% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
31 complaintsBrakes
25 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 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