2012 Hyundai Sonata Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 235about this part
- Share
- 15%of 1,558 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 235 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, 15% of the 1,558 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 32 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My passenger rear light keeps blowing. I have replaced the bulb once a week since I bought the car two years ago. I have been pulled over multiple times, thankfully I was not ticketed and was given a warning all 3 times. The light went out again so I went to change the bulb and the the whole housing unit is melted. Now I am unable to take the bulb out to change it.”
NHTSA complaint #11406847, filed 2021-04, 138,000 miles“I was in motion on the interstate and service engine light popped on and it was told it ended up being the camshaft. On my way to shop the next day my car cut off on the interstate and everything worked but car would not crank. Was told it was engine. I had no warning and yes my oil had been changed.”
NHTSA complaint #11407378, filed 2021-04, 158,000 miles“The vehicle does not start as it doesn't recognize the key fob. My daughters and wife have been stranded on different occasions as they were not able to start the car. Something is wrong with the electrical as the engine does not recognize the key. I am scared to take the car on long trips as this happens frequently and it can take up to 20 attempts before the engine starts. Please help!!”
NHTSA complaint #11321554, filed 2020-04, 100,000 miles“My son was using my car and noticed that it was starting without applying the brake. I have always pressed the brake before pushing the start button, otherwise, the care would not start. After having this brought to my attention, I tried it and it did the same thing....started without applying the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #11219669, filed 2019-06, 144,000 miles“When stopping or pulling out when depressing gas pedal it will not accelerate from time to time im afraid to drive the car due to trying to pull out if it doesnt go I could get hit by un coming traffic,also there is something wrong with electrical system I have change one light every month since I have owned the car either a headlight brake light or tail light”
NHTSA complaint #10957851, filed 2017-03, 123,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026704Dec 19, 2025In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at…
- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made…
- 11027033Dec 15, 2025This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 11000314May 9, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 10251282Feb 12, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10251276Feb 1, 2024This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system…
- 10251275Feb 1, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249707Jan 22, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 19 | 40% |
| 2023 | 12 | 14% |
| 2022 | 17 | 18% |
| 2021 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 40 | 22% |
| 2019 | 12 | 7% |
| 2018 | 60 | 16% |
| 2017 | 65 | 8% |
| 2016 | 89 | 12% |
| 2015 | 167 | 14% |
| 2014 | 135 | 18% |
| 2013 | 261 | 14% |
| 2012 | 235 | 15% |
| 2011 | 444 | 13% |
| 2010 | 16 | 5% |
| 2009 | 61 | 13% |
| 2008 | 32 | 8% |
| 2007 | 51 | 7% |
| 2006 | 86 | 8% |
| 2005 | 19 | 12% |
| 2004 | 17 | 8% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 23 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 37 | 13% |
| 1999 | 11 | 9% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 22% |
| 1995 | 8 | 12% |
| 1993 | 7 | 27% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1991 | 5 | 17% |
| 1990 | 3 | 19% |
| 1989 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
567 complaintsSteering
301 complaintsAir bags
170 complaintsBrakes
158 complaintsExterior lighting
141 complaintsOther or unknown
125 complaintsFuel system
114 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsVehicle speed control
84 complaintsSeat belts
75 complaintsBody and structure
39 complaintsSuspension
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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