2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid well maintained by original owner, under 130,000 miles. May of 2025 AC stopped working intermittently (Hyundai dealer replaced AC hose). Aug 2025 AC stopped working AGAIN (same dealer could NOT identify problem). Car has consistent Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive messages lights and sirens when braking. Code PA186 comes up (low state of charge code for hybrid battery). December 2025 brought car back to SAME Hyundai dealer who NOW says car suddenly needs a 10k transmission (BUT still no idea what PA186 code is related to). Got transmission drained at different shop and NO NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED! Every repair shop OUTSIDE OF HYUNDAI who has scanned for codes gets the PA186 error and say it is related to HYBRID BATTERY LOW STATE OF CHARGE (I am the original owner THUS lifetime hybrid battery warranty). June 2026 different Hyundai dealer for repair of AC and PA186 code. NEW Hyundai dealer says AC issue is NOT related to the PA186 code. They still dont know what PA186 code is but want to charge me $5100 for engine wiring harness electrical short. SIDE NOTE!! Engine wiring harness electrical short is known issue for ABS module recall 251 for this car. Hyundai has denied the engine wiring harness electrical short repair as part of ABS recall 251 warranty and STILL cant tell me why Hybrid System Warning Lights and PA186 code is come on. Is electrical issue really harness or HYBRID battery?? Car is currently at Hyundai dealer.
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: ABS light or ABS activating
5 of the 155 complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
- 20191
- 20174
- 20163
- 20153
- 20142
- 20131
- 20125
- 20114
What owners say
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted every ten minutes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced by the dealer and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was completed. The contact stated that the failure was present prior to the recall repair being performed. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred a week after the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS and hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that was previously performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact the failure was not related to the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 151,020.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check brake and hybrid system message was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the ABS activated inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that unknown parts needed to be replaced; however, the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and the parking brake light was illuminated. The message "hybrid system warning - stop do not drive and check brakes” was displayed and the brake pedal was extended to the floorboard while depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the ABS braking system however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake...
- This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to electric...
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a “Check Engine” light on and one or more of the DTC...
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Recall number 23V651000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
5 of 155 owner complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (3%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Engine failure 24Stalling 17Check engine light 15Jerking 15Transmission failure 10Knocking 9Fire or smoke 8Hesitation 8Brake failure 7Won't start 7Grinding brakes 6Loss of power 6Adaptive cruise 5Sudden acceleration 5
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