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2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: engine failure

24 of the 155 complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid describe engine failure.

owner complaints
24
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
104,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 32 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed May 14, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 145,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hybrid system and that the hybrid system needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was not the original transmission, and the cooler was damaged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2022 · Engine · 68,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Engine · 106,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an intermittent knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. A few months later, the engine began to overheat while driving at various speeds and a message stating "Do Not Drive, Please Pull Over" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that she needed an engine replacement. The contact then had the vehicle towed an independent mechanic for a second opinion and he discovered that the engine was cracked, and that water had leaked into cylinder #2. The mechanic then informed her t that the vehicle had been placed under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and referred her to another dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to Five Star Hyundai of Macon (3010 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31210) where they attempted to perform the recall but was unsuccessful since coolant had leaked into all the cylinders. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2021 · Engine · 104,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while her son was driving the vehicle at approximately 60-65 MPH, various warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate, when the accelerator pedal was depressed however, he was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who informed him that the oil cap was missing, and there was no oil in engine. The independent mechanic replaced the cap, added oil to the vehicle, and advised her son to take the vehicle to a hyundai dealer. The vehicle was taken to keyes hyundai (5746 van nuys blvd, los angeles, ca 91401) where the failure was diagnosed as an engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer informed her that they needed to see her oil change service receipts. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine). The contact stated that she attempted to contact the hyundai manufacturer but was unable to speak to a representative. The failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Engine · 129,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle as well as upon acceleration, he had heard an abnormal fluttering noise emit from the engine, without warning. The contact then took the vehicle to st. Charles hyundai (5701 veterans memorial pkwy, st peters, mo 63376) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was dangerous to drive and that the engine could possibly lock up while driving. The dealer gave the contact a loaner vehicle while they attempted to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Engine · 130,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, an abnormal noise was present coming from the engine prior to the vehicle stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer ray brandt hyundai located at 1700 westbank expy, harvey, la 70058, who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v568000 (engine). The contact was informed that the same failure listed in the recall had occurred however, the hybrid sonata was not included. The failure mileage was 130,000. Invalid VIN.

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Engine · 104,543 miles · GA

Engine failed me while driving at the rate of speed 65 miles per hour on highway 20 returning from my myrtle beach vacation with me children and girlfriend with. We could have been killed the car just started decelerating as I was trying to pass another car. I had to think quick as there where semi tractors behind me I threw on my hazards and was able to give signal that I was in distress allowing other travelers to take heed. I then started moving into the left lane so that I could exit the highway the car at this point was just coasting and coasted into a gas station where I awaited road side towing. I have read several complaints here on the federal safety agency of similar incidents when will the consumers be protected against huge manufacturers we do all that were supposed to as far as maintaining our investment and then they try to stick the consumer with the bill in which they are will aware of had been manufactured with defects. I will never buy another hyundai product again in life and I will do everything in my power to make sure no one I know does either. For them not do whats right by your customers will in the end cost them way more. My vehicle came with an extended warranty and they are also trying to get out of replacing the faulty engine either way consumers think there doing everything right maintenance and warranty and still some how the big guys get off the hook of honoring there end of the deal. Its very disheartening to say the least. I have provide a very in depth letter to what work has been done on my vehicle and if you need to I am sure that all my maintenance records can be retrieved from carfax. Please please advise on what other measures I can take

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Engine · 93,000 miles · TX · fire

Engine fire, non collision. Just driving down the highway. No warning lights came on until engine quit running. Lost power and engine became extremely hot. Had to tow to mechanic who said engine might have caught fire and I would need new engine.

Filed Feb 3, 2019 · Engine · 115,000 miles · AZ

Engine blew a rod spontaneously while on the freeway. Going 75 miles an hour and heard a loud clicking sound that resulted in engine failure. No warning lights or indicators until after the engine seized. Left us stranded and in danger. Engine regularly maintained and no warning indicators or reason to have the car looked at prior to the event. Towed back to mechanic where he explained the engine rod had blown and damaged the engine and would require a completely new engine as a result. It's a hybrid and does not fall under the recall as of now but it's the exact same situation as the non hybrid versions.I only found out from the mechanic that there has been a problem with 2012 hyundai sonata engines.

Filed Oct 31, 2018 · Engine · 38,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an oil change a week prior to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to jim burke automotive (1301 5th ave n, birmingham, al 35203, (205) 549-9387) where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, less than a year after the engine was replaced the failure recurred. The contact stated that currently the vehicle was still at the dealer. The contact stated that the engine was scheduled to be replaced for a second time in november of 2018. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2018 · Engine · 65,000 miles · PA

Engine shook and engine seized on a busy 65 MPH highway. . Warning light came on to pull over and not drive. Car was towed to nearest hyundai dealer. Has been at service dept awaiting a new engine for 3 months. This vehicle was not part of an engine recall, yet hyundai always claims in media reports that the affected vehicles have been recalled. This vehicle is a hybrid and hyundai needs to recall these cars as well, because the engine is having the same exact issue!

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Engine · 105,207 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. While driving 65 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that the vehicle went into hybrid mode and only traveled 5 MPH. In addition, the hybrid battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to huffines hyundai plano (909 coit road, plano, tx 75075, 469‑685‑1543) where it was confirmed that the engine seized, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,207.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported December 1, 2020 · 128,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Recall number 20V746000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

24 of 155 owner complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (15%) mention engine failure. 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 32 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Stalling 17Check engine light 15Jerking 15Transmission failure 10Knocking 9Fire or smoke 8Hesitation 8Brake failure 7Won't start 7Grinding brakes 6Loss of power 6ABS 5Adaptive cruise 5Sudden acceleration 5

All model years of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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