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2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 71, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 12, 2021 · Engine · 99,612 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal beeping sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that she pulled into a parking lot, parked, and turned off the vehicle. The next day the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the system hybrid module needed to be updated. The contact stated that the system hybrid module was updated; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The warning message "Hybrid system Warning; Safely Stop and Do Not Drive", and the brake warning light and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 99,612.

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 Aug 16, 2021 · Engine · 41,500 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the contact was unable to schedule a recall repair appointment with the dealer as the dealer would not return his phone calls. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that he had been hearing abnormal sounds coming from the engine while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated the vehicle had been consuming a significant amount of gasoline. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 13, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle loss power and decelerated to 25 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Engine · 142,566 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and failed to accelerate above 45 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was like the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 142,566.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Engine · 72,000 miles · CO · fire

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle slowly start to lose motive power. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The dealer stated that they could not service the recall until the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Engine · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called roanoke auto sale (4125 melrose ave nw, roanoke, va 24017) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 23, 2021 · Engine · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Preston hyundai of boardman (7554 market st, boardman, oh 44512) and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 19, 2021 · Engine · 68,385 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal banging sound with the check oil warning light flashing on and off while the vehicle decelerated. The contact informed ganley hyundai of parma (7115 brookpark rd, parma, oh 44129) of the failure and of the recall notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) however, the part was not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 68,385. Vin tool confirms parts not available.*dt

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 Feb 1, 2021 · Engine · 112,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v750000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact then took the vehicle to rick case hyundai (3180 satellite blvd, duluth, ga 30096) where she was informed that the defect was related to a defective head gasket which the dealer insisted was not related to the recall. The dealer also informed her that the engine block had been replaced prior to her owning the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the issues detailed in the recall could lead to a potential blown head gasket, which she linked to the vehicle failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired, and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

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 Oct 13, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 117,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, an unknown warning light illuminated indicating to stop the vehicle do not drive. The vehicle was taken to clay cooley hyundai of mesquite (16230 lyndon b johnson fwy, mesquite, tx 75150) and was diagnosed that the fuel pump that go to the transmission failed and was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was picked up at the dealer and while leaving the dealer, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

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 Oct 16, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. While driving, the transmission failed and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to bob brady hyundai (4025 e boy rd, decatur, il 62526, (217) 876-3800) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken approximately seven times to the same dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the electrical component and the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. *dt

Filed Jul 14, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 165,000 miles · CA

While driving the car on the freeway, it will jerk forward and then shortly after lose power. The car shows the battery as being barely charged. I pull over (luckily haven't been killed yet) on the side of the freeway. Let the car sit for a few minutes, restart it and the battery is half full and the car is driveable. I've read online that this is a common issue with 2012 hyundai sonata hybrids. I've taken my car to a hyundai dealership twice, and they can't find anything wrong, diagnostics show its fine. The second time I took it in they replaced the battery located in my trunk for $485. That did nothing, as the car is still randomly shutting off, and most times in the most dangerous areas of the road. I don't think hyundai will do anything about this until numerous people are killed. Forgot to mention that sometimes when it shuts down the check oil light comes on. I've had the oil replaced and the oil sensor, so thats not the issue.

Filed Jun 11, 2019 · Engine · 104,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and an alarm noise was coming from the instrument panel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to taylor hyundai (located at 3233 washington rd, aguata, ga 30907, (706) 868-1200) where it was diagnosed that the third rod in the engine needed to be replaced and caused the engine to seize. The contact stated that the vehicle still remained at the dealer. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to rick case hyundai (located at 3180 satellite blvd nw, duluth, ga 30096, (678) 321-1584) to be diagnosed, but the cause the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that hybrids were supposed to operate in that manner. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 15688279. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2019 · Engine · 15 miles · AZ

Warning check charging system do not drive stop safety issue

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 4, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 12 miles · CA

Suddenly gave warning while driving not drive hybrid system failure. Please call me at [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

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 Jan 14, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 100,135 miles · CO

While driving the car will randomly rev very high it started about 3 weeka ago while driving at around an average of 45mph in city. It was initially just revving 3-4 times until I hit the break and it was isolated to one incident per drive. But last night after driving on I-25 at highway speed I turned to a slower busy street more stop and go traffic and the car started revving again only this time it did not stop after one incident. As soon as I hit the accelerator it went into a revving fit. And didnt stop I couldn't even drive it because I could not get it to accelerate. I tried turning off blue drive and tried shifting down to 1st gear so I could at least make it at 10-15mph but it revved up even in manual gear. I had to park it for the night in a pretty sketchy neighborhood and call an uber. The system didn't populate any codes and no service lights came on. Then, this morning when I went back to get the car to a mechanic and it was accelerating fine though it was sluggish. I managed to make it 2.5 miles to a mechanic without incident but still no service engine light.

Filed Jan 5, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 131,000 miles · CA

The car began lurching forward intermittently at highway speeds (65+ MPH) when travelling in a straight line on a flat highway on day 1, after 30 minutes of driving. On day 2, the car failed to shift gears at low speeds (<40 MPH) while decelerating downhill on a city street, after running normally for 30 minutes at highway speeds. It coasted slightly uphill in first gear to the destination on a city street, unable to accelerate from 5mph. It was towed ($88) to a mechanic where it failed a road test, and the transmission and clutch assembly were pronounced dead. A new transmission and clutch assembly were installed and the engine (odo 131,000+) failed to turn over. $650 in labor to diagnose and attempt repair/replacement. Repairs were estimated at $8,100 and the kbb value was less than $3,200. The car is otherwise in excellent condition and is being sold to a junk yard with new tires under it.

Filed Dec 16, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 80,000 miles · NV

While trying to accelerate at freeway speeds (50-60mph), the "eco guage" revs up but the car will not accelerate - slows down in the middle of traffic. The oil pressure warning lamp flickers on and off as well. After the car is stopped and turned off, the car functions normally. Mechanics are unable to retrieve any codes from the system. The car has intermittantly dropped into this mode at least 10 times since we first experienced the problem in july 2018. The problem occurs at freeway speeds causing the car to rapidly decelerate in fast moving traffic with no advance warnings. This situation requires immediate evasive action to remove the car from high speed traffic lanes so it can be shut down and towed to the hyundai dealer. My wife and I consider this a life-threatening situation as it has occurred in places such as the bay bridge (with no shoulder) and a lengthy underwater tunnel (again with no shoulder). We have taken it to the hyundai dealer service shop four times. They have replicated the problem and have tried various repairs - replace transmission oil pump, replace inhibitor switch, install new auxilliary battery, and - finally - replacing the transmission. Even after the transmission replacement, the car shut down while the mechanic was test driving it and provided a code to replace the crankshaft position sensor. The mechanics still are not certain they have fixed the problem. It appears as if hyundai is aware of the problem as their technical support staff have a protocol for repairing the car. Given the intermittant nature of the problem, the fact that it occurs at high speeds, and the potential danger of having your car rapidly decelerate on busy freeways, I think this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed by hyundai. Attached is the original service record that describes the problem (date 8/6/18). The most recent occurrence was 11/27/18.

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 61,000 miles · CA

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. This car is a safety hazard and I only have 61,000 miles and I only had the car for 9 months. I was told it was the transmission and the car is still in the shop trying to figure out what is wrong.

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 Sep 20, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 97,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and the "hybrid pull over soon" warning indicator flashed. The vehicle stalled and was able to be coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced. The dealer (dicksmith hyundai, 781 congaree rd, greenville, sc 29607) indicated that the motor assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from any recall campaigns. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise while driving approximately 55 MPH. In addition, the charging system warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to autonation hyundai mall of georgia (located at 3445 buford dr, buford, ga) where it was diagnosed that the compressor failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

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