2012 Hyundai Sonata: battery drain or dead battery

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Lights · TX

My car has a problem whith the break lamps, the sockets that hold the bulbs are melting and they have deformed making it hard to replace the fused bulbs. Also the brake light stay on even after the engine is off draining the Battery and causing a short circuit.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · IL

I drive a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited. After a recent fill-up, I began experiencing delayed acceleration, engine hesitation, and what appears to be misfiring—especially at low throttle. Most notably, the brake lights stay illuminated even when the car is turned off, which drains the battery and poses a major safety hazard. I scanned the vehicle with an OBD-II scanner and received code P0504, which points to a brake light switch malfunction. I also noticed that pressing the start button with my foot off the brake still starts the engine instead of going into accessory mode—confirming abnormal brake signal behavior. I replaced the brake light switch, which temporarily fixed the issue, but the symptoms returned within a day. After researching, I found there was a recall (the federal safety agency 15V759000) for a nearly identical issue involving the brake light switch and stopper pad. However, my VIN is not listed, even though I am experiencing the same safety-critical symptoms. This issue poses a significant safety risk on the road, and I believe my vehicle should be included in the affected population of the recall or issued a Technical Service Bulletin extension.

Filed Feb 2, 2023 · Lights · 180,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the brake light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had been draining the battery. The contact stated that the battery, the alternator, and the starter were replaced with the assistance of a friend. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2022 · Brakes, Lights · PA

Brake lights stay on when the car is turned off. It is draining the battery and I cannot drive the car. No Hyundai dealers near me have availability until October or after.

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · FL

On 05/26/21 this vehicle was taken to crown hyundai for an engine recall and was not running. In fact, since purchased at the auction it has never ran more than 30 feet then suts off. Tech said, computer responded with a faulty wheel sensor, a dead battery, and fault ABS sensor. I picked up the car and put new battery in it, and a left rear wheel sensor and reported by hyundai. Our mechanic said take back to hyundai to reset the ABS sensor, so on06/24/21 we did return the vehicle to crown hyundai and was tolk now they could not set the sensor as the battery was the wrong type, now a code for a flap door and an allegation of the vehicle being wrecked in the front end causing door damage. My right headlight has always been loose but no damage. Now the computer says the door plap and front bumper damage is causing 30 more defaults to pop up my wrecker driver will tell you the car was not driving but would start and move until sensor shut down. Now it will not start or move and more sensors are being shown.. Service manager said ,, I cannot tell you not to fix it, but there are more codes poping up now... There is something wrong with this picture... He said he has several more hydrid's sitting in the back that also show many codes.

Filed Apr 8, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 127,491 miles · TX

I took the affected vehicle to the dealer and they advised they did not have the tool to check the engine connecting rod. The vehicle had a dead battery and the dealer did some other work on the vehicle including a tune up and fuel induction and replaced a leaking valve cover gasket .the cost was $1009.01 the repairs were done under the name of [xxx] ,the original owner. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 2, 2020 · Brakes, Fuel system · 135,000 miles · CA

Having purchased the aforementioned VIN last month, the break lights stay on even tho the car is off, thus draining the battery. With a heightened fear of being rear-ended, or worse, for the now we disconnect the battery cable. Also, the car wants to stall when stepping on the gas pedal, the acceleration is delayed, this at any speed. Fearful of the engine catching afire, we appreciate post haste.

Filed Jun 17, 2020 · Brakes · 135,000 miles · CA

The brake pedal dosnt retract and the brake lights don't work and this condition drains the battery at night while it's parked.

Filed Apr 30, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 175,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata. When the contact exited the vehicle, the rear brake lights failed to turn off. As a result, the battery died and the vehicle failed to restart. In addition, the traction control and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 175,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2018 · Lights · 108,520 miles · TX

Recall #15v759000, dated 11/16/15 for 2011-2012 sonata's built between certain dates. My car fell outside of those dates with a january 3, 2012 date. However my 2012 sonata, VIN number [xxx] is having the exact same problem. How many others out there with sonatas built after the june 30,2011 cutoff date are having the problem as well. As for me, I was first alerted by other drivers that could not determine when I was braking or not that I had a problem with the ability to retain a charge on my battery due to the brake lights staying illuminated, draining the battery charge, preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal. As known, these conditions increase the risk of a crash and harm to individuals, up to and including death. I suggest this be researched for the need to repair this problem on the 2012 sonatas that were continued to be built after 6/30/2011. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 23, 2018 · Electrical · CA

Car would not start. Battery dead . Replaced it. After 4 batteries dealer said it was the on star device. Not covered under warranty. $800 to replace it. Had them unplug it. One week later wont start. Now dealer said it's the radio. Approximately $ 1,100 to replace it. Not covered again. Car has 45,000 miles /? What is the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty good for ?

Filed Jan 22, 2018 · Brakes · 33,000 miles · FL

Hyundai had a massive recall 15v‑759 for 2011-2012 sonoata (and other vehicles) for the brake pedal stopper pad. It was defective and wore out which made the brake lights stay on. For some unknown reason our vehicle doen't show up on the recal even thought it has the exact same problem, we took it to the dealer and they charged us to fix it. We called the hyundai consumer affairs case # 10929935 and they said they could not help us. Why? It is the same problem and is a 2012 sonata with the same defected break pedal pad! The brake lights stayed on and drained the battery