Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Brakes and Hybrid System Warning: Safely Stop and Do Not Drive messages were displayed. The brakes then made a grinding sound while the brake pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty HCU (Hybrid Control Unit) and AHB (Active Hydraulic Boost). The dealer retrieved DTC Codes: P1886 (Inappropriate and Low SOC) and C1237: (Primary Pressure Sensor Signal). The dealer replaced the oil valve gasket and recalibrated the brakes. …
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 NHTSA 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 he had changed the battery due to a previous battery failure. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started a warning for "Check Brakes - Hybrid System Warning - Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" message was displayed along with warning beeps. The contact checked the brake fluid level which was full. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running and the brake depressed, the contact heard a high-pitched grinding sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the brake pedal shaking abnormally. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact no longer drove the vehicle due to the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that he heard a grinding sound in the wheels. The contact stated that the Hybrid System and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake pads, rotors, and calipers were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for October. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,900.
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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 approximate failure mileage was 155,290. Parts distribution disconnect.
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). …
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Red McCombs Hyundai Northwest, (13663 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78249) who informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
Brake complaints in other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 16% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-651 (control unit/module, Sep 22, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.