Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a Kia dealer for oil change and brake fluid flush; however, upon test driving the vehicle after the service, the brake pedal was depressed but went to the floorboard, and the vehicle responded with a significant delay. The Kia dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the Kia dealer had diagnosed that the parking brake was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - 131,700 miles - Maryland registered While driving, my vehicle displayed the warning "Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine." The dealer diagnosed a failure of the Hydraulic Control Assembly (ABS/Brake Control Unit). This is a safety-critical braking system. The vehicle is unsafe to drive until repaired. Hyundai previously issued recalls for this same component on earlier Sonata Hybrid models (2011-2015), due to risk of brake failure and fire. My 2017 vehicle is experiencing the exact same failure, yet is not currently included in the recall. This defect should be investigated as it compromises safe braking performance and puts drivers and passengers at risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and consider expanding Hyundai's recall coverage to include later model years like mine.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The "Stop Car, Check Brakes" message was displayed. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, and stated that after restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was then taken to Homestead Hyundai (111 S Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030) where it was diagnosed that the power brake booster and rear wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the warning message "Stop Car, Check Brake" illuminated and the brake pedal felt rigid when depressed. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that as she restarted the vehicle, the brake pedal was no longer rigid, and responded when depressed. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake unit and the pressure source needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 114,897.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that upon pulling into an apartment complex parking lot, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately parked and exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the contact noticed a small fire and was able to extinguish the fire with a water bottle. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a parking space with the assistance of her son. There was no injury sustained. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a fluid leak from an unknown hose had caused the fire, and there was a hole in the engine block. …
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the vehicle independently jolted with a message indicating a Hybrid System safety failure. Additionally, there was a message to stop driving the vehicle with an alarm sounding. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) the following day; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the earliest availability was on December 23, 2023. …
The contact owns a 2014 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact replaced the brake pads; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,453. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Brake System Malfunction - Vehicle Will Turn Off for Safety" was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the remedy was not yet available and did not include replacement of the ABS module. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (26), 2012 (25), 2011 (17), 2015 (14) and 2014 (11) model years. Brake complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-651 (control unit/module, Sep 22, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › wheel speed sensor/tone ring (1 mentions), followed by the pedals and linkages (1).
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.