Model year guide

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 106 on record.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints152
Combined36 mpg
Typical price$13,889

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls 6

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V746000 · 01/12/2020

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.

Fix: 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.…

Equipment:electrical NHTSA Campaign #20V393000 · 02/07/2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this rec…

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #17V617000 · 04/10/2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai custom…

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #18V137000 · 27/02/2018

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash…

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

Seat Belts:front:anchorage NHTSA Campaign #17V152000 · 08/03/2017

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hy…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V651000 · 22/09/2023

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. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine c…

Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyu…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Hybrid Propulsion System
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined36 mpg
City34 mpg
Highway39 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,700

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid worth?

Low
$12,000
Typical price
$13,889
High
$16,700

From 106 comparable 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$8,500
Fuel only$8,500
Per mile$0.11

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Middle level
Engines
2.4L

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at about 36 mpg combined (34 city / 39 highway).

How much is a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid worth?

Comparable 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid listings run roughly $12,000–$16,700, typically around $13,889 (from 106 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.