Hyundai Sonata hybrid problems

The Hyundai Sonata (Korean: 현대 쏘나타) is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in South Korea where their headquarters are located, China and Pakistan. It was named after the musical term, sonata.
First generation (Y1; 1985)
The first Sonata was introduced to compete with the Daewoo Royale series and was a more luxurious version of the Stellar. It included cruise control, power seats, head lamp washers, power brakes, electric operated adjustable side mirrors and chrome bumper trims. The Sonata was available with two trim options in Korea: Luxury and Super (the latter only available with a 2.0-liter engine). In the domestic market Hyundai attempted to sell the Sonata as an executive car using catchphrases like "Luxury car for VIP"; however, as the Sonata was based on the Stellar without any major changes, it was seen by the public as no more than a luxury version of the Stellar. In 1987 Hyundai added two tone color schemes and a trip computer option, but sales soon went down and the car was discontinued in December of that year. The Sonata was sold only in the South Korean domestic market. The vehicle was unveiled in South Korea on 4 November 1985.
Engine choices included 1.6-liter Mitsubishi Saturn (only available outside the domestic market), 1.8- and 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Sirius inline-fours. The latter unit also found its way into the 1987 and later Stellar, and in MPI form the 1986 Hyundai Grandeur. The body was a largely unchanged Hyundai Stellar.
It was sold in New Zealand (right hand drive) with the 1.6-liter Mitsubishi engine with the five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic transmission was an optional extra. The original importer was a unit of the Auckland-based Giltrap Motor Group.
The final version of the Stellar was known as the Stellar 88 and was launched to celebrate the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Afterwards, Hyundai discontinued the Stellar and replaced it with the all-new Sonata.
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Hyundai Sonata hybrid model years
Common Hyundai Sonata hybrid problems
Based on the complaints from owners of Hyundai Sonata Hybrid cars, several common problems have been reported. These issues include:
- Engine Failure: Owners of the 2011 Sonata Hybrid have faced engine failure problems, with an average cost to fix of $7,200 and an average mileage of 91,000 miles. Additionally, engine seizing has been reported in the 2012 Sonata Hybrid, with an average cost to fix of $5,000 and an average mileage of 89,000 miles.
- Faulty Speed Sensor: Many owners of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have encountered issues with shifting gears due to a faulty speed sensor. This has led to vehicles producing clunking noises, shuddering, and difficulty in gear selection. Fortunately, the replacement speed sensor is relatively affordable, costing between $30 to $50.
- Defective Speakers: Some Hyundai Sonata models, particularly those from 2011 to 2016, have been reported to have defective speakers. Owners have experienced issues where the CD player, navigation, radio, and phone calls did not produce audio. A simple fix involved disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery terminal to resolve this issue.
- Seat Belt Safety Recalls: Hyundai issued recalls for certain Sonata models due to seat belt safety concerns. In 2017, recalls were made for 2011-2014 Sonatas and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrids due to faulty seat belt linkages that could fail to restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. These recalls aimed to address issues with the seat belt anchor pretensioner and ensure passenger safety.
- Engine Seizure and Class Action Lawsuit: Engine failure in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Hyundai Sonatas has been a significant problem, leading to engines seizing up while driving. This issue resulted in a class-action lawsuit against Hyundai, where affected owners received settlements covering engine repair and replacement, towing expenses, and rental fees. The settlement also extended warranties for certain Sonata models with specific engine types.
These common problems reported by Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners highlight various mechanical and safety issues that have affected the driving experience and reliability of these vehicles.
Is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
How long does a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid battery last?
Under normal conditions, your car will require a hybrid battery replacement every 150,000 miles or 15 years, whichever comes first. This is just an average, so some drivers may get more use out of their batteries and some might get less in East Boston.
What is the most common problem with Hyundai Sonata?
The problems that commonly plague the Hyundai Sonata include safety issues, seizing engines, and shifting problems.
How much does it cost to replace a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid battery?
between $9,863 and $9,932
The average cost for a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid High Voltage Battery Replacement is between $9,863 and $9,932. Labor costs are estimated between $264 and $333 while parts are typically priced around $9,599.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Hyundai Sonata hybrid years
We have researched Hyundai problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Hyundai Sonata hybrid cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Hyundai Sonata hybrid model years:
- Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2013
- Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2011
- Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2016
- Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2015
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hyundai Sonata hybrid model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Hyundai Sonata hybrid years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Hyundai Sonata hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Hyundai Sonata hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Hyundai Sonata hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sonata hybrid model years
A total of 24 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sonata hybrid model years
There were a total of 19 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sonata hybrid model years
There were a total of 23 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 516 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hyundai Sonata hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Hyundai Sonata hybrid vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
- VIN: KMHEC4A48FA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and Manufacturer recalls: 964 (Auxiliary Canister Installation), 966 (Engine Monitoring Module, ECU Software Update), and 994 (Hybrid Safety Fuse). The contact stated that after the repairs were completed, while attempting to start the vehicle at the dealer, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle remained at the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty for any further repairs. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: KMHEC4A40CA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: KMHEC4A40CA
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while attempting to close the passenger’s side rear door, the door failed to lock as needed. The contact tied the door closed. The contact stated that the driver's side rear door was locked, and the contact was unable to open the door. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer when the passenger’s side door was not locking. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the latch and locking mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that when the driver's side rear door failed to lock securely, the vehicle was not returned to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: KMHEC4A4XBA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: KMHEC4A49FA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a message advising to pull over and to park the vehicle was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing several times. The dealer replaced the HECU and the battery inverter assembly; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's son noticed that there was white smoke coming from the rear middle seat of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact's son pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hybrid battery pack had failed, causing the hybrid battery to melt. The dealer determined that the hybrid battery pack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 994. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-19
- VIN: KMHE34L1XGA
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side sunroof detached. The contact stated that the sunroof was caught up on the netting in front of the sunroof. The contact stated that the tracks were fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-09
- VIN: KMHEC4A45DA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2013 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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet 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 stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
- VIN: KMHEC4A47EA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. Several unknow warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rod bearings and observed metal shavings inside the short block. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-14
- VIN: KMHEC4A48CA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed hybrid system and that the hybrid system needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the transmission was not the original transmission, and the cooler was damaged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-10
- VIN: KMHEC4A45CA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-08
- VIN: KMHEC4A46BA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. That contact stated that the ABS fuse had been replaced but the vehicle experienced unstated failures with the braking system. 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-02
- VIN: KMHEC4A42CA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-01
- VIN: KMHEC4A45EA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-29
- VIN: KMHEC4A41CA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.
Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-29
- VIN: KMHEC4A44CA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with automatic transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Latest 5 recalls Hyundai Sonata hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 32 recalls for different components of the Hyundai Sonata hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2015
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-22
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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 compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2012
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-22
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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 compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2011
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-22
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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 compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2014
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-22
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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 compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-22
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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 compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Latest negative Hyundai Sonata hybrid car reviews
Latest positive Hyundai Sonata hybrid car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2016
I'm so glad I bought the SE Sonata hybrid, even though the Limited wasn't available. The ride is nice and quiet, and I'm really impressed with the MPG, which ranges from 40 to 50 mpg. I've found that it gets the best mileage in the city when I keep heavy acceleration to a minimum and coax the drive into EV mode. Although I miss having some of the options that I would have selected if they were available, I still think it's an excellent value. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase!
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Vehicle year: 2016
UPDATE**10/27/17 Best overall value. AUPDATE 2/26/16 still enjoy this wonderful car. Quiet, comfortable, luxurious and no visits to the dealership other than an oil change. The car gets an impressive 650 miles per tank and still achieves 46 MPG's. My only major gripe is that the blind spot monitors don't work below 19 MPH and that the Android Auto update is STILL not available. I am eagerly anticipating the Android Auto update, even though Hyundai said they would have it to us by 2015. It feels like Hyundai could be doing more to light a fire under Google to get that to us. Also, something that no one at Hyundai told me about when I bought the car, is that after 12 months of not subscribing to Blue Link, it self-destructs and cannot be turned back on unless you pay $500+ for a new head unit. That is crazy in my mind and apparently others as Hyundai is currently involved in litigation over this matter. I hope there is a good resolution to this matter for unsuspecting Hyundai owners. EVERY HSH owner, PLEASE KEEP ASKING FOR ANDROID AUTO UPDATE! Original review** Fantastic MPG. I took possession of our new 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited Ultimate with 8 miles on the odometer. What an amazing car! So far, the overall average MPG is 46.4 with my most recent 13-mile commute (50% freeway, 50% city) being 61.4 MPG per the onboard computer. It is such a pleasure to be going down the freeway (most all of the time in pure EV mode) in a hushed cabin (truly as if a Rolls or MBZ) all while achieving phenomenal fuel economy. The car drives and feels fantastic. The transition of power plants is seamless. Even when the 2-liter internal combustion engine is operating in generator mode, it is quiet. Only when truly pushed does the engine come to life, but even then it is extremely reasonable, better than our Accord, and the 6-speed transmission (thank goodness and finally, a hybrid with no CVT) provides you with great power. Imagine, a Hybrid with actual power!It's a wonderful and safe car to drive. I highly recommend considering the Ultimate package, which includes great parking aids and active and passive safety features. The well-calibrated lane keep assist and driver-adjustable adaptive cruise control are very well done. The blind spot monitors are nice, but it would be even better if they worked at low speeds too. The backup sensors and predictive backing monitor are absolutely a must-have, whether you live in the city or suburbs. Rear cross traffic alert should be standard on all modern cars, so you don't have to guess if a car is approaching while backing out of a parking space. From a tech perspective, the 8So many features, but what really sets Hyundai apart is their commitment to their customers through their warranty. We cross-shopped Honda and Toyota, but neither were willing to back their Hybrid battery the way Hyundai does. With a lifetime Hybrid battery warranty, including parts and labor, Hyundai goes above and beyond to make their customers feel supported. This is in addition to their 10yr/100,000 warranty. While nothing can be guaranteed forever, Hyundai does an excellent job of making customers feel secure when making a $30,000 plus purchase. The Sonata Hybrid also has some great little details, such as a true trunk with a 60/40 split, making it a versatile option for families. The courtesy LED lights, hidden in the front door handles, are also a nice touch, making it easier to enter your car in low light conditions. As someone who has purchased and driven a Sonata Hybrid, I can say that you will be pleasantly surprised and happy with your decision. I am currently averaging 46.4 MPG and loving it!
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hyundai Dublin maintenance service is excellent. However, the manual could use some improvement in terms of user-friendliness. Additionally, the scheduled timing updates have proven to be defective and irreparable after 2 1/2 years.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I've owned my Sonata Hybrid for just over six months now. Like many early adopters of this car, I experienced some check engine light issues until Hyundai figured out what was happening. I want to give a big shoutout to Hyundai for working diligently to solve the issue and even providing us with a $50 gift card as compensation for our trouble. Despite the initial hiccups, I've been enjoying a luxurious mid-sized car ride with an impressive average fuel economy of 38 mpg over 16,238 miles! From the first few miles of driving, I noticed a slight hesitation in the transmission, but it quickly resolved itself. I get a lot of questions about my Sonata Hybrid and many compliments on its stylish design. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another Hyundai!
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Vehicle year: 2017
UPDATE**10/27/17 Best overall value. AUPDATE 2/26/16 still enjoy this wonderful car. Quiet, comfortable, luxurious and no visits to the dealership other than an oil change. The car gets an impressive 650 miles per tank and still achieves 46 MPG's. My only major gripe is that the blind spot monitors don't work below 19 MPH and that the Android Auto update is STILL not available. I am eagerly anticipating the Android Auto update, even though Hyundai said they would have it to us by 2015. It feels like Hyundai could be doing more to light a fire under Google to get that to us. Also, something that no one at Hyundai told me about when I bought the car, is that after 12 months of not subscribing to Blue Link, it self-destructs and cannot be turned back on unless you pay $500+ for a new head unit. That is crazy in my mind and apparently others as Hyundai is currently involved in litigation over this matter. I hope there is a good resolution to this matter for unsuspecting Hyundai owners. EVERY HSH owner, PLEASE KEEP ASKING FOR ANDROID AUTO UPDATE! Original review** Fantastic MPG. I took possession of our new 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited Ultimate with 8 miles on the odometer. What an amazing car! So far, the overall average MPG is 46.4 with my most recent 13-mile commute (50% freeway, 50% city) being 61.4 MPG per the onboard computer. It is such a pleasure to be going down the freeway (most all of the time in pure EV mode) in a hushed cabin (truly as if a Rolls or MBZ) all while achieving phenomenal fuel economy. The car drives and feels fantastic. The transition of power plants is seamless. Even when the 2-liter internal combustion engine is operating in generator mode, it is quiet. Only when truly pushed does the engine come to life, but even then it is extremely reasonable, better than our Accord, and the 6-speed transmission (thank goodness and finally, a hybrid with no CVT) provides you with great power. Imagine, a Hybrid with actual power!It's a wonderful and safe car to drive. I highly recommend considering the Ultimate package, which includes great parking aids and active and passive safety features. The well-calibrated lane keep assist and driver-adjustable adaptive cruise control are very well done. The blind spot monitors are nice, but it would be even better if they worked at low speeds too. The backup sensors and predictive backing monitor are absolutely a must-have, whether you live in the city or suburbs. Rear cross traffic alert should be standard on all modern cars, so you don't have to guess if a car is approaching while backing out of a parking space. From a tech perspective, the 8So many features, but what really sets Hyundai apart is their commitment to their customers through their warranty. We cross-shopped Honda and Toyota, but neither were willing to back their Hybrid battery the way Hyundai does. With a lifetime Hybrid battery warranty, including parts and labor, Hyundai goes above and beyond to make their customers feel supported. This is in addition to their 10yr/100,000 warranty. While nothing can be guaranteed forever, Hyundai does an excellent job of making customers feel secure when making a $30,000 plus purchase. The Sonata Hybrid also has some great little details, such as a true trunk with a 60/40 split, making it a versatile option for families. The courtesy LED lights, hidden in the front door handles, are also a nice touch, making it easier to enter your car in low light conditions. As someone who has purchased and driven a Sonata Hybrid, I can say that you will be pleasantly surprised and happy with your decision. I am currently averaging 46.4 MPG and loving it!
Nicola Bahringer 2025-06-01
Vehicle year: 2011
We bought this car for me since I am on the road more than my husband. Although the gas mileage is significantly lower than promised, we still appreciate the features of the top model such as the back up camera and sun roof. However, we haven't really used the sun roof during the hot Texas sun and the car sits low which causes it to scrape on big bumps/dips. We wish we had made a different choice, but we are still grateful for the car. The dealer has informed us that we are unable to trade it in, but we will continue to make the most of it.
Lavon Shanahan 2025-05-28
Vehicle year: 2013
We purchased this car with the expectation of achieving a fuel economy of 40mpg, as advertised. However, we have only been able to achieve an average of 30.1mpg, despite our efforts. As an experienced car buyer, I regret not opting for the more affordable turbo model. In the future, I will not consider purchasing a hybrid again. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Armani Kreiger 2025-05-27
Vehicle year: 2014
I have experienced several electronic problems with my Hyundai, which unfortunately are not covered by warranty. Despite having to replace the radio three times, I have lost the blue tooth and navigation features as I am unwilling to pay for another repair. The transmission had to be replaced at 65,000 miles, which was fortunately covered. However, I am currently experiencing random hybrid warning alarms that the local dealership has been unable to diagnose. Although the Hyundai website has information on the issue, it seems that no one is able to access it. While I initially loved the appearance of this car and was satisfied with my purchase, I am now eager to switch to a more reliable vehicle from a company that values customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Allan Cronin 2025-05-20
Vehicle year: 2013
I bought this car to replace my 2011 regular Sonata that was unfortunately written off in an accident. I saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of the potential fuel savings, given that I have a daily commute of 110 kms. However, I must say that I was disappointed with the results. My 2011 Sonata averaged 31mpg, while my hybrid only averaged 35 mpg. I did a comparison of my fuel expenses and mileage over a 26000km period and found that I only saved approximately 198 litres. Based on today's gas prices of 1.14.9, this translates to an annualized savings of $227.00. Over a 5 year period, the savings are nowhere close to the $5,000 premium I paid to purchase a hybrid.
Felix Hauck 2025-05-15
Vehicle year: 2011
Hi there! I used to drive a Toyota Camry Hybrid and consistently got 31 mpg in town. However, my new Sonata only gives me about 22 to 24 mpg. I've taken it in for service three times now, but they always tell me that everything is performing as it should and that I'm the only one who has complained. A mechanic even suggested that I could have done just as well with the regular Sonata for less money. I'm feeling pretty frustrated about my purchase, but I understand that the dealership may not have received any other complaints. Can you help me figure out what's going on?