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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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 really enjoying my first hybrid, although I'm still getting used to the braking feel. The hybrid system is seamless and the balance between power and economy is excellent. The car has a premium feel and the ride is smooth, with consistent steering. The vented seats work great, and the climate control is strong and flexible. Back seat comfort is high, with plenty of room for two passengers and a car seat. The trunk is sizable. Although I opted not to get the Ultimate, sometimes I wish I had for a better touchscreen, the panoramic roof and some more safety bells and whistles. There are a few minor issues, such as my driver's side window freezing halfway up and heading back down, and the Limited (no Ultimate) touchscreen being small and not packing a lot of info. The clock and compass are also far out of normal drivers' sight lines. Additionally, I haven't been able to get the driver's seat consistently comfortable. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it. I chose this over a Mazda 6, which was a close second.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I was looking for a used car that was large, fuel-efficient, and affordable. However, I ended up purchasing a 2011 Sonata Hybrid base for $7990 with 68k miles on it. The car was in great condition, both inside and out, and had only one previous owner. Even after 7 years, the design of the car still looks modern with its LED lights, hexagonal grill, and sleek exterior. The interior is also very pleasing and easy to navigate. As a tall person, I found the leg and headroom to be more than adequate. The driving experience is unique compared to a gas-powered car. The electric motor is in control when starting, resulting in no engine noise. The transition to the gas engine is also very smooth and quiet. The car has decent acceleration and mostly smooth shifting. The braking is sharp, which is a good thing. The car averages 35/40 MPG and I can get 600-650+ miles per tank. Additionally, my Sonata came with 4 brand new tires, brakes, and a start battery. The electric battery pack still has 3 years or 32k miles left on the warranty. Hyundai is so confident about the battery that starting in 2012 they gave it a lifetime warranty, so I'm not worried about any potential failures. In conclusion, the 2011 Sonata Hybrid is a substantial automobile with enough technology, design, comfort, and a great driving experience for the average person.
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Vehicle year: 2012
I just purchased a Sonata hybrid with the leather package in Pearl White. It is absolutely the greatest hybrid! I love how it looks inside and out. Anywhere I look at this vehicle, it makes me smile. Hyundai really did an excellent job of making this vehicle. I can't wait to drive it again!
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've put around 4,000 miles on my 2013 Sonata Hybrid LTD (without a sunroof). I've heard some people complain about the brakes on this car, but personally, I think they're fine (although I don't tailgate!). They do take a bit of getting used to at first, but it's important to remember that the brakes are designed to capture energy when you slow down and brake, which helps recharge the HEV battery. I've found that gentle, steady braking is the way to go, rather than mashing down hard on the pedal. This approach has helped me save money at the pump!
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Vehicle year: 2017
Looking for a family sedan that offered good value all around, we considered several options such as the Camry, Mazda 6, Accord, Altima, and Sonata. Our priorities were a quiet ride, spacious interior, good fuel economy, reliable performance, and sleek design. Although the Camry seemed like a decent choice, we wanted something more unique. Luckily, the Sonata Hybrid caught our attention with its redesigned look and significantly improved fuel economy. It ticked all the boxes on our list, so we decided to go for it. The Sonata Hybrid comes in three trim levels: basic, Limited, and Limited/Ultimate. While we were disappointed that the nice big infotainment screen (8The hybrid system works very well and is completely up to date with a new lithium-ion polymer battery. Shifting between the electric motor and gas engine is seamless, and the six-speed transmission enhances fuel economy while remaining very smooth. Additionally, the hybrid battery comes with a lifetime warranty. Hyundai's BlueLink is a cool feature that allows you to remotely start the car from your cell phone, find your car in a parking lot, and send navigation destinations from your phone in advance. Regarding the reviewer's comment about the car not having a spare tire, it is true that this is a trend in the car industry to save space. However, the car includes an emergency flat tire repair kit with a compressor and repair compound that is designed to give you up to 50 miles of distance to get you to a tire repair shop. We have yet to find something we don't like about this car, and we will update our review if we find something. For now, we give the car very high marks for being a great value for the money. In our updated comments as of 12K miles, we are still extremely happy with our Sonata Hybrid. Although the Apple CarPlay upgrade is still not available, the Hyundai infotainment, navigation, and voice-activated system is extremely easy to use and helpful. We are not missing any benefit by not having CarPlay. Additionally, the service notifications the car alerts us to are not accurate, but overall we are very pleased with the car!
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Sonata hybrid?
Presley Franecki 2025-03-26
Vehicle year: 2015
This is a beautiful car! It gets great mileage and has a very comfortable ride. We got a very good deal on it, and it's our 3rd Sonata. We have been very happy with Hyundai. Although, I would like to give this car five stars, I have experienced some issues. Two times in less than 3000 miles, it has stalled on acceleration. I reported this to the dealer during our first service, but unfortunately, the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Both times it happened, I was turning left across oncoming traffic with plenty of room if I accelerated. If I had been driving an old car, I would have said it flooded out, which of course I know doesn't happen now. After pumping the gas pedal several times, it finally got going, but not without the oncoming cars honking and the drivers making rude gestures. I would guess the problem to be the electronics responsible for transferring power from the batteries to the gas engine.
Terrance Nikolaus 2025-03-15
Vehicle year: 2014
I purchased my 2012 Sonata Hybrid last year and was initially very satisfied with it, except for the seat design. However, the headrest protrudes too far and pushes your head forward. Although I could overlook that, the shuddering that started just over a month ago is something I cannot ignore. Despite taking it to the dealership four times, the issue was not resolved even after upgrading the software. They informed me that the shuddering I experience every time I stop is 'normal'. The drive is no longer enjoyable, but rather stressful, as I brace myself each time I see a stop sign. It's a bumpy ride for both the driver and passengers. Unfortunately, I am stuck with mine. I would not recommend this car to anyone.
Kolby Stoltenberg 2025-03-14
Vehicle year: 2015
I strongly advise against purchasing the 2015 Hyundai Hybrid Sonata Echo due to significant safety concerns. In my experience, the vehicle has repeatedly failed to respond when the gas pedal is pressed, and has made a concerning clunking noise on the driver's side. It is important to exercise extreme caution when driving this vehicle, leaving extra distance between yourself and other vehicles and avoiding pulling out into traffic. Please consider these safety concerns before making a purchase.
Dudley Kuhlman 2025-03-02
Vehicle year: 2012
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.
Izaiah Brakus 2025-02-18
Vehicle year: 2011
First generation lithium battery hybrid has performed very well in over 95,000 miles. No mechanical or body problems and very good mileage. Car looks brand new after 5 years of use. Unfortunately, just beyond the warranty period, the transmission decided to malfunction over the next 15,000 miles...