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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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: 2015
After reading other reviews, I couldn't help but laugh. Yes, the car has a delay when you suddenly demand full acceleration (just like every other turbo car in the world). But don't worry, you'll get used to it like everyone else! Here's the short story: after owning the car for over a year, I can confidently say that I LOVE MY CAR! Period. I set the cruise at 62 mph and got 52.7 mpg in a 200-mile highway test. The average mpg is 30-35, which is pretty great for a large car that rides and feels as secure as it can be. It may not be a hot rod, but it holds the road great. So far, I haven't had any problems at all in 30k miles. On a side note, it's a base model, and we got $7500 off the sticker price. So, I'm not complaining about spending $33,000 like some other people. We paid $20,500 for a brand new car! If you have $33k to spend, go buy a BMW or something that responds rapidly to throttle. Anyway, I have nothing bad to say about this car. If you buy a used one for $15k, you're not stupid. P.S. Get an extended warranty. I cannot wait to see what Hyundai does in the next 5 years!
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Vehicle year: 2016
I own three Hyundai cars: a 2007 Sonata, a 2016 Genesis AWD Tech, and a 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited Ultimate. I purchased the hybrid car for its fuel efficiency, but was pleasantly surprised by its quiet and comfortable ride, especially considering its affordable price range. At a standstill, the car is completely silent with no vibrations, unlike other hybrid cars. Even while cruising on the highway, I found myself thinking, 'Wow, this is almost as quiet as the Genesis.' The gear shift and switching between various modes of the engine/battery hybrid system are seamless and unnoticeable. Other than the extreme quietness at idle, the car moves and rides like a very quiet six-cylinder car. Although I was considering a Honda hybrid, the big discount and generous warranty plan made it a no-brainer to choose Hyundai. I will be extremely satisfied with this purchase if the car proves to be as reliable as my 2007 Sonata.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I bought the car in May 2011 and I've been very happy with it. Although it's not as lively or quick as my previous Infiniti G35, it has a much smoother ride once you get going. I can definitely feel a bit of a 'lurch' when I start to accelerate, but it's not really a big deal once you get used to it. I've read some complaints about the brakes, but I haven't noticed any problems yet. My daily commute is about 50 miles (25 miles each way), and I've been averaging 33.5 mpg. If I feather the gas, I can get up to 36 mpg. I've seen some reviews where people lose mpg when operating the AC, but I keep mine at 72 (econ) and it doesn't seem to affect my mpg too much.
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Vehicle year: 2018
This car has been fantastic! I haven't had any issues with repairs and I haven't even needed to visit the dealership since I bought it. All I've needed to do is regular oil changes. The mileage has been really impressive too - I'm currently at 40.4 mpg after 30K miles, which I think is amazing! It does get slightly better mileage in the warm weather than in the winter, but that's to be expected. Plus, the comfort and technology are both top-notch!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I previously owned a 2012 Sonata Limited and I can't believe how much quieter and smoother the ride is on my new 2016 Sonata Limited Hybrid. With a 50/50 mix of driving, I've been averaging over 40mpg. I absolutely love the way this car drives and Hyundai keeps making improvements. The interior is much nicer with leather seats that are way more comfortable than the 2012 Limited. The cabin layout is great and the controls are easy to use. Plus, there are numerous safety features included. The trunk space is almost the same size as the 2012 and the rear seats fold for longer items if needed. Hyundai is offering great rebates, so it's the perfect time to get a hybrid before gas prices go back up. Hyundai has really outdone themselves with the features offered on this car, even the rear door windows have shades you can raise to block the sun. With Hyundai's warranty, you can't go wrong. I had over 36,000 miles on my 2012 and never had any issues. I especially love the power memory seats. After 2 1/2 years of owning this car, I have no regrets about purchasing it. It gets great gas mileage on trips and around town, consistently getting 45-46 miles per gallon during the summer months. I have had no problems at all with the car and the Hyundai Roadside Assistance is great. When I encountered a large screw that penetrated my tire, a tow truck arrived within 15 minutes to take me to a Hyundai dealership to patch the tire. I can go over 600 miles on a full tank of gas and I would definitely buy this car again. I have owned my Hyundai Sonata for over 4 years now and have not had any problems at all. It's a very reliable car and I would highly recommend the Hyundai Sonata.
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Sonata hybrid?
Rigoberto Windler 2025-08-10
Vehicle year: 2013
I love my loaded 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. It's a comfortable and great looking family car. However, I have some concerns about its safety. Some issues like delayed acceleration, sudden surges of acceleration, and random shut-offs while driving, as well as a malfunctioning radio, have been reported by other drivers. It's important to consider these issues before making a purchase decision for your family. Please read other reviews to get a better understanding of the car's performance.
Selmer Von 2025-08-07
Vehicle year: 2015
At 72,000 miles, our car's hybrid system warning light came on and we experienced jerking and slowing down on the highway. Despite taking it to two different Hyundai dealerships, no warning showed up. However, we persisted and eventually took it to another dealership where they found a bad brake switch. Although it took some effort, Hyundai repaired it and even paid for a rebuilt transmission when the warning light came on again a year later. While we had some issues, we appreciate Hyundai's commitment to resolving them and ensuring our safety on the road. While we understand that every car manufacturer may have some issues, we still believe that Hyundai produces quality vehicles that can compete with Honda and Toyota.
Tracey Jerde 2025-08-05
Vehicle year: 2015
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the 2013 Sonata Hybrid Limited. Unfortunately, I had some serious acceleration hesitation problems with it and even had a couple of close calls on the Southern California Freeways. I know many others have complained about this issue as well, but it seems like Hyundai hasn't taken much action to address it. After I stopped driving the car and sent Hyundai corporate my rental car bills, they finally agreed to examine the car and replace it. I've now been driving the 2015 Limited for about 9 months, and it's been much better than the 2013, especially with the hesitation malfunction. I'm convinced that Hyundai redesigned the transmission linkage to the driveshaft because this model year is much better than before. The mileage is still not quite what I was hoping for - I get about 35mpg overall. However, I do want to warn you about the jaw-dropping depreciation of this car. It's only worth $19,000 at CarMax and a Hyundai dealer, despite costing $33,000 just 9 months ago. Even my additional Gap coverage with my auto insurance company won't cover a total loss (and that is 25% over the vehicle's cash value!). I was switching my auto insurance this month from Mercury, and the new agent at AAA said they don't offer Gap Coverage and that I would need it for my car. In fact, he said he couldn't ethically recommend that I switch my auto insurance because of the massive depreciation in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even with over $10,000 in electric rebates in California, I STILL can't get out of the Sonata Hybrid even with over $5,000 down! Of course, no car is an investment (unless it's a 2005 Accord lol), but I think it's important to be aware of the depreciation issue with this car. Even Hyundai dealers won't touch a used Sonata Hybrid trade-in because they know it will collect dust on their lot for months before it gets shipped off to auction. Thanks for listening to my experience!
Ned Bechtelar 2025-08-02
Vehicle year: 2015
Prologue: Hey there! This might be a bit long, but trust me, it's worth the read if you're interested in our 2015 Sonata Hybrid. This is actually our second Sonata, and we're also on our second Santa Fe. As a car enthusiast and engineer, I can definitely tell where the quality was added or removed. Overall, I think this is an excellent commuter car and perfect for long vacation drives with the family. However, I do have a few cons to mention. Firstly, the engine can be a bit slow to respond when you hit the gas pedal, but don't worry, you can easily fix this by turning off the Hybrid system. Secondly, there's a bit of a braking issue that needs to be addressed. When you hit the brake pedal for a full stop, there's a slight delay before the anti-lock brakes kick in. This can be a bit frustrating, but it's nothing too serious. Lastly, the steering could use some improvement, but overall, I'm really happy with this car. Thanks for reading!Yes, you can steer with one finger if you like, but both this and my Santa Fe have an issue staying in a straight line down even the smoothest of roads and when returning to center after a turn. You need to very directly unwind the wheel. Using sport mode exacerbates the issue -- now it drifts and then quickly darts when I turn the wheel a smidge. And the return to center issue isn't resolved. When it comes to cruise control, Hyundai cruise control, to put it bluntly, is not the best. On gently rolling roads, set the cruise for say 45 MPH, and the car will slow to 40-41, then quickly accelerate to 48. Then the next hill arrives, and the process repeats. Constant 7-8 MPH speed changes can make everyone seasick. Hyundai should check out the 2016 Malibu. I don't care about the vacuum and other sensors needed for cruise. I want to set the speed in MPH here in the US. On the Malibu, you hit the cruise 'set' button, and the speed is displayed in the little center LCD screen. And darn if it doesn't move more than 1 MPH below on those same rolling hills. I rarely saw it overshoot the set speed at all when going down the hills. I rented the Malibu for a month after Santa Fe #1 was totaled. Lastly, the suspension. Hit a small depression in an asphalt back-road at even 35 MPH, and you'll bottom out the car. Sometimes this will even cause the cruise control to shut down after the suspension bumps up against the stops. I know there are a few hundred pounds of battery under the rear seats, but it doesn't take much shifting to bottom out the vehicle, really. Now, here's the crazy thing: overall, I like the car for commuting and long open highways. I'm not looking for excitement during my commute (it's nice, but one can't do much in traffic).My commute is not the most fuel-efficient: I have to stop at a 3-minute stop light, then accelerate back up to 55 MPH just to hit the next stop light. This cycle repeats for an hour. Despite this, I am still getting between 33 and 34 MPG, which is 10 MPG better than my previous non-hybrid car on the same route. For pure open highway road trips, we see around 37 MPG. While there may be some vehicles with better mileage, the Sonata is a decent mid-size car with plenty of space. It has more room than a Prius or VW, and we can still fit three large suitcases, two dozen water bottles, and squishy luggage in the trunk during road trips. The back seat is spacious enough for two teens, and the seats are comfortable. The car is also very quiet, even with the gas motor running. We have had high reliability with Hyundai cars since 2011, although not perfect. If you're looking for a good deal, consider buying a gently used Hyundai or one with rebates. That's just my two cents!
Darrell Shanahan 2025-07-29
Vehicle year: 2013
I was initially drawn to the high tech features and sleek exterior design, which are both very impressive. However, I have been quite disappointed with the MPG. While I expected some variance from the advertised 5.2L/100km combined, I did not anticipate such a significant difference. I am currently getting 7.1-7.3L/100km, which is nowhere near the advertised MPG. Despite being a gentle driver, I have noticed that the acceleration response time is slow and requires an extra 1-2 seconds when making a left turn. This was not something I was aware of during my test drive and have only noticed since driving it daily. I am unsure if this is a common issue with all hybrids. Additionally, after just 2 weeks, I have noticed that the alignment is starting to pull to the left. Overall, while I am impressed with the design and features, I am disappointed with the MPG and some of the driving issues I have experienced.