Hyundai Sonata plug-in 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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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 plug-in hybrid model years
Common Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid problems
The Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has been subject to several common problems, primarily concerning the hybrid system and battery.
- Hybrid System Failure: The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has had 2 reported problems related to hybrid system failure, with an average failure mileage of 42,100 miles. This issue may be covered under warranty, and owners are advised to contact their Hyundai dealer for assistance.
- Battery Failure: There have been reports of battery failure in the 2016-2019 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, which can occur around 40,000 to 50,000 miles. When the battery dies, replacement batteries are not readily available, leaving the vehicles virtually inoperable. This issue is the subject of a pending class-action lawsuit in the US District Court of Maryland.
- Hybrid Malfunction Alert: Three complaints have been made regarding hybrid malfunction alerts in the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. This issue ranks high in overall reliability concerns for the model.
- Gas Cap Does Not Seal Properly: Two complaints have been made about the gas cap not sealing properly in the 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
- Check Engine Light On: Two complaints have been made about the check engine light illuminating in the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
- Transmission Shifting Rough: Two complaints have been made about rough transmission shifting in the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
- Hybrid Charging Light Blinks Red While Driving: One complaint has been made about the hybrid charging light blinking red while driving in the 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
These common problems with the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and safety, and owners are encouraged to address these issues promptly through warranty coverage or legal action when necessary.
Are Hyundai Sonata hybrids reliable?
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
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 long do the batteries last in a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
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.
How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Labor costs are estimated between $264 and $333 while parts are typically priced around $9,599.
Recalls Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid 2016
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-24
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
- Consequence: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid 2017
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-24
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
- Consequence: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid 2016
- Report Received Date: 2018-03-12
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
- Consequence: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
- Model: Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid 2017
- Report Received Date: 2018-03-12
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
- Consequence: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
Latest negative Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid car reviews
Latest positive Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2017
This is chronological. My opinion of the car has changed somewhat over time -- you might want to read the first paragraph here, then jump to the end! I have been driving the 2017 Limited for about 4 years in Phoenix and I must say that it has been a great experience. The car is perfect for my daily commute as I typically get 21 electric miles (down from 27 initially!). Everything functions well, including the AC which is critical in this hot weather. It's cool to have the 'driver-only' mode to make the AC a little more efficient. The car is so quiet and smooth on all types of pavement. The back seat is also large and comfortable, making it perfect for long drives. It drives very nicely and I have never noticed that the brakes are 'grabby' (as the Edmunds reviewer says). I have noticed an initial lag when demanding 'hard' acceleration -- it takes a second for the gas engine to kick in, then the acceleration is good. In most city driving, including busy freeway driving, the gas engine stays off. But to accelerate aggressively on the freeway, you need that gas engine. As a freeway cruiser, it's great. Just engage the adaptive cruise and keep it in the lane. The only downside is that the trunk is small, due to the battery pack. UPDATE Aug 2022: At the 4.5-year point (around 45K miles), the electric range has dropped to about 21 miles. The car still drives great, and I've had no major issues. There was an engine-wear monitoring recall in 2021 -- I don't think it was specific to the PHEV. They installed some software which apparently can more-closely monitor for engine vibration. I have noticed no specific problem, but it is at least a theoretical concern. On two extremely hot (115 F) days in the summer of 2019, when driven hard on the freeway, I had a couple of instances where the car warned me about the heat, and started the gas engine while the battery still had plenty of charge. I took it to the dealer to have it checked, and they found no issue -- it's just the electric-drive system protecting itself from the heat.In 2021 (before that recall), my daughter experienced an error message and a brief loss of power while driving on the interstate between cities. She pulled over, restarted the car, and continued on her way. I took the car to the dealer, but they were unable to find any issues. This has only happened once. In 2019-2020, I had a longer commute that drained the battery every day. To recharge, I would use a level-2 charger at work twice a day. I believe this pattern of twice-daily full recharges in the Phoenix heat likely led to the battery-range-degradation that I have seen. Update (Feb 2023): After experiencing three instances of hybrid-system errors that forced me to restart the car, I took it to the dealer again. They have determined that the drive battery (the big one) needs to be replaced. Fortunately, it is under warranty, so there will be no cost to me. The dealer is even paying for a rental car while they wait for the battery to arrive, which could take a month or more. I am hopeful that this will restore the original electric range (27 mi). Update (Aug 2023): It took SIX MONTHS to get the replacement battery, but Hyundai provided a loaner or rental car for the entire time, although not one that is nearly as fuel-efficient. They required us to return and replace the loaner each month. And because we moved about 800 miles in the interim, they had to ship the car to us (which they did without complaint). The car is basically back to normal, with 25 EV miles indicated (but we usually get slightly better than that). All of that cost me exactly $0, and I got six months of free miles (no mileage depreciation). My advice would be to be cautious when buying an EV or PHEV that has a limited production run. It can be difficult to obtain that one critical replacement part that is generally made specifically for your vehicle, such as the big battery.My guess is that they have to do special-order manufacturing runs or maybe just refurbish batteries that come back.
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hey there! Now that gas prices are down (at least for now), I thought I'd share an update on my Sonata Plug In Review. I'm happy to report that Hyundai has finally delivered on its promise to add Apple Car Play and Android Auto through a software update (although it did take a while to install). They also fixed an annoying issue with the LCD display in EV mode - it now splits the screen in two, with the battery on the right and the remaining EV distance on the left. Plus, Bluetooth pairing with my Samsung phone is now lightning-fast and remembers the last app playing audio. The only downside is that the shuffle mode doesn't seem to work with iPods or iPhones, so I have to manually switch it back every time I start the car. But overall, I've only had to buy 16 gallons of gas in 5,800 miles of driving - pretty amazing, right? And speaking of gas, I tried using 91 instead of 89 and it made a huge difference in the engine's performance. It's much more responsive and smooth on 91, even though Hyundai recommends against it. Another cool feature that's not well-explained in the manual is the CHG MODE, which can recharge the EV battery with 380 volts on the highway in just 30 minutes. The engine is also more responsive in this mode, but I only use it on the highway where I can maintain a consistent speed. One thing that's been a bit disappointing is the ventilated front seats (AC) - they don't seem to be as effective as those in a Dodge Charger V8. I'm guessing Hyundai went with a cheaper version. And finally, I have to say that the Blue Link Mobile App is still pretty awful. Come on, Hyundai - you can do better than that!The app is currently slow and doesn't connect often. It would be great if it were free! I can still view charge information, but unfortunately, I cannot start the car without paying for it. I have owned this car for a month and have driven 1,543 miles without having to buy gas. The free full tank from the dealer is about half full, and the only time it uses gas is on my way home from work (Toll Road) in Southern California, where it switches silently into hybrid mode. However, the battery gauge under the speedometer is confusing, and Hyundai needs to fix it. Despite this, the vehicle is really nice and drives great. The BlueLink Mobile App and Service, on the other hand, need improvement. Most of the time, the service is unavailable or displays some other useless error message. When it does work, it takes 10-15 minutes to reach my car with the App, which is unacceptable. I decided to lease this time because Hyundai's resale value is the worst in the auto game. The 2015 Sonata lost 50% of its value in 10 months! So, beware and only lease this car so you can give it back at the end. One additional comment about charging: it's challenging to find EV charging stations in Southern California, and when you do, every Tesla in town is plugged in for hours. Also, the charging stations are not free, and you have to sign up for them in advance and get a card to use them. It's really a hassle.It's disappointing that Hyundai doesn't offer charging at their dealerships, which could be seen as bad PR. However, overall I really enjoy the car. The only downside is that there is no integration with Apple or Android apps, so I have to rely on old Bluetooth technology for my phone. The Bluetooth connection can be slow to connect to my iPhone and Samsung S7, so I often end up listening to my old iPod instead. Additionally, the XM sound quality is poor, so I wouldn't recommend subscribing. One other strange thing is that the radio continues to play after turning off the car (although this can be configured), but the power windows stop working. It's a bit odd. The car could benefit from a more user-friendly mobile app and faster charging (it takes 9 hours to charge on a standard outlet and the cable gets very hot). Lastly, it's surprising that Hyundai used plain old bulbs in the license plate holder and dome lights on a new model with so much technology. I replaced them with Sylvania White LEDs from Amazon, but I don't think that should have been necessary.
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Vehicle year: 2017
While researching the Chevy Volt and Ford Fusion Energi, I stumbled across the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and I'm so glad I did! Hyundai has done an excellent job with this car. The interior is spacious, refined, and well laid out with high-quality materials and intuitive controls and electronics interfaces. The Limited version feels luxurious with a myriad of features that rival our S Class Mercedes. Although it's only rated at 27 miles of battery range, I've consistently been getting 30-35 miles over the last two weeks before reverting to hybrid operation, where it gets an average of just over 40 MPG. On a 1000 mile trip combining interstate and secondary highways, it averaged about 41 MPG, which is impressive considering we were going 75-80 on the freeway sections. On one 70 mile section of Highway 1 in northern California, it actually achieved 48 MPG. The comfort level is high with excellent ventilated seats, an extremely smooth and controlled ride, and a noise level that's about as quiet as any car I've been in. The navigation/information/media system is outstanding with loads of information and easy to use. The price at $39,000.00 may seem high, but rebates and dealer discounts brought the price down over $5,000.00. In addition, the California rebate of $1,500.00 and Federal tax credit of $4,900.00 (?) drops the net price down below $28,000.00, which is a screaming deal for a car with this content and capability. It has more electric range than the Ford Fusion and a vastly bigger interior than the Volt. The adaptive cruise works very well, as do the electronic driving assists. I haven't discovered any glaring flaws or shortcomings yet, other than the trunk being a smallish 10 cubic feet due to the battery pack. With this car, Hyundai has not only established itself as an equal competitor, but it leads the pack. UPDATE 8/18/17 Car broke down on 7/26/17 with hybrid warning lights on the dash.Had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it has been sitting since it stopped. They were not able to analyze the problem, and after finally replacing a part which didn't fix the problem, now say the hybrid battery needs replacement. The problem is that the battery is not available and they don't know when it will be! I had an initial contact with Hyundai customer care, and they promised they would look into it and get back to me. Unfortunately, it has been 12 days and I have not heard anything back, despite leaving 5 messages which weren't returned. It would be great if Hyundai could improve their customer service. I am definitely done with Hyundai, but I must say that they did the right thing in the end by purchasing the car back from me, paying back all of my costs less a fair pro-rated amount for miles driven. Shame. I really liked the car.
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hi there! I recently purchased the plug-in Sonata in base trim and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with it! This is my first EV/Hybrid experience and I don't think I can ever go back to gas guzzling cars again. The car runs so smoothly and quietly, it's a dream to drive. On battery alone, I can easily get 30 miles before it runs out and I hardly use any gas at all. The car is also packed with amazing features like Android auto, blind spot monitoring, back up cameras, and more. Plus, with the plug-in being eligible for Federal and State rebates, it's a very affordable option. The only downside I found was that in base trim, they don't offer leather seats and the color choices are limited. But overall, I think this car is fantastic and I highly recommend it!
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Vehicle year: 2016
While researching the Chevy Volt and Ford Fusion Energi, I stumbled across the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid and I'm so glad I did! Hyundai has done an excellent job with this car. The interior is spacious, refined, and well laid out with high-quality materials and intuitive controls and electronics interfaces. The Limited version feels luxurious with a myriad of features that rival our S Class Mercedes. Although it's only rated at 27 miles of battery range, I've consistently been getting 30-35 miles over the last two weeks before reverting to hybrid operation, where it gets an average of just over 40 MPG. On a 1000 mile trip combining interstate and secondary highways, it averaged about 41 MPG, which is impressive considering we were going 75-80 on the freeway sections. On one 70 mile section of Highway 1 in northern California, it actually achieved 48 MPG. The comfort level is high with excellent ventilated seats, an extremely smooth and controlled ride, and a noise level that's about as quiet as any car I've been in. The navigation/information/media system is outstanding with loads of information and easy to use. The price at $39,000.00 may seem high, but rebates and dealer discounts brought the price down over $5,000.00. In addition, the California rebate of $1,500.00 and Federal tax credit of $4,900.00 (?) drops the net price down below $28,000.00, which is a screaming deal for a car with this content and capability. It has more electric range than the Ford Fusion and a vastly bigger interior than the Volt. The adaptive cruise works very well, as do the electronic driving assists. I haven't discovered any glaring flaws or shortcomings yet, other than the trunk being a smallish 10 cubic feet due to the battery pack. With this car, Hyundai has not only established itself as an equal competitor, but it leads the pack. UPDATE 8/18/17 Car broke down on 7/26/17 with hybrid warning lights on the dash.Had to be towed to the nearest dealer, where it has been sitting since it stopped. They were not able to analyze the problem, and after finally replacing a part which didn't fix the problem, now say the hybrid battery needs replacement. The problem is that the battery is not available and they don't know when it will be! I had an initial contact with Hyundai customer care, and they promised they would look into it and get back to me. Unfortunately, it has been 12 days and I have not heard anything back, despite leaving 5 messages which weren't returned. It would be great if Hyundai could improve their customer service. I am definitely done with Hyundai, but I must say that they did the right thing in the end by purchasing the car back from me, paying back all of my costs less a fair pro-rated amount for miles driven. Shame. I really liked the car.
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid?
Jaylon Ferry 2025-10-13
Vehicle year: 2016
(1) Your car has been in for the check engine light 11-13 times. (2) It broke down on the highway due to a hybrid system failure and was at the dealer for over 3 weeks. However, I am happy to inform you that the car was eventually recalled for the above two items and has not been a problem since.
Trent Kihn 2025-07-22
Vehicle year: 2017
(1) Your car has been in for the check engine light 11-13 times. (2) It broke down on the highway due to a hybrid system failure and was at the dealer for over 3 weeks. However, I am happy to inform you that the car was eventually recalled for the above two items and has not been a problem since.
Dino Carter 2025-05-06
Vehicle year: 2016
The 2016 Plug-Ins have a faulty hybrid battery, which unfortunately led to a recent recall. I had a scary experience when my car cut off on the freeway, and it wasn't the first time my car had to be serviced. In fact, last year it was in service for over a month. However, I am grateful that Hyundai has agreed to repurchase the vehicle. It's a shame that such a great car has these issues.
Jonathan Donnelly 2024-10-28
Vehicle year: 2016
This car was great for the first 7 months after I bought it brand new. It had super great mileage and was perfect for my wife's daily commute. However, we did experience some frustration when it didn't charge overnight about twice a month. Eventually, it stopped charging entirely and had to spend 9 days in the shop at 7 months. Although it continued to have sporadic charging issues for another 7 months, it eventually stopped charging entirely again and had to spend 41 days in service. Despite these issues, we loved the car until it stopped working. Thankfully, Hyundai agreed to buy it back, following the lemon laws of CA. We have since moved on and now own a 2018 Accord 1.5t Touring.
Kory DuBuque 2024-05-06
Vehicle year: 2017
This car was great for the first 7 months after I bought it brand new. It had super great mileage and was perfect for my wife's daily commute. However, we did experience some frustration when it didn't charge overnight about twice a month. Eventually, it stopped charging entirely and had to spend 9 days in the shop at 7 months. Although it continued to have sporadic charging issues for another 7 months, it eventually stopped charging entirely again and had to spend 41 days in service. Despite these issues, we loved the car until it stopped working. Thankfully, Hyundai agreed to buy it back, following the lemon laws of CA. We have since moved on and now own a 2018 Accord 1.5t Touring.