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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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
As a part-time Lyft/Uber driver, I have driven my Sonata Limited HPEV for 40,000 miles and I must say, it is an exceptional car. The car is so quiet when driving in electric mode that there is actually a noise generating system in the front end to alert pedestrians of its presence. Although I cannot hear the noise maker or any other noise when starting, idling, or slow driving in a parking lot or driveway, I find it eerily quiet on the first couple of drives. However, I have never experienced a single moment of discomfort during my 8-hour long drives each night with only one bathroom/coffee stop. The front seats are completely adjustable in about 10,000 positions and provide comfortable support, including a separate electronically adjustable lumbar support. The rear seats generate constant applause from passengers for both comfort and legroom. If the rest of the car weren't 'perfect', maybe the annoying headlights wouldn't bother me as much. Overall, I would definitely recommend buying this car! It outperforms the rest of the class.
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Vehicle year: 2016
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 camera's, etc. which make driving it a breeze. 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 amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and eco-friendly option. Thanks for reading!
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Vehicle year: 2016
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 it takes a few clicks to get back to random play mode every time I start the car. But overall, I'm thrilled to say that I've only had to buy 16 gallons of gas in 5,800 miles of driving - talk about savings! I even tried using 91 gas instead of 89 and it made a huge difference in the engine's performance. Weirdly, Hyundai advises against using 91, but it worked wonders for me. Oh, and one more thing - the CHG MODE will recharge the EV battery with 380 volts on the highway in about 30 minutes. The engine is also much more responsive in this mode, but I only use it on the highway where I can maintain a consistent speed. On a side note, I've noticed that the ventilated front seats (AC) aren't as good as those in a Dodge Charger V8 - maybe Hyundai went with a cheaper version? 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 charging stations for EVs are also difficult to find in Southern California, and they are not free. You have to sign up for them in advance and get a card to use them, which is 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
I am currently leasing a Nissan all-electric Leaf car, and my lease is expiring. So, we started researching which car to get to replace the Nissan Leaf. My main goal is to have a car that I can use in the HOV lanes here in Northern California (San Jose). I wanted to get into the higher range (200+ mile) electric vehicles such as Tesla, Ford Energi, Chevy Bolt, and the new Nissan Leaf, but unfortunately, they won't be available until next year (forget the Tesla Model 3). I started reviewing all the specs of cars, and then a friend told me to look at the all-new 2016 Hyundai plug-in hybrid. I was glad that I did! I was so surprised by the car's handling and features. It's no different from driving my BMW and Mercedes E class. The interior has more luxury features and room! The ride and comfort are the same as a luxury car. Of course, it's not as fast as a BMW and Mercedes, but I am not going to race the car, and it's unfair to compare a 4-cylinder to a six and eight-cylinder. But, and I said but, look at the technology setup. It's a hybrid-plugin technology that gives you the torque and speed (202hp) enough to make you happy. Getting 40+ miles to a gallon is just the icing on the cake. People say it's still a Hyundai, well, go look and compare it yourself. I ended up buying a Hyundai plug-in limited and am looking forward to enjoying it on the HOV lanes. Not to forget, it's the longest warranted car in the automotive industry.
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Vehicle year: 2017
I recently test drove a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at the dealership. Although they had a PHEV in stock, I was hesitant to try it out due to the higher price tag. However, I decided to give it a chance and I'm so glad I did! The car is absolutely amazing. It runs smoothly on all types of roads and is incredibly quiet, especially in electric mode. The interior is well-appointed and I'm constantly discovering new features that I didn't even know existed. For example, when adjusting the mirrors, I accidentally left it in Reverse mode and the side mirrors angled down to give me a better view of my surroundings. Even parallel parking is a breeze with this car. I've been using it primarily for my daily commute to work, but I also took it on a 160-mile trip to the mountains over the weekend. I'm currently at 770 miles since my last fill-up and still have about 40% of the tank left. It's truly amazing! The car has also made me a better driver because I'm constantly trying to maximize my mileage. It even has a screen that tells me how aggressive I'm being, which my wife appreciates. Don't let the cost of the car hold you back. Even with gas prices at $2.20 per gallon, it's still a money-saver. It only costs me about $0.70 to recharge the battery every day, compared to my previous car which cost me about $1.70 per day in gas. Plus, using less fuel is environmentally and geopolitically responsible. Lastly, the car has a spacious cabin that comfortably fits all three of my kids.I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with the car sales guy. After I adjusted the car to my liking, I had him sit behind me and checked out his seating arrangement. He's 5'11
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid?
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.
Darrel Hamill 2024-05-02
Vehicle year: 2016
I have owned the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid for just over a year and have driven it for 17,500 miles. Unfortunately, the hybrid system has failed twice in the past three weeks, causing significant inconvenience. The first time, the car wouldn't even start and had to be towed. As a result, I am now hesitant to drive the car due to the possibility of getting stuck. This is not an acceptable situation. Although I lost a week of use during the first dealership visit, the car is now back there again for repairs.
Elroy Morar 2024-04-10
Vehicle year: 2017
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.