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Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction.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 car is amazing! It's a luxury car with the longest electric range in its class. I can easily get over 30 miles on a single charge. The regenerative electric charging is fantastic.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Super-quick and quiet. And with 27 miles of electric-only power, you won't have to use any gas during the week. Plus, you won't have to worry about range anxiety on weekends because the hybrid gas engine kicks in automatically after that.
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Vehicle year: 2017
Super-quick and quiet. And with 27 miles of electric-only power, you won't have to use any gas during the week. Plus, you won't have to worry about range anxiety on weekends because the hybrid gas engine kicks in automatically after that.
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Vehicle year: 2016
This car is amazing! It's a luxury car with the longest electric range in its class. I can easily get over 30 miles on a single charge. The regenerative electric charging is fantastic.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I've been driving this car for almost a year now and I must say, it's been a great experience. The unique plug-in electric drive system, coupled with a backup gasoline engine, makes it stand out from other midsize passenger sedans. As someone who doesn't drive long distances, I've mostly used the pure-electric mode which lasts for about 27 miles. The car is incredibly quiet and smooth in this mode, giving me a sense of luxury in a non-luxury car. It's interesting how the near-silence of the car at low speeds makes traffic jams (I live in LA) seem less awful! The fact that I don't have to visit gas stations often is also a plus. I only use about one tank every six months. The engine does turn on when I need to accelerate onto a freeway or when I'm in a hurry and use a lead foot. But in most circumstances, I find it relaxing to exercise just a bit of self-restraint and accelerate so that electricity alone suffices. I opted for the fancier version and I'm glad I did. The bells and whistles that come with it, such as the discrete warnings about lane departure, make driving safer. The sound system is also great and keeps me, a finicky listener, quite happy (having no engine noise to compete with the music helps too). The seats are really comfy with lots of legroom both front and back, and visibility is good all around. It's true that by buying this car, I've lost a certain amount of trunk room due to the huge battery. However, it's actually easier to retrieve grocery bags from the smaller trunk (a little short of 10 cubic feet) than it was from the cavernous trunk of my former car. If I need to carry something big, the huge back seat will usually be enough. Sadly, I have never, ever, spotted another Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid on the road -- I'm totally alone in my preference! It's a shame because I think other buyers would enjoy this car very much if they only gave it a try.The 2017 model is very similar to the 2016 version, so this review should still be relevant for those considering the 2017 model.
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid?
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.
Josh Littel 2024-03-27
Vehicle year: 2017
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 currently being serviced again.