Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 417 owner complaints and 13 recalls on file for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (2011–2026). The 2016 Sonata Hybrid has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
417
Recalls
13
Model years
16
Worst year
2016

Complaints by model year

18201144201228201310201422201593201665201752018420191620205520211920221520239202411202532026
NHTSA complaints per Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 93 complaints, 3 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
  2. 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 65 complaints, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 55 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
  4. 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 44 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  5. 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 28 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (4 complaints).

Every Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Sonata Hybrid32021Brakes
2025 Sonata Hybrid111010Electrical System
2024 Sonata Hybrid90000Body & Structure
2023 Sonata Hybrid153020Engine
2022 Sonata Hybrid190000Electrical System
2021 Sonata Hybrid551020Electrical System
2020 Sonata Hybrid161011Engine
2019 Sonata Hybrid40000Engine
2018 Sonata Hybrid50001Engine
2017 Sonata Hybrid650303Engine
2016 Sonata Hybrid933115Engine
2015 Sonata Hybrid222244Electrical System
2014 Sonata Hybrid100003Brakes
2013 Sonata Hybrid280204Engine
2012 Sonata Hybrid440206Engine
2011 Sonata Hybrid180206Engine

Most common Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    219 complaints
  • Electrical System
    109 complaints
  • Brakes
    49 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    39 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    34 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    18 complaints
  • Steering
    15 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    10 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    9 complaints
  • Lighting
    8 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received by NHTSA each month.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls

  • Recall 26V047000Jan 26, 202641,651 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V651000Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesModel years 2011–2015

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V196000Mar 28, 202263,461 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V749000Sep 24, 2021469,377 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V727000Sep 17, 202195,515 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V619000Aug 6, 2021348,158 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

    Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V746000Dec 1, 2020128,948 vehiclesModel years 2011–2016

    Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V393000Jul 2, 2020272,126 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012

    Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

  • Recall 18V137000Feb 27, 2018580,058 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012

    Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

  • Recall 17V617000Oct 4, 2017443,545 vehiclesModel years 2011–2015

    Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 17V152000Mar 8, 2017977,778 vehiclesModel years 2011–2015

    Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V726000Oct 11, 201662,811 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V232000Apr 21, 201633 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Other Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology