Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 795 complaints about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA since 2011, most often about engine and electrical system. Hyundai has filed 9 warranty extensions and 24 service campaigns for it, and there are 13 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Sonata Hybrid a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2011 on.
- Owner complaints
- 795
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 9
- Filed by Hyundai
- Service campaigns
- 24
- Filed by Hyundai
- Safety recalls
- 13
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Sonata Hybrid with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | Other or unspecified (33%) | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 | 11 | Electrical system (36%) | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 | 9 | Body and structure (22%) | 0 | 7 |
| 2023 | 15 | Engine (47%) | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | 19 | Electrical system (58%) | 0 | 5 |
| 2021 | 55 | Electrical system (45%) | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 | 16 | Engine (50%) | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 | 5 | Engine (60%) | 0 | 7 |
| 2018 | 9 | Engine (56%) | 1 | 8 |
| 2017 | 80 | Engine (56%) | 3 | 10 |
| 2016 | 133 | Engine (55%) | 5 | 12 |
| 2015 | 54 | Electrical system (44%) | 4 | 11 |
| 2014 | 28 | Engine (43%) | 3 | 12 |
| 2013 | 108 | Engine (37%) | 4 | 12 |
| 2012 | 154 | Engine (44%) | 6 | 11 |
| 2011 | 96 | Engine (42%) | 6 | 11 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Sonata Hybrid model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Hyundai
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Hyundai filed with NHTSA for the Sonata Hybrid, in its own words. A warranty extension means Hyundai pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionAug 2026· Airbags· model years 2011–2014
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use for original & subsequent owners.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Body and structure· model years 2026
Certain 2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a fuel filler door that is difficult to open due to the push-type opener mechanism.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Certain 2024-2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2024-2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge condition due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked.
- Warranty extensionJul 2026· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Certain Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge conditions due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2011–2015
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
- Warranty extensionMar 2026· Engine· model years 2011–2015
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
- Warranty extensionNov 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2019
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for…
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Electrical system· model years 2016–2019
Certain 2019 - 2020 MY NEXO (FE) vehicles may experience a condition in which the radio presets may reset during AVN start up. This service campaign provides the procedure to install an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) software update, which corrects this condition.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2017· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ?
- Service campaignDec 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Hyundai Motor America is currently investigating an ongoing issue with software GDS event #1302. The matter is being investigated. We will provide an update once the issue is resolved and the suspension is lifted.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Certain Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may experience battery drain due to the air conditioning controller not shutting down completely while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2025
The issue regarding the cluster speedometer software upgrade failures when attempting to update to the latest version has been resolved.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2025
Certain Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles equipped with Super Vision instrument cluster (12.3” wide) may have speedometers that display the incorrect speed. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update to resolve this concern.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Electrical system· model years 2020–2022
This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software for the Battery Management System (BMS) on certain Elantra Hybrid (CN7 HEV), Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV), and Tucson Hybrid (NX4 HEV) vehicles that may exhibit a warning light with DTC P1BB200 and enter Limp Mode.
- Service campaignJul 2025· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Electrical system· model years 2016–2023
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Electrical system· model years 2024–2026
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions.
- Service campaignSep 2024· Electrical system· model years 2016–2017
This bulletin provides instructions to update the 4th generation AVN head unit software to ensure the SIM Over The Air function for the Bluelink service is operating properly.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Electrical system· model years 2022–2023
A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2019
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignJul 2024· Electrical system· model years 2020–2022
Certain Elantra hybrid (CN7 HEV), Sonata hybrid (DN8 HEV), and Tucson hybrid (NX4 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a warning light due to DTC Code P1BB20 (12V Lithium Battery Cell Voltage High).
- Service campaignSep 2023· Hybrid system· model years 2013–2015
Certain 2013-2015MY Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) vehicles may exhibit warning lights on while driving and the inability to restart the ignition after it has been turned off when stopped.
- Service campaignNov 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2019
Op code/part number (reference guide for service campaign T6G)
- Service campaignApr 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2019
Certain vehicles that have completed Service Campaign 966 may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
- Service campaignApr 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2018
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to further enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs on certain 2017-2018 model year Sonata Hybrid/Plug-In vehicles.
- Service campaignOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2019
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignSep 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2015
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
- Service campaignJan 2018· Electrical system· model years 2017
Hyundai Motor America is adding additional models to Service Campaign T2M. Service campaign T2M provides a service procedure to replace the inhibitor switch on certain 2017-18 Santa Fe Sport, 2017 Santa Fe, 2017-18 Tucson, 2017 Azera, 2017 Sonata, Sonata Hybrid & Plug-in.
- Service campaignJan 2017· Engine· model years 2011–2016
Hyundai has launched a service campaign to inspect and if needed, repair the evaporative emissions canister and bracket on certain model year 2011?
- Service campaignApr 2016· Engine· model years 2016
Hyundai motor america is conducting a service campaign to revise the engine electric water pump wiring on certain 2016 Model year sonata hybrid vehicles. Service campaign tdd provides a service procedure to revise the wiring.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Sonata Hybrid model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine342 (43%)
- Electrical system205 (26%)
- Transmission and drivetrain99 (12%)
- Other or unspecified93 (12%)
- Brakes67 (8%)
- Steering48 (6%)
- Fuel and propulsion42 (5%)
- Brakes32 (4%)
Safety recalls
13 recalls cover at least one Sonata Hybrid model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays.
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.
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
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…
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air…
On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles.
The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2011–2015
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2011–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2011–2019
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2013, 2016–2017
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- EA19001Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024· Airbags· model years 2013–2019
Electrical overstress
Led to recall 20V024.
- PE19003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 20V061000.
- DP18003Defect petition· opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 18V907000.
- PE18003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2018, closed Aug 2019· Airbags· model years 2011–2012
Air bags may be disabled during crash
Led to recall 18E043000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2011 on: 795 owner complaints, 9 warranty extensions and 24 service campaigns Hyundai filed, and 13 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2012 (154), 2016 (133), 2013 (108). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Across every model year since 2011, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (43%), electrical system (26%), transmission and drivetrain (12%). Hyundai has filed 9 warranty extensions covering the Sonata Hybrid, listed on this page.
Which Sonata Hybrid model years have the most complaints?
2012 (154), 2016 (133), 2013 (108). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Sonata Hybrid with each other rather than with other models.
Has Hyundai extended the warranty on the Sonata Hybrid?
Yes: airbags (model years 2011–2014); body and structure (model years 2026); electrical system (model years 2024–2026), and 6 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Sonata Hybrid?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 13 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.