Owners have filed 23 complaints
about the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA between 2023 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 14
Against the median year of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
34.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2023 compares with every other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
730.4%
Median failure at 34,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
313.0%
Fuel & Propulsion
313.0%
Transmission & Drivetrain
313.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
28.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control
28.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Other & Unspecified
14.3%
Brakes
14.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
14.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2023peak 5Dec 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Portland, ORCrash
POWER TRAIN
The push button shifters do not shift gears, unless the brake is depressed. On a slight incline, it is natural to shift from forward to reverse without braking leaving the driver in the wrong gear. So I have often started forward expecting to go backwards. I accidently ran over a portable toilet trying to quickly reverse out of a driveway on a slight incline. I hope no one has run over a person this way. I have had other close calls. This system is far more dangerous than lever style shifters. Even a little mistiming between brake and shift can leave the car going the wrong way.
NHTSA complaint #11627724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11575678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11575678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11575678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buda, TXCrash
POWER TRAIN
The car did not shift from Drive to Park after coming to a stop and pressing the Park button. This caused the car to roll forward slowly and run into our garage door. This is not the first time the car hasn't shifted.
NHTSA complaint #11574858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sugar Land, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UNKNOWN- While driving on highway, from 70 mph speed the car suddenly lost acceleration and speed dropped. No response to accelerator. Even with pushing the accelerator high, car will go in high RPM and speed will barely reach 40 mph. I was lucky that there was no other vehicle behind me, especially heavy automobile like semi truck as it would have crashed in me from behind due to sudden propulsion loss. The car started working fine next day. I took it to dealer and they couldn't find any error code but said it could be 12V battery BMS software update and they updated it. They mentioned that this is NOT a safety issue which is mind-blowing and concerning as this is a MAJOR safety hazard. I would request you to investigate this further and if this is a software issue then please direct Hyundai to update this with all vehicles and cover the cost for those who have had to pay for it.
NHTSA complaint #11704561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
ENGINE
UNKNOWN- While driving on highway, from 70 mph speed the car suddenly lost acceleration and speed dropped. No response to accelerator. Even with pushing the accelerator high, car will go in high RPM and speed will barely reach 40 mph. I was lucky that there was no other vehicle behind me, especially heavy automobile like semi truck as it would have crashed in me from behind due to sudden propulsion loss. The car started working fine next day. I took it to dealer and they couldn't find any error code but said it could be 12V battery BMS software update and they updated it. They mentioned that this is NOT a safety issue which is mind-blowing and concerning as this is a MAJOR safety hazard. I would request you to investigate this further and if this is a software issue then please direct Hyundai to update this with all vehicles and cover the cost for those who have had to pay for it.
NHTSA complaint #11704561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UNKNOWN- While driving on highway, from 70 mph speed the car suddenly lost acceleration and speed dropped. No response to accelerator. Even with pushing the accelerator high, car will go in high RPM and speed will barely reach 40 mph. I was lucky that there was no other vehicle behind me, especially heavy automobile like semi truck as it would have crashed in me from behind due to sudden propulsion loss. The car started working fine next day. I took it to dealer and they couldn't find any error code but said it could be 12V battery BMS software update and they updated it. They mentioned that this is NOT a safety issue which is mind-blowing and concerning as this is a MAJOR safety hazard. I would request you to investigate this further and if this is a software issue then please direct Hyundai to update this with all vehicles and cover the cost for those who have had to pay for it.
NHTSA complaint #11704561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, SC
ENGINE
On 11/28/25 at approximately 6:30 pm, I was driving on a Highway 17 going about 60 mph when my car's engine completely shut down. a "Hybrid System Failure" warning flashed and my car was no longer drivable. The car was towed to the dealership. In mid October 2025, my car stopped running with the same "Hybrid System Failure" warning, but it happened in my driveway. The car was towed to the dealership and supposedly repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11702405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Pleasant, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On 11/28/25 at approximately 6:30 pm, I was driving on a Highway 17 going about 60 mph when my car's engine completely shut down. a "Hybrid System Failure" warning flashed and my car was no longer drivable. The car was towed to the dealership. In mid October 2025, my car stopped running with the same "Hybrid System Failure" warning, but it happened in my driveway. The car was towed to the dealership and supposedly repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11702405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle went in for repair at the dealership early July for a check engine light and DTC error code. It was revving high after being driven for more than 20 min or so and wouldn’t get to above 60 mph. Jerky, dangerous acceleration and deceleration seemingly out of nowhere. The dealership replaced the fuel pump which is what they said was causing the error. Today on August 10th, check engine light popped up again with a DTC error code. Weird acceleration and deceleration and general jerkiness when driving. Scheduled service appointment for next week.
NHTSA complaint #11679707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
ENGINE
The vehicle went in for repair at the dealership early July for a check engine light and DTC error code. It was revving high after being driven for more than 20 min or so and wouldn’t get to above 60 mph. Jerky, dangerous acceleration and deceleration seemingly out of nowhere. The dealership replaced the fuel pump which is what they said was causing the error. Today on August 10th, check engine light popped up again with a DTC error code. Weird acceleration and deceleration and general jerkiness when driving. Scheduled service appointment for next week.
NHTSA complaint #11679707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle went in for repair at the dealership early July for a check engine light and DTC error code. It was revving high after being driven for more than 20 min or so and wouldn’t get to above 60 mph. Jerky, dangerous acceleration and deceleration seemingly out of nowhere. The dealership replaced the fuel pump which is what they said was causing the error. Today on August 10th, check engine light popped up again with a DTC error code. Weird acceleration and deceleration and general jerkiness when driving. Scheduled service appointment for next week.
NHTSA complaint #11679707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesChula Vista, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before downshifting to a lower gear. In addition, the engine revved independently. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was no longer being driven. The contact parked the vehicle at the residence. The contact started the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
POWER TRAIN
Similar to other stories I’ve read online, my 2023 sonata broke down on the highway a minute after any error signal popping up, in a dangerous location on the highway with no shoulder. Plaza Hyundai dealership was first/last and only people to perform an oil change or service the car. They told me they wouldn’t take the car due to being full after the incident. A Different Hyundai dealership took the car and found the breakdown was due to a missing oil drain plug and the engine leaked all the oil, while noting they didn’t do the previous oil change and there was no external damages. Plaza Hyundai is refusing to claim responsibility and just trying to milk me for much money as possible/get me to purchase a new engine.
NHTSA complaint #11652891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quincy, MA
ENGINE
I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN NOVEMBER 2023, BY FEBRUARY, THE CAR STARTED STALLING ON THE STREETS/HYWAY. ALL DASH LIGHTS WOULD COME ON, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND IS NO LONGER ABLE TO RESTART. THIS HAPPENED 4 TIME IN 2024. WHEN I TOW IT TO THE DEALER, THEY ALWAYS COME BACK WITH THE SAME ANSWER. ''THE AC MOTOR POWER CABLE HAS BEEN DISCONNECTING LEADING TO LOSE OF POWER''. THEY HAVE REPLACED IT 4X BUT THE SAME PROBLEM PERSIST. IT'S VERY SCARY ESPECIALLY WHN AM DRIVING IN A BUSY ROAD OR WHEN AM DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. AM NOT SURE HOW TO MOVE FROM HERE. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #11636797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ORCrash
POWER TRAIN
The push button shifters do not shift gears, unless the brake is depressed. On a slight incline, it is natural to shift from forward to reverse without braking leaving the driver in the wrong gear. So I have often started forward expecting to go backwards. I accidently ran over a portable toilet trying to quickly reverse out of a driveway on a slight incline. I hope no one has run over a person this way. I have had other close calls. This system is far more dangerous than lever style shifters. Even a little mistiming between brake and shift can leave the car going the wrong way.
NHTSA complaint #11627724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, IL
ENGINE
At 82,000 miles car started to consume coolant. Had EHRS TBS performed coolant no longer leaking. Thi is the 2nd car that had this coolant issue.
NHTSA complaint #11609732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car randomly engaged emergency brakes while driving 70+ mph on the highway with no cars nearby. It almost came to a complete stop but i was able to accelerate again. it was not acting as a safety features because there was not a car close to my front. I am concerned if it happens again i could get in a crash and rear ended. The dealership does not seem concerned
NHTSA complaint #11591510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11575678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11575678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.
NHTSA complaint #11575678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buda, TXCrash
POWER TRAIN
The car did not shift from Drive to Park after coming to a stop and pressing the Park button. This caused the car to roll forward slowly and run into our garage door. This is not the first time the car hasn't shifted.
NHTSA complaint #11574858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Sunroof burst while driving on freeway at a low speed due to heavy traffic. There were no overpasses or bridges above the vehicle when explosion was heard. No point of impact on sunroof from possible rocks and glass is shattered but in one piece and it appears to have burst outwards as it’s bowing upwards. Sunroof had rarely ever been used prior to this and vehicle is only 1 year old. Only some tiny pieces of glass came off initially, but headliner collected them instead of landing on driver/passenger while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11568659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Sunroof burst while driving on freeway at a low speed due to heavy traffic. There were no overpasses or bridges above the vehicle when explosion was heard. No point of impact on sunroof from possible rocks and glass is shattered but in one piece and it appears to have burst outwards as it’s bowing upwards. Sunroof had rarely ever been used prior to this and vehicle is only 1 year old. Only some tiny pieces of glass came off initially, but headliner collected them instead of landing on driver/passenger while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11568659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Hill, MO
ENGINE
DTC subsystem EMS failed engine over heated. Car diagnostic failed displaying P00B700. Hyundai issued TSB covering issue dealer failed to notify since NHTSA did not require action. Car has been in garage waiting for appointment. This could have left me stranded.
NHTSA complaint #11530977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midlothian, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water continues to gush out of the driver side passenger door when opened after raining. I also found out on Friday, July 30, 2023, that water has been leaking into the trunk of my brand-new car since purchasing it on May 10, 2023. It's a hybrid. [XXX], Pearson Hyundai's New Car Sales Manager (who I bought my car from), and I are extremely concerned about water leaking into the trunk of an electric vehicle which puts me, my family and anyone else who rides in the car at potential risk. Currently my car is at Pearson Hyundai again to fix this issue for the fourth time. Attached are the three previous service invoices that I've received. If needed, I can provide three videos that I recorded of the same issue on May 30th, June 17th and July 1st. Please know that I have also shared the videos with [XXX], Pearson Hyundai's Service Manager and [XXX], Pearson's Service Advisor. On July 3, 2023, I filed a report with Hyundai Customer Service. The Case Number is [XXX]. The last text I received from [XXX], Pearson's Service Manager, yesterday (7/5/23) follows: "I’m sorry I don’t have any answers yet, we’re trying to figure this out, I’m even reaching out to somebody I know when the collision industry that understands body framing-- Sent from Gmail Mobile" INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11530631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, MD
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Moonroof shattered yes could have lost control due to fright/heart attack no Insurance said it happens to Hyundai often no warning at all
NHTSA complaint #11507954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.