Owners have filed 43 complaints
about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid with NHTSA between 2016 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
411.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
720.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1852.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
411.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12.9%
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.
Jun 2016peak 4Jun 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
Recalls on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V749000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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.
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
18V166000
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Risk: 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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 65,000 milesOrtonville, MI
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the “Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine” message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the failure could not be duplicated; however, the contact stated that he provided diagnostic test data to the technician that displayed error codes however, the failure could not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11529173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesOrtonville, MI
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the “Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine” message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the failure could not be duplicated; however, the contact stated that he provided diagnostic test data to the technician that displayed error codes however, the failure could not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11529173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
POWER TRAIN
While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times in the last two years while driving. Car was at dealer shop multiple times with no repair, was told we don't see active error message or they can't re-create the error. however scan show P261F error. Open Ticket with Hyundai #21018148 while car at the dealers for weeks at the time. each time told check engine got back on but not the message they are looking for.
NHTSA complaint #11514685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times in the last two years while driving. Car was at dealer shop multiple times with no repair, was told we don't see active error message or they can't re-create the error. however scan show P261F error. Open Ticket with Hyundai #21018148 while car at the dealers for weeks at the time. each time told check engine got back on but not the message they are looking for.
NHTSA complaint #11514685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
ENGINE
While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times in the last two years while driving. Car was at dealer shop multiple times with no repair, was told we don't see active error message or they can't re-create the error. however scan show P261F error. Open Ticket with Hyundai #21018148 while car at the dealers for weeks at the time. each time told check engine got back on but not the message they are looking for.
NHTSA complaint #11514685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the hybrid system warning light comes on and says to check hybrid system, vehicle goes into limp mode will not accelerate over 25 mph and codes need to be cleared before vehicle van be driven. This has caused me to almost have several accidents. The vehicle slows down and gives no warning prior to this occurring. It has started happening more frequently vehicle currently has 85k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11500417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
While driving the hybrid system warning light comes on and says to check hybrid system, vehicle goes into limp mode will not accelerate over 25 mph and codes need to be cleared before vehicle van be driven. This has caused me to almost have several accidents. The vehicle slows down and gives no warning prior to this occurring. It has started happening more frequently vehicle currently has 85k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11500417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesNewtown, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH or faster in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle stalled. The HEV error warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and disengaged the HEV Mode for the vehicle to restart and function as intended. The failure occurred three times. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer however, the mechanics were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11490124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesNewtown, PA
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH or faster in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle stalled. The HEV error warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and disengaged the HEV Mode for the vehicle to restart and function as intended. The failure occurred three times. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer however, the mechanics were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11490124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2016 plug in hybrid Sonata repeatedly inidcates that there is "high system temperature switching to hybrid mode." This first happened on my first long trip in the car in 10/21 and has happened repeatedly since. This happens at all temperatures, including moderate temperatures (mid 70s). It seems to happen randomly, such as when battery has several miles of charge left in it, when it is fully discharged, and repeatedly when the car is already running in hybrid mode, which a driver could interpret means that the engine is about to shut down, as I did on a long trip. I have taken it to two separate dealers, and the only thing they did was replace the fuel pump, which did not solve the problem. In addition, the battery life has reduced greatly, despite the fact that I always fully discharge and recharge the batter. As you can see from the attached Hyundai forum comments, this appears to be a prevalent problem for this make and model car and no relief from the manufacturer appears to be on the horizon.
NHTSA complaint #11478763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesTrafalgar, IN
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was approaching a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated he manually pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway. The contact went back with his trailer and trailered the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the Hybrid control unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11472475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminster, CO
ENGINE
In January of 2022, my vehicle experienced a complete power loss while driving to work, leaving the car coasting down the road. A Check Hybrid System warning came up on the dashboard, along with several other warning lights, including Check Engine. Luckily, I was able to pull over without an accident occurring. Once stopped, the vehicle did restart and got me to and back from work. A diagnosis effort made at a local Hyundai dealership was unsuccessful as they could not replicate the problem and found no error codes in the auto's CPU system. I continued to drive the vehicle, hoping it was a one time deal, but since then, the identical situation has occurred three more times. I was extremely lucky that I had been in a position to safely pull off to the side of the road. The car has not been driven since March 19, 2022. After researching this scenario online, it appears to be the exact situation reflected in the Hyundai Recall campaign 175 from 2018, where the dealership remove the original VPD module and replace it with a Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is said to have been done on my vehicle, but the exact situation has reoccurred. Every time time the car lost power, it was preceded by a shuttering feel in the car, an alarm would go off and the propulsion system would just shut down and the Check Hybrid light would come on. Hyundai's only response has been to drive the car until it fails again (can you believe that?) and bring it in again for diagnosis. Even if that were to be done, the technicians and others on the road, would then be put at risk, as well, if they drove the vehicle in an attempt to get it to fail. I am the second owner of this car and the recall was supposedly done prior to my purchase. I now wonder if the dealer knew of the problem and that is why it was $2K below KBB. I cannot safely drive the car and can't sell it without loss once this safety issue is revealed. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11461197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a plug-in hybrid. Charging light on the dash blinks red indicating there is an issue (per manual). Also blinks while driving. Should be green. Still charges. Taken to two Hyundai dealerships. Computer produces no codes. Dealership does not know how to proceed. Safety concern is it’s unknown if battery is dangerous to charge? Is it dangerous to drive? How does a car indicate a problem but then give no codes.
NHTSA complaint #11454948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesCorona DEL MAR, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED OFF THE ROADWAY WITH ASSISTANCE FROM A BYSTANDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TUSTIN HYUNDAI (16 AUTO CENTER DRIVE, TUSTIN, CA 92782, (714) 647-2000) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE COMMUNICATION WIRE BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND COMPUTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED 2 YEARS LATER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER TO THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REBOOTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11384407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,363 milesChisinau, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEV ENGINIE ERORR
NHTSA complaint #11220241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,363 milesChisinau, CA
ENGINE
HEV ENGINIE ERORR
NHTSA complaint #11220241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,235 milesSouthfield, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE PLUG OF THE ELECTRICAL CHARGER FOR THE BATTERY OF MY PLUG -IN CAR OVERHEATED AND BURNED THE SURGE PROTECTOR THAT IT WAS PLUGGED INTO.
NHTSA complaint #11152996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHouston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"TAKATA RECALL" AUGUST 25TH THE CAR WAS DRIVEN INTO SOME HIGH WATER AND WAS PARKED BY A GAS STATION NEAR GREEN ROAD AND ALDEAN WESTFIELD R. THE CAR WAS UNDERWATER FROM THE FRONT END. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR. FROM WARRANTY ISSUES TO FLOOD REPAIR, BOTH CAN'T GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER TO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE CAR STOPS AND COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF HYBRID MALFUNCTION. WE DONT HAVE ANY DOCUMENTS, THE DEALERSHIP HAS COPYS OF ALL REPARS.
NHTSA complaint #11144863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"TAKATA RECALL" AUGUST 25TH THE CAR WAS DRIVEN INTO SOME HIGH WATER AND WAS PARKED BY A GAS STATION NEAR GREEN ROAD AND ALDEAN WESTFIELD R. THE CAR WAS UNDERWATER FROM THE FRONT END. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR MULTIPLE TIMES FOR REPAIR. FROM WARRANTY ISSUES TO FLOOD REPAIR, BOTH CAN'T GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER TO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE CAR STOPS AND COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF HYBRID MALFUNCTION. WE DONT HAVE ANY DOCUMENTS, THE DEALERSHIP HAS COPYS OF ALL REPARS.
NHTSA complaint #11144863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,550 milesMerced, CA
POWER TRAIN
HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NOW IT IS NOT OPERABLE. CAR WAS CHECKED BY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE 3 DAYS AGO. THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, THEY DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME SAFELY, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER IN THE EVENING, IT GAVE WARNINGS. CAR IS NOT OPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11121258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,550 milesMerced, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NOW IT IS NOT OPERABLE. CAR WAS CHECKED BY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE 3 DAYS AGO. THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, THEY DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME SAFELY, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER IN THE EVENING, IT GAVE WARNINGS. CAR IS NOT OPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11121258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,550 milesMerced, CA
ENGINE
HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NOW IT IS NOT OPERABLE. CAR WAS CHECKED BY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE 3 DAYS AGO. THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, THEY DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME SAFELY, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER IN THE EVENING, IT GAVE WARNINGS. CAR IS NOT OPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11121258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesDraper, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH IN FULL ELECTRIC MODE AND THE CAR REMOVED ALL POWER FROM MY GAS PEDAL, THERE WAS LOTS OF DINGING SOUNDS AND THE DASH SAID "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, TURN YOUR CAR OFF". LUCKILY I WAS ALREADY TO THE FAR RIGHT SO I COULD JUST PULL TOT HE SHOULDER AND STOP THE CAR, THE BREAKS AND STEERING WERE STILL WORKING. TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOPING THE MARCH 2018 RECALL IS THE FIX. I HAD TO CALL AAA, ALL BLUE LINK CAPABILITIES STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. 2016 PLUGIN WITH ABOUT 25,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11099959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesDraper, UT
ENGINE
I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH IN FULL ELECTRIC MODE AND THE CAR REMOVED ALL POWER FROM MY GAS PEDAL, THERE WAS LOTS OF DINGING SOUNDS AND THE DASH SAID "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, TURN YOUR CAR OFF". LUCKILY I WAS ALREADY TO THE FAR RIGHT SO I COULD JUST PULL TOT HE SHOULDER AND STOP THE CAR, THE BREAKS AND STEERING WERE STILL WORKING. TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOPING THE MARCH 2018 RECALL IS THE FIX. I HAD TO CALL AAA, ALL BLUE LINK CAPABILITIES STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. 2016 PLUGIN WITH ABOUT 25,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11099959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesDraper, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH IN FULL ELECTRIC MODE AND THE CAR REMOVED ALL POWER FROM MY GAS PEDAL, THERE WAS LOTS OF DINGING SOUNDS AND THE DASH SAID "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, TURN YOUR CAR OFF". LUCKILY I WAS ALREADY TO THE FAR RIGHT SO I COULD JUST PULL TOT HE SHOULDER AND STOP THE CAR, THE BREAKS AND STEERING WERE STILL WORKING. TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, HOPING THE MARCH 2018 RECALL IS THE FIX. I HAD TO CALL AAA, ALL BLUE LINK CAPABILITIES STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. 2016 PLUGIN WITH ABOUT 25,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #11099959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.