Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 205 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid across 15 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (36). The words owners use most often: “turn off engine” (6% of reports).
- 205electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 54%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Turn off engine: mentioned in 13 of 205 complaints (6%)
- Check charging: mentioned in 12 of 205 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 111 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 205 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 3 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sonata Hybrid | 4 | 36% | — |
| 2024 Sonata Hybrid | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2023 Sonata Hybrid | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2022 Sonata Hybrid | 11 | 58% | 33,808 |
| 2021 Sonata Hybrid | 25 | 45% | 24,000 |
| 2020 Sonata Hybrid | 6 | 38% | 12,000 |
| 2019 Sonata Hybrid | 2 | 40% | — |
| 2018 Sonata Hybrid | 2 | 22% | 19,000 |
| 2017 Sonata Hybrid | 18 | 23% | 85,840 |
| 2016 Sonata Hybrid | 36 | 27% | 63,618 |
| 2015 Sonata Hybrid | 24 | 44% | 50,500 |
| 2014 Sonata Hybrid | 11 | 39% | 69,842 |
| 2013 Sonata Hybrid | 24 | 22% | 55,050 |
| 2012 Sonata Hybrid | 23 | 15% | 70,000 |
| 2011 Sonata Hybrid | 17 | 18% | 112,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Model years: 2026
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. 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."
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.
Fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Electrical system:software; exterior lighting:turn signal
Model years: 2016, 2017
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
⢠the engine Hybrid electrical network & anti lock braking system (ABS) failed. The independent scan confirmed codes P136 (engine knock signal) U2093/U1004 ( hybrid control module communication loss) and C1614 (ABS CAN TIMEOUT). The vehicle is fully available upon request. ⢠while driving at…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and…
am writing regarding 43099808 Number with Hyundai My 2019 Sonata hybird se in limp mode with an active flashing P1326 knock sensor code. The dealership is using an automated system denial to try and charge me $2,110 for an EGR valve and air filter.I am officially challenging this diagnostic path…
The contact's sister-in-law owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle owner was driving 55 MPH, the owner noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The owner parked and exited the vehicle, and while attempting to inspect the vehicle, the owner noticed flames…
Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Sonata Hybrids have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 205 owner complaints about electrical system for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid electrical system?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The most frequent phrase is “turn off engine”, in 13 of 205 complaints, followed by “check charging” (12).
Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
- Engine problems (343)
- Power Train problems (100)
See all Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems.