Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems
Owners have filed 343 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid across 14 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (73). The words owners use most often: “off engine” (6% of reports).
- 343engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 63%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.
- Off engine: mentioned in 22 of 343 complaints (6%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 18 of 343 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 224 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 343 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 3 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata Hybrid | 1 | 11% | 15,395 |
| 2023 Sonata Hybrid | 7 | 47% | 34,000 |
| 2022 Sonata Hybrid | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2021 Sonata Hybrid | 21 | 38% | — |
| 2020 Sonata Hybrid | 8 | 50% | — |
| 2019 Sonata Hybrid | 3 | 60% | — |
| 2018 Sonata Hybrid | 5 | 56% | 47,000 |
| 2017 Sonata Hybrid | 45 | 56% | 70,500 |
| 2016 Sonata Hybrid | 73 | 55% | 80,000 |
| 2015 Sonata Hybrid | 19 | 35% | 48,250 |
| 2014 Sonata Hybrid | 12 | 43% | 68,092 |
| 2013 Sonata Hybrid | 40 | 37% | 90,500 |
| 2012 Sonata Hybrid | 67 | 44% | 97,000 |
| 2011 Sonata Hybrid | 40 | 42% | 94,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Model years: 2017
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the defect on November 16, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.
Engine
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
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…
Recently got the engine rebuilt (2024) and then it broke down on me yesterday with the engine light flashing and a warning sign stating pull over donât drive
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 owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Later, while attempting to accelerate from a yield sign, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Sonata Hybrids have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 343 owner complaints about engine 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 engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The most frequent phrase is “off engine”, in 22 of 343 complaints, followed by “motive power” (18).
Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
- Electrical System problems (205)
- Power Train problems (100)
See all Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems.