Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 26, 2026 · 63 owner complaints analyzed

NHTSA has 63 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid, across 4 model years (2016–2019). The 2017 model year has the most complaints (32). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Peak: 2017, with 32 complaints
2016: 262016262017: 322017322018: 0201802019: 520195

n = 63 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

No Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2017 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid: 32 complaints, 2 recalls
  2. 2016 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid: 26 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2019 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid: 5 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine3630
Electrical System2530
Fuel/propulsion System1130
Power Train930
Hybrid Propulsion System310
Vehicle Speed Control210
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110
Forward Collision Avoidance110
Service Brakes110
Steering110

All Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2019 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid50—Fuel/propulsion System
2018 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid01——
2017 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid322—Engine
2016 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid262—Engine

More from Hyundai: all Hyundai models · Hyundai VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years should you stay away from?

No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2017 (32), 2016 (26), 2019 (5). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid?

Engine, with 36 complaints across 3 model years.

How many recalls does the Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid have?

2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.