Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 2.0× | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2024 | 9 | typical | — | Body | Average |
| 2023 | 15 | typical | — | Engine | Average |
| 2022 | 19 | typical | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2021 | 55 | 1.9× | — | Electrical | Caution |
| 2020 | 16 | −51% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2019 | 5 | −91% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2018 | 9 | −86% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2017 | 81 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2016 | 133 | 1.6× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 2015 | 54 | −48% | 4 | Electrical | Good |
| 2014 | 28 | −76% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2013 | 108 | 1.2× | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2012 | 154 | 1.5× | 6 | Engine | Caution |
| 2011 | 96 | typical | 6 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Sonata Hybrid year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Latest Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge.
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Latch
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Electrical system › Software
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…
Remedy: 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.
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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).
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Latch
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid should you avoid?
2021, 2016 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Sonata Hybrid years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2021.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
2019 has the fewest complaints compared with other Sonata Hybrid years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (362), electrical system (205) and brakes (110). Engine complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid had?
12 recalls across 2011–2025. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.