Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The push button shifters do not shift gears, unless the brake is depressed. On a slight incline, it is natural to shift from forward to reverse without braking leaving the driver in the wrong gear. So I have often started forward expecting to go backwards. I accidently ran over a portable toilet trying to quickly reverse out of a driveway on a slight incline. I hope no one has run over a person this way. I have had other close calls. This system is far more dangerous than lever style shifters. Even a little mistiming between brake and shift can leave the car going the wrong way.
The car did not shift from Drive to Park after coming to a stop and pressing the Park button. This caused the car to roll forward slowly and run into our garage door. This is not the first time the car hasn't shifted.
While driving, engine alerted that it was overheating. Pulled over and coolant was very low, so I refilled it and then while driving to my family's garage to use the lift, saw white exhaust smoke. Took it to an independent mechanic, and in the ~10 mile trip there, over a quart of coolant had been burned off. He was able to reproduce the issue. No issues with the engine operation, it runs well and efficient, no check engine light. Mechanic found that a coolant line runs to the middle of the exhaust system and that this seems to be the issue. Other owners seem to have reported this same issue with this same model and roughly the same year, in which the muffler assembly needs replaced due to coolant leaking into the exhaust. Only prior issue was less warm air out of the vents for the previous week or so, but no other issues or warnings.
When I arrived in the parking lot and selected the R (reverse), the vehicle stayed in the D (Drive) although that it was moving backwards and was able to park it. The shift selector was stuck in DRIVE (Drive) leaving the vehicle on but not operational. After several attempts to allow the vehicle to cool and the battery to reset, (30 minutes_ later), the car started and took the vehicle to be serviced. The vehicle technician said they had a difficult time diagnosing the vehicle because it was giving different codes. They said that while testing they found the Transmission Shift Selector Module was damaged. Not physically but electronically damaged. They also stated that the car could have other problems but that they needed to replace the module first because it could be the cause of the other errors.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle stopped accelerating and flashing check engine light went on. Vehicle reported "Check Hybrid System." Dealer believes it was loose pins in a HCULDC connector that may have caused loss of communication. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lost acceleration on a highway and was nearly hit trying to get off of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Piazza Hyundai of Pottstown, PA reproduced the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealer secured loose pins. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
Engine Shut Off Without Warning problem of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid While driving the car on the freeway, it will jerk forward and then shortly after lose power. I pull over (luckily haven't been killed yet) on the side of the freeway. I've taken my car to a Hyundai dealership third times. All Three time I was stranded on a busy california highway. I have looked into this warning over a year and no one seems to know the problem. This should be a recall and all Hyundai dealers should be made aware of what this warning is. We as Hyundai owners need answers and help.
The parking mechanism in the transmission failed. The car was parked in my garage . The lever was in the "Park" position when the car drove backwards out of my garage and crashed into the fence. It continued driving into the street and into the neighbors yard. Two people were out walking and saw it happen. I know I did not leave my car in neutral or reverse when I parked it in my garage. When I tested this later sitting in my car, in my garage, the car immediately began moving backwards instantly, while i was still at the wheel. Had the car been in neutral or reverse at the time this incident occurred, I would have known it was moving immediately and shifted it into park right away. When this incident happened I put the car into park, and I got out of my car , I got things from my trunk and went inside the house. Then I went back to the car to get more things. …
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 surrounding traffic.Diagnostic & Component Confirmation:The vehicle was towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of Goshen, Repair Order #6080674). Diagnostic testing confirmed trouble codes P0717 (Input Speed Sensor No Signal) and P0A40 (Drive Motor Position Sensor).The dealership's certified technician explicitly documented that they "followed TSB and found input speed sensor valve body harness is faulty due to heavy corrosion on the sensor connector."Safety Hazard Summary:This is a critical manufacturing and sealing defect where an internal, non-wear component (the transmission valve …
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (30), 2013 (14), 2016 (14), 2011 (10) and 2017 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Sonata Hybrid transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Hyundai Sonata Hybrid transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (3 mentions).
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.