2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
18 of 26 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE PHEV WARNING ILLUMINATED AND THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL PROPULSION. IT REFUSED TO ENGAGE THE GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MOTOR TO MOVE OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171109
I SAW ENGINE POWERTRAIN PROBLEM LIGHT ON MY CAR SCREEN. SO I WENT TO CAPITAL HILL HYNDAI DEALER. I WAITED MORE THAN 6,5HOUR WITH EATING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT NEAR MALL. HYUNDAI EXPLAINED JUST GAS CAP TIGHTING PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160610
12 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE PHEV WARNING ILLUMINATED AND THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL PROPULSION. IT REFUSED TO ENGAGE THE GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MOTOR TO MOVE OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171109
MY SONATA PHEV HAD HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE WITHIN A SPAN OF 1.5 MONTHS. IT'S BEEN HARDLY 1.5 YEARS SINCE I HAD BOUGHT THIS CAR. IN BOTH CASES THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING COMES UP AND ENGINE LOOSES TOTAL POWER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170918
3 of 26 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE PHEV WARNING ILLUMINATED AND THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL PROPULSION. IT REFUSED TO ENGAGE THE GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MOTOR TO MOVE OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171109
3 of 26 total reports mention: hybrid propulsion system.
2 of 26 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018.
Campaign 18V166000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
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.
Campaign 21V749000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V166000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V749000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.