2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 46%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, 46% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,200 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall august 25th the car was driven into some high water and was parked by a gas station near green road and aldean westfield r. The car was underwater from the front end. I have taken the vehicle in for repair multiple times for repair. From warranty issues to flood repair, both can't give me a straight answer to what is wrong with the car. The car stops and completely shuts off hybrid malfunction. We dont have any documents, the dealership has copys of all repars.”
NHTSA complaint #11144863, filed 2018-11, 30,000 miles“I was going about 70 MPH in full electric mode and the car removed all power from my gas pedal, there was lots of dinging sounds and the dash said check hybrid system, turn your car off . Luckily I was already to the far right so I could just pull tot he shoulder and stop the car, the breaks and steering were still working. Towed to the dealership, hoping the march 2018 recall is the fix. I had to call aaa, all blue link capabilities stopped working as well. 2016 plugin with about 25,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11099959, filed 2018-06, 25,000 miles“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. The 1st time it happened, it was in the middle of a busy 405 freeway and was left all of a sudden with no power on the engine. Extremely dangerous and life threatening problem to face with. With whatever power was left, was able to coast to the ramp on the right. …”
NHTSA complaint #11024125, filed 2017-09, 32,284 miles“On 1/7/2018 we were driving our 2016 Hyundai sonata hybrid with approximately 41,100 miles in it to los angeles, ca with my 82 year old father on oxygen from san jose which is about 370 miles away on highway i5 with the speed limit of 70 MPH. When we experienced engine problem. While exiting to our destination on highway 118 de soto exit, the engine had slowed down in the middle of the intersection and barely turned to the side of the road for safely .we were unable to start the car and dashboard had indicated to check hev . Several attempts were made to start the car, to no success. …”
NHTSA complaint #11061171, filed 2018-01, 41,100 miles“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. The vehicle was towed to the Hyundai dealer where it was diagnosed as a failed hybrid battery.”
NHTSA complaint #11044785, filed 2017-11, 21,000 milesRelated recalls
- 21V749000Sep 24, 2021Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box…Covers: Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid 2016–2017, Sonata 2015–2017, Sonata Hybrid 2016–2017
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Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
18 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology