Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2011–2025)
Avoid the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years; each carries a complaint index above 79 and multiple recalls, with engine problems dominating. The best years, based on NHTSA data, are 2018, 2022, and 2024, each with a complaint index of 21 or lower.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Avoid 2016Best 2018Best 2022Best 2024
- Model years
- 15
- 2011–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 788
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Crashes reported
- 35
- Fires reported
- 25
- Top problem area
- Engine
Sonata Hybrid Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Avoid | 79 | 96 | 6 | 5 | 6 | Engine | 36 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 100 | 154 | 2 | 5 | 6 | Engine | 36 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 93 | 108 | 8 | 4 | 4 | Engine | 37 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 36 | 27 | 3 | 1 | 3 | Engine | 37 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 64 | 53 | 4 | 3 | 4 | Electrical System | 37 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 86 | 132 | 4 | 3 | 5 | Engine | 40.5 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 57 | 80 | 1 | 4 | 3 | Engine | 41 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 41.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | No verdict | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 41.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 29 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 49.5 | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 71 | 55 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 49.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 21 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 49.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 43 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 49.5 | — |
| 2024 | Best | 14 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 47 | — |
| 2025 | Caution | 50 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 47 | 5★ |
Sonata Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Index 100 · 154 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2012 Sonata Hybrid has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, ranked worst of all 15 years. Engine problems make up 51 percent of complaints at a median 88,000 miles. Owners reported fires, including engine compartment fires and one vehicle that burned completely. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year, including the same connecting-rod bearing engine recall and the park-outside brake recall. Transmission and powertrain complaints account for 19 percent of reports at a median 80,000 miles.
2012 engine problems →2012 transmission & powertrain problems →2012 brakes problems →
2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Index 93 · 108 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2013 Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 93, ranked 2nd worst of 15 years. Engine issues account for 42 percent of complaints at a median 90,000 miles, and brake complaints, including reports of complete brake failure while parking, make up 27 percent at a median 49,900 miles. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns, including a seat belt linkage recall for vehicles previously repaired under an earlier campaign. Owners also reported an unintended acceleration incident and a seat fire.
2013 engine problems →2013 brakes problems →2013 electrical system problems →
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Index 86 · 132 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2016 Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 86, ranked 3rd worst of 15 years. Engine complaints dominate at 60 percent of reports, with a median failure mileage of 80,000, and owners described engine smoke, stalling, and fires. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns, including a Smart Junction Box software recall and a trunk latch recall. Electrical system complaints make up 30 percent of reports at a median 50,000 miles, and one owner reported steering becoming rigid at highway speed.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Index 79 · 96 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2011 Sonata Hybrid has a complaint index of 79, ranked 4th worst of 15 model years. Engine complaints make up 45 percent of reports at a median 102,000 miles, with owners describing brake failures and airbags that did not deploy properly. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns, including a park-outside brake recall and an engine connecting-rod bearing recall. Brakes account for 23 percent of complaints at a median 76,919 miles, and steering issues appear at a median 72,940 miles.
2011 engine problems →2011 brakes problems →2011 steering problems →
Most common Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine385 (49%)
- Electrical System214 (27%)
- Brakes123 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain98 (12%)
- Other94 (12%)
- Fuel System63 (8%)
- Steering53 (7%)
- Structure & Body23 (3%)
- Airbags21 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers17 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Sonata Hybrid should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 as the years to avoid. The 2012 model has the highest complaint index of the entire lineup at 100, driven mainly by engine problems affecting 51 percent of its complaints.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- The 2018, 2022, and 2024 model years are rated Best, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. The 2018 model has a complaint index of 0 and only 9 complaints total.
- Does the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have engine problems?
- Engine is the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 385 of 788 total complaints, or 49 percent. It is the leading issue in the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 avoid years.
- Are there recalls on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns across the model line, including connecting-rod bearing engine recalls, a park-outside brake recall, a Smart Junction Box software recall, and a trunk latch recall.
- Is the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
- The 2014 model has a low complaint index of 36, but its verdict is capped to Caution because it has a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall despite the low complaint volume.