What year Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2017 model year stands out, with a Complaint Index of 100, the highest among the four years covered, and 32 total complaints dominated by engine and electrical system problems.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid reliable?

Relative to other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years, 2017 has the most reported problems, with engine issues making up 59% of complaints and a median failure mileage of 12,470. It is also subject to two recalls covering the Smart Junction Box and the battery's Voltage Protection Device.

Which Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid year is best?

The 2019 model year has the lowest Complaint Index at 33 and only 5 total complaints, making it the strongest year based on NHTSA data among the years covered.

Does the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering these vehicles, including a Smart Junction Box software issue and a Voltage Protection Device problem tied to the high-voltage battery, both affecting the 2017 model year.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid a safe choice?

The 2016 model year is marked as a caution year with a Complaint Index of 67 and 26 complaints, mostly related to the engine, placing it between the worst year (2017) and the better later years.

Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2016–2019)

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is the year to avoid, with a Complaint Index of 100, the highest in the lineup, driven mostly by engine and electrical system complaints. The 2019 model year scores best at 33, and 2016 falls into caution territory at 67.

Avoid 2017

Model years: 4; 2016–2019
NHTSA complaints: 63
Recall campaigns: 2
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Engine

Sonata Plug-in 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.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2016	Caution	67	26	2	Engine	40	—
2017	Avoid	100	32	2	Engine	39	—
2018	No verdict	0	0	1	—	39	—
2019	Good	33	5	0	Fuel System	39	—

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Index 100 · 32 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2017 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid drew 32 complaints and carries the highest Complaint Index (100) of any year covered. Engine problems made up 59% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 12,470, and owners described stalling, loss of power, and a "check hybrid system" warning. Electrical system issues accounted for 34% of complaints with a much lower median mileage of 3,950, including cases where the gasoline engine ran continuously despite a full EV battery. Two recalls apply to this year: one for Smart Junction Box software logic and one for the Voltage Protection Device on the high-voltage battery. Fuel system complaints (19%) had a median mileage of only 2,900.

2017 engine problems →

Most common Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine38 (60%)
Electrical System25 (40%)
Fuel System14 (22%)
Other13 (21%)
Transmission & Powertrain9 (14%)
Brakes1 (2%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
Steering1 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2017 model year stands out, with a Complaint Index of 100, the highest among the four years covered, and 32 total complaints dominated by engine and electrical system problems.
Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid reliable?: Relative to other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years, 2017 has the most reported problems, with engine issues making up 59% of complaints and a median failure mileage of 12,470. It is also subject to two recalls covering the Smart Junction Box and the battery's Voltage Protection Device.
Which Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid year is best?: The 2019 model year has the lowest Complaint Index at 33 and only 5 total complaints, making it the strongest year based on NHTSA data among the years covered.
Does the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering these vehicles, including a Smart Junction Box software issue and a Voltage Protection Device problem tied to the high-voltage battery, both affecting the 2017 model year.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid a safe choice?: The 2016 model year is marked as a caution year with a Complaint Index of 67 and 26 complaints, mostly related to the engine, placing it between the worst year (2017) and the better later years.