This page covers 2 recalls, 26 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In.
40 mpg combined
5.9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
For the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, the dominant complaint pattern centers on the hybrid propulsion system triggering warning messages and forcing the vehicle into a severely restricted driving state. Owners frequently report seeing a "Check Hybrid System" warning appear while driving at highway speeds, after which the vehicle drops into limp mode and won't exceed roughly 25 mph. Several owners describe this happening repeatedly and without prior warning. A related pattern involves a high system temperature alert that causes the vehicle to switch operating modes, with owners noting this occurs across a range of ambient temperatures, not just in hot weather. In most accounts, shutting the vehicle off and restarting clears the condition temporarily, but the problem recurs. Engine warning lights accompanying these events are commonly mentioned alongside the hybrid system alerts.
26
Total Complaints
By System
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In has 2 recalls, the more serious being a voltage protection device in the high-voltage battery system that can trip unexpectedly while driving in electric-only mode, cutting power and raising the risk of a crash.
A software issue in the junction box can also misread the turn signal stalk, causing the turn signal to flash in the opposite direction from what the driver intended.
At a glance
What can fail
The Smart Junction Box software may misinterpret turn signal switch commands, causing the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intends.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Smart Junction Box software at no cost to correct the signal interpretation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The Voltage Protection Device that guards the high voltage battery module may activate unexpectedly in 2016-2018 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the Voltage Protection Device and install a new Battery Management System with an Overvoltage Protection Device.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
