NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
32 reports75,000 miles · Dec 4, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUGIN HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HARRISONBURG FORD, INC. (3155 S MAIN ST, HARRISONBURG,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUGIN HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HARRISONBURG FORD, INC. (3155 S MAIN ST, HARRISONBURG, VA 22801; (540) 434-0700), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.*DT
NHTSA ODI #11377893
33,250 miles · May 27, 2019
EnginePower Train
I WAS DRIVING MY HYUNDAI 2017 SONATA PLUGIN HYBRID ON THE HIGH WAY IN HEV MODE AND SUDDENLY I FELT SEVERE VIBRATION IN MY CAR. THEN I CHANGED MY ENGINE TO EV MODE AND IT WAS FINE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. EVERY TIME THE GAS ENGINE CAME ON THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND NON RESPONSIVE TO GAS. I DROVE ABOUT 10 MORE KM TOWARDS HOME ON …
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I WAS DRIVING MY HYUNDAI 2017 SONATA PLUGIN HYBRID ON THE HIGH WAY IN HEV MODE AND SUDDENLY I FELT SEVERE VIBRATION IN MY CAR. THEN I CHANGED MY ENGINE TO EV MODE AND IT WAS FINE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. EVERY TIME THE GAS ENGINE CAME ON THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AND NON RESPONSIVE TO GAS. I DROVE ABOUT 10 MORE KM TOWARDS HOME ON ELECTRIC ONLY ENGINE AND THEN GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT FELT LIKE ENGINE LOST ITS POWER. I RECENTLY CHANGED THE VOLTAGE PROTECTION DEVICE ON THE CAR AS A RECALL. ALL SERVICES WERE DONE ON TIME AND CAR HAD ONLY 33000 KM.
NHTSA ODI #11210126
30,000 miles · Apr 6, 2019
Unknown Or Other
THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA COVER CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS GONE. THIS DEFINITELY CAN POSE A DRIVING HAZARD IF IT COMES OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED THAT WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE BASE MOUNTS APPEARED TO BE CRACKED WHICH RESULTED IN THE FIN BR…
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THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA COVER CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I PARKED THE CAR, AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS GONE. THIS DEFINITELY CAN POSE A DRIVING HAZARD IF IT COMES OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED THAT WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE BASE MOUNTS APPEARED TO BE CRACKED WHICH RESULTED IN THE FIN BREAKING FREE. THIS DEFINITELY APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IT'S APPROXIMATELY A $500 COST AT THE DEALER TO REPAIR. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AFTER TWO YEARS OF CAR OWNERSHIP. IT WILL GET VERY COSTLY TO REPLACE THIS AT THE DEALER EVERY TWO YEARS. BASED ON OTHERS' EXPERIENCES, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11194338
16,400 miles · Mar 27, 2019
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CLIMBING UP ON HILLY OR STEEPER GRADES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON THE DASH AT NEARLY 100 PERCENT POWER ACCORDING TO THE HYBRID TACHOMETER. THIS INCREASE IN POWER SURPASSES WELL OVER THE SET CRUISE SPEED. FROM WHAT I HAVE NOTICED ITS 6-10 MPH CLIMBING PAST M…
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WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CLIMBING UP ON HILLY OR STEEPER GRADES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON THE DASH AT NEARLY 100 PERCENT POWER ACCORDING TO THE HYBRID TACHOMETER. THIS INCREASE IN POWER SURPASSES WELL OVER THE SET CRUISE SPEED. FROM WHAT I HAVE NOTICED ITS 6-10 MPH CLIMBING PAST MY SET SPEED. THERE IS ALSO A LONG DELAY IN POWER RESTORATION AFTER COASTING DOWN HILLS. I FOUND IT TO BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WITH THE VEHICLE AT 100 PERCENT POWER BECAUSE IT COULD CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH YOU COULD POSSIBLY REAREND ANOTHER DRIVER OR LOSE CONTROL IN NORMAL OR ADVERSE DRIVING CONDITIONS, RESULTING IN INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE. IN ADDITION THE ISSUE COULD LEAD TO A TRAFFIC INFRACTION. MY STATE HAS A LOT OF SPEED CAMERAS. THIS PROBLEM HAVE RESULTED FROM THE RECENT RECALL WHERE HYUNDAI INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS APROXIMENTLY 16400 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11192026
5,000 miles · Jun 19, 2018
Electrical System
THIS IS THE PLUGIN HYBRID MODEL. THE LITHIUM ION BATTERY CANNOT BE CHARGED SOMETIMES DUE TO OVERHEATING CONDITION. IF THIS IS NOT FIXED, IT MIGHT CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. SOMETIMES, IT WILL NOT LET YOU CHARGE. IT WILL NOT EVEN LET YOU TURN OFF THE CHARGE SCHEDULE TO CHARGE. SOMETIMES, IT STOPS CHARGING DUE TO THERMAL PRO…
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THIS IS THE PLUGIN HYBRID MODEL. THE LITHIUM ION BATTERY CANNOT BE CHARGED SOMETIMES DUE TO OVERHEATING CONDITION. IF THIS IS NOT FIXED, IT MIGHT CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION. SOMETIMES, IT WILL NOT LET YOU CHARGE. IT WILL NOT EVEN LET YOU TURN OFF THE CHARGE SCHEDULE TO CHARGE. SOMETIMES, IT STOPS CHARGING DUE TO THERMAL PROBLEM. HYUNDAI IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THIS. ATTACHED PHOTO DOCUMENTED THAT IT DID NOT ALLOW ME TO SWITCH OFF THE CHARGE SCHEDULER TO START CHARGING. I HOPE HYUNDAI WILL ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE CAR BURNS UP OR EXPLODES.
NHTSA ODI #11102589
40 miles · May 3, 2018
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG IN FEATURE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING ON FRONT STICKER SHOULD HAVE ALSO SAID IT ONLY WORKS ABOVE 25MPH AND IT DOES NOT ACTIVATE WARNING SOON ENOUGH SO I THINK ITS CRASH ZONE AND SHOUDL BE ADJUSTABLE AND TESTABLE IT IS NOT NTSB I HOPE CAN HELP MANUFACTURE A STANDARD TERMINOLOGY WHEN IT COME TO SALES AND…
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2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG IN FEATURE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING ON FRONT STICKER SHOULD HAVE ALSO SAID IT ONLY WORKS ABOVE 25MPH AND IT DOES NOT ACTIVATE WARNING SOON ENOUGH SO I THINK ITS CRASH ZONE AND SHOUDL BE ADJUSTABLE AND TESTABLE IT IS NOT NTSB I HOPE CAN HELP MANUFACTURE A STANDARD TERMINOLOGY WHEN IT COME TO SALES AND RELEASE OF HYUNDAI LIABLE IN CASE FAILURE , YES I KNOW THEY WILL NOT COVER FAILURE UNDER MANY CONDITIONS, BUT THE SYSTEM I BROUGHT TO HYUNDAI 2X ONE IN JULY 2017 AND ONE IN MAR 2018 I WAS TOLD FRONTSIDE COLLISION WORK , THERE ARE NO ADJUSTMET FOR DISTANCE VS SPEED TECH JUST TAKE ME FOR RIDE ALMOST COLLIDE WITH THE CAR BEFORE THE COLLISION WARNING CAME ON IT SHOULD HAVE COME ON WITHIN 1-2 SECOND RULE, AND HYUNDAI HAS CHANGE THE SYSTEM FOR YEAR 2018 ,, I'M WORK WITH HYUNDAI TO GET PROPER LABEL , AND RETURN CAR FOR NTSB THE STICKER SHOULD BE MADE TO STATE TYPE OF SYSTEM AND HYUNDAI SHOULD ASK CONSUMER TO SIGN LIABLE RELAEASE THAT SYSTEM WONT ALWAYS WORK, HYUNDAI IS WORK WITH ME, SO THANKS, BUT NTSB SHOUD TEST FRONTSIDE COLLISION SYSTEMS RATE THEM TECHS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR INTO A CRASH ZONE TO TEST IT, AND I SHOULD BE TOLD SYSTEM NOT WORK<25MPH EVASIVE SALE BUT HYUNDAI WORK WITH ME FYI EXAMPLE OF GOOD SYSTEM IS MOBILEYE 630 FOR FRONTSIDE
NHTSA ODI #11091575
13,000 miles · Apr 24, 2018
Electrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT SIDE COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEVENS CREEK HYUNDAI (4425 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051), BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT SIDE COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEVENS CREEK HYUNDAI (4425 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051), BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
NHTSA ODI #11089955
353 miles · Mar 28, 2018
Engine
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME BUYING A BRAND NEW CAR IN MY MID 40'S. I PURCHASED THE CAR (PLUG IN HYBRID) WITH ONLY 25 MILES ON MARCH 15, 2018 AND AFTER 7 DAYS AND 353 MILES LATER, UPON DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA, THE CAR STALLED AND LOST POWER. WARNING MESSAGE "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM." I HAD TO STEP ON TH…
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THIS IS MY FIRST TIME BUYING A BRAND NEW CAR IN MY MID 40'S. I PURCHASED THE CAR (PLUG IN HYBRID) WITH ONLY 25 MILES ON MARCH 15, 2018 AND AFTER 7 DAYS AND 353 MILES LATER, UPON DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, PA, THE CAR STALLED AND LOST POWER. WARNING MESSAGE "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM." I HAD TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WAITED A SECOND OR TWO IN ORDER FOR IT TO MOVE AT A TURTLE'S PACE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO FIND A SAFE SPOT TO PARK THE CAR. IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP NEAR ME AND AS OF YESTERDAY, 3/27, NO DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS. I HAVE NOTIFIED HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA AND THEY HAVE OPENED A CASE#. I HAVE ALSO REACHED OUT TO THE SELLING DEALER TO HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. THIS IS EXTREMELY UPSETTING AND DISAPPOINTING, ESPECIALLY FOR ME AS NEW CAR BUYER!!!
NHTSA ODI #11081789
12,470 miles · Mar 17, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineService Brakes
14 MARCH 2018 10:30 AM, 70 MPH ON US 101 TO SAN FRANCISCO, HEV MODE, RAINY WEATHER, 4 PASSENGERS FOR A BUSINESS MEETING. CAR STEERING SHUDDERED AS IF THE TIRES SLIPPED AND SPUN ON THE WET PAVEMENT. ESC, BRAKE, AND AUTO HOLD LIGHTS TURNED YELLOW. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NORMALLY TO REACH DESTINATION, PARKED, ATTENDED MEETING, …
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14 MARCH 2018 10:30 AM, 70 MPH ON US 101 TO SAN FRANCISCO, HEV MODE, RAINY WEATHER, 4 PASSENGERS FOR A BUSINESS MEETING. CAR STEERING SHUDDERED AS IF THE TIRES SLIPPED AND SPUN ON THE WET PAVEMENT. ESC, BRAKE, AND AUTO HOLD LIGHTS TURNED YELLOW. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NORMALLY TO REACH DESTINATION, PARKED, ATTENDED MEETING, AND STARTED DRIVING BACK HOME WITH MY PASSENGERS AT 3PM. ESC, BRAKE, AND AUTO HOLD LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. HEV MODE. 30 MINUTES LATER, I-280 AT 65+ MPH, ENGINE POWER DRASTICALLY REDUCED ABRUPTLY, CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO THE GAS. TURNED ON EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY IN THE EVENING RUSH HOUR COMMUTE TRAFFIC, MANAGED TO SHIFT RIGHT THREE LANES AND TAKE THE NEXT EXIT, WENT INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED THE CAR. CONSULTED MANUAL FOR ANY MEANINGFUL ACTIONS. STARTED CAR BACK UP. MIL LIGHT ALSO CAME ON ALONG WITH MESSAGE TO TAKE CAR TO DEALER. RAN VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS AND GOT 'A POSSIBLE CONDITION WITH THE ECS HAS BEEN DETECTED AND A FULL SYSTEM CHECK IS RECOMMENDED SOON'. STARTED DRIVING CAR AGAIN. SAME LACK OF ENGINE POWER. DROVE THROUGH LOCAL ROADS AND COUNTLESS MANY TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND REACHED HOME AFTER 4 HOURS (NORMAL = 1 1/2 HOURS). AT HOME, PLUGGED CAR IN FOR CHARGING. CHARGING STARTED NORMALLY. AROUND 10PM, WANTED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF ALL THE LIGHTS, SO PULLED CHARGING CABLE OUT AND STARTED CAR. ALL LIGHTS WERE OFF EXCEPT MIL! DECIDED TO TEST DRIVE AND FOUND NO LOSS OF POWER. TOOK IT TO NEARBY FREEWAY, FLOORED GAS PEDAL. CAR RESPONDED WITH FULL POWER! NEXT DAY MORNING, DRIVING CAR TO DEALER, HEV LIGHT AND CONTINUOUS WARNING BEEP CAME ON, JUST A MILE AWAY FROM HOME.
NHTSA ODI #11079939
6 miles · Oct 25, 2017
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ABOVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ABOVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST CRASH INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS TOO SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6.
NHTSA ODI #11039815
NHTSA investigations
2DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.