2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid transmission problems

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · IN

Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.Diagnostic & Component Confirmation:The vehicle was towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of Goshen, Repair Order #6080674). Diagnostic testing confirmed trouble codes P0717 (Input Speed Sensor No Signal) and P0A40 (Drive Motor Position Sensor).The dealership's certified technician explicitly documented that they "followed TSB and found input speed sensor valve body harness is faulty due to heavy corrosion on the sensor connector."Safety Hazard Summary:This is a critical manufacturing and sealing defect where an internal, non-wear component (the transmission valve body wire harness) corrodes prematurely. This corrosion blinds the hybrid control modules to the electric motor's position and output speed. To protect itself, the computer initiates a hard, uncommanded shutdown of the hybrid drivetrain while the vehicle is in motion.Hyundai Motor America was contacted (Case #43225229) but denied any financial or safety assistance because this documented Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) defect has not yet been elevated to a formal safety recall. This sudden powertrain failure presents an unreasonable risk of rear-end collisions and catastrophic highway accidents for 2016 Sonata Hybrid owners.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.

Filed Feb 19, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel

Filed Jan 20, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · VA

My check Hybrid system light comes on and then my car stops allowing me to drive , the gas stops working ! This happened 3 times on the highway very dangerous

Filed Mar 30, 2022 · Transmission · CA

Contact was driving on city streets, received Hybrid System Warning, turn off engine alert. Car slowed to dangerous speed in heavy traffic, would only drive under electric system. Car pulled over when safe, restarted, same issue recurred. Car brought to local repair shop, where trouble code #P261F recorded- "Coolant Pump A Control Circuit Stuck On." Mechanic discussed with dealer who said it should be under warranty. Towed to Keyes Mission Hills Hyundai in Mission Hills, CA. Fault diagnosed as electric water pump. Per Mission Hills, not covered under 10 year warranty, only 5 year warranty. Car 5 years, 7 month old,19,000 miles, out of warranty. Owner notified dealer about recall campaign 16-01-020 for this specific component. Awaiting consideration for goodwill repair from Hyundai as per the TSB for the campaign.

Filed Nov 3, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · MO · crash

The parking mechanism in the transmission failed. The car was parked in my garage . The lever was in the "Park" position when the car drove backwards out of my garage and crashed into the fence. It continued driving into the street and into the neighbors yard. Two people were out walking and saw it happen. I know I did not leave my car in neutral or reverse when I parked it in my garage. When I tested this later sitting in my car, in my garage, the car immediately began moving backwards instantly, while i was still at the wheel. Had the car been in neutral or reverse at the time this incident occurred, I would have known it was moving immediately and shifted it into park right away. When this incident happened I put the car into park, and I got out of my car , I got things from my trunk and went inside the house. Then I went back to the car to get more things. This is when I witnessed it driving out of my garage backwards. I was standing on my back step. Then I ran across the street to my car and got in the drivers seat to attempt driving it back to my garage. I had to yank it out of park and then shove it back into park to get it to start correctly. Then I was able to get it running again and drove it back across the street to my house. thank God no one including myself got hurt. The possibility of this happening shook me up for days. I reported this to Hyundai and waited 3 months for them to make a determination, they said they cant prove it , that it is my word against theirs. I looked online , and saw reports of this happening to other vehicles as late as 2017 even tho the recall for this was 2011-2014. I started using the electronic parking brake because i read online that other people who have had this happen said to do it. I need to buy a new car dont feel safe in this one.

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · TN

I received a safety recall (198) from hyundai in dec about a potentially dangerous problem with the connecting rod bearings on my car, yet they still do not have a remedy or an estimated time for a remedy. This is too long.

Filed Feb 22, 2021 · Transmission · 30,600 miles · MA

This vehicle is a hybrid with 30,000 miles on it and no previous issues. While driving, it lost all acceleration and an hev warning light illuminated indicating that I must immediately shut down the engine. This happened at a fairly busy intersection and I was able to drift slowly to the side of a road to call a tow. After being "repaired" by the dealer, this same issue happened again. After being "fixed" by the dealer again, this process repeated itself a couple more times and the car is currently at the dealer after needing to be towed for a fourth time. Each of the times that this issue has occurred, it has nearly caused an accident because there is no warning before the car malfunctions. Each of the times it has been fixed so far, they have indicated a faulty generator connector and have tried to repair and replace it to no avail. After this latest "fix" I drove the car over 300 miles before the issue returned. As I said, when this issue occurs, the car randomly loses acceleration without warning and drifts to a stop. The first incident of this failure occurred on january 2nd 2021. After the dealer fixed a connector, the car was returned to me later that week. The second incident of this failure occurred on january 6th. Again the same connector was identified as the cause and was fixed. The third incident of this failure occurred on january 16th. I again got towed, and the dealer supposedly replaced the connector. The fourth incident of this failure occurred on february 21st. I am still waiting for the diagnosis however the failure while driving was the same as the previous occurrences. I didn't feel safe driving the car after the second and third time and now having it happen a fourth time has really got me scared.

Filed Dec 7, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 84,000 miles · OH

2016 hyundai sonata hybrid ignition issue the engine is rattling while idling and under acceleration and the check engine light is coming on. Believe it is an issue with either spark plugs or ignition coil. Service dept said both components looked free of damage upon inspection.

Filed Nov 12, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · NY

While the vehicle is moving the check hybrid system warning light beeps and comes on. The message request to turn engine off. The gas engine sometimes will cut the power to the vehicle causing the vehicle to loss power on the road.