Hyundai Sonata transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2027
306 of the 2,997 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Sonata 2016–2027 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2016 (76), 2017 (69), 2018 (41). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 manufacturer bulletins, 2 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Hyundai Sonata transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 1 | 17% | — | 3 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% | — | 3 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 6 | 11% | — | 2 TSBs | the year → |
| 2023 | 19 | 19% | — | 22 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2022 | 26 | 23% | — | 41 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 | 29 | 15% | — | 43 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2020 | 24 | 12% | — | 31 TSBs | the year → |
| 2019 | 12 | 7% | — | 36 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 41 | 11% | — | 52 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 in depth | 69 | 8% | 33k | 51 TSBs | the record → |
| 2016 in depth | 76 | 9% | 56k | 56 TSBs | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2017: 6 · 2018: 14 · 2019: 22 · 2020: 19 · 2021: 15 · 2022: 34 · 2023: 47 · 2024: 49 · 2025: 45 · 2026: 55
Across the model years, half of the 78 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 15,000 and 69,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
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.
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.
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing this formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous engine failure incident involving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle stopped accelerating and flashing check engine light went on. Vehicle reported "Check Hybrid System." Dealer believes it was loose pins in a HCULDC connector that may have caused loss of communication.
The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and continued over time despite repairs and maintenance.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- Jul 27, 2023 · 52,109 vehicles
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
- 22V746000 HighOct 6, 2022 · 56,148 vehicles
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
3 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Jul 27, 2026
- Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit a transmission oil leak at the bottom of the valve body cover due to a loose oil level plug that could potentially lead to a total failure of the automatic transmission. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-060H instructions to inspect the oil level plug and transmission oil level and, if necessary, replace the automatic transmission.
- Jun 5, 2026
- This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Some 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must
- Mar 3, 2026
- Some Santa Cruz (NXT), Santa Fe (TMA, MX5A), and Sonata (DN8A) models may require replacement of the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT) when the vehicle sets one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the 8WDCT.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Hyundai Sonata
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Hyundai Sonata problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Hyundai Sonata years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2016, 76; 2017, 69; 2018, 41. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2022 (23%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Hyundai Sonata?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 23V526000 (2023), 22V746000 (2022). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Hyundai Sonata?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 36,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 15,000 and 69,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.