NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in our Strong safety band. Its NHTSA crash-test performance was exemplary across the board. However, a near-zero score for avoidance technology prevented the model from achieving a top-tier Safety Index rating. A single active recall for this model year necessitates a VIN check prior to purchase.
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, derived exclusively from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks 56 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid enters the NHTSA Safety Index at 86 out of 100, a Strong-band debut with no prior-year figure on file for comparison. The score is built on a crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70, a strong foundation driven by the NHTSA five-star overall, five-star side, and five-star rollover results. The 10 percent rollover risk and No Tip dynamic result reinforce that structural picture. The frontal rating at 4 stars is the one area where the crash-protection ceiling was not reached. The defect-record sub-score of 19 out of 20 reflects the single recall campaign and the minimal complaint volume at this early stage of the model year. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the most consequential drag on the Index: NHTSA data shows no forward collision warning and no lane departure warning recorded for this vehicle, with only electronic stability control listed as standard. That gap is what separates an 86 from a higher-tier score, and it is a year-specific data point shoppers should weigh against the otherwise strong crash-test foundation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid achieved a notable 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA safety rating, demonstrating strong performance in several key areas. Its side impact and rollover evaluations each earned the maximum 5 stars, with a low 10 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. The frontal crash rating, however, stands out as the sole category not to reach the highest mark, assessed at 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21162
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
One recall is on file for this model year. The campaign covers the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel, and is shared across certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson PHEV, 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, and Sonata Hybrid units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V047000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Two unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Sonata Hybrid. The top components cited are Tires and an Unknown or Other category, one report each. Reported figures show zero crashes, zero fires, zero injuries, and zero deaths among these allegations.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Shoppers considering this current-model-year vehicle must check its VIN against NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the instrument-cluster recall remedy has been completed. The open recall status represents a concrete safety checkpoint, applicable even to new vehicles.
- The 2026 Sonata Hybrid's NHTSA overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars, with side and rollover scores also at 5 stars, but the frontal score lands at 4 stars, the single below-maximum result in this year's test data.
- An active recall covering the instrument cluster and panel is on file for this specific model year; shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before finalizing any transaction.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning in NHTSA's data for this year, a notable gap that directly limits the 86 Safety Index from reaching a higher band.
- Only two unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, citing Tires and an Unknown or Other component, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid places
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21162), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 56 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.