NHTSA Complaint #11546978 — 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA

Over past 2 years, repeat alarm & message on dashboard, says, “Hybrid System Warning! Safety Stop and Do not Drive.” During attempts to back vehicle from garage, brakes grind. Seemed to be on auto-stop, trying to stop the vehicle from moving. On 01/03/22, brought car to Laguna Niguel Hyundai. Invoice notes “Caused by HISTORY CODES IN AHB C2112 C1102 C1237; NO CODES CURRENT CLEARED HISTORY CODES AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE NO CODES OR LIGHTS ON AT THIS TIME.” Was told history codes related to something about “voltage too high” and “Accelerator switch circuit [ABS switch]” and “wheel rear input signal.” On 11/28/22, brought car to Laguna Niguel Hyundai to address the ‘check engine light’ that was on. Service manager said “battery was not corresponding with the engine”, something about “HECU” and how it’s needed to “check brake reservoir for fluid – so I should pump it due to air bubble inside.” On 6/12/23, was driving more than 70mph; began losing speed, down to 0 mph. Stepping on gas did nothing. Drifted toward side of road & got alarm sound and message on dashboard, “Hybrid System Failure.” Terrified. No control of vehicle, 4 passengers, stranded. Towed to La Quinta. Notes on Hyundai La Quinta invoice: “VERIFIED CUSTOMER CONCERN SCANNED CODES P1B25 HIGH VOLTAGE PATH FAULT; P1B77 HIGH VOLTAGE PRECHARGE FAULT; POWER RELAY ASSEMBLY FALUTY SAFETY PLUG ASSEMBLY ARE FAULTY.” Notes also said BATTERY REPLACEMENT: BATTERY FAILED TEST Caused by BATTERY FAILED LOAD TEST. On 7/31, “HYBRID WARNING MESSAGE” returned. Alarm sound, grinding brakes – car undriveable. Towed for service. Invoice: “Caused by LOW BATTERY STATE OF HEALTH 53%. RECHARGE BATTERY TO 100% AND CLEAR DTC AND ROAD TEST.” While 7/31 work was covered under warranty, felt unsafe. Why battery health poor, when it was replaced 6 weeks before? Then came 8/30. Car disabled. Alarm sound & message says, “Hybrid System Warning! Safety Stop and Do not Drive.” Service manager said “hydraulic power unit failure”.