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Problems with the hybrid system: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 45 faults with the hybrid system in 8 engines and 32 cars, affecting 63 models of car in our database. The most important by severity and frequency: risk of overheating and fire of the high-voltage battery on plug-in hybrid versions (2019-2022) (Opel Grandland I), faults with the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearbox (Opel Astra L and Peugeot 408) and failures of the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox of the 48V hybrid (Hybrid 136) (Peugeot 3008 III).

Documented faults
45
32 of high or critical severity
Engines
8
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
63
car generations in our database
Garage repair
No data
No reliable published costs

4 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Hybrid system

A hybrid car combines the combustion engine with one or more electric motors, a high-voltage battery, an inverter and its own control electronics. These are generally robust systems, but some models have had software faults, inverter faults or 12 V auxiliary battery faults that leave the car immobilised.

What to do

If the hybrid system warning appears, do not ignore it even if the car keeps moving: some faults limit power or stop the car. Ask the official dealer about software updates and about the specific hybrid battery warranty, which is usually longer than the car's.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the hybrid system. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the hybrid system by engine

From most to least important (severity × frequency). Each page details the affected versions and years, symptoms, cost and how to check for it.

  1. 1Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.5 HybridHybrid system shutdown without fail-safe mode (loss of drive)Yes, Toyota acknowledged it: on Yaris units built between July and November 2020, the hybrid system can shut down without a fail-safe mode and cause a loss of drive at high speeds. There was a campaign in October 2022; outside it there are few other cases, linked to the battery or the inverter.
  2. 2Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.8 HybridThe car loses drive or stalls because of a hybrid system fail-safe mode faultYes. Toyota acknowledged that, in the event of certain internal faults, the hybrid management computer on units built before 2014 might not correctly activate fail-safe mode, and the car would lose drive or stall while driving. It was fixed by software; reprogramming at an official dealer is free.
  3. 3High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalM264/M254Poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk)Mercedes-Benz has issued several recalls (2022-2025) because the 12 V and 48 V earth connections of some cars with a 48 V system may be poorly tightened: resistance rises, the connection heats up and a fire cannot be ruled out. The official workshop checks them and repairs them if necessary in an hour or more.
  4. 4High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.8 HybridInverter (IPM module) overheating and loss of driveYes. On units built between 2014 and 2016, the transistors in the inverter's power module can be damaged by thermal stress and cause loss of drive. Toyota ran a campaign in 2020; there are also inverters that have failed outside the campaign, with repairs of around €3,000.Repair: €3,000
  5. 5Critical severityRareFrequency: Rare2.0 and 2.5 HybridLoosely tightened inverter bolt on the latest Camry Hybrid (US): fire riskToyota issued a recall in the US for more than 51,000 Camry Hybrid models (and around 3,760 Corolla Cross Hybrid) from 2025-2026: an inverter bolt may be under-tightened and cause loss of power, loss of drive or fire. It is a more powerful generation than the one sold in Spain (218 hp), and it is unconfirmed whether it will come here.
  6. 6Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalE-Tech HíbridoHybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't startSome Renault E-Techs show an "electrical problem DANGER" warning on the instrument panel and the car may not start or may lose electrical functions. Renault has launched a reprogramming campaign for vehicles built between April 2020 and April 2023 (around 154,000 vehicles).
  7. 7Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVTSHVS mild-hybrid system: recalls for the starter generator belt and softwareThe 1.2 Dualjet's SHVS (belt-driven starter generator and lithium battery) had two recalls, already resolved, on the Ignis: the belt that can break (2016-2018) and a software error in the hybrid control unit (up to 2018). There is no documented ongoing battery fault.
  8. 8High severityRareFrequency: RareHonda IMA híbridoIMA hybrid system DC/DC converter failure with engine stall (Civic Hybrid 2005-2006)On some Civic Hybrids built between December 2005 and October 2006, a damaged diode in the IMA system's DC/DC converter can cause a short circuit, blow a 100 A fuse and stop the engine without warning. Honda corrected it with a recall (583 cars in the United Kingdom).
  9. 9High severityRareFrequency: Rare1.8 HybridDegradation or premature failure of the hybrid batteryIt is a component that generally lasts very well (there are units above 300,000 km), but there are isolated cases of premature failure, mainly on the Auris Hybrid, between 77,000 and 80,000 km, with repairs of around €2,800-3,000. We have not found a manufacturer campaign for this.Repair: €2,800–€3,000
  10. 10Medium severityRareFrequency: RareHonda IMA híbridoCR-Z IMA hybrid system software: the car may move when the engine stallsOn CR-Zs built between December 2009 and June 2011, a software fault in the IMA electric motor control unit could make the car move forwards or backwards if the engine stalled. Honda corrected it with a software update, without replacing any parts.
  11. 11Medium severityRareFrequency: RareM264/M25448 V battery of the mild-hybrid system: red battery warning and the car stoppingAn industry article reports as a widely reported fault on Mercedes models with EQ Boost (C-Class and E-Class) that the 48 V battery stops communicating with the car's gateway: the red battery warning light appears along with a message to stop. It gives no frequency figures and does not distinguish between engines.
  12. 12Low severityRareFrequency: Rare1.0 and 1.4 Boosterjet48 V SHVS mild-hybrid system: no documented faults so farThe 48 V mild-hybrid system on the 1.4 Boosterjet (K14D) has been on the European market since 2020; we have not found sources documenting faults with its lithium battery or its starter generator in the time it has been on the road.

Engines with faults with the hybrid system

Problems with the hybrid system by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonOpel Grandland IRisk of overheating and fire of the high-voltage battery on plug-in hybrid versions (2019-2022)The plug-in hybrid versions of the Grandland X built between 2019 and 2022 have been the subject of several successive campaigns - first a software update and then physical replacement - over the risk of overheating and fire of the high-voltage battery.
  2. 2High severityCommonFrequency: CommonOpel Astra LFaults with the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearboxThe Hybrid version of the Astra L has the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox, for which fiches-auto.fr documents jerking, hesitant gear changes, mechanical noises and lock-ups in an analysis dedicated to this transmission, which is shared by several models in the Stellantis group.
  3. 3High severityCommonFrequency: CommonPeugeot 3008 IIIFailures of the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox of the 48V hybrid (Hybrid 136)Owners of the Peugeot 3008 III Hybrid 136 (e-DCS6) describe jerks, noises and selector lock-ups on the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox, with complete gearbox replacements documented from 9,000 km; an analysis by fiches-auto.fr of this transmission, used in several Stellantis models, points to wear of the gear selection mechanism shaft as the main cause.
  4. 4High severityCommonFrequency: CommonPeugeot 308 IIIFaults in the hybrid's e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearboxAn analysis by fiches-auto.fr of the e-DCS6 hybrid gearbox - also fitted to the Peugeot 308 Hybrid - documents jerks, noises and selector lock-ups, with the gear selection mechanism as the most-cited cause; of 75 owner ratings across several Stellantis group models, 17 mention a transmission problem.
  5. 5High severityCommonFrequency: CommonPeugeot 408Faults with the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearboxThe Hybrid (48V mild-hybrid) version of the Peugeot 408 uses the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox, for which a fiches-auto.fr analysis covering several Stellantis Group models documents jerking, noises and selector lock-ups; 408 owners also describe unexpected downshifts when overtaking.
  6. 6Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo JuniorRisk of electric arcing at the 48 V starter-generator terminal on the hybrid JuniorYes: a March 2026 Safety Gate alert (campaign F60F) covers Junior MHEVs built between 27 November 2023 and 18 December 2025. The clearance between the particulate filter pipe and the 48 V starter-generator terminal cover is under 10 mm and, in damp conditions, there could be electric arcing and fire.
  7. 7Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C4 IIIFire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator (mild-hybrid version)In the 48 V mild-hybrid versions of the C4 III (1.2 PureTech 136 hp with e-DCS6 gearbox) built between October 2023 and January 2026, the gap between the petrol particulate filter pipe and the 48 V starter-generator may be less than 10 mm, which poses a fire risk in the engine bay.
  8. 8Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Optima IVFault in the high-voltage battery management system of the plug-in hybrid OptimaYes: the British DVSA recorded in 2018 a recall (reference 181019) of 398 plug-in hybrid Optimas built between October 2015 and September 2017: the high-voltage battery may intermittently disconnect the electric motor while driving, causing a sudden loss of power. The battery management system is replaced.
  9. 9Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GLA H247Risk of short circuit and fire in the high-voltage battery (plug-in hybrid version)On the GLA 250 e (plug-in hybrid) built between 20 February 2021 and 23 January 2024, a short circuit in the high-voltage battery can cause a fire, according to a manufacturer campaign reported by a French reliability site.Repair: €0
  10. 10Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IIIRecall: overheating of the plug-in hybrid's high-voltage battery cellsVolvo has recalled around 59,271 plug-in hybrid cars built in 2020-2022, including the S60, because the high-voltage battery can overheat when fully charged, with a risk of fire. This is campaign R10312 (Safety Gate 15/2025).
  11. 11High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat 600Jerking, lock-ups and risk of early failure in the e-DCS6 hybrid gearboxYes: fiches-auto.fr documents that the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiat 600 can produce jerking and lock-ups, with cases of early failure, and several owners have reported transmission faults; the source itself notes that this recently introduced gearbox 'has yet to prove its reliability'.
  12. 12High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord Kuga IIINoises, vibrations and loss of drive in the hybrid transmission (FHEV/PHEV)Some Kuga units with the hybrid (FHEV 2.5 190 hp) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV 2.5 225 hp) powertrain show noises, vibrations, error messages or loss of drive attributable to the hybrid transmission, with at least one case of complete replacement at 60,000 km.Appears at around 60,000 km
  13. 13High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Tucson IVAutomatic gearbox lock-ups and hesitation on the hybrid and plug-in versionsOn the hybrid (230 hp) and plug-in (265 hp) versions of the Tucson, which use a torque converter automatic rather than the DCT7 of the diesel and petrol versions, several owner testimonies describe the gearbox locking in one gear or gears that are slow to engage, in some cases forcing the driver to switch the engine off to carry on.
  14. 14High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Sportage VAutomatic gearbox lock-ups and jerking on the hybrid versionOn the hybrid version (1.6 T-GDI 230 hp), which uses a 6-speed torque-converter automatic rather than the DCT7 dual-clutch gearbox of the combustion versions, several owner reports describe a gearbox that locks up, refuses gears or works jerkily; one of them calls the lock-up 'very dangerous and unresolved'.
  15. 15High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Juke IIHybrid battery failure that prevents startingYes: on the hybrid versions, fiches-auto and owner opinions describe high-voltage battery faults that prevent the car from starting, and the occasional case of harsh gear changes; one owner reports on caradisiac two hybrid system failures in only 4,600 km.
  16. 16High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPolestar 2Electric motor inverter fault in the first unitsWikipedia mentions that in October 2020 there was also a recall of all Polestar 2 cars over faulty inverters. The source does not explain the symptom, the cause or the fix, so the technical detail remains undocumented.
  17. 17High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault ArkanaErratic behaviour of the E-Tech hybrid automatic gearboxOn the Arkana's E-Tech hybrid version, a significant number of owners describe harsh or random gear changes, loss of traction when pulling away on a slope and even the vehicle being immobilised; there is no Renault campaign or press study confirming it as a pattern, so we document it as a fault reported by owners, not as a fault independently confirmed.
  18. 18High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault AustralErratic behaviour of the E-Tech hybrid automatic gearboxOn the Austral's E-Tech hybrid version, several owners describe the automatic gearbox ceasing to work shortly after purchase or locking in the park position; there is no Renault campaign or press study confirming it as a pattern, so we document it as a fault reported by owners, not as one independently confirmed.
  19. 19Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500Risk of the auxiliary battery overheating on mild-hybrid versions (October 2022 campaign)In October 2022 Fiat opened a safety campaign for the mild-hybrid versions of the 500 over a hybrid system deficiency with a risk of the auxiliary battery overheating. The source consulted does not detail the production period or the number of units affected.
  20. 20Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat TipoRisk of overheating of the MHEV system battery (2023 campaign)Fiat opened a campaign for the mild-hybrid (MHEV) versions of the Tipo built between 18 November 2022 and 12 May 2023, over a defect in the battery's pressure-relief valve, with a risk of loss of function and overheating.
  21. 21Critical severityRareFrequency: RareJeep Compass MPWater ingress into the mild-hybrid system's 48 V battery with risk of overheating (2022-2023 production)Yes: a 2023 recall covers MHEV vehicles built between 9 November 2022 and 9 March 2023 in which a manufacturing defect in the 48 V battery allowed water to get in, with a risk of overheating.
  22. 22Critical severityRareFrequency: RareKia XCeedFire risk from the hybrid clutch hydraulic actuator (PHEV)On the plug-in (PHEV) variant of the Kia XCeed, a recall (code 240S01) covers units built up to 14 August 2023: the printed circuit board of the hydraulic actuator that controls the clutch between the combustion engine and the electric motor can become contaminated with fluid and cause a short circuit with a risk of fire.
  23. 23Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Yaris IIIThe hybrid system's DC-DC converter can fail because of a faulty solder jointA 2019 campaign recalled Yaris Hybrid models built between February 2018 and April 2019 because a faulty solder joint in the DC-DC converter can make a transistor separate from the board, so the 12 V auxiliary battery stops charging and the car can lose drive completely while on the move.
  24. 24Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A3 IVFaulty fuses on the plug-in hybrid A3 (TFSIe)In April 2022, Audi recalled 3,656 plug-in hybrid A3 (TFSIe) cars built between October 2020 and February 2022 because of a manufacturing defect in the fuses.Repair: €0
  25. 25Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai Kona IIHybrid DCT6 automatic gearbox with occasional faults when changing gearOn the Kona II with the 141 hp hybrid engine, reports gathered by a French reliability site describe a dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT6) with occasional faults when changing gear, in one case from 110 km/h; there are few documented cases on a model that is still recent.
  26. 26Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalJeep AvengerNoises, gear selection lock-ups, jerks and immobilisation in the e-DCS6 hybrid gearboxYes: fiches-auto.fr documents that the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearbox can produce noises, gear selection lock-ups, jerks or even immobilisation of the car when the transmission control stops validating the requested gear correctly; owner reviews collected by the same source also point to transmission reliability complaints.
  27. 27Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Niro IHybrid DCT6 dual-clutch gearbox: jerking and hesitation when pulling awayIn the Niro hybrid and plug-in, some owners describe jerking, hesitation when pulling away and, in one case, being unable to activate Sport mode in the 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT6) integrated with the electric motor.
  28. 28Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Qashqai IIIXtronic CVT gearbox jerking in mild hybrids and response delays in e-PowerYes: on mild hybrid versions with the Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox, a specialist source describes jerking when you lift off the accelerator, and on e-Power versions it documents delays in power delivery, difficulty manoeuvring at low speed and the odd case of the ESP briefly switching off.
  29. 29High severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën C3 Aircross IISelector and e-DCS6 gearbox lock-up on the hybrid C3 AircrossAccording to the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr, the e-DCS6 gearbox in the hybrid C3 Aircross has produced 3 cases of gear selection locking, with the car immobilised or stuck at 60 km/h, at around 2,000, 6,000 and 9,000 km.
  30. 30High severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën C3 IVLock-ups and noises from the e-DCS6 automatic gearbox in the hybrid C3According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the e-DCS6 automatic gearbox in the mild-hybrid C3 has produced 5 cases of lock-up, mechanical noises or faulty shifts, including a car immobilised with a locked gearbox in October 2024.
  31. 31Medium severityRareFrequency: RareAlfa Romeo JuniorFailure of the e-DCS6 automatic gearbox on the hybrid JuniorThere is very little data: the fiches-auto.fr entry records a hybrid Junior whose automatic gearbox was replaced at 23,000 km under warranty (March 2025) and warns that the e-DCS6 can show jerking, gear selection lock-up and mechanical noises. No official campaign on record.
  32. 32Medium severityRareFrequency: RareFord Puma48 V mild-hybrid battery connections without the correct tightening torqueIn 2020 Ford recalled Puma units with the mild-hybrid engine built between November 2019 and July 2020 because the 48 V battery connections might not be tightened to Ford's specification.
  33. 33Medium severityRareFrequency: RareKia Niro IIHybrid DCT6 dual-clutch gearbox: jerking and electric parking brakeIn one documented case of a second-generation hybrid Niro with 24,600 km, the DCT6 dual-clutch gearbox jerked and hesitated when pulling away, while the electric parking brake also failed; the data available for this generation is still scarce.

Problems with the hybrid system by make

Problems with the hybrid system in your car

16 cars have several documented faults with the hybrid system. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Alfa Romeo 1
Mercedes-Benz 7
Renault 2
Suzuki 1
Toyota 5

How much it costs to repair a fault with the hybrid system

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

Frequently asked questions

Which engines have the most faults with the hybrid system?

By severity and frequency, the 1.8 Hybrid (the car loses drive or stalls because of a hybrid system fail-safe mode fault, critical severity), the 1.5 Hybrid (hybrid system shutdown without fail-safe mode (loss of drive), critical severity), the M264/M254 (poorly tightened 48 V earth wiring in the mild-hybrid system (fire risk), high severity), the 2.0 and 2.5 Hybrid (loosely tightened inverter bolt on the latest Camry Hybrid (US): fire risk, critical severity), the E-Tech Híbrido (hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start, medium severity) and the 1.2 Dualjet and 1.2 VVT (SHVS mild-hybrid system: recalls for the starter generator belt and software, medium severity). In total we have documented 8 engines with faults with the hybrid system.

Which cars have problems with the hybrid system?

Among those we have analysed: Opel Grandland I (risk of overheating and fire of the high-voltage battery on plug-in hybrid versions (2019-2022)), Opel Astra L (faults with the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearbox), Peugeot 3008 III (failures of the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox of the 48V hybrid (Hybrid 136)), Peugeot 308 III (faults in the hybrid's e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox), Peugeot 408 (faults with the e-DCS6 hybrid dual-clutch gearbox), Alfa Romeo Junior (risk of electric arcing at the 48 V starter-generator terminal on the hybrid Junior), Citroën C4 III (fire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator (mild-hybrid version)) and Kia Optima IV (fault in the high-voltage battery management system of the plug-in hybrid Optima). In total, 32 cars with documented faults with the hybrid system.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the hybrid system?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At a dealer, from €0 to €3,000, including VAT, based on the 4 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is inverter (IPM module) overheating and loss of drive (1.8 Hybrid).

What symptoms does a fault with the hybrid system cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: gearbox will not select gears or drops into neutral, hybrid system fault warning light or message, sudden loss of power (limp mode), engine stalls or cuts out while driving, gearbox or clutch noise or rattle and judder when pulling away or at low speed (automatic gearbox).

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. 1.Toyota Auris : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. 2.Toyota Prius 3 : avis et témoignages de propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. 3.Fiabilité Mercedes GLA 2 (H247, depuis 2020) : pannes et rappelsFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  4. 4.Used Audi A3 Mk4 (2020-date) buyer's guide: classy used hatchbackAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026