2016 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 723 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 19 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 19 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, turn signalSep 24, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Campaign 21V749000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brake, indicator lightJun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
Campaign 17V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyOct 11, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
Campaign 16V726000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsAug 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
Campaign 16V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalApr 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Campaign 16V232000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelOct 20, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Campaign 15V678000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
88 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously stolen, and she related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 993. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 45 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated while driving into the driveway and coming into a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she quickly depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle hit the barbecue grill, and the barbecue grill struck the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at the ATM, and the vehicle nearly crashed into another vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and engaging the turn signal, the turn signal unintendedly activated in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that unknown repairs needed to be completed on the vehicle. The mechanic referred her to the dealer for the repairs. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back by the auto finance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2023
01/26/22 Brought 2016 Hyundai Sonata to Fremont Hyundai (Fremont CA) for "Smart Junction Box" recall. 08/12/22 Brought vehicle to Fremont Hyundai for intermittent turn signal recall. 04/10/23 Brought vehicle to Stevens Creek Hyundai for "A 993 HYIMMOA0 -Sonata (LF) S/W UPD & DECAL (23-01-014H-3) RECALL DEFAULT 31599 WH." Told the service dept the vehicle was still having turn signal issues. Refused to correct instead told us to need to bring back to Fremont Hynudai otherwise wanted to charge us $250 to correct it. We felt Steven Creek Hyundai should have corrected this instead of sending us back to Fremont CA.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
The problem appeared on December 2020 in the middle of a Hwy 50 East in Washington DC. It was scary and dangerous. First it showed some malfunction sign on the screen and right way slowed down to 40 then 20 then zero. I push the gas pedal but didn't work. I have no idea what to do. I call Hyundai college park dealership agent explained what happened. She [XXX] told me to tow the car and suggested one of their partners tow truck driver. However when I turn off the car and turned on again it worked. The engine started to run. I begun to drive. After some time I took the car to the dealer and told me the car have safety recall. The repaired it and told me it will be ok. But in reality, it didn't. This happened again and again and again. Till this moment the engine continues to stalled in the middle of HWY . I got no solution from the dealership. When ever I visited they give me different issues that I need to fix. One time they said it is fuel pump and another day they said coolant pipe needs to get fixed. I am so tired of keep going to the dealer services. I put my life and my precious kids life at risk all the time while I am driving this car. It is frustration because I got no one to help me and understand why this issue is persistent. I don't want to end up being injured or got killed by an incident that caused by this problem. How awful it can be if a collision happens in the HWY. Driving this car every day with my kids are frightening and hard to imagine what could happen to us. So I am requesting an investigation on this car with the case number I got from the headquarters. Here is my case number [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Knock Sensor, ECM, Engine stalling and loss of connection. Resulting in flashing engine light. Low acceleration. Power reduced to 40 and below Engine misfire.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 27, 2023
Car was leaking oil I reported to Hyundai and service repair shop had to take it back 3 times due to them neglecting to listen to me oil got into other parts and I had to get 7 things fix also after having back for 1 day the brakes and electric is not working properly engine also fails to accelerate correctly
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2023
The airbag light is on, indicating that the airbox is not operating and will not go off in case of an accident. All steering wheel controls also don't work so it's impossible to adjust settings using the steering wheel or to enter cruise control at all. Previous years of this same vehicle had clock spring recalls and this appears to be the same problem so I wonder if the other recalls should be extended to this year vehicle? thanks
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2023
2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LACK OF SECURITY TRANSPONDER.
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2023
I’ve had this vehicle for exactly 6 months. First incident where I thought the company I bought it from lied to me because they said they topped off my oil. In reality it guzzles oil excessively, I paid $600 to get it cleaned out & add oil. 2nd incident my car shut off at a McDonald’s drive through, no indication of warning of shutting off until 30 seconds before all error codes on dash. 3rd incident as of 02/07/23 car completely out of oil when I had an oil change a month & a half ago. Had someone come & bring me oil & it seemed to get me a mile away to school, did my school stuff & then tried to get home (30 miles away). When trying to get home my car wouldn’t exceed 60mph and when I got to 62mph it was decreasing speed. After a few moments after noticing that, all error codes on dash came on and I thankfully was able to pull over on the freeway without being hit by anyone. My car completely shut down, called a tow truck, while I waited 3 hours for assistance. I was then notified(by the first shop I took it to) the next day that my motor is BAD & I’m lucky that I was able to pull off to the side of the road when I did. A week prior to the 3rd incident random chunks of painting ripped off my vehicle(on the top of my trunk, above the passenger door & on the back side of the passenger door). I had my vehicle towed a second time to the Hyundai dealership themselves and the towing company asked the color of vehicle/make and model and instantly said oh is it your motor? I was weirded out because I was wondering how he knew. He mentioned to me that he has towed 25 Hyundais in the last 9 months. I said well you’re on a role, you can now make it 26. I was also never notified of any recalls on this vehicle until 2 days after the 3rd incident I did my own research and called Hyundai dealership myself & that’s when I was made aware of a recall. Insurance also states that this isn’t something I can claim? & I’m currently waiting to hear back from the dealership themselves.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Engine, Feb 8, 2023
My car idles very rough at times, and sometimes when idling, it dies out. At times it is difficult to even start as if it's not getting the electrical signal to the engine. Hyundai replaced the fuel pump, but that did not fix the problem, but cost $1,200. No warning messages. Two other automotive companies also did a diagnostic tests, but couldn't find the problem as it seems it has to be tested WHEN IT IS ACTING UP. It died on me far from home a week ago, but eventually restarted. I'm afraid to drive it especially at night as it died when idling at a light and almost didn't restart.
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2023
Car was stolen on 12/27/22 because 2016 Hyundai Sonata does not have an engine immobilizer - highly likely inspired by recent Hyundai/Kia TikTok challenge.
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2023
The vehicle is able to be started without a key by using a usb cable. This makes the vehicle extremely vulnerable to theft. Because of this issue vehicles incur other damages due to theft such as broken windows and possibly bodily injury due to theft. They are able to remove the steering column cover, unplug the ignition switch and using a usb cable as an object to turn the ignition. Because the switch appears to be plug and play it makes it easy to steal cause Hyundai car owners unnecessary dollars for repairs. https://youtu.be/fbTrLyqL_nw This is the link showing what they do. It’s not just Kia vehicles. My vehicle was stolen the same way.
Electrical system, Nov 29, 2022
My vehicle is a hybrid and the Check Hybrid System light has lit up while I'm driving and you have to pull over and turn off your car when that happens. The car will slow down and come to a complete stop regardless. It's scary when you are driving on the freeway. I've had this happen to me several times and my car has been worked on four times now by the Hyundai service department in Amarillo and Lubbock TX. I purchased extended warranty and it's about to expire at 100,000 miles. I currently have around 82,000 miles on my car. I contacted the Hyundai corporate office and have a case number. I'm very disappointed the way the Hyundai corporate office and the service department has handled my situation. I even lost my job because I had no transportation for two months. I just paid off my car yesterday and I can't even drive my car.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 1, 2022
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Failure.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 8, 2022
My vehicle lost power exiting the freeway. I went from 70 miles an hour to 10 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. The Check Hybrid system, Turn off engine HEV ! triangle showed up on the dash, then the car slowed to a halt. I had to get my vehicle towed home, then towed to the dealer the next day. The problem with this is, for the past year, the Check Hybrid System HEV light would come on. I took it to the World Car Hyundai North dealership in Live Oak, Texas and a few months later, it's doing the same thing. My vehicle was in the shop at World Car Hyundai from March 24, 2022 until 9/9/2022. I drove my vehicle one week, went out of the country for 2 weeks and upon return, coming from the airport almost home, the car does the same thing. You would think after having my vehicle for 6 months, the problem would be fixed. I started bringing my car in for this problem September of 2021. I was told, I needed an oil change, a new battery, ne plugs, codes checked, etc. None of this seemed to fix my vehicle, because a few weeks later, the car would slow to an almost stop and I would have it towed to the dealership again. There has been several mechanics working on my vehicle and they've all said something differently. My vehicle was never written up for the correct problem until recently, when the manager was able to drive my vehicle and it stopped on him. I don't feel safe driving this vehicle anymore. I have taken this car to the dealer ship for the same problem, actually once in 2018 and every other month since 2021. I've been inconvenienced, , put on hold, far to long, I need a new vehicle and I need a loaner car, while my they're trying to figure out what to do. I've been told I needed a new engine twice, but all of a sudden, it passes the engine test and there is something else that the dealership is trying to do to fix the problem. Well, since I've been taking my car back and forth to the dealership, it is now out of warranty. The car remains unsafe to drive .
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 30, 2022
Had previous issue with HEV warning light and took to dealer. But While driving down the road last night, the HEV light on the dash comes on and beeps, the car sputters then the brakes slam on and the car immediately shut off in the travel lane. Turn car back on put into drive and same thing happens. Vehicle was towed to Dealer.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2022
Somehow, either by design or manufacturing defect, a part in the headlamp assembly melts and causes a gap in the illumination of the lights while driving. Technicians have said that this is a progressive issue, rather than some sudden onset, and multiple people have said they've never experienced this before but are having this issue with the Hyundai Sonata.
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2022
The vehicle is highly susceptible to theft. There are multiple articles and videos on how my vehicle and many others made Hyundai and Kia can be stolen in minutes with just a USB drive. This needs to be investigated and fixed immediately.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, he became aware of smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The TPMS, oil pressure, power train, and battery warning lights along with an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed that oil was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced, the transmission needed to be flushed, and the drivebelt needed to be replaced. The dealer also diagnosed that the failure was associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,100.
Electrical system, Jun 26, 2022
Ive bought this car used at 30k miles currently at 79k in 2020. Ever since this car has been given me nothing but issues. On 6-24-22 for the third time in two years the car would lose all power going 60-70 mph no gas, no battery engine wouldnt work all while driving on busy I-95. I refuse to drive this car any longer as it is not safe for myself and other drivers around me. This car has got to get taken off the road and or recalled as there have been many reports of this same car with the same issues doing this to other drivers.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 12, 2022, fire
Engine caught on fire while driving
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, after the recall repair was performed, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel during the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and was then referred back to the dealer for assistance. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and informed her husband that an unknown defective sensor was the cause of the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,443.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 15, 2022
The Car is flash on Dash boards Check HEV and turn off the engine cause my car to idle. Turn off my car for 20 mins signal gone Then 2 weeks later randomly does it again. Car also flash Check Breaks on dash boards and turn off the engine and it shut my whole car off
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The contact stated months later, the driver’s and passenger’s headlight fault warning lights were illuminated. The contact called local dealers; Freeman Hyundai (1800 Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062: (972) 438-2121), AutoNation Hyundai North Richland Hills (7724 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180: (817) 953-6549) and Van Hyundai (1301 S Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75006: (972) 437-8334) and was informed that the earliest available appointment would be in 8 weeks. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2021, crash
I recently totalled my car due to "following to closely" which I didn't have GAP insurance. Truth is I signaled to go right lane when The car in front thought inwas going left due to faulty recall problem and we both went right, I lost control and hit a rail and damaged car unfortunately