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: engine
457 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Engine, Feb 5, 2023
While driving the vehicle within the city the engine turned off in the middle of the intersection causing near miss in the middle of the intersection as other vehicle were trying to pass me because my vehicle stalled. After having to towed the vehicle it was found that the engine has seized which is why the vehicle stopped.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
While driving on the highway my vehicle started making a very loud ticking noise and all of a suddenly my car stopped working. Due to being on the highway everybody was going high speeds which almost caused a serious accident. There were cars swerving everywhere. I truly thought I was going to be involved in a high-speed accident which would most likely cost me my life. The check engine light came on and smoke was coming out and the dash started throwing errors. One of the drivers came to my car and started yelling to get out because these cars have been catching on fire. I had to call a tow truck to tow my car over an hour back home which cost me quite a bit of money. After I got home I researched my vehicle and placed to VIN to find out there were 3 safety recalls, one that could cost my family their lives and I was never ever notified. When I called the customer care they didnt even have my information and had to input it all to create a case. They also could not give me a reason as to why I was not notified. They then made an appointment with the Hyundai nearest to me which by the way is an hour and twenty minutes. After disconnecting the call I received an email from that dealership stating my appointment was canceled. I called the dealership to figure out what was going on I've spoken to two different people before finally speaking with the manager of the department. Finally when I spoke with the manager he tried to inform me that my car was not under the recall and that they wouldnt be fixing my car. They also tried to tell me that customer service placed the wrong appointment that they put it in for an oil change when clearly the email stated three recalls and one being my engine needed to be replaced. I was informed that the earliest that they could Even put their eyes on my vehicle would be the end of March and if I wanted to pay out of pocket for the engine it wouldn't be completed until the end of June. One person after another has lied to me.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed by AAA. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with a rebuilt engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2023
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I’m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it’s not leaking because I’ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.
Structure, Engine, Jan 23, 2023
Engine burns off oil at an excessive rate. I was told there is a recall on the engine for my vehicle. Also, the transmission is acting up. I have a white pearl sonata and the paint has peeled off the roof and part of the hood. There is a recall on that as well, as I was told.
Engine, Jan 21, 2023
On April 12, 2022. I was driving with my grandson. I heard some loud engine noise in which I thought was coming from an old red truck next to me. I continued driving and continued to hear the noise after I was away from the truck. I realized the noise was coming from my vehicle (2016 Hyundai Sonata). The interior lights started flashing ( oil light, engine and battery lights) and the car started losing power. I was able to pull over to the right lane by the curb. The engine shutdown and wouldn't start back up. The car was towed to Jeff Wyler Superior Hyundai, 238 W. Mitchell Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45232. My vehicle is still there. In January of 2022 I had my car at the dealership for losing power. They repaired it, saying it was the cylinders and then in April 2022 the whole engine shuts completely down.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
I have a 2016 Sonata with 81,000 miles, I was driving the car when I started hearing knocking noise under the hood and Suddenly the car cut off and wouldn’t start. No dash board lights came on. Prior to car shutdown. My safety was put at risk because the car cut off near the highway and I had to push the car to a safe location. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced at $8,500.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
I was driving the vehicle, it started making a weird noise, the console lights started flashing and then the engine shutdown and wouldn't start back up.
Engine, Jan 13, 2023
Purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata on 7/2/22. At the time, it had approximately 119,000 miles on it. About a month later, the car overheated. Thankfully, husband is a mechanic. Since the initial overheating, we had been diligently adding coolant every few days. However, as of last month, the overheating had gotten so bad, we took it to an independent mechanic who quoted us about $8,500.00 for repairs, including installing a new engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2023
We purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata in December 2020 for our son who is in college. In early August of 2022, my son noticed his oil light was coming on before it was time for an oil change. He had the vehicle topped off and maintained regular oil change and service schedule. While in for service at Fitzgerald Hyundai in Rockville, MD, August 2022, they replaced the spark plugs (4 cylinder tune-up) at 108,127 miles. The car continued to burn a lot of oil, so another appointment was scheduled at the dealership in Rockville September, 2022 at 111,792 miles. An oil and filter change, complete 23 pt. Vehicle Maintenance Inspection was performed, and all fluids topped off. The vehicle continued to burn oil at an unacceptable rate well before an oil change was required. My son continued to get oil changes and top off before the standard mileage. Another appointment was scheduled with the same dealer in Rockville, MD December 2022 at 118,989 miles requesting a diagnosis for the excessive oil consumption. After inspection, we were told an oil consumption test needed to be performed in order to determine why we are having this issue. We were also told that the spark plugs needed replacing again, less than 5 months from the previous replacement. Our service advisor said oil was probably shooting out onto the plugs. Hyundai denied the request to pay for the oil consumption test. The service advisor said she sees this a lot when I asked about excessive oil consumption on a vehicle with less than 120,000 miles. Also, they kept the car for almost 2 weeks.We are looking to rid ourselves of this piece of junk and purchase a vehicle by a reputable manufacturer. In the meantime, we are topping off and getting frequent oil changes. There definitely appears to be a defect with this year and model vehicle and Hyundai should acknowledge there is an issue and resolve it. I will never purchase another Hyundai and will spread the word to everyone I know, not to buy a Hyundai.
Engine, Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that no cause for the failure was found. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as engine wear, due to a lack of proper lubrication The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then took the vehicle to another dealer, North Freeway Hyundai (20440 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373) where it was diagnosed as needing the engine to be flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,013.
Engine, Jan 3, 2023
Upon buying the vehicle the engine started to burn excessive amounts of oil.
Engine, Dec 30, 2022
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata is sitting at the Red Hoagland dealership in Winter Haven, FL after the engine started knocking. Rather than continue driving it and risk an accident with our 19-yr old child driving it, or risk worse damage to the engine, I had it towed to Red Hoagland service department. This occurred less than a week after we had it at the dealership for the third and final oil consumption test. These tests were being conducted as part of Hyundai’s process to identify the known engine issue with this model. Each 1,000 mile test revealed that the engine was consuming approximately 3.5 quarts of oil per 1,000 miles (approximately 1 month timeframe). Despite the results of the tests and now the engine failure, Hyundai has denied the claim on the lifetime warranty of the engine. Their stated reason is “out of warranty caused by time in service and mileage on the vehicle.” The mileage on the vehicle was 143,260 on 10/29. Apparently to Hyundai a “lifetime warranty” on an engine that is known to fail due to this oil consumption issue does not mean “lifetime” but only less than 145,000 miles. I will appeal this decision and if they do not honor their lifetime warranty on this known issue they will hear from my attorney and hopefully the NHTSA will also help to enforce what Hyundai should have already done rather then making me go through this additional effort and trouble.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 15, 2022
Huge amounts of oil consumption, have to refill all oil every 20-30 days. Car shut down on highway and went into limp mode, had to impede traffic to attempt to pull over safely. Potential known issue with Theta II engine, but dealership is declining a fix.
Engine, Nov 13, 2022
*On 10/9/22 I was traveling approximately 60 miles an hour on Hwy 25 in Hollister when I experienced Engine Failure in my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4 liter. Engine available for inspection. *This was the 2nd time the engine light has turned on and resulted in vehicle stalling while driving on the highway. Fortunately, there was no accident. *Hyundai Dealer, Hyundai Corporate, or independent service center have not reproduced or confirmed the problem. There is an extended warranty covering the rod bearing and associated parts, that was neither inspected nor granted by Hyundai. I also reported excessive oil consumption to Hyundai and was put through an "Oil Consumption test" at 120677 miles and was denied repair/replacement, even though the engine was burning more than a quart every 1000miles. This increased to me adding a quart every 500 miles and eventually the engine failed at 161147 miles. The vehicle is an independent mechanic awaiting an engine replacement. *The engine has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or any other entity for the mechanism of engine failure. It is confirmed loss of compression and blown pistons/piston rings. Hyundai dealer did not conduct rod bearing test. *Engine light turned on and engine stalled. It was then towed to Hyundai Dealer. There is an extended lifetime warranty on the rod bearings in the engine, which was not inspected by Hyundai prior denial of engine repair/replacement under extended warranty. Excessive oil consumption problem was also an ongoing problem which Hyundai refused to resolve. In my opinion the engine failure is due to either excessive oil consumption, or the rod bearing failure. Hyundai is not taking responsibility and resolving these ongoing problems with the GDI Theta engines.
Engine, Nov 8, 2022
The vehicle has had mechanical problems since I purchased it. I have submitted a complaint with the dealership who sold it to me and at their recommendation I am moving it up the ladder. The engine had the knock sensor go bad and also failed the bearing test. As I was driving the check engine light, oil light, and battery light came on and the vehicle lost all power. I was going 60 miles an hour and was barely able to safely get it on the side of the road. It had to be towed to the dealership I bought it from, who determined it had no oil in the reservoir and had burned through it in less than 2000 miles. There was no warning lights. I have had mechanical issues since purchasing the vehicle and they failed to correctly diagnose it. It had an oil consumption test that it barely passed months before the engine needed to be replaced. I travel extensively for work and the vehicle malfunctions put me at risk. It has broken down several times and took months to diagnose the issue.
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2022
The engine light has come on and I have done extensive repairs on my vehicle since January 2022. No warning signs showed prior as I have kept up with maintenance on the car since the 60,000 mile marker. The valve gasket cover was replaced as the engine was smoking due to an oil leak. A pipe was repaired due to the leak. The engine camshaft position sensor was replaced. There is still issues with the engine after replacing the CVVT cover and plugs. The spark plugs have been replaced. If my car stalls or blows on the highway, this can cause a major accident putting myself and others at risk. I have done multiple tests with Hyundai dealerships and Firestone and AutoZone and no one can tell me what the ultimate issue is with the Sonata.
Engine, Oct 27, 2022
While driving at about 45MPH, the car lost and acceleration was limited as the car wouldn’t work properly. Engine make a ticking sound when trying to accelerate. At the time of lost power the check engine(flashing), abs and traction control all came on. It almost caused me to get into an accident. The car also indicated to shut off vehicle. The vehicle code read P1326, called dealer and they stated multiple vehicles has been having the same issues and that they are full with no openings. So I’m in the process of getting it to a dealer who has an opening for a better diagnostic. Dealer says it may be rod bearings.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2022, fire
2016 Hyundai Sonata (not part of any recall) driven short distance on expressway had "check engine light" come on. Pulled off of expressway and checked under hood...No visible issues. Chose to return home via side streets as car was riding rough and having problems with acceleration at that point. Short while later, heard loud noise and saw smoke coming from under hood. Pulled to the side of the road and exited car. Was told by bystander that car was on fire. Called Fire Dept, by the time of their arrival, entire front end ablaze, tires and body melted. Thankfully, fire extinguished before any explosion or damage to neighbor's property occurred. Vehicle was a total loss.
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 .
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption. Has been an issue for some time now. Same engine is under recall for the rods/valves malfunction. vehicle has had regular maintenance done. there is no aftermarket work done to the engine. Vehicle has been to the dealer for this issue 3 separate times now and the issue is progressively getting worse.
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
For the past several months I have been experiencing extreme oil consumption. I drive my Hyundai Sonata 2016 an average of 120 miles per week and I am required to put in at least one quart of oil each week. This is not normal and there is a serious internal problem with my engine. I am not leaking any oil whatsoever, therefore, the engine is burning oil . The Planet Hyundai dealership in Golden, CO has told me that they have many cars with the same problem waiting to get their engines replaced under warranty. Planet Hyundai has told me there is nothing more to be done and I need a new engine and to contact Hyundai Headquarters, which I have. I have an extended warranty I purchased when I bought the car and it goes for $100,000 miles or July 2, 2023. My extended warranty has referred me to another Hyundai dealership in the Denver area and they are telling me I need to do a combustion cleaning for approximately $1000. Then I have to wait till I drive another 1000 miles and then they will let me know how my engine is doing? If one Hyundai dealership says there is nothing more they can do why would another Hyundai dealership (MacDonald . Please help and thank you so much for your time.
Engine, Oct 1, 2022
The engine failed. PIAZZA HYUNDAI in West Chester,Pa confirmed that the engine bearing in my THETA 2 ENGINE failed however HYUNDAI refused to honor their Expressed warranty of 10 year 100,000 mile. This engine is part f the Whistleblower's case which was reported to NHTSA however HYUNDAI refused to replace the engine even though they know they have a major problem with the design and manufacturing of their engine. We have been without our car since March of 2022. We want HYUNDAI to honor their warranty and compensate use for our loss of use of our vehicle during the last 6 months. HYUNDAI knew and knows they have a problem however they have failed to live up to their responsibility. Please contact me as soon as possible via phone and in writing. My cell # is [XXX]. My home # is [XXX]. My mailing address is [XXX]. I have additional documentation on this matter which I will provide to you once you contact m since I'm reporting this on my cell phone. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.