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
Engine, Apr 29, 2022
Car oil light begin to blank and suddenly killed while driving at over 50mph. No warning. No engine or computer codes. Just sudden failure. The engine is locked I am being told.
Engine, Apr 28, 2022
The engine is still under the orgininal warranty (10 years, 100,000 miles). I took my car to Parks of Hyundai in Gainesville, FL on 09/23/2021 for an issue with engine code p1326. The service manager reset my engine code and told me that their service department is backed up with cars and they cannot help me with my car at this time. Then on April 5, 2022, the issue happened again to my Hyundai Sonata on the interstate, the car engine went into limbo mode in the middle of the interstate and almost caused a large accident. I have the engine code p1326 showing up on their computer I took my car back to Parks of Hyundai on April 5th, 2022. Parks of Hyundai told me that I had to leave my car with them and that they refuse to provide me with a rental. Karl Buchwald, stated that it will take a few days to get to my car, and they will let me know what is wrong with it plus diagonistic fee of $200 even though I provided him with the engine code number thats under the powertrain warranty on the car. I went home and called Corporate Hyundai and opened a case. Case no: 19623500 case manager Emily, number 1(833)462-8722. Corporate Hyundai says I have to pay out of pocket for my rental and then submit my paper work after for possible rental reimbursement. I went back to Parks of Hyundai to check on the status of my car on April 13, 2022, Karl Buchwald, states that it may take 2-3 weeks for them to take a look at my car. When I asked to see what was done on my car, he told service advisor Michelle to enter my car into the system. My car was at their dealership for a week without paperwork. Eric Duke states that since I did not purchase my car at their dealership, the wait time will be longer. I waited 2 weeks and went back to Parks of Hyundai to check on my car yesterday 4/27/2022. Nothing has been done, they said it will be a few more weeks for diagonistic.
Engine, Apr 25, 2022
While driving on the highway in Michigan I noticed the engine RPM not functioning properly. The timing on the engine was off and the shifting was irregular. I pulled over to the side of the road with fear it was going to do more damage internally to the engine. If I had the cruise control on I was in fear of the engine malfunctioning and causing damage to other vehicles on the road. Upon further inspection I noticed the variable valve censor connector had an electrical shortage and burned a hole right through it. I was afraid of more electrical damage that could have turned into an engine fire. So I didn’t drive it anymore.
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over safely; upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was oil leaking from under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed by AAA to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Engine, Apr 14, 2022
We were on a road trip and the car was on cruise control. I stopped accelerating and lost power. We had it towed to the nearest aaa approved mechanic. They ran the codes and found P132600- knock signal range performance. The technician found heavy metal contamination in the oil. The motor needs to be completely replaced
Engine, Apr 11, 2022
STARTED OIL CONSUMPTION TESTING IN AUG 2021 THROUGH HYUNDAI DUE TO THE VEHICLE TAKING IN AT LEAST 1.5 QTS OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES. AFTER MULTIPLE TESTS, HYUNDAI COMPLETED A COMBUSTION CLEANING IN JAN 2022. NO CHANGES. AFTER AN ADDITIONAL OIL CONSUMPTION TEST IN MARCH 2022, HYUNDAI HAS ADVISED THIS IS NORMAL CONSUMPTION. NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN FROM DEALER/CORP UNTIL ENGINE BLOWS A ROD. MANUFACTURER &/OR DEALER PREFERS FOR MY FAMILY TO SUFFER A DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC EVENT BEFORE ADDRESSING WHAT IS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL.
Engine, Mar 29, 2022
Hyundai Motor America is doing fraud with its customer’s and putting their lives at danger. They made engines with manufacturing defect. They sent a brochure to their customers to get the software updated for knocking sensors and then placed a lifetime warranty for the issues caused by it including any repair costs. They said the software will detect the knocking noise and will turn on Warning lights (Engine Light) as well as place the vehicle into reduced power, engine protection mode. Their brochure said they have defective engines in 2011-2019 Sonatas, 2013-2018 Santa FE Sports, 2019 Senta Fes, and 2014,2015, 2018 and 2019 Tucsons.I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. I did software update and then I started having engine knocking at around 76,000 miles. Sometimes, car automatically loses power on highways/freeways and sometimes it starts to accelerate on its own at very high RPM’s. I contacted Hyundai dealership in Spring, TX (North Freeway Hyundai), which told me that Hyundai doesn’t cover it anymore until unless its complete engine failure. This is not what their Warranty document (Brochure) said. They are denying to take care of the issue which was caused by manufacturing defect and their software update. Their brochure said they will take care of it including any engine repair costs. Their dealership told me that this is just the “Beginning of the engine falling apart”, they can start with putting a new cover on the faulty engine part rather than replacing it, which will cost me $640.50+tax to take the engine light disappear for few days. If they have to fix it permanently, it is going to cost me “Thousands of Dollars” into parts and labor charges. Private mechanic said Hyundai Engines are "Can of Worms" and wont even touch it. As per Hyundai case managers instructions, I ended up spending $435.50 out of pocket without any work done on my vehicle. As per their Brochure, they are making defected engines from 2011. Thousands of people driving those dangerous vehicles.
Engine, Mar 29, 2022
Engine went bad prematurely. After 6 years of routine maintenance and standard commuting the engine went bad at 130k miles. No warning or indications that anything was wrong.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 20, 2022
My oil seems to be consumed really quickly! I get a full synthetic oil change and then my engine sounds strange and check the oil and there's no more oil in there! This is after less than 1,000 miles after the oil change! It's very expensive that every few months I need to go and get a new oil change, it's supposed to be every 6 months or after 5,000-7,500 miles with full synthetic but it only last about 700 miles before it starts to start to disappear! I'm scared it will cause my engine to get ruined and make a fire! This has been going on formore than 2 years now.
Engine, Mar 19, 2022
Yesterday, my car’s engine/battery/oil lights came on. I pulled over, checked the oil and it was almost completely dry. I went to start the car again and it would not start. After my mechanic checked the starter and battery, they determined that the engine was locked up. My engine could have caught on fire as there was no warning prior.
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
Engine, Mar 11, 2022
My 2016 Sonata se with 85,000 miles is using over 1 qt of all per 1,000 miles . I'm told that this is normal for this type of engine ??? is there any thing Hyundai will do to FIX this oil problem thanks C.W. Mehltretter
Engine, Mar 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart and emitted an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was related to Hyundai Service Campaign Number: 953, regarding the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine, Mar 7, 2022
Took car to accredited service center for routine oil change early. Was given an opinion that the their was internal engine damage and that my engine would blow out if car was continued to be driven. I then had it towed to Hyundai dealership to be serviced and to get a second opinion. Service was done, and told it was a simple issue, after paying $400 after services were complete, I left feeling relieved it wasn’t a bigger issue. Not less than maybe 6 hours later, early sunday morning, I was driving at night on the road and my engine completely blew out on me. My safety was put at risk and others around me on the road as well because I could have caused an accident, if I had been on the high-way going a higher MPH, my engine would have more than likely caught on fire or possibly have caused an accident. Clearly the issue was not fixed and they sent me to drive in a car that was faulty and not fixed, endangering my life and possibly others around me. It has only been inspected by hyundai, but clearly inspection by them is inadequate. No engine light warnings ever appeared. Oil light would occasionally flash on and off but I didn’t think anything of it because, 1) no loud sounds/vibrations were happening, 2) my next oil change service wasn’t until almost over 1,000 miles, as I regularly keep up with maintenance on my vehicle. I would say the on and off oil light was flashing maybe for about a week or so, and this was NOT after prior oil change, this occurred miles and miles after. I have attach pictures from the 1st opinion service, as well as the service I received from Hyundai before incident occured. I have also if needed to be provided, documentation of routine maintenance by Hyundai Dealership and from an accredited service center by the Better Business of Bureau.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 55-65 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an oil leak. The oil pressure sender was replaced. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, he notified the dealer of the oil leak failure; however, the dealer informed the contact that no issues were found. The contact stated that after servicing the vehicle at the dealer, the vehicle began to overheat while driving. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that oil was leaking from around the valve cover gasket. The cause of the vehicle overheating was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
Engine is consuming a quart of oil every 400 miles.
Engine, Feb 28, 2022
Unknown Vehicle made knocking noises and completely cut off on me . The vehicle had an oil change 1 month ago .
Engine, Feb 25, 2022
Car began to knock and lacked acceleration. I took it to a dealer and spent $300 on replacement of plugs and it seemed to be working fine. One month later on the highway, the car completely lost power and would no longer accelerate. I found online that the engine had been recalled and the warranty extended to 120K miles. Hyundai paid for a tow to the dealership. The dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced and thought Hyundai would replace the engine due to the recall, but the replacement was denied by Hyundai. I do not not know at this point on what grounds, but the car has 117,000 miles on it and should be within the extended warranty period because of the recall. The estimate for replacement of the engine is $8000. I've only had the car a few months and expected to get at least a few years out of this vehicle.
Engine, Feb 24, 2022
Engine is buring oil. I drove about 1,400 miles since last oil change, and my engine had almost no oil. There are no leaks. My driveway is clean. My mechanic says engine is burning oil inside and he put "crazy" amount of oil to top it off today. He told me to change my oil every 3,000 miles instead of 5,000. He has been saying there is an issue with engine buring oil for some time and recommended contacting this agency and dealer.
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
Problem is the engine is burning two quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Was taking car in for oil change and check engine light went on. Service person said car was way down on oil which is why engine light went on. Said there was a problem with Hyundai engines and to take it to dealer. Dealer Ettleson agent John Cunniff confirm that there is a problem with that engine and said they would run an oil test. Oil was changed with new filter and told to come back in 1,000 miles. Returned to dealer after 1,000 miles and engine was down two quarts of oil, dealer topped off oil and said someone would contact me. I called several days later and John Cunniff said that using two quarts of oil in 1,000 miles was within specs. He said to contact Hyundai customer service. I did with case # 19220125, and Frances was case worker. Attempted to contact Frances three times with negative results. I called and spoke with a Cindy who stated case notes stated Frances contacted Ettleson and they said two quarts of in 1,000 miles is normal, complaint was closed. Research disclosed there is a problem with oil consumption in that engine, backed up by their and other mechanics. I have 69,000 miles on the vehicle and a 100,000 mile warranty. I have all maintenance files for the vehicle since I purchased it. i have complied with the dealers instructions and have had my PCV replaced, and just keep adding oil to keep my engine running. Please advise my options.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2022
my 2016 Sonata SE vin #[XXX] has a engine recall, Hyundai gave me a lifetime Warranty of the engine and power train. the Sonata has 84577 miles on the engine and is using 1 QT of oil per 1,000 miles. took the car to Bentley Hyundai in Huntsville ,Al. for an oil change and to see what they will do about the oil issue. I'm to bring the car back to them in 1,000 miles for them to check out how much oil the car is using. I was told that even with the lifetime Warranty of the engine and power train that with the engine using a quart of oil that Hyundai won't do many thing to take care of the problem. If the engine was given a Lifetime warranty by Hyundai why won't they do any thing to correct the oil problem. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 21, 2022
Car started bucking and slowing on freeway. Took car to dealership October 2021 after 2 weeks, I was informed the car needed a new engine. A few days later I was informed, my battery needed replacement. Three months later, January 31, 2022 while in the freeway, my car started bucking then decelerated from 70 mph to 10-20 mph on the freeway ( only reached 40 mph going down hill). Check HEV system and Check Hybrid system indicator triangles were on. Battery light indicator and engine light indicator also on. I had car towed to dealership. I was informed I needed two plugs replaced. 2 weeks later, the same problem happened again on February 19, 2022 I was informed, I needed two plugs replaced. The plugs were replaced. This time it wasn’t two weeks before the same thing happened again. Warning lights displayed: check HEV system, check Hybrid System, battery and engine lights are on. Car doesn’t accelerate over 15 mph. This vehicle has had several recalls, which I am told all recalls check out fine. No one can find a reason why the HEV, battery and engine lights are on. In the meantime, I’ve purchased a battery, spark plugs, rented a car, spent almost $1000. This vehicle is hazardous and an accident waiting to happen. There has been at least a few engine and electrical recalls. I don’t understand why the car is passing the recalls, but exhibits the problems mentioned on recall. I feel like the dealership is waiting for my engine to fall out of warranty. Either the mechanic or machine isn’t fully operational. I don’t want to be on a freeway the next time my vehicle stops and have an 18 wheeler or other vehicle run into me.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2022
After cold start, car lost power and has set Check engine light codes P0010,P0011, made appointment with Springfield Huyandi, charged $289.33 for the diagnosis of engine oil sludge causing VVT issues. Huyandi will Not cover under warranty,recommended $1400.00 repair, with no help from Huyandi on repair bill.
Engine, Feb 13, 2022
Left car parked at airport for 3 days came back car was fine for 2 days. On day 3 car went into limp mode and started knocking at the engine! Took it yo dealership and they said I was loosing oil. It was 2 weeks after a full oil change. They cleared the codes and refilled the oil! Drove 5 miles down the road, same thing! Changed throttle body, new spark plugs. New knock sensor and drove for 3 days after that and same issue came back!
Power train, Engine, Feb 10, 2022
Oil light came on when vehicle was almost out of oil. Engine could have seized Dealer says it is out of warranty because I am 2nd owner. 100,000 power train warrenty defaults to 60,000 for 2nd owner. Problem occurred just under 70,000. Warning oil light came on for the first time ever at 69,000 miles. Came on again after getting an oil change at 3,000 miles. Took 3 quarts to fill back to full. Engine now burns oil and must be refilled with nearly 2 quarts every 1000 miles.