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, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over in a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed back to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Engine, Jan 21, 2022
Excessive oil consumption and burned oil smell coming from engine under 100,000 miles. Dealership states that the car needs the engine replaced. Hyundai denied claim to pay for engine replacement.
Engine, Jan 20, 2022, fire
The engine caught on fire while driving. Beginning back in June 2021, the CEL came on and placed the car into limp mode. Code P1326 was generated. Mileage at 91,220. Dealership confirmed engine bearing clearance test passed. Since then needed to add 1 to 1-1/2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. Second CEL light came on in Nov 2021 and car went into limp mode. Code P1326 was generated again. Dealership confirmed engine bearing clearance test passed. Hyundai Corporate was contacted by the dealership to determine if engine can be changed out. It was declined. On 1/20/22, the car engine caught on fire with a likely total loss. No CEL was seen prior to this occurring. Approx. Mileage 100300
Engine, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Then, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. Then, the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer sent the diagnostic report to the manufacturer who advised that they would not cover the repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact followed up with the manufacturer and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,966.
Engine, Jan 11, 2022
This vehicle continues use oil. I have had the valve cover gaskets replaced twice, yet the vehicle consumes about a half quart of oil each week.
Engine, Jan 7, 2022
I purchased my '16 Sonata as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. It was 1 yr old, with roughly 36k mi on the odo. I bought it from Huntington Beach Hyundai, who showed me the Car Fax that it's CPO. They promised Hundai CPOs get what left on the 10 yr, 100k mi powertrain warranty. I've been doing oil changes per manufacturer recommendations since purchase. At roughly 40k to 60k on the odo, I noticed the car was burning a lot of engine oil. I brought my car to my local Hyundai service center, Tustin Hyundai, who told me 1 qt every 1k mi is normal. I thought it was a lot, but Tustin Hyundai told me there was nothing wrong with the car. Sometime after, I received mail about the Theta 2 engine recall to get the knock sensor install/update, and read about the risk of engine explosion/fire. I promptly got it done. Around this time, I read on Hyundai owner forums that excessive oil consumption is a precursor symptom to catastrophic engine failure. Sometime later, I noticed my car was burning a lot of oil, even more than before. I estimated at least 2 qts every 1k mi. I brought my car to Tustin Hyundai at roughly 75k mi on the odo. They started an oil consumption test, comprised of 3 oil level readings, each one every 1k mi. My car failed the first two. After the 2nd, my car stayed at Tustin Hyundai overnight to get a combustion chamber clean done. Tustin Hyundai told me doing so will solve the problem. Few months later, I noticed my engine was back to even more excessive oil consumption. I estimated at least 3~4 qts per 1k mi. I brought my car to Tustin Hyundai again, with roughly 80k mi on the odo. They said Hyundai corporate is rejecting all further service because my car isn't CPO, and that I ran out of powertrain warranty at 5 yr/60k mi. I called Huntington Beach Hyundai, who confirmed my car is CPO, and still has the 10/100 powertrain warranty. But Hyundai corporate, through 2~3 national case managers, told me I am out of powertrain warranty, and not covered.
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
Purchased the 2016 Sonata approximately four months ago. Was not told that Hyundai had a problem with the engine in this year and model. I have now learned that NHTSA is involved in this matter because there have been several engine fires. My car is rapidly burning through motor oil. While it is not smoking there is a light smell of burning oil. Reluctantly the dealership is promising to fix it but has yet taken steps to do so. FOREMOST, IS IT SAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS CAR? Further, can the engine be repaired or should it be replaced. A prompt response would be greatly appreciated!
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil change. The contact stated that he changed the oil 510 miles before taking the vehicle to the dealer. The contact took the vehicle to Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville (1919 Foxglove Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704, (479)439-9878) and was informed that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,559.
Engine, Dec 31, 2021
My car is involved in the class action lawsuit because of engine failure and fire with my 2016 Hyandia Sonota. I have concerns with the above issue because of knocking in the engine and using 1 quart of oil every 400 miles. Hyandia extended the Power train settlement for life time. Yet, they denied to do anything about my car because or 98,700 milage. Dealer said only way Hyandia will do anything if the engine goes out. Hope it just goes out instead of catching fire. Need help, if you settle take care of the customer. Should take care of the customer before settling .
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
took my car to Hyundai at Tustin to check recall car worked fine dec 14 to 15th took my car drove it 4 days started hearing a whistle noise never herd it before then a small taping noise that kicked in when ac was on then when i drove it less then 10 miles the car started to stall and the engine light started flashing then i took it to car max due to having car max toeing plan they took the car now i been in limbo trying to get a diagnostic done on my car when it should of been done when i got my car in for the 1st time for the recall now im car less for 15+ days paying ubers that are 28 bucks a day to get to work when this could of been avoided if they check my car the 1st time and did what the recall commands to inspect the engine and replace it now im getting the run around telling me to check this Hyundai or this one for a appointment to diagnose your car instead of a hand to get me into a rental now i have to either pay CarMax 250 to diagnose the car and do nothing but get me a rental car or wait a other 19 days for jan 19 to get it looked at by Hyundai i spent so much hard earned money to just get nothin offered in terms of ride or assurance just oh it might not be covered cuase something with a 60000 mile warranty they do i was upset that they just talked over me and basicly said damm that suck deal with it its crazy cars shouldn't be this hard to diagnose and and send diagnostic to a other machinic they could use the carmax diagnostic as a refernce but they rather have a customer wait hence why after this car im going full electric this service to repair is a scam to get hard working Americans to shivvel out some more money help me and do a big investigation on this hyundai recall deportment somethings don't add up.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2021
I have been going to the dealership since July as my engine light was not shutting off. I kept being told that there were no loaner cars and that they could not fix the problems I was having kept putting a band aide on the issue and saying that I would have more problems. They told me the cat converter would need to be replaced but it was an engine recall issue. They had a loaner car for me for one day told me it was fine that it would probably go again I had them check the car again and they filled the oil and sent me on my way. Now I was on the side of the road with no car and am now being told they can’t work on my car until March which since I have been seeing them for 4 months now for the same problem that just got worse you would think they would try to help me. Instead they told me to go somewhere else turn in my dead car or I have to tow it and then tow it back in March. I can’t afford this right now it is terrible and there are no cars out there they are so expensive. Please help me I am very poor and have 2 jobs that require me to drive.
Engine, Dec 8, 2021
I was driving on the highway 11/30/2021 when my engine light came on and the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably and I couldn’t accelerate much. I pulled over and called a relative to trail me to a local Firestone. I assumed it was spark plugs but they tested it and it was a code p 304 cylinder 4 misfire. My car is currently at a mechanic shop named forest hill garage in Montgomery Alabama they called me 12/8/2021 and told me it’s a cylinder 4 misfire and it costs around $5,000 to fix and replace. He also stated there’s 7 other vehicles the same type of Hyundai up there with the same exact issue!!! Something is definitely wrong and needs to be recalled. I haven’t gotten the other documentation as of 12/08/2021 because I am at work
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
The vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil causing the engine to stall out
Engine, Dec 3, 2021
My engine has catastrophic damage due to not being notified by the manufacture about a recall that occurred years ago. Had I known about the recall, I would’ve addressed it and prevented the engine failure. It is currently sitting at a Hyundai dealership as they are working with me to try to get Hyundai to cover the costs of the engine failure. So far, they refuse. My safety was put at risk due to the car stalling out on me at any given moment. I cannot and have not been able to safely drive this vehicle therefore, it has been sitting mostly unused as I continue to make payments on it over the last 6 months. This problem is a reoccurring issue with my vehicle and others and there is a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for it, in which I missed the deadline because I just recently became aware of this. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer and was noted as “catastrophic engine damage” needing a $7,000 new engine. The engine light first turned on about 6 months ago for me, but I was in the process of moving across the country that same week, so I put repairs on hold until I was settled in to my new area. Now that I have the time, and after the car had been sitting for 6 months, I took the car in to a dealer where they told me the bad news. It is worth also mentioning that this is the 2nd time I’ve had damage done to my vehicle due to lack of recall notice. However, the 1st time my car was damaged, the dealer was able to fix the issue free of charge. This time around, they are needing to charge me $7,000 but are pushing that I get Hyundai to cover the costs due to the reoccurring issues with these recalled engines and their failures. I regularly maintained my vehicle and kept most of that documentation, so I know I did my part in taking care of my car. This is simply due to lack of recall notice that could’ve prevented a large bill for myself and my car being out of commission and unsafe to operate without probable cause of an engine fire. Please help
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 2, 2021
Car unexpectedly stopped working and became disabled while trveling 40 - 50 mph on the freeway. Complete loss of power. Danger of a collision on the freeway. All dash lights and warning lights came on. Car would not shift and would not accelerate. It was unsafe to drive and could hardly move off the road. The first year I had the car the engine light came on and loss of power. I took it to the dealership immediately. Whenever I took the car to the dealer they said there were no codes and the car was was fine. The entire time I owned the car I would lose power on inclined roads and engine light would come on and off. Last week November 18 the car stalled and could not drive uphill again risk of a collision from the rear. I took the car to the dealer they said the car was fine. The dealership has never tried to fix the problem and claimed they could not duplicate the problem. Today 12/1/2021 the car stopped operating on the freeway completely and I had to tow it to the dealership. This car has been a safety hazard within the first year and Hyundai has done anything to address the problem.
Engine, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30-40 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds and would not accelerate properly. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic for an oil change however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The dealer inspected the vehicle and advised the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also advised the contact that they would not complete the recall repair free of charge because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 119,345.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, she smelled a strong burning odor. The engine oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was an oil leak. The dealer replaced the engine oil; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer twice, but the dealer diagnosed that no issues were found. The dealer replaced the engine oil again; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon servicing the vehicle, the independent mechanic confirmed that there was an oil leak. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Engine, Nov 23, 2021
2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL, BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE MAKES UNUSUAL SOUNDS, THE COMPUTER SYSTEM REBOOTED ITSELF, THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE WAS INOPERABLE, THE SUN ROOF OPENS INDEPENDENTLY, AIRE LEAKS THROUGH THE FRAME OF THE DOOR AND GLOVE BOX, AND THE VEHICLE LOCKED WHILE THE KEY WAS STILL IN THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 20, 2021
When I was at work the engine gave up with no warning and could have gotten very dangerous for me. when I called the dealership they said because my car was totaled, but when I called NHTSA they told me that they didn’t have the remedies. I just thought that was strange. I need my car to work so if I can get a response as fast as possible that would be great.
Engine, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer performed an Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign software update and an engine compression test. The engine compression test was sent to the manufacturer for approval of the engine replacement. The manufacturer denied the request for an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the decision was final and that they would not replace the engine since the ECM software update needed to be performed before the engine failed. The failure mileage was 122,076.
Engine, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated, and no oil leakage was detected. The contact stated that her husband checked the oil level and discovered that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The contact also stated that the independent mechanic changed all the spark plugs due to corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a 3-step process which the first step was an oil change. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles however, at 200 miles the oil level was below the normal level. The contact stated that her husband checked the oil level and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer was awaiting approval from the manufacturer for another oil change and to apply a sealant to the oil pan which was the second step. The contact stated that step three was to replace the engine. The contact stated that the manufacturer denied the second step. The manufacturer was not contacted by the vehicle owner. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The manufacturer was contacted by the owner and they stated there was no recourse and sent a survey via email.
Engine, Oct 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving on an incline, the vehicle lost power and slowed down. The check engine warning light was flashing. There was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the anti-knocking device was installed in the vehicle. The contact was informed about the main bearing wear and engine replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine, Oct 9, 2021
Driving at approximately 75 mph smoke started pouring out of engine bay dash lights came on to check HEV system and all of a sudden vehicle became difficult to control more smoke then screeching and a message to turn off engine now appeared fought with steering wheel to get to shoulder and slow to a stop upon opening the hood belt to cam shaft pulley had snapped
Power train, Engine, Sep 21, 2021
The engine keeps stalling and the engine light is flashing. The engine burns oil every 1,000 miles and the oil light will illuminate and go away. The dealership has said they fixed the issue but the issue keeps arising with no resolution. This issues is known for all Hyundai's and they are not doing anything about it. My car has stalled out on highways and I don't feel comfortable driving it out of the state.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
Car lost power and went into limp mode, it was pretty dangerous. The car is burning a large amount of oil and is making the spark plugs dirty. I have brought the car for about 6 oil consumption tests and Hyundai does nothing to fix it. Engine oil light has come on twice, and even the dealership said that it should not be burning so much oil.