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 20, 2024
My car was burning through oil fairly quickly. I had to refill my oil in between oil changes. I was also getting oil changes about every 2k miles until I realized it was not normal. I contacted Hyundai about an oil consumption test on December 19th. I did not hear back until almost 2 weeks. The email did not ask me what I needed but basically said” you’ve talked to someone if you need something let us know” I had called in to check the status. Not sure why they thought this was resolved. About a week later my engine failed. Hyundai will not fix my engine because it does not fall under warranty. From what the mechanic told me, my car has carbon build up due to the burning oil which caused my cylinders to crack. I don’t know much about cars but oil is not suppose to burn that fast.
Engine, Jan 11, 2024
On the way home after I purchasing my son his 2016 Hyundai sonata limited, he noticed his oil light come on and he stopped to check his oil and it was almost empty. He got an oil change and called the dealer and they told us that it was probably the oil change place that didn’t tighten the drain cap. We took it to them and they said no issues with the cap. Went back to Hyundai and when you open the hood the engine is shiny and coated in oil . They would not do anything for us , the car was at 117k and they told us to drive it till it knocks and fill it and maybe Hyundai would replace engine . Hyundai did not warranty this cars engine. He has had his car now for 5 months and puts over a gallon of oil in it a month. It started misfiring, so we replace his spark plugs and noticed oil all over the spark plug number 2. This was a one owner car, that showed she took good care of it, and that is why we purchased it. We are stuck with this car and it is not safe and my son is 19.
Engine, Jan 5, 2024
Engine began misfiring, spark plug coated in oil which indicates piston ring defect. I get regular scheduled maintenance, often needing oil far before maintenance would be due. This is a KNOWN issue and Hyundai is NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS that ultimately lead to ENGINE FAILURE, due to there being NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES, or OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. This is a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners such as myself, are often left with uncooperative dealerships that either deny the problem or offer minimal assistance. Even Hyundai corporate and extended warranties fail to provide adequate support, frequently citing owner negligence as a reason for denial. This occurs despite the fact that engine sludge buildup is inevitable, even with consistent car maintenance. Furthermore, I am forced to endure long waiting times for MY 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, THAT HAS BEEN INSPECTED and, then DENIED FOR an ENGINE REPLACEMENT, and face additional months of delay for them to explain why. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of loaner vehicles and no assurance of rental reimbursement. This leaves countless individuals burdened with repair payments for stranded vehicles. My personal experience has been with Ourisman Hyundai, and many others have voiced similar grievances. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), yet little action has been taken to aid the thousands of people who are experiencing the same problems to rectify this issue. It is imperative that ATTENTION is drawn to this matter as HYUNDAI'S approach to selling cars with HIDDEN ENGINE ISSUES PUTS CUSTOMERS AT SAFETY RISK AND places them in DIRE and DEADLY HARM. I implore all News Media outlets to conduct an investigation into these concerns and help shed light on a situation that demands immediate attention
Engine, Dec 14, 2023
I Bought a Hyundai Sonata in the spring of 2018 from a previous owner. Before buying the car, I contacted Hyundai and they told me engine issues would be covered. In December 2022 I talked with the customer service national office and told me I was lucky that I had two engine warranties, one up to 120k miles and the other unlimited. I was told to check my oil usage every month to ensure a warranty. The car started using oil this fall 2023. I took the car to the dealership as requested by Hyundai. We have paid almost $1000 for tests. Hyundai of Noblesville says the car is drinking oil 2.8 quarts for less than 1000 miles, a test Hyundai requires. Making you drive a car with less than half its engine oil is self-destroying the engine. Hyundai is not willing to pay for the repairs. Being required to drive a vehicle until the engine ceases to get the engine covered under warranty is a very dangerous practice that risks the lives of ourselves and others. The car has less than 100,000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
My hyaundai is burning through oil every 500-1000 miles it will be completely empty
Engine, Nov 29, 2023, fire
On the evening of 11/28/2023 I had my vehicle parked in my garage of my home when my smoke detectors went off. I went to my garage to discover it was full of smoke and it particularly was coming from the front of the engine I had my son call the fire department and poured water on the small fire as it was still smoking when they arrived. there is visible burn marks on the engine hood from the fire
Engine, Nov 12, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting Hyundai car owners that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by oil consumption problems that ultimately lead to engine failure, a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners are often left to grapple with uncooperative dealerships that either deny the problem or offer minimal assistance. Even Hyundai corporate and extended warranties fail to provide adequate support, frequently citing owner negligence as a reason for denial. This occurs despite the fact that engine sludge buildup is inevitable, even with consistent car maintenance. Furthermore, car owners are forced to endure long waiting times for their vehicles to be inspected and, if approved for an engine replacement, face additional months of delay. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of loaner vehicles and no assurance of rental reimbursement. This leaves countless individuals burdened with car payments for vehicles either stranded in garages or idle in driveways. My personal experience has been with First Hyundai, and many others have voiced similar grievances. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), yet little action has been taken to aid the thousands of people who lack the resources to rectify this issue. It is imperative that attention is drawn to this matter as Hyundai's approach to selling cars with hidden engine issues puts customers at risk and places them in dire financial straits. I implore the Boston Globe to conduct an investigation into these concerns and help shed light on a situation that demands immediate attention
Engine, Nov 6, 2023
Engine is burning the oil quickly. Hyundai dealer performed oil consumption test and found that engine is burning the oil quickly and I need to add 1-quarter at every 750 miles. Dealer told me if you are 1st owner than Hyundai will replace the engine but i am second owner i won't eligible for engine replacement. Due to this problem, oil get on the spark plug and car is vibrating a lot and I feel it very dangerous. I have check online and many people have this issue. I would appreciate it if you could help me here.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
Engine is burning is oil at least 1,5 qt on 1000 miles, added 7 quarts of oil in 3500miles, dealership is playing around and says everything is ok, did a oil consumption test and wrote down that is burning 0,5 qt and don’t want to recognize that the have to change the engine on warranty
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Engine failure. Metal in the engine oil pan. P1326 code. No warranty coverage and no recall. Replacing the parts myself. Vehicle went into limp mode without warning. Oil bypassing one of the pistons. Lower end was loose.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 26, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to shake, lost power, and failed to accelerate. The driver pulled over and noticed smoke, and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was on the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown if a police report was filed. There were no reported injuries. The air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact mentioned that in 2021, the motor may have been replaced.The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Engine seized on the highway
Engine, Oct 23, 2023
3 months after the engine was replaced under extended manufacturer warranty the vehicle started shifting funny, took it to the dealership and was told the transmission was bad, then another person in service said the transmission wasn't bad and didn't need to be replaced and they couldn't find anything wrong (after waiting for 2+ weeks for the transmission to come in), then the car left us stranded on the side of the road and not running, took it back to the dealership and was told it's a bad catalytic converter and we had to pay $2000+ to replace it. They at this time blamed the engine issues on a bad alternator. Now the car has a check engine light again and is throwing the code permanently for the catalytic converter. No way that a HYBRID car that barely ever actually runs on the engine should need a new calaytic converter around the 100,000 mile point except for an engine malfunction, which was the case and that engine was replaced back in December. Hyundai says it's not related and sorry, you have to pay for everything.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
Engine began having issues with stalling out around 70k Miles. Car was taken to the dealer and Tessa on for issue couldn’t be diagnosed. Car then began again at 83k miles took it to a repair shop and the issue could not be pin pointed once again. I was informed that the engine would have to completely fail for the issue to be properly diagnosed. Engine completely failed at 100k miles from barring breaking while I was driving the vehicle with my children in the car. Vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic shop and later transferred to Hyundai of Cumming. This issue was then confirmed for engine failure due to barrings breaks and the oil not circulating through the engine. There were not any prior warnings signs such as a light on dashboard or smoke out of the exhaust. All car maintenance is documented and up to date. This is the same reasoning behind prior 2016 models failing and being recalled. Dealer is refusing to issue a goodwill repair that was recommended by Hyundai corporate.
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
Yesterday while driving my vehicle engine stalled and wouldn't go over 40 MPH, about 10 seconds later the engine would not go over 15 MPH.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
I constantly have to purchase bottles of oil and put into the car in between oil changes. The oil burns so fast and the car does not give a low oil signal on the dash. This is a known issue because the dealer recommended I return in between the oil change for a free top off because Hyundai engines are known for burning oil. I spend extra money every 2 weeks buying oil.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
Unknown
Engine, Oct 8, 2023
Engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Vehicle was confirmed by dealership.
Engine, Oct 7, 2023
Was driving home when my car went into limp mode - couldn’t pick up speed to keep up with the flow of traffic. This seems to be due to the car’s engine knock sensor being triggered. It is impossible to get it to the dealer in a timely manner. We are having to wait half a month before it can even be diagnosed.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 3, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, other drivers started beeping the horn and shouting that the vehicle was on fire. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact then noticed flames under the front end of the vehicle, near the engine location. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished independently. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to her son-in-law's repair shop, where it remained. There was no police report filed. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a repair fee would be charged for the engine replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 2, 2023
Bought the car on 08/20/2022. On 09/07/2022 we took the car back to Allen Turner because the engine light was flashing and the car would not go over a certain speed. There were metal shavings in the oil. It was throwing code P1326. They did an update on car and told me the cylinder walls were scored but the motor had a lifetime warranty no matter what happened to it. Every time we would have the oil changed, we would have to add 3 quarts of oil every 10-15 days. The vehicle stalled out at a very busy intersection nearly causing a wreck with my teenage daughter driving. Had it towed to dealership and they said it needed a new motor because it has one of the defective motors in it according to the VIN. Then they told me it was oil consumption and they could replace spark plugs and oil and it would be drivable but it would stall, it would break down and the motor will seize. It is only a matter of time. Hyundai will not honor the warranty on it because the motor is not seized up. The service manager told me to drive it until it seizes and then they would cover the engine replacement. The vehicle is not safe to operate. It is a safety hazard for anyone to drive. Hyundai will not stand behind their products when they already know it is defective.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023, fire
09/16/2023: ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE ARRIVED AT WORK AT 830AM AND LEFT AT 4PM. WENT TO FEDEX (5 MIN AWAY FROM JOB) AND NOTICED BURNING SMELL. LEFT FEDEX (WAS THERE LESS THAN A MINUTE BECAUSE I WAS DROPPING ENVELOPE IN DROP BOX) AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. DROVE ABOUT A BLOCK AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN I NOTICED MORE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED BACK INTO JOB'S PARKING LOT (SINCE IT WAS CLOSE) AND WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES. FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED, BUT CAR WAS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE. INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED AND VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. CAUSE OF ENGINE FIRE IS STILL UNDETERMINED PER INSURANCE COMPANY.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
Excessive oil consumption. Failed the oil consumption test preformed by Hyundai multiple times. Hyundai performed full engine cleaning and still consumes an excessive amount of oil.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2023
THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL HAVE A DEFECTIVE ENGINE; I HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE, AND IT IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM; THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION SUITS REGARDING THIS ENGINE, AND THE MANUFACTURERS STILL HAVE NO RESOLUTION FOR IT. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT NEW OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND HAS BEEN LIKE THAT SINCE NEW. THE ENGINE BURNS OIL, AND IT IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE, NOOEN SEEMS TO KNOW.