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, Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that while slowing down for a traffic light, the contact heard an abnormal pop. After arriving to the residence, the contact became aware of a trail of oil and a pool of oil underneath the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and became aware that the engine compartment was covered with oil. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the vehicle had been consuming approximately 2 quarts of oil per week. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2023
Car stalled check engine light came on took to auto zone said a engine problem
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2023
I keep having the same issue with this vehicle's fuel/propulsion system, power train, engine, cruise control. This vehicle is need it's fuel system cleaned now for a 3rd time in less then 2 years. I have done the high mileage maintenance on it as well. I drive the vehicle less than 5,000 miles a year. When I am driving the vehicle, it struggles to speed up, making me press on the gas repeatedly to get to the indicated speed limit. The vehicle does not slow down as it should when pressing on the brakes. I have to press repeatedly over and over and harder on the brakes in order for it to slow down. The vehicle jerks, speeds up without me pressing on the gas and sometimes it will not stop when prompted. I cannot put this vehicle on cruise control, because it speeds up and out of no where, it accelerates causing me to almost collide with another vehicle or object. Even when the vehicle is not in cruise control, the sudden jerks and acceleration puts me, my children and others in harm when it suddenly speeds up, jerks or will not stop in time. It makes a loud noise and jerks even when the car is in a resting position. It loses power, it speeds up when i need it to stay the same speed or slow down. I fear this vehicle is unsafe. I have reported these issues and a few more to the dealership who never responded, so I had to go over their heads, then finally I got a response from their Consumer Affairs' Department, as well as the BBB and they state because of the vehicle's age and/or mileage there is nothing they can do about it. Please help me. This is the only vehicle I have, and I am a single parent who cannot afford another vehicle. What is going on with this car? Why do I have to keep struggling to pay for something to get fixed and it is still not solved. Below, it ask for a date, but it is multiple dates, not just one. I have listed the first time it occurred. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 7, 2023
I just got my car out the shop on April 29th at a Hyundai dealer and on may 2nd was driving on highway my check engine came back on and my speed decreased on its own almost causing a wreck then my car would only go 20mph in a 70 mph zone I have contacted Hyundai they refuse to do anything
Engine, Sep 3, 2023
The first time my engine light came on was about a month after I had purchased it. The dealership told me to go to autozone to see what it could be. Report said it could possible be an oil clog or oil change. I got an oil change and the light was off. Light came on an every now and then but the car was driving fine. I got another oil change at the recommended mileage. My car won’t start now, I thought it was a battery issue so I took it in to a mechanic to have it looked at and they said I need a new engine.
Engine, Aug 30, 2023
Engine is constantly burning through oil. I would get my oil checked 4 times more just to make sure I had oil and even then it would burn empty. I did not have a leak. This cause my engine to blow. This was unsafe as I could have been driving when this occurred. This is being confirmed by a certified Hyundai mechanic. No warning. Other Hyundai cars have a recall for this SAME engine issue but not my model and make
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact related the failure to an unknown Hyundai Extended Warranty that had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to approximately 35 MPH and gradually accelerated as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on another occasion. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on the third occurrence, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff after pulling into a parking lot. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
Motor is bad per dealership but will not cover it due to car having a branded title
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
Car stalling at excerallation. Check Engine light on. Insurance companies indicated denying coverage because there are recalls with engine. My rate went up.
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
Oil consumption and connecting rod bearings. Engine needs replaced
Engine, Aug 13, 2023
Timing chain failure at 150k. Unknown cause prior to failure at around 135k miles. Only intermittent vibration or mild vibration while accelerating (pass. Side) Sudden loss of power going into limp mode with check engine light flashing.
Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The engine seized in 2022 and was repaired in 2023 ( dealership had it for almost a year). In 2023 it is now burning 2-3 quarts of oil every (2) weeks
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed to work, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the oil and discovered that the oil level was low despite a recent oil change. The contact called her husband who took the vehicle to dealer, and it was confirmed that the low oil level was low; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer added oil; however, the failure returned several days later. The vehicle was taken back to dealer who determined that an oil consumption test was needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023, fire
Engine began smoking while driving without warning. Driver looked at gauges, saw that everything looked normal, then pulled over and exited vehicle. Shortly thereafter (within 15 minutes,) front end of vehicle burned and melted. Vehicle is currently in possession of insurance company for inspection. Car had overheated 2 years before this incident. New thermostat had been installed at that time. Car burned through oil regularly. Driver refilled when filling gas tank. Car was up to date on oil changes.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
I was driving with my child on the highway when the car started to lose power, it felt like something was pulling us the opposite direction. The car began to shake and buck when the check engine light started flashing. The car started to make load terrible noise. I needed to get off the highway it was very dangerous as the speed on the highway is 55mph and I was driving 40 mph when this happened the car would drop in speed. No warning lights went on before this happened, I managed to make it to the local mechanic and he ran diagnostics. It said engine failure, had to tow the car to dealer.
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was towed and remained at the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,877.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
Engine light came on then battery discharge light and battery light. Engine died while on highway and we had to get the car safely to the side. Nothing gave us a warning this would happen. No noises, light or anything. Took it to mechanic and he said engine seized up
Engine, Jul 8, 2023
Hello, I am writing in reference to my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that was taken to McDonough, Ga Hyundai on March 29-31st for recalls. We purchased the used vehicle in November 2022 with a 3 month warranty. We took the perfectly running car to the dealership to get 2 recalls done and was expecting to receive our car back in the condition that was given to them with the upgrades the following day. However, the next morning we received a call stating that when they took the car out to test it out knocking sounds were heard. The service man stated that the noise was probably the engine getting ready to blow. This was a completely surprise because first, when we took the car in there was no evidence of a blown engine. Next, what do you mean about to blow? These were the direct questions I asked. He informed us that there was a class action suit in reference to these engines and ours would fall into that. He stated to leave our car there because it happened there. We later received a call stating that they needed to file a claim with the Main office and get back with us. We were were provided 2 loaners after 3 weeks of waiting. However, we get a call today stating our car is ready for pick up. Once we get there we were informed that they have been waiting to hear back something and no response from cooperate. We were told the car is drivable and the knocking sound is faint. We were also advised to drive it and let the engine blow and then bring it back. Within 30 minutes the car shuts down without warning and we were stuck on the side if the street. There is several problems with this! One being our safety and safety of others. The next being the dealership knew something was wrong and told us to just leave. Lastly, whatever happened, happened on their watch because they called and told us. Now they are saying the claim was denied because the recall wasn’t done prior. They also put in the system that the recall was done June 30, not March 30
Engine, Jul 6, 2023
1. The component or system that failed or malfunctioned is suspected to be related to oil consumption or engine failure, as indicated by the burning of 1 quarts of oil within 400 miles driven, premature burning of spark plugs (The spark plugs, which were replaced prematurely, can be made available for inspection upon request), stalling of car, not accelerating, and failing twice within a months' time. 2. The safety of both myself, my family and others were compromised due to the potential engine failure caused by the oil consumption issue. Engine failure poses a significant risk of sudden loss of power while driving, potentially leading to accidents or hazardous situations. 3. The problem was speculated by an independent service center. The dealership has been unresponsive and failed to address the issue adequately. 4. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on Tuesday, 6/27/2023, following its tow to an independent service center on Monday, 6/26/23. During the diagnostic, an engine issue was identified through the appearance of a specific code. The dealership submitted a report to request approval for an oil consumption test, but it was denied due to the vehicle being over the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, which I was previously unaware of. 5.Prior to the failure, there were warning lamps, messages, and other symptoms of the problem. In July 2022, the vehicle started to stall and the check engine light came on. A diagnostic test at Autozone indicated a possible VVT solenoid issue. The car was taken to the dealership on 8/8/2022, where they claimed the car was operating fine. On 5/6/2023, during an oil change, an independent service center checked the stalling issue due to the intermittent check engine light. They mentioned oil consumption but advised me to monitor the situation. However, on 5/22/2023, the car stalled and died in a parking garage, resulting in a delay of 5 hours before I was able to drive it home. Subsequently, on 5/23/2023, I took the car to the
Engine, Jul 4, 2023
My car is under an oil consumption recall that will replace the engine if anything happens. My car continues to use oil and the dealer claims it has nothing to do with the oil consumption. They want to charge me over $1400 to keep replacing different parts of the engine. What can I do? The dealer is Taylor Hyundai on Washington Road in Augusta, GA.
Engine, Jul 2, 2023
The engine has a oil consumption issue. Our vehicle has had oil consumption issue since 55000 miles when the vehicle was still under warranty, the dealer sold me a oil pressure sensor and the vehicle had no oil in it. Which I found out about later. The vehicle is a hazard due to fact that with the oil consumption the engine could lock up while driving and become a hazard in the roadway. After burning over a quart of oil every 1000 miles the dealer explained it is normal consumption per Hyundai guidelines. That is a complete oil change in-between oil changes. After bringing this up to the dealer. they performed a oil consumption test and the vehicle failed. Dealer wanted to charge me $1100 dollars to perform an engine flush and warranty only pays 2 hours for this procedure. They performed the procedure at their cost. Another oil consumption test is performed and it failed as well. The dealer put in for an engine replacement and want me to pay $4000 of the bill for the new engine. Which only has a 12 month or 12000 mile warranty on a new engine. I have done all of the services required for this vehicle the Hyundai has dragged their feet for over a year. I do not feel I should have to pay anything for a known issue with Hyundai. The dealer don't get paid that much for warranty and I feel they are trying to pass the cost onto the customer. When the warning lamp illuminates there is on 2 quarts left in the engine and this engine take 5 quarts to operate.
Engine, Jul 1, 2023
With no prior warning lights, motor in the vehicle started making knocking noise and hesitating, check engine light turned on while driving on the freeway. The vehicle has been inspected by central valley Hyundai in modesto ca and they said cylinder 1 & 3 failed in the piston bearings. In a text from the certified technician he said there was nothing I did to cause it. He said when the bearings fail it causes internal damage to the engine, and that my 2016 engine will need to be replaced with only 109,000 miles. This exact bearing failure is a known issue on many other vehicles from Hyundai.
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that the dealer would be unable to service the vehicle until November 2023. The vehicle was then towed to a Honda Leander (9550 183A, Leander, TX 786410) and was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
My 2016 Sonata, has 111,500 miles on it and burns excessive oil (4+ quarts every 1500 miles). I have taken it to a local mechanic who has seen this issue with similiar Sonata's. He believes the engine needs to be replaced. I have opened a matter with Hyundai Customer Care (that got me absolutely no where). I have to wait two weeks to get it into my dealership, meanwhile I am afraid to drive it out of safety concerns. I see similiar posts here and see Hyundai doing nothing to take care of its customers.