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: exterior lighting
38 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Jun 2, 2026
I was driving at night and my passenger headlights went out. About 2 years prior the same thing happened but it was the driver side headlight that went out. It was $1100 to get the driver side replaced and now here i am having to pay the same amount to replace the passenger side headlights. It was not a simple replacing the bulb. Something inside went broke causing the dealership to have to install a whole new headlight set.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2024
When I lift the switch to turn on the right turn signal, the high beam headlights flash on and off. It switches from auto to on then back to auto. I'm not moving the switch front to back, only up and down.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 17, 2023
I am having electrical issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata plus the other recalls. It started as issues with the lights on the driver side. I have replaced several bulbs and the entire light even and still have issues with the lights working properly. Now the issue is the battery, alternator or the starter. The starter had to be replaced as I was advised by Hyundai dealership when my engine had to be replaced, per recall. I had to purchase a starter, that was three times the amount at the dealership because the one that is manufactured in the auto stores is not correct, so it should not be the starter as it is only 1 to 2 years old. I have had the alternator replaced as well as 2 batteries and I’m still having issues. It cut off completely while driving on more than 1 occasion. There was no warning, no power steering, gear lock, no lights & no power so I could not move and almost had a major accident. It is definitely a safety hazard even after the repairs, it has happened again! My vehicle is currently not working because the new battery will not hold a charge and they both have been replaced. I’ve been having other electronic type issues with this vehicle. My information center has not worked for the past 8 months or so! I reported this to Hyundai and they agreed that it could be a part of a previous recall, and advised me to go to the dealership to have it repaired. The dealership refuses because they don’t have required information to show it as a Current recall and want to charge me half the price of a new car to repair. I am not the only one experience this as my research has led me to several other Hyundai owners experiencing the same issues. It is not fair that they cannot be corrected as these are things that are none of consumer fault & should have been high demands to proper repair or recall being a major safety issue as it can cause a horrific accident! Shame on Hyundai for putting their Hyundai customers at risk & through so much chaos!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously stolen, and she related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 993. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 45 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated while driving into the driveway and coming into a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she quickly depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle hit the barbecue grill, and the barbecue grill struck the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at the ATM, and the vehicle nearly crashed into another vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and engaging the turn signal, the turn signal unintendedly activated in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that unknown repairs needed to be completed on the vehicle. The mechanic referred her to the dealer for the repairs. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back by the auto finance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2023
The headlight setting changes on its own, it will change when using the blinker or it'll just change on its own. By change I mean the headlights turn off. Even if it's set to auto, they still go completely off. My bulbs don't need to be replaced. It's been happening for a few months now. I can't recall a specific date
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 2, 2023
Upon entering the roadway, both of my brake taillights went out on my vehicle. The left, driver side bulb had been replaced within the last year, however, both brake lights stopped working at the same time. This happened in front of an officer who then pulled me over.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 6, 2023
Hello, I have reached out to Modesto Hyundai and consumer affairs since May of 2022. I have been shunned and told nothing is wrong. The message below was sent last year in May. I was turned away because I could not afford the diagnostic even though it was covered under a past warranty recall. I had to complain. A few months later I came up with the money and was told I was given the wrong information the first time. They kept the car for a week,, drove only 30 miles and said it was the battery. I recently had a oil change done at Hyundai in February 2023. They failed to mention the oil everywhere and said everything was fine. The engine stalls on a daily bases. The 2 prior oil changes one said they thought oil was leaking but didn't know from where the other said something was wrong with the oil pan. Also you can smell gas in the cab and the head and tail lights have been replaced 3x each in the last few months. "I have gotten no where with the Hyundai dealership here in my town. I was told I'd have to pay for a diagnostic to see if something is wrong before the vehicle could be checked to see if the engine is failing. I believe this car is a lemon and has stalled on several occasions. I recently had an oil change and was told their diagnostic came out clear yet the engine still acts up and will stall while driving. Will it take for my car to stall on railroad tracks and be hit by a train and killed before Hyundai fixes the issue? Women and children die in in faulty cars because no one would listen. A mechanic told me his friend had the same exact car down to the year and had the same issues and Hyundai said it was infact a recall and they replaced the vehicle. Did Hyundai make it right because he was a man? Is this something I should just look for an attorney for? Please help as I know something is seriously wrong with this car. I was told that Hyundais are safe cars yet I have never felt more unsafe in a vehicle." Thank you for your time. Hoping for the best.
Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2023
Since the previous recall associated with the turn signal sometimes signaling in the wrong direction, I have noticed for months that when driving at night when the turn signal is on in either direction the lights function will start moving from on to auto to off causing the lights to turn off when signaling. This is very dangerous especially at night.
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2023
While driving at night, when I engage my turn signal to make a turn and my headlights go off. The headlights stay off until I play with the turn signal leaver moving it up, down, forward, and backward until the headlights come back on. I see this as a major safety issue. Driving a night without headlights impairs my ability to see and for other vehicles to see me. A search on the internet displays many websites discussing this issue for my year, make and model of car. Local Hyundai said there is no recall. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms presenting on this issue. It appears there is a malfunction in the turn signal switch. This has been occurring for over a month.
Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Nov 17, 2022
The first is the drivers side headlight not properly projecting light. The light projected a shadow across the center of the light preventing proper illumination in front of my vehicle. This is causing a safety issue. Brought car to dealer who confirmed that the left headlight was deformed preventing proper projection of the light. This deformity was not covered nor are there any recalls even though numerous people reported the same issue. Am working on privately replacing them both. The second was the return tensioner not properly retracting the seatbelt back in. This was not covered by the dealer but it’sa safety issue where the system may fail.
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Sep 16, 2022
Head lights. Not working. It's not the bulb or fuse. This is a safety issue. It looks like it's an issue with most make, model and year. My family's safety was put a risk drive when the lights when out. No to Q 3 No to Q 4 No warning intel i could see the road anymore then warning lights came. For the suspension the tire shop says there's an issue with suspension due to manufact Airbag Sensor warning light. Right side window doesn't go down also. If you get your hand in the window it doesn't go back down for safety
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2022
Recently purchased vehicle. Did not test drive at night or we never would have purchased. While driving at night, the low beams cast a black, unlit area in front of the vehicle. It's so bad that anyone crossing the street in front of vehicle would not be seen. It is incredibly dangerous, yet the dealer says the lights are set to manufacturers specifications. This is a serious safety issue. It has already caused us quite a few close calls with people and items in the roadway. Please help, as we cannot afford to trade it in, and although the dealer admits its a serious safety problem, there's nothing they can do.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2022
Somehow, either by design or manufacturing defect, a part in the headlamp assembly melts and causes a gap in the illumination of the lights while driving. Technicians have said that this is a progressive issue, rather than some sudden onset, and multiple people have said they've never experienced this before but are having this issue with the Hyundai Sonata.
Exterior lighting, Jul 14, 2022
While driving at night, the low beams on the vehicle cast a very dark shadow approximately 30-40 feet in front of the car. While traveling, it us very noticeable and downright dangerous. If someone or something is in front of the vehicle, it would be hit. We have seen numerous complaints about this on the internet while searching for dilutions to the problem. Dealer says its within Hyundai specifications, however they have seen the problem and agree its very dangerous. Car was just purchased used, however we did not test drive it at night. It is so noticeable and dangerous that we try not to drive the vehicle at night.
Exterior lighting, Mar 20, 2022
My blinker switch that has the light controls on it as well is not working properly! The lights would be set to Auto, and it started randomly switching while driving at night or day on and off, at night when it's dark it just would randomly shut off and sometimes I wouldn't realize until someone lets me know. It could be very dangerous as other people may not see me if my lights are shut off without me knowing it. It sometimes flickers on and off as well, when I use the blinker stick to turn lanes. So something is wrong with the stick as when it's touched that's when it would flicker.
Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. The police pulled the contact over, who informed her the headlights were blown. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the wiring harness was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 82,459. The VIN was not available.
Exterior lighting, Feb 13, 2022
The vehicle continually melts fuses for the interior lighting. Dealer said that they can not find any issues. This can potentially turn into an electrical fire. This has happened multiple times.
Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, they would smell a burning odor and saw smoke exiting the hood. The contact stated they did not see any visible fire. The contact stated two weeks later, they received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer stated the closest appointment would be on 2/28/2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Exterior lighting, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the front headlights turned on, the lights would randomly turn off causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while stopped at a red light waiting for the light to turn green, the turn signal was activated to make a right turn however, the turn signal was switched in the opposite direction. The contact stated the failure recurred intermittingly. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) and related the recall to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the exterior lights in auto mode, the exterior lights inadvertently turned off when the right turn signal switch was engaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring whenever the exterior light switch was in auto mode and the right turn signal was engaged while driving. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she was informed that the driver’s side rear taillights were not illuminating properly while turning. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the bulbs were replaced; however, the failure had been recurring every 3 weeks. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2021
When headlights switch is in the auto position and you use the right turn signal the headlights go off then come back on. I've had this car for 4 years and noticed this a lot. Left signal is starting to do the same. Very dangerous especially when I do a lot of traveling on interstates. I think this needs to be addressed immediately