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: power train
59 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, May 8, 2023
I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L with the Theta II engine back in December 2016. I purchased it as a Hyundai Certified Pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, with the 10 year, 100,000 mi powertrain warranty. The car had approximately 36,000 mi on the odometer. Starting at about 60,000 mi on the odometer, I began to notice excessive engine oil consumption. The factory has made attempts to remedy the issue under the 10 year, 100,000 powertrain warranty coverage, but none have lasted more than 1,000 mi. After 1,000 mi of a "repair" service, the engine is back to consuming lots of engine oil. As a result, I have resorted to checking the dip every time I fuel up, and top off engine oil as it gets consumed. To my estimate, my oil consumption is between 200 to 300 mi per qt of oil consumed, which is well in excess of the factory acceptable levels of 400-500 mi per qt of oil consumed. Then, Hyundai USA's Customer Care's customer reps, case managers, and Hyundai National Managers all have told me in several occasions over the past two years that my car is either "out of warranty" (despite not yet having reached the 10 year, 100,000 mi mark, nor the extended 120,000 mi mark) or that Hyundai has never sold any Hyundai CPO cars with the 10 year, 100,000 mi powertrain warranty in the US, despite my sales records and owner's records indicating that my car came with the warranty. Hyundai is trying to breach its 10/100 powertrain warranty contract and trying to have me pay for the diagnostic and repair costs out of my pocket.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Knock Sensor, ECM, Engine stalling and loss of connection. Resulting in flashing engine light. Low acceleration. Power reduced to 40 and below Engine misfire.
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2023
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I’m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it’s not leaking because I’ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.
Power train, Engine, Nov 7, 2022
The engine light has come on and I have done extensive repairs on my vehicle since January 2022. No warning signs showed prior as I have kept up with maintenance on the car since the 60,000 mile marker. The valve gasket cover was replaced as the engine was smoking due to an oil leak. A pipe was repaired due to the leak. The engine camshaft position sensor was replaced. There is still issues with the engine after replacing the CVVT cover and plugs. The spark plugs have been replaced. If my car stalls or blows on the highway, this can cause a major accident putting myself and others at risk. I have done multiple tests with Hyundai dealerships and Firestone and AutoZone and no one can tell me what the ultimate issue is with the Sonata.
Power train, Nov 6, 2022
Car shut off on me twice as i driving. Once along time ago but again just October 18th while I was driving on the highway I know hyndai has a class action lawsuit against them but the fact it shut off on me twice and the first time the issue accrued I took it to Fairfax Hyundai and they weren’t phased at all and didn’t even bother to check/diagnose my car because I didn’t have a check engine light illumination at the time of incident ;because they were backed up with cars but a huge safety concern, and they just simply let me leave the shop and didn’t advise me to be safe/careful. I want to bring this to your attention because I have no voice and if anything could be taken from this is that I could’ve crashed and caused an accident the first time this ever happened because I was in the city bumper to bumper when it shut off on me and it’s would’ve been my fault and my issues to deal with. Also this car is very unreliable i don’t know what star rating you guys have gave this car but it needs to be a -0. I got it when it was at 89,000 from a private dealer but the car just went downhill since I got it then I have been nothing but Patient with the car along with keeping up with maintenance & recalls, but after 4-5 months I’ve already changed the transmission out of pocket @ around 100k miles , cv axle later on along with , right side whole knee suspension, engine packs and spark plugs TWICE, front break calipers, and now they’re changing the engine block warranted out through Hyundai after the car stalled out on me again the second time on oct 18th with an check engine light where the car is now getting warranty worked. I just hope you advocate and push demand on hyndai that they’re screwing consumers like me that have to deal with the pain & agony we have to go through these dealerships who try to charge us an arm and a leg.please do something about this dangerous situation and hold them accountable especially the private dealerships associated with hyndai please.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 8, 2022
My vehicle lost power exiting the freeway. I went from 70 miles an hour to 10 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. The Check Hybrid system, Turn off engine HEV ! triangle showed up on the dash, then the car slowed to a halt. I had to get my vehicle towed home, then towed to the dealer the next day. The problem with this is, for the past year, the Check Hybrid System HEV light would come on. I took it to the World Car Hyundai North dealership in Live Oak, Texas and a few months later, it's doing the same thing. My vehicle was in the shop at World Car Hyundai from March 24, 2022 until 9/9/2022. I drove my vehicle one week, went out of the country for 2 weeks and upon return, coming from the airport almost home, the car does the same thing. You would think after having my vehicle for 6 months, the problem would be fixed. I started bringing my car in for this problem September of 2021. I was told, I needed an oil change, a new battery, ne plugs, codes checked, etc. None of this seemed to fix my vehicle, because a few weeks later, the car would slow to an almost stop and I would have it towed to the dealership again. There has been several mechanics working on my vehicle and they've all said something differently. My vehicle was never written up for the correct problem until recently, when the manager was able to drive my vehicle and it stopped on him. I don't feel safe driving this vehicle anymore. I have taken this car to the dealer ship for the same problem, actually once in 2018 and every other month since 2021. I've been inconvenienced, , put on hold, far to long, I need a new vehicle and I need a loaner car, while my they're trying to figure out what to do. I've been told I needed a new engine twice, but all of a sudden, it passes the engine test and there is something else that the dealership is trying to do to fix the problem. Well, since I've been taking my car back and forth to the dealership, it is now out of warranty. The car remains unsafe to drive .
Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2022
Oil Consumption Test Failed, I was originally told if I could prove it was burning oil and not leaking then I would receive a new engine. New engine rejected saying Hyundai no longer warranty engines for that reason. Was told that when motor seized to have it reevaluated for bearing or rod failure. No way to determine bearing or rod was cause of oil consumption without tearing the motor apart. Knocking noise from engine and experienced Engine Failure, resulted in being stranded in middle of highway with my kids 1 yr after oil consumption test. Hyundai rejecting engine replacement due to low compression from cylinders. Not willing to honor their warranty after an obvious lemon of a motor.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2022
I assuming it’s my knock sensor and hopefully the harness or anything doesn’t have to be replaced but my car went go pass 60mph and when I first get up to 16-20mph it jerks then gains a bit of power and also my check engine light came on
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, he became aware of smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The TPMS, oil pressure, power train, and battery warning lights along with an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed that oil was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced, the transmission needed to be flushed, and the drivebelt needed to be replaced. The dealer also diagnosed that the failure was associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,100.
Power train, Feb 12, 2022
On Tuesday February 1st 2022, I was driving home from work on the interstate doing 70mph when my engine shut off. There was no warning lights ...nothing. By the grace of God I was able to pull over on the right shoulder without getting in an accident. That was TOTALLY unacceptable! Scared me to death! Come to find out the the engine blew! I babied this car which only had 104,000 miles. Hyundai knows about this problem and have done nothing to help compensate the owners of these . I have five kids and it is going to cost me 6,000 dollars for another engine. That cost includes labor as well. If you ever wanted to fight for the little guy, now is the time! Thank you in advance!
Power train, Engine, Feb 10, 2022
Oil light came on when vehicle was almost out of oil. Engine could have seized Dealer says it is out of warranty because I am 2nd owner. 100,000 power train warrenty defaults to 60,000 for 2nd owner. Problem occurred just under 70,000. Warning oil light came on for the first time ever at 69,000 miles. Came on again after getting an oil change at 3,000 miles. Took 3 quarts to fill back to full. Engine now burns oil and must be refilled with nearly 2 quarts every 1000 miles.
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.
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.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 2, 2021
WHILE DRIVING CAR LOSES POWER, FOOT IS ON THE GAS CAR WILL NOT MOVE. THEN JERKS. CAR IS IN REVERSE AND IT STILL MOVES FORWARD
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2021
AT ABOUT 75,000 MILES MY 2016 SONATA LIMITED 2.4L STARTED NEEDING OIL ADDED BETWEEN REGULAR OIL CHANGES (ALL MILEAGE AND MAINTENANCE BY ONE DRIVER). THE VEHICLE IS NOW 85,000 MILES AND I AM ADDING 2 QTS. THERE ARE NO LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE SO IT MUST BE BURNING THROUGH THE EXHAUST, WHICH CAN'T BE GOOD FOR THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM AND ANY FUTURE SMOG CHECK - OR THE ENVIRONMENT. THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE OIL IS LOW. THIS COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCES ENGINE KNOCKING AND HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING FROM 30MPH. THIS HAS BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, WHICH IS ALMOST ALL OF MY DRIVING.
Power train, Jan 14, 2021
CAR ENGINE WILL REV UP AT LOW SPEEDS (30 MILES AND UNDER) AND GET STUCK. I HAVE TO PRESS THE BRAKE AND HOLD IT DOWN, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND HIT GAS PEDAL TO GET IT TO GO INTO LOWER GEAR. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE TOLD THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT ABOUT IT A FEW TIMES BUT THEY CANNOT REPAIR IT BECAUSE THEY CANNOT SIMULATE IT HAPPENING. FIRST HAPPENED APPROX. 2 YEARS AGO; DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. BUT NOW IT IS HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. MOST RECENT TIME WAS 1/11/21.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2020
CAR RUNS OUT OF OIL WELL BEFORE 2000 MILES/2 MONTHS. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR IS SLUGGISH THE ENGINE IS TICKING AND FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO SEIZE, NO MATTER IF THE CAR IS MOVING 5MPH OR 70 MPH.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING THERE IS A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A WHILE AFTER I GOT THE UPDATE AND NEW WIRING HARNESS FROM THE CAMPAIGN. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR, I ACCELERATE SLOWLY BECAUSE I GET NERVOUS IT WILL BLOW UP. I TOOK THIS CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY QUOTED ME OVER 500 DOLLARS FOR THIS REPAIR AND IT MIGHT NOT EVEN FIX IT.
Power train, Jul 18, 2020
CAR STOPPED GOING INTO REVERSE, WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH ACTUATOR, BUT NEW ACTUATOR WOULD NOT WORK IN CAR SO THEY REPROGRAMMED IT AND PUT OLD ONE BACK IN CAR, 500 MILES LATER CAR IS DOING SAME THING AGAIN WITH NOT WORKING IN REVERSE!
Power train, Engine, Jul 10, 2020
ENGINE IS USING 3 QUARTS OF OIL PER 2,000 MILES AND TRANSMISSION KEEPS HAVE SHIFTING PROBLEMS THAT THEY JUST KEEP REPROGRAMMING IT TO FIX, ENGINE STALLS.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 4, 2020
AFTER A PERIOD OF DRIVING, WHICH IS RANDOM AT BEST, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL APPEAR AND THE VEHICLE WILL START TO SHUDDER AND LOSE ITS ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND HAPPENS BOTH ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS, AS WELL AS ON CITY STREETS IN LOW SPEEDS. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THIS TO STOP IS TRY AND GET TO A SAFE SPACE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. IT IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FREEWAY TRAFFIC AND IN MOUNTAIN PASSES AS YOU LOSE THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THIS COULD VERY EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON 7 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS AT RANDOM TIMES.
Power train, Mar 6, 2020
MY VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE. I HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY CONFIRMED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND TOLD ME THE CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO GET AN APPROVAL. ITS BEEN 3 MONTHS AND STILL NO ANSWER, WHEN I CALLED THEM THEY OPENED A CASE # 16722184 AND SPEAKING TO A WOMAN NAMED ANGIE. SHE SAYS SHES WAITING TO BE APPROVED. SHE CONFIRMED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THAT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN DORAL FLORIDA.
Power train, Engine, Dec 13, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED, JERKED, AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. ALSO, THERE WAS AN ABNORNAL BURNING ODOR AND A TICKING NOISE WAS DETECTED. FURTHERMORE, THE MAINTENANCE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHTOWNE HYUNDAI (7665 HIGHWAY 85 SOUTH, RIVERDALE, GA 30274, (770) 471-1000), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Dec 10, 2019
I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WITH A SEMI-TRUCK BEARING DOWN ON ME. AS I ACCELERATED SO I COULD PASS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, AND GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE SEMI-TRUCK, MY CAR LOST ALL ACCELERATION (AT ABOUT 4000 RPMS) AND WOULD NOT GO AT ALL, IN FACT IT STARTED SLOWING DOWN. I LET OFF THE GAS, BECAUSE IT WASN'T DOING ANY GOOD, AND AS THE RPMS WENT DOWN, TO ABOUT 2000 RPMS, MY CAR SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 55MPH BEFORE I COULD GIVE IT GAS AGAIN AND GET IT BACK UP TO THE SPEED OF ALL THE OTHER TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE. THERE WAS NO OTHER WARNINGS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. IT WAS A VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. LUCKILY, THE SEMI-TRUCK WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN BEFORE IT HIT ME. THE NEXT DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE WHERE IT WAS PUT ON A COMPUTER AND IT CAME BACK WITH THE CODE "P200A", WHICH IS THE "BANK ONE INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROLS". THE REPORT STATED THAT "THIS HAS BEEN SEEN BEFORE ON CARS LIKE MINE, AND THAT THE MOST LIKELY FIX WAS TO REPLACE THE VARIABLE CHARGE MOTION ACTUATOR (VCMA)". I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR MY CAR AND FOUND QUITE A FEW POSTS AND COMMENTS OF THIS SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. MY CAR HAS 93,000 MILES ON IT, BUT IN OTHER REPORTS I SAW ONLINE, THE CAR ONLY HAD 11,000 MILES ON IT. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE!
Power train, Oct 31, 2019
CAR HESITATES ON ACCELERATION ON AN INCONSISTENT BASIS. THE RPMS INCREASE QUITE A BIT BEFORE THE CAR ACCELERATES. USUALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS OR AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. CAR HAS DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION THAT IS PART OF CLASS ACTION SUIT.