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: steering
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Wheels, Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and making a turn into a parking lot, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact was able to push the vehicle to a parking space with assistance. The vehicle was then pushed on to a tow truck and was towed to a Cadillac dealer but was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to Goose Auto Repair, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front driver's side wheel hub had fractured, causing the wheel to separate from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Steering, Jul 7, 2025
Power steering fails intermittently
Steering, May 22, 2025
Steering sticks and releases under pressure at 60/65+ mph on interstate. Very difficult to keep vehicle in lane consistently. Constantly correcting both right & left to maintain straight line is extremely fatiguing especially on long trips. Safe driving at highway speeds is compromised and presents safety concerns for occupants as well as motorists nearby in addition to the apprehension it creates wondering if you're able to correct the steering drift before having an accident. There aren't any dashboard warning indicators when this happens Reported to dealer in central Florida on March 22, 2024 and dealer ordered parts Ref TSB 23-ST-003H. Hyundai Extended warranty TXXO. Factory has sent some parts to dealer twice that I know of and each time vehicle has been taken to dealer I've been told they were not what was needed. On most recent appointment of 12/19/24 I was told the needed parts were unattainable from Hyundai. On 3/20/2025 the dealer has offered to put in some of the parts they have as a possible solution but repair has not been scheduled. Dealer said they had another vehicle that took over a year to repair. This has been 14 months. We're only using this vehicle at slow speeds locally, anticipating complete failure, as we don't trust it for highway use.
Steering, Service brakes, Apr 2, 2025
I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I’m not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe — especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. The A/C system only blows warm air, regardless of temperature settings, and no cold air comes out. I also have a serious issue with the paint peeling off in large chunks from the body of the car. It’s happening despite proper care, and I’ve seen other Hyundai Sonatas of the same year with the same issue, which suggests a widespread paint defect. These issues have not yet been diagnosed by a dealership, but given the low mileage and frequency, I believe this model may have serious defects in safety systems and paint quality. I’m very concerned for my safety and request a full investigation.
Steering, Aug 7, 2024
Intermittent loss of steering with my Hyundai Sonata 2016 since April 2024. Vehicle randomly loses power steering while turning and 2 warning lights appear (power steering light (eps)and traction control). This has put me and my passengers at risk several times- almost crashing into other cars and objects. I went to the mechanics two times- they have recalibrated steering angle and reset codes, but the problem continues, and I lose power steering intermittently. This is a very big safety risk and I am afraid to continue driving my car.
Steering, Apr 16, 2024
I took in my 2016 Hyundai Sonata to Anaheim Hyundai in California for 60,000 mile service. The Sonata was having power steering issues where time to time the power steering would go out. I bought the extended warranty so it was cover under the warranty but Hyundai stop making these parts according to the dealership. I don't understand how Hyundai can stop making a power steering parts to Sonata models from 2016-2019 when there are so many on the road with potential power steering safety issues. I was told by the dealership there are so many issues with these Sonata's, the power steering parts are hard to find. They had no idea if they could get OEM parts or even find after market parts. I was originally told on [XXX] when we took the car in it would take 2 to 3 days now two and half weeks later they have changed their story to "not sure when they are going to get the part" I don't understand how this was not a recall from Hyundai similar to Hyundai Sonata recall in 2016 for Sonata's made in 2010-2011. It appears Hyundai has multiples models with power steering issues and yet they stop making the parts, why? I would like someone at NHTSA to review the power steering failures that may or may not be being reported by Hyundai dealerships. Just trying to get the car fixed since my son drives it. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized upon turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle then stalled with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering module. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Steering, Aug 29, 2023
1. Power Steering malfunction - when in motion - available for inspection. 2. Not being able to control my vehicle due to the steering going out is a major risk for myself my passengers and other vehicles around me. 3. My vehicle is currently at a dealership now 4. The vehicle has not yet been inspected, and unknown if the dealership was able to reproduce the problem. 5. No warning lights were displayed prior to the problem. When coming to a stop - the traction control light and a warning light with a steering wheel and an ! were displayed, but then turned off after the vehicle was shut off and restarted.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2023, crash
This vehicle had a complete engine failure. Since it is a hybrid, when the engine shut down, the vehicle lost all power. The driver had no control over steering or brakes. The vehicle crashed through three trees and into a house. Hyundai Motors of America and NHTSA are aware of the issues with this vehicle's engine, however, this engine was already replaced. The problem was that the "limp mode" did not enact in this specific car. I brought this to Hyundai's attention at least 20 times and expressed my concern about the threat this vehicle posed to me and anyone else on the road, yet they continued to ignore me or attempt to rectify the issue. This vehicle was part of the class action lawsuit. I was told, after the seventh time the vehicle broke down (fourth time after engine replacement) that Hyundai would buy back the vehicle. That never happened. The vehicle shut down without "limp/safe mode", with an entire loss of power eight times and was brought into the dealership. Hyundai refused to help me. I knew it would end in disaster, and it did. I'm sure my vehicle is not the only one that does not have a safe mode taking effect when the power shuts off and there is no steering or brakes at 70 mph. I am using the date for the last time the vehicle shut off and the driver lost control and hit a house. However, there are eight other times this happened. I have more information and documentation if needed. I'm attaching my first claim, documents collected after that claim, the accident report (did not have photos attached, the photos are from the scene when I went there the next day), and all email conversations with Hyundai since the first engine failure. My big concern here is that even though Hyundai did try to repair the recall issues, they ignored everything else. I told them over and over that the limp mode did not work. This made it morally impossible for me to sell, even if I wanted to. They refused to help. I worry there may be others out there with this issue.
Steering, Jun 3, 2023
My experience happened twice and is very much as described in NHTSA ID Number: 10985645. To quote that individual "WHILE DRIVING I NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK SLIGHTLY SO THAT YOU HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SLIGHTLY THEN IT RESUMES STEERING PROPERLY FOR FEW SECONDS THEN IT STICKS AGAIN. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT DOES IT MAKES ME THINK THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS GETTING READY TO LOCK UP. I NOTICE THIS MOSTLY ON HIGHWAYS AND IT REALLY WEARS YOU OUT TRYING TO DRIVE AND WORRYING THAT THE STEERING MIGHT LOCK UP." Just 2 weeks ago my wife experienced the steering making a very noticeable clicking sound. It happened on her way home from work but, it has not happened again. I took it to my local dealership and described the problems but they were unable to duplicate them so no work was performed. 1)What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering. Yes. 2)How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I think that the inability to easily steer at highway speeds clearly presents multiple safety concerns. 3)Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. 4)Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. My local dealership. 5)Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? We did not notice anything on the dashboard. I was heavily focused on keeping the car in my lane. She heard clicking but I heard nothing unusual.
Steering, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while turning into a parking spot, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the steering shaft and steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Steering, Jan 15, 2023
I want to report a safety concern to the NHTSA in regards to the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. In 2019, I took my Sonata in for repair work because the steering wheel locked up while I was driving the vehicle on the city streets. I was able to get over to the side of the road with a great amount of effort, turn the car off, turn the car back on, and the steering wheel was working again. Towards Oct/Nov time frame of 2019, my 20 year old son was driving the Sonata on a city street. He had the steering wheel lock up on him while he was driving. He, too, was able to manage to come to a stop and force the steering wheel, with a great amount of effort, to pull over into a parking lot. We were able to acquire control of the steering wheel again after turning the car off and turning it back on again. While my son was driving the car, in college, he had the same thing happen again. He was able to get it corrected and immediately get it to a Hyundai dealership where he was going to college. While the auto technician was driving the car, he too experienced the same problem. The technician was able to guide the car to a slow stop and eventually get it back to the dealership. I have all the paperwork stating this. Eventually the dealership was able to narrow down the problem to about 2-3 steering wheel angle sensors. Those were replaced, fortunately under warranty, and we were able to move on. The car was repaired in December of 2019. Just this week, on January 10th and 11th of 2023, I was driving the Sonata to and from work. On my way home from the hospital that I work at, the steering wheel locked up on me again while I was on an overpass in the city. I was able to manage getting the car home, but it took all my effort to be able to control/manipulate the steering wheel in to turning motions. I am a 6'5" / 226# man and it was extremely difficult for me to control the car and the steering wheel. This problem should not be recurring after 3 yrs from previous repair.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 1, 2022
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Failure.
Steering, Sep 7, 2022
The power assisted steering fails repeatedly. The electric assist power steering stops working will car this 2016 Sonata is in motion. Stops providing steering assist after a few miles of driving. Sonata reverts to manual steering which is very difficult compared to power assisted. Once vehicle is puller over to side of road, then stopped, the issue of "failed power steering" goes away by shutting of the engine and electrical system, wait 30 seconds then re-start the Sonata. This is very aggravating, especially in heavy traffic. Just out right dangerous. Sould be a recall to correct this issue. Happened on Aug. 25, 26, 31; Sept. 3, 6 & 7.
Steering, Jun 1, 2022
While turning onto the freeway the steering locked up and would not budge. Power steering light and traction control light came on. Turned car off and back on and it Went away for a few days. Almost crashed into the side railing and other cars on freeway. Dealership said it was the battery and replaced it. A few weeks later the same thing happened pulling out of the garage. Steering locked up and lights came on. Dealership said they could not duplicate the issue. It is locked right now but would need to be towed to a shop.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2021
I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY WITHIN A MONTH OF GETTING THE CAR, THEN AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER. THE RADIO AND BACK UP CAMERA WENT OUT AFTER A YEAR OF HAVING IT. THE HEADLIGHTS KEPT GOING OUT, AND EVENTUALLY THE WIRING STARTED BURNING. BATTERY WENT OUT AGAIN ALONG WITH THE ALTERNATOR NOW. MID DRIVE THE LIGHTS WOULD CUT OFF, SPEED THERMOMETER WOULD BE OFF BY 15, AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL.
Steering, Dec 31, 2020
AT STOP SIGN TO TURN LEFT, STARTED AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. FELT LIKE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. FORTUNATELY, NO OTHER CARS AROUND, I PUT GEAR IN REVERSE TO BACK UP BEFORE HITTING DITCH ON OTHER SIDE OF ROAD. I TURNED OFF CAR, RESTARTED AND WHEEL WORKED. STOPPED ON MAJOR HIGHWAY TO TURN AT LIGHT, HAPPENED AGAIN. MANAGE TO GET CAR TO POHANKA HYUNDAI SVC DEPT.. NEXT DAY, WAS TOLD IT WAS A SENSOR. CAR DROVE OK FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THEN HAPPENED AGAIN, TWO DIFFERENT TIMES. WAITED UNTIL AFTER CHRISTMAS TO CALL POHANKA BUT DECIDED TO RESEARCH RECALLS ON THIS MODEL. DEC 30TH, STOPPED TO TURN LEFT ONTO STREET, STEERING LOCKED UP, ALMOST WENT IN DITCH CROSSING OVER 2 LANES. CUT OFF ENGINE WITH KEY, RESTARTED CAR, BACKED UP AND MANAGED TO GET OFF ROAD TO KEEP FROM BEING HIT BY ONCOMING VEHICLES. RESEARCHED TO FIND MANY COMPLAINTS WITH STEERING SINCE 2017! THIS IS DANGEROUS AND WANT HYUNDAI ACCOUNTABLE. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND IF IT CAN BE FIXED OR IF CAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, Nov 11, 2020
DRIVING ALONG AT STREET OR HIGHWAY SPEEDS STEERING BECOMES STICKY. WONDERING ABOUT POWER STEERING PUMP OR STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE ADVISE.
Steering, Sep 9, 2020
I HAD A POWER STEERING FAIL. WHILE DRIVING I LOST MY POWER STEERING, POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON, AND DUE I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME POWER STEERING..
Steering, Mar 26, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET WHEN I MADE IT TO A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION I PROCEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY 3 CARS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. PRIOR TO THAT MY WIFE MADE THE COMMENT THAT IT HAD HAPPENED TO HER AND SHE HAD TO GET HELP TO GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS TO HARD FOR HER TO TURN IT ALONE. THIS IS A VERY VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. I SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2010 AND 2011 MODELS THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS IN LATER MODELS. THEY'RE AN GREAT AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ONLINE THAT HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE.
Steering, Jan 21, 2020
I WAS TRYING TO BACK INTO A PARK AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULDN'T TURN. AN INDICATOR LIGHT WITH A STEERING WHEEL INSIDE OF A CIRCLE WITH A ! CAME ON ALONG WITH TRACTION INDICATOR.
Steering, Nov 12, 2019
11/4/19 I HAD A POWER STEERING FAIL. WHILE DRIVING I LOST MY POWER STEERING, POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND DUE TO TRAVELING IN THE SLOW LANE I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR IN TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON ONLY TO INDICATE I WAS HITTING THE EMERGENCY GROOVES OUTSIDE THE LANE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WHILE IN PROCESS OF CONTACTING AAA - I STARTED THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. I TOOK THE CAR TO TARR HUYANDAI THE NEXT MORNING AND THERE WERE 3 CODES PRESENT. MY STEERING ANGLE SENSOR WAS RECALIBRATED. MY CONCERN IS WHAT CAUSED THE FAIL AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE AN ANSWER. THIS SITUATION CREATED A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD HAD I BEEN DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS OCCURRED AND ME UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR IN MANUAL MODE. I CONTACTED HUYANDAI AND APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH 2016 SONATA MODELS BUT MY CAR WAS MFG AT A PLANT THAT WASN'T ON RECALL. SO AT THIS POINT - THE MFG PLANT WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS MFG APPARENTLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MINE BEING THE FIRST REPORTED. I FEEL TOTALLY UNSAFE IN THIS CAR ESP TRAVELING ON INTERSTATES, NIGHT TIME, ETC SINCE NO ONE CAN ANSWER WHY MY POWER STEERING QUIT AND RESET WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. I WAS TRAVELING ON HWY 160 IN MORRISTOWN TN WHEN THIS OCCURRED - I AM ALSO CONCERNED WHEN I TOLD TARR THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE TRACTION CAME ON WHEN HIT THE OFF ROAD GRIDS THEY LISTED TRACTION CONTROL LAMP WAS ON AND DID NOT MENTION THE POWER STEERING. THAT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER WITH THIS CASE .
Steering, Jul 16, 2019
THE POWER STEERING QUIT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND IN CITY DRIVING YOU HAVE TO TRY TO GET VEHICLE OFF HIGHWAY TURN CAR OFF AND IT WILL RESET
Steering, Jun 18, 2019
MY STEERING IS MELTING
Steering, Jan 21, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED FAILED DURING COLD WEATHER. STEERING WHEEL LOCK WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN TRYING TO TURN KEY, EVEN THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TRYING TO TURN KEY. WORRIED WHEEL LOCK COULD FAIL WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, I SEE THIS CAR HAD OTHER RECALLS WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED INFO FROM HYUNDAI ABOUT, I AM SECOND OWNER OF VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM HYUNDAI DEALER IN NORTHHAMPTON, MA.