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: other or unspecified
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2026
Car just stated making g noise went into lp.mode now saying k ock sensor
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 12, 2026
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata is experiencing severe oil consumption due to a known Hyundai engine defect. The engine burns oil rapidly and loses more than a quart between oil changes. This creates a safety hazard because the engine can stall, seize, or fail while driving. The Hyundai dealership did NOT perform the official Hyundai oil-consumption test. They only checked the dipstick, noted the oil was low, and submitted a request for a paid combustion cleaning. Hyundai declined to pay for the cleaning, and the dealership is refusing to perform the required oil-consumption test unless I pay $750.00. Hyundai Corporate also refused to authorize the test, stating the vehicle is out of warranty, even though this is a known engine defect affecting many Hyundai vehicles. Without the official test, Hyundai will not review the engine defect or consider a goodwill engine replacement. This is a safety issue because the engine can fail without warning. The dealership and Hyundai are refusing to perform the required diagnostic test unless I pay $750, and refusing to review the defect without that test.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2026
Both rear doors will not open. The door locks stopped functioning so we are not able to open and close both rear back doors. In addition, the right rear door window stopped rolling up and down.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 16, 2026
code P1326 unable to accelerate, drive past 1st gear and knocking noise in engine area engine could stall out or lock up if problem is not fixed 3/14/2026- started engine light blinking warning light also code p1326 has had recalls for this particular car brand
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 9, 2026
Vehicle started then stalled requiring tow. No initial illumination of warning lamps or messages. Findings upon inspection by independent service center: multiple cylinder misfires (P030100, P030300, P030400, P030200, P030000) and excessive debris buildup on vvt sensor screen. Car uses excess oil- a minimum of 3 qts per 600 miles. No warning lamps or messages occur when car is excessively low on oil.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2026, crash
I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2026, crash
The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center Police: Yes, crash scene documented. •Insurance: We are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •Manufacturer (Hyundai): Not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 19, 2026
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] While stopped in traffic with my foot firmly on the brake, my vehicle begins to accelerate before I release the brake pedal. This is not normal “creep” — the engine increases RPM and the vehicle moves forward as if the accelerator is being applied, even though it is not. This condition has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle surges forward, sometimes 20 mph, unexpectedly and has almost caused several collisions. This rapid acceleration can easily cause a collision with a pedestrian or the vehicle in front of me. The onboard diagnostic system repeatedly reports a camshaft position sensor fault. The sensor has been replaced, but the problem returned, indicating the issue is not the sensor itself but a deeper engine or electronic control malfunction. Because this vehicle uses electronic throttle control, I am concerned the engine control module is misinterpreting throttle and brake inputs and failing to properly apply brake-throttle override. The vehicle is effectively accelerating against the brake. This is a dangerous and unpredictable condition and represents a potential defect in the throttle/engine control system. This is clearly a safety-related issue that warrants investigation before it results in a serious crash or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
The shark fin antennae on top of the vehicle was ripped off in a car wash; the antennae serves to transmit radio/GPS/data to & from the vehicle which will cease to function if it the cover is removed and components damaged. Hyundai description: The shark fin antenna will receive AM, FM broadcast signals and transmit data Multiple Hyundai dealers have been contacted for quotes on replacing the antennae which they claim will cost $1500+ since the top of the roof must be removed and electronics/circuit board/cables must be replaced; it appears to be a common issue with these shark fins according to the dealers and online research. The GPS and data transfer could be a major safety factor depending on the systems affected. These shark fins need to be replaced with a more resilient system. Owners are unable to 'store' the antennae when taking it to the car wash as it is not removable or retractable. It is a design flaw. I've read that many have lost them simply driving the vehicle --not agitated using a car wash.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2025
Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 10, 2025
The problem with my vehicle is a failure of internal engine components, specifically a known defect in the piston rings of the Hyundai Theta II engine. This failure causes excessive oil consumption, which is burned internally. The internal engine components have failed, leading to a widely documented defect in the Hyundai Theta II engine. The primary symptom, which began to get serious around 80,000 miles, is the constant need to add oil to the engine every two weeks. If I do not do this, the low oil warning light illuminates on the dashboard, serving as a continuous alert of the problem. This failure was officially confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership. About two weeks ago, they first documented that there were no external leaks on the vehicle. When I returned because the oil had been consumed again, they performed a new diagnostic, for which I paid over $300, that confirmed the engine is burning oil internally. The dealership, acting as the manufacturer's representative, is the only entity that has formally inspected the vehicle. The situation places my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. First, the oil consumption can lead to a sudden and catastrophic engine failure, resulting in a loss of power and control of the vehicle while in transit. More alarmingly, the guidance I received from Hyundai staff was to simply "wait for the engine to stop working or start making a lot of noise." As someone who depends on the car for a daily commute, following this dangerous recommendation is an unacceptable risk.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2025
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited VIN: [XXX] Issue: Failed sunroof recall repair. Details: Vehicle had a manufacturer sunroof recall/service repair in 2018. Repair has now failed completely; sunroof detached. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and exposed to weather elements. Local dealership quoted $2,100 for repair, despite this being a failed manufacturer remedy for a known safety defect. Hyundai corporate and my financing company have been contacted; issue remains unresolved. Impact: Cannot safely operate vehicle, preventing commuting and daily use. Causing financial hardship. Requested Action: Investigate as a failed recall repair. Ensure Hyundai provides a remedy in compliance with federal safety regulations. Thank you, My Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2025
Car been burning oil since i got it . I have been taking it back and forth to the dealership they not helping and I’m basically paying a note on a car i can’t even enjoy
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2025
My dad gave me his car a little bit ago, and I just learned there is a cap and sensor part in the engine that fills with oil which triggers the check engine light. I nearly got hit because I didn't know the car couldn't accelerate properly when this happens. My neighborhood exits onto the main road at an incline and my car wouldn't move faster than 10 mph while cars were coming behind me at 45. I was terrified. My dad told me had the same problem. He took it to the dealership to be repaired when it happened to him and they said it was fixed, so apparently it is a reoccurring problem.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2025
Recall on paint quartz pearl white my car is peeling and chipping I notified hyundai because I know many customers also are having this issue and they will not resolve this issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2025
I had engine issues back in 2021. I had to pay $600 for a part to be installed to fix the problem . The engine failed, the idle was violently lurching forward and would randomly Shut down. Recently the car shut down without warning again. Its scary.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
After driving for a few minutes with the sunroof open the wind deflector pulled and nearly off the car. This had been repaired previously under a recall and the repair was simply to re-glue the wind deflector back in place. This had clearly been done before as the dried glue was still on it. The back end of the sunroof nearly came off during this ordeal while we were traveling at highway speeds and it could have killed someone. We were able to close the sunroof once we had stopped, however it was very difficult to do so and required four of us, each with tools that I happened to have in the car at the time. Had we not been able to get the sunroof back closed it surely would have been ripped from the car. Another recall needs to be put into place and an improved correction needs to be put into place.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 12, 2025
The engine violently vibrates and no matter how much I get an oil change it burns so fast and I have to keep adding. It's not leaking, just burning. I plugged in a diagnostic tester and it said that the 3rd cylinder was misfiring. I haven't had the car for very long, and this is not normal. I take good care of it.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2025
While driving, the vehicle's engine light will randomly turn on and when it does, the car will lose power; meaning, when this occurs, and I press the accelerator pedal, it does not put out the normal, expected amount of acceleration. This problem will persist until I pull over, turn off the vehicle, and turn it back on. However, this does not always fix the issue. Sometimes, when I turn the car off and turn it back on, the check engine light will still be on and I will still encounter the issue. When I brought my vehicle into my local Hyundai dealership, they had the car for 3 days, and when I called to ask what was wrong with it or what they did to fix it, they told me they could not recreate the problem and therefore, did not do anything to the vehicle. So now, I'm at an impasse where this problem is not able to be recreated, thus, unable to get it fixed, but I don't feel completely safe to drive long distances. I also own a 2013 Hyundai Sonata that experienced the same type of issue, and that engine was recalled.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2024
Wind deflector came loose on highway after recall was performed. The wind deflector was originally reattached in 1996 shortly after purchase. The recall doesn't take into account that the manufacturing issue may of been previously repaired. I believe when the "recall" was performed(2020) the lack of removing the previous adhesive created a weak bond enabling the wind deflector to become detached. Attached is a copy of the recall instructions which contains no step to remove previous adhesives or check for previous repairs; only the use of alcohol to remove dust or particles. Hyundai corporate followed through on an investigation Case Number #[XXX](December 2024) finding that the recall was performed and they had no ability to investigate the proper method for subsequent repairs. Referring the issue back to local dealerships to apply their own judgement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2024, fire
This event took place on or about [XXX]. A month or two prior, my vehicle had just undergone a safety inspection with over $2,000.00 worth of repairs that were performed with great care, due to noticing loss of power upon acceleration. I'm currently living in Wyoming, and the engine blew while driving on the highway in Colorado, causing a mild underbody fire while driving at high rate of speed. At this point, my safety is of great importance and concern, the radiator had internal damage that was not disclosed by the initial dealership, that took possession of my vehicle. So I truly don't know what or who to believe (which parts have been properly repaired on my vehicle or what has not), it took me to personally tow my own vehicle back to the local repair shop here in Wyoming, and the repair shop could not get power to the vehicle. Eventually the repair shop realized that the original "ground" bolt that "was" on my brand new battery was stripped out of place and replaced with a tapping screw, that's why no power was getting to the vehicle as needed to operate properly. The repair shop also noticed internal damage to the radiator (inside bay) with 2 puncture holes (that was not disclosed at any point of interacting with the dealership. Now my safety is an extremely huge concern. Again, I don't know if the vehicle is in worse or better condition with the most recent repairs that have been done to my vehicle. The engine was confirmed to have been damaged internally and externally "beyond repair". I was never given an exact description of any and all damages "requested by me at the time I called the dealership". My son and I are still without our vehicle, we are in dire need of transportation, and to have our vehicle back and running in a condition that is sufficient to perform for our everyday needs, to get back and forth to doctor appointments, etc. We are in great hopes to get this unnecessary nightmare behind us, so that we can press on with our lives....INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 9, 2024
My car experiences issues around acceleration. It often feels like it gets “stuck” or hesitates when I try to accelerate from a stop (ex. a stoplight) or low speed or when I try to merge onto the highway. At times I have not been able to merge onto the highway at a safe speed because my acceleration gets stuck/lags at a low mph (ex. 35 mph onto a 70 mph highway). My car also excessively consumes oil. I started noticing the excessive oil consumption around 115K miles. My oil lamp does not illuminate when low on oil in nearly all cases I have been low on oil. It has only come on once (did not remain on) and oil was not present on the dipstick. I am 687 miles into my current 1,000-mile oil consumption test and have had to top off my oil twice. I started the test because my oil light flashed and oil was not present on the dipstick. The engine light came on 312 miles into the consumption test. I got a diagnostic code from AutoZone and relayed the diagnostic code to the dealership. The dealership said the code was related to low oil and to fill up with oil and bring the car to the dealership. I filled it with oil and drove the car to Luke’s Auto for an independent inspection. Their inspection found that the check engine light was from a failed e-cvvt and additional wear was present. I asked if this could be caused by oil consumption issues and they confirmed the possibility. Just over 300 miles from that incident, I checked my oil and it was once again low. I am deeply concerned about the safety of my vehicle due to it's stalling and indicators of potentially seizing. I have had near collisions on the highway due to my vehicle getting "stuck" while accelerating and unable to enter the highway at a safe speed. I am concerned about the consequences of lack of oil and failure of my oil lamp to illuminate to indicate no oil such as my engine seizing or catching fire. I have reported these concerns to the dealership since 1/2/23 and have reported my concerns to HMA.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2024
The Hyundai service department indicated a OCS Mat in the front passenger seat needs to be repaired. Currently the "seat belt" light remains on when there is no one in the front passenger seat. The "air bag" light on the dash remains on while the Sonata is in use. Based on what I have read, the safety concern is that the air bags may not deploy or certain air bags may deploy at unexpected times.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 28, 2024
Paint The paint issue with hyundai is ridiculous. I have a 2016 Hyundai sonata. No matter if i’m driving, going through a car wash, or just sitting in the yard. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Corporate and a lawyer has been contacted and the said there wasn’t anything they could do. There is thousands of cars that look the same or worse than mine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 9, 2024
1st Incident: The engine lost its acceleration power on the highway, giving a rattling noise. It was identified as misfire in cylinder 3. This was repaired and gaskets and timing chain replaced. 2nd Incident: The engine lost acceleration again on the highway with a loud rattling noise. On checking the OBD scanner it showed the Knock Sensor as the problem. On taking it into the dealership a KSDS software update was done. Current Situation: The car drinks up 2-3 qt of oil for every 1000 miles and has an intermittent rattling noise when accelerating Losing engine acceleration power on the middle of the highway is a very serious issue. And this keeps happening multiple times and Hyundai has refused to give me a proper explanation on this issue. Other mechanics have suggested to get a replacement from Hyundai as there is already a Lawsuit against these Faulty engines. On contacting Hyundai there has been no proper response. Please look into this as losing power on a busy highway poses danger not only to our car but to other oncoming vehicles as well. It has been a very harrowing experience for us and I am left with no option but to drive a faulty car which might lose power at anytime.