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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 25, 2024
ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD IN LATE FEB 2024. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS A NOTED FLUID LEAK ON MY PARKING SKIRT SO I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED DRIVING IT. ON [XXX] I HAD CAR TOWED TO MIKE'S AUTOMATIVE SERVICE STATION IN SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN. HE REMEDIED THE ENGINE ISSUE WITH 'LEAK STOP'. ON [XXX], I WAS TRAVELING AN [XXX] FROM MILWAUKEE TO OSHKOSH. AROUND HALF WAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, THE OIL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CAR LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I ENGAGED MY HAZARD LIGHTS GIVEN I WAS IN HIGH TRAFFIC AT THAT TIME AND 'LIMPED' CAR TO THE NEARST GAS STATION, TO AVOID BEING STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY LOCATION, RICHFIELD SERVICE CENTER-RICHFIELD WI. BOTH THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE SERVICE STATION REP, SEAN, ADVISED THIS OIL-LEAKING ENGINE BUSINESS WAS A WIDESPREAD AND WELL-KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT FOR THIS VEHICLE'S MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. THEY PERFORMED A BRIEF DIAGNOSTIC REVIEW AND ADVISED THE ENGINE WOULD NEED FULL REPLACEMENT TO CONTINUE DRIVING. I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLINE PORTAL THIS DAY, TOO AND HAVE REQUESTED THEY REPLACE THE ENGINE, GIVEN THE MILEAGE HAS NOT EVEN REACHED 77,000 MILES. I FOUND NO ACTIVE RECALL OR WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE BUT CAN PROVE I AM THE SECOND OWNER, HAVING INHERITED IT FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER, THE LATE [XXX] IN 2016/2017 (UNSURE EXACT DATE). THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. I FELT TRAUMATIZED BY THIS EVENT, PRAYING NOT TO BE RUN OVER ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE THE CAR MOVED AT A SNAIL'S PACE AND FEELING TERRIBLY UNSAFE IN PUSHING THE CAR TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION. I FELT EVERYONE AROUND ME WAS IN DANGER OF NOT SEEING ME IN TIME TO STOP OR AVOID COLLISION WITH ME. NO OFFICIAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE, INSURANCE OR ANYONE BESIDES THE MECHANICS AT THE RICHFIELD SERVICE CENTER LOCATIO IN RICHFIELD WISCONSIN, ON [XXX]. MORE DETAIL NOT AFFORDED IN TEXT SPACE HERE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Back over prevention, Mar 23, 2024
The blind spot detection system needs alignment. When the blind spot detection fails it disables traction control and anti-lock brakes. The parking sensor and backup sensors should have nothing to do with the antilogue brakes or traction control. Since these items are disabled traction does not exist and anti-lock brakes are ineffective.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2024, crash
I was in a rear collision with an SUV but my air bags to the 2016 Hyundai Sonata did not deploy. Everybody was OK and nobody was injured in both parties.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 7, 2024, fire
On February 6, around 3:46am, parked my vehicle on the driveway I noticed a smell like smoke, I looked at my dashboard but nothing was on, no warnings, so I entered my house a few minutes later Possibly 4 I heard a noise look outside from my window an noticed my car was on fire, immediately called 911 car garage door also cut on fire and the vehicle next to it. I m requesting an investigation Police report 24-031575, my vehicle was towed by insurance company Start Casualty claim # 2024-90001577.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
My hyaundai is burning through oil every 500-1000 miles it will be completely empty
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 1, 2023
found me driving on I 75 and I put the Cruise Control at 70 miles, instead of maintaining the speed at 70miles the vehicle accelerated to more than 90 miles per hour I had to quickly put my foot on the brake otherwise I could have an accident with the vehicle from the front, after all this happened, I felt the car was losing speed, I tried to accelerate but it did not go over 60 miles per hour. I took it to the mechanic and they did not detect anything in the vehicle's computer. This vehicle also turns off at times when you are driving and it turns off it also spend too much oil motor , I started looking for information on this model of car and I see that there are more than 550 people who have the same problem as me, this is an unsafe vehicle for the road
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 16, 2023, fire
My husband (Scott) was driving the car on Florida highway 408 eastbound approaching the exit 21 on 10/12/2023 around 8 am. Scott heard something pop suddenly and saw fire shooting out from both sides of the car in the rearview mirrors. Upon noticing the fire, he tried to slow down to pull over the car, but brakes failed (went to the floor). A police officer on the road happened to see the fire so he drove next to my husband's car and Scott yelled at officer that he had no brakes. The officer went ahead of Scott to help Scott's car slow down. When approaching uphill slopes by the exit, Scott was finally able to use the emergency brakes to come to a complete stop. The fire engine came right away and put out the fire which took over 20 minutes. My husband is handicapped and him walking away from such car catastrophic fire unharmed was near miracle. Two weeks before the fire, I happened to take the car in for checkup at Greenway Hyundai Orlando and the 2.5 hour inspection found nothing wrong with my car. I wanted my car checked because my car stalled briefly pulling out of a parking space a few days earlier.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2023
On 10/06/23, I went to the Meriden Hyundai Dealership to get my transmission and brakes serviced. During the multi-point inspection, the technician noticed that the oil pan had a hair line crack at the drain plug site. I found that peculiar especially since my oil changes have been performed at the same place for the past 5 years. My last oil change was performed on 09/09/23. The technicians never mention any problems. I did not notice any oil leaking. The oil was actually being trapped in the undershield. I have contacted that company and they have conducted an investigation. They do not find any fault with their workmanship. However, something is wrong. I see there are other Hyundai vehicles having trouble with their oil pan and drain plugs.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 7, 2023
I just got my car out the shop on April 29th at a Hyundai dealer and on may 2nd was driving on highway my check engine came back on and my speed decreased on its own almost causing a wreck then my car would only go 20mph in a 70 mph zone I have contacted Hyundai they refuse to do anything
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2023
My vehicle is experiencing high oil consumption. An oil light came on for about a second and went out. When I returned home, I checked the oil, and it was empty. We have our oil changed at our dealership everyou 3000-3500 miles. The next time frame, I checked the oil regularly and noticed it was getting low very quickly. When we returned to the dealership we were put on a 1000 mile oil consumption test, then the next time had a combustion chamber cleanse, and then returned at another 1000 miles and the dealership disputed the amount of used oil, and told us if there were additional issues we would need to start over. It continues to burn unusually high, but we are monitoring it. Hyundai says their threshold is a quart every 1000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2023
Paint delaminating from the roof of my vehicle. Can cause rust and possibly rust through.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2023
01/26/22 Brought 2016 Hyundai Sonata to Fremont Hyundai (Fremont CA) for "Smart Junction Box" recall. 08/12/22 Brought vehicle to Fremont Hyundai for intermittent turn signal recall. 04/10/23 Brought vehicle to Stevens Creek Hyundai for "A 993 HYIMMOA0 -Sonata (LF) S/W UPD & DECAL (23-01-014H-3) RECALL DEFAULT 31599 WH." Told the service dept the vehicle was still having turn signal issues. Refused to correct instead told us to need to bring back to Fremont Hynudai otherwise wanted to charge us $250 to correct it. We felt Steven Creek Hyundai should have corrected this instead of sending us back to Fremont CA.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2023
Car is consuming an increased amount of oil. PVC valve replaced. 5 quarts of oil after oil change is only lasting about 2.5k miles with oil on dipstick being barely readable requiring 4 quarts to get oil in middle of normal range for vehicle.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2023
My car burned all the engine oil within 2000 miles of oil change. And the tank is empty. This is the second time that happened
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 19, 2023
My car is burning oil at an excessive rate. I bought this car August 2022 and within the first year I was having to constantly fill up my car with oil to make it through the month. I finally had a claim open for the oil test and at first was told that I do qualify for a new engine and to bring it in for pictures etc to get this going. This was around December 2022/January 2023I bring my car in to Hyundai dealership . they did not do this and I was told that everything should be okay no engine replacement .Again I had to put oil in before my next oil change. I brought it in on April 3 2023 by April 27th my car had consumed over 3L of oil. Another claim was filed and Hyundai denied stating car out of warranty . The dealership denies there’s any issues or lawsuit associated with my make/model/year for my car. A quick google search has shown that there is indeed. One article states that a recall was going to announced for May 19th2023 for this same issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 20, 2023
I got this car less than a year ago and immediately had issues within the 2nd day of getting it. Called the dealership and they had me take it in to a mechanic who fixed the issues. Since then I have had issues with this car consuming so much oil it's beyond ridiculous. This past Saturday night the car was being driven and all of a sudden the acceleration has become an issue. The car acts as if it doesn't want to go and hesitates. The dealership I got the car from no longer is in business and the loans were sold to another company and I'm not sure why no one is doing anything about the many issues with hyundai cars and their dangerous engine issues. When you're in traffic on the road with your children in the car and cars coming at you with full on speeds (here in alabama 70plus mph on interstate) it's very scary. Hyundai and kia need to take responsibility for these engines people are forking over thousands of dollars for. I'm not even a yr in and having several issues. Oil consumptions and issues with acceleration which seems that it leads to dead engines all the way around. We need help and we need it now. Please assist us with these issues. Thanks
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 28, 2023
I just drove up a small hill and then I had to accelerate to get onto the on-ramp to match the speeds of highway traffic. The engine shut off. no lights from the cluster gauge illuminated. had to really use my leg muscles to step on the brakes really hard to avoid a front collision. had to really use the muscles in my arms and hands to steer the steering wheel hard too. it felt like the loss of brakes and steering capabilities turned off and were really hard to use when the engine turned off for no apparent reason.
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2023
In November, 2022 my car stalled on the expressway. The indicator, Hybrid trouble turn off engine(not exact wording),tried to turn back on after sitting, it came on there was a loud noise as I put it in drive. It was towed to Happy Hyundai ( The car was hit on expressway while waiting on the tow truck). [XXX] in the service department ensured me nothing was wrong, I reminded him that it shut off while in drive on the expressway. He had it inspected again, only to say they believed the hybrid system needed to be updated. It was updated and I was charged a service fee because no parts were needed, ([XXX] words) I was under the impression that my car is under warranty and any service under warranty would be no charge but because no part was needed. I had to pay. Not two (2) months later same thing happens....I had just gotten my oil changed at World Hyundai in Mattenson, IL. Driving in the express lane on the expressway. Lights come on to turn off engine again...... ONLY by the grace of God was I able to coast to the right to get on the shoulder, traffic was moving fast!!!! It was towed back over to Happy Hyundai on Cicero.Trying to explain to [XXX] (service department) was hard I did tell him the car was there for the same thing two (2)months ago.My life and my daughter's was put in jeopardy on both occasions. I transport my grandsons to and from daycare and school, they had been dropped off earlier(the thought of them being in the car when this happened is scary).My car can be inspected at Happy Hyundai, 9121 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn, 60453. 708-382-8000 Paperwork from first incident are in the car. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2022, fire
2016 Hyundai Sonata (not part of any recall) driven short distance on expressway had "check engine light" come on. Pulled off of expressway and checked under hood...No visible issues. Chose to return home via side streets as car was riding rough and having problems with acceleration at that point. Short while later, heard loud noise and saw smoke coming from under hood. Pulled to the side of the road and exited car. Was told by bystander that car was on fire. Called Fire Dept, by the time of their arrival, entire front end ablaze, tires and body melted. Thankfully, fire extinguished before any explosion or damage to neighbor's property occurred. Vehicle was a total loss.
Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2022
Still having intermittent turn signal problems after the dealership worked on turn signal recall. Sometimes no signal or signal stays on after turning, even after flipping the turn signal switch off. Sometimes there is a delay (up to 10 seconds) before turn signal lights on. Just trying to signal a lane change is dangerous because I never know if the turn signals will work properly.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2022
The horn on my car is so quiet, most times I use it nobody hears it, including myself. It's very dangerous for emergency situations where I need to use a horn.
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
The sunroof assembly incorporates a wind deflector to help reduce wind noise in the passenger compartment when the sunroof is open. If the wind deflector becomes partially detached from its mounting bracket while the sunroof is open, the deflector can interfere with the closing of the moveable sunroof panel. In some cases this interference can result in the sunroof panel detaching from its mounting tabs. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RCMN-16V726-5975.pdf The 'fix' does not last. I bought my 2016 Hyundai in Nov 2018. The dealer who fixed my detached sunroof wind deflector told me there was no open recall on the car. Now I know why: 'As required by federal law, dealers must not deliver new vehicles for sale or for lease to customers until all open recalls have been performed. Dealers must also perform all open recalls on used vehicles, demo and rental vehicles prior to placing them into customer use and whenever an affected vehicle is in the shop for any maintenance or repair.' It's now evident that the deflector was fixed at least once before i took ownership. I fixed the deflector in 2020 after it separated while i was driving. I was able to close the sunroof but I was ignorant of the greater danger, the glass sunroof panel flying off the car. As described in the first paragraph these is a serious issue. the 'fix' provided by Hyundai does not last. It's an insidious issue waiting to impact new owners like me who are unaware of the danger. Hyundai must provide a permanent fix for this issue. The defellector detached for the third time in August 2022. Hunter Hyundai in Fletcher NC won't fix it under their repair warranty (only one year from their fix in May 2020) and wants $350. In my first complaint I wanted Hyundai to reimburse me. The issue is larger than this because detachment of sunroof is chronic and remains a ticking time bomb in the car's roof. Hyundai must provide a permanent solution that doesn't rely on glue to hold a part under spring tension.
Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2022
2016 Sonata panoramic sunroof wind defector. The wind deflector separated in 2020 and was repaired under warranty by Hunter Hyundai in Fletcher North Carolina. This issue is a design and manufacturing issue. The wind deflector is under spring tension when the sunroof is open and is attached to the body with glue at three points: center, left and right. Because I was skeptical that the fix would work I hesitated to open the panoramic sunroof which was a $1,000 option. With the sunroof open and the wind deflector popped up if it detaches it's difficult or impossible to close the sunroof. This is way it's a safety issue. the sunroof can be opened during driving and once open attempts to close while driving may lead to single or multiple car collision. In my case I opened the sunroof in the garage to see if the deflector was still attached. It separated at the center and passenger side. i was able to close the sunroof but had to hold down the deflector while closing the sunroof. risky business. the hyundai dealer would not fix the defect under the original repair warranty as it was done in May 2020. The recall (152) in 2016 was closed. The cost to repair is $355 and it may happen again. This is a design and manufacturing defect that should be repaired free of charge. I called Hyundai customer service and have a case number: 202112366.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2022
In May 2022 after driving approximately 2.5 hours, when I turned off the vehicle and tried to restart, the Hybrid symbol "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM", after waiting approximately 15 minutes to restart and it started. During this trip this happened several more times. I brought it in to a Auto Zone and he could not diagnose because the light was not appearing. The check engine light also was on but just disappeared. Once I returned from my trip, I brought the vehicle into a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis, however, they said since the lights nor the check engine lights were on, they could not diagnosis. In August 2022 I went on another long distance trip, and the same thing happened, after driving for approximately 2.5 hours and stopping, the vehicle would not restart and the same warning light displayed, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM". Again, I waited 15 minutes and the vehicle started, the check engine light remained on for a while and then disappeared. AGAIN, this happened several more times after driving for more than 2.5 hours.