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
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2022
I went to my mechanic today to see why my car was making rattling noises coming from the steering wheel. It's been happening randomly for about a year now or more now. The mechanic said he's seen this over a thousand times with Hyundai, and I need to bring it into Hyundai to fix because something is wrong with the "Steering Rack Support Yoke", which is making the noise. If this is happening to so many Hyundai's this should be fixed for free and recalled! He googled it and gave me a whole printout from Hyundai. It says 2011 to 2018 model year Sonata 2011 to 2018 model year Sonata Hybrid 2012 to 2017 model year Azera 2013 to 2018 model year Santa Fe. This is what my mechanic gave me and said all these cars are affected. So why isn't this recalled, it is dangerous because eventually you could loose control of the steering wheel I think and it's going to cost a lot to fix. Thanks
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 20, 2022
My oil seems to be consumed really quickly! I get a full synthetic oil change and then my engine sounds strange and check the oil and there's no more oil in there! This is after less than 1,000 miles after the oil change! It's very expensive that every few months I need to go and get a new oil change, it's supposed to be every 6 months or after 5,000-7,500 miles with full synthetic but it only last about 700 miles before it starts to start to disappear! I'm scared it will cause my engine to get ruined and make a fire! This has been going on formore than 2 years now.
Other or unspecified, Mar 16, 2022
Manufacturer paint is peeling off hood of car. Problem has been confirmed and photographed by Speck Hyundai. Vehicle and component was inspected by manufacturer.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 15, 2022
The Car is flash on Dash boards Check HEV and turn off the engine cause my car to idle. Turn off my car for 20 mins signal gone Then 2 weeks later randomly does it again. Car also flash Check Breaks on dash boards and turn off the engine and it shut my whole car off
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2022
After cold start, car lost power and has set Check engine light codes P0010,P0011, made appointment with Springfield Huyandi, charged $289.33 for the diagnosis of engine oil sludge causing VVT issues. Huyandi will Not cover under warranty,recommended $1400.00 repair, with no help from Huyandi on repair bill.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2022
The hybrid system shuts down while operating, gives warning "Check Hybrid System, Turn off Engine" This has happened twice. Both times the dealership cleared the codes and can't duplicate the issue at their facility. One time this happened while traveling approx 70mph causing the car to immediately decelerate which is a potential safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil, and there was a smoke odor detected. The check engine, oil, and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and will be towed back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would call back. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2022, crash
The report is wrong i never hit the suv from the back aldo both hits on vehicles or on my driver's side and his rare back passenger side. I never did my report since i was in the ambulance the hole time and nver said my part of the story i was in pain and went to sleep
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2021
I was driving to work when my car stuttered then reduced power allowed me to pull to shoulder of the road at the same time my check hybrid system light came on with all others on dash. Car would not restart. Had it towed to the dealership where I’m told they will diagnose next week. I researched on several forums and this is quite a common issue with this model of car in various years. My car only has 61k miles and this is quite troublesome.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2021
dashboard has a crack running along right side of the cutout for airbag
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2021, crash
I recently totalled my car due to "following to closely" which I didn't have GAP insurance. Truth is I signaled to go right lane when The car in front thought inwas going left due to faulty recall problem and we both went right, I lost control and hit a rail and damaged car unfortunately
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2021
Radio doesn’t shut off when the car is turned off. Radio will freeze and won’t work ( won’t turn on or volume and other dials doesn’t work ).
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2021
I am constantly having my oil light flickering on and off. The engine oil consumption is super high. I take it for service on time, however before the next date it always needs to be added on earlier. When the light turns on, I drive it more slowly on the highway which can create cars around me to slow down as well. I have been spending more money to get this fixed but still having problems. It hasn't been inspected by the manufacturer but I have sent to an independent service center to get it checked and oil refilled.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2021
Please reference Hyundai Recall # 208 - Trunk Latch Release - Emergency Release May Fail. This recall covers 2017-2018 Hyundai Sonata. I have a 2016 Sonata with the exact same malfunction. Trunk does not open via any of the following: the remote key, the inside dashboard button, or inserting/turning the key manually. Additionally, I crawled into the trunk from the backseats to pull the emergency lever and that did not work either. Having a trunk that does not open from within the trunk is a potential danger. Hyundai tells me I am not covered by this recall, and I would like to have this revisited please. Many thanks !
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2021
2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PAINT PEELING OFF VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2021
Multiple peeling paint issues.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2021, crash, fire
As I was driving the car to a vacation resort, the car caught fire and was completely destroyed. Myself, adult son, and wife were in the car at the time. We were luckly to get out of the car before it blew up and killed us all. The car was melted down and completed destroyed. This event happened on May 2, 2021 near Pooler, GA. The only warning sign was smoke, then flames. We lost engine, brakes and control. We hit a light pole to stop the car. Police reports and fire department reports were filed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2021
Driving down the highway and engine stalls next to semi after safety inspection from dealer. Already took to dealer and told there is nothing they can do.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 7, 2021, fire
YES I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY VENTS. I MADE IT TO THE NEAREST NEIGHBORHOOD BY MY HOME STOPPED FOR IT TO COOL DOWN FOR 10 MINUTES I START MY CAR BACK UP & IT WAS PERFECTLY FINE BY TIME I MADE IT TO A STOP SIGN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRIC/ENGINE PROBLEM & NOTHING WAS MY FAULT. I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE TO COVER IT. THE NEXT MORNING I FOUND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT ALL HYUNDAI'S AND KIAS HAVE A RE CALL ON CARS DUE TO ENGINE FIRE RISK. I WAS REALLY DEVASTATED WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN ON RE CALL NOT ONCE OR TWICE BUT THREE TIMES. BY LAW, IAM AUTHORIZE TO GET A CAR OR A CHECK OF HOW MUCH THE CAR IS WORTH. I TALKED TO HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA HEADQUARTERS MRS.GRETCHEN TOLD ME THAT THEY NOTIFY ME AT THE ADDRESS THAT THE CAR WAS REGISTERED IN & NOT MY CURRENT ADDRESS AND ALSO SHE STATED IT'S MY FAULT. WHICH I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW WHEN NOBODY CALLED TEXT OR EMAIL ME PERSONALLY JUST TO SEE IF I MADE IT TO MY RE CALL APPOINTMENT IN JANUARY. NOT ONLY I HAD ANOTHER ONE IN MARCH I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AS WELL THEN THEY HAVE ANOTHER RE CALL I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IN JUNE HYUNDAI BETTER AND HAS TO DO SOMETHING NOW I COULD OF LOST MY LIFE & I LOST EVERYTHING I HAD MY PHONE FEDEX EQUIPMENT IMPORTANT PAPERWORK ETC. FYI INSURANCE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A RE CALL CAR. BY LAW I SUPPOSE TO GET SOMETHING FOR THAT
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2021
MAY 7, 2021 AROUND 5PM I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY @ DORSET RD AND I-270 DRIVING SOUTH ON I-270 @ 60MPH WHEN THE SUNROOF DEFLECTOR DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO BLOW IN THE WIND AND NEXT I HEAR THE SUNROOF GLASS RATTLING AFRAID IT WOULD FLY OF AND HIT A CAR BEHIND ME, I HIT THE CLOSE BUTTON FOR THE ROOF. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I OPEN THE ROOF TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, NOTICING THE SUNROOF DEFLECTOR IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE, BUT IS MADE ONTO THE TRACK THAT MOVES WITH THE GLASS PANEL, I HELD THE DEFLECTOR DOWN WITH MY HAND AND TRIED MY BEST TO GET THE GLASS PANELS TO CLOSE FLAT. ON MY DRIVE BACK HOME NOW ALL I CAN HEAR IS THE GLASS PANELS RATTLING CONTINUALLY, THIS IS A SCARY FEELING BEING THE ENTIRE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE IS GLASS AND WHAT IF THE WIND BLOWS THE PANELS OF AND CAUSE SOMEONE BEHIND ME ON THE HIGHWAY TO GET HURT OR IF THE GLASS RATTLING CAUSES IT TO SHATTER AND BREAK ON ME WHILE DRIVING THIS WOULD BE A CONCERN ALSO FOR A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. WHY WOULD A SMALL DEFLECTOR BE ATTACHED TO THE ACTUAL TRACK AND NOW THIS HAS CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERN FOR THE SUNROOF STRUCTURE OR SHALL I SAY THE ENTIRE ROOF OF THE SONATA. NEVER HAD A SUNROOF CONCERN WITH MY TIBURON SUNROOF, NOW RETHINKING MY LOVE FOR HYUNDAI'S. MILEAGE IS JUST 21 THOUSAND
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 1, 2021
ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE FROM ENGINE, VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WE BELIEVE THIS HAS BEEN THE ISSUE FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS AND THE DEALER COULD NEVER FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM, STATED IT WAS THE BATTERY WE REPLACED IT, STILL SAME ISSUE, NOW THE VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE A TRACTOR DUE TO THE ROD BEARINGS
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2020
I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE PAINT. I HAD A HUGE CHIP IN THE PAINT AND THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE FACTORY PAINT. SO NOW FOR THE 3RD TIME, I AM HAVING TO HAVE THE PAINT FIXED ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. TINY CHIPS IN THE PAINT HAVE VERY QUICKLY TURNED IN TO MUCH LARGER AREAS. NOTHING HIT OR DAMAGED THE AREA ANY OF THE TIMES TO MY KNOWLEDGE. THE FIRST TIME WAS FEBRUARY 2019, TOUCH UP IN MARCH 2020, AND NOW OCTOBER 2020.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 6, 2020
WHEN DRIVING SOMETIMES THE BSD SYSTEM TURN OFF WITHOUT ANY ADVANCE WARNING, THIS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS, THE BLIND SPOT COLLISION WARNING HYUNDAI NEED TO BE REVIEWED WELL AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE. MANY PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2020
VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO START FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING FOR 60 MINUTES IN ANY WEATHER CONDITION FROM VERY COLD TO HOT. "CHECK HEV SYSTEM" WARNING COMES ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND WILL NOT START. HAPPENS AFTER A QUICK STOP WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING