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
723 reports, newest first.
Structure, Oct 9, 2023
The White pearl paint is bubbling and peeling right above the driver door window. It's getting worse by the day. While driving with my window open a piece about the size of a nickel flew into my car and hit me on the face right under my eye. If it had flew into my eye I surely would have had an accident. Took car to Delray Hyundai on August 3,2023 for pictures and was lead to believe it would be taken care of. I'm getting the run around from them. I have read many many articles on the internet about this problem, can you help me or assist me in what I can do to get this taken care of. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Engine, Oct 8, 2023
Engine is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Vehicle was confirmed by dealership.
Engine, Oct 7, 2023
Was driving home when my car went into limp mode - couldn’t pick up speed to keep up with the flow of traffic. This seems to be due to the car’s engine knock sensor being triggered. It is impossible to get it to the dealer in a timely manner. We are having to wait half a month before it can even be diagnosed.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 3, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, other drivers started beeping the horn and shouting that the vehicle was on fire. The contact immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact then noticed flames under the front end of the vehicle, near the engine location. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the fire was extinguished independently. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to her son-in-law's repair shop, where it remained. There was no police report filed. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a repair fee would be charged for the engine replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 2, 2023
Bought the car on 08/20/2022. On 09/07/2022 we took the car back to Allen Turner because the engine light was flashing and the car would not go over a certain speed. There were metal shavings in the oil. It was throwing code P1326. They did an update on car and told me the cylinder walls were scored but the motor had a lifetime warranty no matter what happened to it. Every time we would have the oil changed, we would have to add 3 quarts of oil every 10-15 days. The vehicle stalled out at a very busy intersection nearly causing a wreck with my teenage daughter driving. Had it towed to dealership and they said it needed a new motor because it has one of the defective motors in it according to the VIN. Then they told me it was oil consumption and they could replace spark plugs and oil and it would be drivable but it would stall, it would break down and the motor will seize. It is only a matter of time. Hyundai will not honor the warranty on it because the motor is not seized up. The service manager told me to drive it until it seizes and then they would cover the engine replacement. The vehicle is not safe to operate. It is a safety hazard for anyone to drive. Hyundai will not stand behind their products when they already know it is defective.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023, fire
09/16/2023: ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE ARRIVED AT WORK AT 830AM AND LEFT AT 4PM. WENT TO FEDEX (5 MIN AWAY FROM JOB) AND NOTICED BURNING SMELL. LEFT FEDEX (WAS THERE LESS THAN A MINUTE BECAUSE I WAS DROPPING ENVELOPE IN DROP BOX) AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD. DROVE ABOUT A BLOCK AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN I NOTICED MORE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED BACK INTO JOB'S PARKING LOT (SINCE IT WAS CLOSE) AND WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES. FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED, BUT CAR WAS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE. INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED AND VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. CAUSE OF ENGINE FIRE IS STILL UNDETERMINED PER INSURANCE COMPANY.
Engine, Sep 28, 2023
Excessive oil consumption. Failed the oil consumption test preformed by Hyundai multiple times. Hyundai performed full engine cleaning and still consumes an excessive amount of oil.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2023
THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL HAVE A DEFECTIVE ENGINE; I HAVE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE, AND IT IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM; THERE ARE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION SUITS REGARDING THIS ENGINE, AND THE MANUFACTURERS STILL HAVE NO RESOLUTION FOR IT. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT NEW OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND HAS BEEN LIKE THAT SINCE NEW. THE ENGINE BURNS OIL, AND IT IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE, NOOEN SEEMS TO KNOW.
Engine, Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that while slowing down for a traffic light, the contact heard an abnormal pop. After arriving to the residence, the contact became aware of a trail of oil and a pool of oil underneath the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and became aware that the engine compartment was covered with oil. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the vehicle had been consuming approximately 2 quarts of oil per week. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2023
Car stalled check engine light came on took to auto zone said a engine problem
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 12, 2023
I keep having the same issue with this vehicle's fuel/propulsion system, power train, engine, cruise control. This vehicle is need it's fuel system cleaned now for a 3rd time in less then 2 years. I have done the high mileage maintenance on it as well. I drive the vehicle less than 5,000 miles a year. When I am driving the vehicle, it struggles to speed up, making me press on the gas repeatedly to get to the indicated speed limit. The vehicle does not slow down as it should when pressing on the brakes. I have to press repeatedly over and over and harder on the brakes in order for it to slow down. The vehicle jerks, speeds up without me pressing on the gas and sometimes it will not stop when prompted. I cannot put this vehicle on cruise control, because it speeds up and out of no where, it accelerates causing me to almost collide with another vehicle or object. Even when the vehicle is not in cruise control, the sudden jerks and acceleration puts me, my children and others in harm when it suddenly speeds up, jerks or will not stop in time. It makes a loud noise and jerks even when the car is in a resting position. It loses power, it speeds up when i need it to stay the same speed or slow down. I fear this vehicle is unsafe. I have reported these issues and a few more to the dealership who never responded, so I had to go over their heads, then finally I got a response from their Consumer Affairs' Department, as well as the BBB and they state because of the vehicle's age and/or mileage there is nothing they can do about it. Please help me. This is the only vehicle I have, and I am a single parent who cannot afford another vehicle. What is going on with this car? Why do I have to keep struggling to pay for something to get fixed and it is still not solved. Below, it ask for a date, but it is multiple dates, not just one. I have listed the first time it occurred. Thank you.
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
Engine, Sep 3, 2023
The first time my engine light came on was about a month after I had purchased it. The dealership told me to go to autozone to see what it could be. Report said it could possible be an oil clog or oil change. I got an oil change and the light was off. Light came on an every now and then but the car was driving fine. I got another oil change at the recommended mileage. My car won’t start now, I thought it was a battery issue so I took it in to a mechanic to have it looked at and they said I need a new engine.
Engine, Aug 30, 2023
Engine is constantly burning through oil. I would get my oil checked 4 times more just to make sure I had oil and even then it would burn empty. I did not have a leak. This cause my engine to blow. This was unsafe as I could have been driving when this occurred. This is being confirmed by a certified Hyundai mechanic. No warning. Other Hyundai cars have a recall for this SAME engine issue but not my model and make
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.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 27, 2023
1. Driver side airbag. Inspected. 2.Airbag safety light is on in the console. Driver may receive injury or death if airbag does not deploy during accident. 3.Yes by Antioch NAPA Auto Center (925)757-7274 4. Yes 5. Yes. Warning light lamp is on for the driver side airbag. First appeared around 7/27/2023 Diagnostic Test: Found code B138000 driver front airbag was not responding. Air bag not registering on scan tool. Tested airbag in seat and it had .1ohm. There is a short in Airbag.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact related the failure to an unknown Hyundai Extended Warranty that had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to approximately 35 MPH and gradually accelerated as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on another occasion. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on the third occurrence, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff after pulling into a parking lot. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Power train, Structure, Aug 23, 2023
The paint on the vehicle is peeling. It started on the roof and has progressed to the hood, frond fenders, and trunk. Because I am not the first owner, Hyundai will not not cover repairs. On 23 Aug 2023 I also had to replace the transmission at 115,416 miles. Again, Hyundai refused to cover any repairs.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
Motor is bad per dealership but will not cover it due to car having a branded title
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
Car stalling at excerallation. Check Engine light on. Insurance companies indicated denying coverage because there are recalls with engine. My rate went up.
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
Oil consumption and connecting rod bearings. Engine needs replaced
Engine, Aug 13, 2023
Timing chain failure at 150k. Unknown cause prior to failure at around 135k miles. Only intermittent vibration or mild vibration while accelerating (pass. Side) Sudden loss of power going into limp mode with check engine light flashing.