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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the trunk latch had failed to open. The contact attempted to use the key fob and the key to unlock the trunk however, the latch failed to release. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the trunk latch and key entry needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The engine seized in 2022 and was repaired in 2023 ( dealership had it for almost a year). In 2023 it is now burning 2-3 quarts of oil every (2) weeks
Service brakes, Aug 2, 2023
While driving on the highway, there was a sudden beep sound followed by the ABS light, the brake lights turning on, and the traction control light turning on. The vehicle keeps moving and the breaks are not working, and the brake pedal is too tight to press. To avoid a collision on the highway, I used the emergency brake to stop the vehicle If I turn off the engine and then turn it back on, I can drive, but again the same problem begins, and we must use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. A local Hyundai dealer has been notified about this issue, but it has been 3 days since they have not been able to resolve it
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously stolen, and she related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 993. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 45 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated while driving into the driveway and coming into a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she quickly depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle hit the barbecue grill, and the barbecue grill struck the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at the ATM, and the vehicle nearly crashed into another vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and engaging the turn signal, the turn signal unintendedly activated in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that unknown repairs needed to be completed on the vehicle. The mechanic referred her to the dealer for the repairs. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back by the auto finance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Engine, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed to work, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the oil and discovered that the oil level was low despite a recent oil change. The contact called her husband who took the vehicle to dealer, and it was confirmed that the low oil level was low; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer added oil; however, the failure returned several days later. The vehicle was taken back to dealer who determined that an oil consumption test was needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023, fire
Engine began smoking while driving without warning. Driver looked at gauges, saw that everything looked normal, then pulled over and exited vehicle. Shortly thereafter (within 15 minutes,) front end of vehicle burned and melted. Vehicle is currently in possession of insurance company for inspection. Car had overheated 2 years before this incident. New thermostat had been installed at that time. Car burned through oil regularly. Driver refilled when filling gas tank. Car was up to date on oil changes.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
I was driving with my child on the highway when the car started to lose power, it felt like something was pulling us the opposite direction. The car began to shake and buck when the check engine light started flashing. The car started to make load terrible noise. I needed to get off the highway it was very dangerous as the speed on the highway is 55mph and I was driving 40 mph when this happened the car would drop in speed. No warning lights went on before this happened, I managed to make it to the local mechanic and he ran diagnostics. It said engine failure, had to tow the car to dealer.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2023
Paint delaminating from the roof of my vehicle. Can cause rust and possibly rust through.
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2023
The headlight setting changes on its own, it will change when using the blinker or it'll just change on its own. By change I mean the headlights turn off. Even if it's set to auto, they still go completely off. My bulbs don't need to be replaced. It's been happening for a few months now. I can't recall a specific date
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was towed and remained at the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,877.
Engine, Jul 17, 2023
Engine light came on then battery discharge light and battery light. Engine died while on highway and we had to get the car safely to the side. Nothing gave us a warning this would happen. No noises, light or anything. Took it to mechanic and he said engine seized up
Engine, Jul 8, 2023
Hello, I am writing in reference to my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that was taken to McDonough, Ga Hyundai on March 29-31st for recalls. We purchased the used vehicle in November 2022 with a 3 month warranty. We took the perfectly running car to the dealership to get 2 recalls done and was expecting to receive our car back in the condition that was given to them with the upgrades the following day. However, the next morning we received a call stating that when they took the car out to test it out knocking sounds were heard. The service man stated that the noise was probably the engine getting ready to blow. This was a completely surprise because first, when we took the car in there was no evidence of a blown engine. Next, what do you mean about to blow? These were the direct questions I asked. He informed us that there was a class action suit in reference to these engines and ours would fall into that. He stated to leave our car there because it happened there. We later received a call stating that they needed to file a claim with the Main office and get back with us. We were were provided 2 loaners after 3 weeks of waiting. However, we get a call today stating our car is ready for pick up. Once we get there we were informed that they have been waiting to hear back something and no response from cooperate. We were told the car is drivable and the knocking sound is faint. We were also advised to drive it and let the engine blow and then bring it back. Within 30 minutes the car shuts down without warning and we were stuck on the side if the street. There is several problems with this! One being our safety and safety of others. The next being the dealership knew something was wrong and told us to just leave. Lastly, whatever happened, happened on their watch because they called and told us. Now they are saying the claim was denied because the recall wasn’t done prior. They also put in the system that the recall was done June 30, not March 30
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the valve cover was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the brake booster needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to leak oil. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer for regular maintenance and was informed that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The contact was informed that the camshaft and electrical continuously variable valve timing actuator seal plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the trunk latch failed to latch properly and had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latch/Locks/Linkages) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Jul 6, 2023
1. The component or system that failed or malfunctioned is suspected to be related to oil consumption or engine failure, as indicated by the burning of 1 quarts of oil within 400 miles driven, premature burning of spark plugs (The spark plugs, which were replaced prematurely, can be made available for inspection upon request), stalling of car, not accelerating, and failing twice within a months' time. 2. The safety of both myself, my family and others were compromised due to the potential engine failure caused by the oil consumption issue. Engine failure poses a significant risk of sudden loss of power while driving, potentially leading to accidents or hazardous situations. 3. The problem was speculated by an independent service center. The dealership has been unresponsive and failed to address the issue adequately. 4. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on Tuesday, 6/27/2023, following its tow to an independent service center on Monday, 6/26/23. During the diagnostic, an engine issue was identified through the appearance of a specific code. The dealership submitted a report to request approval for an oil consumption test, but it was denied due to the vehicle being over the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, which I was previously unaware of. 5.Prior to the failure, there were warning lamps, messages, and other symptoms of the problem. In July 2022, the vehicle started to stall and the check engine light came on. A diagnostic test at Autozone indicated a possible VVT solenoid issue. The car was taken to the dealership on 8/8/2022, where they claimed the car was operating fine. On 5/6/2023, during an oil change, an independent service center checked the stalling issue due to the intermittent check engine light. They mentioned oil consumption but advised me to monitor the situation. However, on 5/22/2023, the car stalled and died in a parking garage, resulting in a delay of 5 hours before I was able to drive it home. Subsequently, on 5/23/2023, I took the car to the
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.
Engine, Jul 4, 2023
My car is under an oil consumption recall that will replace the engine if anything happens. My car continues to use oil and the dealer claims it has nothing to do with the oil consumption. They want to charge me over $1400 to keep replacing different parts of the engine. What can I do? The dealer is Taylor Hyundai on Washington Road in Augusta, GA.
Engine, Jul 2, 2023
The engine has a oil consumption issue. Our vehicle has had oil consumption issue since 55000 miles when the vehicle was still under warranty, the dealer sold me a oil pressure sensor and the vehicle had no oil in it. Which I found out about later. The vehicle is a hazard due to fact that with the oil consumption the engine could lock up while driving and become a hazard in the roadway. After burning over a quart of oil every 1000 miles the dealer explained it is normal consumption per Hyundai guidelines. That is a complete oil change in-between oil changes. After bringing this up to the dealer. they performed a oil consumption test and the vehicle failed. Dealer wanted to charge me $1100 dollars to perform an engine flush and warranty only pays 2 hours for this procedure. They performed the procedure at their cost. Another oil consumption test is performed and it failed as well. The dealer put in for an engine replacement and want me to pay $4000 of the bill for the new engine. Which only has a 12 month or 12000 mile warranty on a new engine. I have done all of the services required for this vehicle the Hyundai has dragged their feet for over a year. I do not feel I should have to pay anything for a known issue with Hyundai. The dealer don't get paid that much for warranty and I feel they are trying to pass the cost onto the customer. When the warning lamp illuminates there is on 2 quarts left in the engine and this engine take 5 quarts to operate.
Engine, Jul 1, 2023
With no prior warning lights, motor in the vehicle started making knocking noise and hesitating, check engine light turned on while driving on the freeway. The vehicle has been inspected by central valley Hyundai in modesto ca and they said cylinder 1 & 3 failed in the piston bearings. In a text from the certified technician he said there was nothing I did to cause it. He said when the bearings fail it causes internal damage to the engine, and that my 2016 engine will need to be replaced with only 109,000 miles. This exact bearing failure is a known issue on many other vehicles from Hyundai.
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to a dealer and the contact was informed that the dealer would be unable to service the vehicle until November 2023. The vehicle was then towed to a Honda Leander (9550 183A, Leander, TX 786410) and was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, Jun 28, 2023
My 2016 Sonata, has 111,500 miles on it and burns excessive oil (4+ quarts every 1500 miles). I have taken it to a local mechanic who has seen this issue with similiar Sonata's. He believes the engine needs to be replaced. I have opened a matter with Hyundai Customer Care (that got me absolutely no where). I have to wait two weeks to get it into my dealership, meanwhile I am afraid to drive it out of safety concerns. I see similiar posts here and see Hyundai doing nothing to take care of its customers.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
The problem appeared on December 2020 in the middle of a Hwy 50 East in Washington DC. It was scary and dangerous. First it showed some malfunction sign on the screen and right way slowed down to 40 then 20 then zero. I push the gas pedal but didn't work. I have no idea what to do. I call Hyundai college park dealership agent explained what happened. She [XXX] told me to tow the car and suggested one of their partners tow truck driver. However when I turn off the car and turned on again it worked. The engine started to run. I begun to drive. After some time I took the car to the dealer and told me the car have safety recall. The repaired it and told me it will be ok. But in reality, it didn't. This happened again and again and again. Till this moment the engine continues to stalled in the middle of HWY . I got no solution from the dealership. When ever I visited they give me different issues that I need to fix. One time they said it is fuel pump and another day they said coolant pipe needs to get fixed. I am so tired of keep going to the dealer services. I put my life and my precious kids life at risk all the time while I am driving this car. It is frustration because I got no one to help me and understand why this issue is persistent. I don't want to end up being injured or got killed by an incident that caused by this problem. How awful it can be if a collision happens in the HWY. Driving this car every day with my kids are frightening and hard to imagine what could happen to us. So I am requesting an investigation on this car with the case number I got from the headquarters. Here is my case number [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 27, 2023
I was driving my father's 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE, which is spinning a bearing. I was able to drive it home safely. I took it to the dealership and I was told it was out of warranty. Why? Because corporate said the Service Campaign 953 wasn't completed. They sent mail out to my father, but he wasn't home most of the time because he's a Truck driver. We don't open mail for him because he never said to. If we did, we could've been arrested for "obstruction of correspondence." Back in 2019 he shortly worked for Uber but returned back to Truck driving. Before the car failed, It was burning oil so fast that I had to buy a new can every two weeks. Now, my dad doesn't want to fix it. So he's risking his credit and my Apartment's towing it today. The car will be missed, but we will not buy another Hyundai Motor Group Vehicle ever again.
Engine, Jun 22, 2023
Engine failure before 100,000 miles