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.
Power train, Engine, Jun 18, 2023
We have a Hyundai sonata that has been burning oil since 56,000 miles and has failed 5 oil consumption tests.the car is unsafe to drive. It stalls on highway and around town. It just stops running and leaves us stranded. The car now burns 4 quarts of oil every 1,000. We have to put oil in the car every week. The plugs fowl about every 4,000. . Car goes into stall or safe mode. We are afraid to drive the car and it's our only form of transportation. Hyundai just laughed at us. We have all maintenance records and still they won't fix the vehicle. We need help. The care is unsafe to drive because it stalls in traffic and we have almost been hit in the rear many times. This company made bad and defective motors yet our government refuses to protect us.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
Engine is consuming oil at a rate of approximately 1 quart every 300 miles. Odometer reads 108,000 miles (approx). Vehicle was put into 'limp mode' while traveling due to severe oil loss. Upon arriving at repair facility, engine was found to be down 3.8 quarts despite having had an oil change 2 months earlier (1000 miles). No leaks have been detected in system. Frequent checks of oil level is necessary, to avoid damaging engine or risking return to limp mode. Have been told this is a common problem with these engines.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
My car year make and.model are under recal..hyundainsays my vin is not..engine failed needs replaxement .hyundai say i am not qualifies..have all records of taking vehicle with extended wareanty to reppace tye engine rod..now they say i need an engine after them having refused the repair..now they say something else caused the engine to fail..i said well had you repqired and nhinored my request to repair the engine rod i woupd be in a better position to analyze
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.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
Engine lost 4 quarts of oil in a little over 2000 miles after service (2nd event). Engine oil caution light came on with 1 quart of oil left in the engine. Oil dip stick is tarnish brown, evidence of an over heated engine. This car only has 63000 miles on it and I believe it's a danger to drive on any highway. I've visited the dealership which has serviced this car since purchase and they suggest an oil consumption test be performed, which I find unnecessary and to add, the cost of the test could be charge to the customer. I have read of the deadly fires and crashes due to these engines failures due to oil consumptions problems. Recall them all now! There is no room for profit over safety in this situation!!!
Engine, Jun 9, 2023
While on the interstate highway, there was a loss of motor power, the engine light started flashing, and the car's speed dropped from 70 mph and then would not go above 60 mph. The car would then have trouble shifting gears and getting back up to speed when slowed down, and the entire car would "kick" when it did shift gears. We took the car to a mechanic, who confirmed that the oil was low when it shouldn't have been, and they suspected something wrong with the oil pan (possible leak) and that exacerbated the issues with the engine. Mechanic told me that a replacement would be a required. The car has not yet been inspected by anyone else. The only prior indication that there may have been a problem was that I had to get my oil changed more often than I thought was normal, but my car gave no other warnings, and the engine light only came on when the serious complication arose while on the interstate.
Engine, Jun 6, 2023
My hyndaui has been consuming excess oil.
Air bags, Jun 6, 2023, crash
I was in a near head on collision that knocked me out of my lane and knocked me around my car (I was wearing the seatbelt) and the point of impact was on my driver side near my impact sensor and the damage continued to the other side of my vehicle including a crack in the filter in front of my radiator
Engine, Jun 4, 2023
Engine suddenly lost power while driving and had to pull over. Pretty much all engine lights were illuminated. Was told the engine seized and is defective. Vehicle also had a history of burning an excessive amount of oil requiring a quart every few weeks.
Steering, Jun 3, 2023
My experience happened twice and is very much as described in NHTSA ID Number: 10985645. To quote that individual "WHILE DRIVING I NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK SLIGHTLY SO THAT YOU HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SLIGHTLY THEN IT RESUMES STEERING PROPERLY FOR FEW SECONDS THEN IT STICKS AGAIN. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT DOES IT MAKES ME THINK THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS GETTING READY TO LOCK UP. I NOTICE THIS MOSTLY ON HIGHWAYS AND IT REALLY WEARS YOU OUT TRYING TO DRIVE AND WORRYING THAT THE STEERING MIGHT LOCK UP." Just 2 weeks ago my wife experienced the steering making a very noticeable clicking sound. It happened on her way home from work but, it has not happened again. I took it to my local dealership and described the problems but they were unable to duplicate them so no work was performed. 1)What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering. Yes. 2)How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I think that the inability to easily steer at highway speeds clearly presents multiple safety concerns. 3)Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. 4)Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. My local dealership. 5)Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? We did not notice anything on the dashboard. I was heavily focused on keeping the car in my lane. She heard clicking but I heard nothing unusual.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 2, 2023
Upon entering the roadway, both of my brake taillights went out on my vehicle. The left, driver side bulb had been replaced within the last year, however, both brake lights stopped working at the same time. This happened in front of an officer who then pulled me over.
Engine, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, May 29, 2023
My cvvt is bad, the car is only 7 years old and has had on time oil changes. I bought the car from the dealership not even 2 years ago, on september 3, 2021. The cvvt is bad already. I do not speed, and I take good care of the car. There is no reason this part should have gone bad on so many cars this far. Please recall this item as it has gone bad on multiple vehicles, as well as my car constantly smells like it’s burning due to this issue.
Engine, May 29, 2023
Major oil consumption every ~1k miles. Every oil change result in a 1 quart or less of oil when voiding oil tank. No leaks under car, no oil on car port???
Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2023
Hybrid system failure, car stopped in the middle of traffic
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact discovered that the engine was consuming and excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she frequently checked and added oil whenever the oil level was low. The dealer was notified, and the contact was informed that an oil change was needed. After the oil change, the contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer every 1,000 miles to check the oil level to determine if the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 63,300.
Engine, May 25, 2023
Vehicle stalled while leaving a driveway. Later the oil light came on but didn’t stay on while backing out. Upon checking the oil level it was below the low dipstick line. It took 3.5 quarts of oil to get it back to within proper dipstick range. No oil burning out exhaust and no oil leaking under the 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
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 22, 2023
Motor burns oil knocks and is loosing power while driving. Constantly having to add oil between oil changes. When trying to accelerate car starts to sputter on highway. Can't get power to engine and bad rattle sounds
Engine, May 21, 2023
Car has less than 67,000 miles on it. Routine oil changes using 5W/20 Valvoline full synthetic oil. Approximately a year ago at less than 60,000 miles there was a noticeable difference in performance...especially when accelerating. Tried couple tanks of premium unleaded, but that did not help. I noticed significant oil usage...but no oil leaks. Within 1,000 miles of an oil change, I was having to add more oil. The oil usage is getting worse...now having to add a quart about every 600 miles. I have enjoyed this car very much, but I'm deeply concerned about the amount of oil it is using. I am the second owner so there's no warranty. After researching the issue, I see that many people are experiencing this exact same issue with their Hyundai. If Hyundai Motor Company wants to remain a viable company, they need to do the right thing and recall all these cars to be repaired.
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.
Engine, May 11, 2023
I have owned my sonata since I bought it in 2016, brand new. Started having issues with having to get more frequent oil changes in 2021, of course after my warranty out. It ‘s supposed to make 5,000 m between changes for synthetic/hm oil, but when it first started the car would be not wanting to run right, jumping, engine seemed to be running rougher, which would happen right around or close to the 3,000mark. From there it got worse and worse. Oil changes started becoming needed at 2,000 or less miles between, so many mechanics say that Hyundai are the worst for burning excessive oil. Fast forward to 2022, even with the oil changes in every 2,000 miles or so, we started having to literally ADD extra oil to the engine between changes, to the point where we would worry and check it about halfway through the 2,000 miles and sure enough very low or barely any oil even in the car??? So we would add about 2-3 quarts, get it back to the right amount. Then at times right before oil change adding 1-2 more quarts. The car would start not running as well every time it deemed it necessary for an oil change, which was way too early AND after adding up to 5 quarts , just did what we had to do bc we kept being told, Hyundai’s are just bad for Burning excessive oil!! Throughout all this, not once did a check engine light, problem indicator light come on to say anything was wrong mind you. Here comes August 2023, oil had been changed yet again and it wasn’t time for even an early change at like 2,000 miles, 1-2 quarts of oil had already been added mind you.. We were driving two of our children home and the car just started bucking, jerking, shaking violently, smoke coming out everywhere, car completely quit operating, had to be towed, has not been driven since. Engine failure needing prob replace, oil level right after incident—surprise barely any oil! 135,000 on it/destroyed bc of excessive oil burn/engine issues, not paid off, missed work, forced to buy new car asap, unacceptable
Engine, May 10, 2023
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata has an oil consumption problem it is using 1 qt of oil for every 532 miles which is causing it to lose power and stall out. The first time it happened I was driving on the highway through a tunnel which put myself in danger of being struck by other vehicles traveling at high speeds I had my car towed to the dealership where they told me it was because my starter had a dead spot in it and then on further investigation they said my car had no oil in it even though I had had my oil changed recently and per manufacturer specs I am supposed to go 5000 miles between oil changes I had to get my timing chain replaced which cost me $3000 dollars and start an oil consumption test after I completed that I was told to have combustion cleaning done because that would fix the problem and then entered into another oil consumption test and my car is still using 1 qt of oil every 532 miles it still loses power while driving and acts like it wants to stall out the dealership advised me I need a full engine replacement and Hyundai has denied the claim twice I’m concerned for my safety while driving because of the issues with the engine
Engine, May 10, 2023
Engine burning too much oil, about 1/2 quart per month. Dealership said that there was a recall for the engine to be replaced but I must wait until my engine dies. I understand that we may be stranded if we take a long trip. Being the 2nd owner of this car, we never received the letter/notice of the recall. My husband is trying to talk to the Hyundai customer service rep in California to try to get permission to have the engine replaced sooner so that we can stop the over-burning of oil and not be stranded on the road. So far the rep is 5 days past due in calling us back. Can you help us? The car is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lights indicating a problem only the soot accumlating in the tail pipe. Mu husband also observed blue smoke coming from the tail pipe when I was driving the car and he was following me in his car.
Engine, May 10, 2023
Brought car at 49k…notices Car started burning oil around 80k.. I went to dealership where I brought the car from and they did a oil consumption.. I was told I passed it around 88k… oil getting worse was told it was my oil pan…120k car started jerking and hesitating on interstate while I was going 70 mph tune up cylinder 3 coil.. changed it… no oil pan leak… 130k jerking and hesitating again while getting off interstate.. same code this time I need a new motor