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.
Engine, Mar 10, 2023
Oil consumption issue. Car was driving funny and oil light blinked and then stopped. Checked the oil immediately and it was empty. Changed the oil and it was low within less than 100 miles. Could have blown up if I hadn’t noticed the light blink once and car acting funny. No warning and using way too much oil.
Engine, Mar 2, 2023
Check engine light came on, difficulty accelerating from a dead stop or going up an incline. I had it at to 2 different locations to be placed on a computer, code P0010 for intake (A) camshaft position actuator circuit. I had that replaced only to drive the car for a week and a half for the check engine light to come back on when accelerating up an incline and have the car almost come to a stop. New code, P0302 misfire #2 cylinder. All four spark plugs were replaced, a compression test was performed to confirm low compression on cylinder #2. Car is drivable, however check engine light will continue to come on because of the low compression but was told to baby the car as the engine should probably be replaced sooner than later and I don't have thousands of dollars for this fix. And last be not least, excessive oil usage.
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.
Engine, Feb 27, 2023
engine is running out of oil after driving 200 to 300 miles. Dealer cannt find any oil leakage. I need help with this problem
Engine, Feb 25, 2023
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (sport) with the 2.4 GDI theta II seized on me WHILE DRIVING down the interstate on April 14, 2022, no engine light, no warnings, nothing. It was extremely dangerous & also very scary. The car did this at 135,000 miles. I had my Sonata towed to a Hyundai service center after this happened. They did a diagnosis, confirming it needs an engine replacement due to connecting rod bearing failure. They sent in a Prior Approval request to Hyundai and Hyundai DENIED the engine replacement, due to not having Campaign 953 (knock sensor detection software) completed prior to bearing failure. (EVEN WITH having this sensor update done, it would NOT prevent the motor from failing, just tell you when it happened.) That software update wasn't going to save my engine, it was only designed so Hyundai had a LOOPHOLE to deny as many engine replacements as possible and not process these warranties the right and ethical way. They put a faulty engine in my car and it seized and failed at NO fault of my own. But the fault of Hyundai for allowing these vehicles with bad engines to be sold to innocent people who had no idea these engines were made to fail. Hyundai knew the Theta 2 engines were going to fail and STILL allowed these vehicles to be sold and NOT RECALLED knowing the dangers. That is wrong and unethical. It is crucial that these vehicles be RECALLED. Any engine liable to seize while driving 70+ mph on the interstate warrants a RECALL. They needed to be recalled long ago, but instead Hyundai created a loophole by issuing Campaign 953 (knock sensor detection software). It never fixed these dangerous, faulty engines. It's only put more people at risk by not issuing a RECALL on all THETA 2 engines.
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2023
2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LACK OF SECURITY TRANSPONDER.
Engine, Feb 20, 2023
Burning oil at an alarming rate. No oil leaks. Had oil changed and 3 weeks later checked and it had about 2 quarts in it.
Engine, Feb 20, 2023
While driving home on my way from work, the car started to stall on the highway and slow down. A knocking sound began to come from under the hood and would speed up when I stepped on the gas. From the sound of it, it seemed like the engine was malfunctioning and yes it is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if the car was to stop in the middle of the highway, not only am I at risk of being in an accident but other people as well as we are all driving at high speeds. This problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer but when I took it to a mechanic, I was told that it was a rod that's what's causing this, and though there are no recalls on this specific model (2016 Sonata Limited) there are other recalls on the hybrid model for a rod in the engine wearing out prematurely which is very similar to what is happening with my car. A check engine light turned on a few minutes prior to the incident but then turned off.
Engine, Feb 18, 2023
Pulled in driveway and putted out and wouldn't start. It is an internal engine issue. Possibly a rod issue
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated four days after purchasing the vehicle, he needed to add oil to the engine. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil consumption test performed. The contact stated after 1,000 miles the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that oil needed to be added to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,156.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was constantly topping off the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,156. The VIN was unavailable.
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 15, 2023
The trunk panel latch in this vehicle has failed due to a broken trunk latch pawl. The trunk will not open even when pushing the emergency trunk release latch inside the trunk. This failure presents the risk of injury to an occupant locked inside the trunk. As such, the involved vehicle might not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no 401, "interior trunk release." A recall (Campaign 208) has already been placed on the 2016- 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids due to this issue, but this particular VIN number is not covered under that recall. I have contacted Hyundai about this issue, and they will not repair or address this problem stating that although the model has had a recall issued, this particular VIN is not covered. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2023
I’ve had this vehicle for exactly 6 months. First incident where I thought the company I bought it from lied to me because they said they topped off my oil. In reality it guzzles oil excessively, I paid $600 to get it cleaned out & add oil. 2nd incident my car shut off at a McDonald’s drive through, no indication of warning of shutting off until 30 seconds before all error codes on dash. 3rd incident as of 02/07/23 car completely out of oil when I had an oil change a month & a half ago. Had someone come & bring me oil & it seemed to get me a mile away to school, did my school stuff & then tried to get home (30 miles away). When trying to get home my car wouldn’t exceed 60mph and when I got to 62mph it was decreasing speed. After a few moments after noticing that, all error codes on dash came on and I thankfully was able to pull over on the freeway without being hit by anyone. My car completely shut down, called a tow truck, while I waited 3 hours for assistance. I was then notified(by the first shop I took it to) the next day that my motor is BAD & I’m lucky that I was able to pull off to the side of the road when I did. A week prior to the 3rd incident random chunks of painting ripped off my vehicle(on the top of my trunk, above the passenger door & on the back side of the passenger door). I had my vehicle towed a second time to the Hyundai dealership themselves and the towing company asked the color of vehicle/make and model and instantly said oh is it your motor? I was weirded out because I was wondering how he knew. He mentioned to me that he has towed 25 Hyundais in the last 9 months. I said well you’re on a role, you can now make it 26. I was also never notified of any recalls on this vehicle until 2 days after the 3rd incident I did my own research and called Hyundai dealership myself & that’s when I was made aware of a recall. Insurance also states that this isn’t something I can claim? & I’m currently waiting to hear back from the dealership themselves.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Engine, Feb 8, 2023
My car idles very rough at times, and sometimes when idling, it dies out. At times it is difficult to even start as if it's not getting the electrical signal to the engine. Hyundai replaced the fuel pump, but that did not fix the problem, but cost $1,200. No warning messages. Two other automotive companies also did a diagnostic tests, but couldn't find the problem as it seems it has to be tested WHEN IT IS ACTING UP. It died on me far from home a week ago, but eventually restarted. I'm afraid to drive it especially at night as it died when idling at a light and almost didn't restart.
Engine, Feb 5, 2023
While driving the vehicle within the city the engine turned off in the middle of the intersection causing near miss in the middle of the intersection as other vehicle were trying to pass me because my vehicle stalled. After having to towed the vehicle it was found that the engine has seized which is why the vehicle stopped.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
While driving on the highway my vehicle started making a very loud ticking noise and all of a suddenly my car stopped working. Due to being on the highway everybody was going high speeds which almost caused a serious accident. There were cars swerving everywhere. I truly thought I was going to be involved in a high-speed accident which would most likely cost me my life. The check engine light came on and smoke was coming out and the dash started throwing errors. One of the drivers came to my car and started yelling to get out because these cars have been catching on fire. I had to call a tow truck to tow my car over an hour back home which cost me quite a bit of money. After I got home I researched my vehicle and placed to VIN to find out there were 3 safety recalls, one that could cost my family their lives and I was never ever notified. When I called the customer care they didnt even have my information and had to input it all to create a case. They also could not give me a reason as to why I was not notified. They then made an appointment with the Hyundai nearest to me which by the way is an hour and twenty minutes. After disconnecting the call I received an email from that dealership stating my appointment was canceled. I called the dealership to figure out what was going on I've spoken to two different people before finally speaking with the manager of the department. Finally when I spoke with the manager he tried to inform me that my car was not under the recall and that they wouldnt be fixing my car. They also tried to tell me that customer service placed the wrong appointment that they put it in for an oil change when clearly the email stated three recalls and one being my engine needed to be replaced. I was informed that the earliest that they could Even put their eyes on my vehicle would be the end of March and if I wanted to pay out of pocket for the engine it wouldn't be completed until the end of June. One person after another has lied to me.
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).
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed by AAA. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with a rebuilt engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2023
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I’m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it’s not leaking because I’ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.
Structure, Engine, Jan 23, 2023
Engine burns off oil at an excessive rate. I was told there is a recall on the engine for my vehicle. Also, the transmission is acting up. I have a white pearl sonata and the paint has peeled off the roof and part of the hood. There is a recall on that as well, as I was told.
Engine, Jan 21, 2023
On April 12, 2022. I was driving with my grandson. I heard some loud engine noise in which I thought was coming from an old red truck next to me. I continued driving and continued to hear the noise after I was away from the truck. I realized the noise was coming from my vehicle (2016 Hyundai Sonata). The interior lights started flashing ( oil light, engine and battery lights) and the car started losing power. I was able to pull over to the right lane by the curb. The engine shutdown and wouldn't start back up. The car was towed to Jeff Wyler Superior Hyundai, 238 W. Mitchell Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45232. My vehicle is still there. In January of 2022 I had my car at the dealership for losing power. They repaired it, saying it was the cylinders and then in April 2022 the whole engine shuts completely down.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
I have a 2016 Sonata with 81,000 miles, I was driving the car when I started hearing knocking noise under the hood and Suddenly the car cut off and wouldn’t start. No dash board lights came on. Prior to car shutdown. My safety was put at risk because the car cut off near the highway and I had to push the car to a safe location. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced at $8,500.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
I was driving the vehicle, it started making a weird noise, the console lights started flashing and then the engine shutdown and wouldn't start back up.
Steering, Jan 15, 2023
I want to report a safety concern to the NHTSA in regards to the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. In 2019, I took my Sonata in for repair work because the steering wheel locked up while I was driving the vehicle on the city streets. I was able to get over to the side of the road with a great amount of effort, turn the car off, turn the car back on, and the steering wheel was working again. Towards Oct/Nov time frame of 2019, my 20 year old son was driving the Sonata on a city street. He had the steering wheel lock up on him while he was driving. He, too, was able to manage to come to a stop and force the steering wheel, with a great amount of effort, to pull over into a parking lot. We were able to acquire control of the steering wheel again after turning the car off and turning it back on again. While my son was driving the car, in college, he had the same thing happen again. He was able to get it corrected and immediately get it to a Hyundai dealership where he was going to college. While the auto technician was driving the car, he too experienced the same problem. The technician was able to guide the car to a slow stop and eventually get it back to the dealership. I have all the paperwork stating this. Eventually the dealership was able to narrow down the problem to about 2-3 steering wheel angle sensors. Those were replaced, fortunately under warranty, and we were able to move on. The car was repaired in December of 2019. Just this week, on January 10th and 11th of 2023, I was driving the Sonata to and from work. On my way home from the hospital that I work at, the steering wheel locked up on me again while I was on an overpass in the city. I was able to manage getting the car home, but it took all my effort to be able to control/manipulate the steering wheel in to turning motions. I am a 6'5" / 226# man and it was extremely difficult for me to control the car and the steering wheel. This problem should not be recurring after 3 yrs from previous repair.
Engine, Jan 13, 2023
Purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata on 7/2/22. At the time, it had approximately 119,000 miles on it. About a month later, the car overheated. Thankfully, husband is a mechanic. Since the initial overheating, we had been diligently adding coolant every few days. However, as of last month, the overheating had gotten so bad, we took it to an independent mechanic who quoted us about $8,500.00 for repairs, including installing a new engine.