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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 30, 2022
Had previous issue with HEV warning light and took to dealer. But While driving down the road last night, the HEV light on the dash comes on and beeps, the car sputters then the brakes slam on and the car immediately shut off in the travel lane. Turn car back on put into drive and same thing happens. Vehicle was towed to Dealer.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and the contact was informed that there was a leak in the scored piston cylinder walls and that the part needed to be replaced. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was released, the vehicle sped up, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated the failure occurred after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a software recall update. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where another update was completed. The contact stated that 4 days later the failure recurred as the accelerated pedal was released, the vehicle accelerated however when she attempted to depress the brake pedal and the vehicle sped up. The contact stated that she rear-ended another vehicle and stated that the driver-side air bag was deployed. The contact stated that medical attention was required for being hit in the chest by the air bag. The contact stated she was unaware if the occupants of the other vehicles needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however a failure cause was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Suspension, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Sep 16, 2022
Head lights. Not working. It's not the bulb or fuse. This is a safety issue. It looks like it's an issue with most make, model and year. My family's safety was put a risk drive when the lights when out. No to Q 3 No to Q 4 No warning intel i could see the road anymore then warning lights came. For the suspension the tire shop says there's an issue with suspension due to manufact Airbag Sensor warning light. Right side window doesn't go down also. If you get your hand in the window it doesn't go back down for safety
Engine, Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that he noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the lack of proper maintenance. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2022
Recently purchased vehicle. Did not test drive at night or we never would have purchased. While driving at night, the low beams cast a black, unlit area in front of the vehicle. It's so bad that anyone crossing the street in front of vehicle would not be seen. It is incredibly dangerous, yet the dealer says the lights are set to manufacturers specifications. This is a serious safety issue. It has already caused us quite a few close calls with people and items in the roadway. Please help, as we cannot afford to trade it in, and although the dealer admits its a serious safety problem, there's nothing they can do.
Steering, Sep 7, 2022
The power assisted steering fails repeatedly. The electric assist power steering stops working will car this 2016 Sonata is in motion. Stops providing steering assist after a few miles of driving. Sonata reverts to manual steering which is very difficult compared to power assisted. Once vehicle is puller over to side of road, then stopped, the issue of "failed power steering" goes away by shutting of the engine and electrical system, wait 30 seconds then re-start the Sonata. This is very aggravating, especially in heavy traffic. Just out right dangerous. Sould be a recall to correct this issue. Happened on Aug. 25, 26, 31; Sept. 3, 6 & 7.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2022
The horn on my car is so quiet, most times I use it nobody hears it, including myself. It's very dangerous for emergency situations where I need to use a horn.
Engine, Aug 26, 2022
Driving down the road so if a sudden it felt like something fell out from under the car and it sputtered a bit then lost all . When I tried to start it a few minutes late all comes on except engine
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
The sunroof assembly incorporates a wind deflector to help reduce wind noise in the passenger compartment when the sunroof is open. If the wind deflector becomes partially detached from its mounting bracket while the sunroof is open, the deflector can interfere with the closing of the moveable sunroof panel. In some cases this interference can result in the sunroof panel detaching from its mounting tabs. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RCMN-16V726-5975.pdf The 'fix' does not last. I bought my 2016 Hyundai in Nov 2018. The dealer who fixed my detached sunroof wind deflector told me there was no open recall on the car. Now I know why: 'As required by federal law, dealers must not deliver new vehicles for sale or for lease to customers until all open recalls have been performed. Dealers must also perform all open recalls on used vehicles, demo and rental vehicles prior to placing them into customer use and whenever an affected vehicle is in the shop for any maintenance or repair.' It's now evident that the deflector was fixed at least once before i took ownership. I fixed the deflector in 2020 after it separated while i was driving. I was able to close the sunroof but I was ignorant of the greater danger, the glass sunroof panel flying off the car. As described in the first paragraph these is a serious issue. the 'fix' provided by Hyundai does not last. It's an insidious issue waiting to impact new owners like me who are unaware of the danger. Hyundai must provide a permanent fix for this issue. The defellector detached for the third time in August 2022. Hunter Hyundai in Fletcher NC won't fix it under their repair warranty (only one year from their fix in May 2020) and wants $350. In my first complaint I wanted Hyundai to reimburse me. The issue is larger than this because detachment of sunroof is chronic and remains a ticking time bomb in the car's roof. Hyundai must provide a permanent solution that doesn't rely on glue to hold a part under spring tension.
Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2022
2016 Sonata panoramic sunroof wind defector. The wind deflector separated in 2020 and was repaired under warranty by Hunter Hyundai in Fletcher North Carolina. This issue is a design and manufacturing issue. The wind deflector is under spring tension when the sunroof is open and is attached to the body with glue at three points: center, left and right. Because I was skeptical that the fix would work I hesitated to open the panoramic sunroof which was a $1,000 option. With the sunroof open and the wind deflector popped up if it detaches it's difficult or impossible to close the sunroof. This is way it's a safety issue. the sunroof can be opened during driving and once open attempts to close while driving may lead to single or multiple car collision. In my case I opened the sunroof in the garage to see if the deflector was still attached. It separated at the center and passenger side. i was able to close the sunroof but had to hold down the deflector while closing the sunroof. risky business. the hyundai dealer would not fix the defect under the original repair warranty as it was done in May 2020. The recall (152) in 2016 was closed. The cost to repair is $355 and it may happen again. This is a design and manufacturing defect that should be repaired free of charge. I called Hyundai customer service and have a case number: 202112366.
Engine, Aug 22, 2022
I was driving and then my car jerk every time I tried to go pass 20mph so I took it to the auto zone to get it checked and they hooked a machine that read code p1326 so I took it in to get checked and the mechanic replaced a knock sensor spark plugs and coil pack and for some reason the vehicle still is misfiring on spark plug number 3 it’s getting no fire I’ve bought a new fuel injector that’s still new in the box but now the vehicle is reading code p0193 which is the fuel rail pressure sensor and was told it could possibly be the engine and I’ve been online and see there has been a lot of problems with Hyundai and knock sensors
Engine, Aug 19, 2022
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic that was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was also diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and the contact was provided a rental vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Aug 18, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine Failure due to the rod bearing recall How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Could of caused an accident as the car stopped and I was unable to move it - luckly we were able to pull to the should on the carpool lane. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, we had the tow truck take the vehicle to the dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, Lindon Hyundai Dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, check engine light came on the day before the engine failed. Other - Driving down the interstate 15 freeway and there was a thumping sound coming from the front center of the car (behind the firewall); check engine light came on and we pulled over the car.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2022
In May 2022 after driving approximately 2.5 hours, when I turned off the vehicle and tried to restart, the Hybrid symbol "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM", after waiting approximately 15 minutes to restart and it started. During this trip this happened several more times. I brought it in to a Auto Zone and he could not diagnose because the light was not appearing. The check engine light also was on but just disappeared. Once I returned from my trip, I brought the vehicle into a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis, however, they said since the lights nor the check engine lights were on, they could not diagnosis. In August 2022 I went on another long distance trip, and the same thing happened, after driving for approximately 2.5 hours and stopping, the vehicle would not restart and the same warning light displayed, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM". Again, I waited 15 minutes and the vehicle started, the check engine light remained on for a while and then disappeared. AGAIN, this happened several more times after driving for more than 2.5 hours.
Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2022
Oil Consumption Test Failed, I was originally told if I could prove it was burning oil and not leaking then I would receive a new engine. New engine rejected saying Hyundai no longer warranty engines for that reason. Was told that when motor seized to have it reevaluated for bearing or rod failure. No way to determine bearing or rod was cause of oil consumption without tearing the motor apart. Knocking noise from engine and experienced Engine Failure, resulted in being stranded in middle of highway with my kids 1 yr after oil consumption test. Hyundai rejecting engine replacement due to low compression from cylinders. Not willing to honor their warranty after an obvious lemon of a motor.
Engine, Aug 17, 2022
My 2016 Hyundai sonata is burning a lot of oil. I have to constantly put more oil in it. I went to the dealership and they said there is an engine recall to replace the engine but I have to wait until it fails. I don't want to be on the road and my engine seize up and an accident to happen. They said they can't do anything until something happens. That sounds extremely dangerous
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2022
I assuming it’s my knock sensor and hopefully the harness or anything doesn’t have to be replaced but my car went go pass 60mph and when I first get up to 16-20mph it jerks then gains a bit of power and also my check engine light came on
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2022
Somehow, either by design or manufacturing defect, a part in the headlamp assembly melts and causes a gap in the illumination of the lights while driving. Technicians have said that this is a progressive issue, rather than some sudden onset, and multiple people have said they've never experienced this before but are having this issue with the Hyundai Sonata.
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
The 2016 hyundai sonata keeps losing oil within about 500-800 miles after changing the oil the dipstick shows that the oil needs filled. I have never had to refill the oil so quick after changing on any car I have had. I ended up adding an additive to seal whatever leak or malfunction that the sonata has. I have looked it up and my car does not seam to be the only one with this issue. I never know when its gonna be too low and hurt my engine.
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2022
The vehicle is highly susceptible to theft. There are multiple articles and videos on how my vehicle and many others made Hyundai and Kia can be stolen in minutes with just a USB drive. This needs to be investigated and fixed immediately.
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
I tried numerous times last year to get my car into the Beaverton Hyundai dealership to address the engine recall each time the service date they would call and cancel due to lack of proper equipment to diagnose. July 19th the vehicle was at the Nampa Hyundai dealership service department for the open recalls. I informed the service department of the loss of power I was experiencing and that no warning lights had come on. Upon completion they stated the engine passed and the smartbox was replaced and car passed the 32 point inspection. On July 22nd the car suffered complete engine failure and had to be towed to the dealership on July 23rd the car was then transferred to the Boise dealership on the 28th on the 29th I was informed they couldn’t diagnose in Nampa that’s why Boise was going to try. On Monday August 1st the service department notified me that there was not enough amps in the battery to diagnose and wants me to pay $275.00 plus tax for a new battery to diagnose. I have been stranded over 400 miles from my home for one because of engine failure they never offered a loaner they have had the car for over a week with no answers! The car suffered complete engine failure on July 22nd so why are they asking me to pay for a new battery on August 1st to diagnose? I truly feel they are avoiding replacing the engine and trying to charge me for something I never had an issue with until the engine failure. I am out a lot of time and money over this issue and I’m disabled this has completely devastated my well being as well as my health due to being 400 miles away from home and needing additional medical care. I want Hyundai to be held accountable for the recall repairs and provide temporary transportation while it’s being addressed.
Engine, Jul 24, 2022
The knock sensor detection system is messing up
Visibility, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the moon roof detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the moon roof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The failure mileage was 80,142.
Engine, Jul 19, 2022
On Thursday June 30th my 2016 Hyundai Sonata started jerking and stopped on me. The check engine light or any of the warning lights did not come on to warn me of any issues on any of the previous days. Since i was at Wal Mart I was able to get it pushed into the service center. The service techs there said that there was no oil in the car and only sludge came out. They changed the oil and I was able to get the car home. The car shook violently as I drove it but I was still able to get it home. Once I was home I lifted the hood to check the engine and noticed the engine covered in oil.I immediately called the dealership and they asked me to call Hyundai Consumer Affairs as oil consumption was a known issue with the Hyundai Sonata. The consumer affairs agent gave me a case number. I had the car towed to Vandegriff Hyundai in Arlington, TX on that same day and waited for a phone call. On 7/18/2022 I was contacted by Hyundai Consumer Affairs and told that the car has two issues. The first issue was that the car was misfiring and the second issue is that the car was burning oil. They told me that I would have to pay out of pocket for new spark plugs and a new coil and that the issue with the car misfiring would be fixed after that. They also told me that I would still have the issue with the car consuming oil and that I would have to pay out of pocket to get the carburetor flushed and cleaned. They also stated that it was not a guarantee that whole motor would be an issue after that. This is a safety issue because the car could have stopped in an unsafe area, on a train track or in heavy traffic where other cars could have slammed into my car as there was no warning or check engine light that told me that the motor would stop abruptly like it did that day.