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.
Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. The police pulled the contact over, who informed her the headlights were blown. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the wiring harness was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 82,459. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Feb 13, 2022
Left car parked at airport for 3 days came back car was fine for 2 days. On day 3 car went into limp mode and started knocking at the engine! Took it yo dealership and they said I was loosing oil. It was 2 weeks after a full oil change. They cleared the codes and refilled the oil! Drove 5 miles down the road, same thing! Changed throttle body, new spark plugs. New knock sensor and drove for 3 days after that and same issue came back!
Exterior lighting, Feb 13, 2022
The vehicle continually melts fuses for the interior lighting. Dealer said that they can not find any issues. This can potentially turn into an electrical fire. This has happened multiple times.
Power train, Feb 12, 2022
On Tuesday February 1st 2022, I was driving home from work on the interstate doing 70mph when my engine shut off. There was no warning lights ...nothing. By the grace of God I was able to pull over on the right shoulder without getting in an accident. That was TOTALLY unacceptable! Scared me to death! Come to find out the the engine blew! I babied this car which only had 104,000 miles. Hyundai knows about this problem and have done nothing to help compensate the owners of these . I have five kids and it is going to cost me 6,000 dollars for another engine. That cost includes labor as well. If you ever wanted to fight for the little guy, now is the time! Thank you in advance!
Power train, Engine, Feb 10, 2022
Oil light came on when vehicle was almost out of oil. Engine could have seized Dealer says it is out of warranty because I am 2nd owner. 100,000 power train warrenty defaults to 60,000 for 2nd owner. Problem occurred just under 70,000. Warning oil light came on for the first time ever at 69,000 miles. Came on again after getting an oil change at 3,000 miles. Took 3 quarts to fill back to full. Engine now burns oil and must be refilled with nearly 2 quarts every 1000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2022
The hybrid system shuts down while operating, gives warning "Check Hybrid System, Turn off Engine" This has happened twice. Both times the dealership cleared the codes and can't duplicate the issue at their facility. One time this happened while traveling approx 70mph causing the car to immediately decelerate which is a potential safety issue.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The contact stated months later, the driver’s and passenger’s headlight fault warning lights were illuminated. The contact called local dealers; Freeman Hyundai (1800 Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062: (972) 438-2121), AutoNation Hyundai North Richland Hills (7724 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180: (817) 953-6549) and Van Hyundai (1301 S Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75006: (972) 437-8334) and was informed that the earliest available appointment would be in 8 weeks. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil, and there was a smoke odor detected. The check engine, oil, and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and will be towed back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would call back. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2022, crash
The report is wrong i never hit the suv from the back aldo both hits on vehicles or on my driver's side and his rare back passenger side. I never did my report since i was in the ambulance the hole time and nver said my part of the story i was in pain and went to sleep
Engine, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over in a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed back to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Engine, Jan 21, 2022
Excessive oil consumption and burned oil smell coming from engine under 100,000 miles. Dealership states that the car needs the engine replaced. Hyundai denied claim to pay for engine replacement.
Engine, Jan 20, 2022, fire
The engine caught on fire while driving. Beginning back in June 2021, the CEL came on and placed the car into limp mode. Code P1326 was generated. Mileage at 91,220. Dealership confirmed engine bearing clearance test passed. Since then needed to add 1 to 1-1/2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. Second CEL light came on in Nov 2021 and car went into limp mode. Code P1326 was generated again. Dealership confirmed engine bearing clearance test passed. Hyundai Corporate was contacted by the dealership to determine if engine can be changed out. It was declined. On 1/20/22, the car engine caught on fire with a likely total loss. No CEL was seen prior to this occurring. Approx. Mileage 100300
Engine, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Then, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. Then, the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer sent the diagnostic report to the manufacturer who advised that they would not cover the repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact followed up with the manufacturer and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,966.
Engine, Jan 11, 2022
This vehicle continues use oil. I have had the valve cover gaskets replaced twice, yet the vehicle consumes about a half quart of oil each week.
Engine, Jan 7, 2022
I purchased my '16 Sonata as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. It was 1 yr old, with roughly 36k mi on the odo. I bought it from Huntington Beach Hyundai, who showed me the Car Fax that it's CPO. They promised Hundai CPOs get what left on the 10 yr, 100k mi powertrain warranty. I've been doing oil changes per manufacturer recommendations since purchase. At roughly 40k to 60k on the odo, I noticed the car was burning a lot of engine oil. I brought my car to my local Hyundai service center, Tustin Hyundai, who told me 1 qt every 1k mi is normal. I thought it was a lot, but Tustin Hyundai told me there was nothing wrong with the car. Sometime after, I received mail about the Theta 2 engine recall to get the knock sensor install/update, and read about the risk of engine explosion/fire. I promptly got it done. Around this time, I read on Hyundai owner forums that excessive oil consumption is a precursor symptom to catastrophic engine failure. Sometime later, I noticed my car was burning a lot of oil, even more than before. I estimated at least 2 qts every 1k mi. I brought my car to Tustin Hyundai at roughly 75k mi on the odo. They started an oil consumption test, comprised of 3 oil level readings, each one every 1k mi. My car failed the first two. After the 2nd, my car stayed at Tustin Hyundai overnight to get a combustion chamber clean done. Tustin Hyundai told me doing so will solve the problem. Few months later, I noticed my engine was back to even more excessive oil consumption. I estimated at least 3~4 qts per 1k mi. I brought my car to Tustin Hyundai again, with roughly 80k mi on the odo. They said Hyundai corporate is rejecting all further service because my car isn't CPO, and that I ran out of powertrain warranty at 5 yr/60k mi. I called Huntington Beach Hyundai, who confirmed my car is CPO, and still has the 10/100 powertrain warranty. But Hyundai corporate, through 2~3 national case managers, told me I am out of powertrain warranty, and not covered.
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
Purchased the 2016 Sonata approximately four months ago. Was not told that Hyundai had a problem with the engine in this year and model. I have now learned that NHTSA is involved in this matter because there have been several engine fires. My car is rapidly burning through motor oil. While it is not smoking there is a light smell of burning oil. Reluctantly the dealership is promising to fix it but has yet taken steps to do so. FOREMOST, IS IT SAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS CAR? Further, can the engine be repaired or should it be replaced. A prompt response would be greatly appreciated!
Engine, Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil change. The contact stated that he changed the oil 510 miles before taking the vehicle to the dealer. The contact took the vehicle to Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville (1919 Foxglove Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704, (479)439-9878) and was informed that the vehicle needed an oil change. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,559.
Engine, Dec 31, 2021
My car is involved in the class action lawsuit because of engine failure and fire with my 2016 Hyandia Sonota. I have concerns with the above issue because of knocking in the engine and using 1 quart of oil every 400 miles. Hyandia extended the Power train settlement for life time. Yet, they denied to do anything about my car because or 98,700 milage. Dealer said only way Hyandia will do anything if the engine goes out. Hope it just goes out instead of catching fire. Need help, if you settle take care of the customer. Should take care of the customer before settling .
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
took my car to Hyundai at Tustin to check recall car worked fine dec 14 to 15th took my car drove it 4 days started hearing a whistle noise never herd it before then a small taping noise that kicked in when ac was on then when i drove it less then 10 miles the car started to stall and the engine light started flashing then i took it to car max due to having car max toeing plan they took the car now i been in limbo trying to get a diagnostic done on my car when it should of been done when i got my car in for the 1st time for the recall now im car less for 15+ days paying ubers that are 28 bucks a day to get to work when this could of been avoided if they check my car the 1st time and did what the recall commands to inspect the engine and replace it now im getting the run around telling me to check this Hyundai or this one for a appointment to diagnose your car instead of a hand to get me into a rental now i have to either pay CarMax 250 to diagnose the car and do nothing but get me a rental car or wait a other 19 days for jan 19 to get it looked at by Hyundai i spent so much hard earned money to just get nothin offered in terms of ride or assurance just oh it might not be covered cuase something with a 60000 mile warranty they do i was upset that they just talked over me and basicly said damm that suck deal with it its crazy cars shouldn't be this hard to diagnose and and send diagnostic to a other machinic they could use the carmax diagnostic as a refernce but they rather have a customer wait hence why after this car im going full electric this service to repair is a scam to get hard working Americans to shivvel out some more money help me and do a big investigation on this hyundai recall deportment somethings don't add up.
Equipment, Dec 29, 2021
the vehicle was inspected by Doral Hyundai dealer and they refused the claim .
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2021
I was driving to work when my car stuttered then reduced power allowed me to pull to shoulder of the road at the same time my check hybrid system light came on with all others on dash. Car would not restart. Had it towed to the dealership where I’m told they will diagnose next week. I researched on several forums and this is quite a common issue with this model of car in various years. My car only has 61k miles and this is quite troublesome.
Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, they would smell a burning odor and saw smoke exiting the hood. The contact stated they did not see any visible fire. The contact stated two weeks later, they received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer stated the closest appointment would be on 2/28/2022. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 16, 2021
I have been going to the dealership since July as my engine light was not shutting off. I kept being told that there were no loaner cars and that they could not fix the problems I was having kept putting a band aide on the issue and saying that I would have more problems. They told me the cat converter would need to be replaced but it was an engine recall issue. They had a loaner car for me for one day told me it was fine that it would probably go again I had them check the car again and they filled the oil and sent me on my way. Now I was on the side of the road with no car and am now being told they can’t work on my car until March which since I have been seeing them for 4 months now for the same problem that just got worse you would think they would try to help me. Instead they told me to go somewhere else turn in my dead car or I have to tow it and then tow it back in March. I can’t afford this right now it is terrible and there are no cars out there they are so expensive. Please help me I am very poor and have 2 jobs that require me to drive.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2021
dashboard has a crack running along right side of the cutout for airbag
Engine, Dec 8, 2021
I was driving on the highway 11/30/2021 when my engine light came on and the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably and I couldn’t accelerate much. I pulled over and called a relative to trail me to a local Firestone. I assumed it was spark plugs but they tested it and it was a code p 304 cylinder 4 misfire. My car is currently at a mechanic shop named forest hill garage in Montgomery Alabama they called me 12/8/2021 and told me it’s a cylinder 4 misfire and it costs around $5,000 to fix and replace. He also stated there’s 7 other vehicles the same type of Hyundai up there with the same exact issue!!! Something is definitely wrong and needs to be recalled. I haven’t gotten the other documentation as of 12/08/2021 because I am at work