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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2021
Multiple peeling paint issues.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
Car lost power and went into limp mode, it was pretty dangerous. The car is burning a large amount of oil and is making the spark plugs dirty. I have brought the car for about 6 oil consumption tests and Hyundai does nothing to fix it. Engine oil light has come on twice, and even the dealership said that it should not be burning so much oil.
Engine, Sep 4, 2021
Engine developed spontaneous loud knock and check engine light illuminated while driving at approximately 60mph. Could not continue driving and had to pull over on the side of a busy highway. Had to walk down the side of the busy highway to a safe area. Had vehicle towed to an independent repair shop, vehicle diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure due to failure of internal engine components. Repair shop stated this was a known problem with this particular vehicle and engine and manufacturer should be financially responsible for repairs.
Engine, Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer informed the contact that a software update had not been performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2021, crash, fire
As I was driving the car to a vacation resort, the car caught fire and was completely destroyed. Myself, adult son, and wife were in the car at the time. We were luckly to get out of the car before it blew up and killed us all. The car was melted down and completed destroyed. This event happened on May 2, 2021 near Pooler, GA. The only warning sign was smoke, then flames. We lost engine, brakes and control. We hit a light pole to stop the car. Police reports and fire department reports were filed.
Engine, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that he had to top off the oil level every 3 weeks with 5 quarts of oil. The contact also stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to stall as the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The following day the contact drove the vehicle to a dealer. The contact had the spark plugs replaced by the dealer however, the failure recurred within a year of the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine, Aug 27, 2021
Oil light began to turn on when making turns or braking. Took vehicle to location of last oil change, despite only being 2600 miles after the previous oil change and was informed "there was no oil" despite no evidence of any leak. At that rate, I'd be burning a quart of oil every 500 miles. I see there are recalls for this issue on multiple Hyundais including the Sonata, but different years than my 2016 Sonata Sport, and it includes the possibility of an engine fire.
Engine, Aug 26, 2021
I accelerated my vehicle onto the busy highway after waiting at the stop sign for passing traffic to clear enough. Getting up to efficient speed for the highway, at ~3000rpms, the oil and engine warning lamps flashed and the car jerked while the rpms abruptly dropped below 1500, slowing the car down. Assuming that a sensor initiated “limp mode” I carefully drove ~100ft with the emergency flashers on to get to a safe place to pull over, preventing the possibility of an accident on the busy highway. I popped the hood, there was an odor similar to something being burned. Temperature gauge did not indicate engine running hot. Checked the oil- it was almost empty. This vehicle was last serviced with ~70,000 miles in May at Hyundai’s service department at the dealership.
Engine, Aug 23, 2021
The engine fails before 100,000 miles. Got an error code of P1326 (Wiring inspection/installation and engine replacement and error code P2600. The car suddenly dropped in MPH. Car is sluggish to accelerate and very difficult to go up hill. Little to no power on acceleration. Problem was identified at an independent service center, after inspection, taken to local dealer. Flashing check engine light came on once issue occurred. The engines in the Hyundai Sonatas are poor at best. Multiple people have needed their engines replaced in a very short time.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2021
Driving down the highway and engine stalls next to semi after safety inspection from dealer. Already took to dealer and told there is nothing they can do.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 17, 2021
My trunk has opened while driving and now my trunk will not open at all, even with the manual key.
Engine, Aug 9, 2021
*The engine is the component with the issue. The car is at the dealership and has been for the past almost 6 weeks. *The car started "stuttering" or "stalling" while my son and I were in the car. My son has special needs. Luckily, it happened on our street and I was able to get back to my home. *The dealership has identified the problem: The car was 3 quarts low on oil and the oil had been leaking into the spark plugs. The car only has around 32500 miles on it. Hyundai has requested an oil consumption test. This requires me to drive it 1000 miles and have oil checked. They want me to do this 3 times! I will not feel safe doing that, knowing that oil is leaking into the spark plug assembly. I transport my special needs son and another young man who is severely autistic. I cannot take the chance of the car stalling while out driving possibly causing an accident. I barely put 50 miles on my car during a week. It will take me forever to do the oil consumption test. They know oil is leaking into the spark plugs. *The car started having issues (while in reverse) a week before the check engine light came on. No other warning lamps or messages appeared. Blue Link was contacted. They said the error code indicated a Powertrain problem. I had to have the car towed.
Visibility, Aug 6, 2021, crash
Panoramic sunroof detached from vehicle once let up and wind pushes in. Sunroof was lifted up and blown out on interstate almost causing a wreck
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 27, 2021
Fuel Pump Control Module replaced before 50,000 mi. - 58,539 mi. got my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport for ECM Update. Told dealership I heard ticking/clicking noise coming from engine; said oil was low and suggested oil change & low key battery was causing issues. Oil consumption was more and more 1qt every 2,000 mi, then 1qt every 1,000 mi. 1/29/21 at 90,340 mi, on the turnpike (70 MPH), car check engine light came on, car started vibrating VERY bad, pulled over & LIMP mode had activated. Hyundai dealership was 5 miles away, - found cylinder 2 had a misfire(s) - one of 2 exhaust valves burned a hole through; valve seat - damaged. Cylinder head and exhaust valves, spark plugs were replaced, & oil change. Engine light came on a couple days later car did not go to LIMP MODE. 2/12/21 at 93,466 mi, took the car to Hyundai for service again, Exhaust CAM Phaser failing, Replaced CVVT & Timing Chain Tensioner & RTV silicone. 4/21/21-103,821 mi. went for an oil change & oil consumption test, went back after less than 1,000 mi, Hyundai dealership stated that the car was .73 qts low and normal, I checked before the service, oil was closer to the "E" than "F". Dealership unreliable; did not complete test. Adding oil about 2 qts every 1,000 mi. Car was also idling weird NO warning lights. 7/22/21, catastrophic break down while driving on the Turnpike (70 MPH), car died, after all lights and gauges shot up. NO warning lights before issue. Lost power steering, coasted at 70 mph to 0 mph (in 30 seconds), barley to side of the road, late night needed a tow. Battery & Alternator fried because of this - replaced next day. Car starts now; wont get past 2,000 RPM & stalls out after 5 mins of running in "P"- NO warning lights, Engine rocks before shut off. NO warning lights on after restarting. Called HYUNDAI Corp. case sent to supervisor, no help getting the car to dealership, no rental, told not to expect a call before 8/3/21. All oil services completed at or before suggested intervals.
Engine, Jul 26, 2021
The intake manifold control runner motor has had to be replaced in my car multiple times. Twice from may 2021 to July 2021. The check engine light would come on and would reduce car performance drastically. Code scanner gave the p200a performance bank 1.
Engine, Jul 16, 2021
From April of 2020 to July of 2021. I have had 3 sets of 3 oil consumption tests for my car at 3 different Hyundai dealerships. I have spent $400-500 dollars on oil changes, oil filter cleaning, and fixing an oil peg that was broke. Which was not brought to my attention right away even though I was going to dealer ships almost every month this year. I just finished the final oil consumption test here in Conroe, Texas. Even though from the latest oil consumption tests, I have burnt .50-1 full quart of oil. They still have denied me an engine replacement. My oil changes does not last 5k miles but barely 1k. The oil is always black, it never is honey gold for long . Because Hyundai is not giving me a new engine to resolve this issue despite all these tests and there being a lawsuit on this make /model. I now have to pay for an oil change every month rather than the average of 2 times a year. I do feel treated unfairly and not heard by Hyundai. It does not feel right to not have this fixed. I understand it is out of warranty . Can I please open an investigation on this matter ? Thank you
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Jun 26, 2021
I received Hyundai's Recall notice for Recall Campaign 198 regarding premature connecting rod bearings. I scheduled a service appointment at First Hyundai at 270 E Washington St, North Attleborough, MA 02760. (508) 699-4700 for April 29th, 2021. My car's engine started making noises on April 24th, 2021. I stopped the vehicle and had it towed to First Hyundai (listed above). The dealership took more than 7 days to inspect the vehicle and diagnosed it as connecting rod failure requiring a new engine. I contacted Hyundai customer service to arrange for "alternate transportation". Hyundai assigned me a case manager on 5/18/2021, but despite multiple phone calls and messages, I was not able to actually speak to my case manager until 5/25/2021. Hyundai refused to authorize alternate transportation prior to this, and when I spoke to my case manager she would only authorize reimbursements up to $30.00 per day for a Hyundai rental vehicle and $20.00 per day for a non-Hyundai vehicle. I have been unable to secure alternate transportation from Hyundai, as there are no rental vehicles available at the prices Hyundai is willing to reimburse me for. It has now been more than 60 days, and my dealer has notified me that there will be further delays, even though they have received all of the necessary parts to repair my vehicle. I have kept extensive notes of the more than 25 phone calls I have made to both Hyundai and the First Hyundai dealership regarding this issue. At this point, I need assistance forcing Hyundai to honor the recall agreement they made.
Engine, Jun 13, 2021
The 2016 MY Sonata has been driven all across the state due to business. During a recent trip of a couple hundred miles, upon returning home, the vehicle shuddered and failed the next day. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer, and was to be diagnosed. It took longer than expected, and upon calling back to determine the issue, they said the "engine was gone." They reached out to Hyundai corporate and were told the same thing. There were no other signs or symptoms, and the vehicle operated normally during the long trip home.
Air bags, May 13, 2021
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO INSPECT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. DURING THE PERIOD OF TIME, THE SENSOR NO LONGER LIT. I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE CODES. IT APPEARED THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG HAD ILLUMINATED THE SENSOR. HE TRIED TO REPLACE BUT IT'S ON 6 WEEKS BACK-ORDER.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 7, 2021, fire
YES I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY VENTS. I MADE IT TO THE NEAREST NEIGHBORHOOD BY MY HOME STOPPED FOR IT TO COOL DOWN FOR 10 MINUTES I START MY CAR BACK UP & IT WAS PERFECTLY FINE BY TIME I MADE IT TO A STOP SIGN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRIC/ENGINE PROBLEM & NOTHING WAS MY FAULT. I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE TO COVER IT. THE NEXT MORNING I FOUND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT ALL HYUNDAI'S AND KIAS HAVE A RE CALL ON CARS DUE TO ENGINE FIRE RISK. I WAS REALLY DEVASTATED WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN ON RE CALL NOT ONCE OR TWICE BUT THREE TIMES. BY LAW, IAM AUTHORIZE TO GET A CAR OR A CHECK OF HOW MUCH THE CAR IS WORTH. I TALKED TO HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA HEADQUARTERS MRS.GRETCHEN TOLD ME THAT THEY NOTIFY ME AT THE ADDRESS THAT THE CAR WAS REGISTERED IN & NOT MY CURRENT ADDRESS AND ALSO SHE STATED IT'S MY FAULT. WHICH I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW WHEN NOBODY CALLED TEXT OR EMAIL ME PERSONALLY JUST TO SEE IF I MADE IT TO MY RE CALL APPOINTMENT IN JANUARY. NOT ONLY I HAD ANOTHER ONE IN MARCH I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT AS WELL THEN THEY HAVE ANOTHER RE CALL I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IN JUNE HYUNDAI BETTER AND HAS TO DO SOMETHING NOW I COULD OF LOST MY LIFE & I LOST EVERYTHING I HAD MY PHONE FEDEX EQUIPMENT IMPORTANT PAPERWORK ETC. FYI INSURANCE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A RE CALL CAR. BY LAW I SUPPOSE TO GET SOMETHING FOR THAT
Engine, May 4, 2021
I WENT TO START MY CAR ON MAY 3, 2021 TO GO HOME AND MY CAR WAS SPUTTERING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T GET TO MY CAR FOR 2 WEEKS. MY CAR BURNS OIL AND DOESN'T MAKE IT FROM OIL CHANGES. I HAVE HAD MY SPARK PLUGS REPLACED WHEN IT DID THIS THE LAST TIME.
Engine, Apr 26, 2021
MY ENGIN IS BURNING OIL IT SMOKES I HAD IT CHECKED FOR LEAKS BY A MECHANIC SHOP AND NO LEAKA ARE FOUND I WAA INFORMED THAT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI AND IT WILL EVENTUALLY NEED TO BE REPLACED
Engine, Apr 18, 2021
ENGINE FAILURE AT 103,000 MILES. I WAS GETTING GAS AND AS I DRIVING AWAY, I HEARD SOMETHING POP AND I IMMEDIATELY LOSE POWER AND MY ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE'S A RECALL AND I DON'T SEE ONE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THIS POINT.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 14, 2021
I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY WITHIN A MONTH OF GETTING THE CAR, THEN AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER. THE RADIO AND BACK UP CAMERA WENT OUT AFTER A YEAR OF HAVING IT. THE HEADLIGHTS KEPT GOING OUT, AND EVENTUALLY THE WIRING STARTED BURNING. BATTERY WENT OUT AGAIN ALONG WITH THE ALTERNATOR NOW. MID DRIVE THE LIGHTS WOULD CUT OFF, SPEED THERMOMETER WOULD BE OFF BY 15, AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL.