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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 27, 2025
The fuel pump where the fuel line connects to it is cracked and squirting fuel all over that area. Some time ago I started smelling fuel when getting close to the vehicle or when opening windows. Took it to a shop to have it checked out and the technician couldn’t find the problem, since there is no check engine light on or any type of warning. A few days ago I decided to check the bottom part of the fuel tank and noticed that there were traces of leaking fluid. Reached to it and checked it closely and certainly was fuel dripping. Checked the top of the tank where the fuel pump is and found out that the problem was there. Did some research online and found out that that’s a very common fail. I Would like to have it investigated and recall all those failing cars for my safety, my family’s safety and everyone else that trusted this company and is letting us down. First time I noticed this was back in 2022 and is when I took it to the shop.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
After driving for a few minutes with the sunroof open the wind deflector pulled and nearly off the car. This had been repaired previously under a recall and the repair was simply to re-glue the wind deflector back in place. This had clearly been done before as the dried glue was still on it. The back end of the sunroof nearly came off during this ordeal while we were traveling at highway speeds and it could have killed someone. We were able to close the sunroof once we had stopped, however it was very difficult to do so and required four of us, each with tools that I happened to have in the car at the time. Had we not been able to get the sunroof back closed it surely would have been ripped from the car. Another recall needs to be put into place and an improved correction needs to be put into place.
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving 60 mph down a busy highway when I lost the ability to accelerate—putting myself and others at risk while trying to get off the road to a safe location. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes. A mechanic that has been in our area for decades. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
Engine, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving around a corner, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact continued depressing the accelerator to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the engine seized. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with bearing failure. The contact then towed the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,336.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 12, 2025
The engine violently vibrates and no matter how much I get an oil change it burns so fast and I have to keep adding. It's not leaking, just burning. I plugged in a diagnostic tester and it said that the 3rd cylinder was misfiring. I haven't had the car for very long, and this is not normal. I take good care of it.
Power train, Engine, Mar 7, 2025
My vehicle had the following symptoms: 1. Alternating between sluggish acceleration/handling AND rough acceleration with the vehicle lurching forward at times 2. Check engine light with error code P00010 3. Occurred frequently over a one month period (5+ times) This was unsafe as the car could not properly accelerate and would lurch forward at intersections. This could easily have led to a crash. We limited driving. This issue was observed at the dealer where I repaired issue. The issue is exactly the same as the issue described in the recall for Hyundai Sonata 2015 under SB-10058136-4434 and was resolved by replacement of the E-CVVT seal as described. This issue is ridiculous for me to deal with and put my family as risk given it a KNOWN issue for Hyundai in their other vehicles.
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact smelled burning engine oil coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that a friend arrived at the residence to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the friend became aware that oil was leaking from the head gasket. The contact stated that the friend used an ODB scanner and retrieved DTC: P1326. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,558.
Engine, Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and engine oil was added to the engine. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and it was determined that additional testing was needed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 18, 2025
Car Lost Power going up a hill. Generating codes P1326, P0455 and P0302
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2025
I was driving a 2016 Hyundai Sonata on a mountain highway and it started to run rough and lose power dramatically when accelerating. A dangerous situation on a steep curvy highway that has many one lane sections. Shortly thereafter a dash light came on. There was no warnings or dash lights or symptoms prior to this incident. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and ran the code. It said there was a misfire in cylinder 3. Replaced the ignition coil and spark plug for cylinder 3 and it did not fix the problem. The mechanic then pulled the motor to check the valves. Valve 3 was burnt, had a hole and stuck open. The car had approximately 75,180 miles. Well within the warranty time frame of 10yrs or 100,000 miles for an original purchaser. The mechanic had the valve machined, and replaced the head gasket and reassembled the the motor. I picked the car up and drove it home. Within 3 days I noticed an oil leak under neath the car where the engine bay is. I took the car back to the mechanic and he diagnosed a hairline crack in the oil pan. After some research I came across a letter from NHTSA on a defect investigation of Hyundai/Kia oil drain pan assemblies. This is exactly what happened to my car! I have paid 3500.00 to fix a car that has less than 76,000 miles. Hyundai needs to do better.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 10, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed by her daughter that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering significantly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was oil leaking onto the spark plugs and causing the spark plugs to short circuit. The dealer replaced the park plugs several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that her daughter had received an unknown engine recall notice, which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was concerned for her family's safety. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and several cases were filed; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Jan 18, 2025
Been fighting with Hyundai for quite sometime to have engine repaired due to excessive oil consumption and other issues no matter what you take it they state it’s normal for you to apparently run out of oil before oil change is due. These engine are pure junk and they go out with any warning whatsoever forcing customers to foot the bill for a new engine. They absolutely do not care. I highly recommend any does not purchase Hyundai or Kia. Now that my engine finally went out they expect me to pay over 9000 for a new one when I repeatedly told them my concerns ahead of time trying to avoid this.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2025
While driving, the vehicle's engine light will randomly turn on and when it does, the car will lose power; meaning, when this occurs, and I press the accelerator pedal, it does not put out the normal, expected amount of acceleration. This problem will persist until I pull over, turn off the vehicle, and turn it back on. However, this does not always fix the issue. Sometimes, when I turn the car off and turn it back on, the check engine light will still be on and I will still encounter the issue. When I brought my vehicle into my local Hyundai dealership, they had the car for 3 days, and when I called to ask what was wrong with it or what they did to fix it, they told me they could not recreate the problem and therefore, did not do anything to the vehicle. So now, I'm at an impasse where this problem is not able to be recreated, thus, unable to get it fixed, but I don't feel completely safe to drive long distances. I also own a 2013 Hyundai Sonata that experienced the same type of issue, and that engine was recalled.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 16, 2025
My car burns through approximately 1qt of oil every 500 miles or less. There is a known oil consumption issue and I have left multiple messages with Key Hyundai of Milford CT and do not receive a call back. Additionally today I was driving 25mph and my car was reading 4000rpm and then completely locked and shut down I was stuck in the middle of the road.
Structure, Engine, Jan 10, 2025
Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement claim (PA# [XXX]) under their extended warranty program, specifically campaign TXXI. This claim involves my 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4 , VIN # [XXX] , which exhibits all the symptoms and engine damage outlined in the campaign, yet my request for a free engine replacement has been unjustly denied. Campaign TXXI, as explained in the Technical Service Bulletin issued by Hyundai, extends the engine warranty applicable to 2015-2019 model year Sonata (LF) vehicles equipped with Theta II 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines. This warranty covers engine long block repair or replacement due to engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear and extends to a Limited Lifetime Warranty, valid for both original and subsequent owners. o On or about [XXX], my vehicle exhibited a blinking check engine light on the dash, entered into limp mode, and a knocking noise was coming from the engine. o As I was driving the vehicle to the Hyundai of North Miami Service Center on [XXX] (21400 NW 2nd av., Miami, FL 33169) for inspection, the engine locked up and stop, necessitating a call to a towing truck company to complete the trip. o Upon inspection, the service center identified significant engine damage, including, engine mechanical failure unable to turn on, and recommended that the vehicle require a new engine replacement. o These findings align with the engine damage described under campaign TXXI. o Despite meeting the campaign criteria, HMA denied my claim (PA#XXX) for an engine replacement on 11/22/2024. o HMA based its denial to my claim on the review of engine pictures and my inability to provide evidence supporting oil maintenance intervals between 35k- 68k miles, 78k-99k miles, and 142k-163k miles. HMA cited these maintenance gaps as the basis for suspecting engine neglect, some indications of sludge found on the engine, as the reason for the engine failure and subsequent locking. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 1, 2025
Vehicle has been repaired due to broken valve. Vehicle was unsafe to drive. Valve burnt at 70 mph. Car threw misfire code P0303 and started shaking. This issue could have caused an accident. Valves were replaced at Young Hyundai in Ogden Utah. Valves were not covered under the lifetime rod bearing recall. Several people have had this failure on the Engjne issue group page. I have a photo of the valve. It is missing a chunk of the valve head. That piece was not located during the valve rebuild. The vehicle had 116,000 miles at time of failure and is consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2024
Wind deflector came loose on highway after recall was performed. The wind deflector was originally reattached in 1996 shortly after purchase. The recall doesn't take into account that the manufacturing issue may of been previously repaired. I believe when the "recall" was performed(2020) the lack of removing the previous adhesive created a weak bond enabling the wind deflector to become detached. Attached is a copy of the recall instructions which contains no step to remove previous adhesives or check for previous repairs; only the use of alcohol to remove dust or particles. Hyundai corporate followed through on an investigation Case Number #[XXX](December 2024) finding that the recall was performed and they had no ability to investigate the proper method for subsequent repairs. Referring the issue back to local dealerships to apply their own judgement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat belts, Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the driver's seat belt became inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to properly retract or properly restrain the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,800.
Structure, Dec 11, 2024
White paint peeling off above windshield.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2024, fire
This event took place on or about [XXX]. A month or two prior, my vehicle had just undergone a safety inspection with over $2,000.00 worth of repairs that were performed with great care, due to noticing loss of power upon acceleration. I'm currently living in Wyoming, and the engine blew while driving on the highway in Colorado, causing a mild underbody fire while driving at high rate of speed. At this point, my safety is of great importance and concern, the radiator had internal damage that was not disclosed by the initial dealership, that took possession of my vehicle. So I truly don't know what or who to believe (which parts have been properly repaired on my vehicle or what has not), it took me to personally tow my own vehicle back to the local repair shop here in Wyoming, and the repair shop could not get power to the vehicle. Eventually the repair shop realized that the original "ground" bolt that "was" on my brand new battery was stripped out of place and replaced with a tapping screw, that's why no power was getting to the vehicle as needed to operate properly. The repair shop also noticed internal damage to the radiator (inside bay) with 2 puncture holes (that was not disclosed at any point of interacting with the dealership. Now my safety is an extremely huge concern. Again, I don't know if the vehicle is in worse or better condition with the most recent repairs that have been done to my vehicle. The engine was confirmed to have been damaged internally and externally "beyond repair". I was never given an exact description of any and all damages "requested by me at the time I called the dealership". My son and I are still without our vehicle, we are in dire need of transportation, and to have our vehicle back and running in a condition that is sufficient to perform for our everyday needs, to get back and forth to doctor appointments, etc. We are in great hopes to get this unnecessary nightmare behind us, so that we can press on with our lives....INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the parking brake light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS control module was faulty and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that 30 quarts of oil had been added to the vehicle in the past four months. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle started shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the freeway; however, the vehicle stalled. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull into the nearest parking lot, and the contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to undisclosed recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer advised the contact to have an oil change performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Engine, Nov 25, 2024
Car has been meticulously maintained with the best oil and premium gasoline. The car is only used on the freeway at 60-70 mph. Husband was on his way home and engine light came on. Car started shaking horribly. He had put a fuel injector cleaner in his recent full tank the day before. Drove car to auto zone. Got the code for misfire on cylinder 3. Replaced all spark plugs. Still code. Replaced cylinder 3 coil. Still code. Swapped cylinder 2 coil with 3. Code still on 3. Took it to shop thinking fuel injectors. Car has no compression on cylinder 3. Needs engine. Hyundai has somehow gotten away with not having to replace engines unless they through a rod. This car has the knock update on it. A lot of others are in the same boat as me. Hyundai should be held accountable for faulty engines. It’s not safe to drive an engine with a bad cylinder that shakes violently.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 20, 2024
My engine block or engine has a hole in it. All of my oil came out and my vehicle shut off. My brakes as well is not hard when pressed on, so I would have to pump it till it hardened. My safety and others safety was at risk while I was driving because my vehicle was not coming to a complete stop which could have resulted in a serious or fatal accident. As well as my engine block blowing making all the oil in my vehicle leak all on the road while driving on a busy road. Yes the problem has been confirmed BUT I was told that my car does not fall under the cars listed with the SAME issue on the recall list. No it has not been inspected by the manufacturer or police or insurance rep because I am being told I have to pay out of pocket and I am not able to afford the prices being told to me for an issue that I have not caused. There were no warning lamps or anything prior to this incident. I have went to many different mechanics for a diagnostic for my vehicle but they all say my vehicle is fine or they do not know what I am talking about.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2024
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata started using and leaking oil in August 2023 when it had about 129,000 miles and when you tried to go faster than 55 miles per hr. it would not accelerate. We feel there is a danger to drive it in traffic. We took it to the dealership in Pensacola, FL. They found a valve cover gasket had multiple leaks which they replaced. Found a code P1326 (whatever that means), Performed T3G campaign and followed a flow chart and BCT test passed. Don't know that any of this addressed the fact that the motor won't accelerate. Charged me $3,000 for something. Car ran okay for a while and started doing the same thing again. In June of 2024, took it to local mechanic who ran diagnostics and replaced a coil and plugs which cost another $600. It ran a little better until August 2024 and took it back to local mechanic who did another diagnostic and replaced 4 plugs and PCV valve for another $300. It's now November 2024 and the car won't accelerate over 55 mph and we can't use it to drive to work.