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.
Power train, Oct 24, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic transmission failed two times. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle stalled in the middle of the road while driving which put me and my family in a very dangerous situation 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, inspected by dealer and extended warranty Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None, Tranmission failed without any warnings or check engine lights.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 20, 2024
I was driving as normal and twice about 3 min apart from each other my car went into emergency braking and stopped sudden. No red lights no warnings nothing. Also periodically my car dashboard lights will come on while driving filtering through all the hazard checks. Sometimes it stays on and sometimes it don't. Eventually dash goes back normal. Again all with no warning. Very scary
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 9, 2024
My car experiences issues around acceleration. It often feels like it gets “stuck” or hesitates when I try to accelerate from a stop (ex. a stoplight) or low speed or when I try to merge onto the highway. At times I have not been able to merge onto the highway at a safe speed because my acceleration gets stuck/lags at a low mph (ex. 35 mph onto a 70 mph highway). My car also excessively consumes oil. I started noticing the excessive oil consumption around 115K miles. My oil lamp does not illuminate when low on oil in nearly all cases I have been low on oil. It has only come on once (did not remain on) and oil was not present on the dipstick. I am 687 miles into my current 1,000-mile oil consumption test and have had to top off my oil twice. I started the test because my oil light flashed and oil was not present on the dipstick. The engine light came on 312 miles into the consumption test. I got a diagnostic code from AutoZone and relayed the diagnostic code to the dealership. The dealership said the code was related to low oil and to fill up with oil and bring the car to the dealership. I filled it with oil and drove the car to Luke’s Auto for an independent inspection. Their inspection found that the check engine light was from a failed e-cvvt and additional wear was present. I asked if this could be caused by oil consumption issues and they confirmed the possibility. Just over 300 miles from that incident, I checked my oil and it was once again low. I am deeply concerned about the safety of my vehicle due to it's stalling and indicators of potentially seizing. I have had near collisions on the highway due to my vehicle getting "stuck" while accelerating and unable to enter the highway at a safe speed. I am concerned about the consequences of lack of oil and failure of my oil lamp to illuminate to indicate no oil such as my engine seizing or catching fire. I have reported these concerns to the dealership since 1/2/23 and have reported my concerns to HMA.
Structure, Oct 3, 2024
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (pearl white) paint is peeling in many parts of my car. I went to Delray Hyundai where I purchased it in 2019. In August of 2023 I showed a supervisor and she set up an appointment for me to bring in the car for pictures. After Delray Hyundai took pictures I waited and waited to hear from them. I went to the dealership and spoke to the supervisor I was dealing with and she keep giving me excuses why they couldn't do it at that time, she keep telling me they didn't have a loaner car for me, to call or come back. I was frustrated but felt like they were going to take care of the problem. Her name was Piper. Finally after many months I was told they wouldn't do anything for me, and I was told by a worker to try Coconut Creek dealer because they have a paint dept. Well I'm [XXX] old and by myself and I cannot get there. It's very far away and I would have to travel [XXX]. I asked if they would bring the car there for me and was told no. I called Coconut Creek Hyundai and they told me no they couldn't help me. I love my Car and always got compliments on it but it's peeling so bad that it looks awful and I would never get the true value if I traded it in because of the failed paint. I have read and seen pictures of many other people on the internet that have the same problem. Can you please help me. Now it's more than the one side the other side of the car is peeling Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 24, 2024
Engine in limp mode, CEL activated with code p1326. Knock sensor detection system activated, oil leaking. Car won't Rev past 1700 RPM.
Engine, Sep 20, 2024
My car currently has 93000 miles. Since I’ve had 76000 miles, I cannot make it to an oil change without my engine almost running out of oil. My maintenance is always done on time, especially considering I can’t even drive 3000 miles (out of my 5000 mile synthetic oil change life) without my oil light coming on and oil below dipstick. I have taken the car in multiple times, performed multiple engine oil consumption tests and even though my engine is burning a whole quart of oil every 1000 miles, they refuse to replace my engine. I even have an extended warranty through Hyundai so I don’t understand why a defective engine under warranty that literally can’t even drive a whole oil change cycle without running out of oil wouldn’t be replaced by the factory. Please help I’m afraid to take long trips because what if the engine runs out of oil?
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2024
We were told from Tulsa Hyundai that our car was involved in a massive recall due to engine failure and that the warranty had been extended to 150,000 miles on Theta engines. They told us we had to follow the process in order to have a claim submitted to Hyundai corporate. They required us to pay for a valve gasket replacement and a valve cover gasket ($1000), then to take the car home and drive for 1000 miles and then bring it back in. We brought it back in and were required to pay for a combustion cleaning (around $800) and then take it home and drive it for 1000 miles. We brought it back in and they performed the oil consumption test. They then submitted the claim to Hyundai and we heard back the next day (9/18/2024) that they were denying they claim due to it being an issue with piston rings instead of rod bearing failure. I called Hyundai and they basically said there was nothing else they would do. They told us we could be reimbursed for the $1800 we had to spend to go through that process. Those fees were incurred were not necessary, especially when Hyundai is not going to replace the engine. Hyundai markets on their dealer websites, "engines for life", yet they will do nothing to replace our engine that is in failure.
Engine, Aug 17, 2024
My Sonata has had continuous oil consumption issues. It is now at the dealership for service. They want to do repairs that may not work, to avoid replacing an engine that is under an Oil Consumption Recall. My car had an oil consumption test. At the time the dealership said it passed, this was a couple years ago. It now has the oil issues. The recall extends my warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles. If I have the repairs and they fail, the engine could seize up while I am driving it.
Structure, Aug 14, 2024
The paint on my 2016 Hyundai continues to peel. I have gone to get the vehicle repainted to no avail. The roof paint came off again and even bigger than the original peel. This is absolutely ridiculous, I see my extract same car on the road with the extract same problems. Not to mention the oil consumption. Across the board these vehicles have all the same issues. No one should have to keep paying out of pocket for a manufacturing issue and no wrong doing of their own. This is Hyundai’s wrong doing and they need to be held accountable for manufacturing such a cheap car. At some point all of my paint is going to come off, I should not have to pay yet for another repainting. I will continue to file complaints, and escalate even further if needed. Someone needs to call me back with a solution regarding this matter.
Steering, Aug 7, 2024
Intermittent loss of steering with my Hyundai Sonata 2016 since April 2024. Vehicle randomly loses power steering while turning and 2 warning lights appear (power steering light (eps)and traction control). This has put me and my passengers at risk several times- almost crashing into other cars and objects. I went to the mechanics two times- they have recalibrated steering angle and reset codes, but the problem continues, and I lose power steering intermittently. This is a very big safety risk and I am afraid to continue driving my car.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2024
The Hyundai service department indicated a OCS Mat in the front passenger seat needs to be repaired. Currently the "seat belt" light remains on when there is no one in the front passenger seat. The "air bag" light on the dash remains on while the Sonata is in use. Based on what I have read, the safety concern is that the air bags may not deploy or certain air bags may deploy at unexpected times.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 29, 2024
Both rear view mirrors on the doors have quit working cannot adjust them. apporx. mileage 86000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 28, 2024
Paint The paint issue with hyundai is ridiculous. I have a 2016 Hyundai sonata. No matter if i’m driving, going through a car wash, or just sitting in the yard. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Corporate and a lawyer has been contacted and the said there wasn’t anything they could do. There is thousands of cars that look the same or worse than mine.
Engine, Jul 12, 2024
Thus is the second time my motor has blew up due to a recall in a year Hyundai refuses to replace my engine due to my driver door bring damaged. My vehicle is still being paid on and is fully covered. I was told to get it towed somewhere else and I'm about to lose my job due to nor having transportation
Structure, Jul 9, 2024
The paint chipping and causing rust to car
Engine, Jul 5, 2024
This car looses oil continuously. I put a quart of oil in it every week. Due to this oil leaking into the engine I have had many costly repairs to replace spark plugs, coil packs, air sensor and throttle. In the winter the coolant needs replaced weekly and no idea where that is being used at. Now again the car must go back to dealership for repairs for rough idle and loosing power while driving.
Engine, Jun 29, 2024
I'm making a complaint on my 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s engine. The problem started in February 2023 with the valve cover gasket leaking, the mileage was around 98,000 miles. Then, 2 months later, the oil pan was leaking. The vehicle was still losing oil. They can not find where the oil went to. Took the car to the dealer to do an oil pressure. Before the oil pressure, oil levels were down 1 ⅔ quart low. Drove the vehicle for 1,000 miles and checked and the oil was down ¾ quart low, which was in range according to Hydundia. Checking the oil level every 1,000 miles and the oil level were about 1 quart oil low. Since last year, checking the oil level every 1,000 miles until this month the oil level was 3 quarts low at 1,000 miles. This engine should be recalled, which I had found out several different ones I came across are having the same problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2024
Vehicle suddenly shuts down while driving. This has happened several times and has cost lengthy repairs and towing fees but still keeps doing the same thing. After it shuts down once the car is reset it will work again for a little while and do the same thing over again.
Engine, Jun 21, 2024
taking more engine oil and knocking engine noise
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the independent mechanic that the failure was common failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped shuddering while shifted into neutral(N). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the failure recurred, and the vehicle jerked significantly. The low oil pressure warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where four ignition coils and four spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred four months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced and a fuel induction cleaning service was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion in the combustion chamber, and the spark plugs were fouled. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,050.
Engine, May 18, 2024
The motor burns oil causing oil to turn black. I have to add oil weekly and get oil changed every month regardless of mileage. The mechanic that works on it said that dipstick is wrong color and doesn’t look right in engine
Engine, May 17, 2024
Hello, My name is [XXX], hopefully this peaks your interest. i have been thru and thru with hyundai about this oil consumption and to be honest i have had it with this terrible company. unwilling to take responsibility for faulty engine issues in millions of individuals with the hyundai brand. Seems to me like this brand is all for profit and not for the customers. I should not have to pay for a combustion cleaning, multiple oil consumption test that are destroying my engine further in HOPES that they will replace my engine out of “goodwill” with no guarantee. This issue should definitely be added to the other recall vehicles that are listed for oil consumption problems, yet isn’t. there’s no reason my car should be burning through 5 quarts of oil in less than a week, this is obviously a manufacture issue and to be told the problem was a cracked oil pan that i paid $700 to fix at the dealership just to find out, that was not the issue, my car was not diagnosed correctly and i was charged for this oil pan replacement for absolutely no reason being that my vehicle is still CONSUMING oil, not leaking oil. i have checked for oil leaks myself, that is not the issue. my engine is consuming oil at a very rapid rate in the event i drive my car more than the 15 miles i drive to work and back, one errand run and 5 days of driving back and forth to work SHOULD NOT be using that much oil. my engine is getting hot from a 15 mile drive to work and i SHOULD NOT have to damage my engine further if hyundai can not even promise me a replacement in the event my engine burns up. No kind of loaner car available. This is just a terrible company all around and i’m ready to just switch to a different vehicle brand as this company obviously does not take responsibility for the issues that millions of individuals are having at this very moment. i spoke to a case manager and she Tells me i will receive an engine replacement if my oil combustion cleaning fails, when i asked for that in INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 16, 2024
The oil box does not look right, Also there is an orange handle dipstick to check the oil. The dipstick should be yellow
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 9, 2024
1st Incident: The engine lost its acceleration power on the highway, giving a rattling noise. It was identified as misfire in cylinder 3. This was repaired and gaskets and timing chain replaced. 2nd Incident: The engine lost acceleration again on the highway with a loud rattling noise. On checking the OBD scanner it showed the Knock Sensor as the problem. On taking it into the dealership a KSDS software update was done. Current Situation: The car drinks up 2-3 qt of oil for every 1000 miles and has an intermittent rattling noise when accelerating Losing engine acceleration power on the middle of the highway is a very serious issue. And this keeps happening multiple times and Hyundai has refused to give me a proper explanation on this issue. Other mechanics have suggested to get a replacement from Hyundai as there is already a Lawsuit against these Faulty engines. On contacting Hyundai there has been no proper response. Please look into this as losing power on a busy highway poses danger not only to our car but to other oncoming vehicles as well. It has been a very harrowing experience for us and I am left with no option but to drive a faulty car which might lose power at anytime.