2016 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 723 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 19 involved a crash and 28 involved a fire. 19 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, turn signalSep 24, 2021
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Campaign 21V749000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brake, indicator lightJun 5, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
Campaign 17V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyOct 11, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
Campaign 16V726000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsAug 24, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
Campaign 16V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalApr 21, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Campaign 16V232000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelOct 20, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Campaign 15V678000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
723 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2024
While driving (speed doesn’t matter, highway or city streets) the check hybrid system turn off engine message/code comes on. When u turn off the car and wait for a period of time the it’s not there anymore but the check engine light stays on and the car drive normal until the code comes back up. When the message comes up the engine loses power and and the car just slows down until the car is turned off. This is a safety hazard when you’re driving on a freeway and especially a freeway with no shoulder to pull over on or going through a read light with no speed. The car just does it periodically and when u take it to the dealership they say they can’t duplicate the problem. When all u do is hook a computer up and look for a code when the problem arises while driving you’re never going to find the issue. No the dealer hasn’t reproduced the problem because they didn’t drive the car just leaving it to sit up and checking codes doesn’t bring the problem to light. They wasn’t any warning signal or codes before this but not code p2600 and code p0401 are coming up. Spending $2000 for a part that will can’t be ordered anywhere but from the dealership and the problem still exist is not being logical. So many online reviews have the same problem and not one person has found out the problem from changing the electric water pump to transmission to the engine the warning sign still come back after some time. Me not being the 1st owner and the car out of warranty due to mileage is just robbing folks blinds with no solution.
Steering, Apr 16, 2024
I took in my 2016 Hyundai Sonata to Anaheim Hyundai in California for 60,000 mile service. The Sonata was having power steering issues where time to time the power steering would go out. I bought the extended warranty so it was cover under the warranty but Hyundai stop making these parts according to the dealership. I don't understand how Hyundai can stop making a power steering parts to Sonata models from 2016-2019 when there are so many on the road with potential power steering safety issues. I was told by the dealership there are so many issues with these Sonata's, the power steering parts are hard to find. They had no idea if they could get OEM parts or even find after market parts. I was originally told on [XXX] when we took the car in it would take 2 to 3 days now two and half weeks later they have changed their story to "not sure when they are going to get the part" I don't understand how this was not a recall from Hyundai similar to Hyundai Sonata recall in 2016 for Sonata's made in 2010-2011. It appears Hyundai has multiples models with power steering issues and yet they stop making the parts, why? I would like someone at NHTSA to review the power steering failures that may or may not be being reported by Hyundai dealerships. Just trying to get the car fixed since my son drives it. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to make an abnormal knocking noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and stopped. The contact turned the vehicle off and on. The contact stated that she was able to shift into drive (D) and while depressing the accelerator pedal the abnormal knocking sound was heard. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had thrown a rod due to lack of engine oil and the lower part of the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she had had the oil changed two weeks prior to the failure. The contact stated that she had not noticed any oil stains on the driveway at her residence prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
I am writing to report a concerning issue with my Hyundai Sonata 2016 regarding excessive oil consumption. Every 1000 miles, the vehicle requires approximately 1.5 quarts of oil, if not more. This rapid depletion of oil presents a significant safety risk for driving the car. Upon contacting the dealership regarding this matter, I was informed that they have no knowledge of such issues, which contradicts the numerous complaints I have read and heard from fellow Hyundai owners experiencing similar oil consumption problems. The dealership has suggested conducting an oil consumption test, which they advise will cost us a minimum of $280. However, it seems unfair to incur this expense for what appears to be a common manufacturing defect, particularly since our vehicle is no longer under warranty due to its mileage of 110,000 miles. I firmly believe that Hyundai should take responsibility for any related repair expenses arising from this issue. I urge you to address this matter promptly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Hyundai customers. Thank you for your attention to this concern. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2024
FOR A YEAR THE RADIO WOULD NOT WORK OR PLAY AT TIMES OR YOU HEARD AUDIO BUT ABSOLUTELY NO VISUAL SCREEN AS FAR AS THE CHANNEL YOUR ON ETC. ALSO, THE SAME SCREEN FOR BACKUP CAMERA THE DEALER TOLD ME ON PHONE, ON THE FACE OF RADIO THERE IS A TINY PIN HOLE USE A PEN DEPRESS IT AND IT WILL REBOOT THE SYSTEM I DID AND IT WORKED. HOWEVER, AS TIME WENT ON IT STARTED TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY NOW THE RADIO OR SCREEN COMPLETELY DO NOT WORK INCLUDING BACK UP CAMERA. FINALLY, TODAY OFFICIALLY HAD FUSE CHECKED WHICH IS GOOD. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO BACK UP CAMERA PERIOD OR RADIO OR SCREEN DISPLAY OF ANY KIND. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON ON THIS VEHICLE BUT NOW A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE FOR A CAR WITH ONLY 50 THOUSAND MILES RIDICULOUS
Engine, Apr 4, 2024
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L engine have an abnormal oil consumption, every 1,000 miles consume 1 quart of oil. After the discover of the issue, the car was took to Hyundai dealership for service and confirmed the car have an excessive oil consumption. They performed engine flush with additives to clean up the engine and see if the oil consumption diminished. An oil consumption test is currently in process to see if there are positive results. I read multiple articles about oil consumption issues and most of the cases Hyundai decide to replace the engine.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle also experienced reduced power and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who determined that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Engine, Mar 26, 2024
I was driving on the highway yesterday at 85mph when the engine light started flashing and the rpms went haywire. Then within 2 minutes of this taking place the car began to slow down and not want to go any further. I managed to get over to the shoulder of the road when the engine just shut off and would not restart. The engine drinks oil like crazy. We put oil in it every week and get frequent oil changes. On the day that it broke down on, I had been to the oil lube center that we do business with and had them top off all of my fluids. After looking into this problem online, it appears that there are many other people suffering with the same lemon of a car. Hyundai knows that there is a real problem with the 2016 Sonata, and they are not doing anything about it. We have spoken to the dealerships, and they say there's nothing they can do about the problem because it is out of warranty. We're still making payments on this vehicle and can't even drive it now. The mechanics said that the vehicle needs a new engine. Hyundai needs to issue a recall and help their customers instead of turning a blind eye to the problem. Driving at high speeds with absolutely no indication that there is a problem is a real danger. No indication lights had come on other that the flashing engine light and then within two minutes, dead on the side of the road.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 25, 2024
ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD IN LATE FEB 2024. AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS A NOTED FLUID LEAK ON MY PARKING SKIRT SO I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED DRIVING IT. ON [XXX] I HAD CAR TOWED TO MIKE'S AUTOMATIVE SERVICE STATION IN SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN. HE REMEDIED THE ENGINE ISSUE WITH 'LEAK STOP'. ON [XXX], I WAS TRAVELING AN [XXX] FROM MILWAUKEE TO OSHKOSH. AROUND HALF WAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING, THE OIL LIGHT WAS ON AND THE CAR LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. I ENGAGED MY HAZARD LIGHTS GIVEN I WAS IN HIGH TRAFFIC AT THAT TIME AND 'LIMPED' CAR TO THE NEARST GAS STATION, TO AVOID BEING STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY LOCATION, RICHFIELD SERVICE CENTER-RICHFIELD WI. BOTH THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE SERVICE STATION REP, SEAN, ADVISED THIS OIL-LEAKING ENGINE BUSINESS WAS A WIDESPREAD AND WELL-KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT FOR THIS VEHICLE'S MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. THEY PERFORMED A BRIEF DIAGNOSTIC REVIEW AND ADVISED THE ENGINE WOULD NEED FULL REPLACEMENT TO CONTINUE DRIVING. I REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLINE PORTAL THIS DAY, TOO AND HAVE REQUESTED THEY REPLACE THE ENGINE, GIVEN THE MILEAGE HAS NOT EVEN REACHED 77,000 MILES. I FOUND NO ACTIVE RECALL OR WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE BUT CAN PROVE I AM THE SECOND OWNER, HAVING INHERITED IT FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER, THE LATE [XXX] IN 2016/2017 (UNSURE EXACT DATE). THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. I FELT TRAUMATIZED BY THIS EVENT, PRAYING NOT TO BE RUN OVER ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE THE CAR MOVED AT A SNAIL'S PACE AND FEELING TERRIBLY UNSAFE IN PUSHING THE CAR TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION. I FELT EVERYONE AROUND ME WAS IN DANGER OF NOT SEEING ME IN TIME TO STOP OR AVOID COLLISION WITH ME. NO OFFICIAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE, INSURANCE OR ANYONE BESIDES THE MECHANICS AT THE RICHFIELD SERVICE CENTER LOCATIO IN RICHFIELD WISCONSIN, ON [XXX]. MORE DETAIL NOT AFFORDED IN TEXT SPACE HERE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Back over prevention, Mar 23, 2024
The blind spot detection system needs alignment. When the blind spot detection fails it disables traction control and anti-lock brakes. The parking sensor and backup sensors should have nothing to do with the antilogue brakes or traction control. Since these items are disabled traction does not exist and anti-lock brakes are ineffective.
Engine, Mar 22, 2024
I have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata that I purchased in 2021. The engine began "knocking" at 142,000 miles so I took it to dealership as it looked to be the same issue many of the Hyundais have been experiencing. I was then informed my claim was denied because a Service Campain from 2018 had not been performed. This is a known issue with these vehicles but my claim was denied over something outside of my control.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2024, crash
I was in a rear collision with an SUV but my air bags to the 2016 Hyundai Sonata did not deploy. Everybody was OK and nobody was injured in both parties.
Engine, Feb 27, 2024
Recall code on my engine p1326
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at speeds of 50 - 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The driver made several attempts to restart the vehicle while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer three times. The first diagnostic report was that the knock sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The knock sensors were replaced twice however, the failure remained persistent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 7, 2024, fire
On February 6, around 3:46am, parked my vehicle on the driveway I noticed a smell like smoke, I looked at my dashboard but nothing was on, no warnings, so I entered my house a few minutes later Possibly 4 I heard a noise look outside from my window an noticed my car was on fire, immediately called 911 car garage door also cut on fire and the vehicle next to it. I m requesting an investigation Police report 24-031575, my vehicle was towed by insurance company Start Casualty claim # 2024-90001577.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2024
Background Info : On November 28th, 2023 I filed a case with Hyundai Consumer Affairs due to smoke and sparks coming from my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA engine. I was assigned to a Case Coordinator Carla who did not provide her last name at telephone 714-694-4963. She was my contact person for the repair. I signed a tow authorization on November 28th , 2023 authorizing HMA to tow the vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealership due to some delays in coordination on behalf on my contact Carla and the dealership Pohanka Hyundai received my vehicle on approximately December 4th, 2023. Per correspondence from Carla she had contacted the dealership with no response until the 18th of December 2023; approximately two weeks after the dealership received my vehicle. She informed me that she had made countless attempts to reach a service team member for follow up on an inspection. On December 18th 2023 I got in contact with Joseph to inquire as to what his inspection found. He stated “That he did not see an oil leak and the car hand no oil.” I explained to him that was my car had been recently serviced at Jiffy Lube on August 1st 2023 at 44,664 miles for an oil change. Per Hyundai the oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5000 miles which I had not exceeded as my car had 46863 miles at the initial time of the service inspection that he performed. He then said “Jiffy lube did not put any oil in the car then” which was impossible. I made contact with the Jiffy Lube location who performed the oil change to get the record of my last oil change as Joseph had a differing opinion. I was informed that in fact the oil was changed and they could provide video proof if necessary. I then communicated this information to Joseph as well as provided a copy of the last oil change. I then was told that I needed a CVVT replacement, transmission flush and oil change. I attempted to address his initial diagnose of “no oil in the car” as I had proof that it had been changed and that they should do furthe
Visibility/wiper, Jan 28, 2024
The driver side mirror control will not move the mirror left to right. The button will only move the mirror up and down.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2024
The hood open sensor is displaying that the hood is open when it's been closed and is latched.
Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2024
When I lift the switch to turn on the right turn signal, the high beam headlights flash on and off. It switches from auto to on then back to auto. I'm not moving the switch front to back, only up and down.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 27, 2024
I have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata that has had repeated engine issues including stalling overheating and shutting off. The car engine also caught on Fire on [XXX} and was reported to Hyundai Consumer affairs where a case was opened. The car was in the dealership for repair until [XXX] I have a warranty that the dealership or Hyundai did not honor for the engine, power train. The services that were repaired was a replacement of a engine piece which is Continuously Variable Valve Timing) System which controls the controls the open & close timing of intake valve to improve engine performance. On approximately [XXX] 3 days after picking the car up which I had to incur the cost of the repair as Hyundai did not honor my warranty the engine as well as oil light came on The car repair included transmission oil flush and engine oil replacement per the dealership. I contacted the service manager Mr Espinoza who was overseeing my case and informed him of the continued issues he asked me to drive the vehicle in to be looked it. as we have had inclement weather in my area i was unable to take the vehicle in. On [XXX] I attempted to drive the car to the services department at Pohanka hyundai only for the engine to make a roaring noise and stall also there was no engine oil in the car wherefore it should’ve been. I contacted the dealership and told they were busy and to bring it next week. i am requesting hyundai to buyback the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 26, 2024
INTAKE CAMSHAFT CVVT COVER AND SENSOR INTAKE CAMSHAFT CVVT OIL PLUG PLUG Exhaust Manifold I am up to date on all me oil changes and everytime I get and oil change the oil goes so fast! This has actually been happening ever since I got the vehicle. My acceleration has been decreasing when I get an oil change.
Engine, Jan 26, 2024
My vehicle has been consuming oil very often. I have done regular maintenance on it since I purchased the vehicle. I first noticed the issue in August of last year. My remaining oil in my engine before an oil change would be little to none. I brought it to a Hyundai Dealership and they told me they can do nothing. They told me if my check engine light came on and my engine seized, to call them. I had a check engine light of O2 sensors being out. I replaced those. My engine continued to consume oil. I had another check engine light come on last week and it was my timing sensors. They went out. I replaced those and my technician looked inside my engine, and it is filled with metal shavings. My timing chains will go off if I drive my vehicle and my engine will no longer function. Hyundai in Sioux Falls, South Dakota told me numerous times they did not see why my engine was consuming oil. They also told me they would have a tow truck come get my car to repair if it was seized or damaged. They refused to last week. They told me the only way to fix my engine is if the code of P1326 was present. My code now is P001000. I am stuck without a car because i cannot drive mine.
Engine, Jan 25, 2024
While driving the car a noise came from the engine and I lost acceleration and then the car just died in the middle of busy traffic. The car was stuck in busy traffic till it could be towed since it wouldn't restart. After doing research it is a known problem with Hyundai and Kia engines and there are thousands of people like me and Hyundai refuses to take responsibility and puts the blame on the consumer stating they didn't maintain the vehicle. I could of been seriously injured by this and a lot of others are in jeopardy with these faulty engines.
Engine, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.