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.
Engine, Jan 23, 2024
I changed out every cylinder, axel, within 6 months and now on March 22, 2023, they said I needed a new engine. P0300, P0303 MISFIRE. They said the car misfired. I thought that's why they changed all the cylinders. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? My car has been parked in the garage. Why do I have to fix a problem that was just fixed? Still confused
Engine, Jan 20, 2024
My car was burning through oil fairly quickly. I had to refill my oil in between oil changes. I was also getting oil changes about every 2k miles until I realized it was not normal. I contacted Hyundai about an oil consumption test on December 19th. I did not hear back until almost 2 weeks. The email did not ask me what I needed but basically said” you’ve talked to someone if you need something let us know” I had called in to check the status. Not sure why they thought this was resolved. About a week later my engine failed. Hyundai will not fix my engine because it does not fall under warranty. From what the mechanic told me, my car has carbon build up due to the burning oil which caused my cylinders to crack. I don’t know much about cars but oil is not suppose to burn that fast.
Engine, Jan 11, 2024
On the way home after I purchasing my son his 2016 Hyundai sonata limited, he noticed his oil light come on and he stopped to check his oil and it was almost empty. He got an oil change and called the dealer and they told us that it was probably the oil change place that didn’t tighten the drain cap. We took it to them and they said no issues with the cap. Went back to Hyundai and when you open the hood the engine is shiny and coated in oil . They would not do anything for us , the car was at 117k and they told us to drive it till it knocks and fill it and maybe Hyundai would replace engine . Hyundai did not warranty this cars engine. He has had his car now for 5 months and puts over a gallon of oil in it a month. It started misfiring, so we replace his spark plugs and noticed oil all over the spark plug number 2. This was a one owner car, that showed she took good care of it, and that is why we purchased it. We are stuck with this car and it is not safe and my son is 19.
Engine, Jan 5, 2024
Engine began misfiring, spark plug coated in oil which indicates piston ring defect. I get regular scheduled maintenance, often needing oil far before maintenance would be due. This is a KNOWN issue and Hyundai is NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS that ultimately lead to ENGINE FAILURE, due to there being NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES, or OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. This is a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners such as myself, are often left with uncooperative dealerships that either deny the problem or offer minimal assistance. Even Hyundai corporate and extended warranties fail to provide adequate support, frequently citing owner negligence as a reason for denial. This occurs despite the fact that engine sludge buildup is inevitable, even with consistent car maintenance. Furthermore, I am forced to endure long waiting times for MY 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, THAT HAS BEEN INSPECTED and, then DENIED FOR an ENGINE REPLACEMENT, and face additional months of delay for them to explain why. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of loaner vehicles and no assurance of rental reimbursement. This leaves countless individuals burdened with repair payments for stranded vehicles. My personal experience has been with Ourisman Hyundai, and many others have voiced similar grievances. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), yet little action has been taken to aid the thousands of people who are experiencing the same problems to rectify this issue. It is imperative that ATTENTION is drawn to this matter as HYUNDAI'S approach to selling cars with HIDDEN ENGINE ISSUES PUTS CUSTOMERS AT SAFETY RISK AND places them in DIRE and DEADLY HARM. I implore all News Media outlets to conduct an investigation into these concerns and help shed light on a situation that demands immediate attention
Engine, Dec 14, 2023
I Bought a Hyundai Sonata in the spring of 2018 from a previous owner. Before buying the car, I contacted Hyundai and they told me engine issues would be covered. In December 2022 I talked with the customer service national office and told me I was lucky that I had two engine warranties, one up to 120k miles and the other unlimited. I was told to check my oil usage every month to ensure a warranty. The car started using oil this fall 2023. I took the car to the dealership as requested by Hyundai. We have paid almost $1000 for tests. Hyundai of Noblesville says the car is drinking oil 2.8 quarts for less than 1000 miles, a test Hyundai requires. Making you drive a car with less than half its engine oil is self-destroying the engine. Hyundai is not willing to pay for the repairs. Being required to drive a vehicle until the engine ceases to get the engine covered under warranty is a very dangerous practice that risks the lives of ourselves and others. The car has less than 100,000 miles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 11, 2023
My hyaundai is burning through oil every 500-1000 miles it will be completely empty
Engine, Nov 29, 2023, fire
On the evening of 11/28/2023 I had my vehicle parked in my garage of my home when my smoke detectors went off. I went to my garage to discover it was full of smoke and it particularly was coming from the front of the engine I had my son call the fire department and poured water on the small fire as it was still smoking when they arrived. there is visible burn marks on the engine hood from the fire
Structure, Nov 21, 2023
I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata and on vacation in Florida the cap to the shark Finn Antenna flew off on the highway. I noted there are recalls on newer versions of the Sonata but not on the 2016. I feel that is a problem that Hyundai should address as it is a safety hazard and could cause an accident resulting in injuries. Also the cost to replace the antenna is almost 500 dollar as they do not just sell the cover for the antenna. Thank you for any help you can provide in addressing this issue as I do not want anyone to get hurt because of this faulty problem with the antenna cover.
Engine, Nov 12, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting Hyundai car owners that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by oil consumption problems that ultimately lead to engine failure, a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners are often left to grapple with uncooperative dealerships that either deny the problem or offer minimal assistance. Even Hyundai corporate and extended warranties fail to provide adequate support, frequently citing owner negligence as a reason for denial. This occurs despite the fact that engine sludge buildup is inevitable, even with consistent car maintenance. Furthermore, car owners are forced to endure long waiting times for their vehicles to be inspected and, if approved for an engine replacement, face additional months of delay. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of loaner vehicles and no assurance of rental reimbursement. This leaves countless individuals burdened with car payments for vehicles either stranded in garages or idle in driveways. My personal experience has been with First Hyundai, and many others have voiced similar grievances. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), yet little action has been taken to aid the thousands of people who lack the resources to rectify this issue. It is imperative that attention is drawn to this matter as Hyundai's approach to selling cars with hidden engine issues puts customers at risk and places them in dire financial straits. I implore the Boston Globe to conduct an investigation into these concerns and help shed light on a situation that demands immediate attention
Engine, Nov 6, 2023
Engine is burning the oil quickly. Hyundai dealer performed oil consumption test and found that engine is burning the oil quickly and I need to add 1-quarter at every 750 miles. Dealer told me if you are 1st owner than Hyundai will replace the engine but i am second owner i won't eligible for engine replacement. Due to this problem, oil get on the spark plug and car is vibrating a lot and I feel it very dangerous. I have check online and many people have this issue. I would appreciate it if you could help me here.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 1, 2023
found me driving on I 75 and I put the Cruise Control at 70 miles, instead of maintaining the speed at 70miles the vehicle accelerated to more than 90 miles per hour I had to quickly put my foot on the brake otherwise I could have an accident with the vehicle from the front, after all this happened, I felt the car was losing speed, I tried to accelerate but it did not go over 60 miles per hour. I took it to the mechanic and they did not detect anything in the vehicle's computer. This vehicle also turns off at times when you are driving and it turns off it also spend too much oil motor , I started looking for information on this model of car and I see that there are more than 550 people who have the same problem as me, this is an unsafe vehicle for the road
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
Engine is burning is oil at least 1,5 qt on 1000 miles, added 7 quarts of oil in 3500miles, dealership is playing around and says everything is ok, did a oil consumption test and wrote down that is burning 0,5 qt and don’t want to recognize that the have to change the engine on warranty
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Engine failure. Metal in the engine oil pan. P1326 code. No warranty coverage and no recall. Replacing the parts myself. Vehicle went into limp mode without warning. Oil bypassing one of the pistons. Lower end was loose.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 26, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to shake, lost power, and failed to accelerate. The driver pulled over and noticed smoke, and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was on the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown if a police report was filed. There were no reported injuries. The air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact mentioned that in 2021, the motor may have been replaced.The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
Engine seized on the highway
Engine, Oct 23, 2023
3 months after the engine was replaced under extended manufacturer warranty the vehicle started shifting funny, took it to the dealership and was told the transmission was bad, then another person in service said the transmission wasn't bad and didn't need to be replaced and they couldn't find anything wrong (after waiting for 2+ weeks for the transmission to come in), then the car left us stranded on the side of the road and not running, took it back to the dealership and was told it's a bad catalytic converter and we had to pay $2000+ to replace it. They at this time blamed the engine issues on a bad alternator. Now the car has a check engine light again and is throwing the code permanently for the catalytic converter. No way that a HYBRID car that barely ever actually runs on the engine should need a new calaytic converter around the 100,000 mile point except for an engine malfunction, which was the case and that engine was replaced back in December. Hyundai says it's not related and sorry, you have to pay for everything.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
Engine began having issues with stalling out around 70k Miles. Car was taken to the dealer and Tessa on for issue couldn’t be diagnosed. Car then began again at 83k miles took it to a repair shop and the issue could not be pin pointed once again. I was informed that the engine would have to completely fail for the issue to be properly diagnosed. Engine completely failed at 100k miles from barring breaking while I was driving the vehicle with my children in the car. Vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic shop and later transferred to Hyundai of Cumming. This issue was then confirmed for engine failure due to barrings breaks and the oil not circulating through the engine. There were not any prior warnings signs such as a light on dashboard or smoke out of the exhaust. All car maintenance is documented and up to date. This is the same reasoning behind prior 2016 models failing and being recalled. Dealer is refusing to issue a goodwill repair that was recommended by Hyundai corporate.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 17, 2023
I am having electrical issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata plus the other recalls. It started as issues with the lights on the driver side. I have replaced several bulbs and the entire light even and still have issues with the lights working properly. Now the issue is the battery, alternator or the starter. The starter had to be replaced as I was advised by Hyundai dealership when my engine had to be replaced, per recall. I had to purchase a starter, that was three times the amount at the dealership because the one that is manufactured in the auto stores is not correct, so it should not be the starter as it is only 1 to 2 years old. I have had the alternator replaced as well as 2 batteries and I’m still having issues. It cut off completely while driving on more than 1 occasion. There was no warning, no power steering, gear lock, no lights & no power so I could not move and almost had a major accident. It is definitely a safety hazard even after the repairs, it has happened again! My vehicle is currently not working because the new battery will not hold a charge and they both have been replaced. I’ve been having other electronic type issues with this vehicle. My information center has not worked for the past 8 months or so! I reported this to Hyundai and they agreed that it could be a part of a previous recall, and advised me to go to the dealership to have it repaired. The dealership refuses because they don’t have required information to show it as a Current recall and want to charge me half the price of a new car to repair. I am not the only one experience this as my research has led me to several other Hyundai owners experiencing the same issues. It is not fair that they cannot be corrected as these are things that are none of consumer fault & should have been high demands to proper repair or recall being a major safety issue as it can cause a horrific accident! Shame on Hyundai for putting their Hyundai customers at risk & through so much chaos!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 16, 2023, fire
My husband (Scott) was driving the car on Florida highway 408 eastbound approaching the exit 21 on 10/12/2023 around 8 am. Scott heard something pop suddenly and saw fire shooting out from both sides of the car in the rearview mirrors. Upon noticing the fire, he tried to slow down to pull over the car, but brakes failed (went to the floor). A police officer on the road happened to see the fire so he drove next to my husband's car and Scott yelled at officer that he had no brakes. The officer went ahead of Scott to help Scott's car slow down. When approaching uphill slopes by the exit, Scott was finally able to use the emergency brakes to come to a complete stop. The fire engine came right away and put out the fire which took over 20 minutes. My husband is handicapped and him walking away from such car catastrophic fire unharmed was near miracle. Two weeks before the fire, I happened to take the car in for checkup at Greenway Hyundai Orlando and the 2.5 hour inspection found nothing wrong with my car. I wanted my car checked because my car stalled briefly pulling out of a parking space a few days earlier.
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
Yesterday while driving my vehicle engine stalled and wouldn't go over 40 MPH, about 10 seconds later the engine would not go over 15 MPH.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2023
On 10/06/23, I went to the Meriden Hyundai Dealership to get my transmission and brakes serviced. During the multi-point inspection, the technician noticed that the oil pan had a hair line crack at the drain plug site. I found that peculiar especially since my oil changes have been performed at the same place for the past 5 years. My last oil change was performed on 09/09/23. The technicians never mention any problems. I did not notice any oil leaking. The oil was actually being trapped in the undershield. I have contacted that company and they have conducted an investigation. They do not find any fault with their workmanship. However, something is wrong. I see there are other Hyundai vehicles having trouble with their oil pan and drain plugs.
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
I constantly have to purchase bottles of oil and put into the car in between oil changes. The oil burns so fast and the car does not give a low oil signal on the dash. This is a known issue because the dealer recommended I return in between the oil change for a free top off because Hyundai engines are known for burning oil. I spend extra money every 2 weeks buying oil.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
Unknown