What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA has 886 complaints, and the engine group is named in 555 of them. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe power loss, stalling or shutting off while driving. Electrical system is next with 137 complaints.

How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 model year. They cover turn signal software, the trunk latch, engine bearings, a battery protection switch, the parking brake light, the panoramic sunroof, two air bag issues and the ABS warning light. Some apply only to certain versions or build dates.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Sonata get?

EPA combined ratings run from 24 MPG for the Sonata Limited with the 2.0L turbo to 31 MPG for the 1.6L turbo. The Sonata Hybrid is rated 40 combined and the Hybrid SE 41. The Plug-in Hybrid is rated 40 MPGe.

Is 2016 the best or worst Sonata year?

Among the years listed, 2016 has 886 complaints. Five years have more, and 2011 has the most at 3,474. 2017 has 879 complaints and 5 recalls, and 2015 has 1,207 and 12. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 886 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Sonata, and the engine group is named more often than any other^[1]^[2]. Nine recalls are on file^[3].

886owner complaints^[1]

9recalls^[3]

24–41MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 886 owner complaints for the 2016 Sonata^[1]. 23 mention a crash, 31 a fire, 20 injuries and 1 a death^[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car. The groups below do not add up to the total.

Component group	Complaints	Median miles at failure
Engine^[2]	555	76,000
Electrical system^[6]	137	54,000
Unknown or other^[7]	115	35,500
Power train^[8]	76	56,000
Brakes^[9]	57	32,000
Exterior lighting^[10]	45	50,500
Fuel/propulsion system^[11]	42	62,100
Steering^[12]	35	40,000

The engine group has the most complaints by a wide margin. It also has 21 fires^[2]. The brakes group has the lowest median mileage at failure, 32,000 miles, and 4 crashes and 4 injuries^[9].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups. It is not enough to say how common any of this is, but it shows what owners describe.

Engine. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 8 describe the car losing power, stalling or shutting off while driving^[2]. One describes an engine that a dealer called not repairable after metal was found in the oil pan^[2].
Electrical system. In a sample of 12, 7 describe a loss of power or a shutdown while driving, including hybrid system warnings^[6]. 4 describe warning lights or small features acting up, such as tire pressure, blind spot or window lock^[6].
Power train. In a sample of 12, 5 describe rough, delayed or missing gear changes, or a loss of acceleration near shift points^[8]. 3 describe a hybrid system warning with a loss of drive power^[8].
Brakes. In a sample of 11 different complaints, 5 describe the parking or rear brakes locking or applying on their own^[9]. 4 describe automatic emergency braking either engaging for no reason or not responding^[9].

Some of these texts come from the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions, so not every theme applies to every Sonata.

Recalls

Nine recalls are on file for the 2016 Sonata^[3]. Some cover only certain versions or build dates, so check your VIN with NHTSA or a Hyundai dealer. Eight of the nine say the repair is free of charge. The plug-in hybrid battery recall (18V166) does not state a cost^[13]. Newest first:

Turn signal software (21V749). Recall date 2021-09-24^[14]. It covers 2015 to 2017 Sonata, 2016 to 2017 Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, with 469,377 vehicles potentially affected^[14]. Software in the junction box may misread the turn signal switch, so the signal could blink the wrong way. That raises the risk of a crash. Dealers update the software for free^[14].
Trunk latch (21V619). Recall date 2021-08-06^[15]. Among Sonatas, the 2016 model year is covered only for the Sonata Hybrid, within 348,158 vehicles of several models^[15]. The latch may be damaged, so someone inside the trunk could not open it. That could trap a person. Dealers replace the latch base for free^[15].
Connecting rod bearings (20V746). Recall date 2020-12-01^[16]. It covers the 2016 Sonata Hybrid, among 128,948 vehicles of several models^[16]. The bearings inside the engine may wear early, which can damage the engine over time. That can raise the risk of a fire or a stall. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. They also install a software update that adds a knock sensor detection system. The work is free^[16].
Voltage protection device (18V166). Recall date 2018-03-12^[13]. It covers 2016 to 2018 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, with 2,840 vehicles^[13]. A protection switch for the high voltage battery may trip by mistake. In electric mode the car could lose power, which raises the risk of a crash. The fix removes the switch and installs a new battery management system. The recall was expected to begin in May 2018^[13].
Parking brake light (17V359). Recall date 2017-06-05^[17]. It covers 2015 to 2016 Sonata and Genesis, with 161,074 vehicles^[17]. Corrosion in the switch can keep the dash light off when the parking brake is on. A driver could then drive with the brake partly engaged, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the switch for free^[17].
Panoramic sunroof (16V726). Recall date 2016-10-11^[18]. It covers certain Sonata and Sonata Hybrid cars with the panoramic sunroof option, with 62,811 vehicles^[18]. A bonding problem with the wind deflector means the sunroof panel could come off while driving. Dealers repair the deflector anchor plate for free^[18].
Driver air bag, neck protection (16V615). Recall date 2016-08-24^[19]. It covers certain 2016 Sonatas built March 28 to April 12, 2016, with 1,031 vehicles^[19]. The driver air bag may not protect the neck well enough in a crash. Dealers replace the air bag module for free^[19].
Driver air bag, second stage (16V232). Recall date 2016-04-21^[20]. It covers certain Sonatas built May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016 and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid, with 33 vehicles of several models^[20]. The driver air bag may be missing a chemical needed for the second stage. The first stage still deploys. Dealers replace the air bag module for free^[20].
ABS warning light (15V678). Recall date 2015-10-20^[21]. It covers certain 2015 to 2016 Sonatas built May 28, 2014 to August 21, 2015, with 64,744 vehicles^[21]. If the anti-lock brakes have a fault, the ABS light does not come on. A driver might not know the brakes could lock up in hard braking. Dealers update the ABS software for free^[21].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine. All are front-wheel drive and use regular gas.

Version	Engine	City / highway / combined MPG	EPA annual fuel cost
Sonata^[22]	1.6L turbo	28 / 36 / 31	$2,150
Sonata^[23]	2.4L	25 / 36 / 29	$2,300
Sonata Sport Limited^[24]	2.4L	25 / 35 / 28	$2,400
Sonata^[25]	2.0L turbo	22 / 31 / 26	$2,600
Sonata Limited^[26]	2.0L turbo	21 / 30 / 24	$2,800
Sonata Hybrid^[27]	2.0L	38 / 41 / 40	$1,700
Sonata Hybrid SE^[4]	2.0L	39 / 42 / 41	$1,650

The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid is rated at 40 MPGe combined, with 600 miles of range^[28].

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4 DR FWD Sonata at 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes^[5]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 10.5%^[5]. The Sonata Hybrid has the same ratings^[29].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2016 Sonata test vehicles:

1.6L 4-cylinder: 178 hp^[30]
2.0L 4-cylinder: 154 to 245 hp depending on version^[31]
2.4L 4-cylinder: 185 hp^[32]

Size is the same across the versions we have data for. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Only curb weight changes.

Version	Length / width / height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
4DR sedan 2.4^[33]	191 / 74 / 58 in	111 in	3,252 lb
4DR sedan Sport 2.0T^[34]	191 / 74 / 58 in	111 in	3,505 lb
4DR sedan Hybrid^[35]	191 / 74 / 58 in	111 in	3,497 lb
4DR sedan PHEV^[36]	191 / 74 / 58 in	111 in	3,649 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sonata model year. The 2016 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	66	2
1996	23	1
1997	49	2
1998	49	1
1999	170	4
2000	276	4
2001	205	3
2002	320	7
2003	199	6
2004	202	1
2005	165	1
2006	1,047	9
2007	696	5
2008	425	3
2009	460	2
2010	345	2
2011	3,474	17
2012	1,712	11
2013	2,024	11
2014	778	8
2015	1,207	12
2016	886	9
2017	879	5
2018	383	2
2019	172	0
2020	197	4
2021	189	4
2022	113	3
2023	103	2
2024	55	1
2025	28	0
2026	6	1

NHTSA has 886 complaints and 9 recalls on file for the 2016 model year^[3]. Next to its neighbors:

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2014^[3]	778	8
2015^[3]	1,207	12
2016^[3]	886	9
2017^[3]	879	5
2018^[3]	383	2

Across every year listed, five years have more complaints than 2016: 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. The peak is 2011, with 3,474 complaints and 17 recalls^[3]. For recalls, 2016 ties 2006 at 9, and 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 have more^[3].

These counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2016 Sonata?

The 2016 Sonata earns 5 overall stars from NHTSA^[5]. It also has 886 complaints, with the engine group named in 555^[1]^[2]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe stalling and power loss while driving^[2]^[6]. Before buying, check the VIN for open recalls, ask for proof that the recalls that apply were done, and look for engine service records. If you are looking at a Hybrid, ask about recall 20V746 in particular^[16].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?: NHTSA has 886 complaints, and the engine group is named in 555 of them^[1]^[2]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe power loss, stalling or shutting off while driving^[2]. Electrical system is next with 137 complaints^[6].
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?: NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 model year^[3]. They cover turn signal software, the trunk latch, engine bearings, a battery protection switch, the parking brake light, the panoramic sunroof, two air bag issues and the ABS warning light^[14]^[15]^[16]^[13]^[17]^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]. Some apply only to certain versions or build dates.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Sonata get?: EPA combined ratings run from 24 MPG for the Sonata Limited with the 2.0L turbo to 31 MPG for the 1.6L turbo^[26]^[22]. The Sonata Hybrid is rated 40 combined and the Hybrid SE 41^[27]^[4]. The Plug-in Hybrid is rated 40 MPGe^[28].
Is 2016 the best or worst Sonata year?: Among the years listed, 2016 has 886 complaints^[3]. Five years have more, and 2011 has the most at 3,474^[3]. 2017 has 879 complaints and 5 recalls, and 2015 has 1,207 and 12^[3]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 886 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata (23 mention a crash, 31 a fire, 20 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
555 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 21 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Sonata model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sonata Hybrid SE, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 39 city / 42 highway / 41 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,650. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
137 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 7 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
115 complaints name the unknown or other component group (7 crashes, 8 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,500). NHTSA vehicle records
76 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
57 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 4 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
45 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,500). NHTSA vehicle records
42 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,100). NHTSA vehicle records
35 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 18V166, filed March 12, 2018: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V749, filed September 24, 2021: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V619, filed August 6, 2021: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V746, filed December 1, 2020: Engine. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V359, filed June 5, 2017: Parking Brake › Indicator Light. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V726, filed October 11, 2016: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V615, filed August 24, 2016: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V232, filed April 21, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V678, filed October 20, 2015: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Sonata, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 36 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata Sport Limited, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 35 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata Limited, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 38 city / 41 highway / 40 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular Gas and Electricity: 40 MPGe combined, 600 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Sonata with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 178 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Sonata with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 154 to 245 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Sonata with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 185 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN 2.4: length 191 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN SPORT 2.0T: length 191 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,505 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN HYBRID: length 191 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,497 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SONATA 4DR SEDAN PHEV: length 191 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,649 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2016 Hyundai Sonata: problems, recalls and fuel economy