2016 HYUNDAI SONATA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

946

Owner Complaints

37 Crashes 42 Fires 3 Deaths

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

42

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

The 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA has received a total of 946 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL, PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT. 42 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (420 complaints), Unknown Or Other (86 complaints), and Electrical System (84 complaints).

Recalls for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA, potentially affecting up to 1,228,447 vehicles.

Recall 21V749000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

| 469,377 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Recall 21V749000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

| 469,377 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Recall 17V359000 — PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

| 161,074 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Recall 16V726000 — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

| 62,811 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Recall 16V615000 — AIR BAGS

| 1,031 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Recall 16V232000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 33 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Recall 15V678000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

| 64,744 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

946 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 420 1 Crash 19 Fires
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 86 7 Crashes 7 Fires 8 Injuries 1 Death
Electrical System
Complaints: 84 4 Crashes 6 Fires 3 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 53 1 Fire
Service Brakes
Complaints: 41 3 Crashes 4 Fires 4 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 36 3 Fires
Steering
Complaints: 33 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 30 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 29 1 Crash 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 28 5 Crashes 1 Fire 5 Injuries 1 Death
Air Bags
Complaints: 20 9 Crashes 9 Injuries 1 Death
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 9
Seat Belts
Complaints: 9
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication
Complaints: 5
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 4
Seats
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitykeysender
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 2
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
Complaints: 2
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Parking Brake
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemcybersecurity
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsealsgaskets
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsumptank
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Warning
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlatchemergency Mechanical Release
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemcompressor
Complaints: 1
Visibilityfixed Panaramic Roofsky Light Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11717361 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
#11717243 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
While driving in normal traffic, the engine experienced a sudden and significant loss of power and went into a reduced-power “limp” mode. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stored an active P1326 diagnostic trouble code related to the engine/Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Because this occurred in live traffic, the sudden power loss created an unsafe situation that increased the risk of a collision, as the vehicle could not accelerate or keep pace with surrounding vehicles. This issue appears to be directly related to Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 22-EM-001H-1, which addresses known engine defects and P1326 activation in this model and engine. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership in West Palm Beach, Florida for inspection, where the code was verified and documentation (including oil change records) was requested. The vehicle has approximately 89,000–90,000 miles. After the dealership inspection, I received an email from Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs [XXX] ) stating: “This is Hyundai’s final position in this matter, and we are unable to offer any assistance with regard to this claim.” I believe this position is incorrect, as the symptoms and P1326 activation align with the conditions outlined in TSB 22-EM-001H-1, which Hyundai is supposed to honor when these failures occur. To my knowledge, the vehicle/component has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The check engine light and reduced power symptoms first appeared at the time of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11717361 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
#11717361 | POWER TRAIN | | 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
#11717012 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
Engine failure, cylinder 4 is swimming on oil.

View all Engine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

The 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 42 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TRW Settlement Notice — AIR BAGS

Hyundai has settled a class action lawsuit that alleges that certain Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles (defined below) contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (“ZF-TRW ACUs”) that are vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress, which may cause the vehicles’ airbags and other safety features to fail during a collision....

23-01-014H-5 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and installation of two anti-theft decals for the front windows.

22-ST-001H — STEERING

The warranty coverage for certain 2015-2017MY Sonata (LFa) and Sonata HEV/PHEV (LF HEV/PHEV) vehicles exhibiting reduced power steering assist and/or motor driven power steering (MDPS) warning lamp has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs...

20-01-004H-2 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine or update the engine ECU software based on the inspection results.

20-BE-008H — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information for new software to update the Navigation and Display Audio system to include the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature. This bulletin describes how to transfer the update software to a storage drive (USB or SD Card) and perform the software installation into the audio system.

20-BE-008H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

This bulletin provides information for new software to update the Navigation and Display Audio system to include the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature. This bulletin describes how to transfer the update software to a storage drive (USB or SD Card) and perform the software installation into the audio system.

20-01-004H-1 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine or update the engine ECU software based on the inspection results.

20-BD-015H — STRUCTURE

On certain Sonata (LF) vehicles equipped with smart trunk, the trunk lid may not open to the desired height when using the smart trunk feature. Follow the procedure in the bulletin to inspect the trunk lid opening height, and replace the torsion bars if required. The warranty coverage for the...

Campaign T3G DBP — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedures on TSB #20-01-004H (supersedes TSB #19-01-006H-4) rotate the crankshaft, perform the bearing inspection (if crankshaft does rotate) and/or replace the engine based on the crankshaft/bearing inspection results.

19-BD-009H-1 — STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

On certain Sonata (LF) vehicles equipped with smart trunk, the trunk lid may not open to the desired height when using the smart trunk feature. Follow the procedure in the bulletin to inspect the trunk lid opening height and replace the torsion bars if required. The warranty coverage for the...

Showing 10 of 42 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA.

Investigation PE16010 — SERVICE BRAKES Closed

Opened:

Electronic Parking Brake

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SONATA

View all HYUNDAI SONATA model years →

Other HYUNDAI Models

View all HYUNDAI models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report