2016 HYUNDAI SONATA Engine Problems

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...

Engine failure, cylinder 4 is swimming on oil.

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (2.0T/2.4L engine) has been experiencing loss of motive power and severe engine stumbling at stoplights, creating an unreasonable risk of a crash in traffic. The Check Engine light is on with DTC P0010. Upon inspection, the internal oil seal plug at the intake camshaft E-CVVT has become unseated, causing an active oil leak. This matches the exact defect and symptoms (elevated idle of 1,200–1,400 RPM and power reduction) described in Hyundai Service Campaign TX3 (TSB 15-01-022-1). While that campaign only applied to 2015 models, my 2016 vehicle has suffered the identical failure. I am requesting that this safety-related defect be investigated for 2016 models to prevent potential engine fires from oil leaks or accidents from sudden power loss

Engine started rough idling and knocking. Took to a mechanic who found metal particulate in the oil and the engine spun a bearing.

This vehicle has experienced multiple hybrid system failures while driving, including a complete loss of power “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Engine Off” on the interstate in June 2022 through November 2025. These events have placed me and my loved ones in dangerous driving situations. Despite a warranty‑covered engine replacement at 82,015 miles (January 2023), the same hybrid system issues have recurred. Hyundai initially indicated a warranty claim was submitted, then told me there was no record of any claim in the system. The dealership claims it was denied — creating a serious inconsistency in communication and accountability. In addition, I have identified multiple NHTSA complaints in the database from other owners of 2016 Sonata Hybrids (VINs beginning with KMHE) describing similar highway shutdowns and hybrid system failures, which raise concern about a broader, unaddressed safety defect not currently covered by existing TSB or recall actions. I am respectfully requesting:...

I am filing a complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding denial of defect coverage for my 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption and triggered diagnostic code P1326. The dealer confirmed only one quart of oil remained in the engine and noted a valve cover gasket leak. Hyundai’s Tech Line instructed a gasket replacement and oil consumption test, but Hyundai corporate formally declined coverage, citing mileage and second-owner status. This is not a routine warranty claim but a defect claim. Oil consumption defects in Hyundai Theta engines are well-documented and have been subject to recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, and class actions. Defect coverage should not be limited to first owners. I am requesting reimbursement for the valve cover gasket repair, acknowledgment of the oil consumption defect, and corrective action to ensure Hyundai honors defect-related coverage fairly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION...

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden engine failure while in operation with no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine seized unexpectedly, creating a safety risk. This failure appears consistent with known engine defects affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles of this model year. Hyundai Motor America denied my claim without addressing these known defect patterns.

Vehicle stalled while driving

On November 10, 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN [XXX] , approximately 150,000 miles) experienced a sudden loss of power while I was turning right and accelerating into traffic. The vehicle immediately entered limp mode with flashing warning lights and audible alerts. The vehicle lost normal propulsion and could not accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation as it was blocking a traffic lane. I was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby parking lot to get out of traffic. The vehicle was not safely drivable afterward and was towed home. A few days later, the vehicle was towed to Murdoch Hyundai in Lindon, Utah, for diagnosis. The vehicle was found to have diagnostic trouble code P1326, which Hyundai identifies as activation of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) related to connecting-rod bearing wear. This condition is part of Hyundai’s known engine defect and safety recall/warranty extension programs. During...

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata with the DOHC GDI Theta-II engine is experiencing severe engine oil consumption consistent with Hyundai's known TXXI/TXXC extended warranty defect. The oil pressure warning has flashed while driving or braking, the engine runs rough when slowing down, engine has made knocking noises, and there is smoke/vapor with a burnt oil smell when removing the oil cap after driving. The oil level drops rapidly between changes despite proper maintenance. This issue poses a risk of engine failure, stalling, or fire while driving. I have maintained the vehicle on time with all oil change receipts. A Hyundai dealership refused to perform the required warranty diagnostics even though this issue falls under Hyundai's extended warranty for Theta-II engines. This is a serious safety concern, and no corrective action has been taken.

My Hyundai is experiencing severe and continuous engine oil consumption that creates a safety risk. The vehicle loses a significant amount of oil within 1,000–1,500 miles, sometimes showing almost no oil on the dipstick despite recent oil changes. There are no external leaks, no burning smell, and no visible oil under the car. The cause remains UNKNOWN, but it appears to be internal engine burning or a manufacturing defect. I have taken the vehicle to the Hyundai dealer multiple times. They performed oil consumption tests but either reported “normal results” or did not provide clear explanations. The issue continues exactly the same. I also contacted Hyundai corporate, but no meaningful assistance or goodwill support was provided. The dealer acknowledges no leaks but still refuses to repair or replace the engine. This problem is dangerous because the oil level drops without warning lights or error codes. If I do not manually...

Car has been consuming oil fast since around 75,000 miles. Car is under 100,000 miles and I have been told by an independent shop that it basically has piston ring failure which means engine failure.

The vehicle is going through oil very quicky. No leaks no burning.

This car burned oil like crazy from the start. We kept the oil changed regularly, had to change spark plugs weekly and add a quart or more of oil each week in between oil changes. One day whole stopped at a red light the engine started knocking for no reason. Once diagnosed it turned out that it had spun a rod bearing. These engines need to be recalled before someone ends up in a fatal accident. This car was driven daily on a major interstate thankfully the issue happened at a red light, but has left me with a car note and a non drivable car. What’s it gonna take to get these engines recalled and replaced?

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) had its engine replaced under recall campaign 20V746000 in March / April 2024 at Hyundai of Round Rock, TX. In October 2025, less than 18 months later and at 97,000 miles, the replacement engine failed again. Hyundai has refused further repair, citing an expired recall warranty. This raises serious safety and reliability concerns, as a recall engine should not fail this soon. Engine failure while driving could result in a stall or crash risk. Please investigate whether Hyundai’s recall replacement engines are defective and if extended coverage is warranted for affected consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine issue - but no recalls there have been hundreds of this same car yr and model with engine issues out of the blue

The vehicle experienced an engine and power train failure while driving on the highway, resulting in sudden loss of power. The electrical system also failed after the dealer visit, causing the battery to die every morning. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My car suddenly lost power on the highway and would not accelerate, forcing me to pull over on the shoulder with traffic moving around me. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision or crash. Additionally, after the dealer visit, the electrical system began failing and the vehicle has been completely dead every morning, leaving me stranded with a child and unable to reliably start the car. The problem has not been reproduced because the check engine code cleared itself after the incident; however, the symptoms absolutely remain. The dealer refused to diagnose the loss-of-power event because the code was cleared, and they returned...

While driving, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s engine suddenly started knocking loudly. I stopped immediately and found the engine oil was very low without any prior warning. After adding oil, the engine still runs but with possible internal damage. This could have caused the engine to seize while driving. There were no warning lights or leaks before this happened.

Sudden engine failure. Compression issue, car has only 63,000 miles.

High engine oil consumption 2 qts every 1k miles.

Car had oil in the electrode of spark plug. Total engine failure

At 70712 miles cylinder 4 suffered a catastrophic internal failure. The vehicle also had excessive oil consumption and the dealer just told us to keep adding oil as there was nothing they could do. The vehicle must have had a manufacturing defect.

The problem with my vehicle is a failure of internal engine components, specifically a known defect in the piston rings of the Hyundai Theta II engine. This failure causes excessive oil consumption, which is burned internally. The internal engine components have failed, leading to a widely documented defect in the Hyundai Theta II engine. The primary symptom, which began to get serious around 80,000 miles, is the constant need to add oil to the engine every two weeks. If I do not do this, the low oil warning light illuminates on the dashboard, serving as a continuous alert of the problem. This failure was officially confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership. About two weeks ago, they first documented that there were no external leaks on the vehicle. When I returned because the oil had been consumed again, they performed a new diagnostic, for which I paid over $300, that confirmed...

Was driving on the interstate, and took the exit I needed. Upon exiting before coming up to stop light, noticed check engine light flashing, and couldn't accelerate. RPMS were bouncing when I tried to accelerate. Pulled off onto side of road, called mechanically inclined friend who came with an obd2 sensor, and it was showing a P132600 code for Knock signal range performance, with an audible knocking sound, and engine vibration while on in idle. Got the code cleared so we could drive the car the 3 miles I needed to go to get to where I was going, 2 miles in, the engine light came back on and vehicle went back into limp mode. Called AAA and got the car to an in network mechanic shop for Carvana, whom i bought the car through a month prior. Proceeded to do an oil sample test and found it to be...

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON [XXX],I DIDNT RECIEVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS,I WAS DRIVING ON [XXX] AT 60 MPH AND NOTICED THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, SOMEHOW I WAS ABLE TO COAST FAR ENOUGH AND MERGE 2 LANES AND WAS SITTING BETWEEN THE OFFRAMP AND THE FREEWAY ,THE SEEMED LIKE A DEAD BATTERY OR WOULDNT TURN OVER, SOON A CALIFORNIA STATE TOW TRUCK PULLED UP HE TRIED TO JUMP IT ,NOTHING, HE TOWED ME TO A SAFE PLACE, THEN I CALLED TRIPLE A SAME THING, I WAS TOWED HOME AFTER I ASSUMR THE CRANKSHAFT COOLED IT STARTED WITH A KNOCK, THERE WAS NO KNOCK WHEN IT SIEZED, I GOT HOME AND SEEN THEY GAVE ME GWC WARRANTY, IM PAYING FOR THEY DIDNT EVEN MENTION THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT, ,THE STORY IS WORSE THIS WAS THE SECOND CAR FROM THIS DEALER,THE FIRST ONE I HAD 1 DAY AND HEARD RODS...

Pushed acceleration at traffic light to cross and turn into neighborhood, car started beeping frantically, 'check hev system' flashed on dash as well as 'turn off engine' while car decelerated to 1-3 mph. Battery meter bar on left side of dash completely depleted showing no battery power supply at all. Turned vehicle off for a few minutes then restarted. Put the vehicle in drive gear and same warnings appear, car doesn't even accelerate when gas pedal is pressed fully, stays at 1-3 mph crawl. Vehicle stalls out after 30 seconds, vehicle turns on but cannot start.

Engine failure and car burning oil very fast causing other things to go wrong like piston ring and spark plugs.

I was going down the highway and noticed a weird sound and when off the highway it just shut down on me thank God I was able to pull in a median and I could not drive or start it. No other warning signs. I had it towed to a mechanic and they told me the engine was blown and he wouldn’t touch it.

On [XXX] as I was driving out my garage my car started to drive with hesitation. As I turn the corner from home my car started to shake vigorously so I turned into the alley which leads back to my home the check engine light came on. I was able to drive into the garage. So I went to a mechanic who has serviced all my previous cars and he showed me that the car is burning too much oil that was effecting the performance of the engine making it drive sluggish I was also told at the oil changing company in numerous occasions that the sonatas burn oil. I’m trying to get it resolved but having no luck . It’s a real hassle with servicing this car. I need assistance on what I need to do INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The engine began knocking on us, towed to dealership. Safety concern was dying on the highway with other cars around. The dealer said it needs a new engine. Not sure there were any indications of failure or not. Some records indicate in order for Hyundai to warranty, this car needed to have had campaign 953 KSDS installed prior. Some records such as the TG3 TXXI warranty state that in April 2022, the KSDS campaign update was no longer required for the Hyundai Theta II engine warranty. owner did not perform KSDS 953, based on not receiving the information. Hyundai is currently denying warranty, but if TG3 TXXI is correct, the dealer has yet to fully inspect, and the fact remains that in April 2022 the Campaign 953 is no longer a prerequisite. I dont feel like I should be denied assistance. Please help.

My check engine light came on and my car went into “limp mode” and wouldn’t go above 30 mph. It also kept blowing hot air through the vents and the coolant level thermometer kept raising.

In April 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L began making a knocking noise while driving. There were no warning lights or error messages on the dashboard, so I was confused about what was wrong and assumed it might be a minor issue related to the axle, which I had repaired in the past. I brought it to a local mechanic, who informed me the engine noise was concerning and mentioned this model was known to have engine-related recalls. Upon researching, I discovered my vehicle had an outstanding recall for the exact issue (connecting rod bearing wear leading to potential engine seizure), but it had expired due to the age of the vehicle. The car was brought into the dealership on April 30, 2025, and has remained there ever since with a completely failed engine. I was told by Hyundai corporate that they would not offer goodwill assistance due to the...

Engine failure. Happened in the middle of the beltway in dc. Was left in the middle of traffic had to get car towed. No lights were on prior to this happening. Seems everyone i have talked to with a senata has had engine failure and has ultimately got a new one replaced by the delorship. The 2016 isn't on the recall list only models 2011-2014. But I have heard of numerous 2015-2016 models having the same issue. This car barley had 110k miles on it before the engine failure. These vehicles are not safe and there needs to be something done. It is currently being looked at by delorship. Im hoping for the best.

While driving on the highway, experienced loss of power and flashing check engine light, subsequently causing engine knock and engine failure. This situation could have caused an accident and put myself and others at risk. It is understood the manufacturer has recalled more than one million vehicles due to engine failure and is working with NHTSA to address the issue. In communication with the manufacturer to inspect the damage and resolve the issue.

Rod bearing failed at highway speeds, loss of power and flashing check engine light only after engine failure. This could have caused an accident putting myself and others at risk of bodily damage had I not been able to pull off of the freeway. Engine knock/rattle, eventually leading to catastrophic engine failure. This has been confirmed by a third party trusted and certified technician at an independent shop. Currently in the process of having the damage inspected by the manufacturer.

Driving and engine began to tick, for a couple minutes, then died. Would not restart.

The vehicle is burning oil, so I had a Hyundai dealer (Brandfon Hyundai New haven, CT) start an oil consumption test. At 1,000 miles the vehicle has no oil. Therefore, the engine can seize and shutdown without warning, which could cause serious injury or accident. Hyundai declined an engine cleaning, which the dealership indicated doesn't work anyway. The next step is engine replacement. However, the dealership won't return my calls. This is a common engine problem with older Hyundai's.

This vehicle has a faulty engine design which results in extreme over-consumption of oil. After an oil change, the engine will typically empty in less than a month, which is beyond a reasonable level of oil consumption. Side effects of this include other parts of the engine wearing down quicker, including the spark plugs, which cause engine misfires. Ultimately, this vehicle's engine design causes financial hardship to it's owners and poses a potential safety risk to those who drive in it. I believe Hyundai should do a recall to fix this faulty engine (with an engine replacement if necessary).

I had knocking in the engine from the auto body shop and my extend warranty told me this is the problem that I have

Engine consumes excessive amount of oil, approximately 5 quarts every 1,000 miles. No leaks found when taken for inspection.

There is an oil problem with this car - my engine light keeps going on, then it backfires, I brought to the dealership and $2,800 later, I still have the same problem. There is no leak that I can see, the oil just disappears. My mechanic said this is a known problem but Hyandai will not get back to me, I have tried several times with no interaction back

My car has 123,000 miles on it, it started with just aircon compressor not working then a week after the engine light started blinking and doesn’t accelerate more than 60 in the interstate then there is a rod knocking in my engine after that.

The vehicle is consuming oil because it’s burning it. The mechanic changes my oil and the same day the oil turns black. I have to constantly check the oil gauge and top up the oil when low. Unsure of the damage this might be doing to the motor.

The engine stopped as I was driving on the road.

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has experienced multiple hybrid system shutdowns while driving. This includes repeated complete power loss incident on I-90 beginning in June 2022, when my daughter was driving home after her hospital shift. The vehicle displayed a “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Off Engine” message and had to be pushed off the highway and towed. This was the first of several hybrid-related failures that culminated in a full engine replacement under warranty at 82,015 miles — and now, the same hybrid system warning has returned at 127,592 miles, well within Hyundai’s 150,000-mile hybrid warranty. Hyundai is currently denying coverage. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate repeated hybrid system faults and warranty denial patterns in Korean-manufactured Sonata Hybrids.

Engine its completely shot won't go past 55 mph showing code p1326 knock senor bull crap. Which is the same reason and shows same symptoms as all the other recall 198 engines but hyundai won't cover my model vehicle because its not "part of the recall" when it should be I still owe 10k on my vehicle hyundai quoted me 10k to replace the engine i shouldn't be paying anything due to the fact that yall consistently have to same problems on all your vehicles.

I am writing to formally request reconsideration of a denied warranty claim regarding my [XXX] son's 2016 Hyundai Sonata, which recently suffered complete engine failure and Hyundai has denied. The vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which is widely known to be associated with engine failure risks and is covered under Hyundai’s extended warranty program. Despite this, my warranty claim was denied due to the fact that two recall-related services were not completed. I would like to respectfully challenge this decision for the following reasons: The engine failure is consistent with the known defects in the Theta II engine, which Hyundai has acknowledged through its extended warranty program and recall campaigns. I was not properly informed of the outstanding recalls or their impact on warranty eligibility. We purchased the vehicle in November 2024 and had not received any notifications of these recalls. Had I been made aware of...

Engine failure

While driving my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SE (89,000 miles), a “Check Hybrid System” warning appeared on the dashboard, followed by a sudden loss of power. Shortly after, the engine began knocking loudly. A local mechanic scanned the codes and saw engine misfire and hybrid system faults. After clearing the codes, the engine ran worse and the knocking increased significantly. I had to tow the car over 700 miles from Whitehorse, Yukon, to the Anchorage Hyundai dealership in Alaska, which cost me over $5,000. The dealership said they hear engine knocking but refuse further diagnosis unless Hyundai initiates a goodwill assistance case. My car has a rebuilt title, but this issue appears to be similar to other known failures and recalls, such as Campaign 198 / NHTSA 20V746000. It is a serious safety issue — I was stranded in the middle of a remote highway. This appears to be a...

I had engine issues back in 2021. I had to pay $600 for a part to be installed to fix the problem . The engine failed, the idle was violently lurching forward and would randomly Shut down. Recently the car shut down without warning again. Its scary.