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Hyundai Sonata HybridModel year report

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems

Compared with other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years

More complaints than typical for this model

81/100 2.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
133filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
64,000miles, 86 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
41 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid FWD · 39 city / 42 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe engine trouble: knocking or ticking noises, sudden loss of power and a need for engine replacement, frequently alongside low oil level. A second recurring theme is the hybrid system warning message and a no-start condition that clears after a wait, plus turn-signal and sunroof concerns. Reports span a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well past 150,000, with many engine reports arriving between roughly 60,000 and 140,000 miles.

  1. Engine

    Engine knocking, oil loss, loss of power, engine replacement

    • 47 complaints (35%)
    • median 90,270 mi at 5.3 yrs old (30 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2018–2026

    Complaints describe a ticking or knocking noise from the engine, sometimes followed by shuddering, warning lights, a loss of motive power or a no-start condition. Several owners say a dealer diagnosed low or missing oil despite regular oil changes, and in a number of cases the engine was replaced; some describe the problem returning after repair. Owners also mention being told the vehicle was or was not covered by a recall, and some report difficulty getting the repair covered, particularly as a second owner. Reported from as early as about 23,000 miles up to roughly 200,000, with many reports between 60,000 and 140,000 miles.

    Recall 20V7460008 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, listen for a rattle or knock at idle and under light acceleration, and ask for service records. Have a shop confirm whether the knock sensor software campaign and any open engine recall work have been completed for the VIN.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving in a school area under 25 miles heard a rattle noise coming for car pooled over and called for a tow truck and shut off my car next thing I know I blew and engine I keep maintenance and all up to date recall on my vehicle. I don't understand why this happen.”

    NHTSA complaint #11338016, filed 2020-07, 89,000 miles

    “Nhtsa and the Hyundai website says there is an active recall, however when I go schedule with Hyundai on their website, it says there is no active recall. Calling dealership didn't help either. I have engine issues that render it unoperable.”

    NHTSA complaint #11389858, filed 2021-01, 89,000 miles
  2. Electrical system

    Hybrid system warning and no-start after shutdown

    • 40 complaints (30%)
    • median 74,002 mi at 5.2 yrs old (26 state mileage)
    • filed 2018–2026

    Owners describe a \"Check Hybrid System\" message, often after stopping for fuel or briefly shutting the car off, after which the vehicle will not start for roughly 15 to 20 minutes; restarting sometimes leaves the check engine light on for a while. Complaints also describe sudden limp mode or a loss of power with the message telling the driver to shut off the engine. Dealers reportedly replaced items such as the relay assembly, spark plugs, an engine wiring harness or the knock sensor, and some owners say the problem came back after repair. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 90,000 miles, often after a short stop or restart.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: After a test drive, shut the car off for a few minutes and restart it to see whether the hybrid warning appears or starting is delayed. Ask whether any hybrid-system related repairs or software updates have already been performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “This vehicle is a hybrid with 30,000 miles on it and no previous issues. While driving, it lost all acceleration and an hev warning light illuminated indicating that I must immediately shut down the engine. This happened at a fairly busy intersection and I was able to drift slowly to the side of a road to call a tow. After being repaired by the dealer, this same issue happened again. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11397364, filed 2021-02, 30,600 miles

    “I stopped for gas and when I attempted to start car an alert came across my screen saying car has a hev issue and check engine light. I would have to wait for 15 to 20 minutes for my car to start again. I was assuming it was bad gas but mechanic confirmed that it wasn't a bad gas issue. I went to the dealership and they said it's a potential electric issue that my warranty does not cover. I had yet even exceed mileage above 70000 miles. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11308023, filed 2020-02, 68,005 miles
  3. Brakes

    Brake pedal feels firm, brake warning message

    • 6 complaints (5%)
    • median 31,500 mi at 3.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2023

    Complaints describe a \"Stop Car, Check Brake\" message with a hard or unresponsive brake pedal, sometimes with ABS and stability control lights; in some accounts the pedal returns to normal after the car is restarted. One owner reports a whooshing sound at startup that the dealer attributed to air in the system, and another describes the rear brakes locking at low speed in a turn. Reported from roughly 6,000 to 130,000 miles, with several reports in the 20,000 to 60,000 mile range.

    What to check: Test the brake pedal feel at startup and after the car has sat, and ask for any brake-system diagnostic or repair history. Note whether brake-related warning messages have appeared before.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “After the car has sat idle for several hours when I depress the brake pedal to start the car I get a whoooomp sound. I took the car to the dealer and was told that after the car sits idle for awhile the air goes out of the breaking system and therefore it makes this sound at start up. My question are why, after two years of ownership, is it happening now? And, why isn't the part allowing air to escape replaced?”

    NHTSA complaint #11176637, filed 2019-02, 29,000 miles

    “New Sonata Hybrid, owned 3 months, mileage 6,000 miles. Right rear brakes have locked on two different occasions at low speed while negotiating a hard left turn on a state highway. Both failures occurred at the same highway location about a month apart. When the right rear brakes locked, the vehicle was hard to control and as I was negotiating a sharp turn on a mountain road, it was terrifying. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10899075, filed 2016-08, 6,000 miles
  4. Other or unknown

    Panoramic sunroof noise, separation or shattering

    • 10 complaints (8%)
    • median 61,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2024

    Owners describe the panoramic sunroof making noise or coming out of position while driving at highway speed, and in some cases the panel shattering or detaching; one owner reports fractured tracks and the panel caught on the wind deflector. Some owners link the failure to the sunroof recall, while others say the repair was not covered under it. Reported at low mileage, from about 600 to 2,500 miles in the earliest reports, and also at higher mileage past 100,000.

    Recall 16V726000

    What to check: Open and close the sunroof fully and listen for rattles or binding, and inspect the panel edges and tracks for gaps or cracks. Ask whether the sunroof wind deflector recall repair was performed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While I was driving on interstate , moonroof/sunroof start making awkward noise. I noted the moonroof had came out of it's position. I held with one hand and drive so that other vehicles approaching will be safe. Unfortunately I could not hold longer due to the wind power and it flew back and shattered the entire moonroof. I just want the NHTSA to be aware of this incident.”

    NHTSA complaint #10919666, filed 2016-10, 2,500 miles

    “Spontaneous explosion of panoramic sunroof as I was travelling down the highway at about 60 MPH. No foreign object involved. Sounded like a bomb went off above my head. Thank goodness, the inner liner was closed.”

    NHTSA complaint #10936440, filed 2016-12, 17,500 miles

Buying note. Engine noise and oil consumption are the most frequently described concerns for this model year, so an inspection by a mechanic familiar with these cars plus a check of open recalls and completed software campaigns is worthwhile before purchase. Also verify how the hybrid system and brakes behave on a restart during the test drive.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 133 consumer complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 86 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 132 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 81 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Forward collision avoidance (3), Hybrid propulsion system (2), Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Electronic stability control (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “I had drove my car to work on tuesday the 19th. When I came back out to my car 6 hours later and started my car it was not moving at all there was a big clanking noise. I had parked my car and have not driven since I heard the noise. I had it towed to the shop. I feel as though this was something that happened out of the blue. I have kept up on my maintenance and everything and feel as though this must be a flaw with my car.”

NHTSA complaint #11182141, filed 2019-02, 73,000 miles

Electrical system: “Mileage was about 16,500. On the freeway going about 70 MPH, car shut down with alarm information and into a controlled glide, not allowing acceleration. After almost being run into I was able to move to the right shoulder and per directions, shut off motor. Was able to restart. Went three miles to my destination and car was towed to dealer. They did not know the problem, and after two days I got the car returned. They said they had to call the manufacturer to find the defect. …”

NHTSA complaint #11091598, filed 2018-05, 16,500 miles

Other or unknown: “The anchor that holds the sunroof deflector in place separated where it was bonded and gets in the way when the sunroof tries to close. The deflector partially detached in the front, and interferes with the glass of the sunroof when closing. This happened while driving down the highway. I had to pull over to the side of the road and stand outside the vehicle while another person closed the sunroof. We needed two people to get the sunroof closed.”

NHTSA complaint #11269434, filed 2019-10, 61,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “I received a safety recall (198) from Hyundai in dec about a potentially dangerous problem with the connecting rod bearings on my car, yet they still do not have a remedy or an estimated time for a remedy. This is too long.”

NHTSA complaint #11402576, filed 2021-03, 70,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

41% of the 86 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,000 and 99,000 miles.

13%0–108%10–2520%25–5019%50–7516%75–10017%100–1507%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (86 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 64,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

20162018202031202220242026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Sonata Hybrid · sedan FWD★★★★★5 / 5554 · 10.5% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Sonata Hybrid FWD2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid6-speed automatic384140$1,700
Sonata Hybrid SE FWD2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid6-speed automatic394241$1,650

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 132 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 132 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202511—0547—Too new
2024915,3950—47—Too new
20231534,0000—52—Too new
20221916,9120552—Rising
20215528,274055231 · FewerRising
2020167,1501—52—Rising
201953,5000542—Not enough data
201899,5001542—Not enough data
20178166,000354246 · TypicalRising
201613364,000554181 · MoreFalling
20155450,500453753 · TypicalRising
20142888,00035372 · FewerRising
201310863,500453770 · MoreFalling
201215576,630653690 · MoreFalling
20119686,750653647 · TypicalFalling

All Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

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

Owners of this model year most often describe engine trouble: knocking or ticking noises, sudden loss of power and a need for engine replacement, frequently alongside low oil level. The issues reported most often: Engine knocking, oil loss, loss of power, engine replacement; Hybrid system warning and no-start after shutdown; Brake pedal feels firm, brake warning message.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?

NHTSA recorded 133 consumer complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 73 complaints (55% of the total), followed by electrical system with 36.

Has the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (Sonata Hybrid SE, 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 41 mpg combined, 39 city and 42 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,650 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reported?

Among the 86 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 32,000 and 99,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.