2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 27%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,618miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 27% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,618 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“On more than one occasion I have almost had a collision because the other driver was coming into my lane and I honked my horn, but it isn't loud enough to be heard. Apparently this has been an issue with the sonata since 2011.”
NHTSA complaint #11011908, filed 2017-08, 44,000 miles“At about 58k miles I started to notice when I turned the turn signal to indicate a left turn the right blinker would come on and then after a moment switch to the left or not switch at all. This was totally random. I tried to capture it on camera to show my local dealer before the 60k warranty ran out but I could never capture it because it was so random and they could not replicate it. Over the last year the issue has gotten worse where nearly every time I use the left turn signal the right signal will turn on instead. …”
NHTSA complaint #11350205, filed 2020-08, 68,000 miles“While driving, the check hybrid system warning light came on. This began in september 2020. I would pull over and turn the ignition off then restart the vehicle and it would be fine and light would be off. This happened a few times and then on a long distance trip I shift it off and it took about15-20 minutes to restart. The dealership said it was the relay assembly and that it was a recall. It had completely melted the casing around my battery. They replaced it for free in october. Now in january it has started the same thing. I will never get another Hyundai. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388095, filed 2021-01, 84,000 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. I believe this is an issue that is an inconvenience to me and other drivers because it is starting to happen more frequently. …”
NHTSA complaint #11308023, filed 2020-02, 68,005 milesRelated recalls
- 21V749000Sep 24, 2021Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box…Covers: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2016–2017, Sonata 2015–2017, Sonata Plug-In Hybrid 2016–2017
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 36% |
| 2024 | 1 | 11% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 11 | 58% |
| 2021 | 25 | 45% |
| 2020 | 6 | 38% |
| 2019 | 2 | 40% |
| 2018 | 2 | 22% |
| 2017 | 18 | 22% |
| 2016 | 36 | 27% |
| 2015 | 24 | 44% |
| 2014 | 11 | 39% |
| 2013 | 24 | 22% |
| 2012 | 23 | 15% |
| 2011 | 17 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
73 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology