2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 55%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 55% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 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.
“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“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“Went to go get an oil changed on feb 9th. Monday, feb 11th drove to work and back home, when I reached the exit off the beltway, the car started put puting, smoke started coming out of the back, engine and oil light came on. I immediately drove it 6 miles home to park it. Had it towed an hour later. The shop said the rod busted and went through my engine and no oil was in the car. This has been an ongoing issues with this type of car. This experience has really dramatized me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11180233, filed 2019-02, 91,541 miles“Engine knocking which lead to engine failure requiring a complete replacement of the engine. There was no warning from the engine warning system. Hyundai corporate said since I am the second owner they will not cover the cost of the repair which was over $3200. This issue seems to be related to the engine bearing problems Hyundai had in the past. My vehicle only had 85,000 miles on it when the problems began. The company also refused to provide me with the mechanics notes regarding the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11206144, filed 2019-05, 85,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The…Covers: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011–2013, 2016, Veloster 2015–2016, Santa FE 2012
Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11006829Aug 19, 2024Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine…
- 10165455Aug 12, 2019If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid…
- 10160102Apr 19, 2019This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to electric A/C compressors equipped in hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid…
- 10160095Apr 9, 2019If you are servicing a Sonata Hybrid with the symptoms and DTC listed below, follow the Service Procedure on Page 2.
- 10117922Jan 13, 2017Hyundai has launched a service campaign to inspect and if needed, repair the evaporative emissions canister and bracket on certain model year 2011? 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and…
- 10081112Apr 26, 2016"hyundai motor america is conducting a service campaign to revise the engine electric water pump wiring on certain 2016 model year sonata hybrid vehicles. Service campaign tdd…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 11% |
| 2023 | 7 | 47% |
| 2022 | 2 | 11% |
| 2021 | 21 | 38% |
| 2020 | 8 | 50% |
| 2019 | 3 | 60% |
| 2018 | 5 | 56% |
| 2017 | 46 | 57% |
| 2016 | 73 | 55% |
| 2015 | 19 | 35% |
| 2014 | 12 | 43% |
| 2013 | 40 | 37% |
| 2012 | 68 | 44% |
| 2011 | 40 | 42% |
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
36 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 30, 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