2016 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Sonata years
More complaints than typical for this model
69/100 1.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.6× that of a typical Hyundai Sonata year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 70 of its 728 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Engine knocking, stalling, and loss of power (235 complaints, median 84,000 mi).
- 6 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019
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
- 728filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles, 253 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems: high oil consumption that develops gradually, followed by knocking, stalling, or loss of power, and in many cases a dealer diagnosis that the engine needs replacement. Reports span a wide mileage range, from under 30,000 miles up to well over 150,000, with the largest share between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles. Electrical complaints — turn signals working in the opposite direction, warning lights, and anti-theft concerns — are a secondary theme.
- Engine
Engine knocking, stalling, and loss of power
- 235 complaints (32%)
- median 84,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (75 state mileage)
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,600 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe a knocking or clanking noise, sometimes followed by the check engine light flashing and the vehicle losing power or stalling at speed. Several owners report being told the engine had failed or seized and needed replacement, and some mention knock sensor or software updates being performed before the engine was replaced. Reported across a broad range, most often between about 50,000 and 140,000 miles, sometimes at highway speed.
What to check: Listen for a knock or tick at cold and hot idle, and ask whether the knock sensor detection or ECM software campaigns were completed. Scan for stored codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Abnormal knocking noise from engine, vehicle was in motion entering a driveway, we believe this has been the issue for the past 6 months and the dealer could never figure out the problem, stated it was the battery we replaced it, still same issue, now the vehicle sounds like a tractor due to the rod bearings”
NHTSA complaint #11391130, filed 2021-02, 140,000 miles“Knocking noise, engine light comes on, oil in where spark plug is, leaks oils and runs out way before next oil change. Car in motion, starts to idle weird and then car shuts off.”
NHTSA complaint #11406299, filed 2021-04, 124,000 miles - Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption
- 217 complaints (30%)
- median 77,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (50 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 16 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe needing to add oil frequently between changes — sometimes several quarts within a few weeks or 1,000 miles — often with no visible leak and no warning light on the dash. Dealers are reported to have run oil consumption tests, sometimes with inconsistent results, and in many cases later concluded the engine needed replacement; some owners say they were told the vehicle was out of warranty. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles, often noticed during routine oil changes or daily commuting.
What to check: Check the dipstick level and look for a fuel or burning-oil smell, and ask for records of any oil consumption test. A service bulletin describes inspection and repair procedures for higher-than-expected oil consumption, so ask whether that procedure was ever performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am starting to have issues with my car burning oil with no leaks. I haven't even been a month (1,000) miles and my car literally had no oil. I only have 60,000 mile on the car. The engine at times has shook with the check engine light one but I had turned off the car and started it back up and it stopped. It only happens on occasion but now I'm burning and after reading these comments I see it is an overall issue with multiple cars. A recall should be put in effect as it's the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11373890, filed 2020-11, 60,000 miles“I got the oil changed on my 2016 Sonata. The mechanic that changed my oil told me the engine was low on oil when he changed the oil. A week later I checked the oil to make sure the oil level was good still. I had to add three quarts of oil to the vehicle. The next week my wife complained about a weird smell coming from the car. I checked the oil again and the engine oil was low again. I added three quarts of oil once again. The Sonata is driven in the city with alot of stop and go traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396230, filed 2021-02, 72,000 miles
Buying note. Have any candidate inspected for oil consumption, engine noise and stored codes, and ask for documentation of completed engine-related software campaigns and recall 21V749000. Maintenance records and warranty status matter more than usual on this model year, since several of the common reports end in major engine work.
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 728 consumer complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. 253 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 63,000 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 28 a fire, 19 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 230 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Hyundai Sonata model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 69 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.
- Engine452 62%
- Other or unknown92 13%
- Electrical system89 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain59 8.1%
- Brakes47 6.5%
- Exterior lighting38 5.2%
- Fuel system34 4.7%
- Steering33 4.5%
- Body and structure31 4.3%
- Vehicle speed control30 4.1%
Also reported: Air bags (21), Engine cooling (17), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (11), Seat belts (9), Forward collision avoidance (7), Electronic stability control (5), Latches, locks and linkages (4), Seats (4), Lane departure (3), Suspension (3), Tires (3), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Equipment (1), Hybrid propulsion system (1), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I changed out every cylinder, axel, within 6 months and now on March 22, 2023, they said I needed a new engine. P0300, P0303 MISFIRE. They said the car misfired. I thought that's why they changed all the cylinders. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? My car has been parked in the garage. Why do I have to fix a problem that was just fixed? Still confused”
NHTSA complaint #11567391, filed 2024-01, 195,533 milesOther or unknown: “I've had issues with the paint. I had a huge chip in the paint and the body shop told me that it was an issue with the factory paint. So now for the 3rd time, I am having to have the paint fixed on the top of my car. Tiny chips in the paint have very quickly turned in to much larger areas. Nothing hit or damaged the area any of the times to my knowledge. The first time was february 2019, touch up in march 2020, and now october 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11365035, filed 2020-10, 22,000 milesElectrical system: “Car was leaking oil I reported to Hyundai and service repair shop had to take it back 3 times due to them neglecting to listen to me oil got into other parts and I had to get 7 things fix also after having back for 1 day the brakes and electric is not working properly engine also fails to accelerate correctly”
NHTSA complaint #11513892, filed 2023-03, 107,525 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When accelerating there is a ticking noise coming from engine. This has been happening for a while after I got the update and new wiring harness from the campaign. I'm scared to drive my car, I accelerate slowly because I get nervous it will blow up. I took this car to a Hyundai dealership and they quoted me over 500 dollars for this repair and it might not even fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11373910, filed 2020-11, 70,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
38% of the 253 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 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 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Sonata FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sonata FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Sonata Limited FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sonata Sport Limited FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 35 | 28 | $2,400 |
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
- 21V749000Sep 24, 2021Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2015–2017, Sonata Plug-In Hybrid 2016–2017, Sonata Hybrid 2016–2017
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…
- 17V359000Jun 5, 2017Parking brake › Indicator lightCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2015–2016, Genesis 2015–2016
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.
- 16V726000Oct 11, 2016Visibility › Sun/moon roof assemblyCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2015–2016, Sonata Hybrid 2015–2016
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…
- 16V615000Aug 24, 2016Air bagsCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2016
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…
- 16V232000Apr 21, 2016Air bags › FrontalCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2015–2016, Sonata Hybrid 2016, Elantra 2017
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…
- 15V678000Oct 20, 2015Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Hyundai Sonata 2015–2016
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…
Recall details for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP22003Loss of Motive PowerClosed · Sep 12, 2022
- EA21003Engine FiresClosed · Dec 22, 2021
- PE16010Electronic Parking BrakeClosed · Sep 3, 2016
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. 230 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11037233Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk…
- 11033700May 21, 2026Engine, Electrical system. Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has…
- 11033699May 21, 2026Electrical system, Engine. Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. This bulletin provides instructions for…
- 11033705May 19, 2026Engine, Electrical system. Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present…
- 11033701May 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (Theta II Emissions Improvement), certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting condition during cold start operation. If present…
- 11032529Apr 28, 2026Other or unknown. Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty…
- 11032528Apr 28, 2026Other or unknown. Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty…
- 11031400Apr 18, 2026Engine, Electrical system. Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary…
Other model years of the Hyundai Sonata
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 19,025 | 0 | 5 | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 47 | 2,000 | 1 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 88 | 18,500 | 2 | 5 | 31 | 18 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 95 | 31,000 | 3 | 5 | 31 | 20 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 135 | 41,000 | 4 | 5 | 31 | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 182 | 2,778 | 4 | 5 | 31 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 162 | 24,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 375 | 21,250 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 767 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 59 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 728 | 63,000 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,153 | 56,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 750 | 70,000 | 7 | 5 | 27 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 1,917 | 78,000 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 1,558 | 80,000 | 8 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 3,380 | 75,000 | 14 | 4–5 | 26 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 345 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 18 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 460 | 68,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 425 | 62,000 | 3 | — | 24 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 696 | 64,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,047 | 70,000 | 9 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 165 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 202 | 85,500 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 199 | 65,252 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 320 | 89,288 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 205 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 276 | 104,696 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 124 | 98,723 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 49 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 49 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 23 | — | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 66 | 125,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 26 | — | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 22 | 94,600 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 29 | — | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 16 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 11 | — | 3 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All Hyundai Sonata model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems: high oil consumption that develops gradually, followed by knocking, stalling, or loss of power, and in many cases a dealer diagnosis that the engine needs replacement. The issues reported most often: Engine knocking, stalling, and loss of power; Excessive engine oil consumption.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA recorded 728 consumer complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 452 complaints (62% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 92.
Has the 2016 Hyundai Sonata been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Hyundai Sonata do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 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 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Sonata (Sonata Sport Limited, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata reported?
Among the 253 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 63,000 miles and the middle half falls between 32,000 and 100,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.