2016 Hyundai Sonata Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 2%of 728 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, 2% of the 728 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata in December 2020 for our son who is in college. In early August of 2022, my son noticed his oil light was coming on before it was time for an oil change. He had the vehicle topped off and maintained regular oil change and service schedule. While in for service at Fitzgerald Hyundai in Rockville, MD, August 2022, they replaced the spark plugs (4 cylinder tune-up) at 108,127 miles. The car continued to burn a lot of oil, so another appointment was scheduled at the dealership in Rockville September, 2022 at 111,792 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11501546, filed 2023-01“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that oil was leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,868.”
NHTSA complaint #11652544, filed 2025-04, 59,868 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped shuddering while shifted into neutral(N). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the failure recurred, and the vehicle jerked significantly. The low oil pressure warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11592613, filed 2024-06, 95,950 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while getting an oil change, the contact was informed that the oil pan was empty. The contact could not recall seeing leaks or making changes to the oil change routine. An independent mechanic informed the contact of an engine recall regarding excessive oil consumption. The contact was referred to the dealer. The contact had the oil inspected twice more and was informed of low oil levels on each occasion, but there were no leaks or burning oil odors. …”
NHTSA complaint #11772400, filed 2026-10, 70,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to make an abnormal knocking noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and stopped. The contact turned the vehicle off and on. The contact stated that she was able to shift into drive (D) and while depressing the accelerator pedal the abnormal knocking sound was heard. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11583262, filed 2024-04, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10238402Jun 29, 2023Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a âCrank/No Startâ condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an…
- 10238401Jun 29, 2023Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a âCrank/No Startâ condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an…
- 10233483Mar 6, 2023Certain 2015-19MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles equipped with 2.0L Turbo GDI engines need the Electronic Control Module (ECM) software updated to revise the fuel injection control logic…
- 10233481Mar 6, 2023This bulletin provides information related to an Electronic Control Module (ECM) software update to revise the fuel injection control logic to compensate for O2 sensor aging and…
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10211674Apr 15, 2022The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 10 years or 120,000…
- 10211673Apr 15, 2022The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime…
- 10211669Apr 15, 2022Applicable vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit Abnormal Noise or No…
- 10211665Apr 15, 2022Certain vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise or no…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 8 | 5% |
| 2018 | 14 | 4% |
| 2017 | 19 | 2% |
| 2016 | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 11 | 1% |
| 2011 | 45 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 30 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 11% |
| 1999 | 23 | 19% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 14% |
| 1996 | 6 | 26% |
| 1995 | 9 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 35% |
| 1992 | 4 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 21% |
| 1989 | 5 | 45% |
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
452 complaintsOther or unknown
92 complaintsElectrical system
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
59 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsExterior lighting
38 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsSteering
33 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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