NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 889 owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata (including the hybrid).
Recalled components: air bags, electrical system, engine, exterior lighting, and 4 more. Most-described problem: engine failure or replacement (172 complaints, 19%). Most-reported area: engine (544 complaints, 61%; median mileage when it happened: 75,500).
More complaints than a typical Sonata year
The 2016 drew 111 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 92 for a typical Sonata year (about 72 for a typical year since 2016).
Years to avoid: 2011 to 2013 and 2015; best year: 2019. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated
Year to avoidBest year
Includes the Sonata Hybrid and the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.
9 safety recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
Fails federal standard 208 (occupant crash protection) · 1,031 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016.
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
33 vehicles.
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 manufactured October 15, 2015.
Risk: If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Fails federal standard 135 (brakes) · 64,744 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
128,948 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Fix: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
469,377 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
2,840 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Fails federal standard 401 · 348,158 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles.
Risk: If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
161,074 vehicles.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles.
Risk: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
62,811 vehicles.
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 option.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 3 investigations that name the 2016 Hyundai Sonata; all 3 are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.
NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Component: Air bags (air bag/restraint control module). This investigation names 46 models.
Engine fires
Engineering analysis EA21003Closed Feb 5, 2024 (opened Dec 22, 2021)
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires… NHTSA's full summary
Preliminary evaluation PE16010Closed Feb 22, 2017 (opened Sep 3, 2016)
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application.
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 889 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Sonata. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Engine failure or replacement172 · 19%
Median 100,000 miles at failure, from 49 reports with mileage
Check engine light147 · 17%
Median 90,800 miles at failure, from 68 reports with mileage
Excessive oil consumption137 · 15%
Median 87,200 miles at failure, from 25 reports with mileage
Stalling or shutting off127 · 14%
Median 65,000 miles at failure, from 63 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode117 · 13%
Median 73,000 miles at failure, from 41 reports with mileage
Misfires or rough running58 · 7%
Median 96,000 miles at failure, from 17 reports with mileage
Shaking, shuddering or vibration47 · 5%
Median 73,000 miles at failure, from 21 reports with mileage
Hybrid system warnings47 · 5%
Median 44,100 miles at failure, from 20 reports with mileage
Median 75,500 miles at failure, from 184 reports with mileage
Electrical system137 · 15%
Most named: ignition, anti-theft, immobilizer/proximity, key/sender (3) · Median 54,000 miles at failure, from 64 reports with mileage
Powertrain76 · 9%
Median 56,000 miles at failure, from 29 reports with mileage
Brakes53 · 6%
Median 31,500 miles at failure, from 33 reports with mileage
Exterior lighting45 · 5%
Median 50,500 miles at failure, from 24 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system42 · 5%
Median 62,100 miles at failure, from 15 reports with mileage
Steering36 · 4%
Median 40,000 miles at failure, from 17 reports with mileage
Unknown or other115 · 13%
Median 35,500 miles at failure, from 34 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Hyundai Sonata recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2016 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2011 Sonata drew the most (624) and the 2016 drew 111.
Owner complaints
2016: 889 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Hyundai Sonata
Model year
Complaints
2010
345
2011
3,476
2012
1,714
2013
2,029
2014
778
2015
1,211
2016
889
2017
882
2018
384
2019
172
2020
199
2021
190
2022
117
2023
103
2024
58
2025
28
2026
6
Safety recalls
2016: 9 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Hyundai Sonata
Model year
Recalls
2010
2
2011
17
2012
11
2013
11
2014
8
2015
12
2016
9
2017
5
2018
2
2019
0
2020
4
2021
4
2022
3
2023
2
2024
1
2025
0
2026
1
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 889 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, the problems described most are engine failure or replacement (172), the check engine light coming on (147), and excessive oil consumption (137). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. It lists 3 closed ones; the most recent closed on Sep 19, 2024.
How do I check if my Sonata has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Hyundai dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Nov 12, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Nov 11, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Nov 12, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID, SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.