2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine7545.7%
- Electrical3420.7%
- Powertrain (other)137.9%
- Brakes95.5%
- Driver assistance84.9%
- Fuel system74.3%
- Exterior lighting74.3%
- Visibility42.4%
- Other / unspecified21.2%
- Steering21.2%
- Body & structure21.2%
- Seat belts10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, and the message "Warning - Do not Attempt to Restart" was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure of the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed as a failure with the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had been back to the dealer several times. Recently, the contact was informed that the wiring harness was soy-based insulated, and rodents were causing damage to the wiring harness due to the smell. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.
While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The "Stop Car, Check Brakes" message was displayed. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, and stated that after restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was then taken to Homestead Hyundai (111 S Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030) where it was diagnosed that the power brake booster and rear wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. The power brake booster was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, and the wheel speed sensors were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the warning message "Stop Car, Check Brake" illuminated and the brake pedal felt rigid when depressed. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that as she restarted the vehicle, the brake pedal was no longer rigid, and responded when depressed. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake unit and the pressure source needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 114,897.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue
HEV WARNING TURN OFF ENGINE SIGN WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR LOST POWER AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SUDDENLY MOVE OVER THIS IS VERY UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
Hybrid system shut down while driving on I5 freeway at 60mph speed. Lost power completly finding myself in a very dangerous situation barely making it to the shoulder without being hit by other cars. This happened twice after 2 recalls performed on the car. Knock sensor replacement and software update. First recall was attempted by Hyundai of Kirkland WA. HEV system failure and multiple lights turned on while driving on the freeway the following day. Car was towed to Lee Johnson in Everett WA and I was told the recall was not performed correctly. After repair, same thing happened the following day. HEV failure and multiple lights turned on finding myself once again in very dangerous situation on the same busy freeway. Manufacturer is not taking this seriously. I see they have lots of vehicles with the same problem. Please investigate this failure before somebody dies. Next will file a police report. Car still at the dealership with no news on what might cause this. Has been at the dealer for over a week.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The "Stop Car, Check Brakes" message was displayed. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, and stated that after restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was then taken to Homestead Hyundai (111 S Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030) where it was diagnosed that the power brake booster and rear wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. The power brake booster was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, and the wheel speed sensors were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
HEV turn off engine light pops up WHILE driving. I could’ve been on the highway or the middle of no where and have to turn off my car, just to turn it back on and it seems fine? This has happened a total of 5 times since owning this vehicle, and I’ve gotten all code on the car fixed about a month ago.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side sunroof detached. The contact stated that the sunroof was caught up on the netting in front of the sunroof. The contact stated that the tracks were fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Check Hybrid System, Turn Off the Engine" was displayed, and the vehicle was shaking while decelerating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the Technical Service Bulletin: 198. The Technical Service Bulletin was completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with a drained battery and catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
I was traveling at 65 mph+ in heavy traffic on Friday rush hour when all dashboard error lights came on and then a banner that said TURN OFF ENGINE NOW. I had no acceleration and fortunately was at a point on the highway with a shoulder where I was able to pull over. I waited in the vehicle with high speed tractor trailer traffic passing close by. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They replaced the hybrid battery . A week later the identical failure happened at highway speed. The vehicle is still in the shop for the second identical failure
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became firm while navigating a turn, and the vehicle crashed into a tree. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unconscious and woke up to being treated by an EMT. The contact sustained injuries to his chest and fractured ribs. Medical attention was provided at the hospital. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
ON FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 23, 2020, I WAS DRIVING EAST ON E. MAIN STREET IN MESA, AZ HEADED TO THE RED MOUNTAIN 202 FREEWAY. THE LIGHT WAS GREEN AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION AND I MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE FREEWAY FRONTAGE ROAD TO HEAD SOUTHBOUND. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AS MY CAR'S STEERING BECAME RIGID AND FELT LIKE MY POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. I COULD BARELY COMPLETE THE RIGHT TURN CAUSING MY CAR TO CAREEN INTO THE CONCRETE SIDE BARRIER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. MANY OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON WITH MANY DIFFERENT ALERTS AS I PULLED OVER WITH MY PASSENGER. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COLLISION TO ASSESS THE DAMAGES AND OUR WELL BEING FOR A FEW MINUTES. I THEN PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO MY PLACE OF WORK A FEW MILES AWAY AND PARK THE CAR SO I COULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD WORKED ON MY CAR THREE DAYS PRIOR. THE NEXT MORNING, OCTOBER 24, 2020, I CALLED THE HORNE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND LEFT A MESSAGE AT THE SWITCHBOARD FOR A SERVICE MANAGER TO CALL ME. I INFORMED HER THAT I HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. ON MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 26, 2020 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020, I WAS INFORMED BY MATT COLTON, SERVICE MANAGER FROM HORNE HYUNDAI, THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE AND THAT I 'NEEDED TO TURN IT INTO MY INSURANCE.' AS A RESULT, I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY UNREPAIRED CAR, IT IS SECURELY PARKED AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AS TO PRESERVE IT FOR INSPECTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE STATIONARY. TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN WITH ELECTRIC SWITCH, USED VEHICLE KEY TO OPEN TRUNK, THEN TRUNK WOULD NOT LATCH CLOSED. INTERMITTENT AND OR UNRELIABLE TRUNK OPEN/CLOSED WARNINGS IN DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER... TRUNK LIGHT INTERMITTENT AND/OR UNRELIABLE, IRRESPECTIVE OF OPEN/CLOSED STATUS IN DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. DEALER SERVICE DETERMINED LATCH ASSEMBLY TRUNK LID HYUNDAI PART 81230 ' C1010 FAILURE OF DETENT SPRING INTERNAL OF LATCH, BROKEN AND LOOSE. DEALER RESOLUTION, REPLACE MENTIONED PART.
ON JULY 10TH, 2017 AROUND 6:30 PM PST; WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 5 WEST AROUND TRACY, CA, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH A VERY LOUD NOISE. GLASS PIECES SCATTERED ALL OVER. REMAINING PIECE OF THE GLASS AROUND THE ROOF IS CLEARLY VISIBLE RAISED OUTWARD (CONVEX SHAPED) AS IT BLEW UP. EVIDENTLY THERE HAS BEEN SIMILAR INCIDENTS/COMPLAINTS. HYUNDAI MOTORS MUST NOT HAVE SOLD THIS CAR TO US AS THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR CARS. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE GOT INTO SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM STILL SHAKEN UP AS A RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO PROPERLY RETRACT AND LOOSEN WHEN NECESSARY. THE SEAT BELTS RESTRICTED THE BREATHING AND BODIES OF THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS WHEN THE SEAT BELTS WERE SECURED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE LUNGED, JERKED, AND ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE WAS MORE PREVALENT WHEN THE ECO AND CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTIONS WERE ACTIVATED. ECKERT HYUNDAI, INC. (4011 S INTERSTATE 35, DENTON, TX 76210, (940) 243-6200) STATED THAT THE ECO AND CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTIONS FAILED AND PROVIDED AN INTERIM REPAIR OF DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY TO CLEAR THE ECU AND ECM CODES, WHICH AFFECTED THE TRANSMISSION. ANOTHER DEALER (JAMES WOOD HYUNDAI, 2110 US-287, DECATUR, TX 76234, (940) 627-4600) ASKED THE FIRST DEALER TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO GENERATE THE CODES. THE SECOND DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE ECO FUNCTION ACTIVATED. BOTH DEALERS STATED THAT IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, IT MAY BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .