2016 Hyundai Sonata Body & structure Problems

I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its own, without any input from me. This happens especially right after starting the car or while driving in traffic, and has caused multiple near-accidents. These issues first appeared around two years ago, but they used to happen occasionally. Over time, they have become more frequent, and now they occur daily. There is also a grinding or dragging noise when the vehicle starts or moves at low speed, and it often hesitates when trying to accelerate. These symptoms create uncertainty and make the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. Inside the car, the dashboard has severely cracked, with deep, wide splits across the top panel. I’m concerned this could interfere with airbag deployment or reflect light dangerously while driving. On the outside, the paint is peeling off in large chunks, and I’ve noticed the same problem on other Sonatas of this model. This suggests a wider manufacturing issue and raises concerns about long-term durability and corrosion. These problems have not been confirmed by a mechanic yet, but they are consistent, worsening, and clearly pose a safety risk. I have recorded a video that shows the ESC warning and the sound it makes, which I am including for reference. Video evidence of ESC malfunction and mechanical noise: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11656197

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

After driving for a few minutes with the sunroof open the wind deflector pulled and nearly off the car. This had been repaired previously under a recall and the repair was simply to re-glue the wind deflector back in place. This had clearly been done before as the dried glue was still on it. The back end of the sunroof nearly came off during this ordeal while we were traveling at highway speeds and it could have killed someone. We were able to close the sunroof once we had stopped, however it was very difficult to do so and required four of us, each with tools that I happened to have in the car at the time. Had we not been able to get the sunroof back closed it surely would have been ripped from the car. Another recall needs to be put into place and an improved correction needs to be put into place.

NHTSA ID

11649631

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement claim (PA# [XXX]) under their extended warranty program, specifically campaign TXXI. This claim involves my 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4 , VIN # [XXX] , which exhibits all the symptoms and engine damage outlined in the campaign, yet my request for a free engine replacement has been unjustly denied. Campaign TXXI, as explained in the Technical Service Bulletin issued by Hyundai, extends the engine warranty applicable to 2015-2019 model year Sonata (LF) vehicles equipped with Theta II 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines. This warranty covers engine long block repair or replacement due to engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear and extends to a Limited Lifetime Warranty, valid for both original and subsequent owners. o On or about [XXX], my vehicle exhibited a blinking check engine light on the dash, entered into limp mode, and a knocking noise was coming from the engine. o As I was driving the vehicle to the Hyundai of North Miami Service Center on [XXX] (21400 NW 2nd av., Miami, FL 33169) for inspection, the engine locked up and stop, necessitating a call to a towing truck company to complete the trip. o Upon inspection, the service center identified significant engine damage, including, engine mechanical failure unable to turn on, and recommended that the vehicle require a new engine replacement. o These findings align with the engine damage described under campaign TXXI. o Despite meeting the campaign criteria, HMA denied my claim (PA#XXX) for an engine replacement on 11/22/2024. o HMA based its denial to my claim on the review of engine pictures and my inability to provide evidence supporting oil maintenance intervals between 35k- 68k miles, 78k-99k miles, and 142k-163k miles. HMA cited these maintenance gaps as the basis for suspecting engine neglect, some indications of sludge found on the engine, as the reason for the engine failure and subsequent locking. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA ID

11635350

Incident

Nov 22, 2024

White paint peeling off above windshield.

NHTSA ID

11630053

Incident

Dec 9, 2024

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (pearl white) paint is peeling in many parts of my car. I went to Delray Hyundai where I purchased it in 2019. In August of 2023 I showed a supervisor and she set up an appointment for me to bring in the car for pictures. After Delray Hyundai took pictures I waited and waited to hear from them. I went to the dealership and spoke to the supervisor I was dealing with and she keep giving me excuses why they couldn't do it at that time, she keep telling me they didn't have a loaner car for me, to call or come back. I was frustrated but felt like they were going to take care of the problem. Her name was Piper. Finally after many months I was told they wouldn't do anything for me, and I was told by a worker to try Coconut Creek dealer because they have a paint dept. Well I'm [XXX] old and by myself and I cannot get there. It's very far away and I would have to travel [XXX]. I asked if they would bring the car there for me and was told no. I called Coconut Creek Hyundai and they told me no they couldn't help me. I love my Car and always got compliments on it but it's peeling so bad that it looks awful and I would never get the true value if I traded it in because of the failed paint. I have read and seen pictures of many other people on the internet that have the same problem. Can you please help me. Now it's more than the one side the other side of the car is peeling Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11617899

Incident

Aug 3, 2023

The paint on my 2016 Hyundai continues to peel. I have gone to get the vehicle repainted to no avail. The roof paint came off again and even bigger than the original peel. This is absolutely ridiculous, I see my extract same car on the road with the extract same problems. Not to mention the oil consumption. Across the board these vehicles have all the same issues. No one should have to keep paying out of pocket for a manufacturing issue and no wrong doing of their own. This is Hyundai’s wrong doing and they need to be held accountable for manufacturing such a cheap car. At some point all of my paint is going to come off, I should not have to pay yet for another repainting. I will continue to file complaints, and escalate even further if needed. Someone needs to call me back with a solution regarding this matter.

NHTSA ID

11608463

Incident

Mar 9, 2023

The paint chipping and causing rust to car

NHTSA ID

11600560

Incident

Apr 14, 2022

I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata and on vacation in Florida the cap to the shark Finn Antenna flew off on the highway. I noted there are recalls on newer versions of the Sonata but not on the 2016. I feel that is a problem that Hyundai should address as it is a safety hazard and could cause an accident resulting in injuries. Also the cost to replace the antenna is almost 500 dollar as they do not just sell the cover for the antenna. Thank you for any help you can provide in addressing this issue as I do not want anyone to get hurt because of this faulty problem with the antenna cover.

NHTSA ID

11556209

Incident

Nov 2, 2023

The White pearl paint is bubbling and peeling right above the driver door window. It's getting worse by the day. While driving with my window open a piece about the size of a nickel flew into my car and hit me on the face right under my eye. If it had flew into my eye I surely would have had an accident. Took car to Delray Hyundai on August 3,2023 for pictures and was lead to believe it would be taken care of. I'm getting the run around from them. I have read many many articles on the internet about this problem, can you help me or assist me in what I can do to get this taken care of. Thanking you in advance for your help.

NHTSA ID

11548986

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

The paint on the vehicle is peeling. It started on the roof and has progressed to the hood, frond fenders, and trunk. Because I am not the first owner, Hyundai will not not cover repairs. On 23 Aug 2023 I also had to replace the transmission at 115,416 miles. Again, Hyundai refused to cover any repairs.

NHTSA ID

11540395

Incident

Feb 1, 2020

Engine burns off oil at an excessive rate. I was told there is a recall on the engine for my vehicle. Also, the transmission is acting up. I have a white pearl sonata and the paint has peeled off the roof and part of the hood. There is a recall on that as well, as I was told.

NHTSA ID

11503131

Incident

Jun 18, 2020

The Sunroof wind deflector , the panel has become detached. It is loose and flapping when sunroof is open. Yes it is available for inspection. My safety was at risk because when it happened at first it scared me and I didn't know what happened. 2nd if it had came all the way off it could have flown into someone else's windshield and causing them to crash or swerve to miss it flying in the air. I did mention it to the dealership when it was there, but rather they looked at it or not I have no idea. No one else has inspected it. No warning lamps or other signals appeared before hand.

NHTSA ID

11497772

Incident

Sep 2, 2022

Paint is peeling off car in several places, causing rust. Paint peeled in sheets from roof of car and hood. Paint is peeling off of side panels as well. Currently a class action lawsuit against Kia/Hyundai regarding improper curing of white pearl paint on models from 2014 to present. Dealership admitted to issue being replicated among same make/models of that color. No warnings were issued, however, company has settled several occasions by paying for repaint, thus admitting there is an extreme issue with improper curing of the paint.

NHTSA ID

11489368

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PAINT PEELING OFF VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11439464

Incident

Nov 5, 2021

MAY 7, 2021 AROUND 5PM I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY @ DORSET RD AND I-270 DRIVING SOUTH ON I-270 @ 60MPH WHEN THE SUNROOF DEFLECTOR DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO BLOW IN THE WIND AND NEXT I HEAR THE SUNROOF GLASS RATTLING AFRAID IT WOULD FLY OF AND HIT A CAR BEHIND ME, I HIT THE CLOSE BUTTON FOR THE ROOF. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I OPEN THE ROOF TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, NOTICING THE SUNROOF DEFLECTOR IS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE, BUT IS MADE ONTO THE TRACK THAT MOVES WITH THE GLASS PANEL, I HELD THE DEFLECTOR DOWN WITH MY HAND AND TRIED MY BEST TO GET THE GLASS PANELS TO CLOSE FLAT. ON MY DRIVE BACK HOME NOW ALL I CAN HEAR IS THE GLASS PANELS RATTLING CONTINUALLY, THIS IS A SCARY FEELING BEING THE ENTIRE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE IS GLASS AND WHAT IF THE WIND BLOWS THE PANELS OF AND CAUSE SOMEONE BEHIND ME ON THE HIGHWAY TO GET HURT OR IF THE GLASS RATTLING CAUSES IT TO SHATTER AND BREAK ON ME WHILE DRIVING THIS WOULD BE A CONCERN ALSO FOR A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. WHY WOULD A SMALL DEFLECTOR BE ATTACHED TO THE ACTUAL TRACK AND NOW THIS HAS CAUSED SERIOUS CONCERN FOR THE SUNROOF STRUCTURE OR SHALL I SAY THE ENTIRE ROOF OF THE SONATA. NEVER HAD A SUNROOF CONCERN WITH MY TIBURON SUNROOF, NOW RETHINKING MY LOVE FOR HYUNDAI'S. MILEAGE IS JUST 21 THOUSAND

NHTSA ID

11400368

Incident

Mar 7, 2021

Mileage

21,000 mi

RETURNED HOME FROM TRAVEL TO FIND ANTENNA COVER WAS MISSING. COVER WAS ATTACHED PRIOR TO THIS DRIVE. COVER LIKELY FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE. ROUGHLY 15 MILES WERE DRIVEN DURING THIS TRIP.

NHTSA ID

11394895

Incident

Feb 5, 2021

Mileage

67,000 mi

PAINT COMING OFF THE TOP OF THE CAR AND I HAVE TO CHANGE MY FRONT LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT EVERY MONTH IT GOES OUT

NHTSA ID

11387779

Incident

Nov 20, 2020

Mileage

120,000 mi

PAINT ON TOP OF CAR COMING OFF.*DT

NHTSA ID

11385313

Incident

Dec 28, 2020

Mileage

48,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ANTENNA COVER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PART ONCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE THEN CALLED LEE HYUNDAI (1960 SKIBO RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314) WHERE AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPLACEMENT WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.

NHTSA ID

11383700

Incident

Dec 14, 2020

Mileage

83,000 mi

MY DOOR HANDLES KEEP BREAKING. THE END CAPS OF THE DOOR HANDLES BREAK EASILY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME WAS A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED IT. OF COURSE THE DEALER REPLACED IT BECAUSE I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THE WARRANTY IS OUT THE DOOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DOOR BROKE. DEALER SAID 187.50 TO FIX IT. I CALLED HYUNDAI CORPORATE AND WAS JUST BLOWN OFF TELLING ME I WAS OUT OF MY WARRANTY. CUSTOMER SERVICE WASN'T EVEN NICE ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ID

11366489

Incident

Oct 22, 2020

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 ID

11365035

Incident

Oct 18, 2020

Mileage

22,000 mi

A SCREW THAT CONNECTS THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE RAIL AND CAR FRAME CAME OUT ON IT'S OWN OVER TIME. CAR HAS BEEN USED IN A NORMAL MANNER. DISCOVERED THE ISSUE WHEN GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE CAR AND THE SEAT STARTED ROCKING AND WOBBLING. NO PIECES ARE BROKEN. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330495

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

70,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11320147

Incident

Apr 17, 2017

Mileage

60,000 mi

MY TRUNK WOULDN'T OPEN. I USED THE KEY FOB & NOTHING HAPPENED. IT WAS POURING RAIN AND I HAD GROCERIES I WAS TRYING TO PUT IN MY TRUNK. I TRIED THE BUTTON ON THE PANEL STILL NOTHING. I PUT MY GROCERIES IN THE BACK SEAT AND GOT OUT MY OWNERS MANUAL. IT SAID IN CASE OF THE TRUNK NOT OPENING USE YOUR KEY. I DID & IT OPENED & NOW I CAN'T GET IT SHUT! I TRIED W-D40 ON THE LATCH & IT DIDN'T HELP. MY HUSBAND TIED IT DOWN WITH A ROPE. I NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE BEFORE & NOW MY TRUNK IS HELD DOWN WITH ROPE. I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S COVERED BY MY WARRANTY BUT IT SHOULD BE. MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE GROCERY STORE.

NHTSA ID

11277089

Incident

Oct 21, 2019

Mileage

32,000 mi

THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING, IS THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR, THE SOUND OF "KNOCKING" LIKE SOMETHING IS DEFECTIVE, OR COMING LOSE, THE WINDOW IS WORKING, BUT EACH TIME I CLOSE IT, TO LISTEN THE SOUND IS COMING FROM WITHIN THE DOOR, SPEAKERS, OR HINGES, SOMETHING IS LOSE, AND I'M VERY CONCERNING ABOUT IT, THIS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE, WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE WINDOW IS HALF WAY DOWN, I CAN NEARLY HEAR THE KNOCKING SOUND WITHIN THE DOOR, SOMETIME IT SOUND LIKE, ITS COMING FROM THE RIGHTSIDE DASH BOARD,,THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, ON A STREET, OR ON A HIGHWAY, YOU CAN HEAR THE KNOCKING SOUND, COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR, EVEN WHEN THE ROAD IS KINDA ROUGH, YOU CAN HEAR IT SHAKE WITIHIN THE DOOR.., I DON'T RECALL EXACTLY WHEN THIS STARTED, BUT IT DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11266918

Incident

May 2, 2019