2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
86/100
#3 most-complained of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks 3rd worst out of 15 model years, with a complaint index of 86 and 132 NHTSA complaints, mostly tied to the Engine (60%) and Electrical System (30%). NHTSA lists 5 recalls, including one for premature connecting rod bearing wear.
- Complaints
- 132
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 40.5
- 38.5 city / 41.5 hwy
Top 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine79 (60%)
- Electrical System39 (30%)
- Other19 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (11%)
- Brakes10 (8%)
- Fuel System9 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (2%)
- Steering2 (2%)
- Structure & Body2 (2%)
What owners report
- Some drivers report the engine stalling and losing power at highway speed, with smoke coming from under the hood before failure.
- Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming rigid or firm during a turn, in one case leading to a crash into a tree.
- Electrical system complaints include a vehicle catching fire after a clicking noise was heard while driving.
- Brake failures are reported at low speed, with the right rear brakes locking up unexpectedly during turns.
- Some owners say the moonroof made unusual noises before shattering while driving on the interstate.
- One complaint describes the forward collision warning system beeping without the brakes engaging in time to prevent a crash.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V749000Sep 24, 2021Electrical System469,377 vehicles
Electrical system:software
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, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V619000Aug 6, 2021Structure & Body348,158 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles
Engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 38.5 MPG
- Highway
- 41.5 MPG
- Combined
- 40.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a bad year?
- Among 15 model years of the Sonata Hybrid with data, 2016 ranks 3rd worst, with a complaint index of 86 and a verdict of Avoid relative to other Sonata Hybrid years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- The Engine is the top problem area, accounting for 60% of complaints (79 of 132), with a median mileage at failure of 80,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Sonata Hybrid have an engine recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 20V746000 covers 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles for connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely inside the engine, requiring inspection and possible engine replacement.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Sonata Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid, covering the Electrical System, Structure & Body, Engine, Visibility & Wipers, and Airbags, with none marked do-not-drive.
- What years of Sonata Hybrid are better than 2016?
- The 2018, 2020, and 2024 model years carry a Best verdict with much lower complaint indexes of 7, 21, and 14 respectively, compared to 86 for 2016.