2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 39 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 30% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles. A related recall (21V749000) addresses Smart Junction Box software that mishandles electrical signals.
- Electrical System complaints
- 39
- 30% of 132
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report headlights that dim or fail to illuminate the road properly, producing a sharp bright-to-dark boundary at night.
- Some describe the vehicle stalling or shutting down while driving, including one case at highway speed that triggered a controlled glide with no acceleration.
- Several owners report the car failing to start, accompanied by a 'check hybrid system' or check engine warning light.
- One complaint describes an electrical fire that produced smoke and flames while the vehicle was being driven to a dealership.
- Owners also mention a horn that is too quiet to be heard by other drivers, raising near-collision concerns.
When 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 26, 2016, latest Sep 7, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 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.
Electrical System complaints by Sonata Hybrid model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 39 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid, which is 30% of all 132 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid's electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 21V749000, reported September 24, 2021, covers Smart Junction Box software that may not properly interpret electrical signals; dealers update the software free of charge.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles for Electrical System complaints on this model year.
- Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data for this year and component records 1 crash and 1 fire among the reported complaints, with 0 injuries.