2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 79 engine complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 60% of all complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 80,000 miles, and there is a related recall (20V746000) for connecting rod bearing wear.
- Engine complaints
- 79
- 60% of 132
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 80,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine stalling or complete power loss on the highway, sometimes accompanied by smoke from under the hood.
- Several complaints describe a loud clanking or rod-knocking noise followed by engine failure, with one owner citing metal shavings left over from manufacturing.
- Some drivers experienced a "check hybrid system, turn off engine" warning paired with a check engine light and sudden loss of gasoline engine power while driving at highway speed.
- Multiple owners report the engine or hybrid system failing to start, with warning lights illuminated and the vehicle unresponsive to repeated start attempts.
- One owner described abrupt loss of acceleration at high RPM shift points when flooring the accelerator, requiring the pedal to be released before power returned.
- A separate report describes the vehicle catching fire after a clicking sound was heard while driving, with smoke and flames appearing before the vehicle could be pulled over.
When 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 1, 2016, latest Jul 17, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 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.
Engine 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 engine complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
- NHTSA lists 79 engine complaints for the 2016 Sonata Hybrid, which is 60% of all 132 complaints filed for the year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- Yes. Recall campaign 20V746000 covers connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely inside the engine. Hyundai inspects the engine and replaces it if bearing damage is found.
- At what mileage do 2016 Sonata Hybrid engine problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 80,000 miles.
- Are the engine problems dangerous?
- NHTSA records 1 crash and 2 fires linked to engine-area complaints on the 2016 Sonata Hybrid, with no reported injuries.
- How does the 2016 Sonata Hybrid compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2016 model's 60% engine complaint share is higher than most other Sonata Hybrid years in the data, though 2017 is close at 64%.