YearToAvoid

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#2 most-complained of 4 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst among 4 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 26 complaints, 2 recalls, and no crashes, fires, or injuries. Engine problems dominate at 69% of complaints.

Complaints
26
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
40
38 city / 41 hwy

Top 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine18 (69%)
  2. Electrical System12 (46%)
  3. Fuel System5 (19%)
  4. Other5 (19%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain3 (12%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the check-engine or hybrid-system warning light coming on with no clear performance issue, often traced by dealers to a loose or improperly seated gas cap.
  • Several drivers describe the hybrid system failing suddenly while in motion, with a warning message appearing and the engine losing all power without notice.
  • Some report the vehicle shutting down completely on the highway or in carpool lanes, requiring the car to coast to the shoulder and be towed.
  • At least one owner had the hybrid battery diagnosed as failed after the vehicle refused to engage either the gas or electric motor.
  • One owner reported the vehicle stalling near a stop sign with no warning light, leaving it undrivable and requiring trailering.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month4Jun 2016Oct 2017Jan 2018May 2018Nov 2018Mar 2022Aug 2022Mar 2023
43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2016 to Jun 2023; peak Jan 2018 (4).

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 18V166000Mar 12, 2018Fuel System2,840 vehicles

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

    Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
38 MPG
Highway
41 MPG
Combined
40 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,600
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular Gas and Electricity
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 Plug-in Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Caution6726240
2017Avoid10032239
2018No verdict00139

All Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
Compared to other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years, 2016 has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 2nd worst of 4 years tracked, giving it a Caution verdict. Engine complaints make up 69% of the 26 total complaints reported to NHTSA.
What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?
The top problem area is the Engine, involved in 18 of 26 complaints (69%), with a median mileage at failure of 25,925 miles. Electrical System issues follow at 46% of complaints.
Does the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a Smart Junction Box software issue and one for a Voltage Protection Device in the high-voltage battery system. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
How does 2016 compare to other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years?
2016 has a Complaint Index of 67, better than 2017's 100 (Avoid, worst year) but worse than 2019's 33 (Good). 2018 recorded 0 complaints in this data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.