Are engine problems common on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?

Yes. NHTSA lists 18 engine-related complaints out of 26 total complaints for this model year, a 69% share, which is the highest share among the years shown in this dataset.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 25,925 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid engine issue?

This dataset lists no related recalls tied to this engine complaint category.

Did the engine problems cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this problem area shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

How does 2016 compare to other years for this issue?

The 2017 model also shows a high share at 59% (19 complaints), while 2018 shows 0% and 2019 shows 20% (1 complaint), making 2016 and 2017 stand out.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 18 of 26 total complaints (69%) filed on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. Median mileage at failure is 25,925 miles, with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported and no related recalls listed in this data.

Engine complaints: 18; 69% of 26
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 25,925 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe the "check hybrid system" warning appearing on the dash followed by a sudden and complete loss of engine power while driving, sometimes at highway speeds.
Several drivers report the vehicle stalling or shutting off in moving traffic, including on freeways and in carpool lanes, requiring the car to be towed.
Some owners saw the check engine light illuminate with no performance issue found, and the problem was traced to a loose or improperly seated gas cap.
Multiple complaints describe repeat hybrid system failures on the same vehicle within a short mileage span, with dealers unable to permanently fix the issue after several attempts.
One owner reported the car would not restart after the hybrid system shut down mid-drive, even though the dashboard powered on.

When 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 10, 2016, latest Jun 27, 2023.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2016 to Jun 2023; peak Jan 2018 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Sonata Plug-in Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201618 (69%)
201719 (59%)
20180 (0%)
20191 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?: Yes. NHTSA lists 18 engine-related complaints out of 26 total complaints for this model year, a 69% share, which is the highest share among the years shown in this dataset.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 25,925 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid engine issue?: This dataset lists no related recalls tied to this engine complaint category.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this problem area shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
How does 2016 compare to other years for this issue?: The 2017 model also shows a high share at 59% (19 complaints), while 2018 shows 0% and 2019 shows 20% (1 complaint), making 2016 and 2017 stand out.