How many airbag complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA lists 21 airbag complaints for the 2016 Sonata, which is 3% of the 725 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls covering airbags: campaign 16V615000 and campaign 16V232000, both involving replacement of the driver's frontal airbag module.

Did the 2016 Sonata airbag problems cause injuries?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 9 crashes and 9 injuries, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure among the reported airbag complaints is 58,500 miles.

How does the 2016 Sonata compare to other years for airbag complaints?

The 2016 Sonata's 21 complaints (3% share) is lower than 2011 (418 complaints, 12% share) and 2012 (169 complaints, 11% share), suggesting airbag complaints were more common in earlier Sonata model years.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 21 airbag complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, 3% of that year's 725 total complaints, with 9 crashes and 9 injuries reported. Two related recalls (16V615000 and 16V232000) cover driver's frontal airbag module replacement.

Airbags complaints: 21; 3% of 725
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 9
Median mileage: 58,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners report frontal airbags failing to deploy during moderate to high-speed collisions, including head-on impacts.
Some report airbags deploying in low-speed crashes while other airbags in the same crash (passenger, side, or curtain) did not deploy.
Several describe the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, with diagnostic codes pointing to a driver front airbag not responding.
One owner reported the passenger seat airbag sensor failing, with Hyundai requiring replacement of the entire seat cushion module.
One owner described skin burns from airbag deployment powder after a deer collision, with smoke continuing to emit from the bags.

When 2016 Hyundai Sonata airbag complaints were filed

First complaint May 22, 2016, latest May 3, 2026.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2016 to May 2026; peak May 2016 (2).

Airbags recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata

NHTSA 16V615000Aug 24, 2016Airbags1,031 vehicles
Air bags
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
NHTSA 16V232000Apr 21, 2016Airbags33 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

Airbags complaints by Sonata model year

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

200555 (33%)
2006435 (42%)
2007257 (37%)
2008137 (32%)
200930 (7%)
201020 (6%)
2011418 (12%)
2012169 (11%)
2013102 (5%)
201431 (4%)
201525 (2%)
201621 (3%)
201722 (3%)
20184 (1%)
20199 (6%)
20207 (4%)
20214 (3%)
20220 (0%)
20231 (1%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?: NHTSA lists 21 airbag complaints for the 2016 Sonata, which is 3% of the 725 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls covering airbags: campaign 16V615000 and campaign 16V232000, both involving replacement of the driver's frontal airbag module.
Did the 2016 Sonata airbag problems cause injuries?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 9 crashes and 9 injuries, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure among the reported airbag complaints is 58,500 miles.
How does the 2016 Sonata compare to other years for airbag complaints?: The 2016 Sonata's 21 complaints (3% share) is lower than 2011 (418 complaints, 12% share) and 2012 (169 complaints, 11% share), suggesting airbag complaints were more common in earlier Sonata model years.