2016 Hyundai Sonata Safety Report
2016 Hyundai Sonata Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (695) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 47 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Hyundai Sonata with 109 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Hyundai Sonata before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Sonata Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Sonata years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Sonata | 739 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Hyundai Sonata | 1100 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Hyundai Sonata | 350 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Hyundai Sonata | 140 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Hyundai Sonata | 151 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Hyundai Sonata | 109 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Hyundai Sonata Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
304 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
37 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlySteering
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Hyundai onlyService Brakes
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Hyundai onlyExterior Lighting
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability Score
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure Engine failures, including seized engines and knocking noises, have been reported. Some vehicles have experienced loss of power and severe engine stumbling. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues Problems with the instrument cluster, electrical system, and engine have been reported. These issues can lead to loss of power and difficulty in driving. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Malfunctions Steering issues, including doors not opening and loss of power, have been reported. These can affect vehicle control and safety. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Malfunctions Airbag malfunctions, including front airbags, have been reported. These can compromise safety in the event of a collision. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata:
Engine issues, including failures and knocking noises, are the most common problem.
Problems with the electrical system, including the instrument cluster, are frequent.
Steering malfunctions, including doors not opening, are a significant issue.
Airbag malfunctions, including front airbags, have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
Consequence: If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
Consequence: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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 ...
Consequence: 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.
Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicle...
Consequence: If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 complaints involved crashes. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
Engine siezed
I contact the Hyundai dealer about my 2016 Hyundai sonata. for all I know those vehicles have recalls with engine failure/stalling due to premature rod bearing wear, fire risks from malfunctioning electric oil pumps. My car is having those exact problems with the abs lights being on and is also have problems with the VVT sprocket. And the oil I called Hyundai and they said my vehicle only has a re...
Both rear doors will not open. The door locks stopped functioning so we are not able to open and close both rear back doors. In addition, the right rear door window stopped rolling up and down.
Car burning oil and engine started knocking no warning lights ever came on prior to knocking noise. Brought to mechanic and engine has failed. Vehicle has less that 130,000 miles on it.
This complaint is NOT related to the existing recall associated with this vehicle. The vehicle is experiencing a serious loss of power and acceleration issue. The car is unable to accelerate past approximately 60 mph. When pressing the accelerator fully, the vehicle does not respond or increase speed. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increases and then suddenly drops repeatedly, caus...
code P1326 unable to accelerate, drive past 1st gear and knocking noise in engine area engine could stall out or lock up if problem is not fixed 3/14/2026- started engine light blinking warning light also code p1326 has had recalls for this particular car brand
i took my car in for an oil change and the tech wouldn’t even take my money because he said the car was a safety issue and it needed to be taken to a hyundai dealership ASAP as he has seen the engine fail or blow up on this model before. on the way to the dealer the engine completely seized in the middle of the road forcing us to stop traffic on the busy road and push it in a near by parking lot.
Vehicle started then stalled requiring tow. No initial illumination of warning lamps or messages. Findings upon inspection by independent service center: multiple cylinder misfires (P030100, P030300, P030400, P030200, P030000) and excessive debris buildup on vvt sensor screen. Car uses excess oil- a minimum of 3 qts per 600 miles. No warning lamps or messages occur when car is excessively low on o...
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the...
While driving in normal traffic, the engine experienced a sudden and significant loss of power and went into a reduced-power “limp” mode. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stored an active P1326 diagnostic trouble code related to the engine/Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Because this occurred in live traffic, the sudden power loss created an unsafe situation that increased ...
I began braking and the brakes locked up. Braking to the floor and the car would not stop resulting in a car crash
Engine failure, cylinder 4 is swimming on oil.
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (2.0T/2.4L engine) has been experiencing loss of motive power and severe engine stumbling at stoplights, creating an unreasonable risk of a crash in traffic. The Check Engine light is on with DTC P0010. Upon inspection, the internal oil seal plug at the intake camshaft E-CVVT has become unseated, causing an active oil leak. This matches the exact defect and symptoms (elevat...
Engine started rough idling and knocking. Took to a mechanic who found metal particulate in the oil and the engine spun a bearing.
I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no sign...
The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure...
This vehicle has experienced multiple hybrid system failures while driving, including a complete loss of power “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Engine Off” on the interstate in June 2022 through November 2025. These events have placed me and my loved ones in dangerous driving situations. Despite a warranty‑covered engine replacement at 82,015 miles (January 2023), the same hybrid system issues have ...
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] While stopped in traffic with my foot firmly on the brake, my vehicle begins to accelerate before I release the brake pedal. This is not normal “creep” — the engine increases RPM and the vehicle moves forward as if the accelerator is being applied, even though it is not. This condition has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety risk. The veh...
The shark fin antennae on top of the vehicle was ripped off in a car wash; the antennae serves to transmit radio/GPS/data to & from the vehicle which will cease to function if it the cover is removed and components damaged. Hyundai description: The shark fin antenna will receive AM, FM broadcast signals and transmit data Multiple Hyundai dealers have been contacted for quotes on replacing the a...
Subject: Excessive Engine Oil Consumption – 2016 Hyundai Sonata I am reporting an ongoing and excessive engine oil consumption issue with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that I believe may represent a safety defect or other significant reliability concern. The engine is burning oil at a rate far beyond normal expectations (requiring frequent top-off well below recommended mileage intervals), resulting in...
Showing 20 of 695 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads
Opened 2016-09-03 · Closed 2017-02-22
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application. One of the reports alleged a fire in the right rear wheel area.The vehicles subject to the investigation are equipped with an optional Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). In this system, an electric motor applies the parking brake by moving the rear brake pads (pads) against the brake rotors (rotors) when ac...
Component: Engine
Opened 2021-12-22 · Closed 2024-02-05
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failur...
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Has the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
The 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA has 695 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 19 involved crashes. 19 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA involve engine (304 complaints), unknown or other (37 complaints), steering (24 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, electrical system, exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
There are 19 crash reports associated with the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA out of 695 total complaints (2.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
There are 28 fire reports for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA out of 695 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
19 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA is extreme caution advised. It has 695 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA are: 1. ENGINE (304 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (37 complaints), 3. STEERING (24 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (20 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 304 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Be aware of potential engine and electrical system issues, and regularly check the steering and airbags. Contact a dealer for recalls and repairs. The 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA has 695 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 695 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 47 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Failure and Electrical System Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Known issues with the 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA include: Engine Failure, Electrical System Issues, Steering Malfunctions, Airbag Malfunctions. These are based on patterns found across 695 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Engine failures, steering malfunctions, and electrical system problems are the most common issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes, there are recalls for exterior lighting, parking brake indicator lights, and electrical system issues.
What should I do if I experience engine problems?
Take your vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for inspection and repair as soon as possible.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine and electrical system issues, and regularly check the steering and airbags. Contact a dealer for recalls and repairs.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Hyundai Sonata
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The data includes 695 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 19 reported crashes, 28 fire incidents, 19 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Hyundai Sonata an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16