2016 Hyundai Sonata problems and complaints
Owners have filed 723 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The most-reported areas: Engine (448), Unknown Or Other (90), Electrical System (88).
Key takeaways
- 723 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 19 involve a crash, 28 a fire, 19 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 448 | 62% |
| Unknown Or Other | 90 | 12% |
| Electrical System | 88 | 12% |
| Power Train | 59 | 8% |
| Service Brakes | 46 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting | 38 | 5% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 33 | 5% |
| Steering | 33 | 5% |
| Structure | 31 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 30 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 21 | 3% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 16 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Electrical System - filed 2026-09-17
Backup vision system failed. Couldn't see vision because screen was blank. Radio didn't work either. Went to dealership with the problem they said it was not covered by the warranty. Paid to have it fixed.
Engine - filed 2026-09-15
The vehicle experienced a Theta II engine failure at under 57,830 miles while driving on northbound [XXX] near the [XXX] Parkway U-turn in [XXX]. The engine made a loud noise and lost power. I was able to coast to the far right side of the U-turn under the bridge. I called HERO (Austin's emergency roadside assistance)....
Engine - filed 2026-09-15
I am concerned that the engine may seize or stall without warning while driving, creating a risk of crash, injury, or death. The Theta II engine defect is known to cause engine seizure, stalling, and fire. Hyundai has denied warranty coverage based on mileage and second-owner status — both of which are explicitly prohi...
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More for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.