CarModelProblems.com

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
130Complaints
5Recalls
4Crashes
3Fires
1Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (54.6% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 4.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine71 · 54.6%RecalledRecall 20V746000
Electrical System33 · 25.4%not available
Power Train13 · 10%not available
Exterior Lighting7 · 5.4%RecalledRecall 21V749000
Service Brakes7 · 5.4%not available
Fuel/propulsion System7 · 5.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE71 · 54.6%
Unspecified / other19 · 14.6%
POWER TRAIN13 · 10%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7 · 5.4%
SERVICE BRAKES7 · 5.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7 · 5.4%
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY4 · 3.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4 · 3.1%
STRUCTURE:BODY2 · 1.5%

Percentages are the share of the 130 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

NHTSA campaign 21V749000 · 2021 · reported 09/24/2021

A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch

NHTSA campaign 21V619000 · 2021 · reported 08/06/2021

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 2020 · reported 12/01/2020

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

NHTSA campaign 16V726000 · 2016 · reported 10/11/2016

If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal

NHTSA campaign 16V232000 · 2016 · reported 04/21/2016

An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive…”NHTSA complaint 11502815 — filed 01/20/2023 · ENGINE
“My vehicle first went into limp mode and stalled while driving December 2021. Vehicle was taken to Dealership in Alpharetta, GA. I was advised the…”NHTSA complaint 11478504 — filed 08/09/2022 · ENGINE
“The car requires a quart of oil every 1 to two weeks. Brought it to multiple dealerships and was never given a reason why. Car…”NHTSA complaint 11476347 — filed 07/28/2022 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

8201612201714201821201920202033202130202223202314202482025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 71 of 130 NHTSA complaints (54.6%), followed by electrical system (33), unspecified/other issues (19), power train (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?

130 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 1 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V749000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.