Owners have filed 185 complaints
about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
54.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1110.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
87.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1917.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2321.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1614.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2119.3%
150,000+ miles
65.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2016peak 13Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
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 back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
EA21003Opened 22 Dec 2021Closed 5 Feb 2024ENGINE
Engine Fires
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 failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
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) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 13,000 milesMount Pleasant, SCCrash1 injured
STEERING
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became firm while navigating a turn, and the vehicle crashed into a tree. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unconscious and woke up to being treated by an EMT. The contact sustained injuries to his chest and fractured ribs. Medical attention was provided at the hospital. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, MOCrash
POWER TRAIN
The parking mechanism in the transmission failed. The car was parked in my garage . The lever was in the "Park" position when the car drove backwards out of my garage and crashed into the fence. It continued driving into the street and into the neighbors yard. Two people were out walking and saw it happen. I know I did not leave my car in neutral or reverse when I parked it in my garage. When I tested this later sitting in my car, in my garage, the car immediately began moving backwards instantly, while i was still at the wheel. Had the car been in neutral or reverse at the time this incident occurred, I would have known it was moving immediately and shifted it into park right away. When this incident happened I put the car into park, and I got out of my car , I got things from my trunk and went inside the house. Then I went back to the car to get more things. This is when I witnessed it driving out of my garage backwards. I was standing on my back step. Then I ran across the street to my car and got in the drivers seat to attempt driving it back to my garage. I had to yank it out of park and then shove it back into park to get it to start correctly. Then I was able to get it running again and drove it back across the street to my house. thank God no one including myself got hurt. The possibility of this happening shook me up for days. I reported this to Hyundai and waited 3 months for them to make a determination, they said they cant prove it , that it is my word against theirs. I looked online , and saw reports of this happening to other vehicles as late as 2017 even tho the recall for this was 2011-2014. I started using the electronic parking brake because i read online that other people who have had this happen said to do it. I need to buy a new car dont feel safe in this one.
NHTSA complaint #11439193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, MOCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The parking mechanism in the transmission failed. The car was parked in my garage . The lever was in the "Park" position when the car drove backwards out of my garage and crashed into the fence. It continued driving into the street and into the neighbors yard. Two people were out walking and saw it happen. I know I did not leave my car in neutral or reverse when I parked it in my garage. When I tested this later sitting in my car, in my garage, the car immediately began moving backwards instantly, while i was still at the wheel. Had the car been in neutral or reverse at the time this incident occurred, I would have known it was moving immediately and shifted it into park right away. When this incident happened I put the car into park, and I got out of my car , I got things from my trunk and went inside the house. Then I went back to the car to get more things. This is when I witnessed it driving out of my garage backwards. I was standing on my back step. Then I ran across the street to my car and got in the drivers seat to attempt driving it back to my garage. I had to yank it out of park and then shove it back into park to get it to start correctly. Then I was able to get it running again and drove it back across the street to my house. thank God no one including myself got hurt. The possibility of this happening shook me up for days. I reported this to Hyundai and waited 3 months for them to make a determination, they said they cant prove it , that it is my word against theirs. I looked online , and saw reports of this happening to other vehicles as late as 2017 even tho the recall for this was 2011-2014. I started using the electronic parking brake because i read online that other people who have had this happen said to do it. I need to buy a new car dont feel safe in this one.
NHTSA complaint #11439193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKeystone Heights, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 55 mph smoke was suddenly present coming from under the hood before the engine failed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11437754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,272 milesQueen Creek, AZCrash
STEERING
ON FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 23, 2020, I WAS DRIVING EAST ON E. MAIN STREET IN MESA, AZ HEADED TO THE RED MOUNTAIN 202 FREEWAY. THE LIGHT WAS GREEN AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION AND I MADE A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE FREEWAY FRONTAGE ROAD TO HEAD SOUTHBOUND. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AS MY CAR'S STEERING BECAME RIGID AND FELT LIKE MY POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT. I COULD BARELY COMPLETE THE RIGHT TURN CAUSING MY CAR TO CAREEN INTO THE CONCRETE SIDE BARRIER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. MANY OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE ON WITH MANY DIFFERENT ALERTS AS I PULLED OVER WITH MY PASSENGER. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COLLISION TO ASSESS THE DAMAGES AND OUR WELL BEING FOR A FEW MINUTES. I THEN PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO MY PLACE OF WORK A FEW MILES AWAY AND PARK THE CAR SO I COULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD WORKED ON MY CAR THREE DAYS PRIOR. THE NEXT MORNING, OCTOBER 24, 2020, I CALLED THE HORNE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND LEFT A MESSAGE AT THE SWITCHBOARD FOR A SERVICE MANAGER TO CALL ME. I INFORMED HER THAT I HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. ON MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 26, 2020 I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020, I WAS INFORMED BY MATT COLTON, SERVICE MANAGER FROM HORNE HYUNDAI, THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR ISSUE AND THAT I 'NEEDED TO TURN IT INTO MY INSURANCE.' AS A RESULT, I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY UNREPAIRED CAR, IT IS SECURELY PARKED AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AS TO PRESERVE IT FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #11378688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesWilder, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON 5/11 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE HEARD A CLICKING SOUND. SHE WAS NOT FAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND DECIDED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN TO GET LOOKED AT. AS SHE GOT CLOSE TO THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. SHE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION WHERE SHE COULD GET OUT AND AS SHE WAS PULLING OVER THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FLAME. SHE IMMEDIATELY GRABBED THE DOG AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. WITHINJUST A COUPLE MINUTES OF EXITING THE VEHICLE IT WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND EXPLODED.
NHTSA complaint #11209538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Middleburg, FL
ENGINE
EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue
NHTSA complaint #11751204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleburg, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue
NHTSA complaint #11751204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle experiences intermittent DTC C222908 (Integrated Brake Actuator internal circuit malfunction). Warning lights (Brake, ABS, ESC, Hybrid System) illuminate intermittently, brake pedal feel changes, and regenerative braking fails. Dealer confirmed stored code but refused repair stating "no current issue". This is a known failure in 2015-2019 Hyundai hybrids that can lead to sudden loss of hydraulic brake assist and increased stopping distance. Safety critical defect.
NHTSA complaint #11700973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayo, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
NHTSA complaint #11692279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayo, FL
ENGINE
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
NHTSA complaint #11692279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayo, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
NHTSA complaint #11692279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,600 milesDetroit Lakes, MN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the message "Shut Down" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and declined to cover the repair under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 140,600.
NHTSA complaint #11680336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSanta Ana, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAgawam, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, and the message "Warning - Do not Attempt to Restart" was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure of the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed as a failure with the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had been back to the dealer several times. Recently, the contact was informed that the wiring harness was soy-based insulated, and rodents were causing damage to the wiring harness due to the smell. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11658460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFairfield, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to exit the highway; however, the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the engine had been replaced two years prior. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garfield Hts, OH
POWER TRAIN
While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11615081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garfield Hts, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11615081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garfield Hts, OH
ENGINE
While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11615081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesPapaikou, HI
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side sunroof detached. The contact stated that the sunroof was caught up on the netting in front of the sunroof. The contact stated that the tracks were fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11603439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesHawthorne, NJ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Check Hybrid System, Turn Off the Engine" was displayed, and the vehicle was shaking while decelerating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the Technical Service Bulletin: 198. The Technical Service Bulletin was completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with a drained battery and catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesHawthorne, NJ
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Check Hybrid System, Turn Off the Engine" was displayed, and the vehicle was shaking while decelerating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the Technical Service Bulletin: 198. The Technical Service Bulletin was completed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with a drained battery and catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesEndicott, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the dashboard warning lights had suddenly activated and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode causing the vehicle to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions and the NOx sensor, intake manifold and EGR were replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11579661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bay Village, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The wind guard for the panoramic sunroof of my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid broke & flew almost all the way off while driving down [XXX] in the Cleveland area. I was able to grab the end before it broke off completely and flew into traffic behind me. There was no warning prior to detachment. Hyundai insists this part failure is not part of a prior recall for this exact same product failure on this make & model and therefore will not cover. Their suggested solution is glue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11578335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, FL
POWER TRAIN
While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel
NHTSA complaint #11572766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel
NHTSA complaint #11572766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, FL
ENGINE
While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel
NHTSA complaint #11572766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
POWER TRAIN
My check Hybrid system light comes on and then my car stops allowing me to drive , the gas stops working ! This happened 3 times on the highway very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11566685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My check Hybrid system light comes on and then my car stops allowing me to drive , the gas stops working ! This happened 3 times on the highway very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11566685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manassas, VA
ENGINE
My check Hybrid system light comes on and then my car stops allowing me to drive , the gas stops working ! This happened 3 times on the highway very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11566685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ENGINE
I was driving on the freeway and the car went from 70 mph to 60 then 50 then 40 slowing on the freeway each second. This has happened multiple times, each time taken in Hyundai and “repaired” only to happen a couple months later.
NHTSA complaint #11554489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.