2016 Hyundai Sonata recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata and 725 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (450), unknown or other (90), electrical system (88). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–40 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Sonata model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (569). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.1 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Exterior lighting · turn signal
Problem: 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.
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Parking brake · indicator light
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · frontal
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Problem: 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's daughter was driving 55 MPH, the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact's two minor grandchildren were inside the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure.…
While driving on the freeway, the check engine light started flashing and the gas pedal became useless. This put the driver and the passenger of the car in massive danger as they could no longer accelerate on the freeway. Luckily, they were able to get off the freeway without causing an accident. Upon reading the code at an auto shop, they discovered that it was P1326 or a knoc…
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.
Safety ratings
2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata.
Sonata
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Sonata
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sonata Hybrid
Auto (AM6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, most recently for exterior lighting · turn signal (09/24/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Based on 725 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (450), unknown or other (90), electrical system (88).
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata safe?
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Hyundai Sonata?
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Sonata model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (569). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata range from 26 to 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SONATA, Sonata.