NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 133 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Hyundai dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owner complaints

Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, describing incidents dated September 1, 2015 to August 21, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 76 complaints
Electrical System 36 complaints
Unknown or Other 19 complaints
Power Train 14 complaints
Service Brakes 10 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 9 complaints

Of the 133 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 133 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11769587 · Filed October 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and…
ODI #11762585 · Filed September 7, 2026
Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and…
ODI #11751204 · Filed July 17, 2026
EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue

Read all 133 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in 4 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA19-001: Electrical overstress
Closed September 19, 2024
- Recall 20V-024
Engineering Analysis EA21-003: Engine Fires
Closed February 5, 2024
- Recall 23V-877
Defect Petition DP22-003: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 12, 2023
Defect Petition DP22-005: Pedestrian alert sounds
Closed August 7, 2023
- Recall 22V-063

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Turn Signal May Activate in Wrong Direction

NHTSA #21V749000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported September 24, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 469,377 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 210 · Owners notified November 19, 2021

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Trunk Emergency Release May Fail/FMVSS 401

NHTSA #21V619000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Trunk Lid — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported August 6, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 348,158 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 208 · Owners notified December 4, 2021

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Safety consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Engine Damage May Cause Stall or Fire

NHTSA #20V746000 · Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported December 1, 2020 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 128,948 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 198 · Owners notified March 31, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Safety consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sunroof Panel may Detach

NHTSA #16V726000 · Visibility — Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported October 11, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 62,811 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 152 · Owners notified November 29, 2016 · Vehicles built December 8, 2014 – August 18, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bag Second Stage may not Inflate Properly

NHTSA #16V232000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported April 21, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America

Potentially affected: 33 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Hyundai campaign 144 · Owners notified June 15, 2016 · Vehicles built October 15, 2015 – October 15, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

4 investigations

133 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11769587

Incident: April 20, 2024 · Filed: October 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and the contact was informed that an oil change was needed. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer and was diagnosed and DTC: C222908; was retrieved. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,385.

Power Train; Electrical System

ODI #11762585

Incident: August 21, 2026 · Filed: September 7, 2026

Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.Diagnostic & Component Confirmation:The vehicle was towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of Goshen, Repair Order #6080674). Diagnostic testing confirmed trouble codes P0717 (Input Speed Sensor No Signal) and P0A40 (Drive Motor Position Sensor).The dealership's certified technician explicitly documented that they "followed TSB and found input speed sensor valve body harness is faulty due to heavy corrosion on the sensor connector."Safety Hazard Summary:This is a critical manufacturing and sealing defect where an internal, non-wear component (the transmission valve body wire harness) corrodes prematurely. This corrosion blinds the hybrid control modules to the electric motor's position and output speed. To protect itself, the computer initiates a hard, uncommanded shutdown of the hybrid drivetrain while the vehicle is in motion.Hyundai Motor America was contacted (Case #43225229) but denied any financial or safety assistance because this documented Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) defect has not yet been elevated to a formal safety recall. This sudden powertrain failure presents an unreasonable risk of rear-end collisions and catastrophic highway accidents for 2016 Sonata Hybrid owners.

Engine; Lane Departure

ODI #11751204

Incident: January 7, 2026 · Filed: July 17, 2026

EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue

Unknown or Other

ODI #11700973

Incident: November 11, 2025 · Filed: November 22, 2025

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.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11692279

Incident: January 1, 2025 · Filed: October 9, 2025

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.

Engine

ODI #11680336

Incident: May 28, 2025 · Filed: August 13, 2025

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.

Engine

ODI #11659350

Incident: May 6, 2025 · Filed: May 6, 2025

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.

Electrical System

ODI #11658460

Incident: May 2, 2025 · Filed: May 2, 2025

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.

Engine

ODI #11644593

Incident: December 2, 2024 · Filed: February 24, 2025

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.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11615081

Incident: August 31, 2024 · Filed: September 17, 2024

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.

Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid model years

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