NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The Smart Junction Box software may misinterpret turn signal switch commands, causing the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intends.
This page covers 11 recalls, 840 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata.
26–40 mpg combined
5.9–9 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 Sonata's complaint picture is dominated by engine issues, which account for nearly half of all reports filed for this model year. Owners most commonly describe excessive oil consumption, burning through a quart or more between changes, and unexpected engine stalls while driving, sometimes with no warning light beforehand. A smaller but notable group reports rough running at low RPM, including cold-start sluggishness, jerking, and a sensation similar to transmission slipping on hills or during acceleration. The electrical system draws the next-largest share of complaints, though at a much lower volume, with owners noting various dashboard and warning light irregularities. Powertrain complaints follow, largely echoing the rough-running and hesitation symptoms tied to the engine reports. The oil consumption pattern is the thread that runs through the most complaints, with many owners noting the issue persists across normal service intervals and multiple dealership visits.
840
Total Complaints
23
Crash-Related
31
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has 11 recalls, the most serious affecting plug-in hybrid models where a voltage protection switch can cut power to the electric motor and cause an unexpected loss of drive.
Several recalls involve airbags: the driver's frontal airbag on certain vehicles may not adequately protect the neck in a crash, and on some vehicles the frontal airbag may fail to inflate at all. On hybrid models, worn connecting rod bearings can lead to engine damage, raising the risk of a stall or fire. Two separate recalls cover the trunk latch on Sonata Hybrid models, where a failed component can prevent the interior emergency release from working and trap someone inside.
On vehicles with the panoramic sunroof, the glass panel can detach while driving and become a road hazard. Two electrical recalls address warning light failures: the ABS warning light may not correctly flag a brake system fault, and the parking brake indicator can fail to illuminate due to corrosion, leaving a driver unaware the parking brake is partially engaged. A software issue can also cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intended.
At a glance
What can fail
The Smart Junction Box software may misinterpret turn signal switch commands, causing the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intends.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Smart Junction Box software at no cost to correct the signal interpretation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch can become damaged, which may prevent you from opening the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the trunk release latch can fail, which may prevent the emergency trunk release inside the trunk from working. This could trap a person inside the trunk.
What the fix does
The trunk latch assembly will be replaced at a Hyundai dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely over time, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. A software update with a new Knock Sensor Detection System will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery voltage protection device switch may activate unintentionally, cutting power to the electric motor. This can cause loss of driving power while in electric mode, increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the voltage protection switch and install a new battery management system module with updated overvoltage protection and new wiring.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake warning light on the dashboard may not turn on when the parking brake is applied due to corrosion inside the switch.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the parking brake switch at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bonding between the sunroof wind deflector and anchor plate can fail, causing the sunroof panel to detach while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate at no cost to restore secure attachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front airbag may not provide proper neck protection for smaller occupants in a frontal crash, potentially increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front airbag module with a compliant unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side frontal air bag may not provide adequate neck protection during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag may lack a chemical enhancer needed for second-stage deployment, preventing the second stage from inflating in certain crashes. The first stage deploys normally.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ABS warning light doesn't illuminate when the antilock braking system malfunctions, so drivers won't be alerted to ABS problems.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ABS control unit software at no cost to restore proper warning light operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
