2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 95 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 105 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2015 | 50 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 79 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
55% of complaints: engine — 71 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HEV WARNING TURN OFF ENGINE CAR STARTED SHAKING while driving on the interstate gas pedal went to the floor car started making a loud noise from the engine I put car in park and it would not move for 45 minutes at a stop sign
NHTSA ODI report, 20231023
As I was driving on the highway at 65MPH, a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard that read, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM/TURN OFF ENGINE". Immediately after that, I noticed that my vehicle started behaving erratically, making it difficult to control.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231012
25% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190523
As I was driving on the highway at 65MPH, a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard that read, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM/TURN OFF ENGINE". Immediately after that, I noticed that my vehicle started behaving erratically, making it difficult to control.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231012
10% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
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.
Campaign 16V232000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 16V726000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.
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).
Campaign 20V746000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
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.
Campaign 21V749000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V619000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (71 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V232000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V726000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V746000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V749000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V619000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.