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.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

◆ Worse than typical

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:00:13.553Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 132
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 132 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2011	95
2012	155
2013	108
2014	28
2015	52
2016	132
2017	80
2018	9
2019	5
2020	16
2021	53
2022	19
2023	15
2024	9
2025	11
2026	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

55% · 72 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Also filed under Lane departure

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-23

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, 2023-10-12

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

27% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIRE

Show 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, 2019-05-23

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-07

Also filed under Power train

Power train

11% · 14 reports

CRASH

Service brakes

7% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing air.

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 132 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-06-15Air bags16V232000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-29Visibility16V726000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
R

2021-03-31Engine20V746000 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).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-11-19Electrical system, exterior lighting21V749000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-12-04Latches/locks/linkages21V619000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 72 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 35 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V232000 · Air bags
Recall 16V726000 · Visibility
Recall 20V746000 · Engine
Recall 21V749000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
Recall 21V619000 · Latches/locks/linkages

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

2012155

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.