2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 26 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
18 of 26 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was in motion when the phev warning illuminated and the gasoline engine shut off. The vehicle lost all propulsion. It refused to engage the gasoline or electric motor to move out of a dangerous situation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09
Also filed under Electrical system and power train
I saw engine powertrain problem light on my car screen. So I went to capital hill hyndai dealer. I waited more than 6,5HOUR with eating breakfast and lunch at near mall. Hyundai explained just gas cap tighting problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-10
Electrical system
12 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
My sonata phev had hybrid system failed not once, but twice within a span of 1.5 months. It's been hardly 1.5 years since I had bought this car. In both cases the check hybrid system warning comes up and engine looses total power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-18
Power train
3 of 26 total reports mention: power train.
Hybrid propulsion system
3 of 26 total reports mention: hybrid propulsion system.
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 26 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018-05-02Hybrid propulsion system18V166000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018.
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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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V166000 · Hybrid propulsion system
- Recall 21V749000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid have?
- 2 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.