2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls and problems
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 5 safety recalls and 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
Recall 21V-749: Electrical System, Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V-619: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V-746: Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-726: Visibility
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-232: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 73 | |
| Electrical System | 36 | |
| Unknown or Other | 19 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Structure | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 4
- Structure › Body — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Crash Imminent Braking — 1
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock — 1
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years
Compare all Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years · All Hyundai models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 21V-749 (electrical system, exterior lighting), 21V-619 (latches/locks/linkages), 20V-746 (engine), 16V-726 (visibility), 16V-232 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Owners report engine problems most often (73 reports), followed by electrical system (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.