2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid recalls

Recall 21V-749: Electrical System, Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 24, 2021 · 469,377 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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 18V-166: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Mar 12, 2018 · 2,840 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	18
Electrical System	12
Unknown or Other	5
Power Train	3
Hybrid Propulsion System	3
Fuel/Propulsion System	2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 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 Plug-In Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 65,000 miles · reported Jun 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the âCheck Hybrid System - Turn Off Engineâ message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the failure could not be duplicated; however, the contact stated that he provided…

Electrical System · reported Mar 30, 2023

While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times in the last two years while driving. Car was at dealer shop multiple times with no repair, was told we don't see active error message or they can't re-create the error. however scan show P261F error. Open Ticket with Hyundai #21018148 while car at the dealers for weeks at the time. each time told…

Electrical System · reported Jan 6, 2023

While driving the hybrid system warning light comes on and says to check hybrid system, vehicle goes into limp mode will not accelerate over 25 mph and codes need to be cleared before vehicle van be driven. This has caused me to almost have several accidents. The vehicle slows down and gives no warning prior to this occurring. It has started happening more frequently vehicle currently has 85k miles.

Engine · at 66,000 miles · reported Oct 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH or faster in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle stalled. The HEV error warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and disengaged the HEV Mode for the vehicle to restart and function as intended. The failure occurred three times. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer however, the mechanics were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…

Electrical System · reported Aug 11, 2022

My 2016 plug in hybrid Sonata repeatedly inidcates that there is "high system temperature switching to hybrid mode." This first happened on my first long trip in the car in 10/21 and has happened repeatedly since. This happens at all temperatures, including moderate temperatures (mid 70s). It seems to happen randomly, such as when battery has several miles of charge left in it, when it is fully discharged, and repeatedly when the car is already running in hybrid mode, which a driver could interpret means that the engine is about to shut down, as I did on a long trip. I have taken it to two…

Other Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years

2019 2018 20172016

Compare all Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: 21V-749 (electrical system, exterior lighting), 18V-166 (hybrid propulsion system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid?

Owners report engine problems most often (18 reports), followed by electrical system (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 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.