Seventh generation (LF)

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The most reported problem on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is hybrid system, with 59 complaints, usually around 80,000 miles.

132owner complaints
5recalls
4involved a crash
66,000median miles at failure

Newest report Sep 7, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026

Your odometer

miles

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — Photo: HJUdall, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

What is your Sonata Hybrid doing?

Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 132 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 232 for 2016 sedans on this site. Of the 9 Sonata Hybrid model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.

At a glance

Next to the 2017: At 12 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (8). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
Top problem: One problem takes up much of the file: hybrid system, named in 59 of the 132 complaints (45%). A quarter of the 36 owners who gave a mileage for hybrid system saw it by about 43,000 miles, and half by about 80,000.
Crash, fire and injury reports: 7 of the 132 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 4 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 1 person was hurt.
Recalls behind the top problems: Engine failure has a recall on the same system (20V-746). Hybrid system has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
When owners filed: Filings peaked in 2021 at 31 and have dropped every year since, to 6 in 2025. So far in 2026, 2 more have come in.

When each problem shows up

Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: hybrid or ev system warning, loss of power, 59 complaints.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150kyou

Every complaint with a mileage86 of 132

Engine stalls or loses power while driving23 reports1 firerecall

Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power59 reports

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing31 reports1 firerecall

Check engine light or misfire23 reportsrecall

middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.

Behind you

Around your mileage

Ahead of you

How this compares

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid132

Median 2016 model here (106 vehicles)253

Median 2016 sedan here (28)232

132 complaints is 1.9 times fewer than the median 2016 model on this site and 1.8 times fewer than the median 2016 sedan. Among the 4 Sonata Hybrid model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.

Service bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai filed 130 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 28 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.

Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.

Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 12 bulletins · 59 complaints

Service bulletinTXXO DBPJan 13, 2022
The warranty coverage for certain 2015-2017MY Sonata (LFa) and Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in (LF HEV/PHEV) vehicles exhibiting reduced power steering assist and/or motor driven power steering (MDPS) warning lamp has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the ...
Service bulletin21-EM-007HJun 10, 2021
This bulletin describes the procedure to diagnose and repair the Engine Electric Water Pump (EEWP) on certain Sonata Hybrid (LF HEV) and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid (LF PHEV) vehicles with DTC P2600, causing an HEV and/or MIL warning lamp illumination.

10 more on this problem

Service bulletin20-FL-003HMay 11, 2020
Certain 2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid (LF HEV) vehicles may experience check engine light illumination with DTC P0456 - Evaporative System (EVAP) - Very Small Leak stored.
Service bulletin20-01-020HMay 11, 2020
Certain 2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid (LF HEV) may experience check engine light illumination with DTC P0456 - Evaporative System (EVAP) - Very Small Leak stored.
Service bulletin20-01-003HJan 16, 2020
2016 - 2017 model year Sonata LF HEV vehicles contain a Power Relay Assembly. The PRA is equipped with a main relay and High Voltage Cable, which in some instances may have a loose connection.
Service bulletin19-HC-001HApr 9, 2019
If you are servicing a Sonata Hybrid with the symptoms and DTC listed below, follow the Service Procedure on Page 2.
Service bulletin5NP-A5H5K-11Oct 25, 2017
If you are servicing a Sonata Hybrid with any of the warning messages or comments listed below, follow the Service Procedure to diagnose the condition.
Service bulletin5NP-C3P8U-09Aug 24, 2017
This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the vehicle emission control information label (see example below) applicable to the 2016 Sonata Hybrid / 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid models due to an emission label that may have been installed with the ...
Service bulletin5NP-G6T6Q-09May 24, 2016
THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES THE PROCEDURE TO UPDATE THE TPMS SOFTWARE OF SOME 2016MY SONATA HYBRID (LF HEV) VEHICLES. THE SOFTWARE UPDATES THE TPMS DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC RELATED TO DTC C1212 (VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR).
Service bulletin5NP-Z5P9U-09Apr 26, 2016
SOME 2016 SONATA HYBRID AND PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A POWER REDUCTION ACCOMPANIED BY ILLUMINATION OF MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
Service bulletin5NP-A8G2W-09Apr 26, 2016
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REVISE THE ENGINE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP WIRING ON CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR SONATA HYBRID VEHICLES. SERVICE CAMPAIGN TDD PROVIDES A SERVICE PROCEDURE TO REVISE THE WIRING.
Service bulletin16-01-020Apr 1, 2016
ENGINE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP WIRING (SERVICE CAMPAIGN TDD) Description: Some 2016 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles may experience a power reduction accompanied by illumination of multiple warning lights in the instrument cluster.

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 8 bulletins · 31 complaints

Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Jul 11, 2023
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine ...
Service bulletin22-EM-006H-2Nov 3, 2022
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs ...

6 more on this problem

Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Nov 3, 2022
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Nov 3, 2022
Certain vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise, or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Service bulletin22-EM-006H-1Apr 28, 2022
The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage or malfunction is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date ...
Service bulletinDBPT6GApr 28, 2022
Certain vehicles that have completed Service Campaign 966 may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Service bulletin21-01-024HMar 30, 2021
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine and/or update the engine ECU software (if new ROM is available) based on the inspection ...
Service bulletin21-EM-005HMar 30, 2021
The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage, defect, or failure is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or ...

Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 23 complaints

Service bulletin19-AT-021H-1Dec 17, 2019
If you are servicing a vehicle with a transmission slipping concern, follow the Service Procedure shown below and perform a stall test. This TSB provides a procedure to test each clutch in the transmission.

Check engine light or misfire 2 bulletins · 23 complaints

Service bulletin20-AT-008HFeb 20, 2020
If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
Service bulletin19-AT-024HNov 15, 2019
If you are servicing a vehicle with the DTC or symptoms listed below, refer to the Service Procedure to diagnose the condition.

Engine knocking or ticking 2 bulletins · 16 complaints

Service campaign24-01-068HAug 19, 2024
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
Service bulletinDBP966Apr 28, 2022
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 9 complaints

Service bulletin20-AT-011HMar 25, 2020
If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.

Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 2 bulletins · 6 complaints

Service bulletin20-BE-001HJan 16, 2020
This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3.
Service bulletin19-BE-015H-1Oct 18, 2019
This bulletin contains information regarding the clock display on certain Navigation (AVN 4.0) head units. This procedure is specifically for the clock date and time not displaying which started appearing around August 17, 2019.

Complaints filed by year

31 complaints came in 2021, 2.6 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.

NHTSA investigations

DP22-005opened Jan 27, 2023

Electrical · model years 2011 to 2022

Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.

NHTSA summary

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2011 to 2019

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2011 to 2017

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

EA19-001opened Apr 19, 2019

Airbags · model years 2013 to 2019

Electrical overstress. Closed sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V-024.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles

Recalls that include the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

21V-749Sep 24, 2021

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

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 and remedy

Risk: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
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.

21V-619Aug 6, 2021

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Latch

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 and remedy

Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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.

20V-746Dec 1, 2020

Engine

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 and remedy

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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). 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.

16V-726Oct 11, 2016

Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

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 and remedy

Risk: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

16V-232Apr 21, 2016

Air Bags:Frontal

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 and remedy

Risk: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
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.

All 5 recalls on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay

Questions

What is the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

Hybrid system, with 59 of the 132 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 80,000 miles.

At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems start?

Of the 86 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 32,000 miles and half by about 66,000.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid better or worse than the 2017?

Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 12 a year against 8.

How many 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?

7 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.

Is there a recall for hybrid system on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

No recall on file for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is on the same system as hybrid system. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Other model years

201553 2016132 201780 202155