2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 31owner reports
- 89,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 13, 2025 · checked Oct 2, 2026
75 of the 132 complaints on this car are about the engine. 31 of those describe engine failure. Only hybrid system is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 31 reports
Engine failure on other Sonata Hybrid years
No other Sonata Hybrid model year has enough reports of engine failure for a sheet of its own. See every Sonata Hybrid year.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (29 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
All 5 recalls on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sonata Hybrid
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 67,036 and 140,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 10 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that deal with this problem. 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.
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
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 ...
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 ...
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.
6 more on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid page.
What owners wrote
“1. engine blew 2. driving on highway, lost power, had to coast off exit 3. at dealer was told waiting to hear from Hyundai 4. at dealer 5. oil light went on in between oil changes, had to add oil in between oil changes, knocking, and poor gas mileage, prior to engine blowing, no other warning lights no other warning lights”
Filed Dec 30, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 31 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 59 reports