2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid · symptom sheet
Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power
- 59owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 7, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
98 of the 132 complaints on this car are about the engine. 59 of those describe hybrid system, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Sonata Hybrid.
Tick what matches of 59 reports
Hybrid system on other Sonata Hybrid years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021.
What this problem usually is
These reports come from hybrid, plug-in and electric vehicle owners whose car put up a system warning and lost power, sometimes dropping into a reduced-power mode on the road. Others describe a car that won't charge, a high-voltage battery or inverter replacement, or a problem that turned out to be the ordinary 12-volt battery all along.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the drive unit (3 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
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-061.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 43,000 and 120,000 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 12 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.
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 ...
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.
Certain 2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid (LF HEV) vehicles may experience check engine light illumination with DTC P0456 - Evaporative System (EVAP) - Very Small Leak stored.
Certain 2016-2019 Sonata Hybrid (LF HEV) may experience check engine light illumination with DTC P0456 - Evaporative System (EVAP) - Very Small Leak stored.
8 more on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid page.
What owners wrote
“My check Hybrid system light comes on and then my car stops allowing me to drive , the gas stops working ! This happened 3 times on the highway very dangerous”
Filed Jan 20, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 59 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 Hybrid warning on the dash? Hybrid and EV battery complaints explained
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 31 reports