2016 Hyundai Sonata · symptom sheet
Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power
- 27owner reports
- 89,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 15, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
529 of the 722 complaints on this car are about the engine. 27 of those describe hybrid system.
Tick what matches of 27 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sonata
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
NHTSA summary
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-061.
NHTSA summary
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
NHTSA summary
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-226.
NHTSA summary
Charging system failures. Closed oct 31, 1994.
NHTSA summary
What owners paid
5 of the 27 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $5,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 82,015 and 106,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Tengo este sonata ya 3 años a solo un mes de haberlo comprado empezó con los problemas de check hybrid system todo el tiempo el mecánico no sabe que pasa con eso además siempre cuando se enciende esa luz no se puede manejar el carro y le dice que tengo que apagarlo”
Filed May 12, 2025
“Driving at approximately 75 mph smoke started pouring out of engine bay dash lights came on to check HEV system and all of a sudden vehicle became difficult to control more smoke then screeching and a message to turn off engine now appeared fought with steering wheel to get to shoulder and slow to a stop upon opening the hood belt to cam shaft pulley had snapped”
Filed Oct 9, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 189 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 146 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 122 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 113 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 46 reports