2016 Hyundai Sonata · symptom sheet
Engine seized
- 34owner reports
- 107,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
34 of the 191 reports of engine failure on the 2016 Sonata describe engine seized.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (191 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 34 reports
Engine seized on other Sonata 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: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the rod bearing (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sonata
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-226.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 68,000 and 135,000 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I am concerned that the engine may seize or stall without warning while driving, creating a risk of crash, injury, or death. The Theta II engine defect is known to cause engine seizure, stalling, and fire. Hyundai has denied warranty coverage based on mileage and second-owner status â both of which are explicitly prohibited as denial grounds under the Settlement â leaving me driving an unsafe vehicle.”
Filed Sep 15, 2026
“My 2016 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden engine failure while in operation with no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine seized unexpectedly, creating a safety risk. This failure appears consistent with known engine defects affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles of this model year. Hyundai Motor America denied my claim without addressing these known defect patterns.”
Filed Dec 30, 2025
“The engine seized in 2022 and was repaired in 2023 ( dealership had it for almost a year). In 2023 it is now burning 2-3 quarts of oil every (2) weeks”
Filed Aug 4, 2023
“Engine light came on then battery discharge light and battery light. Engine died while on highway and we had to get the car safely to the side. Nothing gave us a warning this would happen. No noises, light or anything. Took it to mechanic and he said engine seized up”
Filed Jul 17, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 34 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 Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 148 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 122 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 113 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 46 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 37 reports
- Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 27 reports