10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
36,374 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Jan 272024

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata that has had repeated engine issues including stalling overheating and shutting off. The car engine also caught on Fire on [XXX} and was reported to Hyundai Consumer affairs where a case was opened. The car was in the dealership for repair until [XXX] I have a warranty that the dealership or Hyundai did not honor for the engine, power train. The services that were repaired was a replacement of a engine piece which is Continuously Variable Valve Timing) System which controls the controls the open & close timing of intake valve to improve engine performance. On approximately [XXX] 3 days after picking the car up which I had to incur the cost of the repair as Hyundai did not honor my warranty the engine as well as oil light came on The car repair included transmission oil flush and engine oil replacement per the dealership. I contacted the service manager Mr Espinoza who was overseeing my case and informed him of the continued issues he asked me to drive the vehicle in to be looked it. as we have had inclement weather in my area i was unable to take the vehicle in. On [XXX] I attempted to drive the car to the services department at Pohanka hyundai only for the engine to make a roaring noise and stall also there was no engine oil in the car wherefore it should-??ve been. I contacted the dealership and told they were busy and to bring it next week. i am requesting hyundai to buyback the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #27

Jan 182024

Sonata

  • miles
INTAKE CAMSHAFT CVVT COVER AND SENSOR INTAKE CAMSHAFT CVVT OIL PLUG PLUG Exhaust Manifold I am up to date on all me oil changes and everytime I get and oil change the oil goes so fast! This has actually been happening ever since I got the vehicle. My acceleration has been decreasing when I get an oil change.

- St. Ann , MO, USA

problem #26

Jul 172023

Sonata

  • miles
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS that ultimately lead to ENGINE FAILURE, due to there being NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES, or OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. This is a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners such as myself, are often left with uncooperative dealerships that either deny the problem or offer minimal assistance. Even Hyundai corporate and extended warranties fail to provide adequate support, frequently citing owner negligence as a reason for denial. This occurs despite the fact that engine sludge buildup is inevitable, even with consistent car maintenance. Furthermore, I am forced to endure long waiting times for MY 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, THAT HAS BEEN INSPECTED and, then DENIED FOR an ENGINE REPLACEMENT, and face additional months of delay for them to explain why. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of loaner vehicles and no assurance of rental reimbursement. This leaves countless individuals burdened with repair payments for stranded vehicles. My personal experience has been with Ourisman Hyundai, and many others have voiced similar grievances. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), yet little action has been taken to aid the thousands of people who are experiencing the same problems to rectify this issue. It is imperative that ATTENTION is drawn to this matter as HYUNDAI'S approach to selling cars with HIDDEN ENGINE ISSUES PUTS CUSTOMERS AT SAFETY RISK AND places them in DIRE and DEADLY HARM. I implore all News Media outlets to conduct an investigation into these concerns and help shed light on a situation that demands immediate attention

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #25

Aug 152023

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

found me driving on I 75 and I put the Cruise Control at 70 miles, instead of maintaining the speed at 70miles the vehicle accelerated to more than 90 miles per hour I had to quickly put my foot on the brake otherwise I could have an accident with the vehicle from the front, after all this happened, I felt the car was losing speed, I tried to accelerate but it did not go over 60 miles per hour. I took it to the mechanic and they did not detect anything in the vehicle's computer. This vehicle also turns off at times when you are driving and it turns off it also spend too much oil motor, I started looking for information on this model of car and I see that there are more than 550 people who have the same problem as me, this is an unsafe vehicle for the road

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #24

Oct 252023

Sonata

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to shake, lost power, and failed to accelerate. The driver pulled over and noticed smoke, and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was on the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown if a police report was filed. There were no reported injuries. The air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact mentioned that in 2021, the motor may have been replaced.The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

problem #23

Oct 192023

Sonata

  • miles
Hev warning turn off engine sign while driving on the interstate my car lost power and the car behind me had to suddenly move over this is very unsafe while driving down the interstate

- Navarre, FL, USA

problem #22

Jul 102023

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle had a complete engine failure. Since it is a hybrid, when the engine shut down, the vehicle lost all power. The driver had no control over steering or brakes. The vehicle crashed through three trees and into a house. Hyundai Motors of America and NHTSA are aware of the issues with this vehicle's engine, however, this engine was already replaced. The problem was that the "limp mode" did not enact in this specific car. I brought this to Hyundai's attention at least 20 times and expressed my concern about the threat this vehicle posed to me and anyone else on the road, yet they continued to ignore me or attempt to rectify the issue. This vehicle was part of the class action lawsuit. I was told, after the seventh time the vehicle broke down (fourth time after engine replacement) that Hyundai would buy back the vehicle. That never happened. The vehicle shut down without "limp/safe mode", with an entire loss of power eight times and was brought into the dealership. Hyundai refused to help me. I knew it would end in disaster, and it did. I'm sure my vehicle is not the only one that does not have a safe mode taking effect when the power shuts off and there is no steering or brakes at 70 mph. I am using the date for the last time the vehicle shut off and the driver lost control and hit a house. However, there are eight other times this happened. I have more information and documentation if needed. I'm attaching my first claim, documents collected after that claim, the accident report (did not have photos attached, the photos are from the scene when I went there the next day), and all email conversations with Hyundai since the first engine failure. My big concern here is that even though Hyundai did try to repair the recall issues, they ignored everything else. I told them over and over that the limp mode did not work. This made it morally impossible for me to sell, even if I wanted to. They refused to help. I worry there may be others out there with this issue.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #21

Feb 272020

Sonata

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously stolen, and she related the failure to Hyundai Campaign Number: 993. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 45 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated while driving into the driveway and coming into a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she quickly depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle hit the barbecue grill, and the barbecue grill struck the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at the ATM, and the vehicle nearly crashed into another vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving and engaging the turn signal, the turn signal unintendedly activated in the opposite direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that unknown repairs needed to be completed on the vehicle. The mechanic referred her to the dealer for the repairs. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back by the auto finance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #20

Apr 272023

Sonata

  • miles
Motor burns oil knocks and is loosing power while driving. Constantly having to add oil between oil changes. When trying to accelerate car starts to sputter on highway. Can't get power to engine and bad rattle sounds

- Pleasant Hill, NC, USA

problem #19

Mar 172023

Sonata

  • miles
The airbag light is on, indicating that the airbox is not operating and will not go off in case of an accident. All steering wheel controls also don't work so it's impossible to adjust settings using the steering wheel or to enter cruise control at all. Previous years of this same vehicle had clock spring recalls and this appears to be the same problem so I wonder if the other recalls should be extended to this year vehicle? thanks

- Lehi, UT, USA

problem #18

Nov 202022

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on the highway at speed, I received a red Check Hybrid System error, and immediately lost all acceleration, putting myself and all occupants at risk on a busy interstate highway, as we tried to find a safe way to quickly change lanes and coast to a stop in a safe location. The cause is under diagnosis by a Hyundai Service Center. This was a sudden failure and there had been no previous warning alerting us to substandard system condition.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #17

May 222016

Sonata

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was released, the vehicle sped up, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated the failure occurred after the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a software recall update. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where another update was completed. The contact stated that 4 days later the failure recurred as the accelerated pedal was released, the vehicle accelerated however when she attempted to depress the brake pedal and the vehicle sped up. The contact stated that she rear-ended another vehicle and stated that the driver-side air bag was deployed. The contact stated that medical attention was required for being hit in the chest by the air bag. The contact stated she was unaware if the occupants of the other vehicles needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however a failure cause was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Florida City, FL, USA

problem #16

Feb 272021

Sonata

  • miles
I had to replace the battery within a month of getting the car, then again 6 months later. The radio and back up camera went out after a year of having it. The headlights kept going out, and eventually the wiring started burning. Battery went out again along with the alternator now. Mid drive the lights would cut off, speed thermometer would be off by 15, and almost impossible to turn the wheel.

- Aberdeen, MS, USA

problem #15

Jul 292019

Sonata

  • 106,000 miles
My right high beam stopped working, I have to add oil to my car every 3 days. Burns more gas going back and forth to work. Going around a fast highway curb, the engine shut down the speed of my car and would not stop dropping down to 45 mph in a 70mph packed highway. Awful experience. Called in the problem to Hyundai and they didn't show any care. I had an accident happen and I don't know if the electrical problem could be a result to the accidents. The case has been closed and nothing but a paper from a lawyer about getting $1000 for my car being at high risk. I have the case number available. It's been nearly a year.

- Neosho, MO, USA

problem #14

Aug 082020

Sonata

  • 96,376 miles
I was on the highway driving and as I begin to accelerate the car felt as if it was about to stall out. When I came to a stop sign and made a complete stop as I accelerated to drive the car did the same thing as if it wanted to stall out. Now when I'm driving I can't go over 60 mph and any time I come to a complete stop and try to accelerate the car acts as if it wants to stall out so I have to take off slowly then take my foot off the gas pedal and put it back on as if is having trouble getting gas to the engine. I took it to my mechanic and it read code P 1326. Now my car is in safety mode

- Cairo, GA, USA

problem #13

Jul 022020

Sonata

  • 116,000 miles
Hello I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4/8/2020 with 110,743 miles on it with now 116,000. About a month ago my check engine light came on with no symptoms to the naked eye. Maybe a week later I could feel the difference in the speed control the air intake seemed very sluggish it won't take off from the line it will drag before it decides to pick up speed. Now the issue is that this is a common problem with these specific cars with no recall on them. This is an expensive fix that I should not be responsible for. Code P200 intake manifold.. it's not safe to drive a vehicle that you cannot control its initial speed...

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #12

Apr 072020

Sonata

  • 90,508 miles
I have owner this car for 2 years took it into dealership cause I was contacted that the vehicle needed a campaign update car got the update about two weeks later while on highway car went into limp mode speed dropped from 60 to 30 miles an hour check engine light came on and started flashing took it back to dealer they did another update took car about month later while on highway check engine light came on again they did another update on car picked it up drove it another month light came on again took it back to dealer the did another update and changed wiring harness picked car up again driving on the street about 30 miles an hour check engine light on again took it to dealer they said they did a lower bearing test which sent results to Hyundai America corporate office and did another update on car lower bearing test came back good came to pick car up on my way home from dealership on highway again it goes into limp mode speed drop from 60 to 30 check engine light flashing again take it back to dealership the advisor tells me tech read the codes turned off light but had it running and check engine light keeps coming on I was told tech was waiting on engineers to contact him to see what next step he should take mind you they now have had my car for almost 3 weeks by this time I reached out to customer relations to escalate case tech said a duplicate code came up on car P1326 I was told that part was replaced which would be the second wiring harness after at least 5 updates to car tech test drove car he said no lights and no metal was found /lf wiring install/noise insp also says something about wiring harness-knock sensor picked car up on 4/27 dropped off on 4/07 since picking car up seems to drive worser than it did before dropping it off the RPM gage seems to struggle to move when accerating it not happy or satisfied with work done scared to have my family incar

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #11

Sep 032019

Sonata

  • 29,000 miles
- sudden accecleration surge when releasing brake. When turning into parking and when light turn green and releasing brake. - spuratic acceleration decrease when driving... most recent: Pulling into parking stall ( left) as I pulled foward and release brake to move up another foot, the car suddenly accelerated. Car went over parking block ( 1-2 feet in front of me) then jump over into a tree. ( 1-2 feet in front of parking block). Force of surge left skid marks on parking block. Air bags did not deploy, but caused serious damage (approx 5K)

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #10

Aug 072019

Sonata

  • 28,000 miles
Car shakes erratically when trying to accelerate and has no power after hitting accelerator. It struggles to get any power to get going after being stopped at a red light. Gear changes get stuck and I have literally been stuck in middle of intersection while doing a legal U-turn in a busy busy la intersection with my 10yr old in the back seat and the only way to get out of the situation was to turn car off and turn on again which poses a major safety issue for both my daughter and myself. Took car in to service last week and they supposedly fixed issue but one week later here we are with same problem. Service told me it looks like solenoid is going out. Which seems strange for a 2016 car with only 27,000. So if this was the case why not change it before it was sold to me. Also car had prior issues before it was sold to me according to service. I smell recall"??" I have no documentation but the dealer has all supporting paperwork.

- West Covina, CA, USA

problem #9

Jul 212019

Sonata

  • 105,000 miles
Head on collision with a deer, going 70mph on highway 49. No air bags released. After taking car to dealership, from receiving a letter of recall in the mail. Motor would shut down when reaching 65 mph, before taking car to dealership for recal. Car was in motion on the highway.

- Neosho, MO, USA

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