10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 17
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,300 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 11 of 19)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #175

Mar 162022

Sonata

  • miles

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

Hyundai Motor America is doing fraud with its customer-??s and putting their lives at danger. They made engines with manufacturing defect. They sent a brochure to their customers to get the software updated for knocking sensors and then placed a lifetime warranty for the issues caused by it including any repair costs. They said the software will detect the knocking noise and will turn on Warning lights (Engine Light) as well as place the vehicle into reduced power, engine protection mode. Their brochure said they have defective engines in 2011-2019 Sonatas, 2013-2018 Santa FE Sports, 2019 Senta Fes, and 2014,2015, 2018 and 2019 Tucsons.I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. I did software update and then I started having engine knocking at around 76,000 miles. Sometimes, car automatically loses power on highways/freeways and sometimes it starts to accelerate on its own at very high RPM-??s. I contacted Hyundai dealership in Spring, TX (North Freeway Hyundai), which told me that Hyundai doesn-??t cover it anymore until unless its complete engine failure. This is not what their Warranty document (Brochure) said. They are denying to take care of the issue which was caused by manufacturing defect and their software update. Their brochure said they will take care of it including any engine repair costs. Their dealership told me that this is just the -??Beginning of the engine falling apart-??, they can start with putting a new cover on the faulty engine part rather than replacing it, which will cost me $640.50+tax to take the engine light disappear for few days. If they have to fix it permanently, it is going to cost me -??Thousands of Dollars-?? into parts and labor charges. Private mechanic said Hyundai Engines are "Can of Worms" and wont even touch it. As per Hyundai case managers instructions, I ended up spending $435.50 out of pocket without any work done on my vehicle. As per their Brochure, they are making defected engines from 2011. Thousands of people driving those dangerous vehicles.

- The Woodlands, TX, USA

problem #174

Mar 262022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine went bad prematurely. After 6 years of routine maintenance and standard commuting the engine went bad at 130k miles. No warning or indications that anything was wrong.

- Annapolis , MD, USA

problem #173

Mar 012021

Sonata

  • miles
My oil seems to be consumed really quickly! I get a full synthetic oil change and then my engine sounds strange and check the oil and there's no more oil in there! This is after less than 1,000 miles after the oil change! It's very expensive that every few months I need to go and get a new oil change, it's supposed to be every 6 months or after 5,000-7,500 miles with full synthetic but it only last about 700 miles before it starts to start to disappear! I'm scared it will cause my engine to get ruined and make a fire! This has been going on formore than 2 years now.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #172

Mar 182022

Sonata

  • miles

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

Yesterday, my car-??s engine/battery/oil lights came on. I pulled over, checked the oil and it was almost completely dry. I went to start the car again and it would not start. After my mechanic checked the starter and battery, they determined that the engine was locked up. My engine could have caught on fire as there was no warning prior.

- Tullahoma, TN, USA

problem #171

Mar 142022

Sonata

  • miles
The Car is flash on Dash boards Check HEV and turn off the engine cause my car to idle. Turn off my car for 20 mins signal gone Then 2 weeks later randomly does it again. Car also flash Check Breaks on dash boards and turn off the engine and it shut my whole car off

- Lawerenceville , GA, USA

problem #170

Mar 112022

Sonata

  • miles
My 2016 Sonata se with 85,000 miles is using over 1 qt of all per 1,000 miles. I'm told that this is normal for this type of engine "?" is there any thing Hyundai will do to FIX this oil problem thanks C.W. Mehltretter

- Harvest, AL, USA

problem #169

Dec 232021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 93,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart and emitted an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was related to Hyundai Service Campaign Number: 953, regarding the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

- Willow Springs, NC, USA

problem #168

Mar 062022

Sonata

  • miles
Took car to accredited service center for routine oil change early. Was given an opinion that the their was internal engine damage and that my engine would blow out if car was continued to be driven. I then had it towed to Hyundai dealership to be serviced and to get a second opinion. Service was done, and told it was a simple issue, after paying $400 after services were complete, I left feeling relieved it wasn-??t a bigger issue. Not less than maybe 6 hours later, early sunday morning, I was driving at night on the road and my engine completely blew out on me. My safety was put at risk and others around me on the road as well because I could have caused an accident, if I had been on the high-way going a higher MPH, my engine would have more than likely caught on fire or possibly have caused an accident. Clearly the issue was not fixed and they sent me to drive in a car that was faulty and not fixed, endangering my life and possibly others around me. It has only been inspected by hyundai, but clearly inspection by them is inadequate. No engine light warnings ever appeared. Oil light would occasionally flash on and off but I didn-??t think anything of it because, 1) no loud sounds/vibrations were happening, 2) my next oil change service wasn-??t until almost over 1,000 miles, as I regularly keep up with maintenance on my vehicle. I would say the on and off oil light was flashing maybe for about a week or so, and this was NOT after prior oil change, this occurred miles and miles after. I have attach pictures from the 1st opinion service, as well as the service I received from Hyundai before incident occured. I have also if needed to be provided, documentation of routine maintenance by Hyundai Dealership and from an accredited service center by the Better Business of Bureau.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #167

Mar 012022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine is consuming a quart of oil every 400 miles.

- Lexington, NC, USA

problem #166

Feb 282022

Sonata

  • miles
Unknown Vehicle made knocking noises and completely cut off on me. The vehicle had an oil change 1 month ago.

- Schererville, IN, USA

problem #165

Feb 102022

Sonata

  • miles

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

Car began to knock and lacked acceleration. I took it to a dealer and spent $300 on replacement of plugs and it seemed to be working fine. One month later on the highway, the car completely lost power and would no longer accelerate. I found online that the engine had been recalled and the warranty extended to 120K miles. Hyundai paid for a tow to the dealership. The dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced and thought Hyundai would replace the engine due to the recall, but the replacement was denied by Hyundai. I do not not know at this point on what grounds, but the car has 117,000 miles on it and should be within the extended warranty period because of the recall. The estimate for replacement of the engine is $8000. I've only had the car a few months and expected to get at least a few years out of this vehicle.

- Brightwood, VA, USA

problem #164

Feb 242022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine is buring oil. I drove about 1,400 miles since last oil change, and my engine had almost no oil. There are no leaks. My driveway is clean. My mechanic says engine is burning oil inside and he put "crazy" amount of oil to top it off today. He told me to change my oil every 3,000 miles instead of 5,000. He has been saying there is an issue with engine buring oil for some time and recommended contacting this agency and dealer.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #163

Aug 262021

Sonata

  • miles
Problem is the engine is burning two quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Was taking car in for oil change and check engine light went on. Service person said car was way down on oil which is why engine light went on. Said there was a problem with Hyundai engines and to take it to dealer. Dealer Ettleson agent John Cunniff confirm that there is a problem with that engine and said they would run an oil test. Oil was changed with new filter and told to come back in 1,000 miles. Returned to dealer after 1,000 miles and engine was down two quarts of oil, dealer topped off oil and said someone would contact me. I called several days later and John Cunniff said that using two quarts of oil in 1,000 miles was within specs. He said to contact Hyundai customer service. I did with case # 19220125, and Frances was case worker. Attempted to contact Frances three times with negative results. I called and spoke with a Cindy who stated case notes stated Frances contacted Ettleson and they said two quarts of in 1,000 miles is normal, complaint was closed. Research disclosed there is a problem with oil consumption in that engine, backed up by their and other mechanics. I have 69,000 miles on the vehicle and a 100,000 mile warranty. I have all maintenance files for the vehicle since I purchased it. i have complied with the dealers instructions and have had my PCV replaced, and just keep adding oil to keep my engine running. Please advise my options.

- Orland Park , IL, USA

problem #162

Jan 312022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
my 2016 Sonata SE vin #[XXX] has a engine recall, Hyundai gave me a lifetime Warranty of the engine and power train. the Sonata has 84577 miles on the engine and is using 1 QT of oil per 1,000 miles. took the car to Bentley Hyundai in Huntsville, Al. for an oil change and to see what they will do about the oil issue. I'm to bring the car back to them in 1,000 miles for them to check out how much oil the car is using. I was told that even with the lifetime Warranty of the engine and power train that with the engine using a quart of oil that Hyundai won't do many thing to take care of the problem. If the engine was given a Lifetime warranty by Hyundai why won't they do any thing to correct the oil problem. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Harvest, AL, USA

problem #161

Feb 192022

Sonata

  • miles
Car started bucking and slowing on freeway. Took car to dealership October 2021 after 2 weeks, I was informed the car needed a new engine. A few days later I was informed, my battery needed replacement. Three months later, January 31, 2022 while in the freeway, my car started bucking then decelerated from 70 mph to 10-20 mph on the freeway ( only reached 40 mph going down hill). Check HEV system and Check Hybrid system indicator triangles were on. Battery light indicator and engine light indicator also on. I had car towed to dealership. I was informed I needed two plugs replaced. 2 weeks later, the same problem happened again on February 19, 2022 I was informed, I needed two plugs replaced. The plugs were replaced. This time it wasn-??t two weeks before the same thing happened again. Warning lights displayed: check HEV system, check Hybrid System, battery and engine lights are on. Car doesn-??t accelerate over 15 mph. This vehicle has had several recalls, which I am told all recalls check out fine. No one can find a reason why the HEV, battery and engine lights are on. In the meantime, I-??ve purchased a battery, spark plugs, rented a car, spent almost $1000. This vehicle is hazardous and an accident waiting to happen. There has been at least a few engine and electrical recalls. I don-??t understand why the car is passing the recalls, but exhibits the problems mentioned on recall. I feel like the dealership is waiting for my engine to fall out of warranty. Either the mechanic or machine isn-??t fully operational. I don-??t want to be on a freeway the next time my vehicle stops and have an 18 wheeler or other vehicle run into me.

- Schertz, TX, USA

problem #160

Feb 172022

Sonata

  • miles
After cold start, car lost power and has set Check engine light codes P0010, P0011, made appointment with Springfield Huyandi, charged $289.33 for the diagnosis of engine oil sludge causing VVT issues. Huyandi will Not cover under warranty, recommended $1400 repair, with no help from Huyandi on repair bill.

- Lewes, DE, USA

problem #159

Dec 232021

Sonata

  • miles
Left car parked at airport for 3 days came back car was fine for 2 days. On day 3 car went into limp mode and started knocking at the engine! Took it yo dealership and they said I was loosing oil. It was 2 weeks after a full oil change. They cleared the codes and refilled the oil! Drove 5 miles down the road, same thing! Changed throttle body, new spark plugs. New knock sensor and drove for 3 days after that and same issue came back!

- Awendaw, SC, USA

problem #158

Oct 052021

Sonata

  • miles
Oil light came on when vehicle was almost out of oil. Engine could have seized Dealer says it is out of warranty because I am 2nd owner. 100,000 power train warrenty defaults to 60,000 for 2nd owner. Problem occurred just under 70,000. Warning oil light came on for the first time ever at 69,000 miles. Came on again after getting an oil change at 3,000 miles. Took 3 quarts to fill back to full. Engine now burns oil and must be refilled with nearly 2 quarts every 1000 miles.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #157

Dec 292021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
The vehicle concerned is a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited. It originally presented a check engine and check oil light, and lost partial power traveling on the highway. This vehicle was able to return to its residence, and it was towed to a Hyundai Dealership. Photos and videos were taken of this vehicle prior to being towed, and its battery voltage was tested. The Hyundai Dealership initially reported a dead battery, and that diagnostics were completed. Further conversations took place to question if a jump box or battery charger had been used, and the manager offered to test this vehicle personally. The manager stated that two jump boxes started this vehicle, and then stated he drove this vehicle with two jump boxes connected. The manager insisted that this vehicle's issues were only caused by a failed (dead) battery. A new battery was purchased and then the Hyundai Dealership installed it. The mileage reported by the Hyundai Dealership on its invoice was 1 mile, yet the Hyundai Service Department stated that multiple test drives took place after battery was installed by them. The manager stated this car was fixed and safe enough that he would put a family member in it. This vehicle was picked up from the Hyundai Dealership, was driven on the highway, and an audible and visual warning along with multiple dash lights popped up. This vehicle stopped accelerating at highway speed, and it was necessary to call immediately call 911. Law Enforcement responded, and assisted. This vehicle could not clear the shoulder of the highway, and one of the Law Enforcement vehicles was required behind this vehicle. This vehicle was towed again. The Hyundai Dealership had this vehicle for 14 days. The trouble code from this vehicle is P1326.

- Valley View , TX, USA

problem #156

Dec 312021

Sonata

  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over in a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed back to the local mechanic but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

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