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 2 of 19)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #355

Dec 142023

Sonata

  • 70,000 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 while driving at speeds of 50 - 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The driver made several attempts to restart the vehicle while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer three times. The first diagnostic report was that the knock sensors had failed and needed to be replaced. The knock sensors were replaced twice however, the failure remained persistent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #354

Feb 062024

Sonata

  • 128,980 miles
On February 6, around 3:46am, parked my vehicle on the driveway I noticed a smell like smoke, I looked at my dashboard but nothing was on, no warnings, so I entered my house a few minutes later Possibly 4 I heard a noise look outside from my window an noticed my car was on fire, immediately called 911 car garage door also cut on fire and the vehicle next to it. I m requesting an investigation Police report 24-031575, my vehicle was towed by insurance company Start Casualty claim # 2024-90001577.

- Delray Beach, FL, USA

problem #353

Jan 312024

Sonata

  • miles
Background Info : On November 28th, 2023 I filed a case with Hyundai Consumer Affairs due to smoke and sparks coming from my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA engine. I was assigned to a Case Coordinator Carla who did not provide her last name at telephone 714-694-4963. She was my contact person for the repair. I signed a tow authorization on November 28th, 2023 authorizing HMA to tow the vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealership due to some delays in coordination on behalf on my contact Carla and the dealership Pohanka Hyundai received my vehicle on approximately December 4th, 2023. Per correspondence from Carla she had contacted the dealership with no response until the 18th of December 2023; approximately two weeks after the dealership received my vehicle. She informed me that she had made countless attempts to reach a service team member for follow up on an inspection. On December 18th 2023 I got in contact with Joseph to inquire as to what his inspection found. He stated -??That he did not see an oil leak and the car hand no oil.-?? I explained to him that was my car had been recently serviced at Jiffy Lube on August 1st 2023 at 44,664 miles for an oil change. Per Hyundai the oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5000 miles which I had not exceeded as my car had 46863 miles at the initial time of the service inspection that he performed. He then said -??Jiffy lube did not put any oil in the car then-?? which was impossible. I made contact with the Jiffy Lube location who performed the oil change to get the record of my last oil change as Joseph had a differing opinion. I was informed that in fact the oil was changed and they could provide video proof if necessary. I then communicated this information to Joseph as well as provided a copy of the last oil change. I then was told that I needed a CVVT replacement, transmission flush and oil change. I attempted to address his initial diagnose of -??no oil in the car-?? as I had proof that it had been changed and that they should do furthe

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #352

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 #351

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 #350

Jan 162024

Sonata

  • miles
My vehicle has been consuming oil very often. I have done regular maintenance on it since I purchased the vehicle. I first noticed the issue in August of last year. My remaining oil in my engine before an oil change would be little to none. I brought it to a Hyundai Dealership and they told me they can do nothing. They told me if my check engine light came on and my engine seized, to call them. I had a check engine light of O2 sensors being out. I replaced those. My engine continued to consume oil. I had another check engine light come on last week and it was my timing sensors. They went out. I replaced those and my technician looked inside my engine, and it is filled with metal shavings. My timing chains will go off if I drive my vehicle and my engine will no longer function. Hyundai in Sioux Falls, South Dakota told me numerous times they did not see why my engine was consuming oil. They also told me they would have a tow truck come get my car to repair if it was seized or damaged. They refused to last week. They told me the only way to fix my engine is if the code of P1326 was present. My code now is P001000. I am stuck without a car because i cannot drive mine.

- Spencer, IA, USA

problem #349

Dec 212023

Sonata

  • miles

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

While driving the car a noise came from the engine and I lost acceleration and then the car just died in the middle of busy traffic. The car was stuck in busy traffic till it could be towed since it wouldn't restart. After doing research it is a known problem with Hyundai and Kia engines and there are thousands of people like me and Hyundai refuses to take responsibility and puts the blame on the consumer stating they didn't maintain the vehicle. I could of been seriously injured by this and a lot of others are in jeopardy with these faulty engines.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

problem #348

Jan 022024

Sonata

  • 158,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #347

Mar 092023

Sonata

  • 195,533 miles
I changed out every cylinder, axel, within 6 months and now on March 22, 2023, they said I needed a new engine. P0300, P0303 MISFIRE. They said the car misfired. I thought that's why they changed all the cylinders. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN" My car has been parked in the garage. Why do I have to fix a problem that was just fixed" Still confused

- Menifee, CA, USA

problem #346

Jan 202024

Sonata

  • miles
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

- Manassas , VA, USA

problem #345

Jan 052024

Sonata

  • miles

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

My car was burning through oil fairly quickly. I had to refill my oil in between oil changes. I was also getting oil changes about every 2k miles until I realized it was not normal. I contacted Hyundai about an oil consumption test on December 19th. I did not hear back until almost 2 weeks. The email did not ask me what I needed but basically said-?? you-??ve talked to someone if you need something let us know-?? I had called in to check the status. Not sure why they thought this was resolved. About a week later my engine failed. Hyundai will not fix my engine because it does not fall under warranty. From what the mechanic told me, my car has carbon build up due to the burning oil which caused my cylinders to crack. I don-??t know much about cars but oil is not suppose to burn that fast.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #344

Jan 022024

Sonata

  • miles
On the way home after I purchasing my son his 2016 Hyundai sonata limited, he noticed his oil light come on and he stopped to check his oil and it was almost empty. He got an oil change and called the dealer and they told us that it was probably the oil change place that didn-??t tighten the drain cap. We took it to them and they said no issues with the cap. Went back to Hyundai and when you open the hood the engine is shiny and coated in oil. They would not do anything for us, the car was at 117k and they told us to drive it till it knocks and fill it and maybe Hyundai would replace engine. Hyundai did not warranty this cars engine. He has had his car now for 5 months and puts over a gallon of oil in it a month. It started misfiring, so we replace his spark plugs and noticed oil all over the spark plug number 2. This was a one owner car, that showed she took good care of it, and that is why we purchased it. We are stuck with this car and it is not safe and my son is 19.

- Amelia Court House, VA, USA

problem #343

Jan 032024

Sonata

  • miles
Engine began misfiring, spark plug coated in oil which indicates piston ring defect. I get regular scheduled maintenance, often needing oil far before maintenance would be due. This is a KNOWN issue and Hyundai is NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY.

- Garner, NC, USA

problem #342

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 #341

Dec 142023

Sonata

  • miles
I Bought a Hyundai Sonata in the spring of 2018 from a previous owner. Before buying the car, I contacted Hyundai and they told me engine issues would be covered. In December 2022 I talked with the customer service national office and told me I was lucky that I had two engine warranties, one up to 120k miles and the other unlimited. I was told to check my oil usage every month to ensure a warranty. The car started using oil this fall 2023. I took the car to the dealership as requested by Hyundai. We have paid almost $1000 for tests. Hyundai of Noblesville says the car is drinking oil 2.8 quarts for less than 1000 miles, a test Hyundai requires. Making you drive a car with less than half its engine oil is self-destroying the engine. Hyundai is not willing to pay for the repairs. Being required to drive a vehicle until the engine ceases to get the engine covered under warranty is a very dangerous practice that risks the lives of ourselves and others. The car has less than 100,000 miles.

- Carmel, IN, USA

problem #340

Dec 102023

Sonata

  • miles
My hyaundai is burning through oil every 500-1000 miles it will be completely empty

- Cocoa, FL, USA

problem #339

Nov 282023

Sonata

  • miles
On the evening of 11/28/2023 I had my vehicle parked in my garage of my home when my smoke detectors went off. I went to my garage to discover it was full of smoke and it particularly was coming from the front of the engine I had my son call the fire department and poured water on the small fire as it was still smoking when they arrived. there is visible burn marks on the engine hood from the fire

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #338

Oct 272023

Sonata

  • miles
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting Hyundai car owners that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by oil consumption problems that ultimately lead to engine failure, a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners are often left to grapple 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, car owners are forced to endure long waiting times for their vehicles to be inspected and, if approved for an engine replacement, face additional months of delay. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of loaner vehicles and no assurance of rental reimbursement. This leaves countless individuals burdened with car payments for vehicles either stranded in garages or idle in driveways. My personal experience has been with First 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 lack the resources 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 risk and places them in dire financial straits. I implore the Boston Globe to conduct an investigation into these concerns and help shed light on a situation that demands immediate attention

- Brockton, MA, USA

problem #337

Sep 072023

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving on the freeway and the car went from 70 mph to 60 then 50 then 40 slowing on the freeway each second. This has happened multiple times, each time taken in Hyundai and -??repaired-?? only to happen a couple months later.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #336

Feb 012021

Sonata

  • miles
Engine is burning the oil quickly. Hyundai dealer performed oil consumption test and found that engine is burning the oil quickly and I need to add 1-quarter at every 750 miles. Dealer told me if you are 1st owner than Hyundai will replace the engine but i am second owner i won't eligible for engine replacement. Due to this problem, oil get on the spark plug and car is vibrating a lot and I feel it very dangerous. I have check online and many people have this issue. I would appreciate it if you could help me here.

- Plano, TX, USA

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