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 4 of 19)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #315

Mar 222022

Sonata

  • miles

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

I keep having the same issue with this vehicle's fuel/propulsion system, power train, engine, cruise control. This vehicle is need it's fuel system cleaned now for a 3rd time in less then 2 years. I have done the high mileage maintenance on it as well. I drive the vehicle less than 5,000 miles a year. When I am driving the vehicle, it struggles to speed up, making me press on the gas repeatedly to get to the indicated speed limit. The vehicle does not slow down as it should when pressing on the brakes. I have to press repeatedly over and over and harder on the brakes in order for it to slow down. The vehicle jerks, speeds up without me pressing on the gas and sometimes it will not stop when prompted. I cannot put this vehicle on cruise control, because it speeds up and out of no where, it accelerates causing me to almost collide with another vehicle or object. Even when the vehicle is not in cruise control, the sudden jerks and acceleration puts me, my children and others in harm when it suddenly speeds up, jerks or will not stop in time. It makes a loud noise and jerks even when the car is in a resting position. It loses power, it speeds up when i need it to stay the same speed or slow down. I fear this vehicle is unsafe. I have reported these issues and a few more to the dealership who never responded, so I had to go over their heads, then finally I got a response from their Consumer Affairs' Department, as well as the BBB and they state because of the vehicle's age and/or mileage there is nothing they can do about it. Please help me. This is the only vehicle I have, and I am a single parent who cannot afford another vehicle. What is going on with this car? Why do I have to keep struggling to pay for something to get fixed and it is still not solved. Below, it ask for a date, but it is multiple dates, not just one. I have listed the first time it occurred. Thank you.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #314

May 022023

Sonata

  • miles
I just got my car out the shop on April 29th at a Hyundai dealer and on may 2nd was driving on highway my check engine came back on and my speed decreased on its own almost causing a wreck then my car would only go 20mph in a 70 mph zone I have contacted Hyundai they refuse to do anything

- Owensboro , KY, USA

problem #313

Aug 242023

Sonata

  • miles
The first time my engine light came on was about a month after I had purchased it. The dealership told me to go to autozone to see what it could be. Report said it could possible be an oil clog or oil change. I got an oil change and the light was off. Light came on an every now and then but the car was driving fine. I got another oil change at the recommended mileage. My car won-??t start now, I thought it was a battery issue so I took it in to a mechanic to have it looked at and they said I need a new engine.

- Norfolk, NE, USA

problem #312

Aug 142023

Sonata

  • miles

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

Engine is constantly burning through oil. I would get my oil checked 4 times more just to make sure I had oil and even then it would burn empty. I did not have a leak. This cause my engine to blow. This was unsafe as I could have been driving when this occurred. This is being confirmed by a certified Hyundai mechanic. No warning. Other Hyundai cars have a recall for this SAME engine issue but not my model and make

- Cheboygan, MI, USA

problem #311

Nov 152022

Sonata

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed. The contact related the failure to an unknown Hyundai Extended Warranty that had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Hurst, TX, USA

problem #310

Aug 032023

Sonata

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly to approximately 35 MPH and gradually accelerated as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on another occasion. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on the third occurrence, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff after pulling into a parking lot. The check engine warning light, the battery warning light, and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Cottonwood, AZ, USA

problem #309

Jul 222023

Sonata

  • miles

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

Motor is bad per dealership but will not cover it due to car having a branded title

- Pulaski, TN, USA

problem #308

Jul 252023

Sonata

  • miles
Car stalling at excerallation. Check Engine light on. Insurance companies indicated denying coverage because there are recalls with engine. My rate went up.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #307

Jul 222023

Sonata

  • miles
Oil consumption and connecting rod bearings. Engine needs replaced

- Carl Junction, MO, USA

problem #306

Aug 052023

Sonata

  • miles
Timing chain failure at 150k. Unknown cause prior to failure at around 135k miles. Only intermittent vibration or mild vibration while accelerating (pass. Side) Sudden loss of power going into limp mode with check engine light flashing.

- Stillwater, OK, USA

problem #305

May 122023

Sonata

  • miles

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

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

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #304

Jun 062023

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed to work, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact checked the oil and discovered that the oil level was low despite a recent oil change. The contact called her husband who took the vehicle to dealer, and it was confirmed that the low oil level was low; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer added oil; however, the failure returned several days later. The vehicle was taken back to dealer who determined that an oil consumption test was needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #303

Jul 222023

Sonata

  • miles
Engine began smoking while driving without warning. Driver looked at gauges, saw that everything looked normal, then pulled over and exited vehicle. Shortly thereafter (within 15 minutes, ) front end of vehicle burned and melted. Vehicle is currently in possession of insurance company for inspection. Car had overheated 2 years before this incident. New thermostat had been installed at that time. Car burned through oil regularly. Driver refilled when filling gas tank. Car was up to date on oil changes.

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

problem #302

Jul 172023

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving with my child on the highway when the car started to lose power, it felt like something was pulling us the opposite direction. The car began to shake and buck when the check engine light started flashing. The car started to make load terrible noise. I needed to get off the highway it was very dangerous as the speed on the highway is 55mph and I was driving 40 mph when this happened the car would drop in speed. No warning lights went on before this happened, I managed to make it to the local mechanic and he ran diagnostics. It said engine failure, had to tow the car to dealer.

- Patchogue , NY, USA

problem #301

Jul 182023

Sonata

  • 125,877 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was towed and remained at the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,877.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #300

Jul 102023

Sonata

  • miles
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

- Yoder, IN, USA

problem #299

Jul 082023

Sonata

  • miles
Hello, I am writing in reference to my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that was taken to McDonough, Ga Hyundai on March 29-31st for recalls. We purchased the used vehicle in November 2022 with a 3 month warranty. We took the perfectly running car to the dealership to get 2 recalls done and was expecting to receive our car back in the condition that was given to them with the upgrades the following day. However, the next morning we received a call stating that when they took the car out to test it out knocking sounds were heard. The service man stated that the noise was probably the engine getting ready to blow. This was a completely surprise because first, when we took the car in there was no evidence of a blown engine. Next, what do you mean about to blow? These were the direct questions I asked. He informed us that there was a class action suit in reference to these engines and ours would fall into that. He stated to leave our car there because it happened there. We later received a call stating that they needed to file a claim with the Main office and get back with us. We were were provided 2 loaners after 3 weeks of waiting. However, we get a call today stating our car is ready for pick up. Once we get there we were informed that they have been waiting to hear back something and no response from cooperate. We were told the car is drivable and the knocking sound is faint. We were also advised to drive it and let the engine blow and then bring it back. Within 30 minutes the car shuts down without warning and we were stuck on the side if the street. There is several problems with this! One being our safety and safety of others. The next being the dealership knew something was wrong and told us to just leave. Lastly, whatever happened, happened on their watch because they called and told us. Now they are saying the claim was denied because the recall wasn-??t done prior. They also put in the system that the recall was done June 30, not March

- Ellenwood , GA, USA

problem #298

Jul 202022

Sonata

  • miles
1. The component or system that failed or malfunctioned is suspected to be related to oil consumption or engine failure, as indicated by the burning of 1 quarts of oil within 400 miles driven, premature burning of spark plugs (The spark plugs, which were replaced prematurely, can be made available for inspection upon request), stalling of car, not accelerating, and failing twice within a months' time. 2. The safety of both myself, my family and others were compromised due to the potential engine failure caused by the oil consumption issue. Engine failure poses a significant risk of sudden loss of power while driving, potentially leading to accidents or hazardous situations. 3. The problem was speculated by an independent service center. The dealership has been unresponsive and failed to address the issue adequately. 4. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on Tuesday, 6/27/2023, following its tow to an independent service center on Monday, 6/26/23. During the diagnostic, an engine issue was identified through the appearance of a specific code. The dealership submitted a report to request approval for an oil consumption test, but it was denied due to the vehicle being over the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, which I was previously unaware of. 5.Prior to the failure, there were warning lamps, messages, and other symptoms of the problem. In July 2022, the vehicle started to stall and the check engine light came on. A diagnostic test at Autozone indicated a possible VVT solenoid issue. The car was taken to the dealership on 8/8/2022, where they claimed the car was operating fine. On 5/6/2023, during an oil change, an independent service center checked the stalling issue due to the intermittent check engine light. They mentioned oil consumption but advised me to monitor the situation. However, on 5/22/2023, the car stalled and died in a parking garage, resulting in a delay of 5 hours before I was able to drive it home. Subsequently, on 5/23/2023, I took the car to the

- Shawnee, Kansas, United States, KS, USA

problem #297

Jul 032023

Sonata

  • 102,539 miles
My car is under an oil consumption recall that will replace the engine if anything happens. My car continues to use oil and the dealer claims it has nothing to do with the oil consumption. They want to charge me over $1400 to keep replacing different parts of the engine. What can I do? The dealer is Taylor Hyundai on Washington Road in Augusta, GA.

- Evans, GA, USA

problem #296

Nov 112022

Sonata

  • miles
The engine has a oil consumption issue. Our vehicle has had oil consumption issue since 55000 miles when the vehicle was still under warranty, the dealer sold me a oil pressure sensor and the vehicle had no oil in it. Which I found out about later. The vehicle is a hazard due to fact that with the oil consumption the engine could lock up while driving and become a hazard in the roadway. After burning over a quart of oil every 1000 miles the dealer explained it is normal consumption per Hyundai guidelines. That is a complete oil change in-between oil changes. After bringing this up to the dealer. they performed a oil consumption test and the vehicle failed. Dealer wanted to charge me $1100 dollars to perform an engine flush and warranty only pays 2 hours for this procedure. They performed the procedure at their cost. Another oil consumption test is performed and it failed as well. The dealer put in for an engine replacement and want me to pay $4000 of the bill for the new engine. Which only has a 12 month or 12000 mile warranty on a new engine. I have done all of the services required for this vehicle the Hyundai has dragged their feet for over a year. I do not feel I should have to pay anything for a known issue with Hyundai. The dealer don't get paid that much for warranty and I feel they are trying to pass the cost onto the customer. When the warning lamp illuminates there is on 2 quarts left in the engine and this engine take 5 quarts to operate.

- Richmond Hill , GA, USA

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