10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,401 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #52

Feb 042024

Sonata

  • miles
While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel

- Navarre, FL, USA

problem #51

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 #50

Jan 272024

Sonata

  • miles
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 #49

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 #48

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 #47

Oct 172023

Sonata

  • miles
I am having electrical issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata plus the other recalls. It started as issues with the lights on the driver side. I have replaced several bulbs and the entire light even and still have issues with the lights working properly. Now the issue is the battery, alternator or the starter. The starter had to be replaced as I was advised by Hyundai dealership when my engine had to be replaced, per recall. I had to purchase a starter, that was three times the amount at the dealership because the one that is manufactured in the auto stores is not correct, so it should not be the starter as it is only 1 to 2 years old. I have had the alternator replaced as well as 2 batteries and I-??m still having issues. It cut off completely while driving on more than 1 occasion. There was no warning, no power steering, gear lock, no lights & no power so I could not move and almost had a major accident. It is definitely a safety hazard even after the repairs, it has happened again! My vehicle is currently not working because the new battery will not hold a charge and they both have been replaced. I-??ve been having other electronic type issues with this vehicle. My information center has not worked for the past 8 months or so! I reported this to Hyundai and they agreed that it could be a part of a previous recall, and advised me to go to the dealership to have it repaired. The dealership refuses because they don-??t have required information to show it as a Current recall and want to charge me half the price of a new car to repair. I am not the only one experience this as my research has led me to several other Hyundai owners experiencing the same issues. It is not fair that they cannot be corrected as these are things that are none of consumer fault & should have been high demands to proper repair or recall being a major safety issue as it can cause a horrific accident! Shame on Hyundai for putting their Hyundai customers at risk & through so much chaos!

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #46

Mar 222022

Sonata

  • miles
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 #45

Feb 012020

Sonata

  • miles
The paint on the vehicle is peeling. It started on the roof and has progressed to the hood, frond fenders, and trunk. Because I am not the first owner, Hyundai will not not cover repairs. On 23 Aug 2023 I also had to replace the transmission at 115,416 miles. Again, Hyundai refused to cover any repairs.

- Lorton, VA, USA

problem #44

Feb 132023

Sonata

  • miles
My vehicle is experiencing high oil consumption. An oil light came on for about a second and went out. When I returned home, I checked the oil, and it was empty. We have our oil changed at our dealership everyou 3000-3500 miles. The next time frame, I checked the oil regularly and noticed it was getting low very quickly. When we returned to the dealership we were put on a 1000 mile oil consumption test, then the next time had a combustion chamber cleanse, and then returned at another 1000 miles and the dealership disputed the amount of used oil, and told us if there were additional issues we would need to start over. It continues to burn unusually high, but we are monitoring it. Hyundai says their threshold is a quart every 1000 miles.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #43

Jun 182023

Sonata

  • miles
We have a Hyundai sonata that has been burning oil since 56,000 miles and has failed 5 oil consumption tests.the car is unsafe to drive. It stalls on highway and around town. It just stops running and leaves us stranded. The car now burns 4 quarts of oil every 1,000. We have to put oil in the car every week. The plugs fowl about every 4,000.. Car goes into stall or safe mode. We are afraid to drive the car and it's our only form of transportation. Hyundai just laughed at us. We have all maintenance records and still they won't fix the vehicle. We need help. The care is unsafe to drive because it stalls in traffic and we have almost been hit in the rear many times. This company made bad and defective motors yet our government refuses to protect us.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #42

May 052023

Sonata

  • miles
I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L with the Theta II engine back in December 2016. I purchased it as a Hyundai Certified Pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, with the 10 year, 100,000 mi powertrain warranty. The car had approximately 36,000 mi on the odometer. Starting at about 60,000 mi on the odometer, I began to notice excessive engine oil consumption. The factory has made attempts to remedy the issue under the 10 year, 100,000 powertrain warranty coverage, but none have lasted more than 1,000 mi. After 1,000 mi of a "repair" service, the engine is back to consuming lots of engine oil. As a result, I have resorted to checking the dip every time I fuel up, and top off engine oil as it gets consumed. To my estimate, my oil consumption is between 200 to 300 mi per qt of oil consumed, which is well in excess of the factory acceptable levels of 400-500 mi per qt of oil consumed. Then, Hyundai USA's Customer Care's customer reps, case managers, and Hyundai National Managers all have told me in several occasions over the past two years that my car is either "out of warranty" (despite not yet having reached the 10 year, 100,000 mi mark, nor the extended 120,000 mi mark) or that Hyundai has never sold any Hyundai CPO cars with the 10 year, 100,000 mi powertrain warranty in the US, despite my sales records and owner's records indicating that my car came with the warranty. Hyundai is trying to breach its 10/100 powertrain warranty contract and trying to have me pay for the diagnostic and repair costs out of my pocket.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #41

Apr 232023

Sonata

  • miles
Knock Sensor, ECM, Engine stalling and loss of connection. Resulting in flashing engine light. Low acceleration. Power reduced to 40 and below Engine misfire.

- Georegtown, SC, USA

problem #40

Nov 152022

Sonata

  • miles
While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times in the last two years while driving. Car was at dealer shop multiple times with no repair, was told we don't see active error message or they can't re-create the error. however scan show P261F error. Open Ticket with Hyundai #21018148 while car at the dealers for weeks at the time. each time told check engine got back on but not the message they are looking for.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #39

Dec 302021

Sonata

  • miles
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I-??m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it-??s not leaking because I-??ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.

- Hesperia, CA, USA

problem #38

Jan 202022

Sonata

  • miles
The engine light has come on and I have done extensive repairs on my vehicle since January 2022. No warning signs showed prior as I have kept up with maintenance on the car since the 60,000 mile marker. The valve gasket cover was replaced as the engine was smoking due to an oil leak. A pipe was repaired due to the leak. The engine camshaft position sensor was replaced. There is still issues with the engine after replacing the CVVT cover and plugs. The spark plugs have been replaced. If my car stalls or blows on the highway, this can cause a major accident putting myself and others at risk. I have done multiple tests with Hyundai dealerships and Firestone and AutoZone and no one can tell me what the ultimate issue is with the Sonata.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #37

Oct 182022

Sonata

  • miles
Car shut off on me twice as i driving. Once along time ago but again just October 18th while I was driving on the highway I know hyndai has a class action lawsuit against them but the fact it shut off on me twice and the first time the issue accrued I took it to Fairfax Hyundai and they weren-??t phased at all and didn-??t even bother to check/diagnose my car because I didn-??t have a check engine light illumination at the time of incident ;because they were backed up with cars but a huge safety concern, and they just simply let me leave the shop and didn-??t advise me to be safe/careful. I want to bring this to your attention because I have no voice and if anything could be taken from this is that I could-??ve crashed and caused an accident the first time this ever happened because I was in the city bumper to bumper when it shut off on me and it-??s would-??ve been my fault and my issues to deal with. Also this car is very unreliable i don-??t know what star rating you guys have gave this car but it needs to be a -0. I got it when it was at 89,000 from a private dealer but the car just went downhill since I got it then I have been nothing but Patient with the car along with keeping up with maintenance & recalls, but after 4-5 months I-??ve already changed the transmission out of pocket @ around 100k miles, cv axle later on along with, right side whole knee suspension, engine packs and spark plugs TWICE, front break calipers, and now they-??re changing the engine block warranted out through Hyundai after the car stalled out on me again the second time on oct 18th with an check engine light where the car is now getting warranty worked. I just hope you advocate and push demand on hyndai that they-??re screwing consumers like me that have to deal with the pain & agony we have to go through these dealerships who try to charge us an arm and a leg.please do something about this dangerous situation and hold them accountable especially the private dealerships associated with hyndai please.

- Falls Church, VA, USA

problem #36

Sep 272022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
My vehicle lost power exiting the freeway. I went from 70 miles an hour to 10 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. The Check Hybrid system, Turn off engine HEV ! triangle showed up on the dash, then the car slowed to a halt. I had to get my vehicle towed home, then towed to the dealer the next day. The problem with this is, for the past year, the Check Hybrid System HEV light would come on. I took it to the World Car Hyundai North dealership in Live Oak, Texas and a few months later, it's doing the same thing. My vehicle was in the shop at World Car Hyundai from March 24, 2022 until 9/9/2022. I drove my vehicle one week, went out of the country for 2 weeks and upon return, coming from the airport almost home, the car does the same thing. You would think after having my vehicle for 6 months, the problem would be fixed. I started bringing my car in for this problem September of 2021. I was told, I needed an oil change, a new battery, ne plugs, codes checked, etc. None of this seemed to fix my vehicle, because a few weeks later, the car would slow to an almost stop and I would have it towed to the dealership again. There has been several mechanics working on my vehicle and they've all said something differently. My vehicle was never written up for the correct problem until recently, when the manager was able to drive my vehicle and it stopped on him. I don't feel safe driving this vehicle anymore. I have taken this car to the dealer ship for the same problem, actually once in 2018 and every other month since 2021. I've been inconvenienced, , put on hold, far to long, I need a new vehicle and I need a loaner car, while my they're trying to figure out what to do. I've been told I needed a new engine twice, but all of a sudden, it passes the engine test and there is something else that the dealership is trying to do to fix the problem. Well, since I've been taking my car back and forth to the dealership, it is now out of warranty. The car remains unsafe to drive.

- Schertz, TX, USA

problem #35

May 012020

Sonata

  • miles
Oil Consumption Test Failed, I was originally told if I could prove it was burning oil and not leaking then I would receive a new engine. New engine rejected saying Hyundai no longer warranty engines for that reason. Was told that when motor seized to have it reevaluated for bearing or rod failure. No way to determine bearing or rod was cause of oil consumption without tearing the motor apart. Knocking noise from engine and experienced Engine Failure, resulted in being stranded in middle of highway with my kids 1 yr after oil consumption test. Hyundai rejecting engine replacement due to low compression from cylinders. Not willing to honor their warranty after an obvious lemon of a motor.

- Levan, UT, USA

problem #34

Aug 172022

Sonata

  • miles
I assuming it-??s my knock sensor and hopefully the harness or anything doesn-??t have to be replaced but my car went go pass 60mph and when I first get up to 16-20mph it jerks then gains a bit of power and also my check engine light came

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #33

May 262022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 138,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, he became aware of smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The TPMS, oil pressure, power train, and battery warning lights along with an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood to inspect the vehicle, the contact noticed that oil was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced, the transmission needed to be flushed, and the drivebelt needed to be replaced. The dealer also diagnosed that the failure was associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,100.

- Tyler, TX, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »