2016 Hyundai Sonata Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 727 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
727 complaints 6 recalls, 1 crash risk 7th worst of 17 Sonata years
Top 2016 Hyundai Sonata problems
Engine problems
461 complaints (63%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and seals / gaskets.
Electrical problems
89 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the key / sender and cybersecurity.
Transmission problems
59 complaints (8%) name the transmission.
Brake problems
46 complaints (6%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (242 of 727). The amber line is the middle value, about 67,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Turn signal, Software
The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended. A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge.
Recall 21V749000 · Sep 2021Indicator light
In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch. If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge.
Recall 17V359000 · Jun 2017Sun / moon roof assembly
Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving. If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge.
Recall 16V726000 · Oct 2016Airbags
The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.
Recall 16V615000 · Aug 2016Frontal
In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended. An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge.
Recall 16V232000 · Apr 2016ABS warning light may fail to illuminate
Crash riskIf the anti-lock brakes malfunction, the ABS warning light stays off and only the general brake light comes on, so drivers may not know the brakes could lock up during hard braking. This raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will update the ABS control unit software at no charge.
Recall 15V678000 · Oct 2015Get an email when your 2016 Hyundai Sonata gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Sonata years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Hyundai Sonata problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 727 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 17 Sonata model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and brakes. 461 complaints (63%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and seals / gaskets.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 55,000–108,000 miles, with a middle value near 83,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?
6. Turn signal, Software (21V749000); Indicator light (17V359000); Sun / moon roof assembly (16V726000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.