2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine Problems
Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 80,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “turn off engine” (10% of reports).
- 73engine complaints
- 80,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 57%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Turn off engine: mentioned in 7 of 73 complaints (10%)
- Started making: mentioned in 5 of 73 complaints (7%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 5 of 73 complaints (7%)
- Limp mode: mentioned in 5 of 73 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 41 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 73 complaints, 1 a fire.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata Hybrid | 1 | 11% | 15,395 |
| 2023 Sonata Hybrid | 7 | 47% | 34,000 |
| 2022 Sonata Hybrid | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2021 Sonata Hybrid | 21 | 38% | — |
| 2020 Sonata Hybrid | 8 | 50% | — |
| 2019 Sonata Hybrid | 3 | 60% | — |
| 2018 Sonata Hybrid | 5 | 56% | 47,000 |
| 2017 Sonata Hybrid | 45 | 56% | 70,500 |
| 2016 Sonata Hybrid | 73 | 55% | 80,000 |
| 2015 Sonata Hybrid | 19 | 35% | 48,250 |
| 2014 Sonata Hybrid | 12 | 43% | 68,092 |
| 2013 Sonata Hybrid | 40 | 37% | 90,500 |
| 2012 Sonata Hybrid | 67 | 44% | 97,000 |
| 2011 Sonata Hybrid | 40 | 42% | 94,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and…
EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 73 owner complaints about engine for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (55% of the 133 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 80,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
The most frequent phrase is “turn off engine”, in 7 of 73 complaints, followed by “started making” (5).
See all 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems or engine problems across all Sonata Hybrid years.