2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years
- Not enough data 2nd of 4 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid. That ranks 2nd out of 4 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (18 complaints, 69%), typically at around 25,925 miles. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 26owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 69% | 25,925 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 12 | 46% | 26,200 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | 19% | 23,350 | — | — |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 3 | 12% | 66,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 3 | 12% | 14,775 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 8% | 31,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system:software; exterior lighting:turn signal
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. 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.
Risk: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Hybrid propulsion system
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.
- Loss of Motive Power (DP22003) — opened Sep 12, 2022, closed Dec 12, 2023.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the âCheck Hybrid System - Turn Off Engineâ message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle…
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…
While driving the hybrid system warning light comes on and says to check hybrid system, vehicle goes into limp mode will not accelerate over 25 mph and codes need to be cleared before vehicle van be driven. This has caused me to almost have several accidents. The vehicle slows down and gives no…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH or faster in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle stalled. The HEV error warning light was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle…
My 2016 plug in hybrid Sonata repeatedly inidcates that there is "high system temperature switching to hybrid mode." This first happened on my first long trip in the car in 10/21 and has happened repeatedly since. This happens at all temperatures, including moderate temperatures (mid 70s). It seems…
Other Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid | 32 | 2 |
| 2016 | 26 | 2 |
See all Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid problems by year, every Hyundai model, or the Hyundai VIN decoder.
Similar Hyundai models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid?
Owners most often report engine, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 18 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model years, the 2016 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.