2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls and problems

5 recalls and 133 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

5
recalls
133
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls

Electrical system: software · Exterior lighting: turn signal

NHTSA campaign 21V749000 · reported September 24, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America · 469,377 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

NHTSA campaign 21V619000 · reported August 6, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America · 348,158 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.

Engine

NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · reported December 1, 2020 · Hyundai Motor America · 128,948 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA campaign 16V726000 · reported October 11, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America · 62,811 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
The risk
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 16V232000 · reported April 21, 2016 · Hyundai Motor America · 33 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. 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.
The risk
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · 88,385 miles

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 the contact was…

Sep 7, 2026 · Power train

Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and surrounding…

Jul 17, 2026 · Engine

EGR needs to be replaced as this is a major engine issue

Nov 22, 2025 · Unknown or other

Vehicle experiences intermittent DTC C222908 (Integrated Brake Actuator internal circuit malfunction). Warning lights (Brake, ABS, ESC, Hybrid System) illuminate intermittently, brake pedal feel changes, and regenerative braking fails. Dealer confirmed stored code but refused repair stating "no current issue". This is…

Oct 9, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

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 caused multiple wrecks…

Sonata Hybrid model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 410884
2014 32831
2015 45443
2016 513343
2017 38114
2018 1900
2019 0510

Across all years, the 2012 Sonata Hybrid has the most complaints (155). All Hyundai Sonata Hybrid years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the most recent reported on September 24, 2021 (Electrical system: software, Exterior lighting: turn signal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (73 complaints), followed by electrical system (36).
How many 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 133 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 7, 2026.