Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN 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 Plug-IN Hybrid?

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (18 complaints), followed by electrical system (12).

How many 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 26 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid recalls and problems

2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 Plug-IN 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.

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 18V166000 · reported March 12, 2018 · Hyundai Motor America · 2,840 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

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

Engine18
Electrical system12
Unknown or other5
Hybrid propulsion system3
Power train3
Fuel/propulsion system2

What owners report

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

Jun 27, 2023 · Engine · 65,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the “Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine” message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle decelerated and went…

Mar 30, 2023 · Electrical system
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…

Jan 6, 2023 · Electrical system
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 warning prior to this…

Oct 20, 2022 · Engine · 66,000 miles
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 and disengaged the HEV…

Aug 11, 2022 · Electrical system
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 to happen randomly…

Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2016	2	26
2017	2	32
2018	1	0
2019	0	5

Across all years, the 2017 Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid has the most complaints (32). All Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN 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 Plug-IN Hybrid?: Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (18 complaints), followed by electrical system (12).
How many 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-IN Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 26 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 27, 2023.