Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Hyundai Sonata

EPA MPG: 29 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,525 - $10,000

RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Sonata will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Problem is un-resolved. Was advised the problem is the engine is likely to fail.Is burning too much oil. The company is not offering/willing to help. Hard to explain. If you call me I will discuss with you. Dealer not willing to help. David Gifford 87 yrs old. 402-219-9265"

Anonymous, NE (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Rod problem, seized up"

Anonymous, IN (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Car is using oil at 2.1 quarts per 1000 miles. Currently going forward with oil consumption tests every 1000 miles."

Anonymous A., UT (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Oil consumption issue. Brought it in under warranty. Consuming 2 quarts of oil per week by the end. Hyundai refused to help.A person would have to be insane to buy a car from this company. They would not help."

Anonymous A., VA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Engine siezed on me . Under recall and replaced engine for free"

Anonymous A., MA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other major engine problem

"Consuming about 0.75-1 quart of oil every thousand miles. Purchased the car used with 35k miles and has about 94k now."

Anonymous, KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Hyundai has had problems with some 2.4-litre engines consuming excessive oil. My engine is currently being evaluated by a Hyundai dealer for possible replacement."

Anonymous, KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Hyundai's 2.4L engine has a history of excessive oil leakage. Hyundai issued a TSB but didn't widely publicize it. Under the TSB, after following a proceedure if you use more than a quart of oil in 1000 miles they perform an engine cleaning. If after that you still consume more than a quart in 1000 miles they may make the decision to rebuild your engine. The sad thing is, they consider using a quart every 1000 miles "normal". I sure don't"

Anonymous A., VA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"We own two 2016 Hyundai Sonatas. I started noticing that one of them was consuming oil more than I expected at about 30k miles. I bought the car used with 18k miles. At the time I didnt think much of it but I should have taken it to the dealer to document. The problem got worse and I finally took it in at 84k miles for the issue and was denied coverage by the dealer who said Hyundai corporate declined coverage. A while later I called Hyundai corporate and they told me I needed to take the car in for an oil consumption test. I am doing it now and not hopeful for any resolution. Otherwise the car has been great but this is a major problem I have never had on any other car. Our other sonata (same year and mileage) has the same issue but it is not as bad. The other sonata had 35k miles when we bought it used. I have always done oil changes correctly myself and at the proper interval, using synthetic oil and Hyundai filters."

Anonymous, KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Paint And Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The material is becoming loose on the interior door arm rest and the side of the front seats."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"See my engine comment."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Paint started lifting and chipping off the roof in 2020. Then again in 2023 the hood started to do the same. My car is white and I was told it was a defect with only the white vehicles. Hyundai took no responsibility."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Not part of the paint recall only 2017 & 2018!! No recall notice went out!!"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"paint chipped off. hard to repaint"

Anonymous, OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE)

"This is an ongoing problem with the white paint used in this model year. This is the third time I've had peeling on different areas of the vehicle."

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Hyundai Sonata)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

"Display screen quit working two years ago. Hyundai wanted $3000 to fix, not worth it to me"

Anonymous, OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)
Hardware replacement

"Screen died, cant change channels , but back up camera works"

Anonymous, OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)
Over-the-air software update failed

"Blue Link system failed and attempts to reinstall software were ineffective. Also, communication Hyundai concerning the matter was sporadic and of little value. One CSR advised the modem may have been too old and out of date. Still trying to get a response from them that makes sense, and get a rebate on the BlueLink fees."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"vehicle more susceptible to theft by failure to install immobilizer"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Thermostat needed replacement"

Anonymous, ON (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The only thing I don't like about this car is that it burns oil, about 1 quart per 1000 miles. Other than that it has been a fairly reliable, comfortable car. Also, the radio has a tendency to "lock up" (can't change station, volume, etc.). There is a small hole, like on a computer CD drive, that you have to poke with a paper clip, sometimes more than once, to reset the radio."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"@3 y ago Engine lost power, I was able to get to the dealer, left the car there, they replaced the oil and told me that they may replace the engine at low or no cost, then they changed their mind and end up replacing a sensor, and told me to bring the car to the dealer every 1000 miles, I noticed that the car was burning oil and they were filling up every time, they couldn't pinpoint why and till now the car is still burning oil, at the same time Relative to the paint, the top of the car started peeling off from front to back. Dealer sent it to a paint shop, they fixed the problem at no charge and they gave me a rental car for a week.2 years later the problem came back in other parts of the car they were going to charge me @ $3k and I told them that it was not acceptable, they end up charging me only $185 and I had to rent a car for a couple of days. After 7 years I started adding oil and gas additives and that has helped to reduce the oil problem."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Oil leaks

"Valve cover leak. I personally replaced the gasket"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Engine burning oil, but no smoke and still usable. Replace oil pan."

Anonymous, WA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"Arm rest material falling apart . I will need to replace it"

Anonymous A., MA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Seat controls - power

"Side panel with seat controls pops loose from the seat. Still works fine, can be popped back on, will will come loose again."

Anonymous, DE (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Back brake lights bulb keeps burning out. Mechanic advised to replace wiring"

Anonymous A., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"We bought this 2016 sonata used with about 35k miles on it. It has been a decent car. Shortly after we bought it I noticed that the steering wheel has certain positions off center that feel like there is a bind. This is especially noticeable on the highway going around a continuous bend. The steering wheel feels like there is a notch where it hesitates going into and out of the turn and it is not a smooth operation to bring it back to center. A mechanic said it needed a new steering column, which is unacceptable for a car that was at the time only a few years old with less than 75k miles."

Anonymous, KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"Axle bearings began clicking whenever making a right hand turn from a stop sign. After about 4 to 6 weeks I took the car into the dealer and the left front axle was replaced for $1200.00. It was the first major repair the car has required in 6 years."

Anonymous A., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
12
13
14
15*
16
17
18
19
20*
21
Overall Reliability Verdict

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Steering and Suspension
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 24, 2021
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V749000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 469377
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 12, 2018
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V166000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2840
PARKING BRAKE
Jun 05, 2017
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.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. 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.
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V359000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 161074
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Enter a valid 17-character VIN
Change Vehicle