Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Owners filed 133 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA between Jul 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (73).
Complaints
133
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine73
- Electrical system36
- Power train14
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Exterior lighting7
- Service brakes7
- Visibility4
- Vehicle speed control4
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Hybrid propulsion system2
- Service brakes, air2
- Steering2
- Structure2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
7
10
8
15
12
31
22
12
7
6
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
73 reports1 fire1 related recall
“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 informed that an oil change was needed. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer and was diagnosed and DTC: C222908; was retrieved. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,385.”
Electrical system
36 reports1 crash1 fire
“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 traffic.Diagnostic & Component Confirmation:The vehicle was towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of Goshen, Repair Order #6080674). Diagnostic testing confirmed trouble codes P0717 (Input Speed Sensor No Signal) and P0A40 (Drive Motor Position Sensor).The dealership's certified technician explicitly documented that they "followed TSB and found input speed sensor valve body harness is faulty due to heavy corrosion on the sensor connector."Safety Hazard Summary:This is a critical manufacturing and sealing defect where an internal, non-wear component (the transmission valve body wire harness) corrodes prematurely. This corrosion blinds the hybrid control modules to the electric motor's position and output speed. To protect itself, the computer initiates a hard, uncommanded shutdown of the hybrid drivetrain while the vehicle is in motion.Hyundai…”
Power train
14 reports1 crash
“While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.”
Fuel/propulsion system
7 reports
“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 when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.”
Exterior lighting
7 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The "Stop Car, Check Brakes" message was displayed. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, and stated that after restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was then taken to Homestead Hyundai (111 S Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030) where it was diagnosed that the power brake booster and rear wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. The power brake booster was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, and the wheel speed sensors were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”
Service brakes
7 reports
“DRIVING TO AIRPORT IN CAR. JUST PULLED IN TO FREEWAY AFTER STOPPING AT STORE 45 MINS INTO DRIVE. MY 3016 SONATA HYBRID LIMITED STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. MY BOYFRIEND WHO IS A MECHANIC RECOGNIZED IT IMMEDIATLY. THEN SUDDENLY ENGINE MADE LOUD NOISE AND PARTS AND OIL FLEW ALL OVER BEHIND US FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. HE MANAGED TO GET IT OFF ROAD WITHOUT US GETTING HIT.WAITED 4 HOURS FOR TOW THAT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTIES I PURCHASED. HYUNDAI TRIED TO STATE THAT ONLY 2 PEOPLE COULD RIDE IN TOW TRUCK. SO ONE PERSON (THERE WERE 2 ADULTS AND A CHILD) WOULD HAVE TO WAIT IN MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WHILE OTHER 2 WENT THE HOUR BACK HOME WITH TOW TRUCK AND THEN CAME THE HOUR BACK. THERE WASN'T A GAS STATION OR ANYTHING AROUND. THE CAR IS IN SHOP WAITING TO SEE WHAT WARRANTY SAYS ABOUT IT NEEDING A NEW ENGINE. ALL MAINTENANCE WAS DONE AND WAS IN HYUNDAI SHOP 5 WEEKS PRIOR WITH ABS UNIT NEEDING REPLACED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR ENGINE LIGHT THAT ALERTED US TO A POSSIBLE ISSUE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.