NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 728 owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Most complaints involve engine (451) and electrical system (88). The EPA rates it 24–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sonata model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 52 |
| 1998 | 50 |
| 1999 | 170 |
| 2000 | 278 |
| 2001 | 219 |
| 2002 | 326 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,380 |
| 2012 | 1,559 |
| 2013 | 1,917 |
| 2014 | 751 |
| 2015 | 1,156 |
| 2016 | 728 |
| 2017 | 766 |
| 2018 | 375 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 183 |
| 2021 | 134 |
| 2022 | 96 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding severe vehicle instability, structural safety risks, and dealership workmanship negligence following a federal safety recall engine replacement. My vehicle received a new engine block under a federal campaign at a local dealership. Immediately upon picking up the vehicle, the front suspension developed a severe, heavy mechanical knocking and bumping noise over road surfaces under 20 mph, making the vehicle structurally unstable and hazardous to drive. To perform this engine swap, technicians were physically required to drop the front subframe framework and disconnect the lower suspension linkages and steering column components. The dealership is actively trying to deflect safety accountability for an assembly error. They issued a new estimate attempting to charge me over $3,200 to replace the entire front strut and rear shock assembly, claiming it is a 'pre-existing wear-and-tear' issue due to mileage. However, I hold the dealership's official Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection report from when the car was first dropped off for the engine failure three weeks prior. In that mandatory baseline safety report, their own…”
“Backup vision system failed. Couldn't see vision because screen was blank. Radio didn't work either. Went to dealership with the problem they said it was not covered by the warranty. Paid to have it fixed.”
“Went from 65 and dropped down to 40 going up grades on the freeway. Started shaking, check engine light went on and electric battery disappeared from dash. Got to top of grade, went back to normal. Problem repeated on next grades. Car had just left dealership lot an hour prior where it was safety inspected and they said all was fine. Took back to dealership for inspection and they said that there were no codes showing for what happened and all was well with the vehicle, when obviously it was not.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,000 | 286 |
| Sonata Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,150 | 307 |
| Sonata Sport Limited Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 28 | $2,200 | 317 |
| Sonata Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 347 |
| Sonata Limited Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 365 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 728 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (451), electrical system (88), power train (59). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Sonata at 24–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 5 out of 5 stars overall.