Problems · by component

2016 Hyundai Sonata electrical system problems

88 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata cite electrical system, 12% of all 728 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
88
12% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026Electrical systemODI 11764913
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11741506
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11717361
“The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2026Electrical system, Seats, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11712545
“The shark fin antennae on top of the vehicle was ripped off in a car wash; the antennae serves to transmit radio/GPS/data to & from the vehicle which will cease to function if it the cover is removed and components damaged. Hyundai description: The shark fin antenna will receive AM, FM broadcast signals and transmit data Multiple Hyundai dealers have been contacted for quotes on replacing the antennae which they claim will cost $1500+ since the top of the roof must be removed and electronics/circuit board/cables must be replaced; it appears to be a common issue with these shark fins according to the dealers and online research. The GPS and data transfer could be a major safety factor depending on the systems affected. These shark fins need to be replaced with a more resilient system. Owners are unable to 'store' the antennae when taking it to the car wash as it is not removable or retractable. It is a design flaw. I've read that many have lost them simply driving the vehicle --not agitated using a car wash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 15, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11711143
“Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11707489

Showing 6 of 88 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Electrical systemReported Oct 20, 2015NHTSA 15V678000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.