Problems · by component

2016 Hyundai Sonata structure problems

31 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata cite structure, 4% of all 728 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
31
4% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its own, without any input from me. This happens especially right after starting the car or while driving in traffic, and has caused multiple near-accidents. These issues first appeared around two years ago, but they used to happen occasionally. Over time, they have become more frequent, and now they occur daily. There is also a grinding or dragging noise when the vehicle starts or moves at low speed, and it often hesitates when trying to accelerate. These symptoms create uncertainty and make the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. Inside the car, the dashboard has severely cracked, with deep, wide splits across the top panel. I’m concerned this could interfere with airbag deployment or reflect light dangerously while driving. On the outside, the paint is peeling off in large…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2025Structure, Service brakes, EngineODI 11656197
“After driving for a few minutes with the sunroof open the wind deflector pulled and nearly off the car. This had been repaired previously under a recall and the repair was simply to re-glue the wind deflector back in place. This had clearly been done before as the dried glue was still on it. The back end of the sunroof nearly came off during this ordeal while we were traveling at highway speeds and it could have killed someone. We were able to close the sunroof once we had stopped, however it was very difficult to do so and required four of us, each with tools that I happened to have in the car at the time. Had we not been able to get the sunroof back closed it surely would have been ripped from the car. Another recall needs to be put into place and an improved correction needs to be put into place.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2025Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11649631
“Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement claim (PA# [XXX]) under their extended warranty program, specifically campaign TXXI. This claim involves my 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4 , VIN # [XXX] , which exhibits all the symptoms and engine damage outlined in the campaign, yet my request for a free engine replacement has been unjustly denied. Campaign TXXI, as explained in the Technical Service Bulletin issued by Hyundai, extends the engine warranty applicable to 2015-2019 model year Sonata (LF) vehicles equipped with Theta II 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines. This warranty covers engine long block repair or replacement due to engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear and extends to a Limited Lifetime Warranty, valid for both original and subsequent owners. o On or about [XXX], my vehicle exhibited a blinking check engine light on the dash, entered into limp mode, and a knocking noise was coming from the engine. o As I was driving the vehicle to the Hyundai of North Miami Service Center on [XXX] (21400 NW 2nd av., Miami, FL 33169) for inspection, the engine locked up and stop, necessitating a call to a towing truck company to…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2025Structure, EngineODI 11635350
“My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (pearl white) paint is peeling in many parts of my car. I went to Delray Hyundai where I purchased it in 2019. In August of 2023 I showed a supervisor and she set up an appointment for me to bring in the car for pictures. After Delray Hyundai took pictures I waited and waited to hear from them. I went to the dealership and spoke to the supervisor I was dealing with and she keep giving me excuses why they couldn't do it at that time, she keep telling me they didn't have a loaner car for me, to call or come back. I was frustrated but felt like they were going to take care of the problem. Her name was Piper. Finally after many months I was told they wouldn't do anything for me, and I was told by a worker to try Coconut Creek dealer because they have a paint dept. Well I'm [XXX] old and by myself and I cannot get there. It's very far away and I would have to travel [XXX]. I asked if they would bring the car there for me and was told no. I called Coconut Creek Hyundai and they told me no they couldn't help me. I love my Car and always got compliments on it but it's peeling so bad that it looks awful and I would never get the true value if I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2024StructureODI 11617899
“The paint on my 2016 Hyundai continues to peel. I have gone to get the vehicle repainted to no avail. The roof paint came off again and even bigger than the original peel. This is absolutely ridiculous, I see my extract same car on the road with the extract same problems. Not to mention the oil consumption. Across the board these vehicles have all the same issues. No one should have to keep paying out of pocket for a manufacturing issue and no wrong doing of their own. This is Hyundai’s wrong doing and they need to be held accountable for manufacturing such a cheap car. At some point all of my paint is going to come off, I should not have to pay yet for another repainting. I will continue to file complaints, and escalate even further if needed. Someone needs to call me back with a solution regarding this matter.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2024StructureODI 11608463
“I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata and on vacation in Florida the cap to the shark Finn Antenna flew off on the highway. I noted there are recalls on newer versions of the Sonata but not on the 2016. I feel that is a problem that Hyundai should address as it is a safety hazard and could cause an accident resulting in injuries. Also the cost to replace the antenna is almost 500 dollar as they do not just sell the cover for the antenna. Thank you for any help you can provide in addressing this issue as I do not want anyone to get hurt because of this faulty problem with the antenna cover.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 21, 2023StructureODI 11556209

Showing 6 of 31 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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