2016 Hyundai Sonata UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited VIN: [XXX] Issue: Failed sunroof recall repair. Details: Vehicle had a manufacturer sunroof recall/service repair in 2018. Repair has now failed completely; sunroof detached. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and exposed to weather elements. Local dealership quoted $2,100 for repair, despite this being a failed manufacturer remedy for a known safety defect. Hyundai corporate and my financing company have been contacted; issue remains unresolved. Impact: Cannot safely operate vehicle, preventing commuting and daily use. Causing financial hardship. Requested Action: Investigate as a failed recall repair. Ensure Hyundai provides a remedy in compliance with federal safety regulations. Thank you, My Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car been burning oil since i got it . I have been taking it back and forth to the dealership they not helping and I’m basically paying a note on a car i can’t even enjoy
My dad gave me his car a little bit ago, and I just learned there is a cap and sensor part in the engine that fills with oil which triggers the check engine light. I nearly got hit because I didn't know the car couldn't accelerate properly when this happens. My neighborhood exits onto the main road at an incline and my car wouldn't move faster than 10 mph while cars were coming behind me at 45. I was terrified. My dad told me had the same problem. He took it to the dealership to be repaired when it happened to him and they said it was fixed, so apparently it is a reoccurring problem.
Recall on paint quartz pearl white my car is peeling and chipping I notified hyundai because I know many customers also are having this issue and they will not resolve this issue.
Wind deflector came loose on highway after recall was performed. The wind deflector was originally reattached in 1996 shortly after purchase. The recall doesn't take into account that the manufacturing issue may of been previously repaired. I believe when the "recall" was performed(2020) the lack of removing the previous adhesive created a weak bond enabling the wind deflector to become detached. Attached is a copy of the recall instructions which contains no step to remove previous adhesives or check for previous repairs; only the use of alcohol to remove dust or particles. Hyundai corporate followed through on an investigation Case Number #[XXX](December 2024) finding that the recall was performed and they had no ability to investigate the proper method for subsequent repairs. Referring the issue back to local dealerships to apply their own judgement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The Hyundai service department indicated a OCS Mat in the front passenger seat needs to be repaired. Currently the "seat belt" light remains on when there is no one in the front passenger seat. The "air bag" light on the dash remains on while the Sonata is in use. Based on what I have read, the safety concern is that the air bags may not deploy or certain air bags may deploy at unexpected times.
On 10/06/23, I went to the Meriden Hyundai Dealership to get my transmission and brakes serviced. During the multi-point inspection, the technician noticed that the oil pan had a hair line crack at the drain plug site. I found that peculiar especially since my oil changes have been performed at the same place for the past 5 years. My last oil change was performed on 09/09/23. The technicians never mention any problems. I did not notice any oil leaking. The oil was actually being trapped in the undershield. I have contacted that company and they have conducted an investigation. They do not find any fault with their workmanship. However, something is wrong. I see there are other Hyundai vehicles having trouble with their oil pan and drain plugs.
Paint delaminating from the roof of my vehicle. Can cause rust and possibly rust through.
Car is consuming an increased amount of oil. PVC valve replaced. 5 quarts of oil after oil change is only lasting about 2.5k miles with oil on dipstick being barely readable requiring 4 quarts to get oil in middle of normal range for vehicle.
My car burned all the engine oil within 2000 miles of oil change. And the tank is empty. This is the second time that happened
In November, 2022 my car stalled on the expressway. The indicator, Hybrid trouble turn off engine(not exact wording),tried to turn back on after sitting, it came on there was a loud noise as I put it in drive. It was towed to Happy Hyundai ( The car was hit on expressway while waiting on the tow truck). [XXX] in the service department ensured me nothing was wrong, I reminded him that it shut off while in drive on the expressway. He had it inspected again, only to say they believed the hybrid system needed to be updated. It was updated and I was charged a service fee because no parts were needed, ([XXX] words) I was under the impression that my car is under warranty and any service under warranty would be no charge but because no part was needed. I had to pay. Not two (2) months later same thing happens....I had just gotten my oil changed at World Hyundai in Mattenson, IL. Driving in the express lane on the expressway. Lights come on to turn off engine again...... ONLY by the grace of God was I able to coast to the right to get on the shoulder, traffic was moving fast!!!! It was towed back over to Happy Hyundai on Cicero.Trying to explain to [XXX] (service department) was hard I did tell him the car was there for the same thing two (2)months ago.My life and my daughter's was put in jeopardy on both occasions. I transport my grandsons to and from daycare and school, they had been dropped off earlier(the thought of them being in the car when this happened is scary).My car can be inspected at Happy Hyundai, 9121 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn, 60453. 708-382-8000 Paperwork from first incident are in the car. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Still having intermittent turn signal problems after the dealership worked on turn signal recall. Sometimes no signal or signal stays on after turning, even after flipping the turn signal switch off. Sometimes there is a delay (up to 10 seconds) before turn signal lights on. Just trying to signal a lane change is dangerous because I never know if the turn signals will work properly.
The horn on my car is so quiet, most times I use it nobody hears it, including myself. It's very dangerous for emergency situations where I need to use a horn.
The sunroof assembly incorporates a wind deflector to help reduce wind noise in the passenger compartment when the sunroof is open. If the wind deflector becomes partially detached from its mounting bracket while the sunroof is open, the deflector can interfere with the closing of the moveable sunroof panel. In some cases this interference can result in the sunroof panel detaching from its mounting tabs. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RCMN-16V726-5975.pdf The 'fix' does not last. I bought my 2016 Hyundai in Nov 2018. The dealer who fixed my detached sunroof wind deflector told me there was no open recall on the car. Now I know why: 'As required by federal law, dealers must not deliver new vehicles for sale or for lease to customers until all open recalls have been performed. Dealers must also perform all open recalls on used vehicles, demo and rental vehicles prior to placing them into customer use and whenever an affected vehicle is in the shop for any maintenance or repair.' It's now evident that the deflector was fixed at least once before i took ownership. I fixed the deflector in 2020 after it separated while i was driving. I was able to close the sunroof but I was ignorant of the greater danger, the glass sunroof panel flying off the car. As described in the first paragraph these is a serious issue. the 'fix' provided by Hyundai does not last. It's an insidious issue waiting to impact new owners like me who are unaware of the danger. Hyundai must provide a permanent fix for this issue. The defellector detached for the third time in August 2022. Hunter Hyundai in Fletcher NC won't fix it under their repair warranty (only one year from their fix in May 2020) and wants $350. In my first complaint I wanted Hyundai to reimburse me. The issue is larger than this because detachment of sunroof is chronic and remains a ticking time bomb in the car's roof. Hyundai must provide a permanent solution that doesn't rely on glue to hold a part under spring tension.
2016 Sonata panoramic sunroof wind defector. The wind deflector separated in 2020 and was repaired under warranty by Hunter Hyundai in Fletcher North Carolina. This issue is a design and manufacturing issue. The wind deflector is under spring tension when the sunroof is open and is attached to the body with glue at three points: center, left and right. Because I was skeptical that the fix would work I hesitated to open the panoramic sunroof which was a $1,000 option. With the sunroof open and the wind deflector popped up if it detaches it's difficult or impossible to close the sunroof. This is way it's a safety issue. the sunroof can be opened during driving and once open attempts to close while driving may lead to single or multiple car collision. In my case I opened the sunroof in the garage to see if the deflector was still attached. It separated at the center and passenger side. i was able to close the sunroof but had to hold down the deflector while closing the sunroof. risky business. the hyundai dealer would not fix the defect under the original repair warranty as it was done in May 2020. The recall (152) in 2016 was closed. The cost to repair is $355 and it may happen again. This is a design and manufacturing defect that should be repaired free of charge. I called Hyundai customer service and have a case number: 202112366.
In May 2022 after driving approximately 2.5 hours, when I turned off the vehicle and tried to restart, the Hybrid symbol "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM", after waiting approximately 15 minutes to restart and it started. During this trip this happened several more times. I brought it in to a Auto Zone and he could not diagnose because the light was not appearing. The check engine light also was on but just disappeared. Once I returned from my trip, I brought the vehicle into a Hyundai dealership for diagnosis, however, they said since the lights nor the check engine lights were on, they could not diagnosis. In August 2022 I went on another long distance trip, and the same thing happened, after driving for approximately 2.5 hours and stopping, the vehicle would not restart and the same warning light displayed, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM". Again, I waited 15 minutes and the vehicle started, the check engine light remained on for a while and then disappeared. AGAIN, this happened several more times after driving for more than 2.5 hours.
The hybrid system shuts down while operating, gives warning "Check Hybrid System, Turn off Engine" This has happened twice. Both times the dealership cleared the codes and can't duplicate the issue at their facility. One time this happened while traveling approx 70mph causing the car to immediately decelerate which is a potential safety issue.
I went to my mechanic today to see why my car was making rattling noises coming from the steering wheel. It's been happening randomly for about a year now or more now. The mechanic said he's seen this over a thousand times with Hyundai, and I need to bring it into Hyundai to fix because something is wrong with the "Steering Rack Support Yoke", which is making the noise. If this is happening to so many Hyundai's this should be fixed for free and recalled! He googled it and gave me a whole printout from Hyundai. It says 2011 to 2018 model year Sonata 2011 to 2018 model year Sonata Hybrid 2012 to 2017 model year Azera 2013 to 2018 model year Santa Fe. This is what my mechanic gave me and said all these cars are affected. So why isn't this recalled, it is dangerous because eventually you could loose control of the steering wheel I think and it's going to cost a lot to fix. Thanks
Manufacturer paint is peeling off hood of car. Problem has been confirmed and photographed by Speck Hyundai. Vehicle and component was inspected by manufacturer.
The report is wrong i never hit the suv from the back aldo both hits on vehicles or on my driver's side and his rare back passenger side. I never did my report since i was in the ambulance the hole time and nver said my part of the story i was in pain and went to sleep
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil, and there was a smoke odor detected. The check engine, oil, and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and will be towed back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would call back. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving to work when my car stuttered then reduced power allowed me to pull to shoulder of the road at the same time my check hybrid system light came on with all others on dash. Car would not restart. Had it towed to the dealership where I’m told they will diagnose next week. I researched on several forums and this is quite a common issue with this model of car in various years. My car only has 61k miles and this is quite troublesome.
I am constantly having my oil light flickering on and off. The engine oil consumption is super high. I take it for service on time, however before the next date it always needs to be added on earlier. When the light turns on, I drive it more slowly on the highway which can create cars around me to slow down as well. I have been spending more money to get this fixed but still having problems. It hasn't been inspected by the manufacturer but I have sent to an independent service center to get it checked and oil refilled.
Please reference Hyundai Recall # 208 - Trunk Latch Release - Emergency Release May Fail. This recall covers 2017-2018 Hyundai Sonata. I have a 2016 Sonata with the exact same malfunction. Trunk does not open via any of the following: the remote key, the inside dashboard button, or inserting/turning the key manually. Additionally, I crawled into the trunk from the backseats to pull the emergency lever and that did not work either. Having a trunk that does not open from within the trunk is a potential danger. Hyundai tells me I am not covered by this recall, and I would like to have this revisited please. Many thanks !
dashboard has a crack running along right side of the cutout for airbag
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The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has 36 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.