Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2016)

888 consumer complaints on file.

#11660691May 13, 2025
ENGINE
I just recently purchased about a month and a half ago. I was on my way to work and it was a thudded knocking noise before my car slowed down and shut off on the highway. I had to get it towed to a nearby restaurant I had a mobile mechanic come by he put it on a scanner code p0014 came up with the engine light on.. When he cut the car on and heard the noise he said my engine has failed.. I haven’t had any prior issues with my car before this date.. He mentioned it’s recalls on the engine I have my VIN doesn’t show it’s a recall but it’s the same issues described happened
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660734May 13, 2025
ENGINE
While accelerating from a red light, the engine suddenly lost power and the car stalled in the left turn lane in the middle of traffic. We had to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop, where I was informed that the engine had seized or locked up. The mechanic mentioned this type of failure can happen if the engine loses oil pressure, but we received no warning lights (oil, check engine, or otherwise) prior to the failure. The vehicle has always been properly maintained, including an oil change just a few months prior, and it had not been driven much since. This vehicle was purchased for my daughter to travel to and from college safely and reliably. We have taken great care of it, so the sudden and catastrophic failure of the engine (without any prior warning) is both unacceptable and devastating to our family and we have no way to get her back to her college. I’ve now learned that this year, make, and model: 2016 Hyundai Sonata has had numerous complaints and issues related to sudden engine failure and oil system issues. To my knowledge, this issue has not been officially recalled, despite a pattern of numerous similar reports. This kind of failure puts drivers and passengers at serious risk, particularly when it occurs during active driving conditions like what happened to us as we were stranded in the road and it almost caused a vehicle to hit us. As a parent, I entrusted Hyundai with my family’s safety. I am extremely disappointed by what appears to be a systemic issue and . I urge the agency to reconsider investigating these failures and pressure the manufacturer to do the right thing, stand behind their product and support affected customers like us.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660449May 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tengo este sonata ya 3 años a solo un mes de haberlo comprado empezó con los problemas de check hybrid system todo el tiempo el mecánico no sabe que pasa con eso además siempre cuando se enciende esa luz no se puede manejar el carro y le dice que tengo que apagarlo
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659782May 8, 2025
ENGINE
Sometimes I see the engine ligth when I drive to long
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659350May 6, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658946May 5, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicles engine gave out on highway 95 . I towed it to the Hyundai dealership after a mechanic friend informed me of the recall with the Sonata Engines. Hyundai is refusing to assist with my engine failure under the recall or my lifetime warranty. They are stating that the recall is voided due to my dipstick size and that my lifetime warranty on the engine is voided due to another safety software recall not being updated before the engine recall; I was not informed by Hyundai of either recall. I am now without a vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658787May 4, 2025
ENGINE
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658460May 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, and the message "Warning - Do not Attempt to Restart" was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure of the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed as a failure with the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had been back to the dealer several times. Recently, the contact was informed that the wiring harness was soy-based insulated, and rodents were causing damage to the wiring harness due to the smell. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657977April 30, 2025
ENGINE
THE ENGINE THEY EVEN HAVE A RECALL ON MY CAR ENGINE THIS HAVE CAUSED NO RISK THIS PROBLEM HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED BY A MECHANIC HAVEN’T BEEN LEGALLY INSPECTED YES THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON OFTEN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656197April 22, 2025
ENGINE, STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES
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 chunks, and I’ve noticed the same problem on other Sonatas of this model. This suggests a wider manufacturing issue and raises concerns about long-term durability and corrosion. These problems have not been confirmed by a mechanic yet, but they are consistent, worsening, and clearly pose a safety risk. I have recorded a video that shows the ESC warning and the sound it makes, which I am including for reference. Video evidence of ESC malfunction and mechanical noise: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654322April 13, 2025
ENGINE
Extremely well maintained car began burning excessive amounts of oil. Called Hyundai corporate and they said that there is an extended 150,000 mile warranty on the engine and set me up with the Metrowest Hyundai dealership in Framingham, MA to begin oil consumption test procedure. Dealership performed test and I burned almost 2 out of 5.1 quarts in 1,000 miles. There is no reason a well maintained engine, with regular oil changes well within the manufacturer recommended interval and using full synthetic oil, coupled with regular engine maintenance and Techron, plus at least 80% highway miles, should be doing this. Dealership then performed combustion chamber clean as step 2 of process and the entire timing system began failing after that (P0010 and P0011). The car is now at the point of almost catastrophic engine failure and it will cost $6,200 to repair (the value of the car itself). Hyundai corporate then told me I'm actually not covered and that the warranty only covers rod bearing failure. So both they and/or the dealership strung me along, and the car is clearly not made well and Hyundai is not addressing these concerns. I know many people have had these issues with these cars. In my case, trying to get them addressed then destroyed my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653359April 8, 2025
ENGINE
Hello this is my second time filing for a complaint because the first time I did not receive an email confirmation. On Thursday night (April 4th) I was driving back home, I had just existed the highway and was now on a regular big busy street. I was driving approximately no more than 25 MPH. At the traffic light when it turned red I obviously had my foot on the break. When it had turned green and I tried to accelerate the car would just not simply move. As I said I was on a busy street there was many cars, My partner and I had to safety move the car by foot out of the road to let other cars pass, it was very dangerous for us since it was at night. I'd like to add prior to this the only time I ever had a problem was when I would turned on the car and later try to drive it would start shaking for a minute and then suddenly stop when I parked it and turned it off. Also there was never any engine light or any warning lights on the dashboard, To continue I had to call my dad late at night to help me find what was wrong with the car, obviously since it was at night there was not much to do, but to park the car and leave it there overnight. Next morning he goes and try to see if it turned on, It didn't the car was not running anymore, he called a tow truck for them to take it to a mechanic, In where they said it was an engine problem. The mechanic told my dad it would need a new engine which that can cost a lot. I called in the dealership in where i am financing it and told me if it was a motor problem I would have to pay $7500 to $8000 for a new engine replacement. This is do draining knowing I've had this car for less than TWO MONTHS and already having to pay for a new ENGINE? This was also very dangerous knowing the car never showed a warning light on the dashboard !! I could've been driving on the highway and the car could've stopped in the middle this could've been super dangerous putting my life at risk not knowing the the car had an engine problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653089April 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, ENGINE
Car keep stalling misfire just started muffler sound smoke lack of power when driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653248April 7, 2025
ENGINE
Driving back home [about a 20 min ride] car has been driving fine, with no lights on dashboard EVER showing , obviously on a red light i had the break, then when it turn green the car would not accelerate at ALL. Car was still on with light and radio working the car would just not accelerate. I was on a busy street so I had to push the vehicle by foot with my partner to get it out of the way. Oil and battery seemed fine, I had to call my dad for help he as well did not find anything. We had no other choice but to leave the car on that street parked. Next morning my dad went to check it out and the car would not turn on AT ALL. He called a towing truck and took it to a mechanic in where he said that it was in fact the engine. When driving and prior to other cars I've driven the car there was never a warning sign what so ever this came out unexpectedly, putting my partner and I at risk in a busy street having to move the vehicle by foot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652501April 3, 2025
ENGINE
After having the car for about a week the engine light came on at that time I took the car back to Carmax Service Department in Canoga Park. They scanned the car and they told me that it was misfiring. Carmax fixed the car. They had the car for the ten days. The day I received the car back, the engine light came on again. Took the car to my mechanic and he ran the codes again and he told me it was misfiring, again. He cleared the code and I again returned the car to Carmax, and explained to them what happened. I checked on the car couple days later and I was told that they drove the car for 30 miles and the engine light didn't come on. I picked up the car the next day On [XXX], the engine light came on, again. I returned the car back to Carmax, April 1st and talked to the Service Manager. I explained to him everything that happened. In each case, before returning the car or having the inspected, I did notice a difference in the way the car responded. Also, when I filled up with gas, the gas didn't fill up all the way and there was a clicking sound when driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652544April 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that oil was leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,868.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652440April 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I’m not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe — especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. The A/C system only blows warm air, regardless of temperature settings, and no cold air comes out. I also have a serious issue with the paint peeling off in large chunks from the body of the car. It’s happening despite proper care, and I’ve seen other Hyundai Sonatas of the same year with the same issue, which suggests a widespread paint defect. These issues have not yet been diagnosed by a dealership, but given the low mileage and frequency, I believe this model may have serious defects in safety systems and paint quality. I’m very concerned for my safety and request a full investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651130March 27, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump where the fuel line connects to it is cracked and squirting fuel all over that area. Some time ago I started smelling fuel when getting close to the vehicle or when opening windows. Took it to a shop to have it checked out and the technician couldn’t find the problem, since there is no check engine light on or any type of warning. A few days ago I decided to check the bottom part of the fuel tank and noticed that there were traces of leaking fluid. Reached to it and checked it closely and certainly was fuel dripping. Checked the top of the tank where the fuel pump is and found out that the problem was there. Did some research online and found out that that’s a very common fail. I Would like to have it investigated and recall all those failing cars for my safety, my family’s safety and everyone else that trusted this company and is letting us down. First time I noticed this was back in 2022 and is when I took it to the shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649631March 20, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648893March 17, 2025
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving 60 mph down a busy highway when I lost the ability to accelerate—putting myself and others at risk while trying to get off the road to a safe location. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes. A mechanic that has been in our area for decades. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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