2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 5 recalls, 133 owner complaints and up to 40 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V232000 · 2016 · 33 vehicles
What's wrong: In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag May be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #16V726000 · 2016 · 62,811 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles May detach while driving.
Why it matters: If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V746000 · 2020 · 128,948 vehicles
What's wrong: The connecting rod bearings inside the engine May wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Why it matters: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new knock sensor detection system (ksds). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #21V619000 · 2021 · 348,158 vehicles
What's wrong: The trunk latch May become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "internal trunk release."
Why it matters: A person inside the trunk compartment May become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021.
Electrical, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #21V749000 · 2021 · 469,377 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the sjb software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (73): the most common themes are warning light on (30), noise or vibration (26), stalls / loses power (14).
- Electrical (36): the most common themes are warning light on (14), electrical failure (8).
- Other / unknown (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (4), electrical failure (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (14): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3), warning light on (3).
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 133 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 Sonata Hybrid model years for complaints (2.7× the average Sonata Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (54 complaints, 4 recalls), 2017 (80 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 41 | 40 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (73), electrical (36), other / unknown (19).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 40 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.