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Your vehicleHome›Hyundai›Sonata› 2016
Hyundai · Large Sedan

2016 Hyundai Sonata

Plug-in hybrid Hybrid Gas
Large Cars
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
D
Safety Signal
60 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
RecallsNHTSA campaigns 9
Complaints23 crash · 31 fire · 20 injured · 1 died reported 887
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 41 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas large sedan with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sonata Hybrid SE, is EPA-rated at 41 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of D. Owners have filed 887 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Hyundai Sonata — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Hyundai Sonata · Photo: © M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombRangekWh/100miCharge (240V)Annual fuel*
Sonata Plug-in HybridPlug-in hybridFWD2.0L 4-cyl + 50 kW IPMSM384140 (59 MPGe blended)27 mi electric342.7 h$1,700
Sonata Hybrid SEHybridFWD2.0L 4-cyl + 270V Li-Ion394241———$1,650
Sonata HybridHybridFWD2.0L 4-cyl + 270V Li-Ion384140———$1,700
SonataGasFWD1.6L 4-cyl turbo283631———$2,150
SonataGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl253629———$2,300
Sonata Sport LimitedGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl253528———$2,400
SonataGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo223126———$2,600
Sonata LimitedGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl turbo213024———$2,800

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36998, 36101, 36100, 36479, 36477, 36478, 36475, 36476.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid9 / 10Bin 2 / California LEV-III SULEV30/PZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay Elite
Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Hybrid SE5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-III ULEV125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Sonata5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Sonata, Sonata Sport Limited5–9 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-III ULEV70 / California LEV-III SULEV30/PZEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standardsSmartWay
Sonata, Sonata Limited5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-II ULEVAll 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
GVWR classClass 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Engine Basics

Cylinders4
Displacement1.6 L
Engine configurationIn-Line

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: L (Low), SE / SE w/Popular Pkg / Eco / Eco w/Tech Pkg, Sport / Sport w/ Premium Pkg, Sport w/ Tech Pkg / Limited / Limited w/Tech Pkg / Limited w/Ultimate Pkg / Sport 2.0T / Limited 2.0T). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length191.3 in
Width (body, without mirrors)73.6 in
Height58.3 in
Wheelbase110.6 in
Track, front63.0–63.4 in
Track, rear63.0–63.8 in
Curb weight3,252–3,649 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear59/41 to 61/39

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 4 configurations: 4-door Sedan 2.4, 4-door Sedan Hybrid, 4-door Sedan PHEV, 4-door Sedan Sport 2.0T. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Sonata
Other years The 2027 Sonata Recalls Hyundai recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is in the years where high-voltage electronics and module repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (9)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Exterior Lighting

210
469,377 vehicles 73% reported repaired
Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. 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. Risk A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V749000 reported Sep 24, 2021 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Latches/Locks/Linkages

208
348,158 vehicles 75% reported repaired Hybrid only
Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. 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." Risk A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. Fix Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V619000 reported Aug 6, 2021 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine

198
128,948 vehicles 81% reported repaired Hybrid only
Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage. Risk A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V746000 reported Dec 1, 2020 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Hybrid Propulsion System

175
2,840 vehicles 93% reported repaired built Jul 31, 2015 – Aug 31, 2017 Plug-in hybrid only
Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently. Risk If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 18V166000 reported Mar 12, 2018 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Parking Brake

164
161,074 vehicles 74% reported repaired built Apr 25, 2014 – Mar 3, 2015
Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch. Risk If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 17V359000 reported Jun 5, 2017 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Visibility

152
62,811 vehicles 86% reported repaired built May 28, 2014 – Mar 18, 2016
Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving. Risk If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
Filed with NHTSARemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V726000 reported Oct 11, 2016 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

148
1,031 vehicles 73% reported repaired built Feb 25, 2016 – May 11, 2016
Problem Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Risk A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fix Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V615000 reported Aug 24, 2016 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

144
33 vehicles 94% reported repaired built May 29, 2014 – Feb 11, 2016
Problem Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. 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. Risk An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury. 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V232000 reported Apr 21, 2016 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

134
64,744 vehicles 91% reported repaired built May 28, 2014 – Aug 21, 2015
Problem 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." Risk If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 15V678000 reported Oct 20, 2015 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Electrical System:Propulsion System — Pedestrian alert sounds closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021. On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject mat

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · action DP22005 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Loss of Motive Power closed

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · closed Dec 12, 2023 · action DP22003 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Engine Fires closed

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modif

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · closed Feb 5, 2024 · action EA21003 · the investigation’s page →

Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — Electrical overstress closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with ma

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · closed Sep 19, 2024 · action EA19001 · the investigation’s page →

Service Brakes — Electronic Parking Brake closed

The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application. One of the reports alleged a fire in the right rear wheel area. The vehicles subject to the investigation are equipped with an optional Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). In this system, an electric motor applies the parking brake by moving the rear brake pads (pads) against the brake rotors (rotors) when activated by the EPB control switch. The EPB is released by the control switch or by selecting a drive gear with the transmission shifter when the ignition is on. If the EPB has not been used within 10

Opened Sep 3, 2016 · closed Feb 22, 2017 · action PE16010 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Sonata

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Hyundai publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Hyundai’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Sonata →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
887complaints filed

23 involved a crash · 31 a fire · 20 injuries · 1 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 33 · 2017: 38 · 2018: 40 · 2019: 67 · 2020: 63 · 2021: 116 · 2022: 138 · 2023: 167 · 2024: 72 · 2025: 98 · 2026: 55

Most-cited components

Engine → 564
Electrical System → 139
Unspecified 115
Power Train → 76
Service Brakes → 56
Exterior Lighting 45

In depth: engine problems → · electrical problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · brake problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the “Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine” message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode.
Engine at 65,000 miles Jun 27, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11529173
While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times in the last two years while driving.
Electrical System Mar 30, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11514685
II own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrid with 34,000 miles. I have had no problems with the car until the incident that occurred on aug 5, 2018 while driving on three lane highway 99 north of modesto. At about 70mph the dashboard lite up with brake system warnings. At the same time, the engine shut down.
Service Brakes at 34,000 miles Sep 4, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11124404
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated while the vehicle was approaching a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated he manually pushed the vehicle to the side of the roadway.
Hybrid Propulsion System at 120,000 miles Jul 6, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11472475
Vehicle stationary. Trunk would not open with electric switch, used vehicle key to open trunk, then trunk would not latch closed. Intermittent and or unreliable trunk open/closed warnings in driver information center... Trunk light intermittent and/or unreliable, irrespective of open/closed status in driver information center.
Structure at 48,200 miles Oct 17, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11141130
Engine/electrical shut down occurred on interstate at high speed in traffic may 2017 narrowly missed being hit from behind. Multiple issues with check engine light, relay was replaced. Worked for awhile. Now (april 2018) back in shop for same problem - engine shut down and would not start had to have towed to Hyundai dealer.
Fuel/Propulsion System at 37,000 miles Apr 18, 2018 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11088803

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Hyundai itself: 43 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 3 killed, 50 injured, as claimed, not verified. Every Sonata model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 62k

miles, typically

Half the 348 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 32,000 and 100,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 34
10k–20k 25
20k–30k 20
30k–40k 37
40k–50k 22
50k–60k 22
60k–70k 32
70k–80k 22
80k–90k 28
90k–100k 18
100k–150k 74
150k + 14

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine19578,0001.26×
Electrical System5868,0001.51×
Service Brakes3334,0000.85×
Unspecified3137,000—
Power Train2956,0001.08×
Exterior Lighting2353,0001.2×
Vehicle Speed Control1953,0001.77×
Steering1740,0000.83×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: electrical system (1.51×), vehicle speed control (1.77×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆10%
4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆10%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 4 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Hyundai warranty extension (62) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 444
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-08
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 395 service bulletins, 24 service campaigns, 16 others

Most often about: Engine, Electrical System, Equipment, Power Train, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility.

  • 26-EM-016H TSB Service bulletin
    2026-10-08 · Engine
  • Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when dee
  • 26-EM-015H TSB Service bulletin
    2026-10-07 · Engine
  • Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and mainte
  • Z05 OL Warranty extension
    2026-08-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain wh
  • 26-01-013H-2 DN Service campaign
    2026-05-21 · Electrical System
  • Certain Santa Fe (TMA), Santa Fe Sport (AN), Sonata (LFA), and Tucson (TL) vehicles equipped with Theta II engines may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions. The California Air Resources Board has determined that these vehicles may be releasing air pollutants which exceed Federal and California standards.
  • 26-EE-003H TSB Service bulletin
    2026-04-18 · Electrical System
  • Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
  • 11032523 Other
    2026-04-10 · Air Bags
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and
  • 11032522 Other
    2026-04-10 · Air Bags
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may
  • 26-01-033H TSB Warranty extension
    2026-03-26 · Engine
  • This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P1326
P1326 on Hyundai →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine33 bulletins · 25 owner reports
P0705
P0705 on Hyundai →		A fault in the transmission range sensor — the module cannot tell which gear position is selected.Electrical System · Battery →7 bulletins
P200AManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins · 3 owner reports
P0706
P0706 on Hyundai →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Equipment6 bulletins
P0707
P0707 on Hyundai →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Equipment6 bulletins
P0708Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Equipment6 bulletins
P2600Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine2 bulletins · 4 owner reports
P0605The engine control module has failed its own internal program-memory check.Electrical System · Battery →4 bulletins · 1 owner report
P261FManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine4 owner reports
C120BManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Forward Collision Avoidance3 bulletins
C160AManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Forward Collision Avoidance3 bulletins
P0010Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine3 owner reports

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata failed the emissions check on 4.1% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.3% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 4.1%

failed emissions

3,014 initial inspections of 2,948 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 SonataEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check4.1%4.2%3,008
Failed the safety inspection2.3%2.2%3,014
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.50%0.27%3,014
Miles driven a year9,73210,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer100,035103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Sonata by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A* 0 0 51 mpg2026 A 1 6 51 mpg2025 A 0 28 47 mpg2024 A 1 55 47 mpg2023 C 2 103 Park outside2022 D 3 114 52 mpg2021 D 4 189 52 mpg2020 C 4 197 52 mpg2019 A 0 172 42 mpg2018 B 2 384 42 mpg2017 C 5 879 42 mpg2016 this page D 9 887 41 mpg

Common questions about the 2016 Sonata

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 9 recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The most serious on file is 21V749000, covering Exterior Lighting. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA gave the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it D (60/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

Across the 8 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, the best EPA combined figure is 41 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions). Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

Transport Canada measured it at 191.3 in long, 73.6 in wide (body, without mirrors), 58.3 in tall, on a 110.6 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 3,252–3,649 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

Owners have filed 887 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, most often about engine, electrical system, unspecified. Of those, 23 involved a crash, 31 a fire, 20 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata runs 5 to 9 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 2, Bin 5, California LEV-III SULEV30/PZEV, LEV-II ULEV, LEV-III ULEV125, LEV-III ULEV70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

The manufacturer has filed 444 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, most often covering engine, electrical system, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-10-08. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata failed the emissions check on 4.1% of first inspections — close to the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 2.3% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations8 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates8 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls9NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints887NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins444NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations5NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA7 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Sonata The Sonata model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every Hyundai recall on file All campaigns filed against Hyundai vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Sonata by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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