The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has been considerably updated, and with its improved feature list, it carves a niche for itself in the midsize sedan segment. It is still one of the more potent options available on the market with its capacious build, structural soundness, and smooth ride quality. Like always, it adheres to the brand’s standards of safety and scores a 5-star rating in the tests conducted by NHTSA. In the J.D. Power Consumer Rating, the Sonata 2016 scored an overall 83/100.
Though the 2016 Hyundai Sonata recalls account for six in total and 583 complaints listed under its name, the statistics do not seem worrisome when compared with the sedan’s sales of 200,000 units. Additionally, there are three investigations that are concerned with the airbag, electronic parking brake components and loss of motive power. What are the 2016 Hyundai Sonata problems, and how does the vehicle compare against rivals like the Nissan Altima, the Toyota Camry, and the Honda Accord?
2016 Hyundai Sonata User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Airbag warning light remains turned on: In the 2016 Sonata, complainants have reported the random illumination of the airbag warning light. This indicates the disabling of the front passenger airbag, which can interfere with its appropriate deployment in case of a crash. Currently, there have been no injuries reported from the malfunction.
Electric System Complaints
- Issues with the exterior lighting: The Hyundai Sonata’s electrical issues are concerned with the vehicle’s exterior lighting. The first issue is concerned with the failure of the headlamps to illuminate when placed on auto mode. While no reason for the problem is known, in some cases, a melted fuse has been attributed as the cause. For others, the taillights stay illuminated, causing them to burn, and consequently, be replaced.
- Problems with the turn signal mirrors: The 2016 Hyundai Sonata turn signal problems have been a recurring issue. In all cases, buyers have reported the vehicle activating the indicator of the opposite direction as selected by the user. For example, if a user selects the right indicator to be illuminated and provides the input for the same, the vehicle will display the left indicator, which can create a hazardous safety situation. To deal with the issue, Hyundaihas introduced a recall, which is referenced by NHTSA ID: 17V359000.
Mechanical Complaints
- Catastrophic engine failure: The issue of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata engine failure tops the list on NHTSA and makes for around 50% of the registered complaints. In most cases, buyers have reported their vehicle losing motive power, which results in drastic speed reduction and stalling. In most cases where a diagnosis was done, it has been noted that the engine fails prematurely and requires a replacement. While there are no symptoms other than a knocking sound, all warning lights illuminate upon failure.
- Excessive oil consumption: Among other 2016 Hyundai Sonata engine problems, several buyers have also reported that their vehicle consumes oil quickly. This leads to a lack of lubrication, which can put pressure on the vehicle’s performance and can be one reason for engine failure.
- Possibility of fire: The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is a part of a class-action lawsuit that concerns its engine unit. It has been reported that the 2016 Hyundai Sonata engine failure might lead to fire. Currently, there are more than a couple of cases reported on NHTSA, where the midsize sedan has caught fire unexpectedly.
- Service brake failure: The 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s brake problems are concerned with its braking system making a screeching or squeaking noise upon application. Buyers have reported the brakes activating abruptly, which has resulted in near-miss rear-end collisions.
- Loss of power steering: The list of the Hyundai Sonata power steering problems has been ever increasing. Buyers have reported the power steering assistance failing when the vehicle is in motion. This results in a loss of control over the vehicle. In two distinct cases, the malfunctioning steering system has resulted in a crash, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Interior Complaints
- Issues with the seat belt: In acouple of cases, buyers have reported the front seatbelt’s inability to retract itself. While it is a frustrating inconvenience, it can prove to be a safety hazard in dire circumstances. On the other hand, complainants have also recorded the rear seatbelts tightening inadvertently, which can trap the occupant and also affect breathing.
Structural Complaints
- Peeling paint: On the hood and roof of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, buyers have reported the paint of the vehicle to chip unexpectedly. It is one of the more common complaints reported by the users, and currently, there is no viable solution available for the same.
- Issues with the sunroof: The Sonata sunroof problems have been a consistent cause of concern. Complainants have reported the sunroof deflector detaching, which restricts the proper opening and closing of the sunroof. A similar issue has also been recorded previously but to no avail. On the other hand, a couple of complainants have also reported the explosion of the sunroof, without any impact or incidence.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
24th Sept 2021 |
21V749000 |
Improper functioning of turn signals |
Due to an error in interpretation by the Smart Junction Box software from the multifunction switch, the turn signal might activate in the wrong direction, as intended by the driver. |
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of cost. |
|
2. |
5th June 2017 |
17V359000 |
The parking brake indicator may not illuminate |
Due to corrosion of the switch, the parking brake indicator may not illuminate, when applied. |
Dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of cost. |
|
3. |
11th Oct 2016 |
16V276000 |
Detachment of sunroof panel |
In vehicles equipped with the panoramic sunroof, the panel might detach from the deflector due to improper bonding. |
Dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of cost. |
|
4. |
24th Aug 2016 |
16V615000 |
Possible neck injury upon airbag deployment |
The driver-side frontal airbag might not protect the driver’s neck. As a result, affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will replace the driver’s frontal airbag module, free of cost. |
|
5. |
21st Apr 2016 |
16V232000 |
Airbag second stage might not inflate properly |
Due to a missing chemical enhancer, the second stage airbag deployment might not occur. The primary stage will continue as intended. |
Dealers will replace the frontal airbag module, free of cost. |
|
6. |
20th Oct 2015 |
15V678000 |
ABS warning light may not illuminate |
In case of an ABS malfunction, the ABS warning light might not illuminate, resulting in non-compliance with federal laws. |
Dealers will update the ABS control software, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
The Hyundai Sonata has also been a comprehensive option in the midsize sedan class. It has ranked the scales of success with its practicality, utilitarian nature, and functionalism. Even in terms of safety and reliability, there is not much to complain about. Coming to 2016 Hyundai Sonata reliability, it scored 85/100 in the J.D. Power Comsumer Rating which is very good.
Despite its long complaints list, the major issues of the vehicle have been resolved through recalls. So, its can be an acceptable purchase if you get one for low price. However, if you cannot look past the pending lawsuit, which relates to the vehicle catching fire, the 2016 Toyota Camry can be a suitable alternative. You can check out the used 2016 Toyota Camry cars here.
Which Hyundai Sonata model years are best to avoid?
Considering model years 2011–2023, we deem the Hyundai Sonata model years with a lower reliability/quality score of 80 or less in the J.D. Power Consumer Rating as avoidable. So, by that virtue, the 2011–12 Hyundai Sonata can be avoided.
