Recalls
6campaigns
2 electrical · 2 air bag · 1 brake
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
726filed
Owner reports, 2012–2021 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
5★overall
★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
41mpg combined
$1,593/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· Automatic
6 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Turn Signal May Activate in Wrong Direction
Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
73.2% repairedof 469,377 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V749000
Listed for 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Parking Brake Indicator may not Illuminate
Parking brake · indicator light
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
73.8% repairedof 161,074 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V359000
Listed for 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Sunroof Panel may Detach
Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
86.5% repairedof 62,811 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V726000
Listed for 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Air Bag may not Prevent Neck Injury/FMVSS 208
Air bags
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
72.6% repairedof 1,031 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V615000
Listed for 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Air Bag Second Stage may not Inflate Properly
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
93.9% repairedof 33 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V232000
Listed for 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
ABS Warning Lamp May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 135
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
91.1% repairedof 64,744 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V678000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (726)
726 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
19involved a crash
28involved a fire
19injuries reported
1deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 726 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 451 | 62.1% |
| Unknown or other | 91 | 12.5% |
| Electrical system | 89 | 12.3% |
| Power train | 59 | 8.1% |
| Service brakes | 46 | 6.3% |
| Exterior lighting | 38 | 5.2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 33 | 4.5% |
| Steering | 33 | 4.5% |
| Structure | 31 | 4.3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 30 | 4.1% |
How 2016 compares with other Sonata years
Best and worst Sonata years →20121,557
20131,911
2014746
20151,146
2016726
2017764
2018373
2019162
2020178
2021134
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,557 | 8 |
| 2013 | 1,911 | 9 |
| 2014 | 746 | 7 |
| 2015 | 1,146 | 9 |
| 2016 | 726 | 6 |
| 2017 | 764 | 3 |
| 2018 | 373 | 1 |
| 2019 | 162 | 0 |
| 2020 | 178 | 4 |
| 2021 | 134 | 4 |
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 5 stars overall
Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 10.5%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 41 mpg combined
41
mpg combined
39
city
42
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $1,650
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 221 g/mi
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
What it costs you to run
$1,593per year
$133per month
366gallons a year
Miles ÷ 41 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 42 / 41 | $1,650 | 221 |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl · Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | $2,150 | 286 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | $2,300 | 307 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 28 | $2,400 | 317 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | $2,600 | 347 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | $2,800 | 365 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2016 Sonata for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2016 Hyundai Sonata FAQ
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 21V749000 (electrical), 17V359000 (brake), 16V726000 (visibility), 16V615000 (air bag), 16V232000 (air bag), 15V678000 (electrical). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners filed 726 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (451), Unknown or other (91), Electrical system (89) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · Automatic version at 39 city, 42 highway and 41 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2016 Hyundai Sonata get?
NHTSA rated the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (10.5% rollover risk).
How does the 2016 Sonata compare with other years?
Among the 2012–2021 Hyundai Sonata model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (134) and the 2013 the most (1,911). The 2016 drew 726. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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