2016 HYUNDAI SONATA Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that oil was blowing out of the top of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,100.

The failure involves the engine, which has seized (locked up) and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became unsafe when it stopped operating in traffic, creating a potential hazard to myself and others due to the sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by both a dealership and an independent service center, both of which determined that the engine has failed and requires repair or replacement. The vehicle has also been inspected by the manufacturer as part of the claim process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or indicators before the failure occurred.

Engine siezed

I contact the Hyundai dealer about my 2016 Hyundai sonata. for all I know those vehicles have recalls with engine failure/stalling due to premature rod bearing wear, fire risks from malfunctioning electric oil pumps. My car is having those exact problems with the abs lights being on and is also have problems with the VVT sprocket. And the oil I called Hyundai and they said my vehicle only has a recall with the JUNCTION BOX. But my car is unable to go over 60. And is unsafe to drive and the recalls with that type of model car is the same recalls I am having and soon as I've bought the car and had it for some time i am starting to have those problems so I would like to know what’s going on because it is unsafe and I can’t even drive my vehicle I also have a blinking check engine light. I’ve wanted to report this now incase risk of a fire because I’ve did my research and realize these cars that have these type of problems are known for catching on fire.

Car burning oil and engine started knocking no warning lights ever came on prior to knocking noise. Brought to mechanic and engine has failed. Vehicle has less that 130,000 miles on it.

This complaint is NOT related to the existing recall associated with this vehicle. The vehicle is experiencing a serious loss of power and acceleration issue. The car is unable to accelerate past approximately 60 mph. When pressing the accelerator fully, the vehicle does not respond or increase speed. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increases and then suddenly drops repeatedly, causing the vehicle to struggle to maintain speed. This behavior is consistent and occurs during normal driving conditions. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to accelerate in traffic, as the vehicle cannot respond when needed. The issue has occurred multiple times and makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to operate.

Both rear doors will not open. The door locks stopped functioning so we are not able to open and close both rear back doors. In addition, the right rear door window stopped rolling up and down.

This complaint is NOT related to the existing recall associated with this vehicle. The vehicle is experiencing a serious loss of power and acceleration issue. The car is unable to accelerate past approximately 60 mph. When pressing the accelerator fully, the vehicle does not respond or increase speed. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increases and then suddenly drops repeatedly, causing the vehicle to struggle to maintain speed. This behavior is consistent and occurs during normal driving conditions. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to accelerate in traffic, as the vehicle cannot respond when needed. The issue has occurred multiple times and makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to operate.

code P1326 unable to accelerate, drive past 1st gear and knocking noise in engine area engine could stall out or lock up if problem is not fixed 3/14/2026- started engine light blinking warning light also code p1326 has had recalls for this particular car brand

i took my car in for an oil change and the tech wouldn’t even take my money because he said the car was a safety issue and it needed to be taken to a hyundai dealership ASAP as he has seen the engine fail or blow up on this model before. on the way to the dealer the engine completely seized in the middle of the road forcing us to stop traffic on the busy road and push it in a near by parking lot.

Vehicle started then stalled requiring tow. No initial illumination of warning lamps or messages. Findings upon inspection by independent service center: multiple cylinder misfires (P030100, P030300, P030400, P030200, P030000) and excessive debris buildup on vvt sensor screen. Car uses excess oil- a minimum of 3 qts per 600 miles. No warning lamps or messages occur when car is excessively low on oil.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

While driving in normal traffic, the engine experienced a sudden and significant loss of power and went into a reduced-power “limp” mode. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stored an active P1326 diagnostic trouble code related to the engine/Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Because this occurred in live traffic, the sudden power loss created an unsafe situation that increased the risk of a collision, as the vehicle could not accelerate or keep pace with surrounding vehicles. This issue appears to be directly related to Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 22-EM-001H-1, which addresses known engine defects and P1326 activation in this model and engine. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership in West Palm Beach, Florida for inspection, where the code was verified and documentation (including oil change records) was requested. The vehicle has approximately 89,000–90,000 miles. After the dealership inspection, I received an email from Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs [XXX] ) stating: “This is Hyundai’s final position in this matter, and we are unable to offer any assistance with regard to this claim.” I believe this position is incorrect, as the symptoms and P1326 activation align with the conditions outlined in TSB 22-EM-001H-1, which Hyundai is supposed to honor when these failures occur. To my knowledge, the vehicle/component has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The check engine light and reduced power symptoms first appeared at the time of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

Engine failure, cylinder 4 is swimming on oil.

I began braking and the brakes locked up. Braking to the floor and the car would not stop resulting in a car crash

Crash 1 injured

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (2.0T/2.4L engine) has been experiencing loss of motive power and severe engine stumbling at stoplights, creating an unreasonable risk of a crash in traffic. The Check Engine light is on with DTC P0010. Upon inspection, the internal oil seal plug at the intake camshaft E-CVVT has become unseated, causing an active oil leak. This matches the exact defect and symptoms (elevated idle of 1,200–1,400 RPM and power reduction) described in Hyundai Service Campaign TX3 (TSB 15-01-022-1). While that campaign only applied to 2015 models, my 2016 vehicle has suffered the identical failure. I am requesting that this safety-related defect be investigated for 2016 models to prevent potential engine fires from oil leaks or accidents from sudden power loss

Engine started rough idling and knocking. Took to a mechanic who found metal particulate in the oil and the engine spun a bearing.

I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached

Crash

I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached

Crash

The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center Police: Yes, crash scene documented. •Insurance: We are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •Manufacturer (Hyundai): Not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.

Crash 2 injured

The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center Police: Yes, crash scene documented. •Insurance: We are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •Manufacturer (Hyundai): Not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.

Crash 2 injured

The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center Police: Yes, crash scene documented. •Insurance: We are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •Manufacturer (Hyundai): Not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.

Crash 2 injured

This vehicle has experienced multiple hybrid system failures while driving, including a complete loss of power “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Engine Off” on the interstate in June 2022 through November 2025. These events have placed me and my loved ones in dangerous driving situations. Despite a warranty‑covered engine replacement at 82,015 miles (January 2023), the same hybrid system issues have recurred. Hyundai initially indicated a warranty claim was submitted, then told me there was no record of any claim in the system. The dealership claims it was denied — creating a serious inconsistency in communication and accountability. In addition, I have identified multiple NHTSA complaints in the database from other owners of 2016 Sonata Hybrids (VINs beginning with KMHE) describing similar highway shutdowns and hybrid system failures, which raise concern about a broader, unaddressed safety defect not currently covered by existing TSB or recall actions. I am respectfully requesting: A regional inspection and review of my vehicle prior to any further work. A review of Hyundai’s handling of this warranty claim and the discrepancy between dealer and corporate communication. Assessment of whether the hybrid system failures in KMHE‑prefix Sonata Hybrids warrant further safety action.

Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] While stopped in traffic with my foot firmly on the brake, my vehicle begins to accelerate before I release the brake pedal. This is not normal “creep” — the engine increases RPM and the vehicle moves forward as if the accelerator is being applied, even though it is not. This condition has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle surges forward, sometimes 20 mph, unexpectedly and has almost caused several collisions. This rapid acceleration can easily cause a collision with a pedestrian or the vehicle in front of me. The onboard diagnostic system repeatedly reports a camshaft position sensor fault. The sensor has been replaced, but the problem returned, indicating the issue is not the sensor itself but a deeper engine or electronic control malfunction. Because this vehicle uses electronic throttle control, I am concerned the engine control module is misinterpreting throttle and brake inputs and failing to properly apply brake-throttle override. The vehicle is effectively accelerating against the brake. This is a dangerous and unpredictable condition and represents a potential defect in the throttle/engine control system. This is clearly a safety-related issue that warrants investigation before it results in a serious crash or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The shark fin antennae on top of the vehicle was ripped off in a car wash; the antennae serves to transmit radio/GPS/data to & from the vehicle which will cease to function if it the cover is removed and components damaged. Hyundai description: The shark fin antenna will receive AM, FM broadcast signals and transmit data Multiple Hyundai dealers have been contacted for quotes on replacing the antennae which they claim will cost $1500+ since the top of the roof must be removed and electronics/circuit board/cables must be replaced; it appears to be a common issue with these shark fins according to the dealers and online research. The GPS and data transfer could be a major safety factor depending on the systems affected. These shark fins need to be replaced with a more resilient system. Owners are unable to 'store' the antennae when taking it to the car wash as it is not removable or retractable. It is a design flaw. I've read that many have lost them simply driving the vehicle --not agitated using a car wash.

Subject: Excessive Engine Oil Consumption – 2016 Hyundai Sonata I am reporting an ongoing and excessive engine oil consumption issue with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that I believe may represent a safety defect or other significant reliability concern. The engine is burning oil at a rate far beyond normal expectations (requiring frequent top-off well below recommended mileage intervals), resulting in dangerously low oil levels while driving. I have maintained the vehicle per manufacturer recommendations and documented oil add-ins and dealer visits, but the problem has worsened over time. Despite presenting this problem to my Hyundai dealership, they have declined to authorize engine cleaning or further corrective action due to the mileage. I am struggling with high oil consumption and potential risk of engine failure while driving. This issue is not unique to my vehicle — numerous similar complaints exist in Hyundai forums and in other owners’ submitted complaints (e.g., reports of more than 1 quart consumed every ~500–1,000 miles and sequences of denied repairs) which suggests a broader pattern of oil consumption failures for this model year. Auto Safety +1 I believe this may represent a safety defect because loss of engine oil can lead to engine seizure or failure without warning, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Please review this complaint, add it to the NHTSA vehicle database, and contact me if further information is needed.

I am filing a complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding denial of defect coverage for my 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption and triggered diagnostic code P1326. The dealer confirmed only one quart of oil remained in the engine and noted a valve cover gasket leak. Hyundai’s Tech Line instructed a gasket replacement and oil consumption test, but Hyundai corporate formally declined coverage, citing mileage and second-owner status. This is not a routine warranty claim but a defect claim. Oil consumption defects in Hyundai Theta engines are well-documented and have been subject to recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, and class actions. Defect coverage should not be limited to first owners. I am requesting reimbursement for the valve cover gasket repair, acknowledgment of the oil consumption defect, and corrective action to ensure Hyundai honors defect-related coverage fairly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden engine failure while in operation with no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine seized unexpectedly, creating a safety risk. This failure appears consistent with known engine defects affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles of this model year. Hyundai Motor America denied my claim without addressing these known defect patterns.

Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk

Vehicle stalled while driving

On November 10, 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN [XXX] , approximately 150,000 miles) experienced a sudden loss of power while I was turning right and accelerating into traffic. The vehicle immediately entered limp mode with flashing warning lights and audible alerts. The vehicle lost normal propulsion and could not accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation as it was blocking a traffic lane. I was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby parking lot to get out of traffic. The vehicle was not safely drivable afterward and was towed home. A few days later, the vehicle was towed to Murdoch Hyundai in Lindon, Utah, for diagnosis. The vehicle was found to have diagnostic trouble code P1326, which Hyundai identifies as activation of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) related to connecting-rod bearing wear. This condition is part of Hyundai’s known engine defect and safety recall/warranty extension programs. During inspection, the dealer observed that the valvetrain did not show signs of neglect or sludge, which is inconsistent with oil starvation or severe maintenance neglect. This further supports that the failure is consistent with the known connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by Hyundai’s KSDS safety recall, rather than a maintenance-related issue. This is a safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion or reduced power while entering traffic creates a high risk of collision. Hyundai customer care has been unwilling to open a new case number or escalate review, and the dealer has indicated possible denial of engine replacement coverage based on incomplete oil-change records, despite the vehicle exhibiting the KSDS safety condition. I am requesting NHTSA review of this safety-related defect and the manufacturer’s handling of KSDS/P1326 failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My Hyundai is experiencing severe and continuous engine oil consumption that creates a safety risk. The vehicle loses a significant amount of oil within 1,000–1,500 miles, sometimes showing almost no oil on the dipstick despite recent oil changes. There are no external leaks, no burning smell, and no visible oil under the car. The cause remains UNKNOWN, but it appears to be internal engine burning or a manufacturing defect. I have taken the vehicle to the Hyundai dealer multiple times. They performed oil consumption tests but either reported “normal results” or did not provide clear explanations. The issue continues exactly the same. I also contacted Hyundai corporate, but no meaningful assistance or goodwill support was provided. The dealer acknowledges no leaks but still refuses to repair or replace the engine. This problem is dangerous because the oil level drops without warning lights or error codes. If I do not manually check the dipstick, the engine could run dry and seize while driving. Sudden engine failure on highways or in traffic can cause accidents. I now have to frequently top up oil just to keep the engine alive. I have maintained the vehicle properly and completed all requested tests. The cause is still UNKNOWN, but based on similar Hyundai cases, it may involve piston rings, valve seals, or internal engine wear. Many Hyundai owners report the same issue, suggesting a broader defect. The dealer’s only advice is to “keep monitoring oil,” which is not a safe long-term solution. This defect poses a serious safety concern and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can investigate, as the engine may fail unexpectedly, putting me and others at risk.