2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

6 recalls, 998 complaints - 305 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Defect Description

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 activat... Read more

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.

469,377 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

Defect Description

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.

161,074 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

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 s... Read more

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.

62,811 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

AIR BAGS

Defect Description

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 ve... Read more

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.

1,031 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

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, th... Read more

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.

33 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

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.

64,744 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Complaint Statistics

998 total complaints 49 crashes 29 fires 34 injuries 4 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	281
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	108
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	98
POWER TRAIN	76
SERVICE BRAKES	49
STEERING	49
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	36
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	35
AIR BAGS	31
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	28

Incident date: Aug 20, 2026

The car died while going 70 on a highway with no warning signs. The car completely shut off and will not turn over or move at all.

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

Component & Inspection: Vehicle engine suffered connecting rod bearing failure and entered restricted P1326 "Limp Home Mode" (max 2,000 RPM). The vehicle is grounded and available for inspection at Bud Clary Hyundai in [XXX].Safety Risk: Sudden, unexpected loss of power occurred while driving, placi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

Driver Airbag light is illuminated

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

All of the ADAS you have listed stop working on my car. I will be driving my car, stop at a red light, drive through, or just driving down the road and it starts throwing sensors. It won’t even show the MPH I’m driving and some times the steering wheel locks up, as does the car itself. I can’t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

On June 22, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata suddenly lost all electrical power without warning. The vehicle stalled and would not restart. There were no warning signs beforehand. After the incident, the car had no electrical power and was inoperable. Further inspection determined that the engine had failed a... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2025 GMC Hummer EV 3X (VIN: [XXX]). On XXX at approximately 18,880 miles, I first presented the vehicle for steering/alignment, suspension, and handling concerns. As of this complaint, the vehicle has approximately 26,840 miles. I have driven nearly 8,000... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shifted between park(P), drive(D), and neutral(N), and the selected gear was not visible or illuminated on the instrument cluster or the gear shifter pane... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

I was travelling on a road today and was in the right hand lane with adaptive cruise control on. I then switched lanes to the left hand lane (it's only 2 lanes) and the adaptive cruise control was still on. I noticed the car travelling faster than it should be for there being a stopped vehicle ahead... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

My 2022 Hyundai Tucson Experience, a sudden transmission failure at approximately 92,520 miles. The vehicle develop shifting issues and abnormal noises before losing propulsión. While driving. Hyundai diagnosed and internal Transmission failure and approved transmission replacement. I’m concerned... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph and the passenger side lower control arm where the ball joint sits broke. It messed up the passenger fender and tire along with the steering link. It also bent the upper control arm as well. The ball joints were replaced about 6 months ago.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

I go to turn on the car on a Friday night and it won’t turn on. I got multiple failures and it said fatal errors take to dealer immediately. I brought the car to the dealer and they said the control panel needs to be replaced and they’re estimating at least a month. I’m one of four cars on a l... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2026

Sensor failed, causing many safety systems to fail - front collision warning, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, etc

Incident date: May 16, 2026

Sensor failed, causing many safety systems to fail - front collision warning, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, etc

Incident date: May 16, 2026

Sensor failed, causing many safety systems to fail - front collision warning, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, etc

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while the wife was driving the electrical systems suddenly malfunction and the vehicle abruptley stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was immediately restarted and driven home. The vehicle was later towed to the local ... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Tire size 235/40 R20. Both front tires extremely worn in an uneven way with 1 having metal showing. Discout Tire in Lafayette, IN inpected and stated, "Lucky to be alive given how dangerous it is to drive on tires with metal exposed." Ordered new tires. Wouldn't even let us leave the parking lot... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The symptoms are shuddering (driving and turning corners), delayed acceleration and bouncing from a stop. This has been recalled and the clutch will never stop performing this way. This is the 3rd time I have had an issue. Researching this online, I have found that it is a federal law that it must... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2026

-Thermostat -car died in traffic -not that I know of -it was diagnosed by the dealer -no warning lights or lamps -not that I’m aware if

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

Head gasket failure

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently downshifted. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The power train failure warning light was illuminated. The... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

I've had a creaking noise in my back suspension since I bought the vehicle. Took it back to the dealership for inspection year after year and they said that my Springs were fine and they were not included in the recall. I come to find out that back coil springs or fractured and I've been driving on ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

Dear Hyundai Customer Care, I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The dashboard has developed significant cracking near the passenger-side airbag, which raises concerns about proper airbag deployment in the event of an accident. This level of deterioration seems prem... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2023

This vehicle has a major engine flaw; Hyundai USA KNOWS about it, and STILL will not issue a recall for EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. First episode: October 2023 at 86,371 miles. Dealership replaced leaking valve cover gasket and changed woefully-soiled spark plugs. Still under manufacturer warranty, ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2023

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, lost automotive power, shifted to neutral, and then shifted into park. During the failure, the contact depressed the brake pedal and pressed the start button f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The vehicle became inoperable at high speeds on the interstate, I-65. My husband was able to safely merge to the right shoulder to avoid any crashes. The car made some loud clunking sounds before all power was lost. The car was then towed to the nearest Nissan dealership. It took 3 business days f... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

Incident Description: While driving with my two [XXX] children and husband under normal conditions, the panoramic sunroof glass on my 2025 BMW X5 xDrive50e suddenly and unexpectedly shattered without warning. At the time of the incident: There were no weather events (no hail, debris, or extrem... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

The air conditioning system failed due to a suspected A/C compressor failure. No warning lights were present. The failure occurred around June 2025 at approximately 60,000 miles and resulted in complete loss of cabin cooling. The issue poses a safety risk due to extreme interior heat and reduced dri... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2026

I START VEHICLE AND TRY TO PUT TRANSMISSION TO DRIVE ITS NOT WORKING AFTER I TRY TO PUT VEHICLE TO REVERSE TRANSMISSION ITS NOT WORKING

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

2020 Chevy Blazer RS 3.6L V6: having intermittent issues with ‘check engine’ light activating and giving code P0128 - indicating “Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)”. Symptoms include: - Temp gauge drops to reading “C” (cold), - AC blows w... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2024

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

My car had issues like harsh/hard shifting, jerking, hesitation, and a "shuddering" sensation, often occurring at low speeds, I took it to the dealer several times for this issue, because the engine light keeps coming on, back in May 2025 they said they did a valve replacement that should fix the is... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

The transmission speed sensor has failed needs a new valve body. It seems like a very common problem with this car and it’s a $3000 fix according to my mechanic. I think there needs to be a recall issued considering everybody on this website is reporting the same problems.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2024

The vehicle experienced a transmission failure at approximately 62,000 miles, which required a transmission replacement. Toyota replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Immediately after the repair, the vehicle began experiencing multiple issues that were not present prior to the repa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (Seat Belts) and 26V034000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repairs were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The m... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

While driving with cruise control engaged, the car had a false positive for forward collision detection and slammed on the brakes at full Highway speed. After about one of second of emergency braking the car released the brakes and resumed cruise control as normal. There were NO other vehicles on th... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2026

I am a subsequent owner of this vehicle and it was sold to me with the known issue of coolant intrusion. Not only have I spent over $1000 in repairs. The issue is a known defect with the short block on the engine. While traveling down interstate 275 my car overheated without warning and shut off alm... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

Car makes a knocking noise when turning. It was determined this is a bad CV axel which now needs to be replaced.

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 AWD (2.5L SKYACTIV-G, non-turbo) was diagnosed by a Mazda dealer with a cracked/leaking cylinder head, a known manufacturing defect in the casting of the aluminum cylinder head. Engine oil is leaking from the rear of the cylinder head onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

Car makes a knocking noise when turning. It was determined this is a bad CV axel which now needs to be replaced.

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Ford refuses to respond to emails nor return calls...... Cracked cylinder head caused from a known issue Ford failed to recall. The 2.0L Ecoboost uses an aluminum cylinder head with relatively thin casting areas between the combustion chamber and coolant passages. Coolant passages run very close to ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

Ford Motor Company Has Decided to Cancel/Pause Customer Satisfaction Campaign 22M03 without Reason or Notice Given to Customers at this Time after being Told By Service Advisor Ron Fultz #3689 at Anderson Ford 3601 Stockton Hill Rd Kingman, AZ 86409....That the effected Cameras as well as the Recall... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

A “Service 4WD” warning light is currently illuminated on the dashboard. The front axles and shock/strut assemblies have already been replaced; however, the warning light remains on. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I was informed that many vehicles ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

Charge port door on vehicle will not open regardless of what you do.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

My Honda Pilot automatically applied the brakes 2 times while traveling on the interstate at 60 mph when there was no one in front of me and no one even near me. Both times it applied the brakes automatically and suddenly for no reason. It could have caused a bad accident. I was fortunate no one was... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The ABS control module needs replacing. The day it started with issues, my abs light as well as esc light, at first. Later all dash lights came on, loud beeping and eventually lost all power while driving. I understand the "fuse" was replaced during recall, but if the damage was already in the ma... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

The infotainment screen is ghost touching (changing screens on it's own). If using gps from my phone that is a problem. The radio doesn't stay on at times while the screen is flipping to numerous places on it's own. I read online that many people are having this problem so it should be covered as a ... Read more

Showing 50 of 998 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.5%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	31.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	36.0	29.0	Regular	$2,100
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	36.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: 347.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

305 manufacturer communications from 166 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	38
350000 EQUIPMENT	35
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	34
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	22
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	20
100000 POWER TRAIN	18
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	15
010000 STEERING	8

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming

130000 VISIBILITY

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in res

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic and 2) Install two anti-theft decal

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operati

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update. Thi

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Certain 2015-2019MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles may intermittently exhibit reduced engine power, a a??Crank/No Starta?? condition, and/or have DTC P1233 stored in the ECM due to an internally leaking fuel pump filter housing. For vehicles exhibit

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993) in response to an increase in thefts of certain Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. In November 2

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

The warranty coverage for certain 2015-2017MY Sonata (LFa) and Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in (LF HEV/PHEV) vehicles exhibiting reduced power steering assist and/or motor driven power steering (MDPS) warning lamp has been extended to 15 years or 150

010000 STEERING

The warranty coverage for certain 2015-2017MY Sonata (LFa) and Sonata HEV/PHEV (LF HEV/PHEV) vehicles exhibiting reduced power steering assist and/or motor driven power steering (MDPS) warning lamp has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 m

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Certain 2015-19MY Sonata (LFA) vehicles equipped with 2.0L Turbo GDI engines need the Electronic Control Module (ECM) software updated to revise the fuel injection control logic to compensate for oxygen sensor aging and control tailpipe emi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information related to an Electronic Control Module (ECM) software update to revise the fuel injection control logic to compensate for O2 sensor aging and control tailpipe emissions within applicable standards.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.

190000 TIRES

Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale

350000 EQUIPMENT

Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of fi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit Abnormal Noise or No Crank/No Start condition. Follow the procedure to inspect the ve

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Certain vehicles with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to Electric Waste Gate Actuator (EWGA) equipped vehicles listed below. Refer to the applicable Engine Control / Fuel System sections in the Shop

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

The warranty coverage for certain Theta II engine long block repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is valid for original and subseq

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

010000 STEERING

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

When asked to provide the Modem Information, the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) may not be available. This TSB# 21-01-080H describes the 3-part software to correct this condition and activate Blue Link Services.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When asked to provide the Modem Information, the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) information is not available. This bulletin describes the 3-part Software to correct this condition and activate Blue Link Services.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to Variable Charge Motion Controllers (VCM) equipped in the applicable vehicles listed below. This bulletin also provides information on the use

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

010000 STEERING

The rack-mounted dual pinion Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system components can be replaced separately from the complete assembly. This bulletin provides information on the separate components and the replacement procedure of these co

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The warranty coverage for the engine long block for engine repairs or replacement related to connecting rod bearing damage as described in Campaign T3G (Seized and/or BCT No Pass Result Only) has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles f

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine or update the engine ECU software based on

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.

190000 TIRES

This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For

200000 WHEELS

175100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

The trunk latch base can be ordered separately from the trunk latch assembly. This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the trunk latch base.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

Showing 100 of 305 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Air bags may be disabled during crash

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyun... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Electronic Parking Brake

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 1000 kilometers (621 miles) the system is designed to perform an Automatic Adjustment Function (AAF) of the pads to check for proper clearance. This function is a pad adjustment only and is preformed with the vehicle in park with the ignition off. It does not set the parking brake or turn the brake indicator light on. Hyundai has identified an error within the EPB control logic that can cause the pads to remain in contact with the rotors at various levels of force after the AAF is completed. This condition could cause the rear brakes to drag at the next drive cycle and may generate some levels of heat and smoke. The EPB control logic error affects model year 2016 vehicles produced from the start of production through March 16, 2016.Vehicles produced from March 17, 2016 incorporate an updated EPB control logic to prevent brake pad drag. On May 11, 2016 Hyundai notified its dealer network of Service Campaign TFF to update the EPB control logic in the affected vehicle population. Dealers will reflash the EPB software to prevent brake pad drag.There are no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this issue. The incident that alleged fire could not be confirmed as there were no repairs to the vehicle other than replacement of the rear brake rotors and pads.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's Service Campaign of the affected vehicles and in consideration that the the effect of brake drag in this instance does not appear to present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa/complaints under the following identification (ODI)numbers: 10820359, 10854476, 10875764, 10892736, and 10928478Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction

On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner s... ystem, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, seRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Steering Shaft Separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 7 complaints and field reports and 10 warranty claims on the subject vehicles that allege the intermediate steering shaft became loose or in some cases separated from the upper steering column and/or the steering gearbox, causing (or potentially ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LACERATION HAZARD

THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION.THE RECALL AFFECTS 91,202 MY 2002-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JANUARY 28, 2002, THROUGH MARCH 22, 2003.THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION WAS DEFINED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S USE OF A NEW SUPPLIER FOR THE CHRO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE08-029, ON APRIL 22, 2008, BASED ON 40 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES.COMPLAINTS DESCRIBE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME IN THE A... REA WHERE THE RIGHT-FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM IS ATTACHED.IN SOME VEHICLES, SUB-FRAME CORROSION HAS CAUSED COMPLETE OR PARTIAL DETACHMENT OF THE CONTROL ARM, RESULTING IN WHEEL COLLAPSE OR SEPARATION. IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE08-029, HYUNDAI PROVIDED OWNER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA FOR APPROXIMATELY 197,906 MY 1999 THROUGH 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES SOLD OR LEASED IN THE UNITED STATES.THE BASE WARRANTY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS 60 MONTHS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO THE ROAD SALTS MAY RESULT IN CORROSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUBFRAME.HYUNDAI REDESIGNED THE SUB-FRAME EARLY IN THE MY 2004 PRODUCTION (NOVEMBER 2003) TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH PREMATURE CORROSION OF THE CROSSMEMBER NEAR THE RIGHT-FRONT SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF BOTH COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FOR THE MY 1999 THROUGH 2002 SONATA VEHICLES SHOWS THAT THE FAILURE RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 PERCENT OF VEHICLE SALES AND OVER 90 PERCENT OFCOMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT (NOTE:FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTS IN A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME AND THERE IS AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE DETECTED (BY INSPECTION, STEERING FEEL OR TIRE WEAR ANOMALIES) AND REPAIRED BEFORE IT REACHES A STATE WHERE A SAFETY RELATED INCIDENT MAY OCCUR.HYUNDAI IDENTIFIED 4 ALLEGATIONS OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT AND 1 ALLEGATION OF A CRASH; WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND DROVE INTO A YARD.THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES.ODI RECEIVED A SEPARATE ALLEGATION OF A CRASH, WHERE THE COMPLAINANT ALLEGED THAT WHILE DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE AT 65 MPH ON A FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME FRACTURED AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WENT OFF THE ROAD.AGAIN, NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.APPROXIMATELY ONE-THIRD OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGE THAT THE SUB-FRAME CORROSION RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR A VEHICLE DISABLEMENT DUE TO WHEEL COLLAPSE OR SEPARATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-016) COVERING MY 1999 THROUGH EARLY-2004 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES IN SALT-BELT STATES AND EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT SUB-FRAME DESIGN TO FURTHER ASSESS THE FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE05-059, BASED ON NINE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES.THE ALLEGED VALVE STEM FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY AFTER TIRE REPLACEMENT FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) TIRE (MICHELIN 205/65R15 ENERGY MXV4 PLUS) TO ... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1999

IMPROPER FRONTAL AIR BAG PERFORMANCE

HYUNDAI HAS RECEIVED 49 REPORTS FROM CUSTOMERS STATING THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.EXAMINATION OF SUPLIMENTAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ODI BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REPORTED CASES IT APPEARED THAT THE NECESSARY AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET.THE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1989

PASS.RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL

There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI SONATA across all model years (1989, 2026).

141 Total Recalls

22,306 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

1,220 Reported Crashes

675 Reported Fires

28 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	2	View
2025	0	21	View
2024	1	74	View
2023	2	140	View
2022	3	142	View
2021	4	184	View
2020	4	275	View
2019	0	213	View
2018	1	553	View
2017	3	1,003	View
2016 (current)	6	998
2015	9	1,665	View
2014	7	1,081	View
2013	9	2,657	View
2012	8	2,280	View
2011	14	4,627	View
2010	2	415	View
2009	2	612	View
2008	5	554	View
2007	7	906	View
2006	11	1,422	View
2005	1	217	View
2004	1	288	View
2003	6	249	View
2002	7	407	View
2001	3	293	View
2000	4	378	View
1999	4	187	View
1998	1	68	View
1997	2	74	View
1996	1	37	View
1995	2	93	View
1994	1	7	View
1993	1	46	View
1992	1	43	View
1991	1	41	View
1990	3	25	View
1989	3	18	View
1987	0	4	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SANTA FE	153	9,962	View
ELANTRA	133	11,853	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View
SANTA FE HYBRID	57	347	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models