Makes›Hyundai›Sonata›2016

2016 Hyundai Sonata

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Hyundai Sonata
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL, front right. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan 2.4, 4dr Sedan Hybrid, 4dr Sedan PHEV, 4dr Sedan Sport 2.0t
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
41 combined · 39 city / 42 hwy
Length
191.3 in
Curb weight
3,252–3,649 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints887 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 164 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,252 lb (4dr Sedan 2.4).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (39 city / 42 highway), 56% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 887 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2016

  • New plug-in hybrid version
  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 37 to 41

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Sonata →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.4L 4-cyl
Engine–2.0L hybrid
Engine–2.0L plug-in hybrid

Trims

SE / SE w/Popular Pkg / Eco / Eco w/Tech PkgSport / Sport w/ Premium Pkg, Sport w/ Tech Pkg / Limited / Limited w/Tech Pkg / Limited w/Ultimate Pkg / Sport 2.0T / Limited 2.0TGL (Middle-Low)GLS (Middle)TOP (High)

Built in: Asan, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Sonata configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 2.4191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,252 lb61/39
4dr Sedan Hybrid191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,497 lb61/39
4dr Sedan PHEV191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,649 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Sport 2.0t191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63 / 63 in3,505 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonata Hybrid SE Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive39 / 42 / 41+56%$1,650221
Sonata Hybrid Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive38 / 41 / 40+53%$1,700225
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive38 / 41 / 40+53%$1,700101
Sonata1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 36 / 31+46%$2,150286
Sonata2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+37%$2,300307
Sonata Sport Limited2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 28+32%$2,400317
Sonata2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+23%$2,600347
Sonata Limited2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+13%$2,800365
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $6,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Hyundai Sonata (this car)41 MPG★★★★★9
2016 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★1
2016 Honda Civic35 MPG★★★★★5
2016 Honda Accord30 MPGNot rated4
2016 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★0
2016 Toyota Camry40 MPG★★★★★3
2016 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (9)

Electrical System › Software · Sep 24, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V749000 · 469,377 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Risk
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 6, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V619000 · 348,158 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Engine · Dec 1, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 128,948 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 12, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V166000 · 2,840 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Risk
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
Parking Brake › Indicator Light · Jun 5, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V359000 · 161,074 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
Risk
If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Oct 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V726000 · 62,811 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.
Risk
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.
Air Bags · Aug 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V615000 · 1,031 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.
Air Bags › Frontal · Apr 21, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V232000 · 33 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
Risk
An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Oct 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V678000 · 64,744 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

887Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
23Involved a crash
31Involved a fire
20Injuries reported
60,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine543
Electrical System134
Unknown Or Other115
Power Train76
Service Brakes49
Exterior Lighting43
Fuel/Propulsion System42
Steering35
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 324/12: 525/01: 525/02: 525/03: 725/04: 925/05: 1825/06: 725/07: 1025/08: 825/09: 725/10: 825/11: 825/12: 626/01: 826/02: 526/03: 926/04: 926/05: 526/06: 426/07: 326/08: 326/09: 526/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 18

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 543 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 134 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 76 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sonata years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sonata51–Not rated00
2026 Sonata51193.3 inNot rated16
2025 Sonata47193.3 in★★★★★028
2024 Sonata47193.3 in★★★★★156
2023 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★2103
2022 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★3114
2021 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★4190
2020 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★4198
2019 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★0172
2018 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★2384
2017 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★5880
2015 Sonata37191.3 in★★★★★121,207

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →