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

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.4 | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,252 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan Hybrid | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,497 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan PHEV | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,649 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Sport 2.0t | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,505 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Hybrid SE Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 42 / 41 | +56% | $1,650 | 221 |
| Sonata Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 41 / 40 | +53% | $1,700 | 225 |
| Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 41 / 40 | +53% | $1,700 | 101 |
| Sonata | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +46% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +37% | $2,300 | 307 |
| Sonata Sport Limited | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 28 | +32% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Sonata | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Sonata Limited | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +13% | $2,800 | 365 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.5% |


Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 41 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
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.
Not every 2016 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 543 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 134 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 76 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sonata | 51 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sonata | 51 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 28 |
| 2024 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2023 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 103 |
| 2022 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2021 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 190 |
| 2020 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 198 |
| 2019 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 172 |
| 2018 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 384 |
| 2017 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 880 |
| 2015 Sonata | 37 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 1,207 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →