2016 Hyundai Sonata brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

29 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 91,000 mi.

Brakes complaints
29
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
3
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
91,000 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes26
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Service brakes, air:antilock:abs warning light1

Brakes complaints across Hyundai Sonata years

82006842008812010399520127436201442292016151020182420204620224220246
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k360k–100k3100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V359000Jun 5, 2017161,074 vehicles
    PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

    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.

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Mar 18, 2026SCBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11725141 · source
  2. Filed Jan 19, 2026NJBrakesOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11711954 · source
  3. Filed Apr 22, 2025PRBody & StructureBrakesEngine
    I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its own, without any input from me. This happens especially right after starting the…
    NHTSA complaint #11656197 · source
  4. Filed Apr 2, 2025PRBrakesSteering
    I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While…
    NHTSA complaint #11652440 · source
  5. Filed Dec 5, 2024149,000 miTXBrakes
    The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the parking brake light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS control module was faulty and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11629092 · source
  6. Filed Nov 20, 2024FLBrakesEngine
    My engine block or engine has a hole in it. All of my oil came out and my vehicle shut off. My brakes as well is not hard when pressed on, so I would have to pump it till it hardened. My safety and others safety was at risk while I was driving because my vehicle was not coming to a complete stop which could have resulted in a serious or fatal accident. As well as my engine block blowing making all the oil in my vehicle leak all on the road while driving on a busy road. Yes…
    NHTSA complaint #11626372 · source
  7. Filed Oct 20, 2024NCBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    I was driving as normal and twice about 3 min apart from each other my car went into emergency braking and stopped sudden. No red lights no warnings nothing. Also periodically my car dashboard lights will come on while driving filtering through all the hazard checks. Sometimes it stays on and sometimes it don't. Eventually dash goes back normal. Again all with no warning. Very scary
    NHTSA complaint #11620852 · source
  8. Filed Mar 23, 2024MSBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown
    The blind spot detection system needs alignment. When the blind spot detection fails it disables traction control and anti-lock brakes. The parking sensor and backup sensors should have nothing to do with the antilogue brakes or traction control. Since these items are disabled traction does not exist and anti-lock brakes are ineffective.
    NHTSA complaint #11579046 · source
  9. Filed Dec 16, 2023MDBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS that ultimately lead to ENGINE FAILURE, due to there being NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES, or OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. This is a concerning issue that remains largely unknown to most customers. When these issues arise, car owners…
    NHTSA complaint #11560428 · source
  10. Filed Oct 16, 2023FLFireBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    My husband (Scott) was driving the car on Florida highway 408 eastbound approaching the exit 21 on 10/12/2023 around 8 am. Scott heard something pop suddenly and saw fire shooting out from both sides of the car in the rearview mirrors. Upon noticing the fire, he tried to slow down to pull over the car, but brakes failed (went to the floor). A police officer on the road happened to see the fire so he drove next to my husband's car and Scott yelled at officer that he had no…
    NHTSA complaint #11550309 · source
  11. Filed Oct 2, 2023FLBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    Bought the car on 08/20/2022. On 09/07/2022 we took the car back to Allen Turner because the engine light was flashing and the car would not go over a certain speed. There were metal shavings in the oil. It was throwing code P1326. They did an update on car and told me the cylinder walls were scored but the motor had a lifetime warranty no matter what happened to it. Every time we would have the oil changed, we would have to add 3 quarts of oil every 10-15 days. The vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11547720 · source
  12. Filed Sep 7, 2023KYBrakesEngineOther / Unknown
    I just got my car out the shop on April 29th at a Hyundai dealer and on may 2nd was driving on highway my check engine came back on and my speed decreased on its own almost causing a wreck then my car would only go 20mph in a 70 mph zone I have contacted Hyundai they refuse to do anything
    NHTSA complaint #11543294 · source

Other 2016 Hyundai Sonata problem areas

Back to all 2016 Hyundai Sonata problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology