2016 Hyundai Sonata fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 6, 2026NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX]) has a serious safety issue involving excessive engine oil consumption. The vehicle loses oil rapidly between changes and requires frequent top‑offs to avoid engine damage. This creates a risk of sudden engine failure while driving. The dealership, South Charlotte Hyundai (10518 Cadillac Street, Pineville, NC 28134), refused to perform Hyundai’s official oil‑consumption test. Instead, they told me to pay $750 for a combustion cleaning and…

   NHTSA complaint #11755304 · source
2. Filed Jun 15, 2026149,000 miWITowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off with the message "HEV System Failure" displayed. The driver safely pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. A towing truck arrived on the scene and reset the diagnostic codes before towing the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer retrieved several diagnostic trouble codes; however, the dealer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11744248 · source
3. Filed Apr 17, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have a car covered by the Theta II Settlement. Engine, fuel system. Metal shavings found in oil and oil is diluted with fuel and oil if overfilled 1 inch above full mark on dipstick upon pickup from dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection at my residence; however, it is currently grounded as a known safety hazard. The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms of imminent engine failure (audible knocking, P0011 code, and oil dilution). Despite being shown evidence of…

   NHTSA complaint #11731963 · source
4. Filed Apr 17, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I am writing about my concerns on a 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE that I purchased for my daughter in October 2023. After purchasing I took it to my local Hyundai dealer to have it checked out. It was one of the cars that came with a lifetime warranty for the rods DO TO A DEFECT.On January 2024 my daughter was driving on the freeway when all of a sudden it just stopped accelerating and when checked it was a Knock sensor detection system. The dealer took it in and inspected and said…

   NHTSA complaint #11731891 · source
5. Filed Mar 17, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11724931 · source
6. Filed Feb 1, 2026DEEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11714812 · source
7. Filed Jan 19, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11711987 · source
8. Filed Oct 10, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   The problem with my vehicle is a failure of internal engine components, specifically a known defect in the piston rings of the Hyundai Theta II engine. This failure causes excessive oil consumption, which is burned internally. The internal engine components have failed, leading to a widely documented defect in the Hyundai Theta II engine. The primary symptom, which began to get serious around 80,000 miles, is the constant need to add oil to the engine every two weeks. If I…

   NHTSA complaint #11692555 · source
9. Filed Jun 8, 2025ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has experienced multiple hybrid system shutdowns while driving. This includes repeated complete power loss incident on I-90 beginning in June 2022, when my daughter was driving home after her hospital shift. The vehicle displayed a “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Off Engine” message and had to be pushed off the highway and towed. This was the first of several hybrid-related failures that…

   NHTSA complaint #11665618 · source
10. Filed May 20, 2025NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    I had engine issues back in 2021. I had to pay $600 for a part to be installed to fix the problem . The engine failed, the idle was violently lurching forward and would randomly Shut down. Recently the car shut down without warning again. Its scary.

    NHTSA complaint #11662102 · source
11. Filed Mar 27, 2025CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The fuel pump where the fuel line connects to it is cracked and squirting fuel all over that area. Some time ago I started smelling fuel when getting close to the vehicle or when opening windows. Took it to a shop to have it checked out and the technician couldn’t find the problem, since there is no check engine light on or any type of warning. A few days ago I decided to check the bottom part of the fuel tank and noticed that there were traces of leaking fluid. Reached to…

    NHTSA complaint #11651130 · source
12. Filed Feb 13, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I was driving a 2016 Hyundai Sonata on a mountain highway and it started to run rough and lose power dramatically when accelerating. A dangerous situation on a steep curvy highway that has many one lane sections. Shortly thereafter a dash light came on. There was no warnings or dash lights or symptoms prior to this incident. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and ran the code. It said there was a misfire in cylinder 3. Replaced the ignition coil and spark plug for cylinder 3…

    NHTSA complaint #11642598 · source

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