2016 Hyundai Sonata transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 12, 2026NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   After the emissions 9c2 recall car hesitant when changing an Hyundai has knowledgement of the problem but don’t have a fix

   NHTSA complaint #11743836 · source
2. Filed Jun 2, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Went from 65 and dropped down to 40 going up grades on the freeway. Started shaking, check engine light went on and electric battery disappeared from dash. Got to top of grade, went back to normal. Problem repeated on next grades. Car had just left dealership lot an hour prior where it was safety inspected and they said all was fine. Took back to dealership for inspection and they said that there were no codes showing for what happened and all was well with the vehicle, when…

   NHTSA complaint #11741506 · source
3. Filed May 19, 2026FLEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The following mandatory software update was performed on my vehicle: ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN 9C2). After this update my vehicle drivetrain is quite erratic. In particular when the engine is cold it appears to jerk even when in Parking gear position. When cold the drivetrain experiences erratic gear shifts. This provides little confidence when driving and could result in safety issues when merging into traffic. Once the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11738811 · source
4. Filed May 12, 2026NCEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2016 Hyundai Sonata is experiencing severe oil consumption due to a known Hyundai engine defect. The engine burns oil rapidly and loses more than a quart between oil changes. This creates a safety hazard because the engine can stall, seize, or fail while driving. The Hyundai dealership did NOT perform the official Hyundai oil-consumption test. They only checked the dipstick, noted the oil was low, and submitted a request for a paid combustion cleaning. Hyundai declined to…

   NHTSA complaint #11737409 · source
5. 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
6. 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
7. Filed Feb 11, 2026152,000 miNYTowedElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that…

   NHTSA complaint #11717361 · source
8. 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
9. Filed Jan 6, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   Subject: Excessive Engine Oil Consumption – 2016 Hyundai Sonata I am reporting an ongoing and excessive engine oil consumption issue with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that I believe may represent a safety defect or other significant reliability concern. The engine is burning oil at a rate far beyond normal expectations (requiring frequent top-off well below recommended mileage intervals), resulting in dangerously low oil levels while driving. I have maintained the vehicle per…

   NHTSA complaint #11709175 · source
10. Filed Dec 29, 2025GAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk

    NHTSA complaint #11707489 · source
11. Filed Dec 16, 2025UTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    On November 10, 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN [XXX] , approximately 150,000 miles) experienced a sudden loss of power while I was turning right and accelerating into traffic. The vehicle immediately entered limp mode with flashing warning lights and audible alerts. The vehicle lost normal propulsion and could not accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation as it was blocking a traffic lane. I was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby parking lot to get…

    NHTSA complaint #11705351 · source
12. Filed Nov 17, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The vehicle experienced an engine and power train failure while driving on the highway, resulting in sudden loss of power. The electrical system also failed after the dealer visit, causing the battery to die every morning. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My car suddenly lost power on the highway and would not accelerate, forcing me to pull over on the shoulder with traffic moving around me. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision or…

    NHTSA complaint #11699824 · 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