2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 74 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 40% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

40%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Sonata Hybrid engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

20V746000EngineDecember 1, 2020 · 128,948 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 55 mph smoke was suddenly present coming from under the hood before the engine failed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2021 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?

NHTSA has 74 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine — 40% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 20V746000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.