VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Sonata Plug-In Hybrid year — the 2016 model ranks #2 of 4 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (18 of 43), far ahead of electrical system at 12.

43

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years?

Sonata Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted51 complaints2016: 43 complaints2017: 51 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 6 complaints
Sonata Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1842%
Electrical System1228%
Fuel System512%
Other512%
Transmission37%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V749000Electrical SystemSeptember 24, 2021 · 469,377 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

18V166000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2018 · 2,840 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE DASH READ "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE". IT SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE CARPOOL LANE. THERE WAS NO WARNING, JUST SHUT RIGHT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE SHOULDER TO SAFETY UNTIL AAA CAME TO TOW ME AWAY. THE CAR WOULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 9, 2018

“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE PHEV WARNING ILLUMINATED AND THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL PROPULSION. IT REFUSED TO ENGAGE THE GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MOTOR TO MOVE OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED HYBRID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 8, 2017

“I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH IN FULL ELECTRIC MODE AND THE CAR REMOVED ALL POWER FROM MY GAS PEDAL, THERE WAS LOTS OF DINGING SOUNDS AND THE DASH SAID "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, TURN YOUR CAR OFF". LUCKILY I WAS ALREADY TO THE FAR RIGHT SO I COULD JUST PULL TOT HE SHOULDER AND STOP THE CAR, THE BREAKS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 4, 2018

“HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NOW IT IS NOT OPERABLE. CAR WAS CHECKED BY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE 3 DAYS AGO. THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, THEY DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME SAFELY, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 20, 2018

“HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL TIMES. NOW IT IS NOT OPERABLE. CAR WAS CHECKED BY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE 3 DAYS AGO. THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, THEY DID NOT PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME SAFELY, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 20, 2018

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2016 model at #2 of 4 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years. It is one of the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Sonata Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2017, 2016. The cleanest record among Sonata Plug-In Hybrid years belongs to 2018.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.