Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The "Stop Car, Check Brakes" message was displayed. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle, and stated that after restarting the vehicle, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was then taken to Homestead Hyundai (111 S Homestead Blvd, Homestead, FL 33030) where it was diagnosed that the power brake booster and rear wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, and the message "Warning - Do not Attempt to Restart" was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure of the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed as a failure with the engine wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had been back to the dealer several times. Recently, the contact was informed that the wiring harness was soy-based insulated, and rodents were causing damage to the wiring harness due to the smell. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and the contact was informed that an oil change was needed. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer and was diagnosed and DTC: C222908; was retrieved. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,385.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The parking mechanism in the transmission failed. The car was parked in my garage . The lever was in the "Park" position when the car drove backwards out of my garage and crashed into the fence. It continued driving into the street and into the neighbors yard. Two people were out walking and saw it happen. I know I did not leave my car in neutral or reverse when I parked it in my garage. When I tested this later sitting in my car, in my garage, the car immediately began moving backwards instantly, while i was still at the wheel. Had the car been in neutral or reverse at the time this incident occurred, I would have known it was moving immediately and shifted it into park right away. When this incident happened I put the car into park, and I got out of my car , I got things from my trunk and went inside the house. Then I went back to the car to get more things. …
Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.Diagnostic & Component Confirmation:The vehicle was towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of Goshen, Repair Order #6080674). Diagnostic testing confirmed trouble codes P0717 (Input Speed Sensor No Signal) and P0A40 (Drive Motor Position Sensor).The dealership's certified technician explicitly documented that they "followed TSB and found input speed sensor valve body harness is faulty due to heavy corrosion on the sensor connector."Safety Hazard Summary:This is a critical manufacturing and sealing defect where an internal, non-wear component (the transmission valve …
As I was driving on the highway at 65MPH, a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard that read, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM/TURN OFF ENGINE". Immediately after that, I noticed that my vehicle started behaving erratically, making it difficult to control. I stepped on the gas pedal expecting the car to pick up speed and move forward. Despite the pressure I applied, the car failed to accelerate, leaving me stuck in my current position. After nearly causing a severe accident on a busy interstate, I was able to safely pull my car over to the side of the road. After conducting extensive research, I discovered that the issue I am facing with my hybrid vehicle is actually quite common among Hyundai Sonata Hybrids. It's surprising to note that despite this problem's prevalence, no recall or common solution has been provided to address it. …
The car requires a quart of oil every 1 to two weeks. Brought it to multiple dealerships and was never given a reason why. Car was making knocking noises anytime driven at 45 or below and sometimes higher. We believe it had to be about the recall Hyundai has advised us about multiple times. We brought it to them on Friday July 22nd. They updated the Hybrid system and we left. Driving the car to work July 27th and the car went into "limp" mode and stated that there was a issue with the hybrid engine and to shut the car off immediately. I was able to pull the car off the road and turn it off. The engine light constantly blinked when the error happened. When I shut the car off and turned it back on, it the same hybrid error shows up on the screen again. We had to have it towed to the same dealership we went to the previous day. …
The car will randomly lose acceleration and jerk forward. It will make a beeping noise while the hev system warning flashes on the dash. It also says to turn off engine. While the warning is flashing and engine light is on it goes into a limp mode and you have limited acceleration. It has almost caused multiple wrecks when I go to acceleration from turning or at lights in traffic because I cant go over 20-30 mph. I have turned the car on and off and the hev system and engine light turns off and the car continues to work normal. It eventually comes back on and does the same loss of power/hev warning. It will be random and does not matter on how fast you are going to trigger the warning lights and loss of power.
While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! Car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! By the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I'm thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Software
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…
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.
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Electrical complaints in other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 27% of the model year's 133 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-749 (software, Sep 24, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.