Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact called on behalf of the driver. The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the driver was driving approximately 30 MPH the vehicle braking system functionality completely failed. Then shortly after there was smoke exhausted from the hood. There were no warning lights. The driver was able to cruise to the nearest parking, got the vehicle down to 5 MPH, and forced the brakes on. Upon exiting the vehicle the smoke became more intense and spread in the cab. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. There was a police report filed. There were no major injuries; just minor smoke inhaled. The vehicle was towed to the wrecking yard. There were no medical reports. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
My husband (Scott) was driving the car on Florida highway 408 eastbound approaching the exit 21 on 10/12/2023 around 8 am. Scott heard something pop suddenly and saw fire shooting out from both sides of the car in the rearview mirrors. Upon noticing the fire, he tried to slow down to pull over the car, but brakes failed (went to the floor). A police officer on the road happened to see the fire so he drove next to my husband's car and Scott yelled at officer that he had no brakes. The officer went ahead of Scott to help Scott's car slow down. When approaching uphill slopes by the exit, Scott was finally able to use the emergency brakes to come to a complete stop. The fire engine came right away and put out the fire which took over 20 minutes. My husband is handicapped and him walking away from such car catastrophic fire unharmed was near miracle. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the valve cover was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the brake booster needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to leak oil. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer for regular maintenance and was informed that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The contact was informed that the camshaft and electrical continuously variable valve timing actuator seal plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where she was informed that the diagnostic test indicated that the rear wheels were moving at over 200 KM/H while the vehicle was idle. The dealer also diagnosed that the ABS had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the parking brake light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS control module was faulty and needed be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Car was leaking oil I reported to Hyundai and service repair shop had to take it back 3 times due to them neglecting to listen to me oil got into other parts and I had to get 7 things fix also after having back for 1 day the brakes and electric is not working properly engine also fails to accelerate correctly
Please contact me for more details on issues and info on this dealership (Kendall Hyndai in Miami I know there something wrong with the way they're responding to this very dangerous brake issue's before it cause l serious injuries or. fatalities Took the car to dealership with an abs light on and stop check brakes light as well had total brake failure after running diagnostic the said I need to change the pressure source unit which cost me 4k after picking up vehicle and driving a few mile had same issue happen they said I need to change both rear bearing sensors which is another. 1500 iam feeling like this is a very serious issue and the are just charging me as much as they can . …
This vehicle had a complete engine failure. Since it is a hybrid, when the engine shut down, the vehicle lost all power. The driver had no control over steering or brakes. The vehicle crashed through three trees and into a house. Hyundai Motors of America and NHTSA are aware of the issues with this vehicle's engine, however, this engine was already replaced. The problem was that the "limp mode" did not enact in this specific car. I brought this to Hyundai's attention at least 20 times and expressed my concern about the threat this vehicle posed to me and anyone else on the road, yet they continued to ignore me or attempt to rectify the issue. This vehicle was part of the class action lawsuit. I was told, after the seventh time the vehicle broke down (fourth time after engine replacement) that Hyundai would buy back the vehicle. That never happened. …
Bought the car on 08/20/2022. On 09/07/2022 we took the car back to Allen Turner because the engine light was flashing and the car would not go over a certain speed. There were metal shavings in the oil. It was throwing code P1326. They did an update on car and told me the cylinder walls were scored but the motor had a lifetime warranty no matter what happened to it. Every time we would have the oil changed, we would have to add 3 quarts of oil every 10-15 days. The vehicle stalled out at a very busy intersection nearly causing a wreck with my teenage daughter driving. Had it towed to dealership and they said it needed a new motor because it has one of the defective motors in it according to the VIN. Then they told me it was oil consumption and they could replace spark plugs and oil and it would be drivable but it would stall, it would break down and the motor will seize. …
I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there's a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I'm not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe - especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. …
Related recalls
Parking brake › Indicator light
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059.
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Parking Brake
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application. One of the reports alleged a fire in the right rear wheel area.The vehicles subject to the investigation are equipped with an optional Electronic Parking Brake (EPB).
Brake complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, 6% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Sonata brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-359 (indicator light, Jun 5, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Sonata brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries to brakes 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.