2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Common Problems
Ranked from 55 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
12 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Check Engine Light and Hybrid System Errors
20complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light and hybrid system errors frequently appear, often indicating underlying engine or electrical issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Stall During Operation
18complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly stalls during operation, often accompanied by a check engine light.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V746000
- 3
Unpredictable Acceleration Issues
18complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle experiences unpredictable acceleration issues, such as losing power or jerking forward unexpectedly.
Related recall: 20V746000
- 4
Engine Knocking and Internal Combustion Engine Failure
15complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine produces knocking noises and fails, leading to complete engine replacement.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V746000
- 5
Engine Warning Lights and Limp Mode
10complaintsMedium severityEngineMultiple engine warning lights and the vehicle entering limp mode occur, often due to engine or hybrid system failures.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V746000
- 6
Hybrid System Failure Causing Loss of Power
10complaintsMedium severityOtherThe hybrid system fails, causing the vehicle to lose power and enter a limp mode, often with multiple warning lights.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Engine Failure Leading to Complete Shutdown
9complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine fails completely, leading to a complete shutdown of the vehicle, often requiring towing.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V746000
- 8
Check Engine Light On Due to Electrical System Issues
8complaintsLow severityElectricalThe check engine light illuminates due to electrical system failures, often requiring diagnosis and repair.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Engine Overheating and Smoke Emission
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine overheats and emits smoke, often leading to engine failure or replacement.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V746000
- 10
Transmission Failure Causing Uncontrolled Movement
6complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe automatic transmission fails, causing the car to move unexpectedly, such as rolling backward into objects.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Steering wheel lock-up
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel locked up unexpectedly, making it difficult to control the vehicle, especially at low speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Sunroof spontaneous shattering
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving, causing significant noise and potential injury.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.