2016 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Ratings, Prices

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"CarPlay connects somewhat unreliably to my iPhone. More annoying, when I turn off the car with CarPlay having been connected, the state of the infotainment system is unpredictable and, as far as I can tell, uncontrollable, when the car is next started. Often, the radio or (even worse) Sirius is playing at an VERY loud volume when the car is next started, even though neither the radio nor Sirius had been used."

Bronna V., OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Backup or other camera/sensors

"The video for the backup camera has never worked consistently. I sometimes wait 10 seconds, sometimes 20 seconds before it connects. When it works, it's a great system. But it is very annoying and something the dealer has never taken seriously when I've asked about it."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen freezes up

"The display screen began freezing this last winder. It never happened before. The problem presented itself differently at random times. Sometimes after starting the car, the screen would freeze showing a blue screen with the Hyundai logo. In that case, none of the radio buttons worked. Other times, when the car was started, the screen would show the standard screen with various functions but none of them worked. Other times the radio would not shut off once the car was parked and the ignition turned off. I needed to disconnect the battery to get the radio to turn off. Once spring arrived, the problem has gone away."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen goes blank

"This issue is much less common, only a few times over four years. Each time, the screen did not function again until the car was restarted."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The backup camera video on the touch screen is more often than not delayed by up to 10 seconds from the time I put the car in reverse. It's extremely annoying. The dealer simply states no problem observed. I loved the car, but this issue has soured that love."

Doug P., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"The original entertainment system did not recognize my iPod some of the time. If I unplugged and replugged it the unit would be recognized. The entertainment system was replaced under warranty and now works fine"

D T., ON (2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Hardware replacement

"Satellite radio service no longer worked. Unit was replaced about 9 months ago."

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The maps in the built-in GPS are out of date. However, unlike an off-the-shelf GPS that typically comes with free lifetime map updates, Hyundai wants to charge me a steep fee for a one-time update. I attempted to resolve this problem through Hyundai. At the first level, I got no for an answer. I was promised a review of that answer at a higher (?division?) level, but I have never received any evidence that such a high-level review was even conducted."

Bronna V., OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Radio

"Along with the screen freezing at unpredictable times, the radio would sometimes refuse to shut off. None of the screen buttons would work as well as the dashboard buttons controlling the radio. I would turn off the ignition and the radio kept playing. To solve the problem I had to disconnect and then reconnect the battery."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Radio cuts in and out frequently. I lose the signal for 10 - 15 seconds"

Robert M., OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE HEAT, AFTER WORK WHEN DRIVING AROUND OR HOME, THE SOUND WOULD CRACKLE, THEN DISAPPEAR INTO SILENCE. IT OCCASIONALLY RE-APPEARS AFTER 5 OR 10 MINUTES, AND ALWAYS RE-APPEARS AFTER BEING PARKED IN MY GARAGE OVERNIGHT"

Anonymous, OH (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Software update fixes

"does not accelerate when you start away from light or stop sign until you push gas pedal to floor and the goes to 4000rpm. After 3 yrs of this safety problem I found out Hyundai thinks it is too expensive So it will be fixed j under campaign for a recall.16-18mySonata ECM update completed1/25/19. Mfg and their secret warranties should pay a fine. especially as this is a safety hazard."

G M., DE (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Speakers

"Another ongoing problem with my Sonata. Dealer has replaced 4x already and still continues to have issues. This is supposed to be a Premium Sound system but has failed time and time again. Terrible quality of craftsmanship on Hyundai's part. Dealer (Don Franklin Hyundai - Lexington, KY) claims that Hyundai isn't made to have a good sound system. The quality of the car isn't good enough to support such speakers. Don't believe me? I have it documented in complaints to the company yet no one will help. Hyundai then advised putting household insulation in my door panels to compensate. Mostly fixed the issue but was still after 4x being replaced. Still rattles intermittently."

Benjamin H., KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Speakers sound blown and have since new. Vibrations and rattles are ineveitable at any volume level. Horrible"

Benjamin H., KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"on most AM stations and certain Sirius XM stations I experience a faint crackling in rear speakers. I asked about this and was told that it is a problem of the AM radio stations due to "there to be phased out". I heard the same thing twenty years ago about AM radio being phased out... a rhetorical response I marked it down as. The dealership said they checked a couple other Limited models and they to had same faint crackle which is not apparent on stereo stations. Also - and have yet"

Edward B., MN (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"same answer as for other problem.... when cold transmission has hard time selecting the correct gear causing car to stumble."

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata ECO 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Hydraulics (clutch master or slave cylinder)

"Vehicle became unresponsive while sitting idle at a light. Had to turn off for several minutes and turn back on. Drove fine after waiting about 10 minutes. Error code indicated a problem with cylinder firing but dealership was not able to find the problem. After dealership inspection, and tearing everything apart, it stopped happening. Possibly a loose connection to the cylinder"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE)

Rough shifting

"When starting from cold, the transmission balks at selecting a gear causing the car to stumble when stepping on the gas. Once warmed up it's OK. There was a recall and a software upgrade but i'm still experiencing it."

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata ECO 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Concurrent to cylinder problem. Shifting jumps were noticeable for several weeks before vehicle failure"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE)

"dealer had to update ECM"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Car downshifts harshly at exactly 52kph causing passengers to jerk forward"

Anonymous, ON (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Don't like the new dual clutch transmission. Shifting is uneven, especially from dead stop"

Myer C., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Covered in previous comment."

Leonard B., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata)

Slipping transmission

"When starting from a stop, hesitates, shift unexpectedly, sometimes engine speeds up but car does not then it shifts suddenly. The result is unsafe starting in traffic to entering traffic."

Leonard B., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata)

Transmission sensor or solenoid

"Dealer had to update ecm pr0blem"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

12V power plug

"There are 3 12v power outlets inside this vehicle; 2 in the front and one in the rear. The left front power outlet quit working one day. I attempted to locate a burnt-out fuse but was unsuccessful. The dealership wanted a $125 deposit to troubleshoot the issue. Considering all the issues I've had with the vehicle, and the fact that I have 2 other working outlets, I chose not to pay the fee."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The plug had to be replaced. It kept blowing fuses"

Stuart L., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Gauges

"Dashboard light flickers bright to dim"

Gary F., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Headlights

"Headlights always burned out. Replaced with LED's. No problem now"

Anonymous, BC (2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Interior lights

"Dashboard lights get bright then dim."

Gary F., CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Keyless entry

"when car is parked, if I walk nearby with keys in my pockets, it unlovks doors snd trunk without my having push any buttons. Many times the turnk unlocked but did not pop up , therfore I was unaware I was leavinbg the trunk unlocked and partially open."

Anonymous, NC (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Wiper motor or washer

"Driving in heavy rain for a long distance, the wipers started working intermittently. Would have to turn them off for 5+ minutes and then they would work for 20+/- and start slowing again"

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Squeaks in headliner near sunroof detected after tearing into car on two occasions. Finally problem found and corrected. Something not tightened well enough at factory"

Richard B., UT (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"common problem with seal on back side of sunroof causes a creeky noise"

Anonymous, WA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"A new car should not squeak and rattle this much. Horrible"

Benjamin H., KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"It started only recently. After going over a significant bump, now I hear this creak sound coming from the interior. It sounds like two pieces of plastic periodically clicking together. Since I love driving with the entertainment system off, I immediately became aware of the creak when it started"

Anonymous, GA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"sunroof has been squeaking a lot and loudly. Been to dealership twice w/out success"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport)

"Typical rattles"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Wind noise

"Passenger side window seems to leak air causing irritating noise"

Mary H., IL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"the dealer replaced the brake shoes during a scheduled warranty inspection. I wasn't aware that I needed new brake shoes."

Anonymous, FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Parking brake

"electronic parking brake would get stuck and continue trying to set itself even after turning vehicle off"

Anonymous, NC (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"the parking brake does not keep the car from rolling downhill on even a slight incline unless the parking brake pedal is pushed all the way to the floor. When the pedal is pushed to the floor, the parking bake barely holds on a very slight incline in my driveway. If my wife pushes on the back of the car when the parking brake pedal is on the floor and the car is on the driveway incline, it will roll. I have taken the car to the dealer 4 times to fix this problem. They consistently tell me th"

A B., CO (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Parking brake engaged while driving"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Rotors

"Warped rotors from the factory caused my front brake pads to wear pre-maturely and fail. Sent a wicked shimmy through the steering wheel and entire vehicle. Dealer (Don Franklin Hyundai Lexington, KY) was TERRIBLE and blamed it on me saying that my lead-foot was the problem. Initially refused a service loaner or alternate transportation. Then after calling management they agreed but still tried to charge me over $700 for new wheel bearings, rotors, pads, sensors & labor. ASTONISHED because a complete brake job on 1 axle of my MERCEDES-BENZ is less than $600 including labor. Will NEVER buy another Hyundai, nor let Don Franklin work on it again. EVER. BUYER BEWARE"

Benjamin H., KY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Vibration on applying the brakes"

Wayne B., BC (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"My Sonata was burning oil more quickly than it should. I had to prove this to the dealership by returning about 3 times for an oil check. They had to replace the entire engine as it was under a 100k warranty. It did not cost me anything. They even gave me a free loaner car during the repairs. I was happy about that."

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited Unsure)

"Started having large oil consumption issues. Engine was replaced under warranty."

Anonymous, GA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Engine was consuming one quart of oil per 1000 miles. Timing chain was rattling due to oil pressure. Engine replaced under warranty at 59,000 miles"

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Sometime in about March 2019, I was driving on the freeway when the emissions sensor came on and the engine went into "safety mode" (lost significant power and was unable to drive faster than about 45 mph). I took it to the Hyundai dealership near my home in California they replaced the sensor. About 45 min after I picked up the car from the dealership, I got on the freeway and the same thing happened again. So I returned to the dealership. This time they replaced the sensor and some kind of harness, according to the work-order. Another week went by after I picked up the vehicle and the same issue happened a third time. Altogether, I have returned the vehicle to the dealership 5 times for the same issue. On one occasion, they had the vehicle in the shop for an entire month. On the last occasion, it was in the shop for 2 weeks. They finally determined that the problem was in the engine and replaced the engine. Each repair, by the way, was covered by the vehicle warranty, so other than the inconvenience of having my car malfunctioning over and over, I have only one out of pocket expense. The second time they had it, the vehicle was broken into and the thief smashed the rear window to gain entry. He/she took a very expensive and powerful flashlight, along with my crucifix I had hanging from the windshield. I guess the thief was religious. Since I could not provide a receipt for either, the dealership did not replace them. The last 3 times it was in the dealership shop, they provided a rental car for me to use. I have had the car back with the new engine for about a month and a half with no apparent problems. But we shall see. The other electrical issues I have experienced are intermittent and have not been repaired. As for the horn and the headlights, I think the horn should be louder and the lights should be brighter."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"After 7 months and numerous visits the engine had to be replaced. Subsequent to that the head gasket. Now it needs a throttle kit"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Difficult to fill up gas tank

"pump keeps kicking off and have to fill it manually instead of automatic"

G M., DE (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine computer

"needed reprogramming at time of purchase due to engine pausing on acceleration. Needed reprogramming due to recall."

Anonymous, WA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine knock or ping

"Engine is noisy at startup from May stop. Took it to dealer and they say it is normal. Do not agree."

Anonymous, ON (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Due to Hyundai problems, they updated my computer to which now it pings more."

Anonymous, BC (2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Oil leaks

"I assume that the oil leaks were related to the car burning oil too quickly. I had to have the engine replaced after verifying the oil problem was happening."

Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited Unsure)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The rear roof top antenna cover fell off."

Anonymous, FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Rear bumper paint peeling off. Two spots on hood ,possible road debris chips"

Carlos G., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Clear coat started to peel on the paint below driver side headlight. thanks"

Anonymous, GA (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Rust

"Rust on chipped paint on hood"

Carlos G., FL (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"For no apparent reason, the system changes on its own from 'recirculate'to drawing air in from the outside. Despite a number of attempts, the dealership have not been able to resolve the issue."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Evaporator

"The A/C drain keeps getting clogged, which causes condensation to drip into the passenger compartment."

Chris B., MI (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Heater system

"Driving the interstate, 95 degrees outside, with the climate control set to auto, it blew cold air out the top vents and hot air at foot level"

John R., IA (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Sunroof

"Sunroof front windscreen broke from vehicle while driving down interstate. made sunroof unable to be used, and I was very fortunate it did not completely break off from vehicle as I had other vehicles behind me in the same lane that may have been struck had the parts completely disconnected."

Anonymous, NC (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Recalled due to roof problem"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Not sure"

Anonymous, CT (2016 Hyundai Sonata ECO 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Engine harness

"Hyundai makes engine harness wiring insulation out of SOY, which rodents love to chew up. I had to have the entire harness replaced, which cost $2,400. Our insurance company wanted to replace the harness with an after-market non-soy based component, because it is well known that rodents will eat/chew soy based wiring. Hyundai refused, and forced the insurance company to pay for the OEM part, the same SOY based harness. My lease is about up, and the second wiring harness is showing rodent chewing (although it hasn't failed yet), despite my efforts to prevent this from happening, which include: stuffing Bounce dryer sheets all over the engine compartment ... placing Irish Spring soap in various pots under the hood ... spaying the tires with rodent repellent each time after I park the car in my driveway ... lifting the engine hood every time that I park the car in the driveway. I'll never purchase or lease a Hyundai again."

Timothy C., MN (2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

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