2016
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Hyundai Sonata Change Vehicle

With the Sonata's 2015 redesign, Hyundai made some significant improvements to a car that already competed credibly against such big dogs as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. They improved the ride and reduced road noise. The styling is now more upright and less sleek, but it still looks pretty sharp and the new design makes access easier and the view out appreciably better. The hybrid version is new for 2016.
Alerts
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Hyundai Sonata

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS available, standard from 2006. Side air bags standard from 1999. Head protection air bags and ESC standard from 2006.
Road Test

With the Sonata's 2015 redesign, Hyundai made some significant improvements to a car that already competed credibly against such big dogs as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. They improved the ride and reduced road noise. The styling is now more upright and less sleek, but it still looks pretty sharp and the new design makes access easier and the view out appreciably better. The hybrid version is new for 2016.

As before, controls are easy to reach and simple to use. Just as important, the modestly larger interior affords a roomy backseat with plenty of head room -- key passenger concessions that other carmakers blithely overlook. All that adds up to an easy-going, well-rounded family sedan. By way of comparison, the Sonata's everyday personality is a lot more like a sedate Toyota Camry than it is, say, the more engaging Mazda6 or Ford Fusion.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed Sequential
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 1.6-liter 4 turbo (178 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 electric (202 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 hybrid (193 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (245 hp)
  • 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Minor

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

What Owners Say

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 Unsure)
Rough shifting

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

Anonymous, AZ (2016 Hyundai Sonata SE Unsure)

"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)
Transmission sensor or solenoid

"Dealer had to update ecm pr0blem"

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

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)
Radio

"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)
Speakers

"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)
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Body Integrity

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

What Owners Say

"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 Unsure)

"Typical rattles"

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

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

What Owners Say

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)

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

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

Anonymous, GA (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)

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

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)

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

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

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

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

"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)

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)

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

"Recalled due to roof problem"

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

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

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

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

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