2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in HybridProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-749 the manufacturer reports only 53% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 27, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has problems

26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine180
Electrical system120
Hybrid propulsion system30
Power train30
Fuel/propulsion system20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

53%repaired · 2023 Q3

Electrical system: software

Recall 21V-749 · Sep 24, 2021 · 469,377 vehicles · 249,761 repaired

Risk. A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

90%repaired · 2019 Q3

Hybrid propulsion system

Recall 18V-166 · Mar 12, 2018 · 2,840 vehicles · 2,545 repaired

Risk. If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid median. How we score

'16'17'18'19
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Loss of Motive PowerDP22003 · closed Dec 12, 2023
    No recall
  2. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What Sonata Plug-in Hybrid owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, the “Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine” message was displayed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then stated that the vehicle…
Complaint 11529173 · Jun 27, 2023 · 65,000 miles
While driving the car getting error message on dashboard "Check Hybrid System Turn Off Engine", The Gas engine turn off and switch to continue on electric till able to pull on the side of the road. Turn Off engine, wait a min. Start car again and working fine. This issue appears randomly many times…
Complaint 11514685 · Mar 30, 2023
While driving the hybrid system warning light comes on and says to check hybrid system, vehicle goes into limp mode will not accelerate over 25 mph and codes need to be cleared before vehicle van be driven. This has caused me to almost have several accidents. The vehicle slows down and gives no…
Complaint 11500417 · Jan 6, 2023

Own a 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.