Vehicle Recall IndexVIN decoding & NHTSA recall records

Model year 2016 · Hyundai

2016 Hyundai Sonata recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 9 safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The most recent was reported on September 24, 2021. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID, SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, newest first
NHTSA numberReportedComponent
21V749000September 24, 2021Electrical System › Software
21V619000August 6, 2021Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch
20V746000December 1, 2020Engine
18V166000March 12, 2018Hybrid Propulsion System
17V359000June 5, 2017Parking Brake › Indicator Light
16V726000October 11, 2016Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
16V615000August 24, 2016Air Bags
16V232000April 21, 2016Air Bags › Frontal
15V678000October 20, 2015Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

Systems involved: Air Bags (2) · Electrical System (2) · Engine (1) · Exterior Lighting (1) · Hybrid Propulsion System (1) · Latches/Locks/Linkages (1) · Parking Brake (1) · Visibility (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 21V749000Manufacturer no. 210

Electrical System › Software

Report received by NHTSA
September 24, 2021
Owner notification
November 19, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
469,377 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA, SONATA HYBRID, SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID

Components: Electrical System › Software; Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

Safety risk

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

Remedy

Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V749000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V619000Manufacturer no. 208

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch

Report received by NHTSA
August 6, 2021
Owner notification
December 4, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
348,158 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA HYBRID

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Safety risk

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V619000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V746000Manufacturer no. 198

Engine

Report received by NHTSA
December 1, 2020
Owner notification
March 31, 2021
Recall initiated by
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected
128,948 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA HYBRID

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Safety risk

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V746000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 18V166000Manufacturer no. 175

Hybrid Propulsion System

Report received by NHTSA
March 12, 2018
Owner notification
May 2, 2018
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
2,840 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
July 31, 2015 – August 31, 2017
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA PLUG-IN HYBRID

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Safety 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.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 18V166000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 17V359000Manufacturer no. 164

Parking Brake › Indicator Light

Report received by NHTSA
June 5, 2017
Owner notification
August 4, 2017
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
161,074 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
April 25, 2014 – March 3, 2015
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA

Defect summary

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.

Safety risk

If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 17V359000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V726000Manufacturer no. 152

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

Report received by NHTSA
October 11, 2016
Owner notification
November 29, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
62,811 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
May 28, 2014 – March 18, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA, SONATA HYBRID

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.

Safety risk

If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 152.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V726000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V615000Manufacturer no. 148

Air Bags

Report received by NHTSA
August 24, 2016
Owner notification
October 14, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
1,031 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
February 25, 2016 – May 11, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 28, 2016 through April 12, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side frontal air bag that may not adequately protect the driver's neck from injury in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

A frontal air bag that does not adequately protect the driver's neck may increase their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 148.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V615000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 16V232000Manufacturer no. 144

Air Bags › Frontal

Report received by NHTSA
April 21, 2016
Owner notification
June 15, 2016
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
33 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
May 29, 2014 – February 11, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA, SONATA HYBRID

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.

Safety risk

An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 16V232000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 15V678000Manufacturer no. 134

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

Report received by NHTSA
October 20, 2015
Owner notification
November 30, 2015
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
64,744 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
May 28, 2014 – August 21, 2015
Model names in the NHTSA record
SONATA

Defect summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to August 21, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light intended to warn the driver if there is an ABS malfunction. In the event of an ABS malfunction, the Brake System warning light will illuminate, but the ABS warning light will not illuminate. Since the vehicles have ABS malfunction lights that do not illuminate, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Safety risk

If the driver is alerted there is a brake system malfunction, but not specifically with the ABS system, the driver may operate the vehicle unaware that the vehicle's brakes may lock up during hard braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 134.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 15V678000, filed by Hyundai Motor America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: September 27, 2021.