MotorDeets

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid: 2 recalls, 26 owner complaints and up to 40 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
26owner complaints
0mention a crash
40best combined mpg
2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
Photo: Ki hoon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Hybrid system Vehicle recall #18V166000 · 2018 · 2,840 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with a voltage protection device (vpd), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that May activate inadvertently.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Electrical, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #21V749000 · 2021 · 469,377 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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

The fix: Dealers will update the sjb software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine18
Electrical12
Other / unknown5
Transmission & drivetrain3
Hybrid system3
Fuel & propulsion2

What owners describe

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has 26 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 4 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid model years for complaints (1.7× the average Sonata Plug-in Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 28,100 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (32 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl hybridAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive384140Regular Gas and Electricity

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid problems?

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (18), electrical (12), other / unknown (5).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid get?

EPA ratings run up to 40 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sonata Plug-in Hybrid years

2016201720182019