The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 8 official safety recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata in AutoUtility's current federal dataset. The primary affected vehicle systems include Air Bags & Restraints, Body & Structure, Brakes & Traction Control.

Key Recall Findings
  • Official Recall Campaigns: 8 campaigns on file with NHTSA
  • Primary Affected Subsystems: Air Bags & Restraints, Body & Structure, Brakes & Traction Control
  • Official Remedy: Detailed per campaign in official NHTSA records below
  • Most Recent NHTSA Report: September 24, 2021
VIN-Specific Notice: Safety recall campaigns apply to specific production date ranges and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). A campaign listing on this model-year page does not establish that every vehicle or trim is affected. Check your 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov or with an authorized dealer to verify whether a safety repair is needed.
Official Recall Campaigns
8
Listed in current NHTSA data
Affected System Areas
7
Broad component categories
Latest NHTSA Filing
September 24, 2021
Most recent campaign report
VIN Verification
Required
Exact applicability depends on VIN

Vehicle Systems Involved in Recalls for 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Distribution of official safety recall campaigns across automotive subsystem domains

Vehicle Subsystem 2 campaigns

Air Bags & Restraints

NHTSA records also contain 31 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 2 campaigns

Body & Structure

NHTSA records also contain 37 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Brakes & Traction Control

NHTSA records also contain 62 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Electrical System

NHTSA records also contain 121 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Engine & Cooling

NHTSA records also contain 493 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Exterior Lighting

NHTSA records also contain 45 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Vehicle Subsystem 1 campaign

Visibility, Wipers & Glass

NHTSA records also contain 15 consumer complaint filings involving this same system. View Complaints →
Domain Mapping Methodology: A single NHTSA recall campaign may involve more than one vehicle subsystem (such as electrical wiring affecting fuel delivery), so domain totals can exceed the total number of unique recall campaigns. Complaint and recall counts are grouped by broad vehicle system; component co-occurrence does not establish that an individual owner complaint is related to a specific recall campaign.

Official NHTSA Recall Campaigns (8)

Complete safety campaign filings including defect descriptions, safety hazards, and free dealer remedies

NHTSA Campaign #21V749000 Exterior Lighting
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
NHTSA Report Date: September 24, 2021
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V619000 Body & Structure
Affected Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
NHTSA Report Date: August 6, 2021
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20V746000 Engine & Cooling
Affected Component: ENGINE
NHTSA Report Date: December 1, 2020
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #17V359000 Brakes & Traction Control
Affected Component: PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT
NHTSA Report Date: June 5, 2017
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V726000 Body & StructureVisibility, Wipers & Glass
Affected Component: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
NHTSA Report Date: October 11, 2016
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V615000 Air Bags & Restraints
Affected Component: AIR BAGS
NHTSA Report Date: August 24, 2016
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V232000 Air Bags & Restraints
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
NHTSA Report Date: April 21, 2016
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #15V678000 Electrical System
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
NHTSA Report Date: October 20, 2015
Safety 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 / Consequence:

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.

Authorized Remedy Instructions:

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.

Manufacturer & NHTSA Notes: 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 Data Notice: Campaign summaries, safety consequences, and remedy descriptions are direct text extracts published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation.

Recall History for Hyundai Sonata

Official safety recall campaign volume across sibling model years (2015–2026)

Model Year NHTSA Recalls NHTSA Complaints Detailed Report
2015 Hyundai Sonata 12 1192 View 2015 Recalls →
2016 Hyundai Sonata Current Page 8 850 Current
2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 840 View 2017 Recalls →
2018 Hyundai Sonata 1 378 View 2018 Recalls →
2019 Hyundai Sonata 0 163 View 2019 Recalls →
2020 Hyundai Sonata 4 189 View 2020 Recalls →
2021 Hyundai Sonata 4 182 View 2021 Recalls →
2022 Hyundai Sonata 3 110 View 2022 Recalls →
2023 Hyundai Sonata 2 100 View 2023 Recalls →
2024 Hyundai Sonata 1 54 View 2024 Recalls →
2025 Hyundai Sonata 0 27 View 2025 Recalls →
2026 Hyundai Sonata 1 0 View 2026 Recalls →
Historical Reporting Note: Recall campaign counts are shown by model year and should not be interpreted as a vehicle reliability score. Campaigns may cover multiple model years, and newer model years naturally have had less calendar exposure time for new safety campaigns to be issued.

VIN-Specific Recall Verification

How to confirm whether an individual vehicle requires an authorized safety repair

Safety recall campaigns on this page are associated with this make, model, and model year in NHTSA federal records. A campaign may apply only to certain vehicles based on production date, equipment, manufacturing details, or other campaign-specific criteria.

AutoUtility cannot determine whether a particular VIN is affected or whether a recall remedy has already been completed.

For vehicle-specific recall status, check the 17-digit VIN using NHTSA's official recall lookup or contact an authorized dealer. Campaign-specific remedy information shown above is reproduced from official NHTSA recall records.

Official NHTSA Safety Resources: NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 711)
Official US Government Data Provenance

Recall records published on this page are retrieved directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Recalls Database.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.