7.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,700
Average Mileage:
89,800 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (14 reports)
  2. engine replacement (8 reports)
  3. keep driving it and had a ltr of oil every second day or so (3 reports)
  4. oil consumption testing refill as needed (2 reports)
2016 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

Jun 102023

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,082 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I change the oil every 5,000 miles using full synthetic oil. For the last 18 to 36 months, I check the oil level often and need to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.

- Roger M., Blackwood, NJ, US

problem #26

Aug 012021

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

2016 Hyundai Sonata limited was purchased in 2017 with approximately 100 miles on it. Car did okay until it approached 100k miles. Then the car just started burning oil like mad. Took it in for consistent oil changes about every 2,500 miles and added about a quart of oil every two weeks. The problem just continued to get worse. Took to the Hyundai dealership and they said it was over 100k miles I was SOL. Just continued to do regular maintenance and oil changes/feedings.

I had visited dealerships and inquired about the problem 4 different times. Never was I told that this problem could lead to engine failure and that is exactly what happened. Went out of town for a couple of hours. Before hitting the road, I stopped by my oil lube center and had all of the fluids topped off including the quart of oil. Traveled 30 minutes out of town with no problems. When returning back, I was traveling on the turnpike at 85 mph when all of a sudden, the engine light started flashing and within two minutes of this happening the car just died, and I had to carefully cruise over to the shoulder. Had the car towed to my mechanic. They said the car needs a new engine which is an expense that far exceeds the value of the car.

Will never purchase another Hyundai and am going to file complaints in every corner of the world until Hyundai takes responsibility. They are fully aware that there is a problem with the 2016 Sonatas and continue to ignore the problem. We need more complaints placed on platforms that are going to get results and more unhappy customers that are driving one of these lemons to step up and file class action lawsuits. There should have been a recall on these vehicles engines years ago. I'm completely baffles that there isn't one. When the car broke down this week and I started researching the problem more in depth, there are so many people dealing with the same thing and it's absolutely not acceptable.

- Ginger M., Stillwater, US

problem #25

Apr 192017

Sonata Sport 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

I found this forum by google search. My 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4L. I bought my car in 2016 with just over 3400 miles on it. It burns oil and the paint is peeling off on the hood and roof of my vehicle, it's the pearl white everyone is talking about. However, the oil is the most important. I have taken it into the shop many times for it burning excessive oil and am told I need to do an oil consumption test which entails driving it 1000 miles and bringing it back in for the Hyundai dealership to measure but I live approximately 3 hours from a dealership and before I can even get it back to them, I run out of oil and either have to add oil or keep driving without oil and risk blowing up my engine.

When I add oil, they make me restart the oil consumption test, if I keep driving without oil, they said I will be at fault if my engine blows. I have done this 5 times now. The first time I told them I wouldn't be able to get back without adding oil they told me to just take a video of the dip stick and when I was adding oil to show how much I added but when I got back, they told me that the guy who told me that no longer works there and I'd have to start over because I added oil myself. This has been going on since I hit about 45,000 miles.

I did leave it at the shop for them to perform the oil consumption test and they drove it 113 miles and said there was nothing wrong with it. I was out of a vehicle with no service rental for two and half months, so I picked it up and before I got home, I had to add oil. It shutters, the car doesn't want to move, and the dashboard lights get dim. I am also having to replace spark plugs weekly. I already took it in and had the ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT completed.

I have seen many campaigns and class actions, but I am not sure if my specific car is included. The VIN is 5NPE34AF0GH409250. I am at my wits end and I feel robbed by Hyundai, I spent $26,000 on this car; more than that if you add in the interest. I'm afraid to drive it and I am embarrassed to drive it because of the paint peeling off in sheets as I drive down the road.

- Preston H., North Bend, US

problem #24

Jul 162021

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this car at a Cadillac dealership that offered a powertrain warranty on their certified vehicles. I had mentioned the cancern with the oil lamp flickering back in 2021, they told me "oh it just needs to be changed". Although after that oil change and it happened again before the next, I realized the oil gets very low. Now I always carry oil in my car. In July of 2023 they finally did something to try and fix it. They determined it was a leak in the timing cover. It was covered under warranty with me out of pocket for $180 for the deductible and rental car. It made it around 3,000 miles before the oil light flickered again, but after I refilled the oil the consumption got worse again. I've found that after I or the dealership fill the oil back up, the oil lamp comes on after 1,200 miles.

The check engine light came on recently for the VVT system. From research done, it seems that it could be the oil plug under he ECVVT cover in the camshaft and this has been a known issue for many of the GDi Theta engines in 2015. Somehow it is likely occurring with my 2016 despite the fact they were supposed to fix the issue. I've gone through many 6 QT bottles of oil in between oil changes. I am desperately hoping someone will fix the problem before my engine is damaged!

- jpen, Olathe, US

problem #23

Oct 242023

Sonata SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Oil pressure gauge leaked oil causing other problems. Car taken in for repair in October, (3) months later it is still at the dealership because parts for repair have not been available. Hyundai has done nothing to resolve the problem. I keep being told parts are on back order. Hyundai is not a responsible company. I would never buy another Hyundai and recommend the same for others.

- Barry T., Troy, US

problem #22

Jul 142023

Sonata Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,790 miles

So earlier this year, Jan. 2023, took my car to my mechanic for oil change. It was down 2.5 qts and I had no idea - no engine lights, running ok, no smells. Did the change but checked it every weeks, then drove it to New Mexico in March and back and kept dumping oil into it. Car had about 75,000 miles on it.

Heard from a friend about the Hyundai Engine Replacement test. Also read about the class action against them online. Their neighbor did the test and had the engine replaced. Funny how Hyundai is NOT forthcoming and TELLING OWNERS about this and not wanting to replace the engines they know are bad. Kind of like the anti-theft thing. They tell me I don't need the upgrade because I have the push button start - but isn't that how the thieves are starting them with a cell phone cable? That's another issue....

In August, I go to hyndai dealership where I bought it used 4 years ago and ask about this. The service guy was great and put me right in the 'test program'. So they took pictures of the cylinders (I guess),did oil change, sealed it and off I went for 1000 miles. Have only 77790 miles on it. They checked and down 1.5 qts in 1000 miles at 78768!!!! Good thing I stayed local. Another thing is they were saying I need a new VCM, battery, some other stuff for $2000 - yea NO thanks.

After I get back they cleaned the cylinder chambers, did oil and now I am in the second 1000 mile test. Good thing I go to Indiana 1-2 x month at 500 miles round trip. During this time the VCM doesn't act up yet it still rattles but doesn't hesitate as much. I have to run it up to 79790 and then we shall see. The service guy told me if it's down again, they replace the engine. I hope this is true because otherwise, it's a junker and I'll trade it for an older TOYOTA!

Now the decision is - a 4Runner or Camry. and what color...I will not ever buy a Hyundai product again after this mess.

- rambling girl, Rolling Meadows, US

problem #21

Aug 022022

Sonata Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had oil change 08/02 and within 10 days my car stopped on the freeway due to NO OIL (not one drop) I assumed oil changers did something wrong. I had the oil drained and kept going, then I noticed every oil change since the oil is gone within 3 weeks. 0 qts of oil. I found out about the class action after I assumed the oil changers was doing something wrong. I need a top off every 2 weeks.

I was advised yesterday of the issue and told to go to the dealer

- Michelle T., Vallejo, US

problem #20

Mar 162023

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,663 miles

We have a 2016 Sonata Limited we bought brand new and it currently has 61,000 miles. Overall we had felt the car was a good value ...up until this year that is... because it feels like the "BEST IF USED BY" Date Expired.

I heard the engine ticking for a few months and then in February the oil pressure light would come on once in a while. Took into the dealer in March and found it was 3.5 Qts low!

But I digress... I want to add the story of how absurd the stupidity of the inept Service Dept Yahoos was. I share this so you understand that when they say "no" you should not give up. Sometimes being nice isn't enough and you need to escalate higher - well this was one of those days.

Me and this Service Dept. Rookie Order Taker were butting heads from 1st minute (you ever meet someone you just feel friction with even though you never met - well that was him). He comes up and ask me, "why are you here?" I said, "we have an appointment to take photos of the peeling paint to send to Hyundai Corp, and also since then, I've also noticed that our oil light is coming on" I could tell he wasn't listening. He asked for the key, sits in the car and runs through the dashboard error messages. Then he looks up at me and says, "the service light isn't on." I replied, "it's the oil light." to which he replies, "Well that's different." I said, "I know it is - it's what I said".

As a side comment I said, "the oil might need to be topped off". He quickly says, "I am not allowed to top off the oil without first doing an oil consumption test". I reply that that doesn't seem right, I can go to any oil store and they will top off fluids in between servicing. He says, "we are not allowed" I said "I don't have time for that, please just take the photos and top off the oil and I will bring it back next week to do an oil consumption test". Again he says, "we are not allowed"

So, I asked for the manager. I told him about his rude comments and saying he won't put oil in the car, I said we did our last oil change here and now the lights on and its not due for it's next oil change yet. Manager says, yeah he's right but we will check the oil level and I'll make sure they fill it.

Manager comes into waiting area and says " you were 3.5 qts low and I replied, "and he was going to send me away without topping off my oil" Manager reiterates that mantra, "we are not allowed but we did it as a courtesy" and then the Mgr shows me a photo of my oil refill cap with sludge buildup and initially he said it's usually due to a lack of maintenance". Well, I squashed that subtle accusation real quick because I reminded them that they've serviced the car at that dealer since we bought it and they did our last oil change!

So, manager says he'd like for me to bring it back next week for the photos (I was there for in the first place) and they will do the first Oil Consumption test at no charge. I agree and thank him for topping off the oil and say, I can't believe he was going to send me away 3.5 Qts low without ever checking" He nods.

Anyway... I wanted to make sure that I didn't have an oil leak because THAT'S A LOT OF OIL to lose between regular oil changes and this was the first time it had happen. So I had read a little about the engine failures and fires and Class Action so I didn't want to get railroaded into them saying it was my fault and so I took my car to a trusted mechanic and explained my situation. To my surprise he confirmed there was no oil leak and now I knew I was burning oil but why? So I started looking up that issue and quickly came across an article about a pending Class Action Suit over this very matter."

This is where I am now... I have lost 1.5 Qts in less than 1,000 miles since March 24 and my next appointment is April 24th and they put an anti-tampering device (I guess so we cannot drain the oil and pretend the issue is more serious than it is... whatever (why would someone destroy their own car? Ridiculous!!

From what I've read... this oil consumption matter is a very serious issue and I hope the courts force settlement in the favor of the consumer and do it sooner than later. Engine knocking is a sign of impending engine failure if left unaddressed. You can read it for yourself. Oil flow is restricted in these engine types because of poor engine block design and milling techniques that allow milled metal shavings to remain in the internal block where oil will flow. Once car starts rolling on the road it's only a matter of time before the oil flow is blocked. This leads to internal issues with adequate oil flowing to cool and circulate and that causes oil to burn and cause eventual failure. In worse-case scenarios this sticky gunk will cause pistons to stick and throw a crank rod through the engine block and the leaking oil ignites and the car is a loss, (this is also a documented failure event).

Because Hyundai knows this oil flow and oil consumption issue will eventually lead to complete engine failure - Hyundai was insisting (In several earlier cases) that they be allowed to install a type of throttle restrictor so that "if the device senses engine knocking it will restrict torque to a maximum speed. Sound like a good idea, but once this is on your car, Hyundai won't remove and from what I can gather they are not replacing the engines and the owners are stuck with cars they can't drive safely on the highway because of the acceleration restrictions from the device BUT they are still paying for a car they cant drive.

Hyundai could very well go under if they are forced to recall so many cars for such an expensive recall reasons but many people are on the hook for cars they can't drive and repairs they can't afford as Hyundai systematically shields itself from liability. This effects several engines that both Kia and Hyundai share.

Oil consumption issues are related and known to cause eventual engine failure. The pending Class Action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia spans several years makes and models.

- Manny F., Whittier, CA, US

problem #19

Dec 212022

Sonata Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Purchased my used Sonata back on 12/5/22, about 2 weeks later noticed the oil light would come occasionally while taking turns. I didn't think anything of it until it happened when my bf was in the car with me. Later on that day he checked the oil level for me and said there was hardly any oil in the car and asked if I was sure the dealership ran this car through make ready?? I saw that they did, so why would my oil level be so low?? Haven't had any leakage issues. So we did some research. Came to find out there is a class action lawsuit against Kia/Hyundai for certain models/years with oil consumption issues.

I took my car back over to the dealership where I purchased it from and asked for them address issue. After going on for now over a month and a half, almost 2 months now, Hyundai is refusing to replace the engine when they know and have said clearly the engine is burning oil at a higher rate than normal, all because the engine light has not turned on to signify there is a major problem. Basically put, it wasn't their problem. I asked if I was supposed to drive around in my car until the engine seizes causing an accident or death to me or someone else with a family/children in their car? They have no response and still refuse to replace the engine. And as far as where my car is for repair? Who knows? Neither the original dealership or the Hyundai dealership 10 miles away (that was to replace the engine) know where my car is or have a check in record/receipt of where my car is.

- Paulette L., Katy, US

problem #18

Nov 012020

Sonata ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Theta II engine is a known problem, and Hyundai has been replacing/repairing under a class action suit... And has extended warranty on drivetrain up to 120,000 miles, , I had approx 79,000 miles on vehicle when issue began, but since I was second owner, factory warranty reduced to 60,000 miles.

My Car began excessive oil consumption ( approx 3-4 qts per 5,000 mile) and local dealer has been made aware of issue. Dealer had me bring in vehicle 3x's over next several thousand miles to confirm oil consumption, and mechanic finally confirmed that engine needs replacement, as stated on RO. Dealer never did confirm source of oil loss

Spoke to Hyundai customer care in California and they gave me the run around, person taking call was absolutely no help, and had limited knowledge of the Theta II issue. Told me to take it up with the dealer. . Spoke to Hyundai dealer general manager ( very good guy), he got back to me promptly after speaking with Hyundai himself , however , he was told that unless car had an actual knock/vibration etc., they would not replace engine.

I let him know that car has been well maintained and oil changes performed at Hyundai dealer at recommended intervals ....GM told me to bring car in if it starts knocking, but to keep regular oil; changes at dealer.

I'm not sure if I should pursue this with Hyundai, wait for engine to die, or attempt to get my third party extended warranty carrier involved ( EasyCare )

- junked sonata, Clarence, US

problem #17

Apr 062022

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,200 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Discover this problem last of April while my car was under warranty. Took it to the dealer was told it was not burning oil, gave me a system clean cost 595.00, said it would take care of it. Next 1000 miles still 2 quarts low, but told me to drive it another 1.000 to see how bad the problem was. 2000 miles later after my warrantee expired was told I needed a motor replacement. but drive it another 1000 miles or 2 months to measure how bad it is, WHY. I CAN'T DRIVE IT WITH OUT GETTING THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL ALL OVER ME, DOWN MY THROAT AND EVERY WHERE. I NEED THEM TO HONOR MY WARRANTY FROM THE TIME I STARTED THIS PROBLEM IN APRIL.

- Alice S., Garner, US

problem #16

Jul 222022

Sonata ECO 1.6t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,347 miles

After the engine started using a lot of oil between oil changes, I brought it to the dealership to be taken care of under my extended warranty. The warranty company wanted an extra 1000 dollars just to look at the issue. The service manager told me not to spend the money and just continue to check and fill the oil. This was at about 116k miles.

I was driving to work one day and all was fine but then the car started to misfire terribly. After diagnosing that the 4th cylinder had lost compression, I had the car towed to Johnson Hyundai of Cary. They sent what they found to Hyundai only to tell them they're not going to fix it because it wasn't an internal bearing issue. This is garbage, especially after they know soon as these engines start to use oil, they will fail as mine did. I called corporate to complain and am waiting on a call back.

Terrible business practice from Hyundai and I still owe 7k on the car and I can't even drive it. I run my side business with this car. They need to replace this engine with no cost to me at all. This is not a wear and tear item.

- Dana W., Fuquay Varina, NC, US

problem #15

Dec 262022

Sonata 4dr Sedan GL 2.4L Gdi Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,553 miles

I bought the car used as is on12/ 07/2022 after having had to have a spark plug replaced a few days latter 12/12/2022 because engine was running on 3 cylinders, now on 12/26/2022 oil light came on immediately checked oil level it was down over 2 1/2 ltr . After consulting with Nova Automotive engine rebuilders solution would be to replace the engine which would cost as much as what the car is worth or to drive it putting a ltr or so of oil in every two days or so. eventually the engine will fail again due to carbon deposit on plugs or cylinder.

- Michel B., Dartmouth, NS, Canada

problem #14

Nov 142022

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,365 miles

This will likely cause your engine to be done for and have to be replaced. At least that's my current problem. My engine is now out of commission with a misfiring piston due to lack of lubrication and little to no compression. Auto shop says this is likely because of how often my car consumed oil and burned it off too quickly. I would get an oil change around every month and got to a point where I put 1.5-2 quarts of oil (5W-20 full synthetic) weekly. A car only 5-6 years old shouldn't have that big of an issue burning oil. If you're looking at a certified preowned 2016 sonata (mine was and I bought it January 2017) it's still not worth it. Find a more reliable vehicle.

- Josh S., Saint Louis, MO, US

problem #13

Jul 072022

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

In July 2022 I took to dealership in Ofallon, IL and explained that I was putting in about a quart or 2 of oil in every week. They replaced valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. That did not fix the problem. They then did a bearing test. It passed but continues to consume oil. As of 15 Dec 2022 I have had to replace spark pulgs 2 times becasue they are fouling out with oil in the spark plug area, and have put in still about 1 to 2 quarts a week of oil. No end in site and the dealership (That I bought it from) will do nothing.

- Logan A., Mascoutah, US

problem #12

Jul 042022

Sonata Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

Around 61,000 miles the oil light started coming on in between oil changes. I was then informed by my mechanic that Hyundai's are known for that. It used to be maybe a quart or two low. Now we are up to that bitch being bone dry in between oil changes. It is so much fun having to check your oil weekly!!!

- Dawn J., Alogonquin, US

problem #11

Jul 012022

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

It started burning oil the past two oil changes. I noticed when draining oil only about ~2 quarts came out (put in 5.1 quarts). This was after about 5000 miles. Will be monitoring it more closely now and probably having to top off 1 quart every 1000 miles.

- Caleb H., Houston, TX, US

problem #10

Mar 302019

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

I have to check and add like a quart of oil a week - it's really pretty crazy. I have never had a car that uses so much oil and I have had some pretty s**y cars in my life - this is the only one that I have ever gotten on a loan and go figure, it's got problems from the start. It would be nice if they did something about it.

- Jessica M., Mackinaw, US

problem #9

Aug 022022

Sonata Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,500 miles

You'd think I'd learn not to buy a Sonata but here I am again. Have had this 2016 Sonata about 3 years and it has been fine until this summer. Started making a weird noise like a plastic bag is caught underneath it.

June -Took to my mechanic and he says "you know, it's down about 1.5 quarts of oil, but there's no leaks". They add oil and off I go. I drive to Indiana about 5 hours one way, minimum 1 x per month so this car better last right?...

It's been to Florida and back and recently to Memphis and back with no problems so I'm thinking this is weird.

August - check oil again and down another quart. I use full synthetic oil too. Add oil and on the road again. Still making that plastic bag sound and the mechanic can't figure it out.

September - down another quart, same noise, no resolution. The dealership is no help either.

Now I'm searching for a brand I know but it has also had issues recently - Toyota Camry. I'd try an Altima but have heard the nightmare stories about those too. Good thing I have a 99 4Runner that runs like a top.

My bad for getting another Sonata after the 2013 had the engine seize.

WORD - DO NOT GET A SONATA! This should be a class action lawsuit against Hyundai.

Update from Oct 2, 2022: Read there was a class action lawsuit against Hyundai/Kia for this problem. Excessive oil consumption and then engine failure.

Maybe Hyundai will actually do a recall.

I also found out that changing the PCV valve will help a little bit.

I just made a 250 mile drive to Indiana and having to go get oil to add already. Yep, I'm looking for a new car and will NOT buy a Hyundai again... ever.

- rambling girl, Rolling Meadows, US

problem #8

Apr 012021

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

My Hyundai Sonata burns a lot of oil. I have tried to get Hyundai to take a look at but they won't. It is causing me other problems and currently my car is at Hyundai which is charging me $750 plus taxes and fees to do a combustion chamber cleaning because the oil is blowing by the piston rings inside the cylinders. Whatever that means...

- Daniel P., Buford, GA, US

Read the next 7 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?