2015 Hyundai Sonata
2015 model shown · Photo: Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0

Midsize sedans · LF generation

2016 Hyundai Sonata: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Well below average

It scores 9 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize sedans. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $15,422 to own, including $6,639 in repairs.

Reliability

9/100

Well below average

Repairs, 5 years

$6,639

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,581

31 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$8,497

$7,477 – $9,516, estimate

Recalls

6

on record

Owner complaints

728

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$4,981
Transmission & drivetrain$776
Electrical system$250
Driver-assist & stability$185
Steering$137
Body, glass & interior$103

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Hyundai Sonata

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (47/100) and the 2015 worst (1/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202447/100
202326/100
202234/100
202138/100
202042/100
201930/100
201814/100
20178/100
20169/100
20151/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 9 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize sedans of 2015–2024.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

It scores 9 out of 100 against other midsize sedans from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 728 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $6,639 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2016 Hyundai Sonata cost to own?

About $15,422 over 5 years: $2,202 in lost value, $6,639 in repairs and $6,581 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $8,497 today.

What are the best years of the Hyundai Sonata?

Of the years we rate, the 2024 scores best (47/100) and the 2015 worst (1/100).

How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?

6 recalls on record with NHTSA.