2016 Hyundai Sonata Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Sonata
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (448 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 448 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (88 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 88 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (59 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 59 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (46 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 46 NHTSA complaints
Exterior Lighting complaints Red flag
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (38 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 38 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
37 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
6
Visibility Check
If the sunroof detaches from the vehicle it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Parking Brake Check
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.
Air Bags Red flag
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.
Electrical System Check
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…
Exterior Lighting Red flag
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Sonata–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Sonata. The most serious involve Air Bags (16V615000) and Air Bags (16V232000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Sonata?
The top complaint areas are Engine (448 complaints) and Unknown or Other (90 complaints), out of 723 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Sonata?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 448 complaints for this model-year.