2016 Hyundai Sonata: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Body, Brakes · PR

I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its own, without any input from me. This happens especially right after starting the car or while driving in traffic, and has caused multiple near-accidents. These issues first appeared around two years ago, but they used to happen occasionally. Over time, they have become more frequent, and now they occur daily. There is also a grinding or dragging noise when the vehicle starts or moves at low speed, and it often hesitates when trying to accelerate. These symptoms create uncertainty and make the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. Inside the car, the dashboard has severely cracked, with deep, wide splits across the top panel. I’m concerned this could interfere with airbag deployment or reflect light dangerously while driving. On the outside, the paint is peeling off in large chunks, and I’ve noticed the same problem on other Sonatas of this model. This suggests a wider manufacturing issue and raises concerns about long-term durability and corrosion. These problems have not been confirmed by a mechanic yet, but they are consistent, worsening, and clearly pose a safety risk. I have recorded a video that shows the ESC warning and the sound it makes, which I am including for reference. Video evidence of ESC malfunction and mechanical noise: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · PR

I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I’m not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe — especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. The A/C system only blows warm air, regardless of temperature settings, and no cold air comes out. I also have a serious issue with the paint peeling off in large chunks from the body of the car. It’s happening despite proper care, and I’ve seen other Hyundai Sonatas of the same year with the same issue, which suggests a widespread paint defect. These issues have not yet been diagnosed by a dealership, but given the low mileage and frequency, I believe this model may have serious defects in safety systems and paint quality. I’m very concerned for my safety and request a full investigation.

Filed Mar 10, 2022 · Engine · 93,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart and emitted an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the motor had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the failure was related to Hyundai Service Campaign Number: 953, regarding the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Jan 11, 2019 · Engine · 34,700 miles · FL

Squealing noise came from engine off/on . Then battery light came on then battery warning system displayed on screen. By time I got to my mechanic there was a burning smell. My mechanic found serpentine belt to be ripped and a metal tensioner ripped apart.

Filed Oct 30, 2017 · Brakes · 16,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 hyundai sonata. While driving various speeds, the contact applied the brakes and a loud squeaking noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to millennium hyundai (220 n franklin st, hempstead, ny 11550, phone number: (516) 282-3800), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2016 · Engine · 10,006 miles · NJ

Driving into a traffic circle car suddenly stopped then lurched forward making a squealing noise. Again, almost t-boned. The engine light then lit and bluelink posted a message on screen that car has an engine issue and to call dealer. Bluelink roadside assistance took 7 hours to get tow truck to me, dealer would not give loaner car until they received mine - lost a day's work and car laid up 5 days. Exactly one week after emergency brake self engaged and seized wheels while driving.