Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2019)

172 consumer complaints on file.

#11732956April 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the engine area, about 4” high. I called 911 and waited about 10 minutes for the fire department to arrive. During this time, the flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and extended vertically above the hood height. The hood eventually melted and fell back onto the engine area. The fire department came and put out the fire. The car is totaled. There were no injuries, thank God!
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730703April 12, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2019 Hyundai Sonata has been experiencing excessive oil consumption since I purchased it. The vehicle requires oil to be added approximately every two weeks, which indicates a serious internal engine issue. Recently, the check engine light turned on, and I took the vehicle to a dealership for inspection. I was told that the engine is “operating normally,” despite the ongoing oil consumption problem. I was also informed that the engine would only be replaced under warranty if it fails completely, such as through connecting rod bearing damage. This means I am expected to continue driving a vehicle that may suddenly fail without warning. I drive daily with my children, and I am concerned about the risk of sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could lead to a serious accident. I believe this is a known issue with these engines, and it represents a significant safety hazard that should be addressed before a catastrophic failure occurs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729912April 8, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate when my engine started shutting down on me and I’m glad I had moved to the right lane because someone would’ve hit me from the back because I never had this problem and now the mechanic telling me it jumped timing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729007April 3, 2026
ENGINE
My oil pan cracked. I’ve never had any issues with oil pans until this one. Hyundai will not replace this under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727389March 27, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, STRUCTURE:BODY, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I respectfully submit the following additional information.In connection with this matter, the dealer in question asserted in writing that I "should have refused to participate" in the manufacturer-authorized "Z05 Service Campaign"—a measure designed to prevent potential damage—and characterized the program as nothing more than "free paint work." Service campaigns administered by manufacturers are conducted within the framework of federal safety regulations pursuant to Title 49, Chapter 301 of the U.S. Code; they are neither optional nor merely cosmetic in nature. Rather, they constitute systematic procedures intended to preserve vehicle integrity and support public safety. Statements suggesting that consumers should decline participation in such campaigns—or that they may bear financial responsibility for damage incurred during their execution—raise concerns regarding how these federally supervised programs are communicated and implemented and may discourage participation and undermine public confidence in the national vehicle safety campaign system. Although the dealership subsequently offered to replace the windshield at no cost, I have not received confirmation that the repair has been completed. This offer was made only after the vehicle remained at the facility for an extended period, during which I was repeatedly placed under pressure to assume financial responsibility for damage that occurred while the vehicle was under dealership custody. I was presented with two conditional options; however, in either scenario, I would ultimately be required to accept financial responsibility for the outcome. Ultimately, I was required to assume financial responsibility for issues arising during the work. On 2/23, I was told the loaner could be reported as "stolen," and I returned it immediately. After returning the vehicle, no alternative transportation was provided while my own vehicle remained unrepaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725388March 18, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Safety Concern — Damage to Windshield During Manufacturer Recall Repair (Z05) My vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership on January 14, 2026 for a manufacturer-directed paint recall repair (Campaign Z05), which required removal and reinstallation of the windshield as part of the procedure. The repair was originally expected to be completed between January 14 and January 28, 2026. However, I received no explanation for the delay during that period. On February 13, 2026 — nearly one month after check-in — I was informed for the first time that the windshield had cracked during the reinstallation process while the vehicle was in the dealership’s custody. As of March 18, 2026, the windshield has not been replaced, and the vehicle remains at the dealership without this safety-critical component restored. Because the windshield is a structural element essential to roof strength, airbag deployment performance, and overall crash integrity, the prolonged failure to properly restore it raises serious safety concerns. The unresolved condition of this component creates uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s crashworthiness and may expose occupants to significant risk of injury in the event of a collision. Damage occurred during a manufacturer-mandated recall repair while the vehicle was under the exclusive control of an authorized service provider, and the vehicle has not been returned to a safe, operable condition for an extended period. This situation raises broader concerns regarding the handling of safety-critical components during recall procedures and the timely restoration of vehicles to safe operating condition. This matter is also currently under review by the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission (AMVC), Case #26-009, due to the prolonged inability to restore the vehicle to a safe condition. I am submitting this complaint in the interest of vehicle safety oversight and to help prevent similar situations from affecting other consumers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725416March 18, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
consuming oil a quart every 2-3 weeks sonata hyundai in 2000 miles 3 quarts of oil were used. what happens when the motor locks up from be extremely low on oil. Possible accident! I cannot expect my wife to be checking the oil level every time she drives.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719616February 21, 2026
STEERING, ENGINE
Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (Safety Hazard) Motor/Pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716400February 7, 2026
STEERING
Steering will stay stuck in left or right position when turned slightly, a couple of inches. The wheel has to be jerked back to center. Vehicle will not go back to center. No lane assist of any kind are on. Excessive tire wear. Consistent issue especially when it’s hot weather. Steering wheel tilts to left when brought to centerz Cannot be reset to stay centered. Dead spot in steering.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714435January 30, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the failure reoccurred with the messages "Check Hybrid System” and “Turn Engine Off" being displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer for assistance. A diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that there was engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer requested proof of the last two oil changes. The contact obtained a Carfax Report, which showed proof of the oil changes and maintenance records. The manufacturer denied the goodwill request after several months of negotiations. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709374January 7, 2026
ENGINE
I have had my car in 7 times for the same issue. Metal shavings in oil and burning excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. This is a very well known issue with 2019 Hyundai Sonata. They have done nothing but add oil and run tests which the car failed. No attempt to fix it or replace it. I have been in contact with Corporate who refused to help. My car has an extended warranty for this specific issue, but they only give me the run around.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708884January 5, 2026
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707477December 29, 2025
ENGINE
The engine is burning oil around 1 quart every 700 miles. I check the car oil level around every 10 days. I have experienced when I didn't check the oil and the low oil engine light would come on in the instrument panel. Hyundai shows no recall for this 2019 Hyundai Sonata Limited edition. I believe that this type of incident occurred back around 2011 with Hyundai's models for that time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706209December 19, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle has an oil consumption problem. I put in 5 quarts of oil last week after changing the oil three weeks before this. I am down today December 19, 2025 2 1/2 quarts when I put in 5 quarts last Friday. Hyundai motor Corp. says I have to pay for the $90 oil change to do the oil consumption test then I have to go back 1000 miles later and pay $600 for an oil combustion cleaning and drive it another thousand miles and come back and see the oil level to see if I need an engine. I think this is absolutely a safety hazard and needs to be taken very seriously for all customers that drive a Hyundai that are having these issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705662December 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the vehicle required an oil change every 10 days. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after driving 1,000 miles after an oil change, and the dealer informed the contact that a combustion cleaning was needed. The dealer performed the combustion cleaning, but the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic and the dealer had diagnosed the vehicle and had determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and declined to cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705709December 17, 2025
ENGINE
Hyundai replaced my engine under warranty due to their oil consumption in mid October. About 2 weeks later all warning lights came on and they said need new battery. They put in new battery in November. 15 miles after new battery a burning smell and smoke came from under hood with visible smoke. Took to dealer following day and no smoke. Got car back and next day it’s smoking and burning smell. Got it back to dealership and they had it a while and said no smoke and I got car back. They can’t find a reason and it’s not smoking .About a week later (tonight) burning smell and smoke from under hood at the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703039December 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Factory paint on my 2019 Hyundai Sonata (white Z05 warranty) is peeling on metal panels. Hyundai acknowledges paint failure under the Z05 warranty extension and directed me to authorized repair shops. When I contacted these Hyundai-referred shops, they stated they do not blend horizontal panels such as hood/roof/deck lid and would instead tint or use trim to disguise color differences. Hyundai corporate confirmed in writing that tinting alone does not meet Hyundai OEM repair standards, and that blending should be used when needed for proper color matching. Independent body shops also confirmed blending is required for a proper repair, with documented estimates ranging from $3,064 to $10,378.92 for OEM-level refinishing. Being offered tint-only/spot repairs without blending leaves exposed primer and will lead to corrosion and metal degradation over time. This raises a potential safety concern due to loss of corrosion protection on structural panels. Documentation from Hyundai corporate, repair quotes, and shop responses are available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702005November 29, 2025
ENGINE
My oil light came on after driving it about 4700 miles from purchase date. I checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick. 200 miles and 2 days later the check engine light came on and put it into limp mode. It was about a half quart low. I was put at risk for having to go slow on a main highway to get back home. I took it to a local Hyundai dealership they did a diagnostic and bearing clearance test for $572.00. They said it passed. Then I did a 1000 mile oil consumption test. They over filled my oil and it passed. The 2nd 1000 mile oil consumption test they did not over fill my oil and it failed. They told me they would submit a PA to Hyundai corporate and as long as the maintenance was done they would most likely replace the engine. He also told me my engine could blow anytime. They never called me back so when I called the dealership they said they denied it needed a new engine. They wanted me to pay another $800 to run a combustion test. I am not paying for anymore testing when they clearly have engine problems with many of their engines. I had warning signs and that’s when I called the dealership I purchased it from and went on this path. I was also told that this was covered under an extension warranty of 120, 000 miles. Only to be told by Hyundai corporate that it is not covered. This is an issue Hyundai is well aware of and they refuse to fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694671October 21, 2025
ENGINE
Problem with the valve cover gasket. Dealer said replaced. Engine oil smell has been entering into the cabin and making me ill. Causing chest pain, headache, dizziness, nausea.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694795October 21, 2025
ENGINE
My car has been with Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake Va since September 23rd. They have advised me that I will definitely need a new engine however, Hyundai is requiring them to do 2750.00 worth of work on my engine before they can submit a claim to have my engine replaced. They explained to me that one of the piston rings in my engine needs to be replaced. The service technician reassured me “the failure was nothing that I could have caused”. I have gotten my oil change regularly, and I have paperwork that shows that. The car is five years old. I’ve only had the car for 3 years and I’m the first owner. I have never driven my car long distance. I work from home. The most I do is take my boys to and from school which is at the most 5.1 miles away from my home. The dealer recommended that I call Hyundai my self and start a case. Which I did. Two days later Hyundai Canada called to tell me their decision is final and my case was denied because the warrant is 5 years/60,000 miles I told them the car was over the 60,000 mileages when I bought it and I’m still well within the 5-yr mark. She then says, basically that the piston failure is not included in the extended warranty. However the class action suit states differently. The dealership advised me that their system shows a 99 yr warranty on the engine, which they took that to mean lifetime. They priced me a new engine at 7111.00 in addition to the 2750.00 of engine work they told me I must get done before hyundai would approve me for a new engine. I have been in contact with the lawyers handling the Hyundai/Kia 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI Engine Class Actions. They have added me to the data base and provided me some direction. which have led me to you, the NHTSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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