Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11729048April 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Sonata Incident Date: August 14, 2024 Location: [XXX] Description of the Problem: The vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic fire without warning while in normal use. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The failure appears to have originated from the electrical system and/or engine (exact cause UNKNOWN), which resulted in the vehicle igniting unexpectedly. Safety Risk: This failure created an immediate and life-threatening safety hazard to all occupants. The vehicle caught fire suddenly, leaving no time to react or prevent injury. There was no crash or external cause associated with this fire. The incident required emergency response from Butts County Fire and Emergency Services, who generated an official report. Injuries and Trauma: My son suffered burn injuries to his fingers, requiring emergency medical treatment. There is neurological damage to the fingertips, indicating lasting physical injury. In addition, my son experienced significant psychological trauma due to sudden exposure to a life-threatening vehicle fire, including acute emotional distress during the incident and ongoing fear associated with vehicle safety. This demonstrates the extreme danger posed by a sudden, unpreventable vehicle fire. Inspection / Confirmation: The incident was documented by Butts County Fire and Emergency Services. At this time, manufacturer inspection is UNKNOWN, dealer inspection is UNKNOWN, and insurance inspection is UNKNOWN. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the fire. The failure occurred suddenly and without notice. Defect Pattern Concern: This incident is consistent with known issues involving Hyundai Sonata vehicles, including engine and electrical system failures and reports of vehicle fires. This complaint is submitted to request a formal investigation. Prior Hyundai fire defects reported for this model. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11729105April 3, 2026
ENGINE
I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a recurring HEV warning system indicator affecting my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that was not properly diagnosed despite multiple service visits to Nalley Hyundai beginning around July or August 2022. During several service visits while the vehicle remained covered under an extended warranty, I reported the HEV warning indicator to the dealership. Each time the vehicle was returned to me, the warning light was no longer illuminated, giving the appearance that the issue had been resolved. I was not billed for these visits. However, I was informed that the dealership could not determine the cause of the warning indicator, and no permanent repair solution was completed. Because this issue involves the hybrid electric system, I am concerned this may represent a safety-related condition affecting vehicle reliability and drivability. The warning indicator has continued intermittently and has now progressed to the point that my vehicle is no longer dependable transportation. I respectfully request that this complaint be reviewed as a potential hybrid system warning indicator concern affecting the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729119April 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was notified of a recall on my from vehicle by Hyundai via email some time in March of 2026. The message said mentioned my vehicle may have a defective/worn purge control check valve that would cause the fuel tank to deform. Potentially leading to a release of fuel over time, which then could ignite. NHTSA Recall #25V796000 My car showed now signs of problems, but I brought it into a Hyundai dealership on March 13th where they confirmed my vehicle had the issue. They said the situation required I not drive my vehicle and gave me a rental in the meantime. I assumed it would be a simple swap of the fuel tank and everything would be fine. I was offered a buyback from my Hyundai claims manager over the situation, but I figured since its a simple fix, I'd keep my car and have it fixed. Two weeks went by with no update from the dealership, so I walked in for answers. Turns out, the subframe of my car has been damaged by the expanding fuel tank and they are still waiting for updates from Hyundai on how to proceed as they themselves don't know how to fix my vehicle. My Hyundai claims manager did not mention this when we talked over the phone and he offered a buyback. None of their recall notices mention structural damage anywhere or even as a possibility. I asked the dealership again on April 1, 2026, and they are still waiting on guidance on how to proceed. Neither does my Hyundai claims manager handling this situation on their end.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728690April 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Had an oil change, then 2 weeks later car making noise, checked the oil and it was completely empty, so we refilled the oil. Then a month after again same issue no oil, refilled it again and now a week later it's 2 quarts low already. Also when I come to a complete stop when it is time to go again it's very slow at going or if I try to excel it takes it a very long time to actually excel I think something's wrong with the fuel pump
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728889April 2, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased a used 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Within about 2 weeks it broke down while I was in the far left lane of the freeway. The car suddenly stopped accelerating and made a very loud knocking noise. Thankfully I was able to put on my hazards and make it to the right shoulder without getting into an accident but as soon as I pulled over it shut off and the panel lights all came on. Evidently there was a recall on an engine rod and the previous owners advised they were not aware of it. Hyundai has declined the repair on the recalled engine several times and their reasons keep changing. First they said I was missing records (admittedly I was missing one record but then provided it to them), then they stated excessive neglect due to the condition of the valve train (I saw pics of the valve train and is in good condition), and now they state because the KSDS wasn't installed. From what I understand, being the second owner, if I can prove the upkeep of the vehicle the extended waranty should cover the repair. I even have the letter from the car mechanic stating the vehicle was maintained and in good condition. It seems a lot of good people are getting declined for repairs on these faulty engines. I have many more documents I could provide showing all of the services done and communications with the company. Due to the size limit I included these ones for your review. Thank you so much for any help you can provide.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728741April 2, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728512April 1, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that oil was blowing out of the top of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728523April 1, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was previously illuminated. Additionally, the seat belt warning light was activated for the passenger’s seat while the seat was unoccupied. The contact was concerned that the safety restraint system (SRS) might not function correctly in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728583April 1, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after driving over a pothole, the steering wheel became difficult to handle, with a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728167March 31, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine was replaced couple of months ago due to a recall and today 3/30/2026 I'm pulling up to my driveway getting home from work in my car starts smoking it catches on fire
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728334March 31, 2026
ENGINE
On March 18, 2026 I brought my vehicle to AutoNation Hyundai for an oil change and full diagnostic. Your dealership’s own diagnostic report showed no knock sensor code, no engine issues, and no active warning lights. My car was fully drivable when I dropped it off. Within 30 minutes of picking my vehicle up, the check engine light began blinking and the car became completely undrivable. It has not moved since March 20, 2026 at the dealership. The dealership did an additional diagnostic and found a knock sensor that was not there during the first diagnostics and have stated that my engine has too many miles to be covered uder warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728397March 31, 2026
ENGINE
The failure involves the engine, which has seized (locked up) and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became unsafe when it stopped operating in traffic, creating a potential hazard to myself and others due to the sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by both a dealership and an independent service center, both of which determined that the engine has failed and requires repair or replacement. The vehicle has also been inspected by the manufacturer as part of the claim process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or indicators before the failure occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728025March 30, 2026
ENGINE
Engine died because oil wasn't changed, even though the car wasn't due for an oil change and no indicator flashed on the dashboard warning us that maintenance was needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727822March 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. Dash Board has several cracks especially over airbag. 2.The location and severity of the cracks raises concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dashboard during a collision and the potential for obstructed airbag deployment. 3.It has not been inspected. I plan to carry it to the dealer tomorrow. 4.There were no warnings. I just realized the cracks a few weeks ago. I had seen them prior but thought they were part of the design until they became more pronounced.
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
#11727565March 27, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727305March 26, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt failed to lock securely. The contact stated that the seat belt loosened unexpectedly and failed to properly protect the driver while operating the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727380March 26, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The internal core of the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS), part of the center muffler/front pipe assembly (#28600-L5210), suffered a catastrophic failure. This allowed approximately 9 gallons of engine coolant to leak directly into the hot exhaust stream. Safety Risk: This failure creates a severe visibility hazard. During acceleration from stop lights and stop signs, the vehicle emits massive, thick clouds of white glycol smoke. The smoke is so dense that it completely obscures the driver's view of trailing vehicles and prevents following drivers from seeing the roadway or my vehicle's brake lights, creating a high risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, the rapid loss of coolant caused the engine to overheat and lose power while in motion, nearly causing a stall in active traffic. Confirmation: The failure was confirmed by the service department at Washington Hyundai (Invoice #174281). This is the second failure of this specific component (previously failed in Jan 2025). The manufacturer issued TSB 23-EM-009H for this defect, acknowledging it affects 2020-2023 Sonata Hybrids, but no safety recall has been issued. Symptoms: The issue was preceded by a "sweet" burning smell and a sudden "Engine Overheating" warning on the dashboard. The failed component has been replaced by the dealer, but the manufacturer refused to replace the coolant-poisoned Oxygen (O2) sensors, leaving the vehicle in a technically compromised state. The failed unit is likely held by the dealer for warranty parts return.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727065March 25, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power, an alarm sounded for the braking system, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. After originally paying out-of-pocket for an ABS module at the dealer and was informed that the engine needed to be repaired and the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic repaired the vehicle. There was a recall for the ABS module and the contact returned to the dealer, and the dealer confirmed that the independent mechanic had correctly installed the part. The dealer performed the official recall repair and refused to reimburse the contact for the previous expenses. Three months later, the braking system failed again. The contact stated that the vehicle temporarily returned to normal after a restart, but the failure worsened and required a return trip to the dealer for another repair. In January 2026, the failure recurred for a third time with a loud squealing sound. The dealer was not notified of the third failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Hyundai Sonata