Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11703202December 5, 2025
ENGINE
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata with the DOHC GDI Theta-II engine is experiencing severe engine oil consumption consistent with Hyundai's known TXXI/TXXC extended warranty defect. The oil pressure warning has flashed while driving or braking, the engine runs rough when slowing down, engine has made knocking noises, and there is smoke/vapor with a burnt oil smell when removing the oil cap after driving. The oil level drops rapidly between changes despite proper maintenance. This issue poses a risk of engine failure, stalling, or fire while driving. I have maintained the vehicle on time with all oil change receipts. A Hyundai dealership refused to perform the required warranty diagnostics even though this issue falls under Hyundai's extended warranty for Theta-II engines. This is a serious safety concern, and no corrective action has been taken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703246December 5, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle suffered a sudden engine failure that Hyundai confirmed was caused by a recall defect. Hyundai replaced the engine but is refusing to reimburse several necessary expenses incurred solely because of the recall-related failure. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to failure. Expenses: Monthly loan payment while car unusable – $242.55 (REFUSED) First tow: Highway → Old Ox – $160.00 (REFUSED) Second tow: Old Ox → Alexandria Hyundai – $170.00 Third tow: Alexandria Hyundai → Exxon – $200.00 Fourth tow: Exxon → Fitzgerald Hyundai – $205.00 Alexandria Hyundai inspection – $199.99 (REFUSED) Old Ox diagnostic fee – $539.24 (REFUSED) Rental car 10/4–10/8 – $208.90 Rental car 10/29–11/1 – $151.00 Total requested: $2,076.68 Total refused: $1,141.78 Hyundai claims the initial tow isn’t covered because it wasn’t to a Hyundai dealer, that independent diagnostics “don’t qualify,” that a Hyundai dealer’s inspection fee is not reimbursable because dealers are “separate entities,” and that my loan payment is not covered. These denials contradict Hyundai’s recall guidance and the requirement to reimburse reasonable and necessary costs caused by a recalled defect. This engine failure also placed me in real danger. The engine died suddenly at highway speed, leaving me stranded in an unsafe location with no control over the tow provider. Hyundai Corporate then instructed me to bring the car to Alexandria Hyundai, creating the clear impression those fees would be reimbursed. I relied on their guidance in good faith, and only after following their instructions did they refuse reimbursement. I feel misled, financially harmed, and exposed to unnecessary risk. Due to Hyundai’s conduct and selective denial of valid recall-related expenses, I am preparing to escalate this matter civilly and pursue punitive damages in addition to reimbursement. I request NHTSA’s assistance, as Hyundai’s actions appear inconsistent with recall obligations. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703251December 5, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] Mileage: [163,000] Summary: Theta II 2.4L GDI engine bearing failure (Recall 953 / 20V-393) – severe knocking, risk of sudden engine seizure/fire. Dealer refuses lifetime-warranty repair and forced consumer to pay towing to avoid lien/fees. Description: This vehicle is covered by NHTSA Recall 20V-393 (Campaign 953) and the court-approved Theta II engine class-action settlement providing a lifetime warranty for rod-bearing failure. The engine now has loud knocking from failed rod bearings – the exact defect addressed by the recall and settlement.On 11/28/2025 I dropped the vehicle at Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston (10301 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074) for diagnosis and repair under the lifetime warranty. The dealership confirmed bearing failure but refused to repair, stating the vehicle is “not eligible” because the free Campaign 953 knock-sensor software update was never performed. No owner (current or prior) ever received any recall notice or settlement notice despite Hyundai’s legal duty to notify all registered owners.On 12/04/2025, service advisor Tevin told me to remove the car by Friday or face storage fees and possible lien sale. To avoid unlawful charges for a known safety defect, I paid $192.70 out of pocket for AAA to tow the vehicle off the lot on 12/05/2025 (receipt available).Hyundai is using its own failure to provide notice as justification to deny legitimate lifetime-warranty claims and shift costs to consumers. The unrepaired vehicle remains a serious safety hazard (engine stall/fire risk) on the road.Requested Action: Investigate Hyundai Motor America and its dealers for (1) systemic failure to notify owners of Recall 953 and the Theta II settlement, (2) wrongful denial of lifetime-warranty engine repairs, and (3) imposing towing/storage fees on consumers for admitted safety defects. I have filed a claim with the settlement administrator and can provide receipts, recorded calls, and docs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703258December 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to have an oil change performed and then return the vehicle after 1,000 miles of driving. The contact stated that after returning the vehicle to the dealer, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703280December 5, 2025
ENGINE
My Hyundai is experiencing severe and continuous engine oil consumption that creates a safety risk. The vehicle loses a significant amount of oil within 1,000–1,500 miles, sometimes showing almost no oil on the dipstick despite recent oil changes. There are no external leaks, no burning smell, and no visible oil under the car. The cause remains UNKNOWN, but it appears to be internal engine burning or a manufacturing defect. I have taken the vehicle to the Hyundai dealer multiple times. They performed oil consumption tests but either reported “normal results” or did not provide clear explanations. The issue continues exactly the same. I also contacted Hyundai corporate, but no meaningful assistance or goodwill support was provided. The dealer acknowledges no leaks but still refuses to repair or replace the engine. This problem is dangerous because the oil level drops without warning lights or error codes. If I do not manually check the dipstick, the engine could run dry and seize while driving. Sudden engine failure on highways or in traffic can cause accidents. I now have to frequently top up oil just to keep the engine alive. I have maintained the vehicle properly and completed all requested tests. The cause is still UNKNOWN, but based on similar Hyundai cases, it may involve piston rings, valve seals, or internal engine wear. Many Hyundai owners report the same issue, suggesting a broader defect. The dealer’s only advice is to “keep monitoring oil,” which is not a safe long-term solution. This defect poses a serious safety concern and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can investigate, as the engine may fail unexpectedly, putting me and others at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703332December 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine short block had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would not be serviced under the recall. The contact was offered a buyback option for the vehicle and was also offered a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
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
#11703047December 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle dashboard is severely cracked. It doesn’t appear to be from wear and tear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703113December 4, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failed on 10/24/2025. Hyundai will not honor class action suit to repair engine at no cost to owner. Hyundai state recalls were not completed on the car prior to engine failure. We agree, recalls were not completed prior to failure. Because we never received notification. Had we received notification we would have acted on the recalls immediately and not put our safety, that of our children or the general public at risk by driving a vehicle with an engine that could fail at any moment. We have contested Hyundai's rejection several times to no avail. We are seeking guidance in resolving this mater.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702697December 3, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving to her residence at unknown speeds, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while making a U-turn. The brakes and emergency brake were inoperable. The seatbelt was inoperable. The driver jumped out of the window. A pedestrian attempted to alert her of the fire. The vehicle exploded after exiting the vehicle. The contact sustained an injury to her leg, but no medical attention was provided. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There was no report of a crash or airbag deployment. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. The vehicle was auctioned off by the towing company.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11702439December 2, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and failed to immediately restart. The vehicle was later restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local Auto Zone, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer to perform a diagnostic test. No further info was available, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,300.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702481December 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has a defective engine. The motor failed unexpectedly even though the car has low usage and has always been maintained properly. I was informed that many Hyundai engines from these years came with manufacturing issues, and mine appears to be one of them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702486December 2, 2025
ENGINE
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has a defective engine. The motor failed unexpectedly even though the car has low usage and has always been maintained properly. I was informed that many Hyundai engines from these years came with manufacturing issues, and mine appears to be one of them. I am requesting that Hyundai replace the engine or provide a proper solution since this defect is not due to misuse but a faulty motor that came from the manufacturer. I need this resolved as soon as possible because the car is not running at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702514December 2, 2025
ENGINE
I bought this vehicle as a certified pre-owned from a Hyundai dealership on 09/10/2022 with 32,677 miles. Around 85,000 miles, it began burning an excessive amount of oil—about two quarts per month. Now, with approximately 101,000 miles, it still burns two quarts weekly, oil is being expelled from the muffler, and the exhaust has started to glow red. I have tried contacting Hyundai but have not received any response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702405December 2, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On 11/28/25 at approximately 6:30 pm, I was driving on a Highway 17 going about 60 mph when my car's engine completely shut down. a "Hybrid System Failure" warning flashed and my car was no longer drivable. The car was towed to the dealership. In mid October 2025, my car stopped running with the same "Hybrid System Failure" warning, but it happened in my driveway. The car was towed to the dealership and supposedly repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702255December 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SEATS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 202 Hyundai Sonata is involved in the current hyundai fuel system recall. on 10/26/25 the fuel tank expanded and caused three explosive "boom" sounds inside the vehicle while I was driving with passengers. The backseat began heating and rising upward due to fuel tank swelling. The tank became pressurized, hissing, bubbling, and would not accept fuel. The vehicle became inoperable. The car has now been at hyundai of camelback since 10/27/25 (30 days). Hyndai Corporate has repeatedly delayed providing a remedy and keeps telling me they "need another week". I have received no repair plan, and no decision. This violates the requirement for a timely recall remedy. The defect caused structural damage and created a serious safety hazard. "
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702301December 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear View camera stopped working about 6 weeks ago. Mechanic says need new camera which would cost about $500 labor and parts. Contacted dealer and Hyundai corporate to report and complain. Many other Hyundai vehicles have same problem with rear view camera but they are included in a recall campaign. Mine is not. Mechanic said the repair requires new camera and wireing harness. Hyundai case number is 41861577.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701989November 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Based on what I experienced, the fire appears to have resulted from an internal mechanical or electrical failure that occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion. No prior issues or dashboard alerts were present at the time, and there was no external impact or damage that could explain the fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
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
#11702016November 29, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
e vehicle is burning approximately 2 quarts of oil every month with no external leaks. This indicates severe internal oil consumption, which is a known defect in Hyundai’s Theta II 2.4 GDI engines. I discovered oil inside the VVT solenoid electrical connector and on other wiring, which shows oil is traveling through the engine harness. This causes hesitation, rough running, and the risk of sudden engine power loss. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive because the oil level drops quickly, and the engine could seize or stall while driving. Hyundai vehicles of this generation have a history of excessive oil consumption, piston ring failures, and engine fires, and I believe my vehicle is experiencing the same defect. This is a serious safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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