Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11682810August 25, 2025
ENGINE
I was going down the highway and noticed a weird sound and when off the highway it just shut down on me thank God I was able to pull in a median and I could not drive or start it. No other warning signs. I had it towed to a mechanic and they told me the engine was blown and he wouldn’t touch it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682841August 25, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was drying my car after washing it(I only use products approved for washing and drying vehicles) when a piece of paint on the hood just peeled off. It has not been wrecked or damaged in any way on the hood so I feel it must be a defective paint job from the factory.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682710August 24, 2025
ENGINE
My 2018 Sonata has had an oil consumption problem since 2023. We initially thought it was the oil change garage issues. Had an oil consumption study conducted by Hyundai between July -September 2024. We were replacing 1,0 -1.5 qt oil every 700 - 1,300 miles. After the study, Hyundai told me I did not have an oil consumption problem. (Seriously?!?!) We had to replace the starter and now the spark plugs. Photo enclosed of how burnt the spark plugs were. Our mechanic was so mad that Hyundai was not honoring their warranty but allowing my engine and connected parts to just burn up. Hyundai told me to come in for another check tomorrow, 8/25/25. I called the Hyundai Consumer line on 8/18/25 (4th new case number in 13 months) and the person who answered the phone asked if I contacted a lawyer. I asked her if I needed to contact a ? I’ve been reading online about this problem today and found information about NHTSA and decided to file a complaint. This is dangerous because when the engine blows, I may be accelerating on the interstate and merging. That could be a fatal problem with this car. Traveling on the interstate on 8/10/2025 my Sonata stuttered and hesitated upon acceleration. We took back roads and limped home. My mechanic replaced the severely burnt spark plugs and told us our very nice car would be worthless soon if Hyundai did not fix this oil consumption problem. He called our Hyundai dealer on our behalf.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682737August 24, 2025
ENGINE
My engine has a knock and the dealership told me that they would not fix it due to "lack of maintanence" but I tried explaining to them that I was unable to get proof because Oreily and auto zone were unable to get me receipts on old purchases.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682560August 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am driving and all of a sudden the brakevsystem lighthouse on bthe hybird system begins to fail and ge car loses power i almost got hit 4 times already, from this . The system starts to ding ,shut down and states to bring to a certified mechanic ir dealership. Hyundai has on line tgeybarevaware and this problem for this model and should be taken care if no charge for bis a problem for this year model and hybird model 3 diff we rent areas on lounge through Hyundai it states this a known issue. The part to replace and had a certified ASE mechanic on computer look and went through the computer system and stated it is a power booster brake sensor. This is starednin 3 different areas bon Hyundai websitebfornthe model and year. Suppised the recall in the nowhere done Oct 8 2024 but never had any letter of recall nor the dealership contact me anmboutbthis ,but had an oil change done at or about the supposed nrevapl been done. I have no documentation of this nor any given so inwantb,asking give me type kit needed, to take care nofbthis. .no documentation ofbanybkjnd given exceptb,no invoice given done, so I would like tge kit for fuses do go bad. Anything can be put in computer stating what is supposed done but not. Im not asking except to rake carebof this no charge for Hyundai it's free in 3 different areas should be done non published recall . For this year. All online. I asked for cooperation in this matterband the dealership that purchased has been sold to anormther and banner dealership stated in line ,not responsible for previous dealerships problems etc,take it up warmth them the Steele group out if canada,that sold to ge jeating group that know owns this dealership .. I asked for a newbcasemmanager ,drniedband I have a rightbtocaskband should be changed for her arrogance, belligerence in nmattrr should not be. I purchasednthe brake booster sensorbforbwhat Fred bactyally a little less with labor, beingshipped from Hyundai . Dot
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682619August 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR THE GAS ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ELECTRIC ENGINE LOST POWER, WERE ABLE TO COAST A FEW MILES UNDER LOW POWER UNDER ELECTRIC ENGINE AND THEN ENGINE SHUTDOWN COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT START, HAD CAR TOLLED TO NEAREST MECHANIC, HE CONFIRMED ENINGE DAMAGED BY ROD BEARING FAILURE, HE TRIED TO GET A NEW ENGINE TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED ONE AND HYUNDAI TOLD HIM THEY COULD NOT SELL HIM AND ENGINE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682296August 22, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car has been having white smoke since i got it the smoke coming from the exhaust smells like oil burning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682308August 22, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Failure. After taking my Hyundai listed above in for repairs to the air conditioning not working properly and while in custody of Jeff's Automotive Service, here in Sterling, IL 61081, the engine suddenly died out while they were test driving the car. They were able to jump start it once, and then it died out again while driving it. This time the car could not be restarted by all means possible. Being in the shop, other possible causes were checked and not one of them worked. The Engine is completely DEAD. After Checking for possible causes online it was found that a recall for the very same Engine Failure had been done back in 2017/2018.\n" + 'For unknown reasons, I was never notified nor did I ever received such notice. Now at this time, we have contacted a local dealer and they state that because the auto had not been taken in for the recall repairs, it no longer "qualifies" for free repairs and any repairs would have to be paid for. Upon checking the NHTSA website, it states that there are no time limits on the repairs. I was going to contact National Hyundai Corp to inquire about it, but decided instead to file a complaint with you. 'The question is: Is my car still eligible for the Recall Repairs under the Hyndai Mfg Recall #162 'of March 31, 2017? Recall Number 17V2260000??? Given the fact that i did not receive their notification if indeed, one was sent, and I was totally unaware of this Recall???. I sincerely\n' + 'believe that under the laws and procedures, I should still be eligible for this Recall Repair of\n' + 'their Faulty Engine Failure in my automobile listed above. \n' + 'Therefore I am at this time requesting an investigation and a decision before I make any attempts to contact Hyundai Mfg directly. Also as part of my inquiries I spoke to the Service Department of Schimmer Hyundai in Peru, IL the closest dealer to me, and after checking the VIN number I was to
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682372August 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Despite the odor, the contact's sister resumed normal driving operation and later refueled the vehicle. After fueling the vehicle, the fuel odor was stronger, and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact's sister pulled over to inspect the vehicle, but found no failure. The next day, upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic immediately smelled a fuel odor and later discovered a fuel leak while inspecting the vehicle. The mechanic showed the contact the fuel leak and diagnosed the vehicle with a defective fuel system. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The failure mileage was 192,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682387August 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact called to report a technical issue with a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin and the software that the manufacturer was reprograming for the Hyundai transmissions; TSB Number: 13-AT017. The contact, a certified mechanic, purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata from a customer due to the transmission failure. The contact attempted to order a new transmission from the manufacturer, but no transmission was available. The contact ordered a compatible transmission from Kia. The contact successfully installed the transmission. The installation instructions which stated that the motor control unit and transmission control unit software needed to be reprogramed. The contact was able to successfully road test the vehicle and then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The contact stated that after the software was reprogramed, while attempting to road test the vehicle, immediately there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact checked online and determined that the TSB issued by Hyundai for the software reprograming outlined temperature values that were not the values show on the testing equipment. The contact called the dealer and was informed that using the Kia transmission in a Hyundai vehicle, there was no assistance to be offered. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Hyundai software was incorrect and wanted to notify the NHTSA of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was not provided.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682438August 22, 2025
ENGINE
I took my car to the garage after purchase around 75,000 miles due to rattling noise 8n the front and the amount of oil that my car was requiring in between oil changes, did the oil consumption test it came back on the higher range but Hyundai offered no resolution
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682464August 22, 2025
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?\n' + 'The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata is defective. It burns oil excessively, fouls spark plugs and ignition coils, and causes continuous misfires. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection.\n' + 'How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?\n' + 'The engine misfires cause my car to shake violently while driving, lose power unexpectedly, and turn on the check engine light. This creates a risk of stalling or losing control while driving at highway speeds, endangering myself and others. I no longer feel safe driving the car.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?\n' + 'Yes. Multiple independent mechanics have confirmed that the misfires and repeated spark plug/coil failures are caused by the engine itself, not just normal wear. Hyundai dealers acknowledged the excessive oil consumption and advised combustion cleanings, which did not resolve the issue.\n' + '\n' + 'Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?\n' + 'Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Hyundai dealerships (including McGrath Hyundai) and independent service centers (Pep Boys, AAMCO, and others). All noted ongoing oil-related issues and repeated failures tied to the engine.\n' + '\n' + 'Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?\n' + 'Yes. The check engine light has come on repeatedly over the last two years. Symptoms include rough idling, heavy shaking, loss of power, and repeated ignition coil and spark plug failures (monthly or more often). The problem began within the first year of ownership and has persisted ever since despite repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682535August 22, 2025
ENGINE
This is the first time I have an engine failure. I drove my car 3 min before merging into the route 1 highway. In approximately 800 feet, my car went haywire, all lights in the dashboard went ON, the steering wheel got stiff, and the car speed dropped off, I almost got rear-ended. I made an effort to pull over to the break lane. The car shut off and I could not get it to start. I opened the hood, a light smoke was coming out of the engine. I left it open to make sure it doesn't get worse. After 10 min, a State trooper stopped by to check on my safety, I informed him that I called the insurance to report the incident and request a tow truck. After the tow truck dropped off my car in front of my house, I called a mechanic to check it, he informed me that the engine is seized.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682037August 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cracked dash. This is an ongoing issue with Hyuandai since around 2009. Please investigate. Do the research. I normally wouldn't even come on here to complain. This is my 3rd Sonata. Same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682252August 21, 2025
ENGINE
While driving our 2011 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], my fiancée and I experienced sudden engine failure on [XXX]. The car suddenly lost power and began vibrating violently, then stalled completely and would not restart. We had to pull over in a dangerous area with no power and limited shoulder space, creating a serious safety hazard. A relative had previously scanned the vehicle and retrieved a P1326 knock sensor code, indicating a potential engine bearing issue. He cleared the code temporarily in an attempt to drive the vehicle again. However, when it failed on the freeway, we were forced to tow the vehicle twice—first to our home and then to Anaheim Hyundai for diagnosis. Hyundai later denied warranty assistance, claiming "exceptional maintenance neglect" despite the fact that we provided all available oil change records since our 2017 purchase. We were not the original owners, yet were expected to produce records dating back to 2013. No sludge or varnish evidence was cited in the repair order, and the dealer simply claimed a seized engine. We’ve since been denied under both the extended warranty and goodwill policies, even though our engine displayed the same symptoms covered in the Theta II engine class action settlement. This failure was dangerous, left us without transportation, and has caused serious financial and emotional strain. We are reporting this because it reflects a potential ongoing safety risk for other Hyundai owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682253August 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, and during the test drive, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681901August 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Sudden brake failure while driving at speeds around 40 mph, where both the accelerator and brakes became unresponsive, forcing me to coast before regaining limited braking ability after repeated pumping or having to "restart" the car completely. During these events, loud grinding or dragging noises and vibrations were present. Despite adequate brake fluid levels and pad condition, the brake pedal went to the floor. Could be a potential hydraulic or booster failure. It is available for inspection upon request. I was in the car with a significant other at the time of the incident, this happened around 9 times on a very busy highway during a rush. I have been able to reproduce the problem on my own but has now been inspected by a dealer or independent service center. Online resources indicate others with the same symptoms under same conditions have. The component has not been manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. But I have very recently (around 4 months ago) passed a vehicle inspection. There were no warnings or other symptoms prior to failure, it's very sudden and having no idea when and where it would happen makes the car inoperable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681942August 20, 2025
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at a slow speed, the sub frame snapped and fractured the axle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part had been discontinued. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681953August 20, 2025
ENGINE
I bought car octv230th little after month as driving engine failure occurred had towed to dealership and they sent to authorized hyndai dealership for the extended warranty campaign. That garage acknowledged problems with the cars engine stating rod bearing clearance and the engine had to be replaced then charged me denied the extended warranty they initially said would classify for. I couldn't keep up with traffic and was very busy almost cause a crash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681665August 19, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata Limited check engine light came on at approximately 103,000 miles of use. This happened last week. The code it was pointing to was a faulty Fuel Pressure Sensor. Could also be combined with faulty fuel pump, but the primary code indicates the sensor. I will be taking it in to the Hyundai dealership shortly. The main reason I’m reporting this is because of my previous experience owning a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe that had to have the engine replaced three times all under warranty. There ended up being a class action lawsuit because of several owners experiencing the same proglem. While this may not be the same case, I am Leary of engine problems like this. I take very good care of my cars with regular maintenance, so I’m reporting this just in case others are experiencing the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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