Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11666119June 10, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to the rod bearings failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall due to the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666202June 10, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On June 4 as son was turning, the car started shaking & went to park. He managed to slip into a nearby parking spot & tried to reverse. The car turned on, put into reverse & then after about 2 seconds it went to park & stopped. This happened several times. It was towed to the dealer who today, June 10, reported it was a transmission flaw. The car was being driven at about 30 mph on a 2 way street. Had it been on the interstate at a higher speed, it may have caused a dangerous situation with a sudden stop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665753June 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Halogen headlight bubls H7 melting the casing socket. Making my headlight assembly smoke.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665949June 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My dad gave me his car a little bit ago, and I just learned there is a cap and sensor part in the engine that fills with oil which triggers the check engine light. I nearly got hit because I didn't know the car couldn't accelerate properly when this happens. My neighborhood exits onto the main road at an incline and my car wouldn't move faster than 10 mph while cars were coming behind me at 45. I was terrified. My dad told me had the same problem. He took it to the dealership to be repaired when it happened to him and they said it was fixed, so apparently it is a reoccurring problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665582June 8, 2025
ENGINE
Failure of engine oil pan. - Hairline crack in oil pan caused enough oil to leak out threatening engine failure. Problem caught in time to avert failure. - Oil pan will be available if requested. - Personal safety not at risk but could have been if failure occurred while driving. - Problem was discovered and confirmed at by independent service center. - No inspection has been done by others. - YouTube and internet search shows same problem. - No warning warning signs or messages. - Problem not covered by manufactures warranty for second owner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665618June 8, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has experienced multiple hybrid system shutdowns while driving. This includes repeated complete power loss incident on I-90 beginning in June 2022, when my daughter was driving home after her hospital shift. The vehicle displayed a “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Off Engine” message and had to be pushed off the highway and towed. This was the first of several hybrid-related failures that culminated in a full engine replacement under warranty at 82,015 miles — and now, the same hybrid system warning has returned at 127,592 miles, well within Hyundai’s 150,000-mile hybrid warranty. Hyundai is currently denying coverage. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate repeated hybrid system faults and warranty denial patterns in Korean-manufactured Sonata Hybrids.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665262June 6, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the daughter reached the destination and parked the vehicle, a popping noise suddenly occurred from the engine compartment. After exiting the vehicle, flames were present coming from under the engine hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was later towed to an impound lot. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact indicated that the engine had been previously replaced as part of a recall repair. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665395June 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 ( EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664986June 5, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple critical mechanical and safety issues have occurred with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport. The vehicle has experienced persistent engine misfire, a severe oil leak, emissions system failure, and extensive paint deterioration. A certified technician confirmed an active oil pan leak with no dashboard warning lights, posing a fire and stalling hazard. To prevent further damage, I replaced the entire oil pan and spark plugs at a personal cost of approximately $800 at Firestone Complete Auto Care. The check engine light revealed diagnostic code P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). An O’Reilly emissions scan confirmed the catalytic converter failure, and emissions status was marked “RED.” The vehicle will not pass an OBD-based emissions test. At 149,219 miles, Hyundai refused warranty coverage due to mileage. A certified Hyundai dealership quoted $3,722 to replace both the catalytic converter and valve cover gasket, which remains unaffordable and unrepaired. In addition, the factory-applied white paint began peeling severely from the hood and roof. Although Hyundai issued a warranty extension for this known defect, the dealership refused to repaint the hood, citing a minor dent — even though the peeling is clearly unrelated. The exposed metal has started to rust, risking structural deterioration. All concerns have been evaluated by certified Hyundai service and independent professionals. These combined mechanical, emissions, and exterior failures raise serious safety and durability concerns. I am filing this report to document manufacturer-related defects that may affect other owners of this model and year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664992June 5, 2025
ENGINE
Rod clearance test
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665039June 5, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The tail lights in this car are constantly burning out. We have to replace them about every month or two. It’s either one side or the other and it has happened so many times since we had the car it’s ridiculous
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665119June 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle suddenly accelerated after pulling out of store parking lot at low speed into side street behind vehicle stopped at light (less than a car length in front) while pressing hard on brake. Vehicle lurched forward incrementally during the braking process, but vehicle kept accelerating causing vehicle to hit stopped vehicle numerous times before vehicle engine was finally turned off. Driver of both vehicles could have been seriously hurt. Vehicle was driven home after this incident without incident but has only been driven out of garage and onto and off towing truck. Car has not been inspected except for damage to vehicle and is currently awaiting insurance rep inspection at vehicle repair facility. Once damage is repaired car will be towed to dealership for inspection. Because of the short distance vehicle traveled no warning lamps/messages were noted.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664479June 3, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHEELS
So I was driving down the highway and I went to pass a car, (I never get close when passing) I was probably at least a quarter mile away from the car I was passing. I have every safety feature turned off, as I have, since buying the car almost 2 years ago. All of a sudden, I’m not sure if my sensor was off or what, but I’m assuming it thought I was too close to that car and it just started swerving all over the highway. I went left/right 4 times before I was finally able to regain control, I couldn’t couter-act the swerves, nor could I hold my steering wheel straight to stop them. Luckily there were very few people on the highway as it was early in the morning. Had the time of day been different, I probably wouldn’t be here today, and some others probably wouldn’t be either, at least lots of injuries I’m sure. It hasn’t been confirmed, i don’t even know how to do that honestly, I was the only one in the car. I didn’t call anyone/say anything until right now because I was already running late for work, I was shaken up but I just called my parents and they said to look up recalls/file a report, which it seems like this is how I do it? There were no warning signs, nothing, I was driving for already about 30 minutes and everything was fine, never had any issue like this ever before. Like I said I’ve had this car for almost 2 years and she has been an absolute dream, aside from this mishap. But now I am very terrified to drive it, i don’t know what happened honestly, I don’t know what could have caused it, but this is why I hate smart cars. My safety was put at risk by what I assume was a safety feature malfunction of some kind.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664535June 3, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse(R), the back over prevention camera screen temporarily displayed an image before the screen went black. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure, but recently became a constant failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664715June 3, 2025
ENGINE
Engine seized on me, lurched forward, then engine light starting flashing and I could barely accelerate anymore. Had to go very slowly to make it home. My local autoshop says this is very common with Hyundai's and there was a recall for bad engines for this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664196June 1, 2025
ENGINE
Bought 2019 at Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake va in JUNE of 2022. Noticed that car stay burning oil in march of 2025. Took 2 oil consumption test at dealership and failed both. Hyundai knows these consume oil even with proper maintenance but will do nothing to try to make it right. Basically got turned down and service advisor ADVISED me to buy a new vehicle. The car only has 75,330 miles on it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664220June 1, 2025
AIR BAGS
Air Bag light stays on and cannot pass stare inspection without repair. NHSTA site has 54 reports of this issue and dealer cannot figure out how to repair. What can be done?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664112May 31, 2025
ENGINE
Engine its completely shot won't go past 55 mph showing code p1326 knock senor bull crap. Which is the same reason and shows same symptoms as all the other recall 198 engines but hyundai won't cover my model vehicle because its not "part of the recall" when it should be I still owe 10k on my vehicle hyundai quoted me 10k to replace the engine i shouldn't be paying anything due to the fact that yall consistently have to same problems on all your vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663949May 30, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally request reconsideration of a denied warranty claim regarding my [XXX] son's 2016 Hyundai Sonata, which recently suffered complete engine failure and Hyundai has denied. The vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which is widely known to be associated with engine failure risks and is covered under Hyundai’s extended warranty program. Despite this, my warranty claim was denied due to the fact that two recall-related services were not completed. I would like to respectfully challenge this decision for the following reasons: The engine failure is consistent with the known defects in the Theta II engine, which Hyundai has acknowledged through its extended warranty program and recall campaigns. I was not properly informed of the outstanding recalls or their impact on warranty eligibility. We purchased the vehicle in November 2024 and had not received any notifications of these recalls. Had I been made aware of these recalls I would have taken immediate action but again, I was not ever notified. The failure of the engine is unrelated to any owner negligence and should be covered regardless of recall status, especially under a defect-related extended warranty program. The failure has left my son without a functioning vehicle and facing a costly engine replacement for an issue Hyundai has accepted responsibility for in thousands of similar cases. He started working at [XXX] to begin saving for his first vehicle. He spent $8,000 of his own money and is now devastated by an issue outside of his control. I am requesting a full reconsideration of my claim and repair costs under the extended warranty program. Due to the Engine failure my sons car locked up and died while traveling with passengers. This was a terrifying safety event as my son was stuck in the driving lane with traffic until the car could be towed. Please let me know what additional information you need to review my case. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663731May 29, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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