Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11653787April 9, 2025
ENGINE
Engine burning oil like crazy never had to put so much in for any other car. Risk of engine lock without enough oil also sets of the knock sensor. Every time I get an oil change they let me know that I’ve burned most of my oil and that it’s low so I just started doing my own oil topping it off. Problem has been ongoing since I got the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653338April 8, 2025
ENGINE
The car engine was sputtering and the check engine light came on. I was notified by a repair shop that the problem may relate to an engine recall. I called Hyundai about the recall and they advised me to take the vehicle to Cardinale Hyundai in Corona. I did take it there. Testing showed that the issue was, in fact, the same issue that was part of the recall (I believe it is called the internal engine bearing failure). HOWEVER, the Hyundai dealer then advised that, due to owner neglect, the problem will not be fixed by Hyundai. I firmly dispute Hyundai's contention!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653359April 8, 2025
ENGINE
Hello this is my second time filing for a complaint because the first time I did not receive an email confirmation. On Thursday night (April 4th) I was driving back home, I had just existed the highway and was now on a regular big busy street. I was driving approximately no more than 25 MPH. At the traffic light when it turned red I obviously had my foot on the break. When it had turned green and I tried to accelerate the car would just not simply move. As I said I was on a busy street there was many cars, My partner and I had to safety move the car by foot out of the road to let other cars pass, it was very dangerous for us since it was at night. I'd like to add prior to this the only time I ever had a problem was when I would turned on the car and later try to drive it would start shaking for a minute and then suddenly stop when I parked it and turned it off. Also there was never any engine light or any warning lights on the dashboard, To continue I had to call my dad late at night to help me find what was wrong with the car, obviously since it was at night there was not much to do, but to park the car and leave it there overnight. Next morning he goes and try to see if it turned on, It didn't the car was not running anymore, he called a tow truck for them to take it to a mechanic, In where they said it was an engine problem. The mechanic told my dad it would need a new engine which that can cost a lot. I called in the dealership in where i am financing it and told me if it was a motor problem I would have to pay $7500 to $8000 for a new engine replacement. This is do draining knowing I've had this car for less than TWO MONTHS and already having to pay for a new ENGINE? This was also very dangerous knowing the car never showed a warning light on the dashboard !! I could've been driving on the highway and the car could've stopped in the middle this could've been super dangerous putting my life at risk not knowing the the car had an engine problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653408April 8, 2025
STEERING, AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am having an issue with the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata. I see that there is a recall on the 2011-2014 Elantra vehicles, 2011-2013 Sonata vehicles, and 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid vehicles for up to 15 years, but my 2014 Sonata is having the same issue. My car is not a hybrid, but what do I need to do in order to get this covered? Everything that the recall is describing is going on with my vehicle. The airbag light stays on, a non-functional horn, and/or inoperative steering wheel controls, the steering column makes a noise when turned.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653089April 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, ENGINE
Car keep stalling misfire just started muffler sound smoke lack of power when driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653241April 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Hyundai Sonata which suffered an unexpected engine seizure on January 22, 2025, while my daughter was driving. The incident occurred without warning and left her stranded in a hazardous location, putting her in immediate danger. This appears to be part of a wider, documented issue affecting Hyundai vehicles. My understanding is that engine failures—particularly in Sonata models—have been the subject of recalls and class action lawsuits. However, Hyundai Motor America has refused to replace or repurchase the vehicle. Instead, they replaced the engine with one that now carries less warranty coverage than the original (12,000 miles vs. 26,000 miles remaining). Since the engine replacement, the vehicle has presented new problems, and now needs a new battery after sitting on the lot for so long. Hyundai has failed to offer meaningful support, leaving my family without a reliable vehicle for over two months. Hyundai has refused to replace or repurchase the vehicle, and I am now stuck with a car I cannot drive, cannot sell (due to the engine failure now reported on Carfax), and cannot rely on to safely transport my daughter. I believe this represents not only a serious safety risk, but also a pattern of negligence that could affect other drivers unaware of the risks. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue further and consider expanding oversight into Hyundai’s handling of these engine failures. I am available to provide full documentation, service records, and communication history.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653248April 7, 2025
ENGINE
Driving back home [about a 20 min ride] car has been driving fine, with no lights on dashboard EVER showing , obviously on a red light i had the break, then when it turn green the car would not accelerate at ALL. Car was still on with light and radio working the car would just not accelerate. I was on a busy street so I had to push the vehicle by foot with my partner to get it out of the way. Oil and battery seemed fine, I had to call my dad for help he as well did not find anything. We had no other choice but to leave the car on that street parked. Next morning my dad went to check it out and the car would not turn on AT ALL. He called a towing truck and took it to a mechanic in where he said that it was in fact the engine. When driving and prior to other cars I've driven the car there was never a warning sign what so ever this came out unexpectedly, putting my partner and I at risk in a busy street having to move the vehicle by foot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653279April 7, 2025
SEATS
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the frame on the front driver's seat was cracked. The contact inspected the seat. The contact lifted the cushion and became aware that the bolts were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,458.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653291April 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEATS
My wife and son experienced a terrible situation on the way home from training. They had to stop at the nearest gas station due to the vehicle showing extremely low gas in the tank during a short drive home. The fuel gauge initially showed about half a tank but drastically dropped on the way home. They stopped at a gas station to add fuel but during the process, fuel starting spewing out of the tank. The vehicle was scheduled to be dropped off at a later date for an open recall (service campaign 9B1). I called the dealership and told them I needed to get the vehicle in right away due to the incident. After bringing the vehicle to hyundai, they told me that the fuel tank exploded causing the tank to swell all the way around. Because the tank is located under the rear seat, we constantly heard air coming in due to the rear seat not seating properly. The check engine also was on and we smelled fuel while driving the vehicle. Hyundai representatives has been avoiding my calls to the point where I had to go in person for an update. Apparently, a district manager had to come inspect the vehicle to advise the dealership how to write up the request to send to corporate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653249April 7, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was repaired for a fuel valve failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, shortly after the repair the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed with the fuel valve failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel valve failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653018April 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Within a span of 6 months, 3 out of 4 doors on this car failed. The interior handle on the driver's side snapped off; it crumbled apart and sliced through the hand of the person opening the door. This occurred while the car was in park. Within 6 months the door latches on both rear doors froze and made it impossible to open the doors. This meant that no one could enter or exit through the rear of the car. Children needing to ride in the car would have to climb through the front to get to the back but would be unable to open the doors to exit, since the door latches failed. Though this is an older car, it is gently used and, at most, is driven 13 miles a day to and from work. Rear doors had rarely been used when they broke.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11653038April 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, POWER TRAIN
My 2020 Hyundai Sonata has a recurring and dangerous defect involving sudden deceleration while driving. Without warning, the car abruptly slows to ~10 mph—often on the highway—while numerous dashboard warning lights activate. This poses an extreme safety risk to me, my passengers, and other drivers, as it forces me to maneuver off the road to avoid being hit. The issue began in January 2021, still with less than 4,000 miles and just five months after I purchased the car new. It has occurred repeatedly and unpredictably since then. I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai-authorized dealer for repair on five occasions (January 2021; December 2021; January 2022; November 2024; and February 2025), but the problem has never been properly diagnosed or fixed. In November 2024, the issue occurred immediately as I drove off the dealer's lot, having been assured the vehicle was repaired and safe to drive. The most recent visit lasted over a month, yet the dealer could not replicate the problem and returned the car to me in early April 2025, without a clear resolution. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection. Each incident is accompanied by multiple warning lights (e.g., check engine, ESC, etc.) but no consistent diagnostic codes have been found. I’ve also found multiple similar complaints from other Sonata owners on the NHTSA site, suggesting this may be a broader issue. This unresolved defect has made the vehicle unsafe to drive and caused significant emotional distress. I no longer trust the car or the assurances from Hyundai or the dealer that it is fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653076April 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My 2020 Hyundai Sonata has a recurring and dangerous defect involving sudden deceleration while driving. Without warning, the car abruptly slows to ~10 mph—often on the highway—while numerous dashboard warning lights activate. This poses an extreme safety risk to me, my passengers, and other drivers, as it forces me to maneuver off the road to avoid being hit. The issue began in January 2021, just five months after I purchased the car new. It has occurred repeatedly and unpredictably since then. I have taken the vehicle to Hyundai-authorized dealers for repair on five occasions (January 2021; December 2021; January 2022; November 2024; and February 2025), but the problem has never been properly diagnosed or fixed. In November 2024, the issue occurred immediately after I picked the car up from the dealership when they told me it was fixed and ready to drive. This most recent occurrence (February 2025) before tonight's incident on April 6, 2025, the dealer had my vehicle for over a month. During this time, communication was seldom initiated by the dealer. Now the problem recurred less than 55 hours after picking the vehicle up from the Hyundai certified dealer, who told me the issue was fixed and the car looks and runs great. Unfortunately I found myself in this dangerous situation despite the dealer's reassurances and Hyundai's involvement overseeing the repair process. The unsafe, defective Sonata is currently in my possession as I figure out next steps. Each incident is accompanied by multiple warning lights (e.g., check engine, ESC, etc.) but the dealer represents that no consistent diagnostic codes have been found. I’ve also found multiple similar complaints from other Sonata owners on the NHTSA site, suggesting this may be a broader issue. This unresolved defect has made the vehicle unsafe to drive and caused significant emotional distress. I no longer trust the car or the assurances from Hyundai or the dealer that it is fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652741April 4, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle experienced an excessive oil consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle required an additional quart of engine oil monthly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and the repair would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652785April 4, 2025
ENGINE
I am seeking a resolution to the concerning and potentially dangerous issues that I have experienced with my vehicle. I got it from Carvana Dec 2023 and only had it for a year, and I’ve only drove 19,000 miles on it before my engine cut off on me while on the highway. I was going 70 mph when the safety of my life was at risk. After, I tried to send it to the dealership, they let my car sit for a month before even looking at it, they couldn’t tell me because they let it die. My car was completely off. So i got no full diagnostic. I have personally endured the traumatic experience of my engine suffering catastrophic failure. Also, my vehicle was consuming oil at an alarming rate, necessitating frequent and costly refills. I would sometimes even go 500 miles before the due of an oil change and would be told that my oil is very low. I believe that these problems should not be considered normal wear and tear. The hybrid sonata 2017 had a engine recall and so should the sonata 2017 limited 2.4L.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652885April 4, 2025
ENGINE
Engine just stopped with no warnings or signs. Will not run. Mechanic said motor was locked up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652891April 4, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Similar to other stories I’ve read online, my 2023 sonata broke down on the highway a minute after any error signal popping up, in a dangerous location on the highway with no shoulder. Plaza Hyundai dealership was first/last and only people to perform an oil change or service the car. They told me they wouldn’t take the car due to being full after the incident. A Different Hyundai dealership took the car and found the breakdown was due to a missing oil drain plug and the engine leaked all the oil, while noting they didn’t do the previous oil change and there was no external damages. Plaza Hyundai is refusing to claim responsibility and just trying to milk me for much money as possible/get me to purchase a new engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652464April 3, 2025
ENGINE
My Hyundai Sonata sport had a Manufacturer defect causing oil consumption. When my engine starting having issues they replaced it for free. I got it back and the engine light came on so i called they ask me to bring it back and i did. They told me the code was a po326 powertrain control module or faulty knock sensor. They said the code was a history code and they cleared it out drove it and the light did not come back on. I picked it up drove it and the light came back on. I called they said bring back again and before it could get it back over there the transmission went into limp mode or safety mode. They said my transmission was gone and needed a a new one. $4385.44. I wasn't having any issues before the engine replacement. All other mechanics think something happened when the replaced the engine. I just dont want to be taken advantage of. Long Hyundai Chattanooga Tennessee.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652501April 3, 2025
ENGINE
After having the car for about a week the engine light came on at that time I took the car back to Carmax Service Department in Canoga Park. They scanned the car and they told me that it was misfiring. Carmax fixed the car. They had the car for the ten days. The day I received the car back, the engine light came on again. Took the car to my mechanic and he ran the codes again and he told me it was misfiring, again. He cleared the code and I again returned the car to Carmax, and explained to them what happened. I checked on the car couple days later and I was told that they drove the car for 30 miles and the engine light didn't come on. I picked up the car the next day On [XXX], the engine light came on, again. I returned the car back to Carmax, April 1st and talked to the Service Manager. I explained to him everything that happened. In each case, before returning the car or having the inspected, I did notice a difference in the way the car responded. Also, when I filled up with gas, the gas didn't fill up all the way and there was a clicking sound when driving. 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
#11652544April 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that oil was leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,868.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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