Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11594132June 13, 2024
POWER TRAIN
There is a widespread issue with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid transmissions failing as driver's are driving resulting in extremely dangerous and life threatening situations. It is hazardous for drivers, passengers, and other vehicles on the road. I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid on an expressway when with zero warning the car stopped driving. I easily could have had a car slam into me from behind at a high rate of speed. This was when the car had 79,672 miles on it. The transmission was replaced by Hyundai under warranty. The second transmission on the vehicle has now failed with only 84,984 miles on that transmission. This time, once again, no warning. No engine lights came on or anything. My car began to stop driving on a main highway with a large line of cars behind me. Once again causing a hazardous dangerous condition for me and others. This time, I was able to get to the side of the road. So not only was I in danger while driving and the car failed with zero warning, I was stranded on the side of the road with my very young child in the car. A transmission failing with zero warning with a mother and young child stranded on the side of the road is a secondary hazard to the possibility of us having been hit by a driver behind us as the transmission failed. There are many forums and reports of people having transmission failures with this make and model. Others specifically shared how dangerous of a position it also put them in with no warning. One other gentleman in a forum detailed how he was on an expressway when it happened and how dangerous it was for him. The quantity of not just first transmissions, but second and third transmission replacements failing in the 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid and in some cases close model years is alarming. Hyundai needs to take accountability for their poor craftmanship and protect their consumers. This car is a death trap and will get people severely injured or killed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594236June 13, 2024
STEERING
Steering wheel issue. It jolts and shakes around when going over bumps or when parking the vehicle and steering the vehicle to a parked position, you can feel the steering shake around. Had it inspected locally and was told to take it to a dealership for a steering column issue. Feels unsafe to take on longer drives or for too long on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593821June 12, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving on the freeway when we got a notice on the dash that we needed to pull over and the vehicle shut down due to a fuse,/battery issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593851June 12, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER SIDE BUMPER DOES NOT SIT FLUSH ALONG DRIVER SIDE FENDER; POPS OUT ALONG TOP EDGE BETWEEN BUMPER AND FENDER. MANY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE FROM FACTORY, INCLUDING ALL TRIMS AND ALL COLORS. A TSB NEEDS TO BE ISSUED FOR THESE VEHICLES TO FIX THE BUMPER RETENTION. MANY OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594042June 12, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the independent mechanic that the failure was common failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594051June 12, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving on the interstate when I heard a click from the back of the car. The gas gauge started to move downward as if I was losing gasoline. It eventually stopped and started moving back up, past where it was when it started decreasing. A little bit later the check engine light came on and the car started driving very sluggishly. I took the car into the Hyundai dealer and they found that the backseat was clicked out of place and a sensor was unplugged. This issue has since occurred multiple times. The back seat will pop out of place, the gas gauge will move beyond the gas that is in the tank, and finally the check engine light will come on and reduce the performance of the vehicle. The gas tank appears to be swelling and pushing up against the back seat which is causing it to pop. I had my girlfriend drive the car while I sat in the backseat and I could actually feeling something moving underneath the backseat. I have since gotten in contact with other sonata owners who have had the same thing happen with their vehicles. In other cases the backseat has exploded and flown completely off of the gas tank. I am very nervous to drive my car and think Hyundai should recall these vehicles before someone gets hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593592June 11, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport with 63k miles does not show any open recalls relating to fires however, my car was parked, went to turn it on, smelled an electrical smell and white smoke began billowing out of the engine. Within minutes the vehical engine compartment was engulfed in flames. I was able to remove my family from the vehicle and fire department came out to extinguish the vehicle. Thankfully everyone movedthere vehicles and no other vehicles were impacted but insurance has inspected the vehicle and determined it's a total loss as the whole engine compartment is melted. If not for me thinking and the action of others, many others cars could have been burned and my family burned and injured as they are still shook up about. Hyundai offered me a low settlement but there is know recall on the specific VIN for electrical or engine issues. The following weekend I met a guy who just purchased a pre-owned Hyundai and after leaving he stopped at a red light and the vehicle engine compartment went up in flames while parked. There is a larger issue at hand here and please help us investigate this so no one else has to go through this nightmare.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593597June 11, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
Lost all braking ability while driving. Had towed to a shop and they were finally able to recreate the issue. There are no error codes indicated when they hook up to a computer. Have bled brakes and still not fixed. They are telling me they've done all they can do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593577June 10, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving down the freeway when my engine made a loud knocking noise, the noise got worse as the RPMs increased. The check engine light began to flash and I lost power, the vehicle will not exceed 60mph and vibrates when moving down the road. I believe this issue is widely know about and should be addressed and forced into a recall. I have maintained the vehicle and should not be responsible for a manufacturing error.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593267June 9, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car has cut off in the middle of the highway and street. I feel vibration under my seat and I was unable to start my vehicle. Hyundai repaired my engine and I am still having the same issues. The car feels like it’s slowing down before is completely stops.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593275June 9, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On the morning of April 15, 2024, at around 6 a.m., our 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid unexpectedly caught fire and exploded in front of our house. This incident occurred shortly after I started the car and left it to warm up. Smoke and flames emerged from under the hood, quickly escalating until the front of the vehicle exploded, shattering the windows and extensively damaging the driver and passenger sides. Previously, we had noticed a fuel odor emanating from the hood, which we suspected was related to a known fuel recall issue. We brought the vehicle to the manufacturer's attention, hoping for a resolution under the recall. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not address the fuel smell as part of the recall services and instead billed us for unrelated repairs. This oversight on their part raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the recall process and the manufacturer's accountability in ensuring the safety of their vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593151June 7, 2024
ENGINE, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The check hybrid system malfunction light and the blind spot detection came on january 13 2024 for the forth time towed to dealship they attempted repair then again same issue for the fifth March 23 2024 and the last time was today June 7 2024 was towed in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592774June 6, 2024
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption. Engine makes knocking sound. Check engine light and/or oil light come off & on. Over heat light & HEV LIGHT. Bought car brand new in Sep2017. December 2017 car was in shop for a month. Ever since that incident, car has been in & out the dealership for same issues. Car has been serviced only by Hyundai dealerships. Currently my car has been in the shop awaiting repairs since end of February 2024. I keep getting the delay in parts excuse. Hyundai claims my car does not fall under their lawsuit for engine replacement nor do they acknowledge faulty engine oil consumption.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592797June 6, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact arrived at the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, however, the vehicle failed to start-up. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,547.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592845June 6, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while exiting a drive-in car wash, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact immediately observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and oil was added to the engine. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles and then return to have the vehicle inspected. The contact returned after driving 1,000 miles and the engine oil level was extremely low. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle 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 143,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592613June 5, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped shuddering while shifted into neutral(N). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the failure recurred, and the vehicle jerked significantly. The low oil pressure warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where four ignition coils and four spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred four months later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the spark plugs were replaced and a fuel induction cleaning service was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion in the combustion chamber, and the spark plugs were fouled. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 95,050.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592697June 5, 2024
SUSPENSION
I currently own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata with a severe sub-fame deterioration, Unfortunately it does not fall under the so called salt belt states, That being said I don't know how Kansas does not fit that especially north east Kansas. Wondering if there's some way that they could reconsider on this matter and maybe get some help. I know the cars almost 20 yrs but it's in good shape with only 108000 miles on it. Thanks for any help with this matter. I was just informed by Hyundai that they would not do anything with it so I guess my only option is to drive it at my own risk and hope for the best. Regardless I'm very upset with there decision and that there okay with a persons life knowing this was a issues with many sonatas that probably didn't make the recall list.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592710June 5, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
The rear passenger door will not open from the inside or the outside. This is a safety hazard in that an occupant cannot get out of the car in an emergency. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. In doing research about this issue, the problem is well documented on Hyundai internet forums since 2021 so there is no reason this shouldn't already be considered a safety recall. The dealer was contacted and advised that since this is not showing as a manufacturer issue or a NHTSA safety issue, there is nothing they can do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592327June 4, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
UNKNOWN, car was driving fine on the highway, then all RPMS were lost and the car couldn't accelerate past 40mph. At the same time a loud knocking started and when i was able to park and pop the hood, the engine was clearly vibrating and the source of the knocking is undetermined. there are recall's for improperly welded rods in the 2013/14 model sonatas and the 2016 so i find it hard to believe that Hyundai doesn't know that this year and make would have the same known issue and those models have all had recalls already except for mine...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592346June 4, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My car will power off randomly, or will seem as though there is no power. I have to revert back to the manual key to enter the vehicle and hit the 12vlt reset to power it back on. This happened at least 3 times. Once while operating the vehicle, and twice while the vehicle was left parked. This is not a low battery issue as, the car will only do this occasionally, and not every time I enter and turn on the vehicle. There is no error code to follow this mishap as all power goes out and the dealer maintenance has nothing to work with.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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