Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11550073October 15, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 10/06/23, I went to the Meriden Hyundai Dealership to get my transmission and brakes serviced. During the multi-point inspection, the technician noticed that the oil pan had a hair line crack at the drain plug site. I found that peculiar especially since my oil changes have been performed at the same place for the past 5 years. My last oil change was performed on 09/09/23. The technicians never mention any problems. I did not notice any oil leaking. The oil was actually being trapped in the undershield. I have contacted that company and they have conducted an investigation. They do not find any fault with their workmanship. However, something is wrong. I see there are other Hyundai vehicles having trouble with their oil pan and drain plugs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549899October 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My 2021 Sonata Hybrid Limited has been in the shop for over 3 months. At least 4 times while driving on city streets, I'd receive an error stating problem with hybrid system please turn off vehicle. Car would go into limp mode giving me just enough power to pull off to the side of the road (if possible), then completely shutdown. Fix action is to hit jumpstart button to get the power back to the vehicle in order to power it on again. After those issues battery constantly died and I had to use the physical key to open the door and hit the jumpstart button to get power. Dealer (Hyundai Jim Click East, Tucson, AZ) couldn't find an issue initially stating they could not replicate what I was experiencing. But eventually my patience ran thin and they finally identified a voltage error while in the service department. The rep informed me that the issue lies with the 12v battery which is integrated into the hybrid battery (stupid design). Service tech had to order a 12v battery from Korea (after dismantling the hybrid battery and sending the pics to Hyundai for approval). This was [XXX]. Still waiting on the parts, no updates at this time. There was another sonata hybrid limited like mine also at the dealership for the same issue. This vehicle had been there since June. They were able to get a new battery for that vehicle, however after a week the same issues reoccurred. I've noticed on Reddit forums that many 2021-2022 sonata hybrid limited owners have been experiencing the same issue, with the same long wait times from Hyundai HQ regarding a solution. At this point I believe it'd be best to open an investigation as there it's been difficult for the dealership and the owners to get any answers from Hyundai regarding this issue. I'd also suggest a recall for this vehicle as it's clearly a widespread problem and hopefully that will give Hyundai the kick in the ass needed to actually take this seriously. 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
#11549982October 14, 2023
ENGINE
Due to the recall of my car's engine (VIN [XXX] ), on July 11, 2023, I dropped off my 2012 Hyundai Sonata to get my faulty and failing engine inspected at my local Hyundai dealership. After being approved for an engine replacement, I submitted the necessary paperwork proving ownership and routine maintenance of my vehicle. Two months of ineffective and infrequent communication went by thus leaving me without my vehicle. Unfortunately, Hyundai Motor America/corporate headquarters made it increasingly difficult to meet all their prerequisites to have my recalled engine replaced, which, ironically, is due to their faulty engineering. To replace the engine myself would cost nearly $5000. After finally being given confirmation that all necessary documents were submitted, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement stating completely false and confusing reasons. The reasons (attached) genuinely proved the company's disinterest in helping me; I have never requested an engine replacement before nor have ever owned a Hyundai before this one--which will be my last. When questioned, an HMA representative referred me to the Better Business Bureau, confidently believing the BBB would overturn HMA's decision. Unfortunately, the BBB was unable to assist due to the age of the car. Any class action suits against Hyundai only cover vehicles manufactured between 2013 and present-day. That said, my car is still unsafe and inoperable, which, with a pregnant wife (who is also in the National Guard), is absolutely unacceptable. I feel compelled to escalate this situation until it is resolved. With the above stated, I would like Hyundai Motor America to replace the current engine within my 2012 Hyundai Sonata and also provide proof of my previous “requests” for an engine replacement---which do not exist. 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
#11549752October 13, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered the ABS module and caused an electrical short. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V026000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549762October 13, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the car stalled and struggled to remain running. The contact stated two days later the vehicle was parked and while hitching the RV to the trailer hitch, the vehicle independently moved and collided with a dolly. The contact stated that the dolly was used to load the RV to the hitch. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed until the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549889October 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Hybrid system warning comes up often and everytime I take it to get assessed, something different is getting fixed. These repairs are all expensive out of pocket repairs. The problems continues to happen and I’m constantly repairing something different.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549517October 12, 2023
ENGINE
I constantly have to purchase bottles of oil and put into the car in between oil changes. The oil burns so fast and the car does not give a low oil signal on the dash. This is a known issue because the dealer recommended I return in between the oil change for a free top off because Hyundai engines are known for burning oil. I spend extra money every 2 weeks buying oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549646October 12, 2023
ENGINE
Starting in July 2023, my car has exhibited a recurring problem that seriously hampers its functionality and reliability. Specifically, the car intermittently fails to respond to unlock commands from both the key fobs and the Hyundai cellphone app. Initially, this issue occurred infrequently, happening about once a month. However, the situation has escalated, and in October 2023, it happened three times within a span of two weeks. I promptly brought my car to my local Hyundai dealership, hoping to find a solution to this perplexing issue. On the first visit, the dealership stated that they were unable to duplicate the issue, which left me deeply frustrated but willing to continue troubleshooting. The dealership suggested that I either leave my car with them overnight or bring it in again for further diagnosis. Due to my reliance on the vehicle for daily transportation, I opted for the latter, bringing my car to the dealership on two additional occasions. Regrettably, on each visit, the dealership was still unable to replicate the issue, leaving me with a vehicle that continues to malfunction. My frustration reached its peak during my last conversation with a Hyundai HQ customer care representative. I expressed my concern and requested that Hyundai cover the cost of a rental car while my vehicle was being examined more thoroughly. However, the representative refused to accommodate this request unless the issue was identified as warrant-able. This response left me feeling unsupported and unheard. I would like to emphasize that I have diligently documented the recurring issues with my Hyundai car, even providing video recordings of the last three incidents to demonstrate the problem's severity and consistency. Despite my efforts, Hyundai has chosen to close the case with no resolution, citing my refusal to bear the cost of a rental car as the reason.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549652October 12, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Car completely shut down suddenly and spontaneously without ANY warning while my husband and I were driving on a very busy major highway at night. We were unable to do ANYTHING to control the car and could have died, been seriously injured, or caused death or injury to other drivers. We were then towed off of the highway after calling for help. We don’t know firsthand exactly what failed. We were aware of our engine burning oil and had been to Huffines Hyundai multiple times previously for an oil consumption test at their recommendation. Upon completion of this test process no solutions for repair were offered, and we were never warned of any danger in driving it. We have found out via our own research that our car has a defective engine. This specific engine has been the subject of at least one class action lawsuit and Hyundai is well aware of its dangers. We have been denied an engine replacement by Hyundai as they are claiming negligence on our part as the reason for failure after we presented a substantial stack of oil change receipts. Not 100% complete, so they make this claim. These cars are death traps and people are dying because this company won’t honor their warranty. Please do something.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549710October 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
As I was driving on the highway at 65MPH, a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard that read, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM/TURN OFF ENGINE". Immediately after that, I noticed that my vehicle started behaving erratically, making it difficult to control. I stepped on the gas pedal expecting the car to pick up speed and move forward. Despite the pressure I applied, the car failed to accelerate, leaving me stuck in my current position. After nearly causing a severe accident on a busy interstate, I was able to safely pull my car over to the side of the road. After conducting extensive research, I discovered that the issue I am facing with my hybrid vehicle is actually quite common among Hyundai Sonata Hybrids. It's surprising to note that despite this problem's prevalence, no recall or common solution has been provided to address it. I am highly concerned that Hyundai has not taken any action to address this issue. I request an immediate resolution as I could have been severely injured or lost my life today!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549715October 12, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Battery keeps dying randomly. Approximately once every other week and I drive 12k miles a year… dealership reassures me it’s find. Found numerous reports of other Sonota Hybrid users experiencing a similar issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549336October 11, 2023
ENGINE, SUSPENSION, STEERING
I started to get engine knocking noises about 6 months after the purchase of the used car. This knocking noise began to increase in frequency as I pressed my foot on the accelerator and the car would not accelerate when I pressed my foot on the gas pedal. Then the car would shut down in the middle of traffic. After waiting about 30 -45 mins, I would try to start the car again and would start and initially run as long as I drove less than 20 miles/hour the knocking noise level would decrease but if I went above 15 - 20 mph the car would shut down. The check engine light and engine oil light would come on. So I would check the engine oil level oil using the dip stick and it showed oil levels were ok. On October 10 2023 while driving to Walmart the engine turned off and would not start after waiting over 1 hour and I was stuck in the mall entrance road. A concerned driver with his passengers pushed the car to a Walmart parking spot where it is currently at. In addition, the traction light kept coming on and I paid the Hyundai dealership $2,800 to repair to keep the car from drifting to the left and to get the light off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549438October 11, 2023
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1) I purchased 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid new. Now for 2nd time, trunk latch won't open trunk. 1st time i paid for a new park on the trunk. Now again, trunk won't open. Dealer states they have to replace rear bumper antenna. 2) Airbag light came on on the dash, and remains on when I start car. Dealer stated it is the driver seatbelt light. I Never had an accident with this vehicle and air bag(s) have never inflated. Dealer stated they will have to replace driver airbag which will cost me $1,436.35. I don't know why I have to pay for a new driver airbag when I bought the car new and never had an accident with the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549460October 11, 2023
STEERING
Steering has locked up on me, usually when coming out of a parking space. Makes a clunking noise at times when turning. Only way to reset is to turn engine off and on again. Has been giving me trouble for a number of months now. Had 2 different Auto Repair services look at it, and they say it may be electrical or something more serious. Both recommend to take it to Hyundai dealership where I got it. I am awaiting a service call from the Hyundai dealership, and from all these other reports, I think the cost of the repair should be covered under a recall. Very unsettling to drive when the steering does not work properly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549364October 11, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED HAS AN ISSUE WHERE WATER ENTERS THE REAR LEFT DOOR AND GETS TRAPPED BETWEEN THE LOWER DOOR SEALS. WATER POURS OUT WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. A GOOGLE REVIEW OF "SONATA REAR DOOR LEAK" SHOWS THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH THIS DOOR AND CAR MODEL. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN A NORTHERN CLIMATE THE DOOR WOULD HAVE ICE COLLECT BETWEEN THE DOOR AND DOOR SILL AND PREVENT THE DOOR FROM OPENING IN AN EMERGENCY. GOOGLE SHOWS NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO GET THIS ADDRESSED . MOST WITH NO SUCCESS FROM HYUNDAI. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI IN COCONUT CREEK FLORIDA IN AUG 2023 AND WAS TOLD "THIS CONDITION IS COMMON TO THE MODEL". NO FIX ATTEMPTED. I ESCALATED TO HYUNDAI USA, AND THEY LITERALLY STATED THEY CANNOT SUPERCEED THE DEALER AND TO TAKE THE CAR ELSEWHERE. THEY IGNORE THE DOOR ISSUE AND ALSO STATED ON RECORDED CALL ( THEIR RECORDING) THAT THIS CONDITION IS COMMON TO THE MODEL. I FEAR THE FIRST ACCIDENT THAT THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED DUE TO INTERNAL ICE COLLECTION. PLEASE JUST GOOGLE "SONATA WATER IN DOORS" TO SEE HOW COMMON THIS IS!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549170October 10, 2023
ENGINE
I went to work at 5 in the morning, I turned the heater for the first time after last winter. I noticed that the heater was struggling to warm the cabin. After 10 minutes driven I got an overheating alert on the dashboard. I pulled over on the freeway shoulder and it started to notice a lot of steam coming from the exhaust and a really strong coolant smell. I waited for the engine to cool down and went back home, I drove for 6 minutes and notice a huge amount of smoke coming from the exhaust I pulled over agin on the freeway and waited 20 minutes i finally arrived home and notice the coolant reservoir was empty since the car was burning all the coolant through the exhaust. I went online and saw many many people with Hybrid sonatas complaining about the same issue. This should be a massive recall many of the customers complaining had 20 to 50 thousand miles on their vehicle. This is definitely a safety issue. I’m glad my wife wasn’t driving that day cause the freeway only has two lanes and the shoulder is extremely narrow. Please do something about it, I already called the dealership to make an appointment since my car is still under the extended warranty. If you need more information feel free to contact me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549191October 10, 2023
STEERING
Steering flexible coupler failed @ 150000 miles causing severe clunk in the steering wheel leading to steering play.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549115October 10, 2023
ENGINE
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548986October 9, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
The White pearl paint is bubbling and peeling right above the driver door window. It's getting worse by the day. While driving with my window open a piece about the size of a nickel flew into my car and hit me on the face right under my eye. If it had flew into my eye I surely would have had an accident. Took car to Delray Hyundai on August 3,2023 for pictures and was lead to believe it would be taken care of. I'm getting the run around from them. I have read many many articles on the internet about this problem, can you help me or assist me in what I can do to get this taken care of. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11548995October 9, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2012 hyundai sonta The car brakes out of no where.comes to a stop .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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