Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11745390June 20, 2026
ENGINE
The engine is the component or system failed or malfunctioned, and it is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of engine power while driving, including during highway speeds or intersections, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine stalling or failure to accelerate, preventing me from safely maneuvering away from hazards. Overheating events, which resulted in complete engine seizure and an unexpected loss of vehicle control, all which can potentially causing catastrophic incident without warning. To include, the increased risk of collision, especially if the failure occurs during traffic, merging, passing, or emergency situations. It has been reported to CC Transmission Auto Repair and independent service center. It was previously inspected by Hyundai dealer. Check engine light present September 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745397June 20, 2026
AIR BAGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clock spring went bad causing failure of horn and all buttons on the steering wheel including cruise control. It also caused the airbag light to illuminate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745212June 19, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle caught fire after repeatedly taking it to Hyundai for service . I complained about the oil consumption and knocking noises while the vehicle was still under warranty and it was denied.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744655June 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The horn stopped working unexpectedly. Pressing the horn button produces no sound. The vehicle has not been in any accident. This is a safety issue as the horn is required for alerting other drivers in emergency situations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744888June 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The vehicle’s ABS system is engaging autonomously, causing the car to brake without any driver input. The dealer stated it was: BRAKE ACTUATION UNIT AND HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT BLEEDING AND PROGRAMING
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744661June 17, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SEATS
The vehicle’s fuel tank system failed catastrophically. The vehicle is currently grounded and has been inspected at the Hyundai dealership service center where it was towed. My safety and the safety of everyone on the road was put at extreme risk due to a severe fire and explosion hazard. Additionally, the defect caused the vehicle to suddenly lose power, sputter, and threaten to stall out while driving on a major interstate, creating an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. When attempting to add fuel, the pressurized tank forcefully spit gasoline back out of the filler neck, creating an active chemical and fire hazard at a public gas station. I was able to drive it home and called via Hyundai Roadside Assistance to have it towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership service department. On June 15th, 2026, the dealership service technicians officially confirmed the failure, stating that the fuel tank had expanded, the back floor base of the car was melting, and the vehicle was on the verge of exploding.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744374June 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN, AIR BAGS, ENGINE
Knock sensor needs to be replaced upon evaluation of an inspection on March 27, 2026. It failed a mission codes and upon my understanding the knock sensor one circuit range performance pink wonder single sensor is an engine failure as well as I did an ODB test myself on May 19 of 2026 for the Knox sensor as well and the check engine dominator reading at 2111 the the code indicated that bank one Knox and electrical circuit was out of it upper range or had it perform problem for a predetermined period of time and the code is P0326 and the secondary DTC is a combustion vibration sensor a circuit range performance which affects the powertrain. Also, I have switches with the electrical features in the vehicle as far as the ABS and the steering wheel controls and glitching for the cigarette adapter and plug-in area as well on top of the rear passenger side window, having issues with going up and down.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744480June 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid well maintained by original owner, under 130,000 miles. May of 2025 AC stopped working intermittently (Hyundai dealer replaced AC hose). Aug 2025 AC stopped working AGAIN (same dealer could NOT identify problem). Car has consistent Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive messages lights and sirens when braking. Code PA186 comes up (low state of charge code for hybrid battery). December 2025 brought car back to SAME Hyundai dealer who NOW says car suddenly needs a 10k transmission (BUT still no idea what PA186 code is related to). Got transmission drained at different shop and NO NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED! Every repair shop OUTSIDE OF HYUNDAI who has scanned for codes gets the PA186 error and say it is related to HYBRID BATTERY LOW STATE OF CHARGE (I am the original owner THUS lifetime hybrid battery warranty). June 2026 different Hyundai dealer for repair of AC and PA186 code. NEW Hyundai dealer says AC issue is NOT related to the PA186 code. They still dont know what PA186 code is but want to charge me $5100 for engine wiring harness electrical short. SIDE NOTE!! Engine wiring harness electrical short is known issue for ABS module recall 251 for this car. Hyundai has denied the engine wiring harness electrical short repair as part of ABS recall 251 warranty and STILL cant tell me why Hybrid System Warning Lights and PA186 code is come on. Is electrical issue really harness or HYBRID battery?? Car is currently at Hyundai dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744559June 16, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Check engine light solid/engine failure while driving. 2018 Sonata SE purchased new in fall 2018. Around 50,000 miles started noticing oil level drop and had to add more before next scheduled change. Dealership service center said I just had to shorten the mileage between changes which didn't seem appropriate for a vehicle with 50,000 miles but I did. Continued to have oil consumption problem with no signs of leak, no burning oil smell or exhaust issues. Dashboard display would go off and when I immediately checked dipstick there was barely any oil so I'd add more then go in for full change. At 67,000 or so miles in June 2026, without oil display going off the engine light was now solid. Got to reputable service center near my home and oil was under a quart left yet the warning lamp hadn't gone off. They ran the engine error code P0304 and was misfire #4 cylinder and after compression test, #3 was very low and #4 very high. NOT drivable at that point then towed to dealership so yes, available for inspection by NHTSA at the dealership. For now they claim a 'tune up' is needed for spark plug replacement, valve cover gasket replace and fuel induction service that's my cost to incur which seems to just be fixing the damage of an engine oil consumption problem not fixing the issue that caused the damage. The engine seized/stalled without warning while I was driving the vehicle (granted at low speed in my neighborhood when the engine light turned on). I would not say the engine warning lamp occurred prior to the engine fail, it happed at the same time. This should not happen for a vehicle with my mileage and regular maintenance. I looked up NHTSA for potential recall or other helpful information and started to see extremely similar scenarios to mine and wanted to add complaint as well. This is getting very expensive outside of whatever cost the dealer wants as a fix with rental car needed and tow services. Thank you for your consideration of this engine safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744248June 15, 2026
ENGINE, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off with the message "HEV System Failure" displayed. The driver safely pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. A towing truck arrived on the scene and reset the diagnostic codes before towing the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer retrieved several diagnostic trouble codes; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was test-driven but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744264June 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN Car was driving fine no warning lights and the car died. tried to stat back up and engine wiring harness on top of motor caught on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744098June 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted into neutral(N) and failed to shift into park or drive on three occasions. The vehicle was restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was shifted into drive, and the contact continued driving. The message that the vehicle could not be shifted into other gears was displayed. The vehicle was originally purchased in another state. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the battery and fuel injector pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743992June 14, 2026
ENGINE
My 2020 Hyundai Sonata 2.5L is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. At approximately 88,063 miles, Great Lakes Hyundai documented that the engine oil level was 1.30 quarts below full after an oil-consumption check. The dealer topped off the oil, submitted photos and a prior-authorization/goodwill request to Hyundai, and Hyundai declined assistance. The dealer recommended combustion chamber cleaning with an estimate of $979.76. I am concerned that this excessive oil consumption could lead to sudden engine damage, loss of power, stalling, or engine failure if the oil level drops between checks. The vehicle is only a 2020 model year, and this level of oil consumption appears abnormal. I am also concerned about possible emissions/catalytic converter damage from oil burning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743841June 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was only in the car for about 4 minutes then came to a stop light. Once the light had turned green I pressured down on the gas, my car rolled for a second then died on me, causing it to go into accessory mode. Instantly three lights came on: the check engine light, battery light, and low oil light. The car would take at least 5 seconds to turn back on then would fall back into accessory mode randomly. Tried to jump the car 4 times, issue still remains. What sucks about this is that the mechanic shop can’t even figure out what’s wrong. They thought it was the high pressure fuel pump..turns out it’s not.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743649June 12, 2026
ENGINE
On October 2024,I brought the car in to RickCase Hyundai for maintenance and to address an oil leaking issue. I texted the service advisor, “Please do not do the oil change till you find out where the oil is leaking”, I’m replacing it frequentlyWhen I picked up the car and inquired about the leaking, the he told me that there was not an issue. January 2025, the car was driving rough again, noticed the oil low and filled it up. February 2025 driving on 595, The car stopped. I had it towed to Rick Case, they told me I needed to replace the piston. I said no this has to do with the oil consumption issue that I brought the car in October that you never addressed. The four new spark plugs that were put in were burnt on the tips. They went through the warranty issue to get the engine repaired and it was denied. I said this is not a warranty issue. This was a mistake on your part because you never address the oil consumption issue in October 2024. As of June 12,2026, the dealership still has my car. When I call and ask, What’s going on with my car. The only response I get is we are trying something else it’s going to take some time. Last summer, the service advisor told me he was going to fix my car, wanted me to come pick it up and drive it for 1000 miles and bring it back. They couldn’t fix the car. They never offered a loaner. The vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure and completely stalled in the middle of a live road, creating an immediate highway safety hazard. the vehicle is still being held at Rick Case Hyundai Weston for over a year regarding excessive oil consumption issues, which the dealer failed to resolve. The vehicle has 85,000 miles and a complete maintenance history. Hyundai Corporate is currently denying a replacement engine under the active engine settlement framework, leaving a known stalling safety hazard unresolved."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743836June 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
After the emissions 9c2 recall car hesitant when changing an Hyundai has knowledgement of the problem but don’t have a fix
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743557June 11, 2026
AIR BAGS, STEERING
The RED light is lit on the dashboard for the airbag. Unable to use steering wheel electronic features which helps with and was designed for hands free controls. I am unable to cycle through the electronic features or engage the cruise control due to the steering wheel electronics are in-op. Please help and get a recall started. This is not on the consumer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743571June 11, 2026
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2003 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at Valvoline for a service appointment, the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the subframe assembly and additional unknown parts were not included in the recall repair. In addition, the contact was informed that the recall could not be performed because other repairs were needed prior to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743583June 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata on February 26, 2026. The vehicle was purchased as a dealer sale. The contact stated at the time of purchase, the odometer was recorded at 149,945. The contact later purchased a Carfax report, which recorded the odometer on November 10, 2025, at 279,966. In addition, the vehicle was advertised as a 2014 Hyundai Sonata; however, Carfax recorded the vehicle as a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743622June 11, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Following completion of Service Campaign 9C2 (ECU software update, TSB 25-01-087H) at a Hyundai dealership, my 2018 Sonata immediately exhibited drivability changes that were not present before the service. Symptoms include altered shift timing, hesitation, and rougher throttle response — particularly noticeable during the first several minutes of driving. These symptoms began on the first drive after the recall update was applied and have been consistent since. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for inspection. No underlying mechanical issue was found, confirming the drivability change is directly attributable to the ECU software update. The vehicle has been maintained strictly per Hyundai's manufacturer-recommended schedule and had no prior drivability issues. I am aware that numerous other owners of Theta II-equipped vehicles (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson) have reported identical symptoms following 9C2. At least one dealership has reportedly acknowledged this as a known post-update issue that Hyundai is working to resolve. The altered throttle and shift behavior poses a safety concern, as unexpected hesitation during acceleration affects predictable vehicle control in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Hyundai Sonata