Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11743103June 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Hyundai Motors America has failed to comply with its statutory obligations in conducting the recall campaign 25V796, and is instead engaging in behavior substantially similar to that which has been previously censured by NHTSA. My Sonata suffered irreparable damage related to this campaign as confirmed by HMA. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(a)(1)(A) allows HMA to choose one of three remedies: repair, replacement, or refund. However, they 1) say it cannot be safely repaired, 2) will not replace it, and 3) are not offering a repurchase as required by statute, i.e. "by refunding the purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation." Instead, Hyundai's case manager Aditya informed me on 5/29/2026 at 12:57 PM that they will make a repurchase offer "based on the Kelly Blue Book value." I protested and cited the statute, but he maintained that Hyundai has their process and subsequently gave an unconscionably low offer that was not based on any reasonable measure of depreciation. I insisted on a reasonable, defensible calculation. I proposed 1) using the state formula for calculating reasonable depreciation as applied in both Texas and California (HMA and my home states), or 2) using actual market values (of which I have tangible data) to determine the actual market loss in value. Hyundai has rejected both of these reasonable proposals in favor of an arbitrary formula that would leave me with thousands of dollars in lost value. On June 9, 2026, when I pressed Executive Case Manager Jenifer for an explanation of their proposed depreciation formula, she only stated that "it’s a standard calculation across the board" and that it applies "regardless of state" and they "will not change it." The NHTSA discussed this behavior in its Final Order and Determination against Fiat in Federal Register Vol. 45 No. 7, and endorsed a "reasonable" model similar to my proposal #2 above. It found Fiat non-compliant for its behavior which had a nearly similar impact.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743355June 10, 2026
ENGINE
The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited malfunctioned. On three separate occasions, the HEV warning light illuminated while I was driving on the highway, followed by a sudden loss of power. The vehicle stalled and stopped running, leaving it inoperable. The incidents occurred in approximately August 2022, November 2023, and February 2026. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Each incident occurred while driving on a highway. The vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in moving traffic, creating a significant safety hazard. I was forced to attempt to move the vehicle out of active traffic lanes while other vehicles were traveling at highway speeds. The unexpected loss of propulsion increased the risk of a crash, serious injury, or death to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership after each incident. However, the dealership did not provide an explanation for the HEV warning light, loss of power, or stalling condition. To my knowledge, no permanent repair was identified, and the problem recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was inspected by a Hyundai dealership following each towing event. The vehicle was towed after each incident because it was not safe to drive. To my knowledge, Hyundai did not provide a definitive cause for the failures. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives in connection with
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742892June 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 230,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742918June 9, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
For my vehicle the Check Engine light has been on continuously throughout the last 6 months and mechanics are going to have to replace the thermostat. Multiple auto mechanics have indicated online that this is a very common problem with many Hyundai vehicles from 2020-2023 and can be a danger due to temperature control not being accurate for vehicles (Code P2181). Many owners of these Hyundai vehicles have experienced this issue leading online and this issue should be made aware to Hyundai and the general public to see if this is something that needs to be made aware for the safety of drivers to determine if their vehicle is at an accurate temperature.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742988June 9, 2026
STEERING
after the car is driven for a while in warm weather, the steering can feel sticky after doing a slight turn doing more than 30 MPH. It takes extra force to return the steering wheel to the straight/neutral position. It acts as though the steering wheel is stuck in this slight turn position. The problem is intermittent but does create a safety hazard with the risk of the car being unable to easily remain in its correct lane position. Symptom summary: Intermittent; Worse in warm weather; happens after small steering inputs; Feels like the wheel is “hung up”.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743052June 9, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle brakes sound and feel rough when pressing them. And when backing up the vehicle spotted another car turning in and hit brakes automatically. Car jerked hard as if I hit something. Very rough. Made a scrubbing sound. Does the same when pressing the parking button. It perks and makes the scrubbing sound. Just purchased Vehicle 2weeks ago. No inspection on it yet. A warning light about the approaching car but didn't know it was going to hit on brakes by itself so forcefully. Car wasn't near the vehicle just in the scenery of the camera.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743044June 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle is stalling in the acceleration process. I can feel and hear the stall by the air conditioner going out or fading out when it happens while driving. Pressing the gas and it barely moves at times. Makes a noise now while running. Unknown to whether it's electrical or engine or transmission. Pull out in the traffic accelerating but the car wasn't moving at the pace it should have. Could have cause an accident when trying to cross on going traffic. Just got the vehicle 2 weeks ago. No one has inspected the vehicle yet. Going to have it looked at for recalls. No warning lights appeared to reflect an issue, but there clearly is.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742847June 8, 2026
ENGINE
Excessive oil burning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742419June 6, 2026
SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX]; [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: XXX To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Subject: Formal Safety Defect Complaint – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Failure, Excessive Oil Consumption, Intake/Engine Component Failure and Safety Hazard Dear Sir or Madam: I am submitting this formal complaint and request for immediate investigation into the dangerous and ongoing mechanical failures involving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata equipped with the Theta II engine. I believe this vehicle contains a serious manufacturing and/or engineering defect that presents a substantial safety hazard to consumers. My vehicle has experienced a pattern of progressive mechanical failure beginning with abnormal and excessive oil consumption, which appears to be directly associated with malfunctioning engine airflow and intake-related components. Specifically, the lower engine airflow system and intake functionality appear defective, placing excessive strain on the intake manifold system and contributing to cascading engine failures. As a result of these failures, the vehicle has experienced: Severe and excessive oil burning/consumption Intake manifold malfunction and abnormal operating stress Suspected overheating and/or premature head gasket failure Ignition coil failure and electrical shorting/misfires Progressive engine deterioration rendering the vehicle unsafe and unreliable Increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, stalling, fire hazard, or catastrophic engine failure while operating The vehicle has become increasingly unreliable and inoperable due to these conditions. These failures raise significant concerns regarding public safety, especially given the known history of complaints and recalls associated with Hyundai Theta II engine defects. I am deeply concerned that this vehicle may reflect a broader pattern of defective manufacturing, insufficient quality control. 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
#11742443June 6, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power while merging onto interstate I accelerated to enter traffic and all dashboard warning lights illuminated at once. Engine shut off immediately with no prior knocking,smoke, or warning. Car coasted to shoulder with complete loss of power steering and power brakes. After incident vehicle will not crank or restart , push -button start activates accessories but engine does not turn over when brake is pressed. Vehicle has Campaign 953\Knock Sensor Detection system update completed on October 14 2020. This failure matches NHTSA PE-18-003 and Hyundai TSB 22 -EM-003H for Theta II Engine connecting rod bearing failure.This is a known safety defect causing sudden engine stall at highway speeds .. Dealer inspection is pending Vehicle is currently inoperable...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742339June 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the braking system. I have had the brakes replaced and serviced multiple times, yet the brakes begin grinding again within a very short period, including an instance where the grinding returned approximately one month after replacement. Despite spending money on repairs, the problem continues to reoccur. I am concerned that there may be an underlying defect affecting the braking system that is not being properly identified or corrected through normal maintenance. In addition, the vehicle consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent monitoring and replacement between oil changes. I am concerned that this issue could potentially lead to engine failure or other dangerous mechanical problems while the vehicle is being operated. As a single mother, I rely on this vehicle daily for transportation to and from work and for caring for my family. I have experienced significant financial hardship attempting to keep the vehicle operational and safe. Despite my efforts to maintain the vehicle, these issues continue to occur. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this complaint and determine whether these issues may be related to known defects, recalls, investigations, or patterns reported by other owners of 2013 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. I am willing to provide maintenance records, repair invoices, mileage information, and any additional documentation that may assist in evaluating this matter. Thank you for your attention to this complaint and for your commitment to vehicle safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742366June 5, 2026
ENGINE
While merging onto the interstate my vehicle suffered sudden loss of motive power. All dash lights illuminated ,engine shut off instantly with no prior knock or warning.vehicle will not crank or restart.push button start activates accessories only .This matches TSB 22-EM-003H for connecting rod bearing seizure.No crash occured because I was able to coast to shoulder but loss of power steering/brakes at highway speed created a dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742036June 4, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light the vehicle suddenly stalled. The engine did not restart and the vehicle was pushed to a nearby parking space. During the failure no warning lights or messages had displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742084June 4, 2026
SUSPENSION, STEERING
My 2009 Hyundai Sonata was taken to the Hyundai of Lincolnwood dealership on May 19th. The certified technician formally diagnosed severe structural corrosion on both front and rear subframes (engine cradles), declaring the vehicle completely unsafe to drive. The dealership is withholding the vehicle under safety custody but refuses to provide a loaner or rental car. Hyundai Motor America states the replacement parts are on indefinite backorder with no ETA, leaving me stranded with no safe alternative transportation since May 19th. This severe structural corrosion poses an imminent risk of suspension failure while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742138June 4, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741506June 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Went from 65 and dropped down to 40 going up grades on the freeway. Started shaking, check engine light went on and electric battery disappeared from dash. Got to top of grade, went back to normal. Problem repeated on next grades. Car had just left dealership lot an hour prior where it was safety inspected and they said all was fine. Took back to dealership for inspection and they said that there were no codes showing for what happened and all was well with the vehicle, when obviously it was not.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741649June 2, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
I was driving at night and my passenger headlights went out. About 2 years prior the same thing happened but it was the driver side headlight that went out. It was $1100 to get the driver side replaced and now here i am having to pay the same amount to replace the passenger side headlights. It was not a simple replacing the bulb. Something inside went broke causing the dealership to have to install a whole new headlight set.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741548June 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. In addition, the contact stated that on multiple occasions while turning into a parking lot, the vehicle's collision avoidance system would engage while in the vicinity of another vehicle as a warning chime would emit from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they initially could not diagnose or duplicate the failure. The contact was asked to come and drive the vehicle herself and she was able to duplicate the failure. The dealer eventually diagnosed the vehicle with a failed transmission and remained in the dealer's possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was later informed that they would not replace the vehicle but would replace the transmission. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the dealer's possession. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741223June 1, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while occupying the front driver's seat of the parked vehicle, the air bag suddenly deployed without impact. The contact stated that the air bag warning light might have been illuminated. The air bag hit the contact's face. The contact sustained a stinging sensation from the right side of the face and forehead, headaches and moderate neck pain. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the driver's air bag, the air bag module and clockspring 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 168,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11741415June 1, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Bluelink remote start with climate control is defective. When initiated, the vehicle starts but the climate control system comes on in the OFF state and does not apply the saved preset, including front and rear defroster settings. This defeats the intended pre-conditioning function in winter conditions, where a remote-activated defroster is a meaningful visibility/safety feature. The defect has persisted since early December 2025 and is documented widely on Hyundai's owner forums and on Reddit across multiple model lines. A recent Hyundai-issued app update removed the standalone remote stop button that owners had been using as a workaround, making the defect materially worse. Hyundai Consumer Affairs Case #[XXX] has been opened. As of this filing, no resolution or response timeline has been provided by Hyundai. 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

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