Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11735405May 3, 2026
AIR BAGS
Dear Hyundai Customer Care, I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The dashboard has developed significant cracking near the passenger-side airbag, which raises concerns about proper airbag deployment in the event of an accident. This level of deterioration seems premature and not consistent with normal wear and tear. I would like to know if there are any recalls, service bulletins, or assistance programs related to this issue, and what steps I should take for this issue as it is a safety concern for myself and passengers. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. This has had an ongoing issue for awhile.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735237May 2, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
p1326, rod bearing failure and seizure of motor without warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735260May 2, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving my vehicle on multiple occasions in which the car started to alarm and say, "Check charging system" at which point the car stopped all together. Also, when the cruise control is engaged, it will turn off automatically. It doesn't matter the speed the cruise control is set at, it will turn off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735288May 2, 2026
ENGINE
Consistent burning of oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735239May 2, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I brought this car 2022 Hyundai Sonata with 41k miles on it and only had it for 6 months. It has cut off 3x so far after putting gas in the tank. Always the same thing, oh nothing is wrong. Obviously there is and I see there is a recall on this car however my VIN isn’t coming up as a recall. This has to be fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735008May 1, 2026
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT
My infotainment unit stoped working after an update that was pushed to the car by Hyundai. My battery was beginning to show signs that it needed replacing (not cranking in the cold temps or needing a few tries to start), so I went to Advance Auto to have the battery replaced. Once back in the car, everything was working fine (radio with sirius XM, back up camera, Navigation, Android and Apple car plan, the clock, everything). When I went to reset the clock, the car showed a software update was availabe and needed to be downloaded. Never before, had I seen this. So, I selected update. After 30 minutes of seeing it say downloading, it then started to say install. It gets to where it says, the radio needs to be restarted to complete the update and then gives error code 604. Now the telematics or infotainment works. I reached out to mapit, Hyundia and Bluelink who all say, "to bad for you, buy a new one for $1600". I did not ask for the update, I did not go looking for the update and I did not push the update to my vehicle, Hyundia did and me and the other 2000 owners who are going through this should not have to pay that kind of money to have it repaired. If they new they were shutting down 3G service, then don't push the update to my car. Hyundia has admitted the issue for Hyundia Tusons and a few other vehicles but not for 2015 model Sonata's. So for Tusons they send out 3 SD cards to fix the issue, but refuse to do so for all the cars they pushed an update to that as they called it Bricked the head of the unit. I am looking for help to get this fix without me paying $1600. If Hyundia recognizes the problem in some cars and not others thats an issue. One that we the public would love help addressing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735022May 1, 2026
ENGINE
Engine – connecting rod bearing failure. Theta II engine. Hyundai confirmed the defect via Bearing Clearance Test (BCT) on October 3, 2025. The engine can seize without warning, causing sudden loss of power while driving – a clear safety risk. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership (Hertrich Hyundai of New Castle). The manufacturer issued Technical Service Bulletin 22‑EM‑001H (TXXI lifetime warranty) covering this exact defect. Despite confirming the failure, the manufacturer has refused to repair the engine. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. Warning signs included engine noise and illumination of check engine light before failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735056May 1, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I have the 2015 Hyundai sonata with the 2.5 GDI engine that eventually will seize due to internal damaged caused by manufacture design flaws. My Hyundai threw a P0010 code which causes my car to idle high and causing low vacuum affecting my brakes. I had a diagnostic test done at a Hyundai dealership that told me it was a cvvt cam sprocket issue and that it was the beginning of the end of the engine, They quoted me 3700.00 but the engine was to far gone and this repair would only accelerate the engine to seize. They said since the engine isn't seize Hyundai will not cover the cost to repair or exchange the engine, I contacted the Hyundai customer service who stated since the repair that is needed wasn't the root cause of the problems associated with the engine swap warranty they were not going to help me even though I explained to them that the cars high accelerating and the braking system been jeopardized and been told the engine is beyond repairs I feel Hyundai should reconsider their decision and help a loyal customer. I have purchased 12 Brand New Hyundaj since 2001. The customer Representative was Extremely un Professional even suggesting I scrap my car, Also I contacted My Hyundai service Technician who said Hyundai customer service never contacted them about my car, When they said they spoke with the technician. Also I received an Extended warranty on the 2.4 GDI engine from Hyundai who many Hyundai customers are or have dealt with.I also purchased an Extended warranty Which I believe should have been extended as well Thank You
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734749April 30, 2026
ENGINE
While accelerating to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly lost power and died completely. I lost power steering and power brakes, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder. There was no warning light or unusual noise prior to the stall. The vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles. This stall occurred in live traffic, creating a high risk of a rear-end collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734985April 30, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
This vehicle has a major engine flaw; Hyundai USA KNOWS about it, and STILL will not issue a recall for EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. First episode: October 2023 at 86,371 miles. Dealership replaced leaking valve cover gasket and changed woefully-soiled spark plugs. Still under manufacturer warranty, but I paid the balance. Second episode: FOUR MONTHS LATER (Feb. 2024; 89,078 miles), another limp mode and Check Engine lamp. The spark plugs are soiled again with oil, so the dealership changes the spark plugs again, instead of addressing the underlying issue - Excessive oil consumption. Still under warranty, yet I pay the bill...AGAIN. Episode Three: October 04, 2024. Hyundai Sonata goes into limp mode again with CHECK ENGINE LIGHT illuminating – cylinder 1 was misfiring. All spark plugs fouled again; all spark plugs replaced. Valve cover gasket was leaking, so that was replaced as well. Yup, I paid for the repairs out-of-pocket. Episode Four: May 02, 2025. Vehicle goes into limp mode again, with CHECK ENGINE LIGHT turning on. Another spark plug fouled up, so it was replaced. Ignition coil replaced as well. Episode Five: June 19, 2025. Limp mode and Check Engine Lamp illuminates yet again, so Hyundai of North Charleston (SC) initiates an oil consumption test. "...[3.5 quarts of] oil consumption is excessive...", yet Hyundai denies everything. Hyundai is actually admitting to an underlying issue but offers ZERO assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735000April 30, 2026
ENGINE
The failed component is the engine assembly in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine. The failure involves excessive oil consumption and internal engine failure, specifically suspected piston ring deterioration allowing oil to pass into the combustion chambers. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk because the engine was losing oil rapidly. If the oil level drops too low, the engine can seize, stall, or lose power while driving. Sudden engine failure at road or highway speeds could increase the risk of a crash. The issue required constant oil monitoring and made the vehicle unsafe to rely on. The problem was confirmed by both an independent repair shop and a Hyundai dealership. At about 99,813 miles, an independent shop diagnosed oil burning from the tailpipe. I then paid for major repairs, including cylinder head and valve work, but the oil consumption continued. A later independent inspection found internal oil consumption consistent with failed piston rings and oil bypassing into the combustion chambers. The Hyundai dealership performed Hyundai’s oil consumption testing process, including combustion chamber cleaning and rechecking oil level. The vehicle failed and engine replacement was approved. The dealer quoted $11,400-$12,000 for replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent repair facility, a Hyundai dealership, and reviewed by Hyundai Motor America Customer Care under case number 42489659. Hyundai denied assistance, stating the vehicle is outside warranty due to time and mileage. Symptoms first appeared around 99,813 miles and included excessive oil consumption, burning oil from the tailpipe, reduced power/dragging, abnormal rattle/noise during low-speed acceleration, and poor fuel economy. After repairs, the oil level still dropped below minimum quickly. I am filing this complaint because this condition may cause sudden engine damage, stalling, or loss of power while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734528April 29, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, SERVICE BRAKES
Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned about my daughter’s safety because she use the vehicle to drive to and from school and you never know when the brakes might fail, again I just bought this vehicle a month ago just one month not even a year and it’s having all this problem even though it’s a pre-owned vehicle I shouldn’t have to take it to the shop after one month please help… thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734599April 29, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS front sub frame (K Frame) has rusted out but I guess for certain VIN numbers there was a recall. Mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in Michigan.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734703April 29, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), originally purchased in California. While driving at approximately 70 mph on a highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without warning and rapidly decelerated. This created a dangerous situation with surrounding traffic and put me and my family at risk. I had to quickly maneuver to the shoulder to avoid a potential collision. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealership in Utah, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the high-voltage battery system. I was informed that the battery requires replacement. This type of sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed is extremely hazardous and could result in a crash, injury, or fatality. There were no prior warnings indicating an imminent failure of this severity. Given the safety risk associated with unexpected loss of propulsion, I am concerned this may represent a broader issue affecting similar vehicles. The vehicle is equipped with an interior camera, and video of the incident can be provided if needed. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect. 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
#11734589April 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn on my vehicle completely stop working. There were no alert messages and I found out that it wasn't working when I needed to use it. I was driving 55 miles per hr in a highway and another vehicle was about to switch lane to merge into my lane and driver did not see me and almost got into an accident. When I try to use the horn to alert tge other vehicle, horn did not work. It still doesn't work. Took my vehicle to Millenium Hyunday Dealership in Hempstead, NY and was told by service advisor that horn is only covered up to 60,000 Mike's because is an electronic feature. I disagree with that assessment and believe this is a safety feature that needs to be reevaluated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734203April 28, 2026
ENGINE
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited equipped with the Theta II 2.4L GDI engine experienced a sudden connecting rod bearing failure while driving on the expressway in Florida. At the time of failure, the vehicle had approximately 153,000 miles. The Check Engine Light illuminated and the vehicle entered limp mode, causing significant loss of power while in motion at highway speeds. The engine and vehicle remain available for inspection upon request. Diagnostic scan confirmed P1326 — the exact code the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) is designed to trigger upon detecting connecting rod bearing wear or failure. Prior to this incident, no warning lamps or symptoms were present; the failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven normally. The KSDS software update was previously completed at an authorized Hyundai dealership. The vehicle has been maintained with regular oil changes and complete maintenance records are available. No engine sludge was found upon inspection at the dealership. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership, which diagnosed connecting rod bearing failure consistent with the known Theta II GDI engine defect covered under the class action settlement lifetime warranty. Despite meeting all eligibility requirements — KSDS update completed, P1326 confirmed, full maintenance records, no evidence of neglect — Hyundai Motor America denied the warranty repair citing vehicle age and mileage exceeding 150,000 miles and 8 years. This mileage and age limitation does not apply to Theta II GDI engines under the lifetime warranty class action settlement. This failure represents a serious safety risk as the engine lost power while the vehicle was in motion on the expressway, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and other road users. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance, but is available for manufacturer or NHTSA inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734019April 27, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car engine caught fire. Allstate notified pictures provided below.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734124April 27, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and had to be towed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734172April 27, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The trunk latch on the Hyundai Sonata malfunctioned, and our safety was put at risk when the trunk malfunctioned while driving on the freeway, obstructing the back view. After several attempts to try to close the trunk and after doing some research, I learned it had a vehicle recall, 21V619000. An appointment was made at Ontario Hyundai for the latch to be repaired due to the recall. After taking the vehicle in, the dealer stated that an attempt to repair the latch had been attempted and refused to do the repair and provided an invoice of $616.00 for repair. Since the latch malfunctioned, no attempt to repair the latch was ever attempted, nor was it taken anywhere else for repair. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The trunk latch is still inoperable, and recall status is incomplete.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733229April 23, 2026
AIR BAGS
The vehicle’s airbag warning light is illuminated. The steering wheel also makes a clicking noise, which appears related to an internal clock spring/coil connector failure. This defect may prevent the driver airbag from deploying properly in a crash, creating a serious safety risk. I contacted O’Brien Hyundai of Normal on 4/23/2026 and was denied repair assistance solely due to vehicle mileage. The vehicle has been well maintained, and this issue involves a critical safety component that should not fail under normal use. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about airbag system failure and occupant safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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