Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11771407October 15, 2026
AIR BAGS
The air bag light just came on and I know there was a recall on this. I would like to have this taken care of at the dealership for free as it was a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771429October 15, 2026
ENGINE
I had recently taken my 2017 Hyundai Sonata in for an Engine Diagnostic check at the Bel Air Hyundai dealership, (10/15/26) worth $199.99 for an hour of maintenance, after experiencing sudden jolts when powering on and driving, needing additional time warming up. My initial thought was that the temperature gauge had gotten stuck again, or that the sensor needed to be fixed. I suggested that the dealership check for this issue before doing the diagnostic to see if it was still needed afterward. My service advisor, Kevin, said that this is included as part of the diagnostic testing. I figured it would be in the best interest for my vehicle to do an initial check, regardless of cost, to avoid further complications down the line, yet the 9 C2 update was performed without my consent or knowledge beforehand. They performed a multipoint inspection, which shows on record I had it done months prior during my last oil change, free of charge on both occasions, yet it only shows the vehicle, not engine. I have the lifetime warranty as advertised, covered by Zurich, which my service advisor showed me on his computer. However, he said my concern was a mechanical issue, not covered under this warranty. After the diagnostic was performed, I was shown the invoice, including the 9 C2 emissions page at the end, explaining the effects of this update. It does not serve as a systemic improvement, but a worsening change in operation and performance. I was only told about the service after it was performed. It is astounding because the side effects explained on the 9 C2 form are the actual concerns I had before bringing the car in. The update was not a necessary procedure, from my understanding this will only lead to more safety risks down the line. After doing research, given recent complaints about how it has affected many vehicles, I must share that they should have notified me beforehand to be aware about these risks so that I could make the personal decision for my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771514October 15, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary of Event: This vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership for a mandatory safety recall engine replacement under the Theta II Engine Recall Campaign. The dealership successfully installed a replacement engine provided by the manufacturer. However, the dealership and Hyundai Motor America are now refusing to return the vehicle to me in a functional, safe condition. Safety Hazard & Defect: The dealership states that the replacement engine shipped by Hyundai is mechanically and physically incompatible with the vehicle's original, factory-installed high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). In an official written correspondence from a Hyundai Motor America Corporate Case Manager, Hyundai explicitly documented that: "dealership stated that it is not safe to drive the vehicle with old fuel pump." Despite acknowledging that the vehicle is now in an "unsafe to drive" condition due to the mismatched replacement parts provided by the manufacturer, Hyundai Corporate and the dealership are refusing to complete the safety recall remedy unless I pay $1,500 out-of-pocket for a new, compatible fuel pump.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771519October 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle experienced intermittent, severe powertrain defect resulting in a critical safety hazard. Between 30K and 36K miles, the vehicle underwent 3 violent highway deceleration episodes. During these events, the engine began shaking, escalating to violent shaking; with deceleration and coming to a stop, it would shake, then sputter as if it would die. Coming to a complete stop, a total stall was prevented only by the ECM forcing a limp mode lock at 1200 RPMs. When Auto Hold was engaged at this point and my foot was removed from the brake pedal, the mechanical surge caused the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch forward, fighting against and nearly overriding the factory Auto Hold braking safety feature before finally holding. Luckily, no pedestrian was walking in front of my car when this occurred. No check engine light (CEL) or dashboard warning ever illuminated. This safety compromise is directly tied to an ineffective or adjacent remedy involving Service Campaign 9B1 (Opcode 40D219R0) and Safety Recall 286. Under this Opcode, a factory software flash deleted the standard OBD-II trouble code P0451and substituted it with a manufacturer-specific shadow code P14EE00. This software manipulation suppressed universal emission/pressure sensor faults, masking a volatile physical defect within the high pressure fuel delivery and ignition systems. Dealer diagnostics on a running, compromised engine flagged an improper fuel injector pulse and subsequently a failing Cylinder 3 ignition coil. All four injectors were replaced but only one coil, leaving 3 non-updated , factory defective coils in the engine. The vehicle remains an ongoing highway stalling and brake-override hazard due to an incomplete field remedy of a recall-adjacent system. I've filed a Hyundai Complaint with assigned case number 43394228 regarding Safety Recall 286. (Two episodes of the attempted Auto Hold override occurred - first 09/09/2026 and second 09/29/2026.)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771321October 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting a total manufacturer parts shortage. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS is part of the Hyundai Anti-Theft Customer Satisfaction Campaign P33 (Ignition Cylinder Protector). Hyundai launched this program to fix a massive vehicle theft vulnerability, but they have failed to release or distribute the physical parts to dealerships. I have been blocked from receiving this security fix since the campaign's rollout, leaving my car exposed to theft. I spoke today 10/15/26, with Piazza Hyundai in West Chester PA, to schedule appt, and was told this recall was launched in 12/25, and as of today, Hyundai still has not provided the parts. The P33 letter mandates that I repair the car by March 31,2027. BUT THERE ARE NO PARTS!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771005October 14, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A franchise dealership performed a federally mandated safety recall service (ECM Software Update) and a knock sensor replacement on this 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L Turbo. To perform these specific repairs, the technician had to work directly around the intake and turbocharger assembly workspace. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, it suffered a sudden and dangerous loss of power and refused to accelerate normally on the highway, creating a severe traffic hazard. Upon an immediate emergency inspection by the same service center 5 days later, the dealership documented in writing that the turbocharger intercooler hose clamps were completely off/unfastened. Because the technician left the clamps disconnected, the turbo lost sealed pressure, failed completely, and began dumping high-pressure engine oil backward through the air filter intake box. The service center is now refusing to take responsibility for the mechanical safety failure directly caused by their technician's recall repair negligence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770729October 13, 2026
ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America is explicitly refusing to honor the mandatory safety recall and lifetime warranty extension for a catastrophic rod bearing failure on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX]). The engine suffered a sudden internal connecting rod bearing seizure while operating, causing a complete loss of motive power and creating an immediate hazard. Hyundai Corporate Escalations issued a blanket denial solely because the vehicle carries a rebuilt title. However, the vehicle's official Hyundai portal confirms that Service Campaign 953 (the Knock Sensor Detection System software update) was successfully completed on XXX. The engine failure matches the exact factory manufacturing defect (internal oil starvation from manufacturing debris) that is the subject of the In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation. The external collision history that led to a structural/rebuilt brand has absolutely zero mechanical correlation to a sealed, internal crankshaft block defect. Hyundai is acting in bad faith by using an unrelated title status to evade a federal safety recall mandate and escape liability for a dangerous, stalling powertrain 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
#11770787October 13, 2026
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving, the vehicle stopped independently. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was observed that the front subframe had detached. A bystander assisted the driver in moving the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a detached front subframe, right front axle, right front control arm, and front sway links. The contact was informed that the front subframe replacement was covered under a recall; however, the detached right front axle, right front control arm, and front sway links were not covered under the recall repair. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770792October 13, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the driver-side windshield wiper failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the wiper blade was not making proper contact with the windshield due to a bent driver-side windshield wiper arm. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that no recall coverage applied to the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V180000 (Visibility/Wiper). The contact notified the Hyundai manufacturer of the issue by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 26,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770599October 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I received a notice from Hyundai that there was a Service Campaign 9C2 for my car. My car was running fine but I took it to Jones Hyundai in Belair MD for oil change and the Service Campaign. After this work was done my car lost driveability, poor throttle response and transmission searching for correct gear. I notified Hyundai about my concerns and they replied they opened a case number. Corporate advice so far has been to let the car warm before driving, which has been marginaly helpful. It is hard to merge with high speed traffic because of poor throttle response and transmission searching for correct gear, I have had some close calls. I think cold weather will increase this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770626October 12, 2026
ENGINE, SEAT BELTS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2013 sonata caught fire from the engine I was barely able to get out safely
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770686October 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I had my engine replaced under the Theta Engine lawsuit and I was due for the 9C2 service campaign and it was installed...ever since I picked up my car it shifts weird between 1st and 2nd. I brought it back to a different Hyundai dealer as the warranty work was done at another location and they recommended a transmission flush and relearn. They can feel it slipping and the other dealership noted no problems, which leads me to believe it was because of the service campaign. I also called corporate and the customer service rep had heard of this before as well as a bunch of forums online.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770442October 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am filing this complaint regarding transmission and drivability problems with my 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L following Hyundai Campaign 9C-2. My vehicle was running and driving perfectly before this update. I have always maintained it on time, followed proper maintenance schedules, and have records documenting its maintenance history. I never experienced these transmission issues before the update. The problems began immediately after the campaign was performed. In fact, I noticed the abnormal shifting before I even left the dealership after picking up my vehicle. Since the update, the vehicle has experienced poor and abnormal shifting behavior. I contacted the dealership to report the problem and also filed a complaint directly with Hyundai Corporate. I was told that Hyundai is aware of the issue, yet my complaint remains unresolved. I also located a document online indicating that Hyundai is aware of this problem. Additionally, I have seen numerous reports from other Hyundai owners describing similar transmission problems after receiving this same update. My vehicle has approximately 82,000 miles. The engine was replaced approximately one year before this complaint. Given the vehicle's excellent operation before the update, my documented maintenance history, and the immediate onset of the problems at the dealership, I am seriously concerned that Campaign 9C-2 caused or contributed to these transmission issues. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this software update causes or worsens transmission shifting problems in affected Hyundai vehicles. Hyundai's awareness of the reported issue and the apparent number of similar owner complaints make this especially concerning. I believe this issue deserves investigation to determine its cause, assess any potential safety risks, and establish whether corrective action
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770076October 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a failure of the transmission shift cable connection, the same safety-related defect addressed by Hyundai Recall Campaign 123 (NHTSA Recall 14V-434). The gear selector stopped functioning correctly. Although I could physically move the shifter using the shift-lock release, the dashboard continued displaying Neutral even when I selected Park. The vehicle would not start because it was not recognizing the correct gear position. This malfunction raises serious safety concerns because a failure of the shift cable connection can cause the transmission’s actual gear position to differ from the driver’s selected position, potentially creating an unintended vehicle movement or rollaway hazard. On September 4, 2026, Courtesy Hyundai Tampa, an authorized Hyundai dealership, inspected my vehicle and diagnosed the shift-cable connection failure, confirming the problem I had reported. Hyundai Motor America verified that Recall Campaign 123 had previously been completed on my vehicle on September 16, 2014, when it had approximately 13,000 miles. Despite that prior recall repair, the same type of failure occurred again at approximately 187,000 miles. Hyundai refused to perform another recall repair at no cost, citing the previous completion of Campaign 123 and the vehicle’s expired warranty. Hyundai provided this denial in writing under Corporate Case #43215357. Because the dealership quoted more than $1,000 for the repair, I subsequently had the vehicle repaired at an independent repair facility. I am concerned that the original recall remedy may not have permanently addressed this safety defect. I request that NHTSA investigate this recurrence and determine whether the effectiveness of Recall Campaign 123 requires further review. No crash or injury is being reported in connection with this complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769494October 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
• the engine Hybrid electrical network & anti lock braking system (ABS) failed. The independent scan confirmed codes P136 (engine knock signal) U2093/U1004 ( hybrid control module communication loss) and C1614 (ABS CAN TIMEOUT). The vehicle is fully available upon request. • while driving at highway speeds on the freeway every single light on the dashboard suddenly lit up all at once & the vehicle immediately starting loading acceleration & propulsion power. This sudden loss of speed on a active freeway created a immediate severe hazard of a of a high speed for myself & other motorists. • Yes, the electronic faults components have been confirmed & documented by an independent service center (oreilly auto parts veriscan diagnostic report. 05621260920003155). • No the vehicle hasn’t been inspected by the manufacturer, police , or the insurance representatives. • there were no symptoms or warning lamps prior to the failure everything happened instantly while driving on the freeway when the entire dashboard illuminated at once & the power was lost the physical odometer reads exactly 138,764( (note the third party scanner printout manually estimated 152,000 due to a tool discrepancy but the true mileage is 138,764.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769538October 7, 2026
ENGINE
Ever since the 9C2 software update was completed on 94/26, the car is experiencing hesitations not only in the first few minutes of driving but after the engine is hot. It was driving perfectly before this update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769587October 7, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated. The check engine warning light and the battery warning light were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the first dealer, and the contact was informed that an oil change was needed. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to another dealer and was diagnosed and DTC: C222908; was retrieved. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,385.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769598October 7, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel shuddered violently, pulled towards the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with Technical Service Bulletin: 17-ST-002. The contact attempted to repair the vehicle; however, the clockspring was damaged. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769695October 7, 2026
ENGINE
2013 Sonata 2.4 81,953 mi, seized on highway with fresh oil change 1 week prior, loss of power, steering/braking. Happened on George Washington Bridge (NY/NJ) with near collision. Asssited by Police to move vehicle out of highway. Inspected by dealer (Paramus Hyundai) and confirmed loss of power due to engine problem. Dealer denied warranty for poor maintenance despite receipt showing recent maintenance. This vehicle is covered under life warranty by Hyundai for manufacture defective engine, yet they denying engine replacement. The engine problem is a serious safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769320October 6, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Shortly after we bought the vehicle in 2021, my 7 year old daughter (who weighed about [XXX] at the time) got in the car through the driver side rear door and closed it normally. When we got home, the door would no longer open and has not opened now for 5 years. A mechanic said it would cost more than $1400 to repair because he would have to remove the door paneling from the inside of the vehicle to even diagnose what the issue is. If we were to get into a car accident, having a door that will not open is a significant safety concern. 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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