Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11714435January 30, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:HYBRID MANAGEMENT
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the failure reoccurred with the messages "Check Hybrid System” and “Turn Engine Off" being displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer for assistance. A diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that there was engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer requested proof of the last two oil changes. The contact obtained a Carfax Report, which showed proof of the oil changes and maintenance records. The manufacturer denied the goodwill request after several months of negotiations. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714566January 30, 2026
ENGINE
While driving my 2015 Hyundai Sonata, the vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. A loud engine knocking noise was present, and acceleration was severely limited, creating a safety risk in traffic. The check engine light illuminated at the time of the failure. An independent mechanic confirmed diagnostic trouble code P1326, related to the engine knock sensor detection system designed to detect early engine bearing failure. The condition occurred without warning. The vehicle is currently not being driven to prevent further damage and is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of power while driving poses a serious safety hazard. This appears to be a known engine defect affecting similar vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714245January 29, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and potential for burning or even death. Other drivers could have been at risk if traffic had not allowed for quick movement to side of the road. No warning lamps had been on prior to the drive and none prior to fire. First indication was a burning smell while driving. As pulling over, another driver honked to alert to fire he could see from rear of ca,. before I noticed the flames. Upon getting out of car first flames I saw appeared to be coming from under passenger side of car. The fire department arrived about 15 minutes after pulling to side of the road. The car was fully engulfed in flames. They then extinguished the fire. Police saw vehicle and insurance will examine. Apparently this is a known issue in Hyundai of which this vehicle had no open recalls pertaining to such.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714094January 28, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
Once the car gets slowed down and reaches 20 mph of speed by applying the brake or not. It gives a sudden jerk, which causes immediate reduction in speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713805January 27, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had recall 162 - engine replacement completed in 2024 , now I have fuel leak at high pressure fuel pump, the pump that is a component of the engine has now failed which was installed during the engine replacement which can cause a major fire
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713422January 26, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine started rough idling and knocking. Took to a mechanic who found metal particulate in the oil and the engine spun a bearing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713510January 26, 2026
ENGINE
My Hyundai Sonata has encounter two failing cylinders (compression loss) due to scoring. When driving in the highway I got engine shudder and loss of power (speed) that could have put me in dangerous driving condition, accident or other. These GDI engines are notorious for poor oil circulation due to faulty designed piston rings. Hyundai has long history with these poorly manufactured engines and class action lawsuits. I notified Hyundai but they are not willing to remedy the situation. I have worked with local dealership Miller Hyundai, as well as corporate. All I get are excuses and that I’m not covered. These engines are completely problematic with oil consumption and oil blow by, causing seizing, rod bearing failure, carbon buildup, cylinder damage, etc. The info on the internet over customers and these GDI engines is overwhelming. Oil related Fires are another issue as well. Hyundai needs more accountability than the class action for rod baring failures. Because of the damage to my pistons, I could have gotten in accident with loss of power on highway…full due to poor piston rings, damage from improper oil flow and near complete engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713116January 24, 2026
ENGINE
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata is exhibiting a severe metallic knocking noise and metal debris in the engine oil—primary indicators of the Theta II engine defect (NHTSA Campaign 17V578). These symptoms indicate imminent engine failure, posing a significant stall and crash risk. On or around 8/20/25, I took the vehicle to Earnhardt Hyundai-San Tan. I informed the technician of the oil burning and metal shavings. They refused to perform the recall repair and charged a $200 diagnostic fee for an inspection related to a federally mandated safety recall. Under federal law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301), recall remedies must be provided at no cost to the owner. Furthermore, components were not reassembled correctly during the inspection. The vehicle is now leaking oil onto my driveway and has been rendered inoperable. It has not been driven since I picked it up on August 25, 2025. I am requesting that Hyundai be compelled to perform the recall remedy and reimburse the unauthorized diagnostic fee.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713027January 23, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712843January 23, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I took my car to the dealer on [XXX] with concerns about the strong gas smell that I have been smelling. The Hyundai dealership kept my car for 3 days and stated they could not smell the gas after driving the vehicle themselves. They did repair a cracked cylinder head however they did tell me that it wouldn't have been the cause of the fuel smell. They stated next time I am out driving, and I notice the smell to "pop" into the dealership to have it checked again. While this is good in theory, it is not something I am just able to do. I am [XXX], one of which is still in a car seat and unable to unbuckle themselves to get out if something terrible like a fire was to arise. This was the 2nd time taking my car in, as it was previously fixed in Feb 2025 due to another recall on the gas tank expanding. I do not feel safe transporting my children in a vehicle that is still reeking of gas and a possible hire hazard with no resolution. 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
#11712626January 22, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, there was a grinding sensation coming from the front wheels, and the grinding sensation was felt in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rod bearings and hubs had failed, causing the grinding sound. The contact was informed that the rod bearings and hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the following day, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The sound also occurred while the vehicle was parked. While attempting to accelerate from 25 - 35 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle clunked and jerked. The vehicle decelerated, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact became aware that the accelerator pedal was not operating as needed. While on the side of the road, the contact turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed, and the mechanic recommended the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a different dealer, Capital Hyundai of Greensboro (801 E Bessemer Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405), and the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired because the manufacturer stated that the maintenance history was not satisfactory enough to warrant an engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712545January 21, 2026
SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center Police: Yes, crash scene documented. •Insurance: We are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •Manufacturer (Hyundai): Not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11712428January 21, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts were still not yet available. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712021January 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Driving at 78 mph and "Check hybrid system" came on, engine and all throttle/electrical shut off and did not regain power. Had to sit for 5-10mins and vehicle eventually regained power after resetting battery and had no issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712212January 20, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle was at a manufacturer‑authorized dealership for a federally mandated recall repair. While the vehicle was in the dealership’s exclusive care, custody, and control, it was struck by a third‑party cleaning vendor operating on dealership property and was declared a total loss. I did not hire or authorize this vendor. After the incident, the manufacturer informed me in writing that the dealership would repair the damage at their own expense, separate from the recall work. The manufacturer also stated they were covering the recall‑related repairs and were coordinating with the dealership. They provided weekly updates, monitored the recall repair, and escalated a backordered recall part. Later, after the dealership confirmed the vehicle was a total loss, the manufacturer reversed its position and stated it was “not involved.” The dealership has refused to identify the cleaning company responsible for the loss, their insurer, or any claim information, preventing any direct follow‑up. The manufacturer continues to direct me to “work with the parties involved,” even though the responsible vendor has not been disclosed. This raises concerns about the safety and oversight of the recall repair process, the handling of vehicles during recall service, and the manufacturer’s response when a vehicle is destroyed during a recall procedure.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712218January 20, 2026
WHEELS
We have had issues with tires not wearing equally and tears on the inner tire/s shortly after replacing. This has happened twice so far. This has lead to air loss, severe vibration, and pulling while driving. Most recently, both back tires were losing air with one back tire having a structural issue on the inner portion of the tire making it unsafe to drive. We had just put on new tires in 1/2024 and had to replace one of those before this issue because of a tear on the inner portion. Both back tires were replaced and rotated. Severe vibration and pulling occurred. We took it in to have balancing and an alignment done only to find out that all 4 rims are bent to varying degrees on the inner lip that meets with the tire. All 4 tires were wobbling significantly during the service to balance resulting in the inability to balance the tires. As there hasn’t been any occurrence that would have caused all 4 rims to bend in the exact same place, and reading about the defects of the coating on the rims as well as other wheel related issues, we felt it necessary to file a complaint. Living in a state where there is salt put on the roads as well as salt in the snow itself, peeling and premature wear to the rims due to the lack of a safe and sufficient coating, exposes the metal to the elements and excessive salt during the winter months. This in turn weakens the metal making it susceptible to bend and sustain damage it would not otherwise sustain. We now have to replace all 4 rims to eliminate the vibration and alignment issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711848January 19, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My 2015 Sonata will stall out dropping speeds to 12-24 when i slightly merge, when I turn ect. Then it won’t accelerate for what seems like 10 minutes realistically 2 minutes maybe 3 Then will slowly regain speed. I’ve almost wrecked twice Share care with daughter and she’s been victim to it way way more. This is scary and Hyundai won’t stay behind their product Local dealership won’t fix recalls so we have to go over 120 miles for repairs. The recall isn’t even for transmission engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11711880January 19, 2026
ENGINE
Please see the attached paperwork and I have more if needed. I am not receiving any help from the local Hyundai dealership in which I purchased the car, and I have reached out to the main Headquarter. This is the 2nd Hyundai I purchased, and I was not made aware of the oil consumption issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711950January 19, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has a documented excessive oil‑consumption defect. After a 1,000‑mile oil‑consumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2.8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23‑EM‑008H and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai Motor America declined to cover the repair and refused to escalate my case. This level of oil consumption is consistent with known Theta II engine defects that have led to engine seizure, stalling, and fire in other vehicles. I am reporting this as a safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711954January 19, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] While stopped in traffic with my foot firmly on the brake, my vehicle begins to accelerate before I release the brake pedal. This is not normal “creep” — the engine increases RPM and the vehicle moves forward as if the accelerator is being applied, even though it is not. This condition has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle surges forward, sometimes 20 mph, unexpectedly and has almost caused several collisions. This rapid acceleration can easily cause a collision with a pedestrian or the vehicle in front of me. The onboard diagnostic system repeatedly reports a camshaft position sensor fault. The sensor has been replaced, but the problem returned, indicating the issue is not the sensor itself but a deeper engine or electronic control malfunction. Because this vehicle uses electronic throttle control, I am concerned the engine control module is misinterpreting throttle and brake inputs and failing to properly apply brake-throttle override. The vehicle is effectively accelerating against the brake. This is a dangerous and unpredictable condition and represents a potential defect in the throttle/engine control system. This is clearly a safety-related issue that warrants investigation before it results in a serious crash or injury. 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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