Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11710093January 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hybrid system warning. Safely drop don’t drive. It comes and goes for all hybrids it has the issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710129January 10, 2026
ENGINE
Manufacturer has refused engine replacement under federal KSDS recall settlement without providing causation proof. Owner has maintenance records. Request NHTSA compliance review.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710046January 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
the gas tank is loose upon pumping gas it was found loose today the red mccombs dealership is the only service company who has performed service on vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709976January 9, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate roughly. The contact felt the vibration in the steering wheel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled off the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and was able to shift to drive(D); however, the vehicle was hesitating and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic at speeds no greater than 40 MPH. The mechanic scanned the vehicle and retrieved codes for a misfire in the engine. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact requested an engine replacement that was denied by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710036January 9, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a safety-related engine failure involving my 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. In November 2025, at approximately 90,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure while driving, including loss of power and abnormal engine noise. This created an unsafe driving condition and required the vehicle to be removed from service. Component/System Involved: The engine (Theta II 2.0T) suffered a catastrophic internal failure. The engine and internal components remain available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine power reduced my ability to maintain speed and maneuver in traffic, posing a safety risk to myself and other motorists. Confirmation and Inspection: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership, which inspected the vehicle and documented the internal valve train condition through photographs. Hyundai Motor America reviewed the claim and issued a written denial. No independent third-party technical inspection was performed. Prior Symptoms: Before the failure, the vehicle had a history of excessive oil consumption requiring frequent monitoring and oil addition despite regular maintenance. Abnormal engine noise was present for approximately one minute before failure. No warning lights adequately predicted the sudden failure. Additional Context: This vehicle is equipped with a Theta II engine, which has been the subject of prior recalls and settlements related to internal engine defects. Hyundai denied warranty coverage alleging “exceptional maintenance neglect”; however, inspection photos show a well maintained valve train with no sludge or oil flow obstruction, only light surface varnish consistent with normal engine aging. I am concerned this failure represents a continuation of a known Theta II engine defect (confirmed by Hyundai technician who performed inspection with OBD code P1326 followed by engine failure) and poses a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of engine power while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709968January 9, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was pulling into a parking space at my church, same place I routinely parked. I was moving forward slowly with foot on brake alternating lifting foot to move forward until I was all the way in. As I lifted my foot from the brake, the car suddenly accelerated forward, going over the cement parking block, on to the grass and sidewalk before it stopped. Two metal handrails along the steps into the larger parking lot. Fortunately, no one was hit or injured, including myself. The result was major damage of the left side. Aside from the exterior, the car worked as it always has. I reported the collision to my insurance company, State Farm, and they directed me to a Hyundai repair shop. I know the fault was not mine for 3 reasons: 1) Once I turn into a spot to park, I always move slow, using the method mentioned above. I never use the gas pedal once I'm facing straight in the parking space; 2) My word would, of course, not be enough to relieve me of the responsibility for what happened. However, if I had stepped on the gas, though I know I didn't, the car would not be able to go from just stopping its forward move to the sudden and very fast acceleration that normally would require several seconds to reach that speed; and, 3) This was the 2nd time sudden acceleration happened, the 1st time was in June 2024 during a 3-point turn on a residential street. I completed the turn, ready to go forward, when the car suddenly and rapidly accelerated, jumping a curb and hitting a fire hydrant. My left front grill sustained damage, but since the car worked well, I did not report this to State Farm, waiting until I was willing to pay the deductible. This 2nd episode had me researching the Internet to see if there were others who experienced sudden accelerating with resulting fatalities. I believe my car has a defect and gives no warning when it will occur. My driving record is excellent. I don't speed and I drive defensively. My 2 brothers and 2 male in-laws said I'm a good driver
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709919January 9, 2026
ENGINE, SUSPENSION, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Engine makes rattling and knocking noises. Transmission hesitates and jerks Suspension front struts and rear shocks are bad. Possible the isolators. Having horrible back pain when riding in car. Starter intermittently doesn't work Lane keep assistance goes over small bump in road will make car drive in opposite lane into on coming traffic. Took car to Tameron hyundai in Birmingham on the 29th of December 2025. Told them everything thats going on with the car. They did nothing about any of the issues. Car has 55,000 miles on it as that is when all problems have incurred. 60000 mile Warranty expires in February of this year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709821January 9, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving my 2021 Hyundai Sonata at approximately 3:00 AM when the vehicle suddenly began shaking and vibrating. While stopped at a traffic light, the check engine light illuminated, and the engine was shaking severely. I immediately pulled over and shut off the engine. After waiting approximately one hour, I restarted the vehicle, but it was only able to drive very slowly. The following day, the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. Diagnostic testing showed a cylinder 3 misfire, along with EVAP system errors and faulty fuel injector issues. This failure occurred without warning and created a potential safety risk while driving. I am concerned this may be related to a defective fuel system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709728January 8, 2026
ENGINE
Manufacturer is refusing recall engine replacement alleging neglect without proof of causation. Vehicle has documented maintenance. Denial appears improper under recall compliance law.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709768January 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Wiring for headlights, and break lights has been malfunctioning. It is not a fuse and i have tried changing them to the point i keep extra in my trunk and still won't work. yes, available for inspection, I have been pulled over multiple times and was written a citation yesterday.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709592January 8, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended, and the contact noticed a strong fuel odor coming from underneath the hood. Upon inspecting underneath the hood, the contact noticed a leak. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel line was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was contacted, but only the automated system was available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709594January 8, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Please see Attachment To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally notify you under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Virginia Lemon Law, Va. Code §§ 59.1-207.9 to 59.1-207.16) that my 2021 Hyundai Sonata, has a nonconformity that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. On June XX, 2025 I delivered my vehicle to Pearson Hyundai for repair due to the fuel pump recall. As of today September XX, 2025 the vehicle has been out of service for more than 89 days, well beyond the 30-day threshold set by Virginia law. Despite this, the manufacturer has failed to complete the required recall repair in a reasonable amount of time. This constitutes a violation of my rights under Virginia’s Lemon Law. Therefore, I am formally demanding relief as provided by law: Repurchase of my vehicle for the full contract price, including taxes, fees, and incidental charges, less a reasonable allowance for use, OR Replacement with a comparable new vehicle acceptable to me. Please respond in writing within 15 days of receipt of this letter. If this matter is not resolved, I will be forced to escalate through the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and, if necessary, legal action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709374January 7, 2026
ENGINE
I have had my car in 7 times for the same issue. Metal shavings in oil and burning excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. This is a very well known issue with 2019 Hyundai Sonata. They have done nothing but add oil and run tests which the car failed. No attempt to fix it or replace it. I have been in contact with Corporate who refused to help. My car has an extended warranty for this specific issue, but they only give me the run around.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709494January 7, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was no accident .Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I don’t know of any incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709404January 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2022 Hyundai sonata hybrid started blowing white smoke from the exhaust. Took it to the dealership and was advised the valve that controls antifreeze failed and leaking antifreeze in exhaust. This caused the engine to overheat and would cause the engine to blow up. My car has 83,000 and was told the manufacturer warranty only covered to 80,000 and extended warranty would not cover the part. Was told it would cost 2659 to fix. This is part of the hybrid power train and should be covered under the 100,000 Hyundai warranty. I have seen the same issue with other sonata hybrids on the internet that is doing the same as mine. Hyundai needs to recall for this since it is a needed component for the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709400January 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
On January 6, 2026, during my morning commute in heavy traffic, my 2023 Hyundai Sonata engine unexpectedly turned off, causing a sudden loss of power. This created an extremely dangerous situation, and I came very close to being involved in a major collision. While I was fortunate to avoid a crash, the incident posed a direct threat to my safety and life because of the dense surrounding traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709109January 6, 2026
ENGINE
Engine oil consumption issues. My 2018 Hyundai Elantra falls within the dates of this issue. I had an oil consumption issue done and the dealership claimed it passed. I have to put oil in my car every 3 weeks and change spark plugs at the same time because of engine leaking oil in to them. My engine light is always on, knocking and pinging sound, poor performance issues, and blue smoke coming out of tail pipe. I have stuck on the side of the highway several times and have misses work because of the ongoing issues with the engine. How can a oil consumption issue pass and i have all these issues. I have spent several hundreds of dollars on oil, spark plugs, frequent oil changes and tows. There was only 85,000 miles when I started to notice the problem and had only owned it for 6 months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709161January 6, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Brakes seize up while driving and then cannot move the vehicle. This causes a dangerous situation while driving and then breaks lock up and cannot move car even though vehicle is on and then stopped for a stop light. Car must then be turned off and sit for about 30 minutes so it can unseize and when that happens, you can then resume driving and then check engine light comes on. Brake lights were staying on even when vehicle is shut completely off. ABS and ESC lights stay on consistently and never turn off. Vehicle brake switch was replaced at Carolina Hyundai of high point, NC. So break lights have been repaired. They had to order the stop switch lamp replacement for recall as it was never done and will be fixed in next week. 3 door handles fell off and cannot open the rear driver side door at all. Window electric system won’t let windows go up and down and had to make a latch pull string to open driver door. Passenger door will not open at all and no handle and is a dangerous situation. Break switch not being replaced would have cause an electrical fire and is a complete dangerous vehicle even after being inspected less than a week ago
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709175January 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Subject: Excessive Engine Oil Consumption – 2016 Hyundai Sonata I am reporting an ongoing and excessive engine oil consumption issue with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that I believe may represent a safety defect or other significant reliability concern. The engine is burning oil at a rate far beyond normal expectations (requiring frequent top-off well below recommended mileage intervals), resulting in dangerously low oil levels while driving. I have maintained the vehicle per manufacturer recommendations and documented oil add-ins and dealer visits, but the problem has worsened over time. Despite presenting this problem to my Hyundai dealership, they have declined to authorize engine cleaning or further corrective action due to the mileage. I am struggling with high oil consumption and potential risk of engine failure while driving. This issue is not unique to my vehicle — numerous similar complaints exist in Hyundai forums and in other owners’ submitted complaints (e.g., reports of more than 1 quart consumed every ~500–1,000 miles and sequences of denied repairs) which suggests a broader pattern of oil consumption failures for this model year. Auto Safety +1 I believe this may represent a safety defect because loss of engine oil can lead to engine seizure or failure without warning, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Please review this complaint, add it to the NHTSA vehicle database, and contact me if further information is needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709272January 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I have taken my vehicle to a certified Hyundai dealership multiple times due to intermittent starting issues. The car will unlock remotely, and the lights and electrical components will turn on, but the engine will not start. When this happens, I press the ignition button to turn the vehicle off and then try again. Sometimes it eventually starts, but there have been several occasions when it would not start at all, forcing me to call for a tow or have the battery jumped. This issue occurs most often in cool or cold weather. I had a brand new battery installed at the dealership in July 2025, yet the problem has continued. I have been dealing with this for over a year and have even been stranded out of state in below-freezing temperatures. Each time I bring the vehicle in, the dealership states they are unable to replicate the issue while it is in their service department.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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