Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11702027November 29, 2025
ENGINE
While driving my 2017 Hyundai Sonata, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle entered "limp mode" The check engine light was blinking, I took the car to a very close autozone and the check engine light came on with code P1326 (pricture upload files), which is directly related to the known KSDS connecting rod bearing defect. This issue is part of Hyundai’s safety recalls and engine warranty extensions. After that, I called Hyundai directly (reference number for that call #XXX). A kind young woman informed me that my car had been through "Service Campaign 953" and successfully completed a "Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Software Update." Thanks to this, she explained that my car is under the "Hyundai TXXI warranty" and that, given the noise I was hearing along with the "P1326" code, it was very likely that my car qualified for a free engine replacement. She then scheduled an appointment for me at the nearest Hyundai dealership for the following morning. After more than two weeks of inspection, the dealer confirmed that the engine has internal damage and needs a complete replacement due to rod bearing failure. This is the exact defect addressed in Hyundai’s safety campaigns. However, Hyundai Corporate is refusing to cover the engine replacement because the vehicle exceeded its mileage limit, even though the engine failure is clearly caused by the known safety-related defect. The dealer acknowledged the problem and documented everything, but Hyundai is denying proper safety recall-related coverage. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, the vehicle is currently disabled and undrivable at the dealership due to the defect. Hyundai is only offering a buyback or a small cash settlement instead of performing the necessary safety repair. I am filing this complaint for many reasons but mainly because the refusal to replace the defective engine, despite the recall-related code P1326 and confirmed bearing failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702030November 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
While traveling 40 mph, car flashes a warning, "Check Hybrid System", and then the car shuts off. No power steering and brakes are difficult. The warning is only 3-5 seconds before everything shuts down. This is definitely a hazard to myself and others. If in traffic at higher speeds, there would certainly be an accident with devastating results.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701800November 27, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While I was driving at approximately 55mph, a loud clank happened and the car stalled, and smoke started pouring out of the hood and through the vents into the cabin, and I was leaving burning pieces behind on the road. I pulled over, ran to the back to get my dogs out of their crash tested kennels in the backseat, and both rear doors & passenger front door were locked. I ran up front to unlock them, and the unlock button did not work. I tried the unlock on the keys and it did not work. Due to having a recommended crash safe kennel set up it was not possible to crawl into the back to open it from the inside. My dogs were trapped in a car that was filled with smoke and on fire for over 2 minutes while I debated breaking the windows. I managed to fish a wire into the back to unlock and pull the door open from the inside of the back doors. The car stopped burning but was still smoking for several minutes after & I was able to clear the smoke to make it safe for my dogs to wait for a tow. When the mechanic looked at it he said the engine blew up due to the rod shattering into the block, destroying the entire engine and spilling oil which lit on fire. Mechanic recommended I contact Hyundai for engine replacement as this was a known issue with other 2015 Hyundai sonatas which were recalled due to risk of a defect rod knock causing the rod to shatter causing high speed stalling. Hyundai says my engine was not included in that specific recall. I included photo of the shattered rod which fell out when the mechanic lifted the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701828November 27, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
1. Sunroof frame detached from car due to defective adhesive. (Antena tailfin also detached from car years earlier because of defective adhesive). Because of this the frame was bent causing the sunroof to disengage from car . 2. Sunroof disengaging while on Interstate could have causes an accident or harmed person in car. A recall was placed on 2016 HYUNDAI Sonatas due to sunroof. 3. Unknown 4. HYUNDAI hired an engineering firm. The firm ( which was paid by HYUNDAI) found in favor of HYUNDAI. 5. Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701706November 26, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle’s sunroof just flew off the car at 31 miles per hour (the whole part), Hyundai had a safety recall for that and it was done in the past, the problem is that happened exactly what the recall were suppose to prevent, it was my wife and 2 kids on my car and I’m glad it was before she enter the highway, it would cause a major wreck with multiple vehicles. The car behind her had a dash cam and recorded the event, I’ll upload for better understanding. I’m also posting it on the social media to get publicity on the event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701423November 25, 2025
ENGINE
Car started misfiring while driving and engine light came on. It kept losing power but I was able to pull off highway. This put myself and others in danger because speed was significantly reduced suddenly. Dealer said problem was due to oil leaking on spark plugs. The car had been using excessive oil. Dealer said this is known issue but I had to pay for any repairs since I was the second owner. Hyundai still pays for the original owner to get an oil consumption cleaning, but recently stopped paying for secondary owners. If the oil consumption cleaning does not work, then the next step is to replace engine, paid by customer if Hyundai refuses. Mileage on car is 75,769.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701485November 25, 2025
ENGINE
Car has been consuming oil fast since around 75,000 miles. Car is under 100,000 miles and I have been told by an independent shop that it basically has piston ring failure which means engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701548November 25, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, an abnormal knocking sound was heard, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby residence, where it temporarily remained. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle a few miles to qualify for towing, per the vehicle insurance provider. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to insufficient engine oil maintenance records. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701594November 25, 2025
ENGINE
I heard noises immediately after purchasing the Sonata. I took it back in to Carmax ( where I bought it from) multiple times and was told they didnt find anything wrong. As time went on, I took my sonata to Hyundai dealer to get checked out. 1st time they told me, Hyundai wouldnt cover the cost to check out engine & that it would be $700 to take a look. The 2nd time, I was told we cannot check it out because the engine light isnt on. Basically they couldnt scan/check codes without the light being on. I suggested that if they just rode around the block, that they would notice that there's an issue. They still said no. Then back in February, I took back to Hyundai dealer again & they did check it out because the engine light was now on. That inspection came back as the cylinder was bad. Hyundai doesnt cover it because at that point it was past 100k miles and I was not the original owner. I asked about 100 mile.warranty when I bought it at carmax and was told yes 100k warranty still applies. So upon further research, hyundai has had problems with this year/make/model/ engine type before. If they knew something was wrong with it, why not just say so & fix it? Or as soon as I seen the first issue, check it out and repair it for me?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701206November 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The engine/powertrain on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) has failed due to extremely low compression in all four cylinders, causing severe misfires, hard starting, loss of power, and intermittent rattling noises, and the vehicle is currently available for inspection at the Hyundai dealership. This failure created a safety risk because the engine hesitates, struggles to start, and can stall or lose power during driving, which could lead to a loss of control or an inability to accelerate in traffic. The problem has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the Hyundai dealership, who documented low compression across all cylinders. The vehicle has been fully inspected by the dealership on Hyundai’s behalf after I opened a case with the manufacturer. Prior to the complete failure, the car showed warning symptoms such as repeated cylinder 4 misfires, rough starting, reduced power, rattling noises on startup, and the check engine light appearing several times beginning earlier this year. 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
#11701235November 24, 2025
ENGINE
I am filing a complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America’s handling of my engine-related safety issue, buyback process, and rental reimbursement. My vehicle was towed to Elder Hyundai for a suspected engine failure. Elder Hyundai informed me that my car was covered under an engine recall campaign and that they would submit a request for free repair. Shortly afterward, Hyundai Motor America notified me that they would not perform the repair and that I was being forced into the buyback process under a Settlement Agreement Release (SAR). Elder Hyundai refused to provide me a loaner vehicle because I was not proceeding with repairs, despite the issue being part of an engine recall. They also refused to give me the repair order report for my records and refused to let me retrieve my personal items from my vehicle unless I paid a diagnostic fee. Hyundai Motor America told me I was covered under them for this fee, yet Elder Hyundai still refused. Regarding transportation, I was initially told Hyundai does not reimburse Turo rentals due to concerns about “fake receipts.” Because of my budget and age, Turo was the only rental option I could afford. After escalating, a supervisor approved reimbursement for my Turo rentals, but as of today I have not received any reimbursement. I am a school teacher with a two-hour commute each day and I have [XXX] twin toddlers. I had to use rent and bill money to pay for the rentals based on assurances that reimbursement would be processed within a week. I submitted all receipts, but my new case manager claims he has no record of them, further delaying reimbursement. I completed and returned all SAR buyback documents on November 15th, yet I have received no update on payment or processing. This entire ordeal has put me at financial risk, including potential job loss and housing instability. Hyundai’s delays and mishandling of this safety-related case have severely impacted my livelihood. I ask that you please review HMA’s action INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701274November 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The High-Voltage (HV) Hybrid Battery Pack Assembly failed, resulting in a system shutdown and the required replacement. The primary code is DTC P0A80 ("Replace Hybrid Battery Pack"), which indicates an internal manufacturing or design flaw, specifically a weak battery module or compromised internal connection, not normal wear. The defective component (the high-voltage battery) is currently at and is available for inspection. The entire vehicle is also compromised by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module defect (NHTSA Recall 23V-651000). My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: 1. Immediate Loss of Power: The hybrid system failure resulted in a loss of drivetrain power, rendering the vehicle nearly immobile. This occurred on at approximately mph, placing me at high risk of a collision. 2. Latent Fire Risk: My vehicle is covered under the NHTSA ID 23V-651000 fire risk recall due to the ABS module. Hyundai specifically advised owners of these vehicles to "park their vehicles outside and away from structures" until the remedy is complete, confirming the severity of the latent fire hazard. The failure of the secondary HV battery system occurred within this already dangerous, electrically unstable environment. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Hyundai dealership / independent shop at the time of failure.. The manufacturer's corporate division has been contacted and is aware of the defect and the resulting $10,000 replacement estimate, as they offered a 50% "goodwill" subsidy which I am rejecting, asserting 100% coverage is required for a defect. Yes. The primary preceding warning was the intermittent appearance of the "Check Hybrid System, Turn off engine" warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701358November 24, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car keep cutting off and fuel injection is not right
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701032November 23, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint started peeling off in large sections.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701043November 23, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On the highway, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata suddenly began making a squealing or metallic rattling noise. At first, I thought it might have been something loose inside the vehicle. Within moments, the check engine light began blinking, followed by several additional warning lights and a pronounced knocking noise from the engine area. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle entered a reduced-power “limp mode” and began rapidly losing speed, even though the engine was still running. Because this occurred at highway speed while surrounding traffic was traveling normally, I had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid being struck. This created a significant safety hazard. I was stranded for approximately 45 minutes on the shoulder, at risk of being struck by other vehicles passing at high speeds. A tow truck arrived before the highway patrol, and the vehicle was towed home. When I returned home, my code reader pulled two versions of diagnostic code P1326, which is associated with potential engine bearing failure in Hyundai Theta II engines. The issue has since been inspected by the dealership, who confirmed the presence of the P1326 code. The vehicle is currently available for further inspection upon request. There were no prior symptoms that I was aware of leading up to the incident other than the brief squealing/rattling noise and the sudden warning lights immediately beforehand. The failure happened suddenly and without warning, causing an immediate and unexpected loss of speed and creating a dangerous situation on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701050November 23, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle is going through oil very quicky. No leaks no burning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701056November 23, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Noticed there’s a crack on the passenger side dashboard of the car that’s about 12 inches long. From what I read this could cause issues with any possible airbag deployment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700973November 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle experiences intermittent DTC C222908 (Integrated Brake Actuator internal circuit malfunction). Warning lights (Brake, ABS, ESC, Hybrid System) illuminate intermittently, brake pedal feel changes, and regenerative braking fails. Dealer confirmed stored code but refused repair stating "no current issue". This is a known failure in 2015-2019 Hyundai hybrids that can lead to sudden loss of hydraulic brake assist and increased stopping distance. Safety critical defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700980November 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding ongoing and severe engine issues with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE. Despite proper maintenance, the vehicle has developed extreme oil consumption and misfire problems that have made the car unreliable, unsafe, and financially burdensome. Beginning around 118,000 miles, the vehicle started consuming oil so rapidly that I was forced to completely replace the oil every 1–2 weeks because it would run dangerously low or nearly empty. This level of oil loss is not normal, acceptable, or sustainable. I have detailed documentation, receipts, mileage logs, and maintenance history supporting this. In addition to oil consumption, the vehicle has repeatedly misfired, produced diagnostic trouble codes, and fouled spark plugs with oil. I have been forced to replace spark plugs approximately every two weeks, which is clearly abnormal for any modern vehicle. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has experienced violent knocking noises, severe loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and near-stalling. One incident was so loud and aggressive that it felt like the engine was going to come out of the hood. These symptoms pose a serious safety risk while driving. I brought the car to a Hyundai dealership at approximately 118,000 miles for an oil-consumption test. The vehicle failed that test, clearly confirming excessive oil consumption. Despite this, Hyundai refused to provide repair, internal engine cleaning, or engine replacement, claiming the vehicle was already over 100,000 miles I have maintained this vehicle responsibly and have documentation of regular oil changes, spark-plug replacements, inspections, and diagnostic reports. Despite my efforts, the issue continues to worsen, and the vehicle remains unsafe and unreliable. This ongoing problem has caused significant financial strain, emotional stress, lost time, and fear of engine failure while driving. Based on countless similar complaints from other Hyundai owners, this appear
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700872November 21, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Upon topping up gas to full or anytime fueling after there is a heavy scent of gas inside the cabin lingering
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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