Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11698918November 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM), SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and hesitated. The brake and the hybrid system warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the right side of the road and waited for her husband to arrive. The contact turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hybrid ECU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer checked the error on the brake failure light that was illuminated, but had not yet gotten a response back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone where it was diagnosed, and determined that the hybrid ECU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions for the past three years. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that they have not heard from the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698983November 12, 2025
ENGINE
1. Description of Safety Problem: My vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving, resulting in a complete loss of power and severe engine knocking. This is a known safety defect related to the Theta II engine (specifically, connecting rod bearing failure, often referred to as the KSDS defect) that poses a severe risk of stalling and engine fire. The failure rendered the vehicle inoperable and unsafe. 2. Manufacturer's Failure to Honor Safety Recalls & Warranty: Despite this being a known, documented defect covered by Hyundai's own Technical Service Bulletin (22-EM-00H-1-1) and the TXXI Class Action Settlement—which provides a "Limited Lifetime Warranty" for this issue—Hyundai Motor America has repeatedly and wrongfully denied my warranty claim. Furthermore, I discovered through Hyundai's official campaign portal that my specific VIN had multiple unperformed safety and service campaigns, including critical Engine Control Module (ECM) updates (Campaign #953) designed to monitor and prevent this exact type of engine failure. Hyundai's failure to ensure these critical updates were performed constitutes negligence and directly contributed to the safety failure I experienced. 3. Evidence of Manufacturer Bad Faith: I have obtained documented proof that Hyundai has approved and performed zero-cost engine replacements for the identical defect on vehicles with mileage exceeding 180,000 miles. This proves that my denial is arbitrary, discriminatory, and demonstrates a pattern of bad faith in applying their safety-related warranty extensions. 4. Escalating Consequences: Due to Hyundai's refusal to honor its warranty, the dealership has now threatened a mechanic's lien and is charging $50 per day in storage fees. The manufacturer's failure to address a known safety defect is now causing active financial harm. 5. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to: Investigate Hyundai Motor America's systemic failure to honor the safety warranties and complete
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698999November 12, 2025
ENGINE
My engine recently seized on my vehicle and Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine. Per their website my vehicles engine has a lifetime warranty. This warranty is eligible for class vehicles who have has to campaign 953 reformed on their vehicles prior to engine failure. This was performed in n my vehicle on April 16, 2019. Per Hyundai’s website. I am being offered a settlement I did not take part in instead of my engine replacement and it should be illegal for them to go against their own word.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698746November 11, 2025
ENGINE
My car started using a lot of oil,one day it just started jerking and lost speed had to change the spark plugs after that I was constantly putting oil in it and changing the spark plugs every 2 weeks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698796November 11, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is burning oil. Ticking sound when engine is idling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698482November 10, 2025
STEERING
While driving my vehicle I have lost power steering twice completely. The first time I was in a five-story parking garage turning into a parking space, when power steering went out. The second time I was pulling into my driveway and the power steering went completely out. At other times my car would pull to the right just a little at one point or maybe even harder at other points. I never know when I'm going to have a problem sometimes I don't have a problem, car drives normal this problem has existed for the last 3 weeks. Like power steering sometimes is harder to turn to the left around a curve are a corner. When the steering goes out warning lights do come on one like a hazard sign one like engine light and others. I take really good care of my car my personal mechanic has called Hyundai so he could get information on how to fix my vehicle they have informed him that I have to bring it into them and would not tell my mechanic what the problem was. I would say the problem exists 20% of the time 80% of the time the card drives great no problems but while driving these things change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698664November 10, 2025
ENGINE
My 2018 Hyundai Sonata’s oil light flashed briefly while driving, so I checked the oil level and found the dipstick completely dry. The car has been maintained regularly and was still about 1,000 miles away from its next scheduled oil change. There are no visible leaks, and the engine is not smoking. I had to immediately add oil to prevent engine damage. This appears to be a case of excessive oil consumption, which I have since learned is common in Hyundai Sonatas with this engine. I am very concerned that low oil pressure could cause engine failure or sudden loss of power while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue for 2018 Sonatas, as many owners are reporting similar experiences, and Hyundai has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-EM-008H) about excessive oil consumption but no recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698469November 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was sold a 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL and while driving on the road multiple times the car completely shut off. By this all lights inside AND outside the car turned off (Headlights, interior lights and all) car was still rolling and I pulled over each time as all systems rebooted. It claimed that all seatbelts were off with the warning sign. Had to unbuckle and buckle all seatbelts for this warning to go away. Since the car completely shut off this put other drivers, my passengers, and myself at danger due to visibility. Luckily there was no traffic at the time but this keeps happening and it is worrying me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698349November 8, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle's HVAC (heating) system failed. It stopped producing heat on one side of the vehicle. My mechanic/dealer diagnosed the issue as a broken component within the HVAC case under the dashboard, requiring full dashboard removal and a repair estimated at over $3,000. This failure prevents the defroster from working properly, which is a major safety hazard as it cannot clear fog or frost from the windshield. A search of online forums and owner communities shows this is a widespread complaint from many other Hyundai owners, often identified as a failed blend door or blend door actuator, which requires the same expensive dashboard removal to repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698067November 7, 2025
ENGINE
We bought the car 9/27 was told the car past the dealer inspections. The cars oil was checked and i am sure it was changed and all prior to us. We drove it home and she has drove it to school. On 10/15 my husband did a routine oil check and it was over 2 qts low. He did a complete oil change and changed the pcv valve and as of yesterday it has used another 1 gt. This car was just bought 8900 and now i am assuming it needs rebuilt or new engine. I would like for this to be reimbursed. This is outrageous. When we reported the prob it had 149000 miles on it and Hydunai gives to 150000. I need this issue to be fixed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698142November 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel injectors cause car to lose power while driving in traffic, on the highway which can cause accidents. This event happened twice one while entering the highway and one while going past a light. Neither caused an accident at the time. The car both times were taken to the dealership and the fuel injectors had to be replaced both times. The first time was in December 2024 at 12k miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697901November 6, 2025
STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I find replacing the light bulbs for head lights and brake lights and flood lights more often than any other cars I have owned. The steering wheel makes a noise when turning left. And a noise is getting louder not sure what it’s related to.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697970November 6, 2025
AIR BAGS
On September 25, 2023, I was involved in a motor vehicle collision while driving my Hyundai Sonata 2016, during which the front driver-side airbag failed to deploy despite the impact being significant enough to cause injury. This non-deployment represents a malfunction of the airbag system, including its sensors and deployment components, and aligns with issues already reported in class-action complaints involving Hyundai vehicles, making my case further evidence that an airbag defect exists. Because the vehicle was declared a total loss by my insurance company and later sold at auction, the physical component is no longer in my possession now; however, I retain documentation on accident-related records that clearly show the airbag did not deploy. The failure of this critical safety system placed my safety at direct risk because the protective barrier intended to reduce impact forces was absent, resulting in greater injury than would reasonably be expected had the system functioned properly. The problem has not been reproduced yet because the vehicle was transferred to insurance immediately after the incident and was not repairable. But working with accident reconstruction engineers on this matter. Prior to the crash, the vehicle displayed no warning lights, SRS messages, or other symptoms indicating an issue with the airbag system, and at no time before the collision was I alerted to any malfunction that would have suggested the system would fail at the moment it was most needed.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11698025November 6, 2025
SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
During multiple dealership visits in 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T was repeatedly returned in unsafe condition. Southern Hyundai installed both front CV axles and torqued them incorrectly. The right axle was later confirmed under-torqued by about 50 ft-lbs, and the left axle was later found over-torqued 40ft-lbs Priority Hyundai later identified and corrected the under-torqued right axle, which briefly improved symptoms but did not resolve the underlying issue. When I returned for a follow-up on October 29, 2025, for a documentation-only appointment due to an active corporate case, the dealer ignored my instructions and altered evidence by loosening and re-torquing the left axle nut without consent. They recorded the torque at 250 ft-lbs in the repair order but failed to capture the required photos or before/after readings and referenced the wrong vehicle’s torque specification (Hyundai Elantra) in the documentation. Since then, the vehicle has continued to show steering pull, vibration, and instability at speed. Several visits showed only 0–3 miles of verification driving after safety-critical repairs involving brakes, suspension, and driveline components. Aftermarket parts were installed when OEM parts were promised, and uneven tire wear developed quickly. Safety risks include wheel-bearing damage, steering loss, and driveline separation due to repeated improper torque and altered evidence. Independent Firestone and Honda technicians have verified these issues. The matter remains under active Hyundai Corporate Case #[XXX]. 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
#11697927November 6, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the fuel mileage abnormally increased from 320 to approximately 431. An unknown message was displayed, and the contact received a notification on the Mobile App about a diagnostic trouble code for the EVAP sensor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the EVAP system valve was stuck open. The dealer replaced the EVAP system, and the dealer then determined that the fuel tank was swollen due to the failure. The contact stated that the rear seat sensor was malfunctioning and was causing a warning light to illuminate erroneously, which the dealer related to the fuel tank swelling and lifting the metal underneath the seat. The dealer also replaced the fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 73,245.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697623November 5, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown. 2018 Hyundai Sonata engine has failed. Only purchased the vehicle in December 2024, and the engine is defective. There is much information, via research, indicating that Hyundai is aware of the engine issues with this year vehicle, but are unwilling to make amends. Vehicle has 100,189 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697670November 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the engine oil level was low after an oil change. The contact stated that three quarts of engine oil were added every two to three weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,606.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697491November 4, 2025
ENGINE
Having engine issues with Hyundai Sonata (2017) have taken to dealership for repairs since purchase of vehicle (used) in August 2019. Vehicle available for inspection. Safety of others as well as self by engine failure while refueling, causing driver to be unable to move vehicle. Engine problem confirmed at dealership in April 2025. Issue addressed with Hyundai National Consumer Affairs to seek adequate replacement of engine and components. On 14 May 2025, request was denied. Check engine lamp illuminated on 1 March 2021 the 1st time, 5 June 2023 for 2nd time and 21 April 2025 for the 3rd and final time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697536November 4, 2025
ENGINE
I am the original owner of a 2017 Hyundai Sonata with the oil consumption defect Hyundai is well aware of. For years I have been adding a quart of oil every thousand miles and had my spark plugs replaced three times in two years now. Why am I not included in the recall so I can have the repairs done free of charge? The dealer wanted me to start having them monitor my oil consumption first which will cost me around seven hundred dollars for something they already know is defective. I submitted repair bills for the spark plugs to Hyundai around a year ago, but they would not reimburse. This is a safety issue as car starts to run badly with fouled plugs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697316November 4, 2025
ENGINE
I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2011 Hyundai Sonata. According to Hyundai’s own documentation, Service Campaign 953, issued in 2018, was never performed on this vehicle. This campaign addresses the risk of connecting rod bearing failure caused by residual metal debris in the crankshaft oil passages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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