Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11690755October 1, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Failure for a 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4L In-Line4 (144CI) VIN(F) Odometer 141477. Engine starts then runs hot starts clunking and sputtering and then shuts off. Burns oil and has caused a complete exhaust failure. Vehicle cannot past emissions text. The vehicle was a safety risk as the engine may catch fire and the vehicle was use for transportation to work and children to school. The Engine Light stays on constantly the engine oil light comes on as oil is burned off. Vehicle was purchased at a third party dealer and as the new owner did not receive recall notice or settlement notice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690830October 1, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The engine and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the maintenance records were needed. The contact was using an independent mechanic for maintenance and did not have the records. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690842October 1, 2025
ENGINE
My car is needing an oil change almost every 3 weeks at this point. Mechanics say there is no leak and there may be a recall for GDI engines that are burning oil very fast. This is a reoccurring problem and would love to find out if I can get this recalled like I seen other 2017 Hyundai Sonatas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690573September 30, 2025
ENGINE
We are the original owners of this vehicle. Over the past year we have been having to put quart(s) after quart(s) of full synthetic oil into this vehicle. There are no leaks anywhere that the mechanic can find and no burning of oil from the exhaust. We don't drive the vehicle many miles but have to put oil in at least every few weeks. The mechanic stated the last few times we have taken the car in to get looked at that it is a known issue with this make/model. He stated there was nothing he could do and we needed to contact the manufacture. We have tried on numerous occasions to make contact as well as the dealership has as well with no resolve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690300September 29, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stopped independently. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode independently, with a clinking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled into a parking lot, awaiting tow truck assistance. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was inspected and the contact that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters, rod bearings, and piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the claim. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690150September 28, 2025
AIR BAGS
I am submitting this complaint as a follow-up to my prior NHTSA complaint regarding the defective passenger seat Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Previous Tracking Number: 11689976 Since my initial submission, I have prepared a detailed technical and comparative report, which I am attaching here. The report documents how Hyundai’s repair policy for the OCS creates excessive repair costs (over $3,600 for a single sensor failure) and forces consumers to operate vehicles with compromised safety systems, in violation of the intent of FMVSS 208. The attached report provides: • Technical analysis of the OCS design and failure mode • Cost comparison with other manufacturers (Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) • Legal and consumer protection implications, including potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act • Supporting exhibits (service estimate and parts documentation) I respectfully request that NHTSA review this additional evidence in connection with my prior complaint and consider appropriate regulatory or enforcement actions. Thank you for your attention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690157September 28, 2025
ENGINE
I Purchased my 2017 from Hyundai motors of America in 2017. I am the only owner. I Took the care in for a recall for Campaign 953: ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT to have a a knock sensor placed on the engine to monitor the vehicle for signs of engine failure in 2022. The car has been showing signs of engine failure since the knock sensor was placed on the vehicle and Hyundai claimed that the knock sensor was bad and replaced in. Last week while I was driving the car ok the interstate at 70 miles per hour, the engine stopped running completely while driving. The check engine light did not illuminate until after the vehicle’s engine stopped running. The vehicle lost its ability to accelerate while driving. I was almost hit by a semi as I tried to guide the disabled vehicle to the emergency lane. I took the vehicle to one of the Hyundai dealerships for an inspection. The inspection shows engine failure due to internal failure. The knock sensor from campaign 953 failed to detect any engine problems. I Called hyundai motors of America and was given a case number (41539529). Even though the dealer reported to Hyundai motors of America about the engine failure, Hyundai motors of America is refusing to fix the vehicle due to mileage even though there is an extended warranty through campaign 953. This company is a fraud!! The company wants me to pre-approve authorization payment for them to replace my engine at my expense regardless of the recall, and their negligence!! They are placing people lives at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690182September 28, 2025
AIR BAGS
The Air bag light came on on the dashboard of my 2013 Hyundai and wouldn’t go off. When I took it to the local Hyundai dealership, they diagnosed the problem as the airbag clock spring. I asked if there was a recall for the clock spring, and was told no. They install a new OM Clock to fix the problem, and it cost me $805.77. When I returned home, I did my own research and found there was a recall for the Clock Spring in 2011 - 2013 Hyundai Sonatas, but only for certain VIN Numbers. I then contacted the Service manager who confirmed that the recall is only for certain VIN numbers. Since Hyundai know this is a problem, why not cover the repairs for all Sonatas with the problem. It’s unfair for they to cherry pick certain VIN numbers for repair and deny others with the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690213September 28, 2025
ENGINE
The engine light started to come on and go off. I had the spark plugs changed and I kept regular maintenance done on oil changes and tune ups. Now my engine is knocking and the vehicle is in limp mo. I took to dealership for extended warranty it was denied due to not properly maintained I turned an additional maintenance records the claim was never reevaluated I took my car home which is only 3 mi away in the engine caught on fire before I could get home $9,000 loss I don't know what to do
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690137September 27, 2025
SEAT BELTS
Front two seat belts are difficult to latch to buckles. Even when they are buckled while the car is in motion they tend to unlatch by itself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690061September 27, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filled gas tank up on Friday [XXX] about 10am as leaving Boca Raton, FL to head North to New Port Richey, FL. About 30 minutes later the gas mileage said there was only 90 miles left in the tank. Stopped at the next gas station to make sure nothing was leaking, added a little more until it clicked, basically full again. Got to approximately [XXX] near Morris Bridge in Tampa area, the car started to decelerate and then all the engine lights came on and car was shutting off, was able to pull to the left side of the road and Looked into the back seat noticed the back seat was rising. Looked under the back of the car and the frame looked like it was pushing up into the backend of the car. DOT was called out to the scene as it appeared the car could have exploded. This could have killed my [XXX] daughter (which was who was driving the car) or other people on the road. 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
#11689829September 26, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
came off the highway to a stop sign went turn and the engine just seized and would not start no matter what I did. had to have it towed to my house. safety risk was just off the road so i did not get hit. police stop and told me to get a tow truck. and no warning signs at all
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689902September 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to use the key fob to unlock the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact manually unlocked the vehicle with the key, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two occasions, and the vehicle was jump-started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,808. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689976September 26, 2025
AIR BAGS
The problem originates from a single faulty passenger seat airbag sensor, but Hyundai requires replacement of the entire seat cushion module, quoted at approximately $3,200 for the part alone and around $4,000 total repair cost. This creates the impression that a single failed sensor affects the entire airbag system. I was not provided with a definitive answer as to whether this fault impacts the driver airbag, which leaves a critical safety uncertainty. By designing the sensor as an inseparable, non-serviceable part of the cushion module, Hyundai forces consumers into an unreasonable expense. This situation puts drivers in the position of either paying thousands of dollars or risking driving with potentially compromised airbag safety. I strongly believe this constitutes a serious safety defect and should be subject to recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690018September 26, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The part of hand break assembly that’s inside the disk break (the drum assembly) fell off when the dealer ( [XXX] Hyundai, Schaumburg, IL) tried to adjusted. I went to the dealer because the hand break stop to function. I suspect very bad design of the whole assembly disk and drum break. Also the dealer stated that all assembly was rusted. 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
#11689709September 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oil consumption was ridiculously high, changing oil/topping off oil constantly. Car would not accelerate over 30 mph without sputtering and rumbling. I had mechanic diagnose bad sparks plugs due to sitting in oil from leaking. After I had them repaired/replaced the car drove great for 1 day, then decided to die in the middle of a busy intersection while I had my teenage son in the car with me. My son and I had to PUSH it out of the busy intersection onto a side street to get out of the way! I had it towed to Hyundai dealer who said the spark plugs were bad and that the fuel pressure sensor and gdi pump were faulty and needed replacement. Left front lower control arm/ball joint assembly also requires fix. To the tune of $3000 + . It’s been at dealer for past few months until I can afford the repairs including the 2nd diagnostic and tow it took to get it to dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689370September 24, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2011 Hyundai Sonata with a 2.0 turbocharged engine. The engine failed/presents issues such as loss of power, rattling, oil consumption, and smoking, which resulted in my engine seizing up. This creates a serious safety risk while driving, to now my car no longer operates. I checked NHTSA’s recall database and found no open recalls for my VIN regarding engine replacement, but I believe this engine defect should be investigated for a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689398September 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Braking system failed on my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2013. I was driving on the highway and suddenly the vehicle started a constant beeping noise and the dashboard illuminated with a message that read "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive" as I driving 70 MPH on the highway, causing me to have to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid being rear-ended by vehicles traveling behind, this is a very dangerous issue, and Hyundai is placing safety of others on the lower rung of their priority list. I had the vehicle taken to the shop where I was initially told that the issue is contaminated braking fluid, the need to replace brakes and the brake master cylinder. Shortly after being notified of the issues that technician diagnosed I agreed to have these items replaced. However, when I went to pickup my car after being notified that services were "completed" the vehicle continued to have the same issues, the vehicle never made it off of the Hyundai car lot. The vehicle has been with Hyundai for over 2 months and suddenly I am being told that there is an ABS issue and that it will cost over 5,000 dollars to complete repairs. I scoured the internet and noticed that there are many other complaints similar to mine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689532September 24, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
See attached document for complaint. I am reporting a safety incident involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T (VIN# [XXX] ), which was subject to an open recall at the time of sale. On XXXXXXXXXXXXXX, the vehicle stalled and caught fire within minutes. It was declared a total loss. Two elderly passengers were in the car; one suffered breathing issues due to smoke inhalation. NHTSA records show Recall 22V312000 / Hyundai Recall #227 was issued August 31, 2022, for a defective low-pressure fuel hose that can leak and cause fires. The remedy was available before I purchased the car on April 11, 2025, but was never performed by the selling dealer, Auto Express of [XXX] . I request NHTSA investigate: 1.Why the recall was not performed prior to resale; 2.Whether Hyundai and its dealers are meeting notification and repair obligations; 3.Whether enforcement action is warranted. 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
#11689140September 23, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The emergency rear collision detection system is able to be turned off, but automatically turns on when the car starts. There are situations where the car detects an object and it prevents me from reversing. I disabled this because I use my eyes and have accepted the risk of running into something. I had to move in a hurry two days ago, I tried to reverse out of the way, but the car prevented this when I thought I had already shut it off. Meanwhile I'm getting screamed at to move while I fumble through menus just so I can drive the car I bought. This is dangerous to have automatically on everytime the car starts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0

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