Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11689150September 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated engine oil constantly needed to be added between 1,200 and 1,800 miles. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there were no leaks found, and that the engine was in good operational order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689244September 23, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle lost power leaving me stranded. All lights on dash came on, lost power, and barely able to steer to get off the road. We had to have it towed. The vehicle was towed to our mechanic, who states the motor seized up. Mechanic states there is no repair for this issue. Car has just been paid off. Now we have nothing!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689099September 23, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The issue has happened multiple times while driving, sitting in traffic, or parked idling. The Brake Light comes on and starts flashing, Alarm Chimes, Brake Pedal goes to the floor seems to not have any hydraulic pressure, the brakes grind like I have no brake pads, and essentially I have NO Brakes. If I turn the car off and on it goes back to normal. I took it to have it checked for a diagnostic code, there were none.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688793September 22, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine light started to come on and go off and when I got the codes ran, it said something along the line of misfire. 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 mode.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688827September 22, 2025
STEERING
The steering column locks up. When start vehicle and make turn to get on road the steering locks up and cannot turn the wheel. This is safety concern and not safe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688938September 22, 2025
ENGINE
I started taking my car to the dealer in 2023 for engine problems, including high oil consumption and stalling. The dealer kept telling me to return in 1,000 miles instead of fixing it. The issue was officially documented again in March 2024 (RO #131797) with ‘Cause: high oil consumption.’ Despite paying \$356.46 for repairs, the problem was never resolved and now the engine has failed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688992September 22, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption leading to no or low oil levels. Piston ring design flaw allowing oil to leak into combustion chamber, damaging the spark plugs. No warning lights until failure posing a significant crash risk for my family. Engine failure at 134K miles without warning, rings need replaced, per mechanic. I am shocked as I just paid the car off and thought Hyundai was a good brand.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689039September 22, 2025
ENGINE
I had just started up my vehicle as normal and exited a parking lot when all of a sudden the vehicle switched off and I was able to safely maneuver to the side of the road and it would refuse to start, and there was smoking coming from beside the engine and we were unsure of what it was. I got it towed to a local mechanic and he let me know that it was an engine failure, and that the starter had burned as result of that.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688690September 21, 2025
ENGINE
The engine shut off on the highway on two different days. Vehicle was going between 65 and 70 mph. The vehicle engine shut down and all the warning lights came on. Every one. The vehicle still moved but nothing inside worked, it ran on battery mode for the 17 miles to the dealership with a maximum speed of 60 mph. The risk was the immediate unresponsiveness of the vehicle and the sudden and immediate reduction in speed and power. It presented itself twice in about 2,000 miles. The dealership charged a 491$ diagnostic and found all the warnings and reset it, not reason for it happening and sent me on my way. Then it happened again. Brought back to the dealership and they tried to say they did another diagnostic and called the tech helpline. It took hours and they still don’t have a definitive answer, wanted to try almost 2k in repairs to see if it would fix the issue without any guarantees it would. Warning lights, all of them came on, cruise control, abs, engine light blinking, steering, literally everything and messages started running through the information center.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688619September 20, 2025
ENGINE
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON [XXX],I DIDNT RECIEVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS,I WAS DRIVING ON [XXX] AT 60 MPH AND NOTICED THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, SOMEHOW I WAS ABLE TO COAST FAR ENOUGH AND MERGE 2 LANES AND WAS SITTING BETWEEN THE OFFRAMP AND THE FREEWAY ,THE SEEMED LIKE A DEAD BATTERY OR WOULDNT TURN OVER, SOON A CALIFORNIA STATE TOW TRUCK PULLED UP HE TRIED TO JUMP IT ,NOTHING, HE TOWED ME TO A SAFE PLACE, THEN I CALLED TRIPLE A SAME THING, I WAS TOWED HOME AFTER I ASSUMR THE CRANKSHAFT COOLED IT STARTED WITH A KNOCK, THERE WAS NO KNOCK WHEN IT SIEZED, I GOT HOME AND SEEN THEY GAVE ME GWC WARRANTY, IM PAYING FOR THEY DIDNT EVEN MENTION THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT, ,THE STORY IS WORSE THIS WAS THE SECOND CAR FROM THIS DEALER,THE FIRST ONE I HAD 1 DAY AND HEARD RODS KNOCKING ON COLD STARTS I TOOK IT RIGHT BACK, THATS HOW THEY GOT ME IN THIS I WAS KINDA CORNERED, I CALLED GWC THEY SAID SEND IT TO A DEALER SO I SENT IT TO HYUNDAI ,AT FIRST THEY TOLD ME THE ENGINE SIEZED AND SAID ITS COVERED BY HYUNDAI, THEN SAID THE NEXT DAY THEY DENIED IT BECOUSE THE KNOCK SENSOR UPDATE WAS NEVER COMPLETED FROM 2020,I ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 MONTH IT SIEZED ON [XXX],SO NOW THERE TRYING MY GWC COVERAGE WHO TELLS HYUNDAI THEY WILL COVER A USED ENGINE,I SAID OK, I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER, HE DID TELL ME OVER THE PHONE HE DOESNT BELIEVE IT WAS EVEN LEGAL FOR THEM TO SELL ME THAT CAR,ALSO YES THE BLINKERS DID CONSTANTLY GO THE WRONG WAY,I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THAT RECALL EITHER I KNOW IT WAS UPSETTING ME,EVERY TIME I LOOK MY BLINKER WAS GOING THE OTHER WAY,,I SEE LOTS OF RECALLS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE HYUNDAI ENGINES,HOW DO I REALY KNOW IF THAT WAS OR WASNT TAKEN CARE OF FOR THIS CAR OR WAS THERE A KNOCK SENSOR RECALL IN 2020, THE CAR HAS 144,000 MILES I BOUGHT IT WITH 141,051, HYUNDAI WARRANTY BECOUSE ENGINE SIEZURE IS 150,000, ITS STILL SITTING AT HYUNDAI WAITING FOR GWC TO SAY GO AHEAD ,HE KEEPS TELLING ME THEY WILL LET ME KNOW TOMAROW,I HAVE NO CAR, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688660September 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The rubber stopper for the brake light switch on the brake pedal deteriorated and fell apart. This resulted in the brake lights remaining on constantly, cruise control being disabled, and low battery voltage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688031September 18, 2025
ENGINE
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata originally had its engine replaced under Hyundai’s recall (NHTSA Recall #17V226000) due to the Theta II GDI engine defect. The replacement engine was installed by the dealership as part of the recall. However, the replacement engine has now failed after only ~50,000 miles, exhibiting the same issues (engine knocking, stalling, and eventual failure). This occurred despite proper maintenance and care. The dealership contacted Hyundai, and I also contacted Hyundai Consumer Affairs directly. Both refused to replace or assist with the failed replacement engine. It is unacceptable that a recall replacement engine would fail so soon and that Hyundai will not stand behind the part they used to correct a safety defect. The issue remains a serious safety concern, especially since engine failure can lead to fire. I request that NHTSA investigate the durability and safety of replacement engines and Hyundai’s refusal to support affected owners when these replacement engines fail prematurely. I have case number with Hyundai 41436693
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688043September 18, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that there was no oil in the engine, even though the contact had recently added oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688064September 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SUSPENSION
To whom it may concern, I have own my vehicle since Jan 2018, which was purchased from the dealership's owner w/less than 10k miles. Maintenance has been performed iaw Hyundai's recommended schedule. However, yesterday, I was informed that my vehicle needed a new engine and other replacements totaling $13,934.89. This is OUTRAGEOUS. How can a well kept vehicle w/106445 miles, need such replacements? Thus your assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688072September 18, 2025
ENGINE
Burning excess oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688145September 18, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2017 Hyundai Sonata SE is experiencing symptoms consistent with connecting rod bearing failure covered under Hyundai’s KSDS extended warranty program. June 22, 2019: KSDS software (Campaign 953) installed, qualifying the vehicle for Hyundai’s 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for bearing failures. August 2022: Campaign 208 engine recall performed. Hyundai’s record shows Aug 15, 2022, while Wright Way Hyundai’s service history shows Aug 13, 2022 (discrepancy unresolved). March 2025 (100,238 miles): Vehicle went into limp mode with tailpipe smoke and loss of power. It was towed to Wright Way Hyundai, which kept it for several days but returned it with “no issue found.” The smoke continued. June 5, 2025 (103,996 miles): Oil change performed. August 27, 2025: Oil light illuminated, dipstick showed no oil. Vehicle now exhibits severe drivability issues consistent with bearing damage. Hyundai has incorrectly tried to reframe this as an oil-consumption issue and directed me to pay $600 for a combustion chamber cleaning. My issue is not oil consumption — it is a bearing-related failure already covered by warranty. Hyundai’s obligations include a no-cost inspection/diagnosis for connecting rod bearing failure, yet I have been denied that process. Despite repeated written requests, Hyundai continues to attempt phone communication instead of email, even addressing me by the wrong name in correspondence, which suggests reliance on standardized or generic responses. I have exclusively maintained the vehicle at Wright Way Hyundai, following Hyundai’s service schedule. I am resorting to filing this complaint because after weeks of email correspondence, Hyundai’s corporate agent refuses to help and the manager insists on only calling by phone — which I will not answer out of concern they will attempt to mischaracterize or dismiss my complaint verbally. This failure poses a safety risk because the vehicle has lost power suddenly and requiring restart.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687974September 17, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. The car began to randomly stall and stop running. This happened while driving and it was extremely dangerous. Typically, the engine would restart after at least waiting 15 minutes. Any attempt to start the car before that time would fail. 2. When the stalls happened, the car acted as if it had run out of gas. The engine would simply stop running WITHOUT WARNING, at intersections, on city streets, and on the freeway at high speed. It did not matter how full the gas tank was. 3. My brother and I diagnosed the problem as intermittent loss of fuel pressure. 4. My brother and I replaced the FACTORY fuel pump, and to hour horror, when we unplugged the electrical connection/plug, one of the pins from the fuel pump came out with the plug/connector. 5. We inspected the fuel pump and discovered that parts of the electrical plug INSIDE THE FUEL TANK had become burned and melted. See Image SANY0135.JPG === This is a SAFETY DEFECT - either the internal fuel pump electrical connections were faulty from the factory or the problem developed over time. There have been other recalls for this model of car for random engine stalls but this is a NEW and DIFFERENT cause. A dealer with a relatively inexpensive Infrared camera could likely spot this problem with minimal vehicle disassembly. There was clearly a LOT of heat concentrated in the area of the electrical connection to the fuel pump. We hope this report triggers a recall and prevents extremely dangerous random loss of engine power events, fires, or worse. Please recall all the vehicles that used that fuel pump for inspection before there is a disaster.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687587September 16, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH with three passengers inside the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated or messages displayed prior to the failure and the vehicle shutting off. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was coasted off the exit to safety and then towed to the residence. The contact’s neighbor and son inspected the battery but found no fault with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687630September 16, 2025
ENGINE
I am constantly seeing my oil light coming on. I have placed at least three quarts of oil in the last month while driving around only 1,200 miles. I took vehicle to mechanic who explained this is known issue with the vehicle I own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687676September 16, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
on [XXX] iwas driving coming back home from [XXX] by exit [XXX]. the engine turn off and didnt turn back on. i had to get a town to take me out of the highway and pay $141.00 becide that my engine seized. now i dont have a car and the car didn't gave me any notification that something it was going on with the engine. if i had any light on the car i wil take it to the mechanic, know i loss my source of income because hyundai problems with engine. and to get another engine it cost $5000. 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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