Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11687698September 16, 2025
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light on the dash is illuminated. Diagnostic code B1481 Driver airbag resistance too high.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687712September 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car got the 993 campaign software engine immobilizer update and it was locked with the keyfob. It still got stolen. Thieves broke the lock on driver side door which deactivates the immobilizer. Car was found and police report was filed. It is available for inspection. Many Hyundais that have had the immobilizer update have since been stolen. The 993 software update is ineffective.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687730September 16, 2025
ENGINE
Dear NHTSA Investigations Team, We are the owners of a 2015 Hyundai Sonata, purchased in 2016 and still in use today. This vehicle is suffering from severe engine issues linked to the Theta II engine defect, which has been the subject of recalls and class action lawsuits. For nearly a year, we have been forced to add approximately 2 quarts of oil every week due to extreme oil consumption. This is unsustainable, unsafe, and clearly linked to the known recall defect. The most serious incident occurred when my wife was driving on [XXX] in North Carolina, and the vehicle suddenly lost power. It could not maintain safe highway speed and had to be pulled off the interstate, requiring a tow more than an hour back to our home. This was a frightening event that could easily have caused a crash. We later discovered that our vehicle was included in the Theta II engine recall, but we never received notice due to a change of address. Despite this, Hyundai Motor America has refused to help, citing that the recall was “closed.” Shockingly, one representative even told us to “keep putting oil in it until the engine blows,” at which point they might reconsider. This is an unsafe and negligent response to a well-documented safety defect. To make matters worse, when reviewing our VIN for other recalls, we found that the panoramic roof air dam recall was falsely listed as “repaired.” We never received notification of that recall, and the repair was never performed. The air dam detached years ago, and we have avoided using the sunroof since then due to noise and safety concerns. We have contacted Hyundai corporate multiple times, and we also filed a formal complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General’s office. To date, we have received no resolution and no meaningful response to our case from either Hyundai or their representatives. Summary of Issues: 1. Failure to notify us of the Theta II engine defect recall. 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
#11687294September 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Limited VIN: [XXX] Issue: Failed sunroof recall repair. Details: Vehicle had a manufacturer sunroof recall/service repair in 2018. Repair has now failed completely; sunroof detached. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and exposed to weather elements. Local dealership quoted $2,100 for repair, despite this being a failed manufacturer remedy for a known safety defect. Hyundai corporate and my financing company have been contacted; issue remains unresolved. Impact: Cannot safely operate vehicle, preventing commuting and daily use. Causing financial hardship. Requested Action: Investigate as a failed recall repair. Ensure Hyundai provides a remedy in compliance with federal safety regulations. Thank you, My Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [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
#11687109September 13, 2025
ENGINE
Oil consumption, lossing one quart of oil per week, I drive 250 miles per week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687012September 12, 2025
ENGINE
I would like to file a complaint regarding a serious engine issue with my vehicle. At times, when I put the car in reverse, the engine suddenly accelerates on its own without pressing the gas pedal. This unexpected acceleration creates a dangerous situation and increases the risk of an accident. I request that this matter be investigated for potential safety defects to prevent harm to drivers and passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686797September 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had 3 door handles fall off in the last couple months I think this is safety concern i do not see any recalls.I do see that there is a lot of people complaining about this matter door handles should not be fallen off
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686852September 12, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. In addition, while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown piston and cylinder #2 failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686888September 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 131,700 miles – Maryland registered While driving, my vehicle displayed the warning “Check Hybrid System. Turn off engine.” The dealer diagnosed a failure of the Hydraulic Control Assembly (ABS/Brake Control Unit). This is a safety-critical braking system. The vehicle is unsafe to drive until repaired. Hyundai previously issued recalls for this same component on earlier Sonata Hybrid models (2011–2015), due to risk of brake failure and fire. My 2017 vehicle is experiencing the exact same failure, yet is not currently included in the recall. This defect should be investigated as it compromises safe braking performance and puts drivers and passengers at risk. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and consider expanding Hyundai’s recall coverage to include later model years like mine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686903September 12, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving car stuttered check engine light and check hybrid system flashed. Check engine lights stayed on until getting home. Next day. I scanned and code p0b68 was set.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686923September 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy while searching the vehicle history report. The contact stated that the odometer indicated several readings. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact was unaware that at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 148,000. The contact stated that the mileage on the Title was blank, and the mileage on the registration was 75,519.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686955September 12, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was reversing, the back over prevention camera system displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686499September 11, 2025
STEERING, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car has had check engine light on for 3 + years. Have taken it to several mechanics including a Hyundai dealership and none of them can figure out what is wrong. Have replaced water pump, belts x2 in a year (same belt) and thermostat x 3 again (all within 2 years). Dash fuel gage and Dash heating/cooling gage are completely erratic. Cruise control does not work. Due to chronic check engine light and mechanics unable to pin point the problem, car has become hazardous to drive. With that in mind, today (9/10/2025) while exiting the high way, car stalled and behaved like it was in neutral. Steering wheel also locked up at this time. Luckily was able to stop. Had to restart car and then it occurred again while driving on a side street at 35mph. The codes that are still popping up are ones that I have spent thousands trying to fix and find the root cause of the problem. What could the issue be if no mechanic can seem to diagnose and fix the issue?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686681September 11, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine in my 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is defective. Oil pressure failed testing, oil contamination was found on the oil pressure sensor and connector, and the vehicle has experienced excessive oil issues. The engine is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has gone into limp mode on the highway, which caused a sudden loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The car also shakes, misfires, and loses power unexpectedly, which could lead to stalling or loss of control at highway speeds. I do not feel safe driving the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Multiple Hyundai dealerships have inspected the car. One confirmed low oil pressure and oil contamination at the sensor. Previous visits dismissed the oil warning and charged me for oil replacement instead of identifying the underlying defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealers multiple times. I also have two inspection reports from the same dealer just two weeks apart with contradictory findings the first showing no oil issue, the second confirming oil contamination and failed oil pressure. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The oil warning light and check engine light have both come on. The vehicle has gone into limp mode, and symptoms have included shaking, misfiring, rough idling, and loss of power. These issues began months ago and have continued despite repeated service visits.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686252September 10, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged abruptly while there was no other vehicle or object near the vehicle, which nearly caused another vehicle to rear-end the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686304September 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and dealers to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact stated that one mechanic replaced an unknown sensor, but the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686366September 10, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, which grew louder. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle had a Branded Title. The contact was informed that the title was Branded because the previous owner had not provided the requested maintenance documents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with failure of the rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the title was Branded in the Manufacturer’s database. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686374September 10, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2002 Hyundai Sonata from a private seller who represented the car had about 40,000–45,000 miles. However, diagnostics from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed 278,000 miles, and Hyundai’s system confirmed over 302,000 miles. The title is marked “mileage exempt,” and the seller is not the same person listed on the title, suggesting title jumping. I have repair invoices, diagnostic records, and screenshots of the original advertisement. I believe this constitutes odometer tampering and misrepresentation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686389September 10, 2025
ENGINE
Summary of the Problem: My 2018 Hyundai Sonata has a serious engine defect related to excessive oil consumption. Despite proper maintenance, the vehicle consumes large amounts of oil between service intervals. This has caused the engine to seize and the car’s software to restrict speed to 40 mph while driving, creating a dangerous situation on public roads. Details: Vehicle purchased from an authorized Hyundai dealer in Massachusetts (second owner). Issue first identified around 65,000 miles. Inspected multiple times at Stevens Creek Hyundai (San Jose, CA). Service center confirmed this is a known internal engine issue but refused to replace or repair unless the engine completely fails. I was told to “keep topping up oil,” which is not a safe or permanent solution. Safety Concern: Sudden engine seizure or restricted speed while driving could result in an accident, especially on highways. This defect places me and my family at serious risk of injury or death. Requested Action: I urge NHTSA to investigate Hyundai’s handling of this engine defect and require Hyundai to repair or replace affected engines before they fail, regardless of ownership status. Consumers should not have to wait for catastrophic engine failure to receive assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686197September 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the horn had become inoperable and no audible sound occurred while pressed. The cause of the failure was not yet determine and the failure was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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