Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11681666August 19, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that she checked the engine oil every Sunday and became aware that the oil level was low. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding one quart of engine oil every ten days. 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 84,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681712August 19, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I had a standard oil change done on my car and it was running fine afterwards. Later that evening, my car started smoking and spontaneously burst into flames from the hood. The fire originated in the hood of the car and melted the entire front of my car as well as the entire inside. It burned a lot of fuel and oil, which leaked onto the ground and continued burning on the ground. My car was overtaken by flames in a matter of a few minutes. It burned so fast that there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was not aware of anything wrong with my engine or fuel lines, or anything like that. However, something was very wrong for the engine area to catch fire like that spontaneously.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681369August 18, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I first noticed that my vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of motor oil, with the oil change light coming on every 1,500–2,000 miles. I routinely had to add oil between changes to keep it running. On May 30th, while driving on surface roads, I heard clanking noises from the engine. When accelerating, the vehicle clanked heavily, and then went into “limp mode,” limiting acceleration to about 10 MPH before struggling up to 30 MPH. I added oil, but a local shop diagnosed it with code P1326 (knock sensor) and advised that Hyundai engines are prone to failure around 100,000 miles and that I should take it to the dealer for warranty evaluation. I contacted Graham Hyundai, who told me they could not see the vehicle until July 1st and that I would be responsible for towing. I dropped the vehicle off on July 1st, but it was not inspected until July 8th or 9th. I was later told Hyundai was being consulted. Around July 15th–16th, the dealership informed me that I would need $1,500 in repairs. They stated the engine had passed the Hyundai Bearing Clearance Test (a $350 charge) and that Hyundai required me to pay for an ECU “KSD logic” upgrade ($175). They also stated the engine valve cover was leaking, requiring new spark plugs, for a total of $532. Additional charges included an oil change and other shop fees and taxes. After repairs, I was instructed to drive 1,000 miles and then return for an oil consumption test. After approximately 1,000 miles and four weeks, the dipstick check showed the vehicle had consumed nearly all of its oil. I was then told I now need a combustion chamber cleaning, costing approximately $850 and requiring three days in the shop. Given the oil consumption issues, repeated engine warnings, limp mode incident, and the significant costs already incurred for testing and required upgrades, I am requesting that my engine be replaced under warranty and that all fees I have already paid be reimbursed. Rather than keep paying for work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681482August 18, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? >Rear Window Imploded, Rear Moon Roof Hairline Fractures How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? >Shards of glass fell. If a passenger was present, glass would have fell on them Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? >No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? >Not Yet. Insurance Claim just made. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? >No warnings present Uploads of photos/videos will occur afterwards.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681123August 17, 2025
ENGINE
Losing oil somewhere in the engine and the oil smells like fuel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681163August 17, 2025
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got this car a Hyundai sonata 2004 about 2 to 3 years ago. At first I didn't notice the problem until a couple months into me having the car I was on the freeway and it suddenly felt like I was out of control of my car and the back end was like swerving like I was pulling a trailer. And ever since then it's gotten worse now my front right tire goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and there is a recall in it seems like almost every other state but Utah. For the exact issue that I'm having and I don't think that's right. I've had issues with this car ever since I got it. If you guys could look into this that would be great Also this form asks the approximate date that something happened it happens all of the time. To the point where I'm afraid to drive it at all. I also it's gotten so bad that sometimes when I'm going only 35 mph and I hit like a pothole it will severely swerve and I will lose control of my car or if I turn my car I turn my car my steering wheel the right way and I lost control of my car it started swerving and I was on a mountain..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681170August 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle will not start. This is the fourth incident where vehicle will not start. It has had the software update, battery and voltage regulator replaced in the summer of 2025. In Aug of 2025, vehicle will not start with jump or use of 12v battery in vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681198August 17, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint has been chipping from the hood and top.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681203August 17, 2025
STEERING
- I was reversing from a car space, and do a K-turn, the steering wheel locked when moving forward. When the steering wheel locked, the red steering wheel light on the dashboard is on. I have to turn off the engine to reset the power steering. It's available for inspection upon request. - I cannot move the car in the parking lot. The other drivers in the lot do not know what happened. - I don't know exact step to reproduce the problem. - The 2015 Sonata may have a faulty EPS (Electronic Power Steering) motor, or a failed torque sensor. It would be helpful for Hyundai to confirm the 2017 Sonata model does not have these issues/recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681079August 16, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving on the highway, the motor all of a sudden lost all power and the brakes locked causing a collision. I've never had any problems until then. My car was in tip top shape with no issues until the engine / motor decided to defect. Hyundai she recall this engine issue before someone gets killed
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681116August 16, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, SERVICE BRAKES
About a year and half ago, a lot of my engine trouble lights turned on while driving. It was sleeting at that time when the lights turned on and they're still on today. I paid to have the Hyundai dealer to check it out soon after the trouble lights first turned on. They diagnosed the problem as a faulty HECU. I would have had them replace this, but they estimated it would cost about $3800 to fix. This HECU malfunction is causing the following issues: ABS does not work, traction control does not work, forward collision prevention does not work, brake auto hold does not work, cruise control does not work probably because it can't auto brake any more. I've had some scary times driving and trying to stop when the roads have been wet or snowy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680813August 15, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving I seen smoke then full flames on my windshield and I tried to stop and put my car in park to get out but my brakes stopped working and I couldn’t get the gear in park so I opened the driver door and had to jump out of the car .I had an engine replacement a year before for it being recalled and police and firefighters were on scene after incident
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11680962August 15, 2025
ENGINE
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: The 2.4L Theta II engine in my 2018 Hyundai Sonata is consuming an excessive and unsafe amount of engine oil—approximately 1 quart every 750–1000 miles. The engine has not seized or failed yet, but the oil consumption is abnormal and dangerous. The engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: This oil consumption issue poses a significant safety risk. If the engine runs out of oil unexpectedly, it could lead to catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of power while driving—potentially causing a serious accident. The lack of warning or engine light prior to dangerously low oil levels increases the risk. Reproduction/confirmation: The issue has been reproduced and documented by a certified Hyundai dealer through an oil consumption test. However, despite confirming the problem, Hyundai has refused to cover the repair. Inspection history: The vehicle has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. No other independent agencies (e.g., insurance or police) have inspected it. Warning lamps or messages: No warning lamps appeared before the engine oil was found to be dangerously low. There were no check engine lights or oil pressure warnings prior to discovering the oil consumption issue. Other key information: Hyundai refuses to cover the repair due to the fact that I am not the original owner—even though the original Powertrain warranty would have covered the issue if I were. Hyundai arbitrarily reduces the powertrain warranty to 5 years/60,000 miles for secondary owners, despite the safety risks being identical regardless of ownership. Furthermore, this exact engine has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and class actions due to excessive oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine seizure. Hyundai has acknowledged the defect in various settlements but continues to deny coverage for affected owners like me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680971August 15, 2025
ENGINE
On [XXX] as I was driving out my garage my car started to drive with hesitation. As I turn the corner from home my car started to shake vigorously so I turned into the alley which leads back to my home the check engine light came on. I was able to drive into the garage. So I went to a mechanic who has serviced all my previous cars and he showed me that the car is burning too much oil that was effecting the performance of the engine making it drive sluggish I was also told at the oil changing company in numerous occasions that the sonatas burn oil. I’m trying to get it resolved but having no luck . It’s a real hassle with servicing this car. I need assistance on what I need to do 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
#11681015August 15, 2025
SEATS
Lump on driver seat, under right buttocks. Feels like hard steel poking up on right side of seat , predominantly under right side.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680645August 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact opened the hood, and there was smoke coming from the valve cover and coolant reservoir. The contact waited for the engine to cool down and the vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after turning off the vehicle after arriving at work, there was an abnormal bubbling sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact opened the hood and there were bubbles coming from the radiator. Prior to the failure, the contact had replaced the radiator, due to the engine overheating. Two weeks later the radiator hose detached. The contact stated that the fluid leaking from the radiator was dark brown and seemed to be mixed with slush. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was foreign parts inside the radiator. The contact was informed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and confirmed that the radiator needed to be replaced and an unknown valve on top of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure became progressively worse, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680709August 14, 2025
AIR BAGS, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and it was an error message wrong with the cars transmission system or something like that I had the dealership who said there was no codes on that car and I had my own personal mechanic who had codes pop up on that car that the dealership hid
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11680716August 14, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
With no warning light indication the Sonata lost all power on I-75 South near Dayton Ohio. After tow & vehicle I inspiration the engine was said to be dead. There is a recall for the 2015 for the SAME issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680336August 13, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the message "Shut Down" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and declined to cover the repair under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 140,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680341August 13, 2025
ENGINE
I have recently acquired this vehicle. There has been zero unrecorded recalls, and I have been told that there is an active recall on the engine in this vehicle. I am inquiring this. The car has recently been taken to my mechanic and he has told me this plus the car engine is using a excessive amount of oil. I have heard that it is possible to have the engine replaced due to the recall I am inquiring about that. On the date of the incident that has occurred. I am putting the date of the purchase of the vehicle order that is on the Pohanka buyers order.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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