Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11763571September 11, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After receiving the Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 update on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata on XXX, I have started having jerky acceleration when the car is first started and am driving. Also, while driving at highway speed (~65 mph)) and I take my foot off the accelerator to coast, the engine RPM drops suddenly, anywhere from 250 rpm to 750 rpm, then recovers abruptly to where it was at prior to the drop (typically around 2000 rpm). The engine rpm also drops while driving at slower speeds and recovers but is not as noticeable as it is at highway speeds. It was not doing this prior to the Service Campaign. There are no check engine lights or pending codes. I brought it back to the Hyundai dealer and discussed the issue with them on XXX. They acknowledged it was likely due to the Service Campaign and they did not want to keep the car to look at it and said no damage was being done and it was safe to drive. They said a fix was in the works but did not know how long until it was released and I should receive information in the mail on it. Video link [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
#11763730September 11, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was driving 65 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle rolled to the shoulder of the road. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH, and the engine shuttered. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer requested that the contact provide a fleet email associated with the VIN from Enterprise, which was the previous vehicle owner. The manufacturer was contacted by phone but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763289September 10, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
In March 2026 Hyundai did an emissions update Campaign 9C2. Since that update my 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE has run rough and shifted hard. Hyundai stopped doing the update in May 2026. Hyundai has not provided any update to fix the problem they created. I am worried the update is damaging the motor and transmission of a car that was running just fine prior to the update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763290September 10, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 58 MPH. The contact retrieved DTC: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) at O'Reilly Auto Parts and stated that the knock sensor had previously been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763450September 10, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The safety recall (Hyundai Recall 227, NHTSA Recall 22V-312) repair on my 2013 Hyundai Sonata (previously completed by a Hyundai dealership prior to my purchase in April 2026) has suffered a critical mechanical failure. In May 2026, within 30 days of driving the vehicle, the recalled safety component completely failed while the vehicle was in operation on a public roadway. This sudden failure created an immediate safety hazard, resulting in complete fuel loss, forcing me to immediately pull over and have the vehicle towed to a repair facility (Meineke).An independent mechanical inspection confirmed that the exact component covered under the manufacturer's original safety recall had failed again. Because a critical, manufacturer-designated safety recall remedy failed to permanently correct the underlying defect within 30 days of use, this vehicle remains an active safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763154September 9, 2026
ENGINE
Knock sensor has detected a failure. Check engine light is flashing and the car is in limp mode.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763238September 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Me and my friends are actually going to a trip on three cars. And I am the only one driving my car. All of a sudden when I am on US Highway 82. It started smoke. Immediately I tried to pull over. With in seconds it started fire. I inhaled lot a of smoke. I am a asthama patient so felt dozy immediately. Somehow I immediately came out of the car. I called 911 and whitesbore pd and fire engine team immediately arrived. But with in that time the front hood completely burnt and front seats as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762770September 8, 2026
SUSPENSION
Vehicle has been making a clunking noise (front passenger area). Brought to independent service center where they determined that the strut tower is failing. Current mileage 66000. Appt set for Checkered Flag Hyundai to evaluate on 9/11/2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762781September 8, 2026
ENGINE
On September 8, 2026, while driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited at highway speed, the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle suddenly lost power. The vehicle slowed to approximately 40 mph, then approximately 20 mph, before the engine completely shut off. I had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the highway while surrounding traffic continued traveling at highway speeds. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. The engine would not operate afterward and appears to have seized. The vehicle had approximately 100,000 miles at the time of the incident. There had been no clear warning of an imminent engine failure before the check-engine light began flashing and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle has not yet received a complete diagnostic inspection, so the precise cause of the failure is currently unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injuries occurred, but the sudden and severe loss of power created an immediate safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762585September 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Impact:While driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed a "Check Hybrid System" warning on the dashboard and suffered a complete, sudden loss of propulsion while on the road. The vehicle dropped power completely and would not restart, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard to myself and surrounding traffic.Diagnostic & Component Confirmation:The vehicle was towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of Goshen, Repair Order #6080674). Diagnostic testing confirmed trouble codes P0717 (Input Speed Sensor No Signal) and P0A40 (Drive Motor Position Sensor).The dealership's certified technician explicitly documented that they "followed TSB and found input speed sensor valve body harness is faulty due to heavy corrosion on the sensor connector."Safety Hazard Summary:This is a critical manufacturing and sealing defect where an internal, non-wear component (the transmission valve body wire harness) corrodes prematurely. This corrosion blinds the hybrid control modules to the electric motor's position and output speed. To protect itself, the computer initiates a hard, uncommanded shutdown of the hybrid drivetrain while the vehicle is in motion.Hyundai Motor America was contacted (Case #43225229) but denied any financial or safety assistance because this documented Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) defect has not yet been elevated to a formal safety recall. This sudden powertrain failure presents an unreasonable risk of rear-end collisions and catastrophic highway accidents for 2016 Sonata Hybrid owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762639September 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A/C blower motor fan would stop working. Happened twice within less than a year apart. Upon further inspection, multi fuse wiring overheated and melted, ruining fuse and making A/C stop working during 100+ temperatures outside. Apparently this is a well known issue with this make and model Sonata. Electrical failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762354September 5, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The low-pressure fuel pump module assembly, located directly beneath the rear passenger seat cushion, experienced a plastic housing failure. A stress fracture on the upper plastic fuel outlet nipple caused raw liquid gasoline to actively weep and pool on top of the module inside the passenger cabin. This component is retained and available for inspection upon request. RISK TO SAFETY: Raw liquid gasoline pooling inside the interior passenger compartment creates an severe, immediate fire and explosion hazard. Additionally, vehicle occupants were exposed to toxic fuel vapors while driving. INSPECTION & DEALER CONFIRMATION: An authorized Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed raw fuel leaking at the top of the fuel pump module assembly. This exact module had previously been removed and disassembled during a 2024 manufacturer recall service to replace the internal fuel filter and tank seal. Stress applied to the plastic fittings during that recall service appears to have caused the plastic top-hat to fracture over time under line pressure. Hyundai Corporate was notified of the safety hazard and prior recall history, but refused assistance. WARNING SYMPTOMS: The failure began with a strong, persistent fuel odor inside the vehicle cabin. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) triggered prior to or during the failure. SUMMARY: A stress-fractured plastic fuel pump housing allowed raw fuel to pool in the passenger cabin following a prior manufacturer recall repair involving the disassembly of the same component.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762394September 5, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a serious engine failure involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle's engine was previously inspected by a Hyundai dealership as part of a Hyundai engine recall. I followed Hyundai's instructions and brought the vehicle to the dealership for the required inspection. I was informed that the engine passed the inspection, and an orange marking was placed on the oil dipstick. The Hyundai dealership should have the service record documenting this recall inspection. Many years later, at approximately 120,000 miles, the same engine suddenly failed without warning and became locked/seized. A mechanic attempted to turn the engine and determined that it would not turn. I understand that many years had passed and the vehicle had accumulated additional mileage since the recall inspection. I am not claiming that the previous recall issue necessarily caused the current failure. However, I believe the circumstances warrant investigation because this is the same engine that had previously been inspected under a Hyundai engine recall and determined to have passed the inspection. The vehicle had been routinely maintained. Much of the routine maintenance was performed outside Hyundai dealerships by a mechanic in my family and by me, so the Hyundai dealership service history may not contain all maintenance records. I am concerned that the sudden engine seizure may represent a safety-related engine defect or may potentially be related to the previously recalled engine condition. An unexpected engine seizure can result in a sudden loss of propulsion and create a significant safety risk if it occurs while the vehicle is being driven. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint, including the vehicle's recall history and any related complaints or investigations involving the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, and determine whether this failure warrants further investigation. The Hyundai dealership that performed the recall inspection have documentation of that inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762255September 4, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure out of nowhere without any warning lights or previous symptoms. An inspection of the engine cylinder revealed a physical hole blown through the top of the Cylinder 2 piston, causing immediate and complete loss of engine compression. This sudden structural failure caused the vehicle to completely lose all propulsion and stall unexpectedly while in operation, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard on the road.This vehicle features Hyundai's 2.4L Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, a family with a well-documented history of manufacturing defects, severe oil consumption, and catastrophic internal structural failures. Because this failure occurred instantly and without a progressive warning, it put occupants at risk of a severe rear-end collision or stranding in an unsafe traffic pattern. I am filing this safety report because the catastrophic destruction of the internal engine components presents a persistent and dangerous hazard to public safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762281September 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car stalls while driving and then I try to restart it but nothing happens. After reading online about the fuel pump issues and extended warranty related to the fuel pump I took the car in for repair. My car has 75,000 miles and the extended repair on this is for 150,000 miles/15 years. The dealer is refusing the repair because my car has a branded/ theft title. The car wasn't damaged just stolen. This is creating a serious safety concern and should be repaired by the dealer. Thank you for your time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761893September 3, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was unable to restart on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The dealer asked the contact to provide receipts of past oil changes. After submitting the information to the manufacturer, the request to cover the repair was denied. The vehicle remained with the dealer for a month. The manufacturer was informed of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 52,973.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761900September 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a recurring, unresolved electrical defect in my 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL. The vehicle fails to recognize when the ignition is switched off, leaving core vehicle systems active and causing severe parasitic battery drain that leaves the car immobilized. Description of the Problem: False "On" Status: After parking, turning off the engine, and exiting the vehicle, the car continues to register as though the ignition is still active/on (accessories, cluster, or vehicle network remain awake). Severe Parasitic Draw: Because the vehicle fails to shut down its electrical circuits, the 12-volt battery repeatedly discharges overnight or while parked for short durations. Battery Replacement Did Not Resolve Issue: The 12-volt battery was replaced with a brand-new unit to eliminate typical wear, yet the drain and false "on" behavior persisted immediately. Frequency: The vehicle frequently fails to start, requiring constant jump-starts or roadside assistance to operate. Safety Hazard: This defect creates a direct safety risk by repeatedly stranding the driver without warning in public locations, traffic stops, or remote areas. In addition, an electrical system that fails to enter a sleep state creates a potential hazard for component overheating, failure of electronic security and locking systems, or total electrical failure while attempting to restart or operate auxiliary safety equipment. Other Hyundai owners have reported identical issues where the body control modules or ignition logic fail to power down. Corrective Action Requested: I request that the NHTSA investigate this electrical shutdown defect across the 2020 Hyundai Sonata model year to identify whether a faulty Body Control Module (BCM), smart key receiver, or ignition switch relay requires a safety recall and software or hardware remediation. Battery replaced on 09/04/2026 Car inspected/diagnosed by Hyundai Dealership on 09/03/2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761990September 3, 2026
ENGINE
The A/C evaporator core and the core seal needs replacing on 2020 Hyundai Sonata. Car is 6 years old. I already have a confirmed diagnosis with a PPM refrigerant leak tester at the condensate drain line The diagnosis is 100% confirmed. The evaporator is leaking heavily—we pulled 274 PPM at the drain tube and 177 PPM inside the cabin behind the glove box so refrigerent has been leaking out of the vents. My wife and I were getting headaches for no reason. Our AC has failed and this problem was discovered as the issue and I am paying out of pocket to fix something that should not have failed and has leaked out refrigerent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761997September 3, 2026
ENGINE
The car died while going 70 on a highway with no warning signs. The car completely shut off and will not turn over or move at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762026September 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
I was driving down the road going the speed limit and all of a sudden it felt like I hit a brick wall my car staked out and I was stuck in the middle of the road for about 20 minutes and finally I got it to start and drove home it did it again 2 months later
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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