Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11680402August 13, 2025
ENGINE
The engine began knocking on us, towed to dealership. Safety concern was dying on the highway with other cars around. The dealer said it needs a new engine. Not sure there were any indications of failure or not. Some records indicate in order for Hyundai to warranty, this car needed to have had campaign 953 KSDS installed prior. Some records such as the TG3 TXXI warranty state that in April 2022, the KSDS campaign update was no longer required for the Hyundai Theta II engine warranty. owner did not perform KSDS 953, based on not receiving the information. Hyundai is currently denying warranty, but if TG3 TXXI is correct, the dealer has yet to fully inspect, and the fact remains that in April 2022 the Campaign 953 is no longer a prerequisite. I dont feel like I should be denied assistance. Please help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679864August 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX], my 2015 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Sarasota, FL. There were no warning lights, error messages, or abnormal performance indicators prior to the failure. Within minutes of losing power, smoke began to enter the cabin, followed by visible flames from the engine compartment. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and called 911. The fire fully engulfed the vehicle and destroyed personal property inside, including my late father’s ashes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The incident caused significant emotional distress and has resulted in a PTSD diagnosis. The sudden nature of the failure and rapid spread of the fire suggest a critical defect in the vehicle’s engine or related components. I believe this represents a serious safety hazard to other Hyundai owners and the public. Documentation, photographs, and insurance/fire reports are available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679941August 11, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine failure. Definitely a safety issue, check engine light flashing, limited engine power. Wouldn’t accelerate. Dealer inspected, there is a nationwide recall and class action lawsuits and they won’t replace even though it’s under warranty. False information saying maintenance neglect on my part. That is FALSE. Known failure and oil consumption. Rod bearing failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679975August 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owned car since 09/2024 with 64K miles. Battery system (12V/hybrid system) has shut down and died 47 times since 04/2025 - no shut downs before then. Car with ~69K miles at that time. Dealer had car six weeks (05/17 to 07/05/2025) and it died “a number” of times and report that Hyundai claims this is “what the car is supposed to do.” Since 07/05 it has died 12 times just sitting in my driveway or the lot at work. This is NOT normal. Internet blogs show DOZENS of other Hyundai hybrid owners reporting the exact same issue. Car now with 75K miles and under warranty. Dealer will not replace battery system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679743August 11, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have contacted the guy that sold me the car he Refused to fix the recall which is my motor I need Something done , Hyundai won’t Honor their Recall .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679624August 10, 2025
ENGINE
My check engine light came on and my car went into “limp mode” and wouldn’t go above 30 mph. It also kept blowing hot air through the vents and the coolant level thermometer kept raising.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679683August 10, 2025
ENGINE
On freeway accelerated and it stalled the attempted to push button start all dash light were on and then it completely started smoking and that was from the starter getting to hot and died and nothing engine won't turn over so vehicle has no to started since
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679707August 10, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle went in for repair at the dealership early July for a check engine light and DTC error code. It was revving high after being driven for more than 20 min or so and wouldn’t get to above 60 mph. Jerky, dangerous acceleration and deceleration seemingly out of nowhere. The dealership replaced the fuel pump which is what they said was causing the error. Today on August 10th, check engine light popped up again with a DTC error code. Weird acceleration and deceleration and general jerkiness when driving. Scheduled service appointment for next week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679559August 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car been burning oil since i got it . I have been taking it back and forth to the dealership they not helping and I’m basically paying a note on a car i can’t even enjoy
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679597August 9, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank expanded/swelled up causing frame damage to the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679289August 8, 2025
ENGINE
In April 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L began making a knocking noise while driving. There were no warning lights or error messages on the dashboard, so I was confused about what was wrong and assumed it might be a minor issue related to the axle, which I had repaired in the past. I brought it to a local mechanic, who informed me the engine noise was concerning and mentioned this model was known to have engine-related recalls. Upon researching, I discovered my vehicle had an outstanding recall for the exact issue (connecting rod bearing wear leading to potential engine seizure), but it had expired due to the age of the vehicle. The car was brought into the dealership on April 30, 2025, and has remained there ever since with a completely failed engine. I was told by Hyundai corporate that they would not offer goodwill assistance due to the recall technically expiring. However, I never received any notification about this recall and had no idea it existed. The engine failure has left me without a vehicle for over three months. I cannot afford the $10,000 replacement cost quoted to me. My Sonata only has approximately 145,000 miles, and this engine failure puts my safety and financial situation at risk. I believe this is directly connected to the original recall defect and should have been addressed regardless of the expiration date, especially since the failure occurred from the same root cause. It has been inspected by the Jacksonville Key Hyundai dealership (where it is located now) as well as two other local auto shops.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679421August 8, 2025
ENGINE
Burning oil four quarts in between normal oil changes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679445August 8, 2025
ENGINE
While driving at highway speed, the engine suddenly lost power and the brakes locked. I narrowly avoided a collision. This sudden failure left me unable to safely control the vehicle, placing myself and other motorists in immediate danger. This is not only a mechanical defect but a serious safety hazard that matches the exact conditions described in Hyundai’s prior Theta II engine recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679381August 8, 2025
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
During a front end collision the car did not auto brake and the air bags did not deploy. The car has been totaled and is currently at a dealership for insurance appraisal.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
7
Deaths:
0
#11678997August 7, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My certified pre-owned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has experienced the same critical transmission failure three times since October 2024, creating dangerous safety conditions on highways and city streets. Component/System Failed: Transmission control system with consistent P0768 error code (Shift Solenoid D Circuit Fault). Safety Risks: The transmission failures cause sudden power loss and inability to accelerate while driving, including on highways at speed. This creates immediate danger to myself, passengers, and other drivers when the vehicle unexpectedly loses power during traffic situations requiring acceleration or merging. Problem Reproduction: The failure has been confirmed and reproduced by authorized Hyundai dealership three separate times: - [XXX]: P0768 error, replaced shift control solenoid valve - [XXX]: Same P0768 error returned, replaced entire transmission control unit - [XXX]: Same P0768 error again, replaced complete control wiring harness with extensive dashboard removal Warning Signs: Each failure was preceded by transmission hesitation, rough shifting, and check engine light activation before complete power loss occurred. Manufacturer Inspection: Hyundai technical assistance case #[XXX] was opened for the third failure, acknowledging the recurring nature of this defect despite multiple repair attempts. Assessment: This appears to be a systematic manufacturing defect in the transmission control system affecting safety. Despite three different repair approaches by Hyundai, the identical P0768 error continues to recur, suggesting a fundamental design or manufacturing flaw that creates ongoing safety risks for drivers. The vehicle was out of service for 44 total days across these three incidents, indicating the severity and complexity of this recurring safety defect. 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
#11679047August 7, 2025
ENGINE
My car is consuming oil. Hyundai knows this is happening with the theta II engines. I was told to bring it in and do an oil consumption test which shows my car is consuming 1 qt oil every 406 miles but was denied help due to it being high Mileage and not under warranty. My car has now started misfiring due to cylinder 1 & 2 consuming oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679080August 7, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump filter housing is the cause of the malfunction, it is available for inspection upon request. When I am driving I intermittently lose fuel delivery altogether and my car comes to a halt for a second until I press on the gas pedal to get the car going again, this puts myself and other people in danger if my car randomly stops while I am driving around others and causes crash risk. An independent service center ran a diagnostic and stated it was the fuel pump filter housing. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance reps. But it has been inspected by the service center near me. An engine code was produced that pointed to the gas cap, but the gas cap was fine, which indicates fuel delivery issues. There was also shaking during acceleration prior to the incident happening. My VIN does not fall under the current extended warranty, but the issues are identical to the issues of the VINs that do fall under the extended warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679114August 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine oil warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact pulled over to check the engine oil level and discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to Midas, and engine oil was added. The vehicle was later taken to another Midas, who found a crack in the engine oil pan. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that Midas had overtightened the oil pan during an oil change, so the warranty to repair the vehicle would not be honored. The vehicle was taken back to Midas, and the engine oil pan was replaced. The contact stated that he was currently in litigation with the dealer and the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679116August 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America and the Freehold Hyundai dealership located in New Jersey, regarding the ongoing engine oil consumption issues in my Hyundai Sonata. I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata and its now 90,000 miles, I began noticing extreme oil loss, far more than a quart per thousand miles, with no visible leaks, no smoke, and no warning lights. I brought the vehicle to Freehold Hyundai for an evaluation, and they performed an oil consumption test, confirming the issue. They submitted a goodwill repair request to Hyundai Corporate, which was denied solely on the basis that I am the second owner, and the powertrain warranty does not transfer. The dealership offered a $200 PCV valve replacement (a part that costs $6–$20), but even their staff said it likely won’t resolve the issue. Their proposed solution is a full engine replacement costing $8,000 or more, which I cannot afford. I believe this is part of a broader manufacturing defect, and Hyundai should take accountability for the engine failure, especially considering similar complaints from Sonata and Elantra owners nationwide. TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) have been issued on related issues. A car engine should not fail before 100,000 miles under normal use, regardless of ownership transfer. This issue has been the subject of TSB 20-01-004H, which addresses excessive oil consumption due to piston ring Hyundai’s refusal to provide any real assistance or remedy — and the dismissive conduct by dealership management — has left me feeling discriminated against, frustrated, and financially trapped. I request the BBB’s help in facilitating a fair resolution, either through: A warranty repair or subsidized engine repair Coverage under goodwill or defect-related remedy Reimbursement or alternative assistance Please find all supporting documentation attached, including my Hyundai case number dealer correspondence, and oil test results.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679134August 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The ac blower keeps going out I looked it up and a lot of people are having the same problem my ac keep having to buy blowers and they last 1 week before they stop working and they are not cheap my blower keeps going out and my electric in my car keeps messing up when I try to put the ac up it goes up then goes down I don’t know what’s wrong but I looked it up and a lot of people have the same problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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