Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11669653June 27, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
⸻ In early 2024, I brought my vehicle to a Hyundai dealership due to rapid oil loss. I reported having to refill the oil weekly and suspected a leak. They diagnosed a cracked oil pan, claimed to fix it, and returned the car. However, immediately after, the car continued burning oil at an alarming rate. I was forced to buy and add oil every single week, spending hundreds of dollars to maintain drivability. Shortly after the repair, I began experiencing erratic dashboard warnings. The check engine light would frequently come on and off. The oil lamp illuminated every few days. These symptoms were persistent, not isolated incidents. Despite reporting the issue again, I was told the oil burning was “normal” for Hyundai engines and nothing to worry about. That response put my safety and my child’s safety at risk, as I was unknowingly driving a vehicle with worsening engine damage. Eventually, the car stopped running entirely. It was no longer drivable or safe. I took it to a licensed independent mechanic who confirmed there were multiple ongoing oil leaks and extensive engine damage. The issues I originally reported were never properly fixed, and it’s now clear the dealership failed to address the root cause of the oil consumption problem. I also noticed unusual spikes in the odometer after their repair, despite working from home and barely driving. This added further concern that the vehicle’s internal systems may have been compromised or malfunctioning. I believe Hyundai’s failure to act on clear warning signs directly led to this total engine failure and a serious safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669781June 27, 2025
ENGINE
The car burns oil. I have to put oil in it every few weeks. Also will start shaking while acceleration. I replaced engine coils several times. Main issue is burning oil, don't know why.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669790June 27, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Is anything being done about the known oil consumption issues with the 2019 Sonatas? My daughter bought the car used -- it currently has 70,000 -- but Hyundai won't do anything because she is the second owner and those cars don't get 100,000 protection, they only get 60,000. It just doesn't seem right.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669388June 26, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
See attached document for complaint. Please let me know how quickly the service parts for these two recalls are physically located in your shop and how soon the required recalls will be performed. I have been getting periodic recall notices for years and have yet to obtain the satisfaction of an adequate local response from your service department. I can recall three instances when I was told the parts were ready, only to leam, upon arrival, they were not. The last incident was on May 27"', when I was told the parts were ready and I could have the recall performed on May 30'". Another huge disappointment occurred when I was told the parts were not available. That is not the way to run a governmental required recall program.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669595June 26, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased this vehicle from the seller the vehicle then immediately gave me engine issues. I contacted the Hyundai dealership which the vehicle got recent services with. They told me that the claim was denied even though the car has an extended warranty until 120,000 miles and the vehicle has less than that due to a regular oil changes they recommended me call Hyundai corporate to see if they can help out. I then contacted Hyundai corporate, and they essentially stated the same thing saying that the vehicle did not qualify for the extended warranty due to outside factors which were the irregular oil changes. I let them know that the vehicle did not get regular oil changes and I provided them with a Carfax report they then told me that in order for the card to be classified as getting regular oil changes and maintenance is every 5000 miles and this vehicle got most of his oil changes done 10,000 and 15,000 miles now I am stuck with a vehicle with a engine that is knocking even though it should still be under warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669597June 26, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
Our 2015 Sonata has experiencing Engine failure several times due to excessive and irregular oil consumption. Our family’s safety and the safety of others on the roadway were put at risk as the engine slows, shudders and stalls without prior warning and the check engine light does not come on until the vehicle slows and stalls. The vehicle was inspected at a local Hyundai dealership, and they indicated that this is not covered under warranty. Summary of Engine Issues and Failures: 1.May 3, 2022 – 68,671 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Check engine light on, shudder; oil change performed. No cause identified. Paid out-of-pocket. 2.August 23, 2022 – 75,527 miles (retail shop) Car engines failed on highway, towed to service shop. Valve cover gaskets replaced. Paid out-of-pocket in part and extended warranty paid part of the invoice. 3.April 29, 2024 – 109,229 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Excessive oil consumption noted; valve cover gasket replaced again. Paid out-of-pocket. 4.January 22, 2025 – 118,341 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Vehicle stalled en route to airport, towed to dealership; dealership advised oil change. Paid out-of-pocket. 5.May 20, 2025 – 122,000 miles (local Hyundai dealer) Engine codes P0300, P0302, P0303 identified. Dealer diagnosed excessive oil consumption likely due to ring wear or sticking rings, contributing to spark plug misfires. Recommendation: Engine replacement. Despite consistent and timely service, including multiple visits to the Hyundai dealership, the root issue has not been properly addressed. The current diagnosis of internal engine failure is a clear continuation of a pattern of unresolved engine problems (stalling in motion, oil leaks and oil consumption) all of which originated well within Hyundai’s original warranty. The vehicle has been well maintained, and all recalls have been addressed in a timely manner. Hyundai’s failure to acknowledge and take responsibility for this widely documented engine issue is a safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669605June 26, 2025
ENGINE
There is an oil problem with this car - my engine light keeps going on, then it backfires, I brought to the dealership and $2,800 later, I still have the same problem. There is no leak that I can see, the oil just disappears. My mechanic said this is a known problem but Hyandai will not get back to me, I have tried several times with no interaction back
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669303June 25, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a notice in the mail my car needed a software update. I went to the dealership to have the update performed. They informed me there was a service campaign for an expanding fuel tank due to pressure. They were unable to return my car to me at that time stating they were awaiting direction from Hyundai Motor of America for the fix. The fuel tank expanded so much it bent the body of of the car underneath the backseat. It also broke the support straps. The dealership stated it was a known issue with a vent valve. Causing the fuel tank to swell so much it damaged the body. They have had my vehicle for 9 weeks with no direction as to what to next.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669347June 25, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car has 39,495 miles. First owner of vehicle. Have advised dealership since 2024 that there was a oil issue as i have only went to them for oil changes. I advised that as they can see the car is barely driven and the oil is disappearing. They claimed nothing was wrong and made me pay for a oil change again. Come this year, I advise again there is a issue, they tried to have me pay for a oil change again and I advised something else needs done. They argued I was not the first owner and the car was not in warranty however I bought the car from their lot and I am the original owner. Then they stated I had to pay for another oil change for the oil consumption. Then they claimed they would just do the oil consumption and then to drive 1,000 miles and bring it back. After the oil consumption engine light is on. I drove 1,000 miles, brought it back and the engine failed the test. The dealership changed the engine. 5 days later engine light is on, car is stalling and brake locked up, then car would not start and was smoking under the hood. Car was then towed to the dealership. They claimed nothing is wrong and they reset the code for the engine light to go away. They stated evap code was on but was not persistent so it's fine. Few days later engine light comes on again and once the car has been running, you shut it off go to start it again it won't start unless you have it sit for a while. I Take it back to the dealership they point next to the engine saying a purge valve, but the wants money for a diagnostic. They do the diagnostic and still provide maybes, as they claim the filler neck is rusted and corrosion. I take the car to another place who states the filler neck is fine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668813June 24, 2025
ENGINE
I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 2 years. I have taken it to the dealership Vandergriff Hyundai in arlington, tx advising the oil light keeps coming on before oil change is due this was before my warranty had expired on my vehicle. I was told that they could not find anything wrong and a oil change was completed, but no oil consumption test was done. I asked about any recall for knock sensor and i was advised that had already been completed. I have no proof of this being completed. After researching the issue, I discovered that this is a known engine defect covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 23-EM-008H, which relates to excessive oil consumption. This condition can lead to engine failure, posing a significant safety risk if the engine fails while driving at high speeds or in traffic. This issue is part of an active class-action lawsuit and has affected numerous vehicles with the same engine type. I had my oil changed on April 26th, 2025 and as of June 24, 2025 it was 3 quartz low. this is not normal and it is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668857June 24, 2025
ENGINE, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR
My car has 123,000 miles on it, it started with just aircon compressor not working then a week after the engine light started blinking and doesn’t accelerate more than 60 in the interstate then there is a rod knocking in my engine after that.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669046June 24, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased this car in 2018. Noticed it would be low on oil frequently by year one of having it I took in in for regular maintenance at the dealer by year 2 car began giving me more issues with oil and engine I have had the manifold replaced and other parts in the engine several times and keep running into the same issues and from what I found out I’m not the only one dealing with oil consumption issues I was told by the dealer this is a regular issue with this car and that Hyundai will not cover it I feel it’s very unfair to the consumer that they did not disclose this to me when I explained I needed a dependable vehicle because I had a disabled child I have put so much money in this vehicle I could have bought a new one by now
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669054June 24, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel injectors failed again, leaving me stranded on a busy road. The first time this happened, I had a little over 8,000 miles on my vehicle - 5 months after purchase. That was two years ago. Now, the injectors have failed for the second time and I am having to pay just north of $1,000 to get them replaced at my Hyundai dealership. It was a terrifying thing to experience and my safety was at risk due to my vehicle decelerating on a busy street. I had to call the police to help shield my vehicle from other drivers. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer upon inspection and diagnosis, and the police officer that was at the scene also could see that my vehicle would not start. This dealer works at the company that manufactures Hyundais. Prior to the fuel injection failure, there were brief moments where the 'check engine' light would illuminate but it would never stay on long. Directly before my vehicle shut off on the road due to the failure, there were no light/lamps/or other symptoms noticeable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668653June 23, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It was about 100 degrees outside yesterday, and while trying to pass a car, I look in my rearview mirror and notice there is fuel shooting out from my fill hose under my gas flap. I lost over 3 gallons of fuel on the road. This happened my whole 60 mile trip. This has happened to me before, but the temperature was around 76 degrees and it does not happen in cold weather. I have a feeling my fuel tank is expanding because when I took out my back seat where my fuel tank is located, the body of the car is all buckled up to the point where I can't get my backseat to latch down anymore. My car is available anytime for inspection upon request. I have not taken it to a dealer to get it looked at, there has not been a police report filed. And there were no warning lights or indicators other than a popping sound coming from my backseat area before the problem occurred. There are no warning lights or indicators after the problem either. I feel like I'm driving a bomb because my fuel tank could blow up at any time. This problem can be reproduced anytime by filling the tank and driving it in 90 degree weather.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668715June 23, 2025
ENGINE
While driving on the highway with my two minor children, my vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. I lost power in the middle of traffic, which was extremely dangerous — we were nearly rear-ended and had to coast to the shoulder. The check engine light had been on for some time prior to the incident, but there were no other warning messages. After being towed, the car would not start again, even after attempting to jump-start it. A mechanic inspected it and believes the engine is seized. I later discovered that my 2012 Sonata is equipped with the Theta II engine, which is known for sudden failure due to oil starvation or bearing wear. Although there are no current recalls on my VIN, the symptoms are consistent with the known Theta II engine defect. This situation put me and my children at serious risk, and I believe this failure needs to be addressed as a safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668755June 23, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle is consuming oil because it’s burning it. The mechanic changes my oil and the same day the oil turns black. I have to constantly check the oil gauge and top up the oil when low. Unsure of the damage this might be doing to the motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668567June 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The moon roof made a very loud noise as I was driving down the interstate. It sounded like a loud bang. The safety risk was that I could have jerked the wheel from the scare of the loud sound. My moon roof then shattered and began to fly off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668410June 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle DASHBAORD has been facing UV related reactive damages by small line cracks and now it's progressing to larger lines. Similar damages in other manufacturers like Toyota and Lexus are covered by manufacturer as recalls .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668504June 22, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Took my car in February 10 for a recall that pop up on the app and today is June 22 and I’m getting all the run around and different dates for my car to be ready but everything it’s time to pick up my vehicle something comes up and they told me they took my car back to the body shop for the recall issue. All the information are added on the file
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668446June 22, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought this car in June 2013 for its safety and its Amazing warranty and all the features that it has Hyundai manufacture had an obligation as a consumer service and failed to send notification of any recalled to us in regards to a recall High pressure, fuel pump, and fuel rail Fuel system engine, gas tank This is a product of liability and negligence on time but they failed to take responsibility and comply with federal laws. I was driving with my family in the car when this car was a ticking Time bomb not even being aware of the Death trap on wheels. We ended having towed our home and then to then had to make a call next day and have it towed to Hyundai service center While we were driving this happen, where we heard two loud pops the gas gauge went down from 200 something to 80 engine lights came right up the backseats were heating up under my son seat in the back stated he felt waves as the backseat was getting hotter, we pulled over to a gas station and that’s when we had to call called O’Reillys and then we called a mechanic friend which stated that he ended up looking up the car and stated please pull over and get out car and called the Hyundai manufacture that there was a recall that’s the only way we found out other than that no prior incidents, then called the service technician of Hyundai i called amd complaint with the Honda manufacture corporate. They have failed to take the responsibility for this and they should be ashamed and take their accountability for this we could’ve died and anyone else around us on road as we drive this car daily The car was a higher risk of a ticking time bomb stated by the Hyundai service center technicians. this is an nere to miss accident narrowly avoid catastrophe
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
5
Deaths:
0

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