Hyundai Sonata Complaints
17,026 consumer complaints on file.
- #11450586February 5, 2022ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
This 2015 Hyundai Sonata LTD ([XXX]) falsely indicates CEL/emissions light. When the vehicle is started and the temperature is appx. 20*F or lower, the indicator immediately displays. It is solid and does not blink. This happened on -3- days this week, over approximately 7 of -9- total ignitions in that time. Various forums show the same issue. Hyundai must recall this because it is either a false warning or else is a component within their control with which they failed to manufacture safely (thus contributing to the problem(s) and CEL). 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
- #11450329February 4, 2022ENGINE
I have a failing engine that excessively consumes oil at the rate of approximately 1qt per 500 miles. The notorious theta2 2.4ltr sonata engine has spewed so much oil into the top half of engine that it had infact so severely damaged the catalytic converter that it became a plug in the exhaust system. The oil consumption issue has destroyed the entire cars engine system and it was infact a ticking time bomb that Hyundai has denied multiple times to repair. After the catalytic converters reached 1700' and Hyundai indicated that it was fine nothing to worry about, we had to physically remove the catalytic converter packing and alow for the engine fumes to exit the car properly, they previously had mainly entering the passenger cabin or they were pushed back into the engine. I according to Hyundai have no warranty on the car, I owe money to my bank Hyundai and the dealership have been paid they have no problem letting me get stuck with a lemon. It's been to the dealership multiple times, campaign 953 engine knock sensor was done on 10/08/21 it has mysteriously found its way out of my car records. Tampering editing, falsifying documents are all illegal and wrong. Since the papers showed that it was done it should have extended the warranty to 10 yes/ 120,000 and I should be reimbursed for my rental fees for being unable to drive my car any distance thousandths of dollars into oil, not being able to get a safety inspection. missing multiple days of work, depreciation ( the dealership that sold me this car 18mo ago valued it at $17,000 09/20, and on 10/08 gave me a $6,000 trade in value) lastly a car in good running condition that is safe for us to use. HYUNDAI IS SELLING DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT EVEN AFTER BEING TAKEN TO COURT AND HAVING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FINES AND PAYOUTS. They are stealing from hard working family's that are already struggling to get by.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11450112February 3, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact stated a bystander was able to assist her and informed her there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated she had the oil change in October. The bystander left to purchase oil and added oil to the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle but continued to hear the abnormal sound. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by a coworker that her VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure but was informed they would not be responsible for the repairs for the recall due to not having the recall completed previous to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11450157February 3, 2022FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V121000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and the dealer confirmed that the recall repair had been completed; however, two days later while the contact was driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11450174February 3, 2022STEERING
Steering in 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited “sticks” when driving down the road. Once the car is going in one direction, you have to unstick it to go on the path you want. This causes the driver to oversteer to bring it back to the path you intended and wobbling down the road as if you were inebriated. Have seen this same complaint in a number of online forums. No fix has been found that actually works, including replacing the steering column, for any length of time. Why has this issue not been recalled? I can envision someone possibly driving off the road, into a guardrail or into a bicyclist or another vehicle. You have to constantly.correct the steering, which is especially troublesome at interstate speeds.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11450236February 3, 2022LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V619000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and left a voicemail. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449847February 2, 2022ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
i was coming around a bent and accelerated down a straightaway when the car shutdown and all dash lights came on. I had to quickly find a spot to pull over as I was losing momentum and it was hard to brake. I pulled on to the front yard of a residence as there was no road shoulder. The car was smoking and there was a distinct smell coming from it. Some of the car was still out over the road so traffic had to avoid it. There weren't streetlights and it was foggy at night. I used the emergency flashers. There was no warning before the problem took place as far as engine light or warning lights being on. I had the car towed. It is currently at a dealership. Dealership determined engine seizure after diagnosis.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449730February 1, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449766February 1, 2022SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while their vehicle was parked, starting the ignition, and attempted to make 3 point turn exiting out of their driveway, the vehicle accelerated on its own and went over their curb into their neighbor yard. The contact stated they depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, however, the vehicle continued to accelerate at a slow speed before finally coming to a stop. The contact was able to reverse and exit out of their neighbor's yard and continue to drive to their destination, however, the failure intermittently occurred several times. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle but could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact went to another local dealership (Cars Unlimited Of Suffolk LLC 2096 NY-112, Medford, New York 11763 Phone: (631) 758-2200) but the dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,896 miles.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449802February 1, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil, and there was a smoke odor detected. The check engine, oil, and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and will be towed back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would call back. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449835February 1, 2022ENGINE
The vehicle concerned is a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited. It originally presented a check engine and check oil light, and lost partial power traveling on the highway. This vehicle was able to return to its residence, and it was towed to a Hyundai Dealership. Photos and videos were taken of this vehicle prior to being towed, and its battery voltage was tested. The Hyundai Dealership initially reported a dead battery, and that diagnostics were completed. Further conversations took place to question if a jump box or battery charger had been used, and the manager offered to test this vehicle personally. The manager stated that two jump boxes started this vehicle, and then stated he drove this vehicle with two jump boxes connected. The manager insisted that this vehicle's issues were only caused by a failed (dead) battery. A new battery was purchased and then the Hyundai Dealership installed it. The mileage reported by the Hyundai Dealership on its invoice was 1 mile, yet the Hyundai Service Department stated that multiple test drives took place after battery was installed by them. The manager stated this car was fixed and safe enough that he would put a family member in it. This vehicle was picked up from the Hyundai Dealership, was driven on the highway, and an audible and visual warning along with multiple dash lights popped up. This vehicle stopped accelerating at highway speed, and it was necessary to call immediately call 911. Law Enforcement responded, and assisted. This vehicle could not clear the shoulder of the highway, and one of the Law Enforcement vehicles was required behind this vehicle. This vehicle was towed again. The Hyundai Dealership had this vehicle for 14 days. The trouble code from this vehicle is P1326.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449545January 31, 2022POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sonata started having problems with less than 50,000 total miles. The accelerator is flawed and the vehicle cannot keep speed when traveling uphill or get to speed efficiently. The vehicle jerks for a few seconds when pressing the gas and the engine revs but the vehicle does not accelerate like it should. This has almost caused me to have accidents multiple times when pulling out into traffic. The check engine light came on when this started occurring and has been on ever since. I'm having the hyundai dealership take a look at the vehicle and see if there is anything that can be done.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449547January 31, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Original Report: 1/28/22 to HyundaiUSA Problem with car started day after alignment. First noticed (while going up driveway) pressing accelerator did nothing - press again then OK. Got out to open gate, noticed brake lights on. Later (after dark), came out and brake lights on. Driving home noticed ESC light on - ESC off button had no effect. I found this exact description on "CarComplaints.com" from 2019 and it references recall #136. Next day I cranked the car, and the "ESC off" indicator came on. I was then able to turn off with the ESC off button. Update: 1/29/22 Next day same issue with brake light. Able to reset ESC light but it came back on after driving about 15 miles. I noticed that the issue with the sudden deceleration occurred while going 55 mph. It happened about 3 times in the 5 mile return trip. Releasing the accelerator pedal then pressing again provided acceleration. When I got out of the car, the brake light remained on. Update 1/30/22 The ESC light reset itself automatically when I cranked the car. While warming up the car in the garage, the brake light came on and I tapped the brake to turn off. This happened 4 times. I was pulling out of a side road onto a busy road with limited sight of oncoming traffic. As I started out, the acceleration died, and a car came around the curve/hill. I managed to release the accelerator and re-apply and got out of the driver’s way – he was able to slow down enough to avoid an accident. Issue happened several times while driving to my destination. A few minutes after going inside, the car security horn started sounding. I used the remote to turn off. I went back in, and it started blowing again. I pulled the fuse for the horn from under the hood. The ESC light did not come back on during this trip but the brake light did numerous times. My research found that the brake light switch has been blamed for some of these issues. But a faulty brake light switch would prevent engaging gear shift.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449433January 30, 2022ENGINE
Ive tried twice unsuccessfully to have my hyundai sonata recall repairs fixed. First time they said that they were going to order the part, this was around november 2021. Never did get that call. So I called them again to set up an appointment, they gave me an appointment date of 01/26/2022. On that day they told me that they had to cancel because once again they have to order the part.In the mean time my car is running bad with a dealership neglecting this situation, without any concern to how serious and dangerous the outcome could be as described in the court order. The dealership is in Modesto ca. Central Valley Hyundai.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449464January 30, 2022ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
January 29th my check engine light came on and I was not able to go no more than 40mph. there is a knocking noise coming from the engine. took it to autozone and the code was P1326. Now when I start it up it has a smoking smell to it and the knocking is getting louder. I have not driven my vehicle since January 29 2022 The knocking noise first started January 24th. I see there is a recall for this issue with other Hyundai vehicles but for some reason it is not showed for my vin. One Hyundai dealership told me they can not look at my vehicle until march1
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449486January 30, 2022VISIBILITY/WIPER
Recall on my vehicle states there is still no remedy after one month.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449365January 29, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
In August 2021, my son went to open the front passenger door of his 2018 Hyundai Sonata. When opening the door, the handle came off in his hand. We reported the broken handle and asked if it was covered under the factory warranty. We were told by the local Hyundai Dealer that it was not. So we paid over $100.00 to have the handle replaced. Fast forward to January of 2022, I was packing my son's car for him to return to college and the back passenger door handle came off in my hand. That's two door handles in less than five months. There was no forced entry. No yanking or pulling above a normal opening the door process. My son is unable to access the passenger side of his car and has to crawl across the back seat. When the front passenger handle fell off, the passenger front seat was unusable. I have done research online and this seems to be a problem. Our car is not the first one to have this happen. I placed a claim with Hyundai Motor America and was guaranteed a call back within 3-5 business days. I have since placed four more calls in to the customer service line and have yet to hear from anyone regarding fixing this issues. It has been over two weeks. I have photographs to upload but the system will not allow the upload although they meet all criteria.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449389January 29, 2022SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS system just stopped working while driving, loud brake warning beeps and the brakes stopped functioning making a vibrating sound then stopped working all together, I pulled over as safe as i could and found no leaks , fluid is good. started the car again and after 2 minutes did it again... was told by hyundai that a new abs modulator will be needed but it could not be reset to the computer so I would need a new ECU as well to match....are you kidding,,,thousands of dollars of work and labor ,,,,"""FOR BRAKES,""",,, I bought a money pit not a car...
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449405January 29, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
Without warning, all of the vehicles warning alarms and indicator were triggered and the car shut off with now power or engine running while i was in motion driving in traffic. Absolutely no prior indications before this occurred. I had to have to vehicle pushed from the middle of the road then towed home.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11449217January 28, 2022EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My brake lights constantly burns out and I’m having to repair them every month. My brake lights also stay illuminated when I am pressing the brake which does not show that I am stopping or slowing down. This is a MAJOR safety issue that needs to be repaired
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0