Hyundai Sonata Complaints

17,026 consumer complaints on file.

#11656197April 22, 2025
ENGINE, STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES
I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its own, without any input from me. This happens especially right after starting the car or while driving in traffic, and has caused multiple near-accidents. These issues first appeared around two years ago, but they used to happen occasionally. Over time, they have become more frequent, and now they occur daily. There is also a grinding or dragging noise when the vehicle starts or moves at low speed, and it often hesitates when trying to accelerate. These symptoms create uncertainty and make the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. Inside the car, the dashboard has severely cracked, with deep, wide splits across the top panel. I’m concerned this could interfere with airbag deployment or reflect light dangerously while driving. On the outside, the paint is peeling off in large chunks, and I’ve noticed the same problem on other Sonatas of this model. This suggests a wider manufacturing issue and raises concerns about long-term durability and corrosion. These problems have not been confirmed by a mechanic yet, but they are consistent, worsening, and clearly pose a safety risk. I have recorded a video that shows the ESC warning and the sound it makes, which I am including for reference. Video evidence of ESC malfunction and mechanical noise: [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
#11656098April 22, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with my 2024 Hyundai Sonata. After a routine service at Koons Hyundai of Woodbridge in late February, the under-engine splash shield detached and dragged under the vehicle while I was driving on the highway. Upon inspection, it was clear that the splash shield was not secured with any screws or clips — it was either improperly installed during service or never fastened at all. This caused the shield to flap violently at high speeds before tearing off entirely. It posed a serious hazard to me and other drivers on the road. When I brought the issue to the dealership, they refused responsibility, falsely claimed it was caused by scratches (despite no such damage before the failure), and told me and my wife that we are no longer welcome for service. A part like this should never fall off a new vehicle, especially after a recent service. This could have caused a major accident if it hit another vehicle or interfered with my driving. I am requesting NHTSA to review this case for possible service negligence or manufacturing defect, and ensure future safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655836April 21, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown, caught fire. 😳
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655937April 21, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was leaking engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Due to the oil leak, the vehicle was left with no oil in the engine, causing the engine to seize. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed the vehicle only had a 60-day warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,761.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655750April 21, 2025
ENGINE
As we were driving on the highway at 65 mph, the car completely cut off. Fortunately, we were able to immediately steer it off the road to avoid an accident. We had it towed and the mechanic at the auto repair shop said the engine was completely shot. He advised us to have it towed to a Hyundai dealership because he had seen this same situation with other Hyundais with limited mileage and said there may be a safety recall or a class action lawsuit. My car has 60,000 miles and is well maintained.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655751April 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655600April 19, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving and when turning into a parking lot, I accelerated and the vehicle stalled. It did not go suddenly when accelerating. A couple days later, I use a code reader and have a code listed as P1326. So I take it for a diagnostic at a local shop and I am told it is the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). I was advised to take it to a Hyundai dealer because often these vehicles have manufacture warranty since there’s recalls. There have been some vehicles under this recall Hyundai put out as Service Campaign 966 or 982. They have had vehicles deal with this sensor issue before. Hence why there is a campaign issued. I review to see if there are any recalls on my vehicle and tare none but there are other models listed for this particular issue for Hyundai vehicles. My vehicle was driving fine and it’s fairly new. Low miles then suddenly this happened without warning. I believe it is a recall issue for this model as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655631April 19, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
On Friday, April 18, I opened my panoramic sunroof on my car. When I did, the wind deflector became detached from the sunroof mechanism. So I attempted to close the sunroof and when I did, the would not close all the way and the sunroof appeared to become off track. No the roof will not close all the way leaving it popped open about an inch. I called a couple of Hyundai dealers and they both said that there was an extended warranty provided by Hyundai. Based on my car’s original purchase date, I am out of warranty by 6 weeks on time but under the mileage of 120,000 mileage limit. . I have read that this has caused the glass portion of the sunroof to blow out of the car because it won’t close all the way. I believe that this poses a threat not only to me and my passengers as well as possibly someone riding behind me me getting hit because the sunroof came loose and hitting them as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655652April 19, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Speedometer display inaccurate speed. Sometimes its shows 1-4mph miles more than the actual speed and other times 6-8mph. Verified issue with sonar system from different truck, street speed limit screen and own gps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655390April 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had bought this car off Facebook marketplace after confirming with my dad that it was a good car, when I had finally saved enough. After I took it home the check engine light had come on not too long after, the engine stalls when turning the key, pressing on the brake helps start the engine. Turns out the car was a salvage title and my dad didn’t know that and I didn’t know what that was.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655050April 16, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle briefly hesitated before starting. After starting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655114April 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased vehicle on March 5, 2025 from a dealer. At the time it had approximately 20,000 miles. Within days of purchase, the car would not start even after pushing the battery reset button. Eventually, it would restart, but the time it took was considerable. Took the car to the Hyundai dealer near me and discovered that it had been with them for two months prior to purchase for the same problem. They have replaced the 12 V battery and possibly the hybrid battery, but now after owning it for about six weeks, it is giving me a message that there is a problem with the hybrid system and I should stop driving immediately. It is now back at the dealer. They can’t seem to duplicate the problem and I don’t feel safe driving the car because I don’t know if and when I’m going to get to my destination.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654821April 15, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, before the engine seized. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle several times; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654587April 14, 2025
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there were three cracks on the front dashboard. The contact stated that two cracks were on the front passenger’s side airbag and the other crack was in the middle of the front dashboard and was spreading over to the driver's side. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was parked and no longer driven due to the safety concern. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,900.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654322April 13, 2025
ENGINE
Extremely well maintained car began burning excessive amounts of oil. Called Hyundai corporate and they said that there is an extended 150,000 mile warranty on the engine and set me up with the Metrowest Hyundai dealership in Framingham, MA to begin oil consumption test procedure. Dealership performed test and I burned almost 2 out of 5.1 quarts in 1,000 miles. There is no reason a well maintained engine, with regular oil changes well within the manufacturer recommended interval and using full synthetic oil, coupled with regular engine maintenance and Techron, plus at least 80% highway miles, should be doing this. Dealership then performed combustion chamber clean as step 2 of process and the entire timing system began failing after that (P0010 and P0011). The car is now at the point of almost catastrophic engine failure and it will cost $6,200 to repair (the value of the car itself). Hyundai corporate then told me I'm actually not covered and that the warranty only covers rod bearing failure. So both they and/or the dealership strung me along, and the car is clearly not made well and Hyundai is not addressing these concerns. I know many people have had these issues with these cars. In my case, trying to get them addressed then destroyed my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654369April 13, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my [XXX] Daughter was using my car to go to work. When she called us and informed my husband that the car did not start. At that point he asked to video call him so that he can visually see what was going on. She was directed to turn on the car again at and that point, the car started then smoke was noticed from coming out of the hood. My daughter managed to open the hood where flames emerged from the center of the engine. She then ran in the house to get a fire extinguisher and managed to put it out and it reignited. She then made a second attempt with another fire extinguisher where it briefly subsided and then grew larger. At that point the fire dept arrived and successfully extinguished the fire and deemed the car totaled after the Fire Marshall carefully inspected the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654275April 12, 2025
ENGINE
The 2017 hyundai sonata 2.4L excessively consumes oil. I constantly put oil in my car. My fear is that I will have a critical engine failure during commute and will be fully responsible for replacing the engine even though hyundai motors designed a poorly built engine. Every time I search Google about the make and model it is always hundreds of other hyundai sonata owners with the same problems and fears that their car will break down or have already had their engine replaced. I would like to see an investigation take place on the 2017 hyundai sonata 2.4L engine. It is poorly designed and consumes more than enough oil in a short amount of time to cause engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654091April 11, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle needed multiple attempts in order to start. The contact stated that once the vehicle was started, she noticed that the low engine oil pressure light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that an oil consumption test needed to be completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had stated that prior to the oil test being recommended, she had observed that the vehicle was consuming approximately five quarts of oil per 2,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653821April 10, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE in December 2024. Within one month, the vehicle consumed 3.5 quarts of oil out of a 5-quart capacity. 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 am reporting this defect so that the NHTSA can track the scope of the problem and determine whether a recall should be issued.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653864April 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that upon pulling into an apartment complex parking lot, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately parked and exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the contact noticed a small fire and was able to extinguish the fire with a water bottle. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a parking space with the assistance of her son. There was no injury sustained. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a fluid leak from an unknown hose had caused the fire, and there was a hole in the engine block. The contact also stated that there was a puddle of fluid on the ground. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,395.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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