Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2016)
888 consumer complaints on file.
- #11509471February 28, 2023ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I just drove up a small hill and then I had to accelerate to get onto the on-ramp to match the speeds of highway traffic. The engine shut off. no lights from the cluster gauge illuminated. had to really use my leg muscles to step on the brakes really hard to avoid a front collision. had to really use the muscles in my arms and hands to steer the steering wheel hard too. it felt like the loss of brakes and steering capabilities turned off and were really hard to use when the engine turned off for no apparent reason.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11509548February 28, 2023STEERING
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel became firm while navigating a turn, and the vehicle crashed into a tree. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unconscious and woke up to being treated by an EMT. The contact sustained injuries to his chest and fractured ribs. Medical attention was provided at the hospital. The air bags deployed as needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11509390February 27, 2023ENGINE
engine is running out of oil after driving 200 to 300 miles. Dealer cannt find any oil leakage. I need help with this problem
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11509079February 25, 2023ENGINE
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (sport) with the 2.4 GDI theta II seized on me WHILE DRIVING down the interstate on April 14, 2022, no engine light, no warnings, nothing. It was extremely dangerous & also very scary. The car did this at 135,000 miles. I had my Sonata towed to a Hyundai service center after this happened. They did a diagnosis, confirming it needs an engine replacement due to connecting rod bearing failure. They sent in a Prior Approval request to Hyundai and Hyundai DENIED the engine replacement, due to not having Campaign 953 (knock sensor detection software) completed prior to bearing failure. (EVEN WITH having this sensor update done, it would NOT prevent the motor from failing, just tell you when it happened.) That software update wasn't going to save my engine, it was only designed so Hyundai had a LOOPHOLE to deny as many engine replacements as possible and not process these warranties the right and ethical way. They put a faulty engine in my car and it seized and failed at NO fault of my own. But the fault of Hyundai for allowing these vehicles with bad engines to be sold to innocent people who had no idea these engines were made to fail. Hyundai knew the Theta 2 engines were going to fail and STILL allowed these vehicles to be sold and NOT RECALLED knowing the dangers. That is wrong and unethical. It is crucial that these vehicles be RECALLED. Any engine liable to seize while driving 70+ mph on the interstate warrants a RECALL. They needed to be recalled long ago, but instead Hyundai created a loophole by issuing Campaign 953 (knock sensor detection software). It never fixed these dangerous, faulty engines. It's only put more people at risk by not issuing a RECALL on all THETA 2 engines.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11508887February 24, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:CYBERSECURITY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
2016 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LACK OF SECURITY TRANSPONDER.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11508408February 21, 2023ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a slow speed out of the driveway, she heard a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that after the vehicle was retrieved from the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated after 300 miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11508165February 20, 2023ENGINE
While driving home on my way from work, the car started to stall on the highway and slow down. A knocking sound began to come from under the hood and would speed up when I stepped on the gas. From the sound of it, it seemed like the engine was malfunctioning and yes it is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if the car was to stop in the middle of the highway, not only am I at risk of being in an accident but other people as well as we are all driving at high speeds. This problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer but when I took it to a mechanic, I was told that it was a rod that's what's causing this, and though there are no recalls on this specific model (2016 Sonata Limited) there are other recalls on the hybrid model for a rod in the engine wearing out prematurely which is very similar to what is happening with my car. A check engine light turned on a few minutes prior to the incident but then turned off.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11508199February 20, 2023ENGINE
Burning oil at an alarming rate. No oil leaks. Had oil changed and 3 weeks later checked and it had about 2 quarts in it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11507945February 18, 2023ENGINE
Pulled in driveway and putted out and wouldn't start. It is an internal engine issue. Possibly a rod issue
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11507676February 16, 2023ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was constantly topping off the engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,156. The VIN was unavailable.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11507677February 16, 2023ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated four days after purchasing the vehicle, he needed to add oil to the engine. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil consumption test performed. The contact stated after 1,000 miles the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that oil needed to be added to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,156.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11507453February 15, 2023LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE
The trunk panel latch in this vehicle has failed due to a broken trunk latch pawl. The trunk will not open even when pushing the emergency trunk release latch inside the trunk. This failure presents the risk of injury to an occupant locked inside the trunk. As such, the involved vehicle might not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no 401, "interior trunk release." A recall (Campaign 208) has already been placed on the 2016- 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids due to this issue, but this particular VIN number is not covered under that recall. I have contacted Hyundai about this issue, and they will not repair or address this problem stating that although the model has had a recall issued, this particular VIN is not covered. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11506814February 12, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ve had this vehicle for exactly 6 months. First incident where I thought the company I bought it from lied to me because they said they topped off my oil. In reality it guzzles oil excessively, I paid $600 to get it cleaned out & add oil. 2nd incident my car shut off at a McDonald’s drive through, no indication of warning of shutting off until 30 seconds before all error codes on dash. 3rd incident as of 02/07/23 car completely out of oil when I had an oil change a month & a half ago. Had someone come & bring me oil & it seemed to get me a mile away to school, did my school stuff & then tried to get home (30 miles away). When trying to get home my car wouldn’t exceed 60mph and when I got to 62mph it was decreasing speed. After a few moments after noticing that, all error codes on dash came on and I thankfully was able to pull over on the freeway without being hit by anyone. My car completely shut down, called a tow truck, while I waited 3 hours for assistance. I was then notified(by the first shop I took it to) the next day that my motor is BAD & I’m lucky that I was able to pull off to the side of the road when I did. A week prior to the 3rd incident random chunks of painting ripped off my vehicle(on the top of my trunk, above the passenger door & on the back side of the passenger door). I had my vehicle towed a second time to the Hyundai dealership themselves and the towing company asked the color of vehicle/make and model and instantly said oh is it your motor? I was weirded out because I was wondering how he knew. He mentioned to me that he has towed 25 Hyundais in the last 9 months. I said well you’re on a role, you can now make it 26. I was also never notified of any recalls on this vehicle until 2 days after the 3rd incident I did my own research and called Hyundai dealership myself & that’s when I was made aware of a recall. Insurance also states that this isn’t something I can claim? & I’m currently waiting to hear back from the dealership themselves.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11506298February 8, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
My car idles very rough at times, and sometimes when idling, it dies out. At times it is difficult to even start as if it's not getting the electrical signal to the engine. Hyundai replaced the fuel pump, but that did not fix the problem, but cost $1,200. No warning messages. Two other automotive companies also did a diagnostic tests, but couldn't find the problem as it seems it has to be tested WHEN IT IS ACTING UP. It died on me far from home a week ago, but eventually restarted. I'm afraid to drive it especially at night as it died when idling at a light and almost didn't restart.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11505664February 5, 2023ENGINE
While driving the vehicle within the city the engine turned off in the middle of the intersection causing near miss in the middle of the intersection as other vehicle were trying to pass me because my vehicle stalled. After having to towed the vehicle it was found that the engine has seized which is why the vehicle stopped.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11505095February 2, 2023ENGINE
While driving on the highway my vehicle started making a very loud ticking noise and all of a suddenly my car stopped working. Due to being on the highway everybody was going high speeds which almost caused a serious accident. There were cars swerving everywhere. I truly thought I was going to be involved in a high-speed accident which would most likely cost me my life. The check engine light came on and smoke was coming out and the dash started throwing errors. One of the drivers came to my car and started yelling to get out because these cars have been catching on fire. I had to call a tow truck to tow my car over an hour back home which cost me quite a bit of money. After I got home I researched my vehicle and placed to VIN to find out there were 3 safety recalls, one that could cost my family their lives and I was never ever notified. When I called the customer care they didnt even have my information and had to input it all to create a case. They also could not give me a reason as to why I was not notified. They then made an appointment with the Hyundai nearest to me which by the way is an hour and twenty minutes. After disconnecting the call I received an email from that dealership stating my appointment was canceled. I called the dealership to figure out what was going on I've spoken to two different people before finally speaking with the manager of the department. Finally when I spoke with the manager he tried to inform me that my car was not under the recall and that they wouldnt be fixing my car. They also tried to tell me that customer service placed the wrong appointment that they put it in for an oil change when clearly the email stated three recalls and one being my engine needed to be replaced. I was informed that the earliest that they could Even put their eyes on my vehicle would be the end of March and if I wanted to pay out of pocket for the engine it wouldn't be completed until the end of June. One person after another has lied to me.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11504662January 31, 2023ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed by AAA. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with a rebuilt engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11504665January 31, 2023UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In November, 2022 my car stalled on the expressway. The indicator, Hybrid trouble turn off engine(not exact wording),tried to turn back on after sitting, it came on there was a loud noise as I put it in drive. It was towed to Happy Hyundai ( The car was hit on expressway while waiting on the tow truck). [XXX] in the service department ensured me nothing was wrong, I reminded him that it shut off while in drive on the expressway. He had it inspected again, only to say they believed the hybrid system needed to be updated. It was updated and I was charged a service fee because no parts were needed, ([XXX] words) I was under the impression that my car is under warranty and any service under warranty would be no charge but because no part was needed. I had to pay. Not two (2) months later same thing happens....I had just gotten my oil changed at World Hyundai in Mattenson, IL. Driving in the express lane on the expressway. Lights come on to turn off engine again...... ONLY by the grace of God was I able to coast to the right to get on the shoulder, traffic was moving fast!!!! It was towed back over to Happy Hyundai on Cicero.Trying to explain to [XXX] (service department) was hard I did tell him the car was there for the same thing two (2)months ago.My life and my daughter's was put in jeopardy on both occasions. I transport my grandsons to and from daycare and school, they had been dropped off earlier(the thought of them being in the car when this happened is scary).My car can be inspected at Happy Hyundai, 9121 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn, 60453. 708-382-8000 Paperwork from first incident are in the car. 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
- #11504313January 29, 2023ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I’m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it’s not leaking because I’ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11503131January 23, 2023ENGINE, STRUCTURE:BODY
Engine burns off oil at an excessive rate. I was told there is a recall on the engine for my vehicle. Also, the transmission is acting up. I have a white pearl sonata and the paint has peeled off the roof and part of the hood. There is a recall on that as well, as I was told.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0