general problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

Odometer fraud. The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact purchased the vehicle on April 28, 2025, with 28,974 miles from a dealer. On January 20, 2026, while attempting to start the vehicle after being parked for a while, the vehicle lost power and failed to start. The contact walked to an autozone nearby, where a mechanic diagnosed that the battery and starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired while with the mechanic, and the contact was informed that the actual mileage on the vehicle was 170,123. The contact reported the issue to the dealer and was informed that it would be investigated; however, the contact had not received any additional information. The dealer had taken possession of the vehicle and informed the contact that payments were still expected despite the odometer discrepancy. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the odometer discrepancy. The failure mileage was not provided.

While driving with my family on a busy freeway at approximately 70 mph, our vehicle suddenly displayed a loud, urgent warning: “hybrid system warning – safely stop and do not drive!” at the same moment, the car lost the ability to accelerate without any prior signs of trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have enough momentum to coast to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off, unsure of how serious the issue might be. Being stranded without warning on a high?speed highway put my entire family in a dangerous situation. After a few minutes, we restarted the car to see if we could at least get it off the freeway. The warning had disappeared, and the vehicle drove normally, allowing us to take back roads home. The lack of any prior symptoms makes this even more concerning. Losing acceleration at highway speeds with no warning is a major safety hazard. We took the vehicle to a dealership immediately, but because the warning light was no longer active, they were unable to diagnose the problem. A few days later, the same warning appeared again—this time only a couple minutes from home. I turned around immediately for safety, parked the car, and once again the warning disappeared as soon as the vehicle was shut off. At this point, we have a car sitting in our driveway that we do not feel safe driving. The dealership cannot identify or repair the issue unless the warning is active, & even then, they cannot guarantee that a diagnostic code will appear. After researching this problem online, it’s clear that many other Hyundai owners are experiencing the same issue, often spending thousands of dollars without a definitive fix. Despite how common & dangerous this problem appears to be, there are no recalls & no consistent guidance from dealerships. This situation is unacceptable from a safety standpoint. A vehicle that can suddenly lose power at highway speeds—with no warning and no reliable way to diagnose the cause—poses a serious risk to everyone and needs to be investigated.

The high-voltage (hv) hybrid battery pack assembly failed, resulting in a system shutdown and the required replacement. The primary code is dtc p0a80 ("replace hybrid battery pack"), which indicates an internal manufacturing or design flaw, specifically a weak battery module or compromised internal connection, not normal wear. The defective component (the high-voltage battery) is currently at and is available for inspection. The entire vehicle is also compromised by the anti-lock brake system (abs) module defect (NHTSA recall 23v-651000). My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: 1. Immediate loss of power: the hybrid system failure resulted in a loss of drivetrain power, rendering the vehicle nearly immobile. This occurred on at approximately mph, placing me at high risk of a collision. 2. Latent fire risk: my vehicle is covered under the NHTSA id 23v-651000 fire risk recall due to the abs module. Hyundai specifically advised owners of these vehicles to "park their vehicles outside and away from structures" until the remedy is complete, confirming the severity of the latent fire hazard. The failure of the secondary hv battery system occurred within this already dangerous, electrically unstable environment. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Hyundai dealership / independent shop at the time of failure. . The manufacturer's corporate division has been contacted and is aware of the defect and the resulting $10,000 replacement estimate, as they offered a 50% "goodwill" subsidy which I am rejecting, asserting 100% coverage is required for a defect. Yes. The primary preceding warning was the intermittent appearance of the "check hybrid system, turn off engine" warning.

The electrical in the entire car is malfunctioning. Sometimes the brake lights don’t work due to wiring, other times the seats control don’t work and the cables to battery is not connected/firing correctly. Has an entire electrical issue.

Dear sir/madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai Sonata hybrid (VIN: [xxx] ) and Hyundai motor America’s failure to fully correct the issue. Incident summary: while driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly displayed the following alarming warnings: “hybrid system warning! safely stop and do not drive” “check charging system” immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and shut down in the middle of the road. I had my two young children (ages xxx and xxx) in the car, making the situation extremely unsafe and traumatic. The vehicle lost all mobility and provided no opportunity to safely pull over. After contacting Hyundai corporate multiple times, a case manager was eventually assigned to my case. At Hyundai’s request, I towed the vehicle to autonation Hyundai valencia for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership diagnosed the issue as error code p0a78, indicating a transmission failure. Hyundai corporate offered to cover 60% of the repair cost, leaving me responsible for the remaining 40%—an amount that exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This proposed resolution is not reasonable considering the severity of the safety risk and the vehicle’s low mileage. My primary concern is that this is an extremely dangerous defect, as the vehicle loses all power without warning, leaving the driver unable to move the car to a safe location. Requested actions: a formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai’s hybrid systems, specifically in 2014 Sonata hybrid vehicles. A determination of whether this defect qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Full compensation from Hyundai corporate to cover 100% of the repair costs to correct this serious safety issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and appropriate action. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5.

Formal complaint – hybrid system failure, safety risk (VIN: [xxx] | Hyundai case #[xxx]) dear sir/madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai hybrid vehicle (VIN: [xxx] ) and Hyundai motor America's failure to respond meaningfully to repeated requests for assistance. Incident summary: on [xxx], while driving with my two young children (ages [xxx] and [xxx] ), my vehicle suddenly displayed the following critical warnings: “hybrid system warning! safely stop and do not drive” “check charging system” immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. This created an extremely hazardous and distressing situation for me and my family. Although the vehicle is a few years old, it has very low mileage (38,345 miles), and I did not expect such a catastrophic failure. I submitted a report to Hyundai customer support on may 30, 2025 (case #[xxx]) and followed up on June 9, 2025, but have only received an automated acknowledgment—no response, investigation, or support to date. Attachments: a video clip showing the warning messages at the time of the incident (I cannot upload the video clip since the option is not there, but I do have it if required) requested actions: a formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai's hybrid systems. A determination as to whether this incident qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Immediate contact from Hyundai with the next steps regarding inspection, resolution, or compensation. I am cc’ing Hyundai motor America to ensure this matter is escalated appropriately and receives the attention it warrants. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The car has abruptly applied braking while driving. I took the car to get checked after that and I was told that there was nothing wrong except that the pads will need to be change sooner than later. I mechanic did tell me that it could be a safety issue because it was an uncontrollable. I than took the car to the Hyundai dealer for them to diagnose the car. They proposed that I change everything, including the brake pedal, which to me, sounded very fishy. One week ago, while driving, the car suddenly jammed on the brakes again. This particular time, it was also emitting smoke, either from the front or the bottom.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shaking and jumping, with the headlights flickering, and the steering wheel lost resistance, and became easier to maneuver. While turning the vehicle either to the left or the right, there was a vibrating sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. After the sound occurred the contact noticed that after turning off the vehicle and then attempt to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact manually moved the serpentine belt first to successfully start the vehicle. The exterior lights failed to illuminate intermittently. The air bag and battery failure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was included NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the engine was replaced. After having the recall repair completed, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who then diagnosed the battery was malfunctioning due to a loosened terminal. The terminal was tightened up however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who tightened the terminal; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another certified mechanic who placed an aluminum piece to assist with securing the terminal. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.

When I was driving on highway check brake warning came up with hybrid system warning I wasn’t be able to stop or accelerate I slowed down and pulled over might caused a big accident.

I was driving and my car started beeping and the wheel jerked to the left and my car slowed down from 65mph to 20mph and almost caused me to have an accident. After I replaced the breaking module, my battery started shorting out and my car once again jerked off to the side and then slowed down abruptly from 65 mph to 20mph.

Oct 24th, 2024 on highway had accelerated to 75, all of a sudden, car experienced mechanical shutdown, engine light came on would go fast slow down, felt like braking down, engine light was solid, had to get very slowly somehow into the brake down lane. Turned the car off, waited long time. . . Got advice to try to power car back on because was night and was dangerous lane. Car started, drove very slowly home with hazard lights on. Next incident (that I was on hgwy) Nov 24th, 2024 went from 65 to work up to 80mph, the car lights went on for engine, slowing down,no control of the speed, no accelerating, lights, made to pull over. . . Turn car off. . . Waiting 15 minutes, drove in break down lane, was only 7-8 minutes from my house off highway.

Electrical system going out only at night because headlights and inside lights are turning off for a few seconds only while driving at night this has happened multiple times since August and is becoming a safety concern while driving at night it's a safety concern because this has happened incoming traffic on roads and highways. The vehicle hasn't been inspected by dealership I tried calling to get an appointment but was told there is a fee and if something electrical a may have a cost per hour to inspect. No warning lights are turning on prior to headlights and inside lights going out. During the day no issues with vehicle. I've read a few online posts from other owners with same issue.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the engine seized. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact and several nearby drivers pushed the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact started the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact researched and discovered a reported failure that identified the rearview camera as the source of the failure. The contact stated that the article instructed to disconnect the rearview camera to stop the electrical failure. The contact disconnected the rearview camera. The contact stated that there were no more failure occurrences after the rearview camera was disconnected. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

The brake lights fail with no warning. Bulb replacement used to work. Since ownership at +70,000 miles, I have had to replace one or both of the tail light sections as they melted. The lighting harness has been changed multiple times. In January 2024 Hyundai issued a warranty extension to 15years/200,000miles. There is no date on the letter. When I tried to get my car serviced there were charges for testing to ensure that this was the problem and it was difficult to find someone to service the car in a timely manner. The police continue to issue me tickets for no rear brake lights. The dealer who finally serviced the car indicated that the warranty was void as the replacement parts were not Hyundai parts. Servicing the car was well after the original warranty was already over, so why would you worry about warranty claims for original parts. They claim that they cannot diagnosis the problem without original parts. Hyundai corporate customer service was no help in this matter, but they did apologize for the problem. Can't drive a car without tail lights and paying 850 for the repair is one month of my disability check.

I was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata, with my 3 year old twins in the car. The car would not accelerate properly. All the lights came on on the dashboard. I pulled over. It was just smoking then caught fire.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had been pulled over by authorities on three separate occasions due to inoperable rear taillights. The contact stated that the interior housing unit for both the left and right rear taillights had begun to melt which caused the defect. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was initially informed that the vehicle would be serviced under warranty; however, the contact was recently informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

I am filing a complaint due to the lack of timely fix of this recall. It has been more than four months since the recall was issued (NHTSA recall number 23v651000) with no repair available.

I was driving the car and suddenly it started showing ‘hybrid malfunction do not drive’ it doesn’t go over 40km/hr. The Hyundai dealership wants me to trade it in. It’s only been 2. 5 years that I have this car. Mechanics couldn’t figure out the solution.

Vehicle displaying "hybrid system warning! safely stop and do not drive!" and "check brake" car will not drive over 15 mph. Also draining has and 12 volt battery. Took it to Hyundai dealership and was told that the brake module was damaged and needed replacement. We are aware of the current abs recall. And waiting for remedy.

Abs module is damaged. Car is not operable. Dealership did diagnostic on vehicle. And stated there is an abs recall. But no remedy as of yet. Car will not operate.

The car warning lights turn on and the car shuts down. The problem is with the hybrid battery that is malfunctioning. This is a serious life and death problem. After the vehicle stops it goes in neutral and rolls .

When using the turn signals, either way, the headlights cut off. Sometimes they flicker back on and sometimes they stay off.

When I am driving with my headlights on auto, every time I use my turn signal (and sometimes spontaneously) my headlights flicker. Sometimes it’s just for a second, but other times it has lasted more than 3 seconds which can be very dangerous while driving at night. It is also dangerous because other drivers may think I’m flashing my brights at them when im not. During this the dash will flicker as well. This has been happening since I got the car in 2018 so it’s not a battery issue.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the instrument panel was lit up with unknown warning lights and the exterior lights were blinking off and on. The contact stated that the failure began when the anti-theft software was installed. The dealer was informed of the failure; however, the contact was quoted a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Lost power to vehicle while driving on the freeway, hybrid system warning was displayed as well as several lights to include engine, brake, and skid control. Had the dealer replace the knock sensor, 3 months later the exact same thing happened, in the same way. All the same obd2 codes were pulled both times.

While driving the vehicle the lights on the dash start to flash, stating that there is a charging system warning. It says to pull over and not to drive. It becomes very difficult to brake, or steer, almost like the vehicle has lost power. It blew warm air and the check engine light also came on. This can be extremely dangerous if one was on the highway or at an intersection or any place where they needed to pull over to safety. My 12v battery was checked and found to be fine. I called multiple mechanics to come take a look at the vehicle and the codes that were read were p1b77, p1b96, p1b70, p0a0d. The 150 amp fuse was said to be blown, and was replaced. Sometimes the car will start back up, and sometimes it won't. Currently, it's sitting in my yard. The engine and interior look pristine, but there is something going on with these vehicles that isn't being addressed. This car is dangerous and there are many, many, many people that I'm finding on reddit, youtube, and the Hyundai forums who are having the exact same issues. I unfortunately cannot afford to continue to keep hiring mechanics, nor to have it towed to the dealership, only for them to do what they are doing with countless other people. They do not seem to understand the issue either and are grasping at straws to replace expensive parts, only to have the issue reoccur. Something needs to be done about this before someone is killed.

On the dashboard showing " hybrid system warning. Safely park and do not drive" sign while the vehicle is being driven and slowly loose its power till completely stall. After I turn off the engine and try to turn on again ,the "ready" sign keeps blinking. I was twice stall by the exit of a freeway. It's very dangerous. I also found a few recalls related to this issue in the past.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v651000 (electrical system). The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60, 000.

Wiring harness shorted causing vehicle to go into idle mode.

Im not aware what is malfunctioning or failing but I get a warning to not drive the vehicle and I start hearing a beeping sound, when I try to break it makes a harsh screeching sound and tugs the car a bit. It’s putting my safety at risk bc I drive for work and I can’t keep having this problem happen on the freeway. I’m afraid my brakes will fail and not break. Idk what the cause to this is, I’ve had two different mechanics take a look at this and no codes pop up. No warnings pop up either. This has been going on for almost 3 months. I can’t drive this vehicle with this problem and it’s the only one I rely on for work and my everyday needs. If you guys can please help me out or look into it I will be waiting for a response. Thank you.

Check charging system warning pops on and the car slowly loses power. Steering and braking are effected. So many people with this issue. It's scary. No highway driving for me!.

Vehicle caught fire.

My tail lights, brake lights and head lights continue to go out. I have replaced them many times myself and have taken it to the Hyundai dealership. They temporarily fixed them but couldn’t promise how long they would work. They said to fix them would cost over 1000$. This is a safety hazard as not having brake lights could cause serious accidents. This doesn’t seem normal as I have never in my entire time I have been driving had to continually replace lights. Sounds like a manufacturer defect and I feel like the dealership should have to pay, not out of my pocket. I have been pulled over by the police and have had to explain why my lights don’t work. It’s scary because I never know if they are working or not. I did not get any warnings on my dashboard that lights were out. I have also googled this problem and it seems like a lot of the same year of Hyundai vehicles are having the same issues.

Engine died on the interstate at 65 mph, then the dash lights started going crazy. Shortly followed by smoke coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood and could see a short casing the fire which I could not put out with my extinguisher.

Faulty lights: flickering off and on while driving at night, park light fail to come on but break lights work, unable to use the lights in “auto” mode or else they flicker. Flickering with left front turn signal. There are multiple complaints about this issue on youtube and when you google the car and check reviews. This issue puts my life, my children’s lives, and so many others lives in danger.