general problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

Vehicle's engine seized completely at 75 mph on the interstate. No warning lights or abnormal noises were present before catastrophic failure, and the car has been serviced recently. Cel came on at time of failure, throws code p1326. Car rapidly/dangerously decelerated, would have crashed if not driving in the leftmost lane of travel.

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).

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 at a higher rate of speed 50 mph in the center of 3 laned road no warning or indicator lights were on in my vehicle when the engine without warning blew and stopped working. Again no check engine lights were on no warnings were given. It shut down and would no longer accelerate or drive. We almost caused several accidents as this was a very busy roadway.

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.

Incident date 07/04/2023 incident place I-405 exit wa-522 incident total engine, car system completely off, brakes won't work traveling with whole family complete car system failure, had to drive to side road hitting bushes and trees in order to get the car stopped state patrol arrived at the scene, assisted getting towing everything turned off while on freeway to direction to the two/three lane bridge had to quickly take any exit in order to avoid the freeway bridge I repeat again total engine & system failure, brakes won't work at all while system is dead.

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 car used up to 4 quarts of oil per week with just driving when necessary. It burned oil and blew it out under the hood.

I bought my car at 97k miles in June 2022. From the 2nd day of having it, my car was shaking horribly. I sent it back to the dealership they said the front motor mount was collapsed. They repaired it but said there is still shaking but they don't know why. About 2 months later, I get in with universal Hyundai and they only say that I need my axels and spark plugs replaced along with the air filters. They do a balance and alignment on my car as well as an oil change. The balance and alignment was either not done properly or my car just needs it done super regularly. Not too long after while I'm driving out of a friend's neighborhood my car is in drive and I'm going around 5 mph, my car stops with all of the lights on. I turn my car off and back on and carefully drive it home. Also, my car key always gets locked up in the ignition. One day I go to turn my car off and my ignition locks and I had to get my car towed and my ignition replaced with new car keys. Later, I take it to my mechanic to see what he can do and to get another oil change. He said he doesn't think it's my axels but my motor mounts and other things. Then my check engine light goes off a week later and it's my power train and anti-lock brake system. The next day on the way back to the mechanic my car slows down, I was only going 40ish mph, and all of the lights are shown. I turn my car off and on and I get it to my mechanic (my mechanic only down minor stuff btw). I start hearing a woodpecker noise from the engine and my mechanic tells me to get it to the shop ASAP. The next morning, I call my warranty to see if it's covered and they tell me that my engine will blow if I drive on it. And now my car will be in the shop for a month. And I can't find out the service done to my car prior to me owning it. And every time I take it somewhere they don't know what's up with it completely.

I am the owner of a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. That car is 8 years old and has 69k miles on it. At no time did Hyundai motor company notify that my car was impacted by an engine failure recall. On November 10, 2022 the car was being driven. At no time did it give any potential warning, instead the car fully stopped while in motion at 25 mph. There was no warning, no lights appeared on the dashboard until the car had stalled itself out. When I called the local dealer where the car was purchased, I was promised a call back. That call never came. I was able to contact someone at corporate who did confirm the VIN number of my car is on an engine recall. I was told to contact a local dealer to find someone to replace the recall alerts. Again the local suresky dealer cannot help me. After spending 4 hours on the phone, I was able to connect with someone in a service department who indicated that the return volume of these car is so extensive that they are backlogged 3 to 4 more. I would encourage all users of this car to immediately end use of it. I would encourage all users to look into local lemon laws. This entire recall was handled completely wrong by Hyundai corporate who. Nobody can answer questions, they can only pass you around. The company should be investigated for consumer fraud at the state and federal level. The company should be investigated for proper accounting, proper tax reporting, for the recall.

I was driving down the road in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata limited 2. 0t, in the car with me was my two young children ages 1 & 2. We were driving normally when the car all of a sudden shut off and died in the middle of the road while ongoing traffic behind me. I was able to come to a safe stop and crank the car back up and move to the side of the road. When I cranked the car back up it began knocking and the engine shaking. I immediately turned the car off and got my children out of the vehicle and we waited for my fiancé and a tow truck. Car has always had oil changes on time in the three years I owned it. Only had 125k miles. Oil was changed 1 week and a half prior to this incident. I only ran it 567 miles before my engine stalled. Thankful I was not rear ended with my babies in the back seat.

Car is leaking excessive oil all through the engine and other main components. Theta engines are faulty and leading to engine staling and then failure. My engine stalled once. Was throwing no dash lights or codes. Next time the car was cranked it started knocking, still not throwing any dash lights. Brought to Hyundai dealership. The manufacturer is refusing to fix the engine saying it was ran on to low on oil to often. I had my records of maintenance to prove other wise once I provided them Hyundai said no still then said no because they took pictures of the inside and it looks as if it was running low on oil. This engine seizing can result in fire and major safety hazards including death and Hyundai is taking no accountability.

The engine seized while driving. I lost all power and was forced off to the side of the road. Had it taken to dealership, and they said engine block need to be replaced. They won't honor the safety recall despite the fact that it says they will on the company campaign site search. There was no warning lights or messages regarding the catastrophic failure of the engine.

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.

My car has been driving in limp mode for almost two years. I have taken it to the dealership over 8 times for the same problem while it was still under warranty. The replaced the knock senser twice and it passes the bearings test. My check engine light blinks and it hesistates while driving. I only had the car for one month since this started and everyone is giving me the run araound and not fixing the problem. Now my warranty is expiring because I have over 100,000 miles on it but nothing is fixed.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 20v121000 (fuel system, gasoline), however the Ford dealer he purchased the vehicle from informed him that she would need to contact a Hyundai dealer to schedule a recall repair appointment. The contact stated while his wife was parking the vehicle in the driveway, the gas pedal was not depressed however the vehicle accelerated on its owns and crashed into garage door. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries on the right knee but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the transmission shift selector was in the park position, the vehicle rolled backwards. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission shift cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 14v434000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.

"check charging system" warning message came on while driving on the highway at night 01/08/2021. Suddenly no power to the engine. The gas pedal wasn't working. Quickly I pull into the hard shoulder. The car failed to start the engine with the same error message. The car lost power shortly after. (the hazard light wasn't working. I contacted 911 for emergency assistance. Penndot truck shows up after an hour to cover the road. ( to prevent collisions. ) I towed the car to a nearby dealer. Contacted by the dealer 3 days later. They said it was12v a battery issue and it's fixed. I went back to the dealer the next day to pick up the car. I paid $388 for replacing the battery. The car won't start with the same error message. I ran into the dealer asked for an explanation. The worse thing is the dealer never ran the diagnostic test for code or anything and assumed it's fixed. I demanded a refund. I made a few calls to check the status of service since then. No one has returned my call yet.

The check engine light illuminated intermittently at 92k miles, then the engine started making noises intermittently, and then the vehicle was slow to accelerate intermittently. The knock sensor software upgrade had previously been installed. The synthetic oil had been changed at 82k and 86k. South point Hyundai changed the oil, replaced the battery and turbocharger at 92381 miles. Around 93246 miles the intermittent engine noises and intermittent no acceleration and slow acceleration are back, and the check engine light is not illuminating. Returned my Sonata to south point Hyundai who reports the engine is bad, but there are no diagnostic error codes, and they are waiting to hear back from Hyundai on how to proceed. Hence, the knock sensor software update is not a corrective action for detecting engine failure, alerting drivers to engine failure. The knock sensor software update is not an effective screen for engine defects. The engine noises occur when the vehicle is stationary, in motion, on a city street, and on a highway.

I sent you an email regarding the problem. You want additional information. But didn't say what addition information. Bottom line is I had brakes put on in may 2020 on my 2014 Hyundai, they didn't feel rit. , took car back, test ride, seemed ok. These brakes were manufactured by wagner brakes. ; . For a few weeks when I pressed on brakes there was a squeal, while car was moving, and lately sounded like steel on steel. While care was moving took car back to jtires plus, brakes were defective, they replaced them with duralast gold brakes. I'd like to know if there have been other complaints against wagner brakes, and I'd like a full investigation of these brakes. The other issue is the recall on my 2014 Sonata power train/gear shift; campaign # 123. This was completed in 2017; however, some months ago once the gear shift was in part with motor off, and I turned on the motor the shift would not move from the park position. I had to work with it a while; sometimes after a while I would put the key. Next to the shift compartment and I could shift the gear. I'd like to know if you have received any other complaints about the shift gear and how to have a second recall on campaign 123. The other problem is sometimes when I put on the e brake, it seems like the car would take too long to come to a complete stop. The other day after being parked, I turned on the engine, put the gear in reverse, but it continued to go forward. I had to turn the engine off and restart it and then put it in reverse before it reversed. I'd like to know if you've received complaints like this and I am requesting that my car be tested for the aforementioned problems free of charge due to all of the recalls Hyundai has had in the past. In all of the situations above the car was on city streets, with the exception of the reversing, I was parked in a fast food parking lot.

While driving on highway, my car lost control my brakes were not working. Only way to make the car stop was to throw the car into park. After stopping my dashboard lights came on, the car stayed on and key couldn't turn.

I was driving on the freeway at about 50 mph when my car completely shut off. All the dash indicator lights illuminated. I tried to press the accelerator and nothing happened. I had to make my way to the side of the road with absolutely no power which was frightening. When I got to the side of the freeway, I was able to come to a complete stop. After realizing that my car had in fact, shut itself off, I tried to restart it. First try, it started! what is wrong with this car that it can shut off, then be fine right after? I googled this problem as soon as I got home, low and behold, this problem has happened to many people. Losing power when driving, especially high speed is a frightening and unsafe condition. I could've been in an accident endangering myself as well as other motorists. Please take this safety issue seriously and hold Hyundai accountable for their product. Please do this before anyone dies from this issue. Thank you.

Hyundai installed a software update on our 2014 Sonata due to engine fires about a year ago. This software update resulted in the car going into what is called " limp mode" and the malfunction indicator light coming on which results in the car losing acceleration and not being able to climb hills. This occurred when the car was being driven on the highway at 65 mph. Once the car went into limp mode it would barely go up hills and presented a hazard on the highway. When I called the dealership they told me my car was no longer under warranty for anything other than engine or drive train and that they would not tow the car into their shop. They also told me I should not drive the car. I had the car towed to a local shop and they diagnosed the problem as a p1326, which I had to pay for out of my pocket. The mechanic told me there was a recall on the motor and it would have to be replaced. I then called the dealership and they agreed to tow the car to their dealership. After the dealership diagnosed the problem they informed me the software system detected a noise in the engine and went into limp mode to protect the engine. They said everything was fine and that the malfunction indicator light and limp mode were a false positive due to the software update that was installed. When I pointed out the inconvenience this had caused me I was told this happens all the time and I would have to get used to it or sell the car. I only have 64,000 miles on this vehicle and I no longer have any confidence in this vehicle to commute long distances. The issue with these false positives and the limp mode needs to be eliminated.

2014 Hyundai Sonata with VIN # 5npeb4ac8eh836908 has had campaign recalls which started 3/ 2019 ( campaign recall123 powertrain transmission/transaxle). Vehicle received repair for campaign recall 123 10/2014 under Hyundai dealership. Recently car stalled while driving and got diagnosed by Hyundai dealership that engine siezed and would need new engine. Car was underwarranty with the campaign recall and stated that car would need transmission due to 3rd shift not working like it should. Caseworker from consumer affairs stated that I would have to pay for transmission due to transmission not under warranty and he would not approve for repair. I had mentioned to caseworker that campaign recall 123 had been repaired by Hyundai back in 2014. He denied any approval.

I purchased a car from Toyota of hollywood in March of 2019. At the time of purchase the dealer kept vehicle for 1 day to make service repairs to the brakes. I brang vehicle back to the dealership in April of 2019 because of noises being heard from car ( brake noises, rocky noises, water rushing forward) but was told by service manager that noises were normal. I brang vehicle back to dealership in August of 2019 at 8am because of additional noises being heard from car (explained to employee) but was told to make an appointment. I called and made an appointment for the same morning at 9am. Car was diagnosed with multiple issues ( brakes, rotors, axle). Management (ray and michael ) made the decision to hold my car without consent due to safety issues. It has been held without my consent since Friday, August 30th 2019. Bid patrol was called by managers because they did not want to speak with me or release my vehicle and asked the patrol that I leave premises without my car. I have made multiple attempts to contact the dealership by phone, email and an in person visit( with police escort) but have been unsuccessful in obtaining my vehicle. Visited dealership on Monday, September 2nd with a police escort and was not allowed on premises. Manager would not speak to me, would not release vehicle and requested I contact service manager michael. The service manager did not respond to any of my calls, voicemails or emails throughout the week. On Friday,September 6th 2019 I made another in person visit( with police escort because managers did not want me on premises) and managers did not want to speak with me. An employee was sent in place of manager to speak with me and I was able to obtain my vehicle but none of the safety issues were fixed( brakes, rotors, axle). I was given documents I did not want to sign but signed only to get my vehicle released to me.

Takata recall the vehicle is always stationary when I am unable to put it in drive from the park position. I am unable to put my driver's side window up, the interior lights went out, my tail/brake/turn signal all went out the same day. All fuses have been checked, they are fine. The car was sitting in my driveway overnight and the next morning I went to turn the wipers on to clean the window of bird poop and they wouldn't work followed by the clock saying 1:01 and it was around 8:30am. Then I noticed everything else, the rear lights were called out to me by another driver on the main road by my house.

Engine recall it was Friday night rush hour raining heavy traffic. While driving 35 mph on a busy street. The car engine stopped,no warning it would not go. I coasted to a stop all system lights were on the . Dash board. Tried to restart car no use ,car just made noise but would not start. No warning. From the car. Now the car will not turn off even with key out of car it will try to start and keeps trying to start. I had to disconnect the battery to get car locked. Brakes failed car rolling and used emergency brake to keep car from rolling. Towed to local firestone and the reading was not done bc the obd was found just hanging there. Car has only 51,000 miles. Very dangerous I could have been rear ended. I could have had my children with me. If this had happened on the express way I would have likely caused a very hugh accident.

Was driving my car at 60 mph on freeway and suddenly car's speed dropped to 20 mph with check engine light (mil) blinking. Also car was hesitating and wasn't going beyond 20 mph after that. This happened on last Friday 4/19/2019. I got my car towed to dealership (fred beans Hyundai of doylestown, PA) on 4/20/2019. I was informed that there was an issue with the knock sensor harness and it has been replaced under campaign t3g. I picked up my car from the dealership yesterday 4/23/2019 but my car is still having knocking sound, car is hesitating and I got the engine light(mil) back up again today 4/24/2019.

On 4/24/19 at approximately 5:00pm, I was driving down a busy city driving when my check engine light came on followed by all of the lights on the dashboard blinking. I drove into a parking lot and my car completely shut down on me. It would not turn on or start at all. I had to use my car insurance to have my car towed to my friends house because the Hyundai dealership was not within the towing range to be covered by my insurance. I called the Hyundai dealership service department at the very beginning of the next day, 4/25/19. The dealership came and towed my car to the dealership. After the inspection, I was notified that I suffered an engine failure and the engine had to be replaced. I was provided with a rental car, which I can use until my car is fixed, but Hyundai will need to send them a new engine so they dont know yet when the car will be fixed. I was also told that I would have to pay for the hoses, gaskets; anything that wasn't either a black surface or metal because the warranty does not cover those. The estimate for me to pay would be around $300. Also, during the inspection for the engine, I was told the axels were leaking and those needed to be replaced including all of the components of the brake system. I would have to pay the $50 deductible and the warranty would cover the rest. When the car completely shut down while it was still moving was very unsafe, especially during rush hour traffic.

On 4/19/2019, I was driving my car at 60 mph on freeway and suddenly car's speed dropped to 20 mph with check engine light (mil) blinking. Also car was hesitating and wasn't going beyond 20 mph after that. It went into limp mode / low power mode. I got my car towed to Hyundai's dealership on 4/20/2019. I was informed that there was an issue with the knock sensor harness and it has been replaced under campaign t3g. I picked up my car from the dealership on 4/23/2019 but my car is still having knocking sound, car is hesitating and I got the engine light (mil) back up again on the very next day I. E. 4/24/2019. My car is at the same dealership since than for the repair and they are waiting for the parts from the Hyundai factory. I also contacted Hyundai consumer affairs center for this and case#: 15700612 has been created for this complain.

Purchase car in 2014 and received a. Recall about engine could stall or stop. On the road took it in for fix change oil check dip stick. After two other recalls I received a brochure to keep in my glovebox that the motor could stall like the previous recall. Iworry about driving a car with this defect. My wife and me are 80yrs it worry's us. If and when we sell or trade car in do we let them no about the problem. Do you have car in stock that does not have these problems because it would hard to sell.

I took my vehicle to the Hyundai dealer and requested an emissions inspection, a safety inspection, a correction of all recall maintenance items, and an oil change. I told the representative that I did not want to order the 60,000 mile service since I still had not reached the 60,000 mile mark, and wanted to wait for a short period since my daughter's college tuition was due this month. The representative requested and drove the vehicle for approximately 40 miles as part of the emissions test and completed all requested services. I drove the vehicle home (approximately 10 miles) and parked it in the garage. The next morning I entered and started the vehicle; however, the gear shift was completely locked and I could not release it. Moreover, the check engine warning light on the dashboard appeared. The check engine light was not active prior to executing services. The car was parked on a level surface in the garage and the gear was properly placed in the park position. The emergency brakes were not engaged because the vehicle was not on an incline. A check of the internet revealed that the problem is occurring in a number of Sonatas; however, there is no recall for this defect noted on the NHTSA's safety recall site.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that vehicle failed to restart after the vehicle was driven and turned off. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times and was intermittent. The vehicle was towed to faulkner Hyundai philadelphia located at 11500 roosevelt blvd, philadelphia, PA 19116 however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Motor began to fail on the highway. Pulled over. �hybrid drive failure. Place in park and do not drive. � the warning should also have added �call a wrecker. � dealer says Hyundai is looking at pictures. Car was serviced twice and oil changed regularly. Waiting to see what Hyundai says.