general problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

Component/system failed: engine – connecting rod bearing failure consistent with Hyundai theta ii engine defect subject to federal recalls and consent orders. The vehicle previously received recall campaign 953 (ksds software update), intended to detect premature rod bearing wear. The engine is currently knocking and has been diagnosed as requiring replacement. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: rod bearing failure can cause sudden engine seizure or stall while driving, creating a significant crash risk due to loss of power steering and braking assist. Engine failure did occurr despite prior recall software update, indicating potential recall remedy ineffectiveness. Sudden stalling in traffic placed myself and others at risk of collision. Dealer confirmation: Hyundai of north charleston confirmed through warranty history a prior engine replacement request (PA) was submitted by a previous owner but denied. The recall repair was never performed. Current diagnostic findings indicate engine failure consistent with known recall defect. However, Hyundai has refused to perform further inspection or goodwill repair solely due to the vehicle’s salvage branding. Inspection history: the vehicle has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. No engine replacement was completed. Hyundai customer care has updated case notes but is declining remedy based on title status rather than mechanical condition. Warning lamps/symptoms: the vehicle previously received ksds software update. Engine knocking developed consistent with rod bearing wear. The software did not provide effective prevention of engine failure. The engine now requires replacement. Hyundai is refusing recall-related remedy due to salvage title (predates my wonder ship by many years), despite federal recall obligations applying to the vehicle VIN. This complaint concerns potential failure of recall remedy effectiveness and denial of defect-related inspection.

I had a standard oil change done on my car and it was running fine afterwards. Later that evening, my car started smoking and spontaneously burst into flames from the hood. The fire originated in the hood of the car and melted the entire front of my car as well as the entire inside. It burned a lot of fuel and oil, which leaked onto the ground and continued burning on the ground. My car was overtaken by flames in a matter of a few minutes. It burned so fast that there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was not aware of anything wrong with my engine or fuel lines, or anything like that. However, something was very wrong for the engine area to catch fire like that spontaneously.

The plastic fuel pump housing cracked at a spot outside of the fuel tank. When the pump was running, the crack caused the pump to spray fuel outside of the gas tank where the fuel puddled on top of the tank and dripped down over the sides of the tank. During a non-related repair, my mechanic noticed the bottom of the fuel tank was wet with fuel. I'm lucky the plastic fuel pump crack was found before the spilled gas cause my car to catch fire.

Gas smell on the passenger side front seat.

The low pressure fuel line connector to the high pressure fuel pump failed and sprayed fuel over the hot engine. This could have easily cause a vehicle fire and death. This is a know issue and is covered by a safety recall on 2013-2014 Hyundai Sonatas (Hyundai technical service bulletin 20-01-030h). The same issue occurred on this 2015 Sonata that was built in June 2015. A temporary repair had to be made until Hyundai could inspect it. Vehicle was taken to holler Hyundai in winter park, FL and inspected. Results were forwarded to Hyundai motors America and the repair was declined because the 2015 models were not included in the recall. It is our belief that the same connector was also used on some 2015 Sonata models prior to the issue being discovered.

Approximately five weeks ago, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata showed a check engine light. I took it into the dealer and paid a diagnostic fee which revealed the third cylinder misfire in the engine. I paid to have the engine cleaned yet the light continues to stay on and the car has been running low on oil every time it gets checked the dealer states that the engine needs to be replaced.

I was driving on the highway and my engine violently started to shake and I pulled onto the shoulder and the engine shut off. I’ve had oil leak and engine problems with this car for 2 and a half out of 3 years! I’ve had to buy countless gallons of oil. Multiple spark plugs, coil packs, etc. You can’t drive the car for one whole minute without it stalling in traffic and almost causing accidents. So I can’t drive it!.

Hybrid system failure leading to complete power loss while driving.

In the first incident(2020) after the check engine light was on, the car was towed and needed the valve cover and fuel pump gasket replaced due to leakage. In November of 2023, the check engine light kept flashing and again the car was towed to the dealer. The valve cover was removed and we were told a new engine was needed, but we would have to pay for it. We were old that we have neglected to keep oil in the vehicle.

Car stalls intermittently. When at a stop sign or red light, then when my turn to go I step on gas peddle, car starts to go, then stalls. I have to let off gas pedal and step on it again to get car going. This is dangerous as it leaves me in intersection and vulnerable to oncoming traffic. I had a mechanic check it out and they cleaned throttle body, but that did not fix problem. No trouble codes showing up apparently.

Hybrid car with various hybrid system failures that results in sudden loss of power while driving. This has occurred 3 times to me while on the highway (I-75 in south FL). Car suddenly loses power, could not accelerate but I was able to get off the highway safety. This has been reproduced at the dealer and they first replaced the hybrid generator then the hybrid battery and ecm and now it occurred again yesterday while I had 2 children with me and now they blame the transmission. This is a dangerous car that should be recalled and investigated for the true cause of sudden and unpredictable power loss.

Component : high pressure fuel pump is being fixed as speak ; can provide statement and diagnostic from mechanic. 2. The first time the fuel pump failed it went out on the freeway, I was accelerating onto the freeway and I hear a big pop sound , the whole car went into limp mode . Leaving to cruising on the freeway. No warning , no check engine . I had children in the car . The issue was deemed ; a faulty fuel pump . Second time mechanic let me know there was a crack in the pump ( had been replaced less than a year ago ) . Because of the crack , gas & fumes filled the cabin of the vehicle , to the point where you could not operate without having all windows down . The vehicle could have caught fire ! me and my family could have been hospitalized because of these fumes coming through the vents. Again, no check engine , nothing ! that repair is being fixed as we speak . Another $1,200 job . 3. No the vehicle has not been inspected by insurance or law enforcement . Only by licensed mechanic shops . 4. There were no warnings , both times the high pressure fuel pump failed . No prior signs of the issue the first time & the second time the gas smell was so unbearable , that was the indication .

I have taken my car to mechanic and they have told me that my car is leaking gasoline. They recommended that I go to the dealer. When I called the dealer they told me that I would have to pay for the diagnosis. This is obviously concerning as gasoline fumes are toxic. There has been no warning lamps turned on this whole time but can definitely smell it when I finish my ride.

Hyundai is having failed engine problems after certain amount of mileage. The engine is burning oils with no leaks anywhere in the engine. You change engine oil after a week we will see the engine light flashing on your dashboard. This is my 2nd vehicle with the same problem. Thank you.

Engine failure due to a problem with the type of engine. Hyundai denied warranty and class action settlement claim, due to exceptional neglect. All oil changes etc were accounted for. The car with no warning, had been driving great, lost all power and left me and my two grandchildren on the side of the road. The Hyundai dealership confirmed that the engine was blown. There were no warnings.

Noticed a smell of gasoline in the passenger compartment and took it to my local mechanic. Upon his inspection he found that the gas smell was caused by a crack on the plastic connector for the fuel line on top of the fuel pump. He showed this to me and recommended replacing the fuel pump as the connector is built into the pump and there was no proven way to fix the leak. Said leak caused gasoline fumes to fill the passenger compartment and therefore a risk of igniting a fire in the passenger compartment.

While driving on a highway, I heard a rattling sound, which could best be described as tying cans to the car and dragging them along the road. I had never heard this noise before. No safety indicator lights turned on to alert me of any issue. With minutes of first hearing the sound, a very loud pop noise could be heard, followed by immediate engine power failure. I was able to navigate off of the highway, into a more residential area. Upon the vehicle coming to a stop on its own (I was not able to apply the brakes at all), a dark cloud of smoke starting coming from underneath the hood. Seconds later, it burst into flames. I was able to safely exit the vehicle with my dog, but if traffic were any heavier, there would have been no safe way for me to get off the road and to a safe location.

I have a used 2015 Hyundai Sonata that I purchased from a Hyundai dealership in December 2021 (due to the chip shortage, I had to purchase used). A few months later in June 2022 I was driving on the freeway and my car felt like it was losing acceleration. I was already planning to exit the next exit to go to my destination and as I was exiting and came to stop at the red light before I could then turn right . . My car started to violently shake. Ultimately, after going to my own car place the following day and them determining that the fuel injectors and the computer were not talking, I had it towed to Hyundai where after another 4 days they also determined it was that problem and they replaced the computer under warranty. Well today I was again on the toll road / freeway and I was in the fast lane, I suddenly felt a strong jolt and my malfunction light came on and it was blinking on the dash, I knew not to drive it based on the light and as I steered to the right shoulder to slow / stop and call aaa I could feel my car just lightly shaking again. My car is now at the same Hyundai dealership where I purchased it and I’m waiting for diagnostics on the problem. Before this all happened, the first time in 2022 I was having sporadic issues with pressing the start button and there was a bit of a delayed start at times, even after the computer was replaced I’ve still had hiccups with the start button at times but it’s been very sporadic and it has never been a starter issue (had my car place already check that). So I’m now waiting to hear if the computer indeed failed for a second time. They cannot assess my car until Monday or Tuesday at the dealership (today was a Friday, my car was towed there at about 11am today). If the computer did fail again, it lasted about 14,000 miles before it just died again. Quite frustrated at the moment. I already contacted Hyundai corporate and opened a second case today regarding all of this.

The driver's seatbelt does not retract. The engine is burning oil.

This is the third time this has happened. The car just starts to beep and stops working wherever it is. Its died on the highway and another busy road during rush hour causing a dangerous backup in which the police needed to be called. The car just beeps and flashes on the dash "hybrid system warning! safety stop and do not drive". Also, "check charging system". The car just stops and basically dies on the road when this light comes. When this happens the steering wheel does not really work and the gas/breaks have limited function. This could cause a major accident on a major highway or even off of a highway. I am quite surprised that there has not been a recall for this serious safety concern.

The car has been having problems with oil consumption. The problem became known in 2022, but the dealer/service department (frank Hyundai, national city, CA 91950) did not take care of the issue and did not care about safety. The dealer told me, "your car is ok. " on 7/3/2023, the engine light came on. A second round of oil consumption tests began along with a 90,000-mile service, including replacements of filter assy and gasket, four new tires and front and rear brakes, spark plugs, suspension/steering repair, shaft assy, engine repair, cooling system service, and fuel induction service. Shortly after, the car slows down even when my foot is on the accelerator. It feels as though the vehicle will stop. I can see the rpm gauge erratically going up and down. The car lurches or jerks. I reported the jerky problem to the dealer at the second 1000-mi oil consumption test, but the dealer did not make any diagnostic tests or repairs because, per the dealer, "it did not jerk while we test-drove it. " the problem continues.

The car has been having problems with oil consumption. The problem became known in 2022, but the dealer/service department (frank Hyundai, national city, CA 91950) did not care for the issue or safety. The dealer told me, "your car is ok. " on 7/3/2023, the engine light came on. A second round of oil consumption tests began along with a 90,000-mile service, including replacements of filter assy and gasket, four new tires and front and rear brakes, spark plugs, suspension/steering repair, shaft assy, engine repair, cooling system service, and fuel induction service. Shortly after, the car slows down even when my foot is on the accelerator. It feels like the vehicle will stall/stop (while driving in the middle of the road). I can see the rpm gauge erratically going up and down. The car lurches or jerks. I reported the jerky problem to the dealer at the second 1000-mi oil consumption test, but the dealer did not make any diagnostic tests or repairs because, per the dealer, "it did not jerk while we test-drove it. " the problem continues.

Strong odor of gasoline noticed after driving vehicle and smell remained present for a few hours after ending the drive. Found out that many drivers for the Hyundai Sonata and kia optima have had same complaints and the issue is a component of the fuel pump that is cracked. Traced it back to my vehicle, and that in fact is the problem. Since gas is combustible, this is a seriously dangerous defect.

My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has issues when switching from eco-to standard to sports, it constantly shakes when approaching a red light or stop. . My vehicle is constantly stock and vandalize and stole. Need you to easy assessability by thieves. This constitute higher insurance for me and consistent problems.

While I was driving, my check engine light came on. It wasn’t flashing so I was going to continue driving to a parts house (because the dealerships around me were closed) and have them check the codes that were present. Immediately after I had that thought, I noticed the car was smoking and the battery light and the traction control light had come on, so I proceeded to pull over and shut the vehicle off. I got out and noticed the hood had soot on the edges. I called 911 and watched the car go up I’m flames. This all happened in less than a mile. I noticed a fluid of some sort had sprayed out of my vehicle onto the road and the underneath the vehicle was coated in the fluid. This is still being investigated but I know of a lot of Hyundai/kia vehicles have caught on fire while driving. I’m not 100% sure of the cause yet, but I want to document that this did happen to my vehicle. I would love to update as soon as we figure out what has caused the car to catch fire while I was driving.

I reported a fuel leak while the vehicle is in motion to the dealer on 9/12. They had the vehicle 3 days and could not find the leak although the service manger agreed he smelled fuel when the vehicle was brought in. They released the car without repair.

This is yet another incident of a Sonata hybrid hybrid flashing a warning to the driver and the the engine shutting down. This time it was Sep 7, 2022 in morristown, TN. . Read more...

Strong gas odor from inside the vehicle low pressure fuel pump is leaking from underneath the back seat of the vehicle down the side of fuel tank onto the exhaust it can cause a fire fuel pump is cracked on nipple the pressure line connects to that runs to the motor on the vehicle repair cost is over 1000 dollars to replace the fuel pump to fix the issue.

My daughter was driving on the interstate when the car went into limp mode and the engine light was flashing. We had it towed to hyundia dealership where they did an engine update. Had it for 3 months when it did the same thing to her again. Had it towed again to same dealership where they are telling me it needs a new engine.

Vehicle suddenly lost power while in operation. Vehicle was in motion approaching an intersection. When left turn indicator was activated, all lights on the instrument panel illuminated, the engine shut off, and power steering was lost all while the vehicle was in motion approaching a intersection with stop sign. Vehicle was able to stop before entering the intersection, but would not start again and we were stranded in the middle of the road. Electrical systems appeared to be working. Battery and alternator are functioning normally. After vehicle sat for 20min, it then was able to start and moved out of the road to a safe location. Vehicle was towed to mechanic that confirmed battery health and alternator functioning. Vehicle was then taken to dealership for recall 210 safety repair. Dealership service unable to determine cause for loss of power while vehicle in operation. No explanation, offer of additional service, or remedy has been offered despite requests. I do not feel it is safe to operate this vehicle in the absence of information related to the sudden loss of power during normal operation. Had this occurred in another setting with more traffic or less room for safely coasting to a stop, serious injury or worse could have resulted. The vehicle is still eligible for the 10yr 100k mile powertrain warranty and I am the original owner. We do not feel we can safely operate this vehicle and need guidance on how to proceed with pursuing a remedy to the situation from the vehicle manufacturer.

The top of the low pressure fuel pump in the fuel tank was cracked. A strong fuel smell was present near the rear of the vehicle. When the vehicle was placed on jack stands, leaking fuel was visible on the sides of the fuel tank. The rear seat was removed, fuel pump access cover was removed, ignition was turned on and fuel was observed leaking from cracks on the top of the low pressure fuel pump. This is a huge safety concern due to fuel leaking from the fuel tank. I know for a fact this is not an isolated incident, you can watch youtube videos of others with the exact same problem. The dealers want $1k+ to repair. I was an ase certified mechanic for 20+ years experience, I purchased an oem fuel pump through an online retailer for ~$600 and replaced it myself. Problem solved, but for how long? there were no warning lamps or messages, the only sign was the strong smell of fuel.

The vehicle is slow to accelerate and as its accelerating it often will jerk or hesitate roughly. There have also been times when accelerating, such as getting on a highway, that the whole (what I assume to be) throttle system will almost stop and it feels like the car is just going to stop right there on the highway. It's very dangerous as cars behind me are also accelerating and not expecting my vehicle to just stop. The vehicle is available for inspection. There are no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the issue. It has not been inspected by anyone yet.

Sensors lights would indicate an issue and would disappear sometimes without any reason (mainly check engine and tire pressure sensors). Indicators would trigger the opposite direction (indicate right and the left indicator would turn on). Burning more fuel than expected. Primary fuel pump stopped working resulting in car stopping in the middle of the road.

While driving pov from work, I began smelling fuel in the air conditioning system from external intake. Upon further discovery, the high pressure fuel pump was found to be dislodged from the engine, due to a sheered bolt. This allowed fuel to spill out on the manifold and engine, also reducing power for acceleration. This issue could have caused a vehicle fire that could have engulfed the cabin if ignited.

2 days ago my car had red orange like engine light came on while I am driving on California highway 5 near culver bblvd. Mext to kia american logo my car stopped running so I pull over and I call my local mechanic hwo sold me the car. Js auto in santa ana, CA. He came in a towing gtruck. Mr joseph lee. Also young choi. They work in js auto repair mechanic shop. He also put a engine in my Sonata hybrid and redid the mileage odomete it was 49000 nut the dmv registation paper said 146900 any wau. I went to the mexhcnhanic shoipi last weeek complaining about engine light and they swap the something near the ful hose entrance area. Then 2 days my engine light came back on and mr jospheh lee came to me on freeway 5 culvoer with towing truck ,h e was asking whathapppening, and he ask for the key fod. He start the Sonata and told me foloow me in my trowing truck to js auto santa ana tustin shop so I did> I spend 5 hours nnot having liunch and break fast. I mention to him abiut lemon law for pur chase used car. He tell yelled at me> I said I gave u company cashg check for 10,000. Don't tell me what I can say anot not say in front of yourc ustomers. He said go tal k to tustin Hyundai near you> and I let left the shop at 445pm because shop closed at 5,pm I thanked manager choi for buying lunch at redhill cafe steadk cheese streal 12 inch sub sandwich. Theni came home and google search on evap leak. Because manaher choi told it was evap leak error on the mcahine beause they brin ghte evap leak testor from js auto garden grove location< please google js auto garden grove so any faulty equipment they are using and any bad financial dealing they are doing < I thjink they mis calculated my used car> I shoild pay maybe 8500 or 7500 us dollars>.