Automatic Emergency Braking Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 1

Hyundai Sonata owners have reported 41 problems related to automatic emergency braking (under the forward collision avoidance category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Hyundai Sonata based on all problems reported for the Sonata.

1 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/09/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking system engaged abruptly while there was no other vehicle or object near the vehicle, which nearly caused another vehicle to rear-end the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

2 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/06/2025

During a front end collision the car did not auto brake and the air bags did not deploy. The car has been totaled and is currently at a dealership for insurance appraisal.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

3 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 07/12/2025

When starting car warning lights came on for abs, aeb, cruise control. Cruise control is locked out and not working due to these warnings.

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4 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/29/2025

Was driving in reverse out of garage and abs brakes were applied like I hit a patch of ice stopping the car. Released when applied pressure to brake. Then while on highway going 60 miles an hour the emergency brake system went on for no reason applying pressure and red light came on the dash with a left facing arrow. System released within a few seconds but scared me and I still have to drive this car on highway.

5 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/14/2025

I was driving into work on a major road (about 45 mph) when my 2023 Hyundai Sonata stopped accelerating and my engine gave out. Initially I thought I was accidentally pressing on my break pedal but when I realized I wasn’t pressing the break, I had just enough time to turn on my hazards and get out of traffic and onto the shoulder of the road. I was stuck between a main exit and the major road. My battery, oil, and engine lights came on (no service lights had been on prior to this incident) and my car was just very slowly rolling before it automatically engaged my parking break - which makes me fearful of what would have happened if I had still been in busy traffic. I could gotten very badly rear-ended. My car only has just over 5600 miles and I never had any issues with it before and kept up with the general maintenance. I attempted to restart my car to no avail and about 30 minutes later I was able to restart my car but there was a very strong vapor smell in the cabin of my car. I got my car towed to a dealership and was informed one of my fuel injectors was misfiring/gone bad - similar to many other incidents on this site. I asked the dealership if they were able to view the state of my other fuel injectors and was told they were unable to do that, so I am unsure if other fuel injectors will go bad in the future.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

6 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 12/29/2024

In October of 2023, I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid to the laundry mat about a quarter of a mile from my home. I stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, a warning sound burst from my dasher board. The message stated, "hybrid warning-do not drive: check brakes". The brakes completely stopped working, the pedal was to the floor and the accelerator was stalling. After managing to get the vehicle back to my home, naturally I went to the dealership (langdale Hyundai of valdosta) and informed them of the issue. They informed me there was no issue, charged me for a diagnostic and sent me on my way. Once I provided proof of my car stopping mid-drive, they began to check wiring and such. What they told me the issue was is a hydraulic power unit. I had it replaced, still the same issue "check brakes". I only have 116k miles on this car, bought it with 72k in 2021, so I haven't driven it much. It spent 8 months in Hyundai dealership in holiday, FL for a brand-new hybrid battery in 2022. I have been looking online for anyone that knows more about this issue so I can get it resolved. It turns out there are thousands of people who are just like me. I believe this is indeed a recall issue. I believe this is an issue is an emergency issue, brakes giving out while driving is an issue that needs to be addressed. This has been happening for years, and Hyundai has not done one thing on it. It's happening with newer vehicles as well as older. Langdale Hyundai of valdosta was not much of a help at all, to be honest, I don't trust their workers at all. I believe they do nothing and charge customers for the max that they can.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

7 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/29/2024

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

8 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/05/2024

On three separate occasions, while going very fast (60-78 mph), the automatic emergency braking system turns on. The warning lights flash and there is some type of warning noise. I don't even know if it starts to break because it scares me so much, I just press the gas. It turns off within a couple of seconds, but that is not the point. If I didn't react so fast, I am unsure of what could actually happen.

9 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 10/20/2024

I was driving as normal and twice about 3 min apart from each other my car went into emergency braking and stopped sudden. No red lights no warnings nothing. Also periodically my car dashboard lights will come on while driving filtering through all the hazard checks. Sometimes it stays on and sometimes it don't. Eventually dash goes back normal. Again all with no warning. Very scary.

10 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/29/2024

Fault code in the automatic braking system c24020 c17410 white body paint bubbling and peeling off the car for no reason. Passenger door roof frame and trunk. Hood previously repaired.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

11 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/18/2024

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a left turn, the forward collision avoidance system abruptly activated, applying automatic emergency braking, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence only while attempting to complete a left turn. The forward collision avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

12 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 07/06/2024

I have had this car for 2 years (13k miles). . . . Intermittently the car stops short when backing up. This has happened at least 15-20 times, backing out of my garage. It also happened twice backing out of a parking space. The most recent incident was driving on the hwy at 70mph and the emergency brake warning light came on causing the car to swerve, stop for a few seconds. Needless to say this was very scary. I am attaching a link with the same or similar complaints: [xxx] I have been in touch with corporate. The car is currently at the dealer ship and has been for 2 weeks. They are trying to duplicate the problem, but it is so intermittent, I doubt they will find anything. I was told they have to keep it for 30 days, then. . . . I don't know what the next step is. I love this car, but no longer feel safe in it. Please advise how you can help. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

13 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 06/10/2024

On 4 occasions in the last 4 months when I push the gas my cars rpm will go up but the car does not accelerate. This has happened twice on the interstate when trying to merge with trsffic and twice in city traffic, once when making a lefthand turn across oncoming traffic and once just driving down the road. I have taken the car to 2 separate dealerships for a total of 3 times and they drive it a few miles and tell me they can't duplicate the issue. I just picked my car up today after leaving it for 6 days. On my way home the emergency breaking system activated for no reason slowing my car down on the interstate. Both of these issues could get me or someone elas killed. I have not even had this car for 2 years and I am afraid to drive it. Please help. I know I am not the only person with this issue because I can see others on the internet who also have been told that the dealership can't dupe the problem. Even the dealership I just picked it up from said they had another car there with the same problem that they can't duplicate so there is nothing they can do.

14 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 05/29/2024

My car randomly engaged emergency brakes while driving 70+ mph on the highway with no cars nearby. It almost came to a complete stop but I was able to accelerate again. It was not acting as a safety features because there was not a car close to my front. I am concerned if it happens again I could get in a crash and rear ended. The dealership does not seem concerned.

15 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 03/01/2024

This is the 3rd time it happened to me. I was driving on the highway at speed 60-70 and a flash came across my dash that said emergency brake warning and my car started slowing down. I panicked and pulled over the road. The warning came on so fast and not even a min it stood on. It went off within 5 seconds. This is a safety hazard and can cause death when this happens. Please issue a recall for this to be fixed because this is dangerous to me and other drivers. I want my money back because this is the manufacturer defect or issue. They need to correct this before fatalities happen.

16 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/15/2024

The Hyundai Sonata was brought to a stop in a parking lot. When the driver went to put it in park, the vehicle accelerated across the parking lot and smashed into a solid wall. The driver broke her right ankle from standing on the brake pedal. The brakes were ineffective at stopping the vehicle. The collision avoidance system failed to activate or warn of the impending collision. The driver and passenger were severely injured and the car is considered a total loss. There were numerous other injuries sustained. No one outside of the vehicle was injured.

17 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/09/2024

Vehicle 1 operating normally in traffic on rt 10/202 in westfield MA. Operator 1 notices alert on dashboard. As operator 1 looks down briefly and returns eyes immediately to the road, she sees vehicle 2 braking to slow or stop. Operator 1 depresses brakes, but vehicle does not slow as it usually does, nor does automatic emergency braking engage as it always has in the past. Front of vehicle 1 makes contact with rear of vehicle 2. Dashcam footage appears like brakes did not activate at all, either manually or automatically. Vehicle 1 airbags deploy. Westfield police respond, as well as westfield fire, who cut the battery cable. Vehicle towed to interstate towing, inc. Yard 5, 20 clifton st, westfield, MA 01085. (413) 593-1900 interstatetowing. Com. Owner 1 viewed vehicle at tow yard, and noted that the battery was completely melted, with only portions of the plastic casing along with internal plates visible. Much of the plastic and rubber components immediately adjacent to battery location were melted and deformed. As a layperson, it almost appears as though the battery was in the process of shorting out just prior to the collision, possibly rendering many of the safety systems inoperable.

18 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/24/2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? hybrid warning system: safely stop and do not drive. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I lost complete control of braking when the alarm went off, the brake pedal went to the floor, made a grinding sound, was driving at a slow speed and able to pull over and stop the car. Turned car of and turned back on alert went away, slowing started driving and alert returned and loss of brake has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? car is currently at a Hyundai dealership being evaluated, they are unable to reproduce error as of today 1/26/2024 has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? not as of today. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? 1/24/2024 this was the 1st time this error occured.

19 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 10/17/2023

I went to start my car up 10 days ago and it began to alarm with a message to check the brake system. My car was stuck and wouldn't drive. This also happened in July 2022 while I was on the highway. I could no longer accelerate and the gas pedal no longer gave power. I had to put on my hazard lights and coast to the far right lane. I took it to the Hyundai dealership near by and they said it wasn't safe to drive. I left it there and was told that Hyundai would replace the part in good faith at no charge but charged me $700 for labor. This is becoming a problem. I was told the car could catch fire while driving or while parked and that I could continue to drive it. I decided not to drive it because I do not feel safe.

20 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 10/03/2023

Warning lights keep coming on for abs and blind spot detection. Please help as I know this has been recalled in other 2018 Sonatas. So why is my VIN # not included in these recent recalls?? I fear for mine and my daughter's safety as she turned 16 in February 2023 and started driving this car in August 2023. Please help!!.

21 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/21/2023

2012 Hyundai sonta the car brakes out of no where. Comes to a stop .

22 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/20/2023

It has been 4 months that I was instructed to park vehicle outside. This is frustrating. I think they should replace the module and get it over with.

23 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/15/2023

Right wheel speed sensor failed in Feb 2023 now left rear wheel sensor has failed in Aug has 50486 miles.

24 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/07/2023

Vehicle displayed hybrid warning while moving through an intersection on a highway. The car's engine turned off along with the power steering and brakes. Had the light not been in my favor, I would have been unable to stop on a high speed highway with oncoming traffic.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

25 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 06/01/2023

Abs module stopped working and the abs module light is on. Car automatically brakes by its self sometimes or locks up at stop lights creating dangerous driving situations.

26 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 05/23/2023

The car has had multiple issues with the hybrid system. I’ve taken it to the dealership about 4-5 times. They “fix” the issue but a little while later I’m having more hybrid warming issues. This last time I took it to a different dealership, paid for a diagnostic test, and was told my hybrid system was bad but because it was repaired too many times instead of replacing it, it’s no longer covered under warranty. The issue from the last diagnostic test showed the master brake cylinder was faulty, I replaced it but I’m still having the same issue. The mechanic I took it to did their own diagnostic test and it showed there is an issue with the hydraulic booster, high pressure accumulator short term charge. When I searched the issue, I’ve found that many people are having the same issue with the same car/year as mine. I contacted the manufacturer and they are still not willing to fix it even though it is a possible defect in the car.

27 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/09/2023

Engine keeps losing power not sure why & also abs brake system out of nowhere when accelerating in freeway they automatically brake sometimes for safety feature.

28 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/19/2023

The engine stopped working completely.

29 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/27/2022

The car caught on fire while my family was driving it. Nearly killing them in the fire. Witnesses say the fire started underneath the car then went to the engine. There is a TSB recall 227 on those types of cars indicating the fuel tube needed replacement. This car was serviced last in September with an engine replacement at Hyundai dealership. That day the check engine light came on. Police was called, insurance is investigating. Have not contacted manufacturer.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

30 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/27/2022

Car did not stop in time to avoid a front collision with a stopped car on a highway.

31 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/30/2022

The vehicle has been turning completely off after use for over a year now. At first it would happen every now and then at the beginning and all you'd have to do was restart the car manually. Now every time the car is turned off it needs to be restarted manually now. The car will also shut itself off while you are driving. It will tell you something is wrong and then won't let you get over 15-20 mph. If you are on a neighborhood, it's less dangerous for this to happen where you can pull over and turn off the car and restart it. But I have seen other post that they've started to malfunction on the freeway and highways before. My car is a 2021, but recently I've seen 2023 models are doing this as well. I know some people on the internet have gotten their car fixed by replacing a back logged battery. It took some people over a year to get it diagnosed correctly and 6 more months to get a new battery. I assume this is also what is wrong with my vehicle. It is in the shop right now, but we have not gotten an answer back even htough it's been there for 10 days. The car app has also indicated that the car has not been turned on since we left it there.

32 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 06/28/2022

Vehicle locked up the brakes by completely depressing them automatically and didn’t use abs when sensing another vehicle stop in front of it. Causing the Sonata to slide into the rear of the other vehicle.

33 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 06/07/2022

Driving on interstate 10 westbound at about 0700. Clear day. No adjacent vehicles. The frontal crash avoidance alert suddenly went off and automated emergency braking activated as I approached an underpass. There were some slightly harsh shadows, but not the worst I have seen and I drive this segment every day. Entire event was very short. No injury or other event occurred.

34 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 06/06/2022

Abs and traction control warning lights came on, then went out the next time I started the vehicle. They then did this a second time. On the third time, they stayed on. Brakes worked fine, and vehicle had plenty of brake fluid. Inspection at dealership revealed left rear wheel speed sensor malfunction. Research discovered that this could cause a braking problem as the issue continued. Dealership verified this is a possibility. Dealership also stated they have had a number of vehicles report this issue; doesn't seem to be related to any particular year.

35 Automatic Emergency Braking problem of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 04/30/2022

I just bought this car about 10 days ago everything was great until about 2 days ago, I started feeing my steering wheel lock for a little bit or get extremely loose. It did that a couple times through out the day and everything was fine. Next day about the same thing. I thought it was weird. Now today I was driving and felt the same sensation of stiffness on the steering wheel but still able to drive then boom steering wheel locks completely and multiple lights come on. This was extremely scary and I'm already traumatized by other incidents in my life. I like the car but this error in the system is so risky. After turning the car off and on , steering wheel began to work normal. Hopefully this does not happen when I am on highway !.


Other Common Forward Collision Avoidance related problems of Hyundai Sonata

Problem Category Number of Problems
Automatic Emergency Braking problems
41
Warnings problems
26
Adaptive Cruise Control problems
24
Forward Collision Avoidance problems
2

Sonata Service Bulletins
Sonata Safety Recalls
Sonata Defect Investigations