Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 1

I bought this car from someone in April of 2024 and the person who I bought it from said everything was perfectly fine, they brought it to the Hyundai dealership and according to the mechanic there the engine was fine…. I have taken care of the engine since I bought the car, kept up with oil changes and everything…. Until a few days ago when the whole thing ceased up on me while driving down the road to my sons school. I wasnt going fast either, the speed limit is 40mph where I was when it happened, but I’m glad I have quick reflexes because otherwise we would have wrecked the car. Everything shut off on me and now its knocking. There is alot of metal shavings in my oil and my mechanic tried to drain it a few times to get the debris out of the oil but it does no good.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My engine seized on the highway on my way home from work. The service department has been horrid. They lied about who the manager is. They lied about the reason behind not wanting to honor the recall. They are rude - threatened to tow my car today after I waited 6 days to hear back from them about the issue with my car and determination. Was extremely rude. Stated that they were not honoring the recall because there was obvious signs of my engine being tampered with or certain parts on my engine, but could not provide a name of the part or a serial or model number so that this could be verified. I need this addressed immediately.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Engine is burning oil at an excessive rate. Burning a liter every 1,000 miles and Hyundai refuses to do anything about it.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

While driving around 20 mph my cars rpms will rev and my car will take off then my automatic breaks will kick on and today around [xxx] I was going under 25 mph and there was a car in-front of me and it really scared me as I went to hit the breaks my car already did. My car has done this twice now, both on residential roads. The first time I figured it could have been a me error but now I know this is something seriously wrong with my vehicle. I have had my car for years and I know my car and it never just takes off how it has been there’s always a delay when I go to accelerate. This is very concerning and I’m scared to drive my car now. 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 🔎.

I bought the car on [xxx] used and it’s has 165000 miles drove fine for the 30 miles as I was driving at 65miles car losing power and slightly noise out the engine getting louder as I was to push the gas pedal and the engine light started flashing suddenly car has shut down as I was rolling on the road and I lost the power of breaking luckily I was going uphill on [xxx] and I parked on the side of the road. I call the Hyundai dealership of 3810 w hillsborough Ave, tampa, FL 33614 and I explained what happened he asked me have the car lost power I said yes, is the check engine light flashing I said yes. And do I hear knock engine I said yes. The dealership check the VIN number and said it’s been warranty and we will inspect if that’s the problem we will be no charge to you with the repairs if something else we will charge you $175. I haven’t hear back I text to see the status and he told me the did test on the car and failed the test because of the issues on the engine I said okay you going to replace it he said we need to inspect inside the engine and take a photo to send over and to proof of the damage if not proof I will be responsible for the inspection time charge of $375 and I ask me of the I want to door that way which I have no choice until the dealership send over and get the proof to see the photo. Now im waiting the answer tomorrow information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Car had oil in the electrode of spark plug. Total engine failure.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My 2012 Hyundai Sonata cut off and stopped working! the vehicle locked up in the middle of a main street and would not start back up causing a very unsafe situation. There were no check engine lights on or anything at the time of the incident I immediately had the vehicle towed and inspected it has been determined that the engine is failing! upon research I found out that these engines have had recalls in the past. Carfax shows that the vehicle has been taken in for routine maintenance and oil changes when needed. I am looking to see if the engine replacement could be covered for this vehicle.

Engine consumes oil, more than 1 quart a week. Started misfiring on a trip and dealer stated that engine needs to be replaced since valve was burnt. Have 116k miles on car and have been diligent in maintenance.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Driving at 70 mph on the highway, the engine seized without warning. The car violently shuddered and rapidly decelerated in the travel lane. A fully-loaded semi-truck was directly behind me and had to swerve violently and brake hard to avoid crushing my vehicle. This created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a catastrophic, high-speed rear-end collision. The failure is with the internal engine assembly (likely connecting rod bearings) and is available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the engine failure but denied the repair. This is a known defect. The "engine oil pressure" warning light flashed and a loud engine knocking began moments before the total power loss. This is a dangerous defect that causes sudden, unpredictable stalling at highway speeds.

Sir this is not first time to make complaint I brought my car to Hyundai company after I got an appointment and they called text emailed me and the know my car information on 10/1/2025 I brought my car but they mentioned wrong VIN number and after that I came back on 10/8/2025 but when I got there to finish my recall 953 they said your car rebuild title and now my car engine I think out I don’t know but they changed the engine before and I bought the car three months ago and now I can not drive it please help me with that the car just stopped when I was driving and 124369 miles and how the rebuild car not affected by recall.

The problem with my vehicle is a failure of internal engine components, specifically a known defect in the piston rings of the Hyundai theta ii engine. This failure causes excessive oil consumption, which is burned internally. The internal engine components have failed, leading to a widely documented defect in the Hyundai theta ii engine. The primary symptom, which began to get serious around 80,000 miles, is the constant need to add oil to the engine every two weeks. If I do not do this, the low oil warning light illuminates on the dashboard, serving as a continuous alert of the problem. This failure was officially confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership. About two weeks ago, they first documented that there were no external leaks on the vehicle. When I returned because the oil had been consumed again, they performed a new diagnostic, for which I paid over $300, that confirmed the engine is burning oil internally. The dealership, acting as the manufacturer's representative, is the only entity that has formally inspected the vehicle. The situation places my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. First, the oil consumption can lead to a sudden and catastrophic engine failure, resulting in a loss of power and control of the vehicle while in transit. More alarmingly, the guidance I received from Hyundai staff was to simply "wait for the engine to stop working or start making a lot of noise. " as someone who depends on the car for a daily commute, following this dangerous recommendation is an unacceptable risk.

Was driving on the interstate, and took the exit I needed. Upon exiting before coming up to stop light, noticed check engine light flashing, and couldn't accelerate. Rpms were bouncing when I tried to accelerate. Pulled off onto side of road, called mechanically inclined friend who came with an obd2 sensor, and it was showing a p132600 code for knock signal range performance, with an audible knocking sound, and engine vibration while on in idle. Got the code cleared so we could drive the car the 3 miles I needed to go to get to where I was going, 2 miles in, the engine light came back on and vehicle went back into limp mode. Called aaa and got the car to an in network mechanic shop for carvana, whom I bought the car through a month prior. Proceeded to do an oil sample test and found it to be full of metal shavings. Said engine would need to be fully replaced. Vehicle is currently still at mechanic until silverrock gets the claim and will see if the engine replacement is covered under warranty. Certified automotive inc. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Driving came to a stop ,light turned green made a u-turn to go to the gas station heard a pop noise smoke came from inside the car tried stopping it but the brake pedal sunk into the ground pressed my emergency brake it was seized wouldn’t go down (never had that issue my brakes always work ) I smelled brake fluid and seen the abs light on the dash then the power started to go out and my girlfriend almost got trapped in the car.

At 70712 miles cylinder 4 suffered a catastrophic internal failure. The vehicle also had excessive oil consumption and the dealer just told us to keep adding oil as there was nothing they could do. The vehicle must have had a manufacturing defect.

It has oil consumption issues.

My car is needing an oil change almost every 3 weeks at this point. Mechanics say there is no leak and there may be a recall for gdi engines that are burning oil very fast. This is a reoccurring problem and would love to find out if I can get this recalled like I seen other 2017 Hyundai Sonatas.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I am the proud owner of a 2011 Hyundai Sonata this is my 3rd Sonata; we love it due to the worry free long last and warranty. Never had any issues through the years until last night ([xxx]). When getting off from work 6:15pm heading home for about 30 mins. I was driving my car approximately 35 mph when I went to turn a corner suddenly, my car started sputtering, knocking sound and failed to accelerate having traffic behind me not to cause an accident I put my hazard flashers on, and I lean over to the right on grass. Puzzled and scared saying to myself “ what the hecks” what’s going on. The car parked on the side was having hard time staying on and shut down. I then went and opened the hood to check to make sure nothing was in my engine causing it, everything looked normal except, the smell of oil has a burnt smell to it which means in technical terms it has thrown a rod and bent valves and smell of burned electric. Finally, we called aaa, they advised their busy and it will be about 2 hrs. So, I sat there to wait for aaa. As I sat in my car waiting, I started researching online. I currently do not have any recalls or ever got any notice. I came across there is an active class action lawsuit going on for the rod bearing going out in these models and years. After some time, I called aaa back to get an eta, they told us they were extremely busy, it would be about another 45 mins. At that time another tow company pulled up and asked if we needed a tow, we didn’t want to wait longer for aaa to get home so decided to have it towed home … totally cost $175. Today I am trying to contact Hyundai to see what we going to do regarding my car and praying it can get fixed on this recall that I had no idea and thanks god, I turned it off my car could start a fire & burned up. I never got notice about recalls for my engine and it’s sad Hyundai does contact owners ahead to let them know about this problem, think about it we are talking about lives. Thank you for taking information redacted pursuant to the freedom of info.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was restarted. The check warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v226000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the recall repair was denied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the waste gasket, timing belt, and battery needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that, due to the mileage and year of the vehicle; the recall repairs could not be redeemed. The contact stated that rental reimbursement was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Knock sensor has gone bad.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I was driving (i4 highway) when my car suddenly stalled, causing engine failure and almost putting my life at risk, causing an accident. This car has a factory recall for engine damage. I took it to the dealer, and Hyundai refuses to accept the engine repair because the title is rebuilt. The car has no damage to its original engine and is ready to be replaced. They don’t want to assume responsibility.

Came off the highway to a stop sign went turn and the engine just seized and would not start no matter what I did. Had to have it towed to my house. Safety risk was just off the road so I did not get hit. Police stop and told me to get a tow truck. And no warning signs at all.

My car has been with priority Hyundai in chesapeake va since September 23rd. They have advised me that I will definitely need a new engine however, Hyundai is requiring them to do 2750. 00 worth of work on my engine before they can submit a claim to have my engine replaced. They explained to me that one of the piston rings in my engine needs to be replaced. The service technician reassured me “the failure was nothing that I could have caused”. I have gotten my oil change regularly, and I have paperwork that shows that. The car is five years old. I’ve only had the car for 3 years and I’m the first owner. I have never driven my car long distance. I work from home. The most I do is take my boys to and from school which is at the most 5. 1 miles away from my home. The dealer recommended that I call Hyundai my self and start a case. Which I did. Two days later Hyundai canada called to tell me their decision is final and my case was denied because the warrant is 5 years/60,000 miles I told them the car was over the 60,000 mileages when I bought it and I’m still well within the 5-yr mark. She then says, basically that the piston failure is not included in the extended warranty. However the class action suit states differently. The dealership advised me that their system shows a 99 yr warranty on the engine, which they took that to mean lifetime. They priced me a new engine at 7111. 00 in addition to the 2750. 00 of engine work they told me I must get done before Hyundai would approve me for a new engine. I have been in contact with the lawyers handling the Hyundai/kia 2. 0l and 2. 4l theta ii gdi engine class actions. They have added me to the data base and provided me some direction. Which have led me to you, the NHTSA.

The engine light started to come on and go off. I had the spark plugs changed and I kept regular maintenance done on oil changes and tune ups. Now my engine is knocking and the vehicle is in limp mo. I took to dealership for extended warranty it was denied due to not properly maintained I turned an additional maintenance records the claim was never reevaluated I took my car home which is only 3 mi away in the engine caught on fire before I could get home $9,000 loss I don't know what to do.

Vehicle lost power leaving me stranded. All lights on dash came on, lost power, and barely able to steer to get off the road. We had to have it towed. The vehicle was towed to our mechanic, who states the motor seized up. Mechanic states there is no repair for this issue. Car has just been paid off. Now we have nothing!.

I own a 2011 Hyundai Sonata with a 2. 0 turbocharged engine. The engine failed/presents issues such as loss of power, rattling, oil consumption, and smoking, which resulted in my engine seizing up. This creates a serious safety risk while driving, to now my car no longer operates. I checked NHTSA’s recall database and found no open recalls for my VIN regarding engine replacement, but I believe this engine defect should be investigated for a recall.

I had just started up my vehicle as normal and exited a parking lot when all of a sudden the vehicle switched off and I was able to safely maneuver to the side of the road and it would refuse to start, and there was smoking coming from beside the engine and we were unsure of what it was. I got it towed to a local mechanic and he let me know that it was an engine failure, and that the starter had burned as result of that.

I started taking my car to the dealer in 2023 for engine problems, including high oil consumption and stalling. The dealer kept telling me to return in 1,000 miles instead of fixing it. The issue was officially documented again in March 2024 (ro #131797) with ‘cause: high oil consumption. ’ despite paying \$356. 46 for repairs, the problem was never resolved and now the engine has failed.

I bought this car before less than 3 months when. When I was drive the car on [xxx] the car just stop stopped no power without any warning when the car stop I just came from home. It’s far it’s like the distance between my home and the place the car stop in the highway. It’s like 5 miles. When I park the car to the side road right side road I open the hood. I see some smoke coming from the engine and smell like fire or burn or some plastic fire. I’m a mechanic he said before I bring the mechanic I seen that the screen light it’s like a car with the key in the middle of the car. The picture is the light the car stop starting. I thought I call somebody he told me maybe the car is the program or disconnect. We need to program it or they bring the battery I bring a battery. I tried to start the car again. It’s not working the mechanic. He told me that starter. I bought the starter and I start in the car. You still not working they told me after that. They told me the battery maybe I checked the battery I took the autozone. I took the battery. It was 95%. I called the company and the company. If they check the car, they say the car they have to recall just I get appointment with them the first time on October 1, 2025, but when I take the car there the end VIN number different with an appointment not my car. I get another appointment October 8. I told the car over there. Dixie highway highway louisville kentucky. When I arrive to the car dealership in dixie highway, louisville, ky they told me your car is rebuilt title. I told them what they mean. He said we can’t do nothing with it because it’s built. I told them why they didn’t tell me before I wouldn’t give the car here. They told me to bring the car appointment before you get appointment. You have to check the car as if you can see it’s built you are a company even that time I don’t know what’s rebuilt car mean , idk if Hyundai worry just about people they have clean title? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I bought the car before less than 3 months the car was good but before 10 days when I was driving it on highway , suddenly the car stopped without any light warnings I was in dangerous situations hard to got the car to right side way exit 19 a express highway when I opened the hood was smoking from engine and smile like plastic fire I brought the mechanic said starter I bought starter I replaced it the same problem they said the key I changed the battery program the key same problem they told me battery I checked the battery 95 % another mechcheck by computer said the engine and he said most of these car has manufacturers problems the engine replaced recall 162 before bought the car what my solutions and I know ther is extended warranty.

Problem with the valve cover gasket. Dealer said replaced. Engine oil smell has been entering into the cabin and making me ill. Causing chest pain, headache, dizziness, nausea.

To whom it may concern, I have own my vehicle since Jan 2018, which was purchased from the dealership's owner w/less than 10k miles. Maintenance has been performed iaw Hyundai's recommended schedule. However, yesterday, I was informed that my vehicle needed a new engine and other replacements totaling $13,934. 89. This is outrageous. How can a well kept vehicle w/106445 miles, need such replacements? thus your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the long block kit and engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that due to the mileage and aftermarket engine in the vehicle, the recall repairs were denied. The contact related the failure to Hyundai service campaign: 953. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,301.

The engine shut off on the highway on two different days. Vehicle was going between 65 and 70 mph. The vehicle engine shut down and all the warning lights came on. Every one. The vehicle still moved but nothing inside worked, it ran on battery mode for the 17 miles to the dealership with a maximum speed of 60 mph. The risk was the immediate unresponsiveness of the vehicle and the sudden and immediate reduction in speed and power. It presented itself twice in about 2,000 miles. The dealership charged a 491$ diagnostic and found all the warnings and reset it, not reason for it happening and sent me on my way. Then it happened again. Brought back to the dealership and they tried to say they did another diagnostic and called the tech helpline. It took hours and they still don’t have a definitive answer, wanted to try almost 2k in repairs to see if it would fix the issue without any guarantees it would. Warning lights, all of them came on, cruise control, abs, engine light blinking, steering, literally everything and messages started running through the information center.

I would like to file a complaint regarding a serious engine issue with my vehicle. At times, when I put the car in reverse, the engine suddenly accelerates on its own without pressing the gas pedal. This unexpected acceleration creates a dangerous situation and increases the risk of an accident. I request that this matter be investigated for potential safety defects to prevent harm to drivers and passengers.

Car has had check engine light on for 3 + years. Have taken it to several mechanics including a Hyundai dealership and none of them can figure out what is wrong. Have replaced water pump, belts x2 in a year (same belt) and thermostat x 3 again (all within 2 years). Dash fuel gage and dash heating/cooling gage are completely erratic. Cruise control does not work. Due to chronic check engine light and mechanics unable to pin point the problem, car has become hazardous to drive. With that in mind, today (9/10/2025) while exiting the high way, car stalled and behaved like it was in neutral. Steering wheel also locked up at this time. Luckily was able to stop. Had to restart car and then it occurred again while driving on a side street at 35mph. The codes that are still popping up are ones that I have spent thousands trying to fix and find the root cause of the problem. What could the issue be if no mechanic can seem to diagnose and fix the issue?.

See all problems of the 2010 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.