Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 2

My vehicle has a lifetime warranty that is currently not being honored. It is currently in limp mode and showing a code p1326 which is an engine failure and possible fire hazard. The dealership has had my car for three weeks and have made no attempts to repair my vehicle which they are required to do by law under the theta ii settlement. I was lied to by both dealerships. One stated my vehicle was branded as junk which was false. And now they are denying me due to mileage which shouldn’t be factor since the warranty is a lifetime warranty.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

No warning whatsoever. Car drove like a dream. All maintenance up to date. Oil changes done exactly on time. All recalls completed. Then all of a sudden while on the interstate, car started knocking extremely hard, lights on dash came on and car died. Almost caused several wrecks as I was going 70mph. This happened March 2026. Vehicle is a 2013 with 105,000 miles on it. 1-owner vehicle with clean title.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side brake light was inoperative. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean something in the engine out because there's a defect in the engine. I paid $500. Fast forward a few months later. Same thing happens. I take it to an auto repair shop because it's cheaper and the mechanic says he deals with these same issues with other customers who have similar year, make, and models. This pattern continues to this very day. It broke down while I was working my 2nd job. I have a daughter. She plays sports. I have a second job. I need this problem completely alleviated as quickly as possible. Like a lot of the american public, I don't have extra money to keep up with anything beyond the normal maintenance of my vehicle. I keep it up to date with all oil changes. What can you do to get me a vehicle I can trust and it not break down every couple months and cost $300-$600 each time? I don't have good credit (I'm working on that) I have medical issues that I have to visit my doctor for every 3 months. I have the loan through capital one and they don't offer refinancing. My father who has passed was a car salesman his entire career. I just need reliable transportation and if it's a motor problem like they say then I shouldn't be liable to fix it. The manufacturer should. Please let me know if you need any service records from me. Oh and I also have to put about $20 worth of oil in it every week or so between oil changes. My local oil change guys unfortunately know me very well.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Care recently became inoperable. The engine was knocking, then stalling and then inoperable. Checked Hyundai website to find engine recall describing exactly what my Hyundai was/is experiencing. I brought vehicle to clay cooley dealership (39444 lyndon b johnson fwy, 75232) and explained that I see the recall on the Hyundai website describing what my vehicle is experiencing. After their service mechanics review, the service department representative falsely accusing me of the engine failure, stating that I "must not have changed my oil regularly". According to the service department, my 2017 Hyundai Sonata (132,000 miles) is not covered in the engine recall, and I must pay $4,926. 53 for the repair. Ftc - reportfraud. Ftc. Gov texas attorney general - consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

On March 18, 2026 I brought my vehicle to autonation Hyundai for an oil change and full diagnostic. Your dealership’s own diagnostic report showed no knock sensor code, no engine issues, and no active warning lights. My car was fully drivable when I dropped it off. Within 30 minutes of picking my vehicle up, the check engine light began blinking and the car became completely undrivable. It has not moved since March 20, 2026 at the dealership. The dealership did an additional diagnostic and found a knock sensor that was not there during the first diagnostics and have stated that my engine has too many miles to be covered uder warranty.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Consuming oil a quart every 2-3 weeks Sonata Hyundai in 2000 miles 3 quarts of oil were used. What happens when the motor locks up from be extremely low on oil. Possible accident! I cannot expect my wife to be checking the oil level every time she drives.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata experienced a flashing check engine light and entered limp mode (vehicle cannot accelerate), displaying diagnostic code p1326. This code is associated with Hyundai’s knock sensor detection system (ksds), which was installed as part of a recall-related campaign to detect engine bearing failure in theta ii engines. The vehicle previously had its engine replaced under recall due to known defects involving connecting rod bearing failure. The current condition renders the vehicle unsafe to operate, as it is limited in power and may stall or fail unexpectedly. The system is designed to detect potential engine failure, which is a known safety issue. Despite this, the dealership has not completed proper diagnostic procedures related to the ksds system and potential engine failure. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately one month without resolution. This appears to involve a failure of a recall-related safety system (ksds) and/or a recurring engine defect that Hyundai has previously acknowledged. My biggest concern is that they are diagnosing this issue as an electrical defect rather than the engine itself (which the system is design to warn about) in order to avoid having the repairs covered under the warranty that originated due to the class action lawsuit, and this component was only created and provided to consumers with no charge in order to protect the company from having to continue replacing defective engines.

Car burning oil and engine started knocking no warning lights ever came on prior to knocking noise. Brought to mechanic and engine has failed. Vehicle has less that 130,000 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

See attached document for complaint.

My engine is a class action lawsuit and Hyundai refuses to honor their extended warranty because my title has a brand on it. (odometer issues) my car has been a the dealer for a month and Hyundai refuses even though it's a safety issue and a defect in their design. I want a new engine. The car is perfect otherwise.

Code p1326 unable to accelerate, drive past 1st gear and knocking noise in engine area engine could stall out or lock up if problem is not fixed 3/14/2026- started engine light blinking warning light also code p1326 has had recalls for this particular car brand.

Engine was replaced in 2023. In March 2026 there was a fuel line leak to include fuel misting near heat components. The vehicle was in a fender bender but Hyundai determined this did not cause the leak which eludes to this being a faulty installation of the engine replacement associated with the recall. I’ve reviewed my 2023 engine replacement invoice. I see the service kits were used to transfer parts from my old engine, but the high-pressure fuel pipe (35340-2g710) is not listed. Per Hyundai's gdi service protocols and recall 180, that pipe is a one-time-use safety component that should not be reused during an engine swap due to fire risk. Since it is leaking now, it’s clear the old pipe was reused and has failed. I'm asked for a goodwill replacement because this was a procedural error during the 2023 warranty work and was denied. This is a safety issue.

Engine siezed.

The vehicle suddenly stopped and died while driving. The mechanic confirms that the engine is gone, contact Hyundai. Ourisman of rockville and Hyundai motor America (hma) refuses to replace the engine for free. The vehicle has now developed a severe engine knock consistent with the well-documented defect affecting Hyundai’s theta ii engines. Hyundai has publicly acknowledged this issue and issued a major recall covering approximately 470,000 vehicles with the following specifications: • model years: 2011–2012 • engines: 2. 0l and 2. 4l • manufacturing period: December 11, 2009 – April 12, 2012 Hyundai and federal regulators identified the safety concern as manufacturing debris that could restrict oil flow to rod bearings. This defect can lead to engine knocking and eventual engine failure. Critically, Hyundai has acknowledged that engine failure may stall the vehicle while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai’s official remedy for this defect required dealerships • inspect engines for bearing noise • replace the engine if necessary • honor Hyundai’s extended engine warranty of 10 years / 120,000 miles for affected vehicles. This issue has also been the subject of significant litigation, including the class action lawsuit case no. [xxx], filed January 23, 2018, against Hyundai motor America (hma), kia motors America, inc. (kma), Hyundai motor company (hmc), and kia motors corporation (kmc). Despite these well-known issues, ourisman of rockville failed to disclose any of the following when selling my daughter's this vehicle: 1. The widespread engine defects associated with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. 2. The recall and safety concerns related to debris restricting oil flow to rod bearings. 3. The extended Hyundai engine warranty covering affected vehicles up to 120,000 miles. This omission is particularly concerning because this defect presents a serious safety hazard and a clear and present danger. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S.

I was driving in highway and just engine lockout and vehicle shutdown.

I took my car in for an oil change and the tech wouldn’t even take my money because he said the car was a safety issue and it needed to be taken to a Hyundai dealership ASAP as he has seen the engine fail or blow up on this model before. On the way to the dealer the engine completely seized in the middle of the road forcing us to stop traffic on the busy road and push it in a near by parking lot.

This complaint is not related to the existing recall associated with this vehicle. The vehicle is experiencing a serious loss of power and acceleration issue. The car is unable to accelerate past approximately 60 mph. When pressing the accelerator fully, the vehicle does not respond or increase speed. While attempting to accelerate, the engine rpm increases and then suddenly drops repeatedly, causing the vehicle to struggle to maintain speed. This behavior is consistent and occurs during normal driving conditions. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to accelerate in traffic, as the vehicle cannot respond when needed. The issue has occurred multiple times and makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to operate.

While I was driving my car wouldn’t go no higher than 60mph and kept dropping speed but I came to a stop and when I stopped the car was smoking. I heard knocking noise and rumbling noise on the passenger side. It wouldn’t start again.

Rod bearing failure.

I am submitting this complaint regarding Hyundai motor America’s denial of my request for engine replacement assistance. I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrid with approximately 106,000 miles. The vehicle experienced sudden engine failure while driving which put my daughter, in danger and is now inoperable. I still have a remaining loan balance, and the cost to replace the engine is significant. I am the second owner of this vehicle. Prior to my ownership, it was a government vehicle. Hyundai requested maintenance records from before I purchased the vehicle; however, I do not have access to those records, as they were not provided at the time of purchase. Since owning the vehicle, I have maintained it responsibly and submitted all available maintenance records from my period of ownership outside of work issued directly to the state. My request for assistance was denied based on a determination of “exceptional maintenance neglect. ” I respectfully dispute/ disputed this conclusion. I do not believe the engine failure was due to neglect, and I was not provided with clear documentation or evidence supporting this determination.

Vehicle started then stalled requiring tow. No initial illumination of warning lamps or messages. Findings upon inspection by independent service center: multiple cylinder misfires (p030100, p030300, p030400, p030200, p030000) and excessive debris buildup on vvt sensor screen. Car uses excess oil- a minimum of 3 qts per 600 miles. No warning lamps or messages occur when car is excessively low on oil.

3rd time in the last 6000 miles the knock sensor came on and the dealer clears it, charges me repairs and sends me home with the code cleared car. All 3 times the car imeditently kicked into limp mode while I was on the highway at high speeds, suddently being slowed without warning. When checked with a local scanner it showed p1326 code and dealers all confirmed it. First incident happened in utah in 2023 (108949miles) and the last 2 happened in michigan in 2025(114850 miles) and now 2026 (115890 miles).

While driving, the vehicle experienced sudden engine malfunction. The car entered limp mode, lost power, and produced a loud knocking noise from the engine. The failure occurred without warning and created a safety risk because the vehicle could not accelerate properly in traffic. This increased the risk of being rear-ended or unable to move out of dangerous situations. The issue appears to involve the engine (possible internal failure). The vehicle is currently at an authorized dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership during inspection. The vehicle has been under diagnosis for over three weeks. There were no prior major warning signs before the failure. At the time of the incident, the vehicle suddenly lost performance, entered limp mode, and began making abnormal engine noise. This issue is consistent with widely reported engine defects in similar vehicles. Despite this, the manufacturer has denied coverage and attributed the issue to maintenance, even though regular maintenance was performed. This is a serious safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving.

The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. While driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the owner that the failure would not be covered under warranty due to a lack of engine maintenance on the vehicle. The owner provided the maintenance records. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

The failure involves the engine, which has seized (locked up) and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became unsafe when it stopped operating in traffic, creating a potential hazard to myself and others due to the sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by both a dealership and an independent service center, both of which determined that the engine has failed and requires repair or replacement. The vehicle has also been inspected by the manufacturer as part of the claim process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or indicators before the failure occurred.

Had an oil change, then 2 weeks later car making noise, checked the oil and it was completely empty, so we refilled the oil. Then a month after again same issue no oil, refilled it again and now a week later it's 2 quarts low already. Also when I come to a complete stop when it is time to go again it's very slow at going or if I try to excel it takes it a very long time to actually excel I think something's wrong with the fuel pump.

Check engine light is flashing on dashboard. Reduced vehicle speed. Car will not drive beyond 62 miles. Lost of power during acceleration.

The bearing failure from the metal debris had been progressing silently for a long time. You can’t feel or hear it happening gradually. Then at some point the damage crosses a threshold where: ?the oil can no longer circulate properly ?the crankshaft bearings completely fail ?internal metal parts make contact with each other ?everything locks up instantly.

This is an extremely common issue plaguing Hyundai & kia vehicles with the theta iii 2. 5l turbo engine, such as kia k5 gt, Hyundai sante fe, Hyundai santa cruz, & Hyundai Sonata n-line. Its a failing itm (integrated thermal management) unit or otherwise known as an itms unit. There is a rod within the itm that prevents proper control of the flow of cooling the oil and engine coolant of the engine. Results in cooling issues, such as a cold lower radiator hose while the engine is hot, or 'limp mode' during acceleration, that causes a sudden loss of power while trying to merge on the expressway. There has been other kia models and years that have had TSB's related to fixing this issue, but Hyundai has released nothing. I have uploaded an example of one of the TSB's that do not apply to my car. Technical symptoms often include: fans running 100% full duty (high) while the lower radiator hose stays cool. Or fuel dilution or a 'rich' running engine. Because the engine is overcooling that keeps the car's fueling rich and in a open loop mode affecting emissions and contaminating oil. Personal details of exactly what happened when I noticed mine was failing. I ran home on my lunch break, and while accelerating on a ramp to get up on a highway, my car started beeping and flashing "engine overheated" and I immediately let off the gas with preparation to pull over. The second I left off the gas, the coolant temp within 1-2 seconds went from a little over 3/4 the way up the gauge back to normal a little below half temp. I resumed driving a 3 mile drive back to work, with it showing normal temps the rest of the way. I popped the hood when I got to work to see if coolant was low, and it was completely normal, a little over halfway between the min/max lines. The car continues to run hot, often with the cooling fans running at 100%.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Sudden loss of acceleration. This occurred while making a left turn across traffic from a stop. At approximately 7mph the car would not accelerate any further. I was luckily able to coast the vehicle into a center turn lane. Upon coming to a stop I was unable to get any acceleration. The vehicle was turned off and turned back on again and operated normally. There were no trouble codes displayed.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Federal report on technical obstruction and warranty fraud (theta ii settlement) national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) from: [xxx] VIN: [xxx] repair order (ro#): xxx vehicle location: Hyundai shop - [xxx] Hyundai corporate case: #xxx state complaint (az ag): xxx I. Chronology of events and evasive tactics all documentary evidence has been formally submitted to Hyundai motor America’s national consumer affairs department, addressed to case manager bryan, at [xxx] and via the official email: [xxx] . Step 1: falsification of title status (code a99) Hyundai initiated its denial by alleging that the vehicle held a "salvage" title status, citing internal code a99. Evidence: I possess a certified and stamped motor vehicle record (mvr) from the arizona mvd, as well as my clean title. Mr. Bryan categorically asserted that code a99 "cannot be removed," thereby deliberately disregarding an official state certification. Step 2: allegation of negligence (karen) corporate representative karen claimed via telephone that the vehicle's failure was attributable to "negligent maintenance. " evidence: the official webdcs report—printed by mr. Ismael barragán (service drive manager)—completely refutes this claim; the blue link service history indicates "0 findings. " step 3: fabricated diagnosis and breakdown of improper charges after being compelled by mr. Bryan to take the vehicle to the dealership for a diagnosis, the narrative shifted to an "oil pump failure. " mr. Ismael barragán (service drive manager) presented a billing estimate to the customer under repair order (ro) #xxx, itemized as follows: mechanical diagnosis: $193. 00 usd engine replacement/rebuild: $11,980. 58 usd total demanded from consumer: $12,173. 58 usd technical emphasis: the blue link report (showing 0 findings) serves as irrefutable information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (safety hazard) motor/pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.

On 2/19/2026 while driving, my 2020 Hyundai Sonata limited 1. 6t began making several loud explosive / popping sounds. At the same time, the fuel gauge on the display screen appeared to rapidly drop, as if the vehicle was losing gas. Immediately following this, the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while accelerating. The hesitation felt like the engine was misfiring or struggling to maintain consistent performance. There were multiple explosive sounds before and during the hesitation. This created a major safety concern while driving and the vehicle underwent an inspection at Hyundai in deland, FL. The service department was brief and stated they needed to keep the vehicle for repair for an unknown amount of time as the fuel tank expanded. No further information was provided at that time.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I was driving on the highway and the engine shut off but everything else remained on. I drifted to the breakdown lane and turned the car off. It would not start again and the car began acting up by turning lights on and off, telling me to check the tire pressure, and not unlocking the doors. I then saw some very light smoke from the engine compartment. I popped the hood and looked and saw a glow on the bottom side of the engine area. Then the car just went up in flames.