Hyundai Sonata owners have reported 3,069 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling 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.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 mph with three passengers inside the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated or messages displayed prior to the failure and the vehicle shutting off. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was coasted off the exit to safety and then towed to the residence. The contact’s neighbor and son inspected the battery but found no fault with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.
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all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata
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On [xxx] iwas driving coming back home from [xxx] by exit [xxx]. The engine turn off and didnt turn back on. I had to get a town to take me out of the highway and pay $141. 00 becide that my engine seized. Now I dont have a car and the car didn't gave me any notification that something it was going on with the engine. If I had any light on the car I wil take it to the mechanic, know I loss my source of income because Hyundai problems with engine. And to get another engine it cost $5000. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
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all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
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The fuel injectors failed on my Hyundai Sonata in two instances. Once on 5/23/24 and once on 9/7/25. During the first instance, I was driving on a local road when the accelerator stopped working and the engine started sputtering. We were fortunately able to stop at a nearby parking lot before the engine completely stopped working. During the second instance, I was also driving through a local road when the accelerator stopped and the engine started sputtering again. This time, we weren't able to reach a safe stopping point and the engine died on the road. My family was with me at the time, so we had to push the car in neutral to the closest safe space. In both cases, our safety and the safety was others was put at risk as the car become unable to accelerate, and the car stops moving. We had to get out on the road and push the car with oncoming traffic. The problem was confirmed by the dealer in both cases, and they replaced the fuel injectors in both cases. So far, they've replaced 3 out of the 4 fuel injectors so I still drive in fear of another fuel injector causing a breakdown while I'm driving. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure so there was no way to know to stop driving and to stop in a safe spot. We were fortunate to be able to move the car to a safe place for both instances, but if this had happened on the highway or secluded location, our lives could've been at risk. I've requested Hyundai to replace the last fuel injector but they're refusing to do so. I only feel safe driving in local roads or short highway trips as I fear for the reliability of my car, my safety, and the safety of others.
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all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata
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I purchased my 2017 from Hyundai motors of America in 2017. I am the only owner. I took the care in for a recall for campaign 953: ecm & cluster update-engine monitoring logic product improvement to have a a knock sensor placed on the engine to monitor the vehicle for signs of engine failure in 2022. The car has been showing signs of engine failure since the knock sensor was placed on the vehicle and Hyundai claimed that the knock sensor was bad and replaced in. Last week while I was driving the car ok the interstate at 70 miles per hour, the engine stopped running completely while driving. The check engine light did not illuminate until after the vehicle’s engine stopped running. The vehicle lost its ability to accelerate while driving. I was almost hit by a semi as I tried to guide the disabled vehicle to the emergency lane. I took the vehicle to one of the Hyundai dealerships for an inspection. The inspection shows engine failure due to internal failure. The knock sensor from campaign 953 failed to detect any engine problems. I called Hyundai motors of America and was given a case number (41539529). Even though the dealer reported to Hyundai motors of America about the engine failure, Hyundai motors of America is refusing to fix the vehicle due to mileage even though there is an extended warranty through campaign 953. This company is a fraud!! the company wants me to pre-approve authorization payment for them to replace my engine at my expense regardless of the recall, and their negligence!! they are placing people lives at risk.
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all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata
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The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that there was no oil in the engine, even though the contact had recently added oil. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 109,000.
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata originally had its engine replaced under Hyundai’s recall (NHTSA recall #17v226000) due to the theta ii gdi engine defect. The replacement engine was installed by the dealership as part of the recall. However, the replacement engine has now failed after only ~50,000 miles, exhibiting the same issues (engine knocking, stalling, and eventual failure). This occurred despite proper maintenance and care. The dealership contacted Hyundai, and I also contacted Hyundai consumer affairs directly. Both refused to replace or assist with the failed replacement engine. It is unacceptable that a recall replacement engine would fail so soon and that Hyundai will not stand behind the part they used to correct a safety defect. The issue remains a serious safety concern, especially since engine failure can lead to fire. I request that NHTSA investigate the durability and safety of replacement engines and Hyundai’s refusal to support affected owners when these replacement engines fail prematurely. I have case number with Hyundai 41436693.
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all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
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Engine malfunction putting my safety at risk. This is a known issue under Hyundai’s active campaign, and the issue was verified by the manufacturer. A PA was required and Hyundai is refusing to repair vehicle due to service records prior to my ownership not being available. This issue was identified on 9/4/2025.
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all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata
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Excessive oil consumption leading to no or low oil levels. Piston ring design flaw allowing oil to leak into combustion chamber, damaging the spark plugs. No warning lights until failure posing a significant crash risk for my family. Engine failure at 134k miles without warning, rings need replaced, per mechanic. I am shocked as I just paid the car off and thought Hyundai was a good brand.
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all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata
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We are the original owners of this vehicle. Over the past year we have been having to put quart(s) after quart(s) of full synthetic oil into this vehicle. There are no leaks anywhere that the mechanic can find and no burning of oil from the exhaust. We don't drive the vehicle many miles but have to put oil in at least every few weeks. The mechanic stated the last few times we have taken the car in to get looked at that it is a known issue with this make/model. He stated there was nothing he could do and we needed to contact the manufacture. We have tried on numerous occasions to make contact as well as the dealership has as well with no resolve.
I have tried to have my Sonata 2013 gone over gor the previous ownership never gave me any ro in this bias was stared. This previous wherebpurchased and worked , was not on the the up and up. Vwhere ,steele Hyundaibwhen owned know keating group purchased. I'm asking ngo iver the safety I the setvice ussues t hat Hyundai is awarevand have all thr campsign numbers looked up I do not believe since ive oened the car ,sonata anythingbwas donen,agein nothing evervstated and knly oil changes done without any given paper wirk given on recalls except oil changes. Ssues and . So wanting, asking that no chargeb,go iver make sure for the situation posted and Hyundai posts in 6bareas yes , go over for the brake system is causing the hybird tobshit down and the car with squiggly line know comes on fuses and the the brake power booster sensor is the problem gor I had the Sonatanon computer that came up also shavings in the engine campaign 162,994 251 to go iver no charge to make sure it was done and whatever faulty be replaced no charge . Charge to Hyundai for the problems if safety and service are on line stating should be taken care if no charge to consumer. Nothing is happening, just the insanity definition, to resolve. I ask forba new case manager I'm entitled to, can't turn down ,but is and lies about contact. Once, returned call no return call. Hope in the next 24 hours this be resolved so I can have this situation at no charge,don't believe ever done,no paper work in my possession, never had oil changes. Never told ,never anything from Hyundai. Almost got reat ended will send bill any to Hyundai tontalje carebofbas well something know NHTSA isn't helping after many complaints as this. Hyundai admits no charge for t his situation ,insanity and no cooperation just arrogance and belligerence . Mileage has nothing to do with. Engine should be looked at for whatnot NHTSA rant about engine in my Sonata hybird and engine,problem still exists at.
This has been going on nothing resolved and no cooperation. Im going yo locate an attorney that really don't want to. Requesting this be ,the situation be loojedvatb,at no chargevand replace whatbwasvsuppisedly replaced by steele south loop Hyundai ,houston texas ,sold to keating groupbbased out if texas. What I'm asking isn't make sure itvwas done ,and whatever replaced ,inexpensive to do to. Repkace the parts , and computerbprograned to make current no chsrgebto ne for Hyundaibsta t ES in line and would not be getting emails from NHTSA as I do . Hope finally 24 hours resolve, cooperation and done finally.
Engine failure and car burning oil very fast causing other things to go wrong like piston ring and spark plugs.
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all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
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The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly and failed to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the starter. The mechanic informed the contact about an engine recall. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The starter was replaced. While leaving the dealer lot, the vehicle shut off. The dealer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed about a monetary compensation, a starter, or a repurchase of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Vehicle loses power while driving making it unsafe to drive, it can cause an accident in certain conditions like when passing another vehicle or crossing a street. There is a recall for this issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle shuddered before losing automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine and nox sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer on several occasions for the repair; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
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all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata
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P1326.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 mph. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed knock sensor. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown extended warranty for the knock sensor; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 103,500.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stopped independently. The contact stated the vehicle went into limp mode independently, with a clinking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled into a parking lot, awaiting tow truck assistance. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was inspected and the contact that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters, rod bearings, and piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v568000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the claim. The failure mileage was 167,000.
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 75 mph on the highway, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. No warning lights illuminated. The contact veered over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off, and she noticed smoke coming from the engine. A bystander behind her noticed the flames coming up from the engine. The contact mentioned she exited the vehicle and called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to atow lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
. Car is using or burning alot of oil. After oil change. It went 2800 miles on the oil change and the cars oil light come on. Checked oil and nothing on the dip stick. Headlights randomly shut off at night. Had the wiring checked and didnt find any issues.
I am filing a complaint regarding my 2013 Hyundai Sonata in connection with a known recall related to connecting rod bearing wear (I believe this is recall 198). My vehicle is experiencing issues consistent with this defect, but Hyundai has denied my warranty/recall claim. Hyundai’s denial was based on an allegation of “engine neglect,” which is not accurate. I have maintained my vehicle with regular oil changes since purchase, and I have records to support this. I work from home and therefore do not drive as frequently as the average commuter, but I have always performed at least the standard minimum maintenance required. The car has never shown signs of engine neglect or had prior engine issues until now. The failure occurred while I was driving on the highway, when the engine suddenly stopped running. This placed me in a very dangerous situation, as the car stalled in active traffic and posed a risk to myself and other drivers. This highlights the serious safety hazard associated with the known rod bearing defect. Since the failure, I have been left without reliable transportation, and it has been extremely difficult to get to and from work. The problem was reported to my Hyundai dealership, but they are refusing to cover the repair and appear to be attempting to avoid responsibility for this recall. Even if the specific recall campaign is now listed as closed, this is a well-documented defect, and Hyundai should remain obligated to fix it when it occurs. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in ensuring Hyundai is held accountable for honoring their obligations under the recall. Consumers should not be penalized thousands of dollars for a safety defect that is the manufacturer’s responsibility.
I bought this vehicle on 07/21/2025,I didnt recieve any information about recalls,I was driving on 80 east at 60 mph and noticed the dash lights came on, somehow I was able to coast far enough and merge 2 lanes and was sitting between the offramp and the freeway ,the seemed like a dead battery or wouldnt turn over, soon a California state tow truck pulled up he tried to jump it ,nothing, he towed me to a safe place, then I called triple a same thing, I was towed home after I assumr the crankshaft cooled it started with a knock, there was no knock when it siezed, I got home and seen they gave me gwc warranty, im paying for they didnt even mention that when I bought it, ,the story is worse this was the second car from this dealer,the first one I had 1 day and heard rods knocking on cold starts I took it right back, thats how they got me in this I was kinda cornered, I called gwc they said send it to a dealer so I sent it to Hyundai ,at first they told me the engine siezed and said its covered by Hyundai, then said the next day they denied it becouse the knock sensor update was never completed from 2020,I only had the car 1 month it siezed on 08/25/25,so now there trying my gwc coverage who tells Hyundai they will cover a used engine,I said ok, I have been communicating with the Hyundai service manager, he did tell me over the phone he doesnt believe it was even legal for them to sell me that car,also yes the blinkers did constantly go the wrong way,I didnt know about that recall either I know it was upsetting me,every time I look my blinker was going the other way,,I see lots of recalls and problems with the Hyundai engines,how do I realy know if that was or wasnt taken care of for this car or was there a knock sensor recall in 2020, the car has 144,000 miles I bought it with 141,051, Hyundai warranty becouse engine siezure is 150,000, its still sitting at Hyundai waiting for gwc to say go ahead ,he keeps telling me they will let me know tomarow,I have no car,.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The engine and the abs warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the maintenance records were needed. The contact was using an independent mechanic for maintenance and did not have the records. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Pushed acceleration at traffic light to cross and turn into neighborhood, car started beeping frantically, 'check hev system' flashed on dash as well as 'turn off engine' while car decelerated to 1-3 mph. Battery meter bar on left side of dash completely depleted showing no battery power supply at all. Turned vehicle off for a few minutes then restarted. Put the vehicle in drive gear and same warnings appear, car doesn't even accelerate when gas pedal is pressed fully, stays at 1-3 mph crawl. Vehicle stalls out after 30 seconds, vehicle turns on but cannot start.
Oil leak on alternator engine leaking oil from the front cylinder bank’s valve cover or from the valve cover’s gasket onto the alternator. An unknown amount of oil damaged the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. If the vehicle is continually driven with a disabled charging system, the engine can shut off, increasing the risk of a crash.
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all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata
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My daughter was driving her 2011 Hyundai Sonata on the freeway at 65mph when the engine light came on and car simultaneously slowed to a stop on 8/21/25 creating significant danger to my daughter and other drivers on the road. There were no prior warnings or indications, and car just had an engine check performed in June 2025. Had it towed to Hyundai on 8/22/25 and Hyundai completed an engine check and it failed. Hyundai told us they'd cover it under the extended warranty if only we could provide complete maintenance records. We were unable to satisfy their record request threshold, as we are not the only owners of this 14-year-old vehicle, so they've requested $10,000 to replace the engine instead. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is part of the theta ii engine family that has been subject to multiple recalls, class-action lawsuits, and federal investigations due to catastrophic engine failures.
I was going down the highway and noticed a weird sound and when off the highway it just shut down on me thank god I was able to pull in a median and I could not drive or start it. No other warning signs. I had it towed to a mechanic and they told me the engine was blown and he wouldn’t touch it.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Despite the odor, the contact's sister resumed normal driving operation and later refueled the vehicle. After fueling the vehicle, the fuel odor was stronger, and the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact's sister pulled over to inspect the vehicle, but found no failure. The next day, upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic immediately smelled a fuel odor and later discovered a fuel leak while inspecting the vehicle. The mechanic showed the contact the fuel leak and diagnosed the vehicle with a defective fuel system. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The failure mileage was 192,000.
The car was being driven from virginia to austin, texas. In tennessee within 10 miles of jackson, TN, on [xxx] the car suddenly lost power and the engine light started flashing and could not be driven above 60 mph (the speed limit there was 75 and the car was being driven at the speed limit until this occurred). Even though the car lost power, the temperature remained steady and was driven to a car repair place and the next day it was towed to a nearby Hyundai dealership in jackson, TN where they declared the engine needed to be replaced. This was also confirmed by our insurance company, progressive. Ran the VIN and the car is an affected vehicle under service campaign 953 and engine should qualify for lifetime warranty but Hyundai is trying to deny the claim due to bogus claim of "exceptional maintenance neglect" which is not even close to true. The car had an oil and filter change a few days prior to the start of the trip and had been well maintained prior to that as well. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
This car has been having white smoke since I got it the smoke coming from the exhaust smells like oil burning.
This is the first time I have an engine failure. I drove my car 3 min before merging into the route 1 highway. In approximately 800 feet, my car went haywire, all lights in the dashboard went on, the steering wheel got stiff, and the car speed dropped off, I almost got rear-ended. I made an effort to pull over to the break lane. The car shut off and I could not get it to start. I opened the hood, a light smoke was coming out of the engine. I left it open to make sure it doesn't get worse. After 10 min, a state trooper stopped by to check on my safety, I informed him that I called the insurance to report the incident and request a tow truck. After the tow truck dropped off my car in front of my house, I called a mechanic to check it, he informed me that the engine is seized.
Not sure . The car has been regulaurly maintenced and one day the emgine complagely seized up going down the road .
Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: the 2. 4l theta ii engine in my 2018 Hyundai Sonata is consuming an excessive and unsafe amount of engine oil—approximately 1 quart every 750–1000 miles. The engine has not seized or failed yet, but the oil consumption is abnormal and dangerous. The engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: this oil consumption issue poses a significant safety risk. If the engine runs out of oil unexpectedly, it could lead to catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of power while driving—potentially causing a serious accident. The lack of warning or engine light prior to dangerously low oil levels increases the risk. Reproduction/confirmation: the issue has been reproduced and documented by a certified Hyundai dealer through an oil consumption test. However, despite confirming the problem, Hyundai has refused to cover the repair. Inspection history: the vehicle has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership. No other independent agencies (e. G. , insurance or police) have inspected it. Warning lamps or messages: no warning lamps appeared before the engine oil was found to be dangerously low. There were no check engine lights or oil pressure warnings prior to discovering the oil consumption issue. Other key information: Hyundai refuses to cover the repair due to the fact that I am not the original owner—even though the original powertrain warranty would have covered the issue if I were. Hyundai arbitrarily reduces the powertrain warranty to 5 years/60,000 miles for secondary owners, despite the safety risks being identical regardless of ownership. Furthermore, this exact engine has been the subject of multiple lawsuits and class actions due to excessive oil consumption, connecting rod bearing failure, and engine seizure. Hyundai has acknowledged the defect in various settlements but continues to deny coverage for affected owners like me.
I just had an oil change twice on this car it burns oil like crazy. . Mine you only had car for5 months.
Engine failure. After taking my Hyundai listed above in for repairs to the air conditioning not working properly and while in custody of jeff's automotive service, here in sterling, IL 61081, the engine suddenly died out while they were test driving the car. They were able to jump start it once, and then it died out again while driving it. This time the car could not be restarted by all means possible. Being in the shop, other possible causes were checked and not one of them worked. The engine is completely dead. After checking for possible causes online it was found that a recall for the very same engine failure had been done back in 2017/2018. \n" + 'for unknown reasons, I was never notified nor did I ever received such notice. Now at this time, we have contacted a local dealer and they state that because the auto had not been taken in for the recall repairs, it no longer "qualifies" for free repairs and any repairs would have to be paid for. Upon checking the NHTSA website, it states that there are no time limits on the repairs. I was going to contact national Hyundai corp to inquire about it, but decided instead to file a complaint with you. 'the question is my car still eligible for the recall repairs under the hyndai mfg recall #162 'of March 31, 2017? recall number 17v2260000??? given the fact that I did not receive their notification if indeed, one was sent, and I was totally unaware of this recall???. I sincerely\n' + 'believe that under the laws and procedures, I should still be eligible for this recall repair of\n' + 'their faulty engine failure in my automobile listed above. \n' + 'therefore I am at this time requesting an investigation and a decision before I make any attempts to contact Hyundai mfg directly. Also as part of my inquiries I spoke to the service department of schimmer Hyundai in peru, IL the closest dealer to me, and after checking the VIN number I was to.
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all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata
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