Engine Head Gasket Leaking Problems of Hyundai Sonata

The valve cover gasket leaks oil onto the exhaust.

See all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Front engine valve cover gasket leaked oil onto alternator causing it to become damaged, which led to poor transmission shifting and then complete loss of all electrical power.

Car started as usual and I was driving on a city street getting ready to get on the highway. All of a sudden the car would only go about 20 mph and reach 1000 rpm. It died shortly thereafter on the highway frontage road. All of the lights for abs, brakes, check engine etc. Came on but the emergency flashers would not work so I had to keep pumping the brakes so nobody would run into the back end of my car. It would not restart so I had to have it towed to the dealer. Dealer stated valve cover gasket had leaked oil onto the alternator and ruined it. That in turn ruined the battery. Car was repaired for $1400 including the tow and a rental car. After looking at Hyundai recalls, I noticed the one for the 2009 vera cruz (NHTSA# 14v415000) in which 61,122 units were recalled for this same problem. In researching the affected valve cover gasket, I found the same one was used on my 3. 3l engine that was listed as defective on the 3. 8l vera cruz engine. If that part was defective on that vehicle, why was the scope of this recall not extended to cover all possible vehicles that could be affected? I would like the cost of repairs refunded to me since Hyundai obviously knew this part was defective but didn't issue a recall to cover all affected vehicles.

I recently reviewed Hyundai recall campaign 121 (NHTSA campaign #14v415000), which describes that 2007-2012 veracruz models may have an oil leak at the front valve cover gasket. The recall states that "if a sufficient amount of oil drips onto the alternator, the alternator can be damaged resulting in the charging system becoming inoperative. " it goes on to state a risk of vehicle running on battery power, until battery voltage drops, and then potential for engine shut off, which increases the risk of a crash. In July, I took my 2008 Sonata to the local Hyundai dealership for service. The service department noted on my invoice that "left and front valve cover gaskets are leaking", and that "the front is leaking on the alternator. " this appears to be the same mechanical issue noted in recall campaign 121, it is just happening on a different Hyundai model. In my opinion, the risk of damage to the alternator on my Sonata (via the confirmed oil leak onto it) is the same as what is described in Hyundai recall campaign 121. I believe the valve cover gasket leak issue with my Sonata should be addressed by Hyundai in the same manner as how recall campaign 121 is addressing the valve cover gasket leak on the veracruz models.

See all problems of the 2008 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The front valve cover gasket leaked oil down to my alternator, causing it to malfunction and making my transmission shift awkwardly.

I am reporting this because I see other models with the same engine having the same problem. My valve cover gasket leaked oil onto the alternator and caused it to fail prematurely. This has happened in April of 2014 and has now happened again in June of 2015. Other models utilizing the same engine have been recalled due to this problem. Will this model be recalled?.

See all problems of the 2007 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

This car has the front valve cover gasket leak that other Hyundai vehicles with the v6 engine. It only leaks right in the same corner as all the others and it leaks right on to the alternator. I am on my second maybe third alternator. I ahve been lucky enough to have it not cause any injury's so far.