Equipment Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 1

While driving the vehicle the other night, the cars electrical system completely shut off for a few seconds before popping back on. The whole car inside and out went completely black. It was around 10pm on a dark country road. I had the seat heater on high and the defrost on high because it was cold. It appeared to happen when the auto high beams were supposed to engage. Instead of them engaging, the whole cars electrical system just shut off. No headlights, no instruments, interior lighting, console display, nothing worked. The car was in battery mode at the time, and it sounded like the whole car just shutoff. I took my foot off the accelerator wondering what happened, and before I could understand what was going on, everything came back on. It did not prompt me to start the vehicle again. The auto on/off brights never worked like they were supposed to again either. I had to manually engage and disengage them. Thankfully it was just me on that stretch of road going 30mph at the time or it could have ended badly.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

This car is becoming more of a headache than it’s worth. Turned the car on, my car started shaking and my check engine light came on. Then I got this message “a possible condition with your engine control system has been detected on a 2017 Hyundai Sonata”.

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My 2012 Hyundai Sonata recently had an engine replacement completed under a Hyundai recall. Immediately after the recall repair, the vehicle began shaking while driving, produced a burning smell, and the air conditioning stopped working, none of which occurred prior to the recall repair. These symptoms started immediately after the engine replacement, indicating a possible improper or unsafe installation. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the burning smell and shaking. I contacted Hyundai customer service and was told the issue must be resolved with the dealership. However, the dealership has refused timely inspection, has dismissed my safety concerns, and has declined to provide a rental or loaner vehicle, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a post-recall safety issue, and I am concerned about the risk of fire or mechanical failure due to the burning smell and vehicle instability. I am requesting this issue be formally investigated.

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Will be driving the car and suddenly hear a beep. Then the dashboard will flash with the abs light engine light tire pressure light check blindspot sensors, forward collision sensors. Once all the lights appear on the dashboard, I can no longer accelerate. I’ve cleaned the throttlebody. I’ve replaced the gas pedal and it’s still kicking back the same code it still does it the same identical thing. It’s given out on me three times since December with an infant in the car. We are now in February.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I had recall 162 - engine replacement completed in 2024 , now I have fuel leak at high pressure fuel pump, the pump that is a component of the engine has now failed which was installed during the engine replacement which can cause a major fire.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My vehicle has a documented excessive oil?consumption defect. After a 1,000?mile oil?consumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2. 8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23?em?008h and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai motor America declined to cover the repair and refused to escalate my case. This level of oil consumption is consistent with known theta ii engine defects that have led to engine seizure, stalling, and fire in other vehicles. I am reporting this as a safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure while driving.

I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration causing my car to speed up, lose control, and crash into the vehicle in front of me.

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

There was no accident . Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I don’t know of any incidents.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [xxx] while stopped in traffic with my foot firmly on the brake, my vehicle begins to accelerate before I release the brake pedal. This is not normal “creep” — the engine increases rpm and the vehicle moves forward as if the accelerator is being applied, even though it is not. This condition has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle surges forward, sometimes 20 mph, unexpectedly and has almost caused several collisions. This rapid acceleration can easily cause a collision with a pedestrian or the vehicle in front of me. The onboard diagnostic system repeatedly reports a camshaft position sensor fault. The sensor has been replaced, but the problem returned, indicating the issue is not the sensor itself but a deeper engine or electronic control malfunction. Because this vehicle uses electronic throttle control, I am concerned the engine control module is misinterpreting throttle and brake inputs and failing to properly apply brake-throttle override. The vehicle is effectively accelerating against the brake. This is a dangerous and unpredictable condition and represents a potential defect in the throttle/engine control system. This is clearly a safety-related issue that warrants investigation before it results in a serious crash or injury. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle’s dashboard continuously displays a “hood open” warning even though the hood is fully closed and securely latched. The hood has been physically inspected and confirmed to be closed, yet the warning persists. The issue appears to be related to a faulty hood latch sensor or switch, which is part of the hood latch assembly. The warning is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual condition of the hood. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation, as it may represent a defect in the hood latch sensor system on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata that could affect multiple vehicles and pose a safety risk.

I was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata in a rural area when smoke suddenly entered the cabin from the engine compartment. Two bystanders waved me down, alerting me that they could see fire underneath the engine compartment. I immediately stopped the vehicle, turned it off, and exited safely. I attempted to contact 911, but reception was poor. The fire spread from the engine compartment and engulfed the vehicle, producing thick smoke that created a serious safety risk. Emergency services arrived approximately 15 minutes after being notified and extinguished the fire. The vehicle burned for approximately 30 minutes in total resulting in total loss. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the fire. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives beyond the fire report. It was towed and is being stored on private property awaiting investigation.

I own a 2021 Hyundai Sonata 1. 6t, which has an open NHTSA safety recall (25v796000) related to fuel tank pressurization and fire risk. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership due to a check engine light, reduced performance, and dtc p14ee, which aligns with the recall condition. The dealership refused to treat the concern as recall-related unless I paid a diagnostic fee and later attempted to reclassify the issue as a customer-pay fuel pump repair. During this visit, the dealership replaced a fuel system sensor without my authorization, which I did not approve or consent to. The dealership has not provided documented test results explaining how the recall condition was ruled out and has not documented recall inspection on the repair order. I expressed that I do not feel safe driving the vehicle due to the fuel system recall and drivability issues. The dealership also refused to provide alternate transportation. I am concerned the recall is not being handled in compliance with NHTSA requirements and that unauthorized repairs were performed while attempting to shift a recall-related condition to the customer. I am requesting review of recall handling and dealer compliance.

Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk.

Component or system involved and availability for inspection: the issue involves the transmission / drivetrain system. When I entered my VIN on Hyundai’s official dealership website, a safety recall related to the transmission appeared. I took a screenshot of this recall. When I later contacted Hyundai motor America and spoke with my assigned case manager, I was told that no such recall existed for my VIN. A few days after that call, the recall no longer appeared when checking the VIN online. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: a transmission-related safety recall presents a risk of loss of power, inability to accelerate, or sudden mechanical failure, which could increase the risk of a crash, especially during normal driving conditions such as merging, accelerating, or driving at highway speeds. The uncertainty and inconsistency regarding whether a safety recall applies to my vehicle has put my safety and the safety of others at risk. Confirmation by dealer or service center: the problem has not been repaired by a dealer, as Hyundai denied that a recall existed despite it previously appearing under my VIN on their official website. Independent service centers that recently serviced the vehicle did not identify or report any transmission warnings or failures. Inspection by manufacturer or others: the vehicle has not been physically inspected by Hyundai for this recall issue. My only interaction with the manufacturer was a phone call + email with a Hyundai case manager, who stated that no recall applied to my VIN. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms: there were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this issue. The vehicle recently received routine maintenance, including an oil change, tire balancing, and tire rotation, and none of the service providers reported any problems or concerns related to the transmission or overall vehicle condition. I am 34 weeks pregnant with no way to the hospital.

Excessive oil consumption. I am routinely getting notifications of low oil about 1,000 miles before the oil change is due. When I bring it in for an oil change it is nearly empty. No signs of leaks anywhere.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Brakes seize up while driving and then cannot move the vehicle. This causes a dangerous situation while driving and then breaks lock up and cannot move car even though vehicle is on and then stopped for a stop light. Car must then be turned off and sit for about 30 minutes so it can unseize and when that happens, you can then resume driving and then check engine light comes on. Brake lights were staying on even when vehicle is shut completely off. Abs and esc lights stay on consistently and never turn off. Vehicle brake switch was replaced at carolina Hyundai of high point, nc. So break lights have been repaired. They had to order the stop switch lamp replacement for recall as it was never done and will be fixed in next week. 3 door handles fell off and cannot open the rear driver side door at all. Window electric system won’t let windows go up and down and had to make a latch pull string to open driver door. Passenger door will not open at all and no handle and is a dangerous situation. Break switch not being replaced would have cause an electrical fire and is a complete dangerous vehicle even after being inspected less than a week ago.

See all problems of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Noticed there’s a crack on the passenger side dashboard of the car that’s about 12 inches long. From what I read this could cause issues with any possible airbag deployment.

The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart junction box (sjb) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •pelvic fracture •broken femur, hip, and back •collapsed lung and punctured liver •foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone the failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center police: yes, crash scene documented. •insurance: we are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •manufacturer (Hyundai): not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.

At about 30mph the sunroof suddenly flew of of my car and almost hit the car behind me thst had to avoid the flying part, for a good luck it didn’t cause a major accident because I was about get in a busy highway and this hazard could’ve caused a major ctash envolvimg multiple cars, the vehicle behind me has a dashcam that recorded the event. For god nobody got injured.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Nhtsa: #25v796000 recall: #286 2020-23my Sonata (dn8/dn8a) fuel tank issued on 11/18/2025 and there is no remedy yet for this issue. Hyundai of ocala has not issued me a loaner car. What am I supposed to do? it’s been over a month since the recall was posted and still no remedy. I’m concerned for mine and my families safety. This car is our only means of transportation. I need a solution.

Cruise controldoesnt work due to design defect dirt getting in and stopping the function.

New battery keeps dying, car not starting and when it does start it shuts off when I brake. Oil light on after I already put oil in the car.

The vehicle dashboard is severely cracked. It doesn’t appear to be from wear and tear.

My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfere with the airbag as it inflates creating additional safety hazards. Cracks may expose sharp edges or materials under the dashboard which could harm occupants during a collision, especially in areas where passengers may come into contact with the dashboard. A cracked dashboard could also cause a compromised electrical system dashboards house numerous electrical systems, sensors, and controls cracks could indicate underlying damage to these components. In a collision, these systems may fail or behave unpredictably which could further reduce safety features. Cracked dashboards present a significant risk during a collision and should be addressed by the manufacturer promptly to ensure its customer safety.

P0471 error comes up off and on, this is recall related but the dealership refuses to address it. The seatbelt has to be clicked 2x in order to stick. Happens with driver side.

Coolant is leaking again after being fixed at a Hyundai dealer. If I don't fix it, my car will overheat and catch fire in the middle of a public road. My warranty has now expired, so I'll have to pay for the repairs myself. However, this problem is a design flaw, not related to the car's age or mileage. Hyundai should fix this problem. I'm not the only one; there are a lot of people complaining about this.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My 202 Hyundai Sonata is involved in the current Hyundai fuel system recall. On 10/26/25 the fuel tank expanded and caused three explosive "boom" sounds inside the vehicle while I was driving with passengers. The backseat began heating and rising upward due to fuel tank swelling. The tank became pressurized, hissing, bubbling, and would not accept fuel. The vehicle became inoperable. The car has now been at Hyundai of camelback since 10/27/25 (30 days). Hyndai corporate has repeatedly delayed providing a remedy and keeps telling me they "need another week". I have received no repair plan, and no decision. This violates the requirement for a timely recall remedy. The defect caused structural damage and created a serious safety hazard. ".

On the highway, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata suddenly began making a squealing or metallic rattling noise. At first, I thought it might have been something loose inside the vehicle. Within moments, the check engine light began blinking, followed by several additional warning lights and a pronounced knocking noise from the engine area. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle entered a reduced-power “limp mode” and began rapidly losing speed, even though the engine was still running. Because this occurred at highway speed while surrounding traffic was traveling normally, I had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid being struck. This created a significant safety hazard. I was stranded for approximately 45 minutes on the shoulder, at risk of being struck by other vehicles passing at high speeds. A tow truck arrived before the highway patrol, and the vehicle was towed home. When I returned home, my code reader pulled two versions of diagnostic code p1326, which is associated with potential engine bearing failure in Hyundai theta ii engines. The issue has since been inspected by the dealership, who confirmed the presence of the p1326 code. The vehicle is currently available for further inspection upon request. There were no prior symptoms that I was aware of leading up to the incident other than the brief squealing/rattling noise and the sudden warning lights immediately beforehand. The failure happened suddenly and without warning, causing an immediate and unexpected loss of speed and creating a dangerous situation on the highway.

The paint started peeling off in large sections.

No incident to report. Vehicle not regularly driven in about 5 years, other than to keep battery charged. But charge not hold. Have to charge battery again the next day. This is to reporting a crack in the passenger side dashboard where airbag is located.

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 🔎.

Rear view camera stopped working about 6 weeks ago. Mechanic says need new camera which would cost about $500 labor and parts. Contacted dealer and Hyundai corporate to report and complain. Many other Hyundai vehicles have same problem with rear view camera but they are included in a recall campaign. Mine is not. Mechanic said the repair requires new camera and wireing harness. Hyundai case number is 41861577.

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.

Take. A break warning light is a hazard and distraction and is not accurate at all. I am not a new driver but this id not s safety feature it is such a distraction and is not consistent. I am not going in and out of the lane and even with both hands on the wheel it still goes off about every 90 seconds even at the beginning if some drives after about 3 miles. It is nig consistent and causes you to panic at times when the alarm sounds there is absolutely no way to disarm this. I am [xxx] and do the safe driving course every four years. This is a menace and I do t expect any results but I will not keep this car. Going to trade it in on american car. My third and kadt Hyundai information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.