Power Train Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 2

Similar to other stories I’ve read online, my 2023 Sonata broke down on the highway a minute after any error signal popping up, in a dangerous location on the highway with no shoulder. Plaza Hyundai dealership was first/last and only people to perform an oil change or service the car. They told me they wouldn’t take the car due to being full after the incident. A different Hyundai dealership took the car and found the breakdown was due to a missing oil drain plug and the engine leaked all the oil, while noting they didn’t do the previous oil change and there was no external damages. Plaza Hyundai is refusing to claim responsibility and just trying to milk me for much money as possible/get me to purchase a new engine.

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My 2018 Hyundai Sonata (approx. 60,000 miles) began consuming excessive oil, and the engine started smoking while driving. My wife barely made it to the dealership — the car was unsafe, struggled to stay running, and visibly smoked from under the hood. Hyundai acknowledged the oil issue but refused to cover engine replacement. Instead, they approved a one-time combustion chamber cleaning and requested we drive the car 1,000 miles to "see if it gets better. " this is a major safety concern. The vehicle is part of a group of Hyundai models known to have defective theta ii engines that have led to engine failure, fire risk, and recalls. This issue is widespread, and Hyundai is not taking proper responsibility for defective engines in cars like mine.

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While traveling on local roads and highways the vehicle transmission randomly down-shifts one or two gears. This has occurred when traveling in any gear from gears 3 through 6. It probably doesn't happen in 2nd gear because that is a transitory gear and not a cruising gear. After quickly moving the shifter from automatic mode into manual mode and then back into automatic mode the transmission returns to the proper gear. However sometimes it has down shifted again in as little as 30 to 60 seconds after resetting the shifter. This has been happening for years. The dealership has been unable to fix it. Because it is random, the issue is not readily reproducible by the repair shop. Sometimes it has happened several times within a 15 minute period. Sometimes it has occured multiple consecutive days. Other times a week or two has passed with no incident.

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The affected component is the engine/rod bearing (theta ii 2. 4l). My 2011 Hyundai Sonata stalled and the engine locked up twice in live traffic (March 2025 and July 2025). The vehicle is available for inspection if needed. This created a serious safety risk to me and others on the road, as the stall occurred on [xxx] at highway speeds. This failure could have been catastrophic had it happened on the DC/baltimore beltway or another high-traffic roadway. Hyundai’s system shows recall 132 was marked complete at very low mileage (around 32,000 miles), but my vehicle later developed oil consumption and stalling consistent with rod bearing failure. Capitol heights Hyundai noted a warranty pre-authorization (PA) in March 2025 and told me Hyundai needed my mailing address “for the claim,” but later said it was a typo and that no record exists. The dealership charged me for a diagnostic but did not inspect the vehicle for rod bearing failure, despite symptoms consistent with recall 132. Annapolis Hyundai, where the car was purchased as a cpo, has admitted they have no documentation that recall 132 was ever performed (no repair order, mileage, or technician notes). Yet Hyundai’s system shows recall 132 marked “complete. ” without proof that the ksds software or bearing inspection was done, I belive this recall should be considered open. Hyundai consumer affairs has stated that I must pay for towing and diagnosis before they will investigate, with possible reimbursement later. This conflicts with federal law (49 u. S. C. § 30120), which requires recall diagnosis and repair at no cost to the consumer. Prior to the failures, my vehicle had a history of oil consumption and “no oil on dipstick” findings, which are known precursors to rod bearing failure. No warning lamps appeared before the stalls. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in requiring Hyundai to provide documentation or reopen recall 132 and perform a no-cost inspection/repair to ensure this vehicle is safe to operate information redacted pursuant to the freedom of.

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I was going 80 mph on the interstate and suddenly my car went into limp mode and shooked really hard and dropped to 60 mph. I had to swerve to go onto the side of the road. The car behind me almost rammed into me. I contacted hampton Hyundai for days to schedule an appt. I finally was able to drop off my vehicle to them but now they are telling me they have to do an oil consumption test but my car is in limp mode and it shakes when I drive it. The car is dangerous and they are trying to charge me $500 for a fuel pump replacement ( which I have a warranty of but they notified me that does not count but it matches exactly the possible reason). As you can see in the documents, they did not note that my fuel pump was broken. They just asked if I wanted to pay it so they can get started. I get normal oil changes done. They haven't even done a rod bearing test but just looked at the knock sensor and was telling me that they wanted to charge me to get that changed.

I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata se in December 2024. Within one month, the vehicle consumed 3. 5 quarts of oil out of a 5-quart capacity. After researching the issue, I discovered that this is a known engine defect covered under Hyundai technical service bulletin 23-em-008h, which relates to excessive oil consumption. This condition can lead to engine failure, posing a significant safety risk if the engine fails while driving at high speeds or in traffic. This issue is part of an active class-action lawsuit and has affected numerous vehicles with the same engine type. I am reporting this defect so that the NHTSA can track the scope of the problem and determine whether a recall should be issued.

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I had an issue on my car where engine oil level is getting low day by day, then I have visited service center to solve they have said to change spark plug, pcv value and also done fuel induction service , said me to come after 1000 miles then after I had a another problem where my car rpm is increasing and speed is getting low. I have visited the service center again saying catalytic converter issue and asked me to pay 3000$ to do repair before that I have paid 700$ but mentioning you one thing till now I have spend 2000$ for the same issue what was happen. Today as now my car is issue to move in toll road it is very hard to move. And also Hyundai is denying my request and saying me I am out of warranty. My car has 94000 miles as for today. Please help me out from this I am struggling with the issue.

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My certified pre-owned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has experienced the same critical transmission failure three times since October 2024, creating dangerous safety conditions on highways and city streets. Component/system failed: transmission control system with consistent p0768 error code (shift solenoid d circuit fault). Safety risks: the transmission failures cause sudden power loss and inability to accelerate while driving, including on highways at speed. This creates immediate danger to myself, passengers, and other drivers when the vehicle unexpectedly loses power during traffic situations requiring acceleration or merging. Problem reproduction: the failure has been confirmed and reproduced by authorized Hyundai dealership three separate times: - [xxx]: p0768 error, replaced shift control solenoid valve - [xxx]: same p0768 error returned, replaced entire transmission control unit - [xxx]: same p0768 error again, replaced complete control wiring harness with extensive dashboard removal warning signs: each failure was preceded by transmission hesitation, rough shifting, and check engine light activation before complete power loss occurred. Manufacturer inspection: Hyundai technical assistance case #[xxx] was opened for the third failure, acknowledging the recurring nature of this defect despite multiple repair attempts. Assessment: this appears to be a systematic manufacturing defect in the transmission control system affecting safety. Despite three different repair approaches by Hyundai, the identical p0768 error continues to recur, suggesting a fundamental design or manufacturing flaw that creates ongoing safety risks for drivers. The vehicle was out of service for 44 total days across these three incidents, indicating the severity and complexity of this recurring safety defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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My 2020 Hyundai Sonata has a recurring and dangerous defect involving sudden deceleration while driving. Without warning, the car abruptly slows to ~10 mph—often on the highway—while numerous dashboard warning lights activate. This poses an extreme safety risk to me, my passengers, and other drivers, as it forces me to maneuver off the road to avoid being hit. The issue began in January 2021, still with less than 4,000 miles and just five months after I purchased the car new. It has occurred repeatedly and unpredictably since then. I have taken the vehicle to a Hyundai-authorized dealer for repair on five occasions (January 2021; December 2021; January 2022; November 2024; and February 2025), but the problem has never been properly diagnosed or fixed. In November 2024, the issue occurred immediately as I drove off the dealer's lot, having been assured the vehicle was repaired and safe to drive. The most recent visit lasted over a month, yet the dealer could not replicate the problem and returned the car to me in early April 2025, without a clear resolution. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection. Each incident is accompanied by multiple warning lights (e. G. , check engine, esc, etc. ) but no consistent diagnostic codes have been found. I’ve also found multiple similar complaints from other Sonata owners on the NHTSA site, suggesting this may be a broader issue. This unresolved defect has made the vehicle unsafe to drive and caused significant emotional distress. I no longer trust the car or the assurances from Hyundai or the dealer that it is fixed.

Car lost power going up a hill. Generating codes p1326, p0455 and p0302.

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When I was driving on highway check brake warning came up with hybrid system warning I wasn’t be able to stop or accelerate I slowed down and pulled over might caused a big accident.

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2023 Sonata n-line, complete loss of power while driving on seven (7) occasions over the past year. In all cases above 60mph creating a dangerous condition to myself and fellow drivers while attempting to pull to the side of the road while rapidly losing speed. In all seven (7) cases, the dtc code is p065312. I have asked the dealership to note the recurring issue in my service records and I have reached out to Hyundai, mostly so that if I am involved in a serious accident because of this issue, there is a paper trail for legal purposes. The dealership folks are nice but basically unless the car rolls into the dealership with smoke pouring out of the engine, they want to charge a diagnostics fee and keep the car for multiple days which isn't helpful because like most, I need the car and the issue is extremely sporadic. It is disappointing and I hope Hyundai takes note and provides remedy for the issue sooner rather than later as this is my sixth (6th) Hyundai vehicle and really do like the car otherwise. All incidents below: 01/23/2025 - 9531 miles 01/20/205 - 9128 miles 12/15/2024 - 5500 miles 12/13/2024 - 5374 miles 11/22/2024 - 2409 miles 01/12/2024 - 568 miles 01/08/2024 - 554 miles.

Our 2015 Sonata has experiencing engine failure several times due to excessive and irregular oil consumption. Our family’s safety and the safety of others on the roadway were put at risk as the engine slows, shudders and stalls without prior warning and the check engine light does not come on until the vehicle slows and stalls. The vehicle was inspected at a local Hyundai dealership, and they indicated that this is not covered under warranty. Summary of engine issues and failures: 1. May 3, 2022 – 68,671 miles (local Hyundai dealer) check engine light on, shudder; oil change performed. No cause identified. Paid out-of-pocket. 2. August 23, 2022 – 75,527 miles (retail shop) car engines failed on highway, towed to service shop. Valve cover gaskets replaced. Paid out-of-pocket in part and extended warranty paid part of the invoice. 3. April 29, 2024 – 109,229 miles (local Hyundai dealer) excessive oil consumption noted; valve cover gasket replaced again. Paid out-of-pocket. 4. January 22, 2025 – 118,341 miles (local Hyundai dealer) vehicle stalled en route to airport, towed to dealership; dealership advised oil change. Paid out-of-pocket. 5. May 20, 2025 – 122,000 miles (local Hyundai dealer) engine codes p0300, p0302, p0303 identified. Dealer diagnosed excessive oil consumption likely due to ring wear or sticking rings, contributing to spark plug misfires. Recommendation: engine replacement. Despite consistent and timely service, including multiple visits to the Hyundai dealership, the root issue has not been properly addressed. The current diagnosis of internal engine failure is a clear continuation of a pattern of unresolved engine problems (stalling in motion, oil leaks and oil consumption) all of which originated well within Hyundai’s original warranty. The vehicle has been well maintained, and all recalls have been addressed in a timely manner. Hyundai’s failure to acknowledge and take responsibility for this widely documented engine issue is a safety concern.

My vehicle had the following symptoms: 1. Alternating between sluggish acceleration/handling and rough acceleration with the vehicle lurching forward at times 2. Check engine light with error code p00010 3. Occurred frequently over a one month period (5+ times) this was unsafe as the car could not properly accelerate and would lurch forward at intersections. This could easily have led to a crash. We limited driving. This issue was observed at the dealer where I repaired issue. The issue is exactly the same as the issue described in the recall for Hyundai Sonata 2015 under sb-10058136-4434 and was resolved by replacement of the e-cvvt seal as described. This issue is ridiculous for me to deal with and put my family as risk given it a known issue for Hyundai in their other vehicles.

The engine stalls when driving, loses power, hard time to start. It uses an extensive amount of oil. Losing power/stalling can result in accident or fire in my engine. Yes check engine light came on said it was coils/plugs changed them 2xs already. Took it to a mechanic was told there’s a recall on engine it’s a valve that is not getting air through that can potentially case a fire in my engine.

The engine shuts off, doesn’t start, check engine light flashing, losses power, jerks while driving it, I will get it up yo speed then will shut off or won’t move.

My transmission on my 21 Hyundai Sonata n line has failed. It began when the car needed to emergency brake when someone jump into my lane on the road. There’s grinding, and whining in the transmission along with delayed shifts, jerking and a burning smell that comes through the vents of my car upon start up. The recall on this transmission is because it may become defective. I bought the vehicle from a Honda not a Hyundai dealer in March of 2023 the recall campaign closed out Jan of 2023. According to Hyundai records show that the tcu update remedy was performed Jan of 23. However, even though that tcu update was performed, 2 years later my transmission began to fail. I brought it to my local dealer for a transmission drain and refill not a flush. Per the service manual it’s a drain and refill however they flushed it which caused the transmission to worsen. I took it back to have it diagnosed and I was told I needed my transmission replaced. Didn’t even explain why or go into further detail what was wrong with the transmission. I brought up the recall on the transmission and they did nothing to honor it. Now I’m stuck with a car with a broken transmission I can’t afford to fix and I’m gonna be forced to hand the car over to the bank. If this recall can still be honored please help.

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Car leaked oil multiple times. First time they said it was a faulty drain plug then after a few months it kept leaking. Took it back to the dealership and they said the gasket around the oil pan was faulty causing the leak and needed replaced.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I believe the transmission malfunctioned as I reached 60 mph / 4000 rpms on the highway when it suddenly did not want to accelerate past that. The more I stepped on the gas pedal, the more it slowed down. I attempted to use the paddle shifters to shift up or down, but I was unable to shift up and shifting down did not allow me to accelerate past 4000 rpms. The flow of traffic was faster than I could keep up with, and not being able to accelerate made it unsafe to be on the highway. I had to pull over, and get off of the highway. I found that others have reported this same issue online with the same make/model/trim, but I have not had time to take it in to be looked at. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to failure. I only noticed when I got on the highway and needed to reach speeds greater than 60 mph. Turning the car off, waiting a bit, then starting it again seems to have resolved the issue, but I am still uneasy with this having happened so suddenly. I fear the issue may return in the future based on what I have read online. The car is available for inspection upon request.

On or about November 13, 2024 our Hyundai Sonata 2020 gas tank almost exploded. We drove our vehicle to a dealership so that it could be checked because we kept hearing something that sounded like a loud pop / thumb underneath our vehicle. We had already been receiving notifications of a powertrain issue with the vehicle for years (without the dealership resolving the issue). So we were taking the vehicle in for numerous reasons when, the minute we drove our vehicle into the service bay (of a new and unrelated dealership) we were told that Hyundai's corporate branch has ordered our vehicle grounded and told us we could not leave with our vehicle or drive our vehicle off the dealership's lot. We were advised that our vehicle had almost exploded and that we were lucky to have brought the vehicle in. We were told that our vehicle should have never left the lot the day we purchased it brand new. We were told that our vehicle's backseats had detached and separated away from the frame of the vehicle. Our vehicle has been at the dealership since the day of the incident (e. G. , on or about November 13, 2024). Our vehicle is still under factory warranty and powertrain warranty and Hyundai was not given us an end in sight or advised the public of the issue with their vehicles. We were told that the vehicles needs repairs such 1. The vehicle needs the fuel tank assy and all of the parts for the tank, check valve, and campaign sticker: please see TSB: 24-01-02oh.

The push button shifters do not shift gears, unless the brake is depressed. On a slight incline, it is natural to shift from forward to reverse without braking leaving the driver in the wrong gear. So I have often started forward expecting to go backwards. I accidently ran over a portable toilet trying to quickly reverse out of a driveway on a slight incline. I hope no one has run over a person this way. I have had other close calls. This system is far more dangerous than lever style shifters. Even a little mistiming between brake and shift can leave the car going the wrong way.

For like the fifth time while I'm driving the car just dies. I can be going 55 I can be going 70 and the dashboard lights up like a christmas tree and the car just dies. I have to pull the car over to the side and I have to turn it off and restart it again. And then about 3 days later the check engine light will go away. This seems like a software issue but Hyundai and my local dealer cannot help me I'm going to get killed in this thing. I can't take it on the highway I can barely take it down the street because it could go out on me while I'm driving and I could be in the middle lane and I could get killed. They tell me they can't replicate the issue but it's a software issue somebody needs to do something before I get killed. Every single light on the dashboard turns on and the engine just dies. This is like the fifth time this has happened. I think this car is a lemon but no one will help me.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? automatic transmission failed two times. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled in the middle of the road while driving which put me and my family in a very dangerous situation has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, inspected by dealer and extended warranty were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? none, tranmission failed without any warnings or check engine lights.

I have to add a quart of oil to car a day tul the motor blew.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I was driving at a higher rate of speed 50 mph in the center of 3 laned road no warning or indicator lights were on in my vehicle when the engine without warning blew and stopped working. Again no check engine lights were on no warnings were given. It shut down and would no longer accelerate or drive. We almost caused several accidents as this was a very busy roadway.

Failed component: engine - burnt valve/ snapped piston/ piston scrapping internally; available for inspection - risk of safety: car sputters/jerks upon acceleration, takes a long time to gain speed, stalls when slowing or stopping, may or not start after stalling, violently shakes while driving - problem has been confirmed by Hyundai dealer/repair - component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative; only Hyundai repair - warning lamp, messages, and symptom prior to failure, no, after the failure, yes; check engine light and all symptoms listed above; all appeared approximately September 15, 2024. Since the purchase of the vehicle in January 2024, I have made complaint regarding the performance of the vehicle. Have had multiple oil changes/fill ups within the last 7 months, due to excessive oil consumption. Vehicle has had scheduled maintenance, several diagnostics, and too many trips to the dealership/repair for a 5 year old vehicle, with regular maintenance, and 3 owners. I have owned the vehicle for less than a year and I am unable to drive it due to Hyundai stating it needs a new engine. It stalls when slowing and stopping, which it may or may not start back up - this happened a few times in the middle of traffic. It will not gain speed appropriately when moving from a complete stop, inhibiting me from keeping up with traffic. It shakes violently while accelerating, causing mishandling and ability to steer effectively.

My transmission literally went out once on me the second day after I financed it. Now, less than a year later, it says I need to replace the transmission again. This is ridiculous.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? vehicle stopped accelerating and flashing check engine light went on. Vehicle reported "check hybrid system. " dealer believes it was loose pins in a hculdc connector that may have caused loss of communication. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? lost acceleration on a highway and was nearly hit trying to get off of the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? piazza Hyundai of pottstown, PA reproduced the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? dealer secured loose pins. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no.

I have been having transmission issues the whole time I've had the car. There is a delay upon take off, and it bogs down instead of downshifting. I was driving my son to school and made a left turn. It started to go but then delayed for 10 seconds before suddenly taking off. If the on coming traffic had been closer, they would've hit us. The dealer has reproduced the problem but can't get enough information for the tech line to approve a new transmission even though the dealership has repeatedly said that is what it needs. I've never had a warning light on it. It's been in the shop for it this time since 7/26/24.

While on the highway vehicle started shaking violently, flashing engine light then service hybrid system along with every light on the dash! car still running poorly, stiff steering very hard to slow down to get to safety! by the time I was able to pull over the engine was knocking and a burning smell was coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood shut the car off , the exhaust manifold and converter(in one together) was so hot it was glowing! I’m thankful I was able to get to safety without it catching fire because it was on its way there! I called for a tow and sent it to the dealer where Hyundai is replacing the engine.

While driving, car started to lose power. Warning lights started flashing to turn off vehicle to recharge battery. Car lost all power. Car was towed to dealership. Dealer started diagnostic testing, and first thing that was noted is that all oil had drained from car and that crank shaft may now be damaged. Prior to incident, no warning lights came on for service, engine or oil lamp. Dealer and internet searched confirm this has been happening to this model recently.

I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata in which the engine was recalled close to about 2 years ago. About 3 days ago my engine just randomly gave out on the highway in rush hour traffic the middle of me driving. And now I am without a vehicle and my car is sitting at lake norman Hyundai dealership.

The car is burning through oil at an excecated rate. This is a well-known issue with this make and model. The dealer said they fixed the problem, and they did not. This engine needs to be replaced. It was inspected by a mechanic not affiliated with Hyundai. Hyundai has refused to replace the engine. This should be covered by the 15 year/ 150,00 engine warranty. This engine could seize up at any time. It is a hazard to be driving. The driver is an 80-year woman. She needs help.

Car has a rod knock, has been looked at by a private mechanic, seen online there was a recall on Hyundai Sonatas for rod knock issues.

Issue with dct transmission. Unknown remedy.