10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,112 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #26

Jul 172023

Sonata

  • miles
I purchased a 2010 Hyundai Sonata in February 2022 from the original owner. In July of this year, my engine failed due to the oil consumption defect found in many of Hyundai's engines produced at the Alabama factory. My oil and check engine light came on before it was time for my following oil change, despite making on-time synthetic oil changes during ownership. The vehicle hesitated and jerked on my commute to work, potentially causing harm to myself and other motorists. I went to take my vehicle to the mechanic on my lunch break. The car failed to turn over and has been inoperable ever since. I need my engine replaced at no charge. It's unconscionable that corporate would turn me away because the engine has 146k miles, which is nowhere near the industry standard 200k. Hyundai has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that an engine replacement is needed.

- Haverstraw, NY, USA

problem #25

Jun 132022

Sonata

  • miles
Recently at the Hyundai Dealership in Plantation, Florida I had them repair 2 RECALLS which were the LAMPLIGHT SWITCH & CROSSMEMBER. These RECALLS were not done correctly and caused my ESC Light to come on and my car shakes while driving. I never had these items before until they worked on my RECALLS. Now the Hyundai Dealer service is refusing to fix the damage they caused. I need help right away. The RECALL repair appointment was on June 12, 2022 and had them check the RECALLS again on August 29, 2022. My car is still at the Hyundai Service in Plantation, Florida.

- Pompano Beach , FL, USA

problem #24

Feb 022021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the engine threw a rod and the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the contact pulled the vehicle off to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that the engine threw a rod which led to complete engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to towed the vehicle to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to Hyundai of greeley (4533 w 29th St, greeley, co 80634) and he was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer offered any further assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine blew and failure mileage was 116,000.

- Greeley, CO, USA

problem #23

Aug 272020

Sonata

  • 77,000 miles
Car has only 77,000 miles and was well maintained. On August 27, I had driven the car late afternoon, parked. Later after a couple of hours when I went to start it, it would not start, jump start did not work. Mechanic replaced the starter and still would not start. He checked the engine and told me that the engine has seized. I took it to the Hyundai dealer who confirmed that engine has seized. I contacted Hyundai as the complaint is similar to other car engines that seized when driven between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Hyundai motors is not willing to fix this major issue.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #22

Jul 252020

Sonata

  • 126,454 miles
As I was driving on the freeway my car which was on cruise control. The car went from 60-50-40-30 within 30 seconds while it still said cruise control was on and the gas and brakes didnt work. I had to pull over to the side of the road. The electronics still work but the car no longer work and did not turn on. It seized while I was driving. No warning lights, no check engine light, no gas light, absolutely no warning before the car seized.

- Lacey, WA, USA

problem #21

Jan 312020

Sonata

  • 70,000 miles
While driving the car on a city street at about 35 miles an hour, it suddenly stalled. I was able to get to a side street. The car would not start. The engine is ruined and needs to be replaced. The car has had all of its maintenance/oil changes. It has had no accidents. It has 70,000 miles on it.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #20

May 022018

Sonata

  • 163,500 miles
I have been having a problem with the engine light coming on for a while now and I have taken it to have it checked out, it has been put on the diagnostic machine to see what came up on the report. This has been done a number of times and whatever report shows up I have had it fixed but the engine light still would come on and it was suppose to be fixed, I would like some help in finding out why this problem continues this becoming costly and still not fixed could I please get some help with this. Would appreciate a response. Thanking you in advance [xxx] 2010 Hyundai Sonata. This problem has been going on for 1 year and 3 months without any kind of solution to the problem. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Laplata, MD, USA

problem #19

May 292019

Sonata

  • miles
Engine light was coming on took car to shop the engine light was on code PO449 evap system fault failure in vapor canister housing performed diagnostic and pinpoint testing found said it needed canister close valve and canister easy the work was done but the engine light still comes on.

- Laplata, MD, USA

problem #18

Jan 072019

Sonata

  • 110,000 miles
Car was running with no problems. Started up went down the street and it turned off on me all dash lights work. Mechanic said engine is siezed up. Car had oil no over heating or smoking. No warning of engine issue.

- Hillsdale, NJ, USA

problem #17

May 302018

Sonata

  • 24,500 miles
When driving vehicle, it completely stalls and vehicle is unable to start again for a few minutes. Happens randomly without notice.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #16

Apr 182018

Sonata

  • 75,621 miles
Starter failed. Car was exhibiting no problems. Parked at a store. Came out and wouldn't start. Battery was not a problem. Had to have car towed. Needed a new starter at 75,621 miles. Keffer Hyundai svc ctr stated they have had complaints, even issued statement to other automotive repair shops of what to look for should cars be brought to them for service (ours was). Keffer svc ctr further stated they "should probably issue recall".

- Matthews, NC, USA

problem #15

Mar 022018

Sonata

  • 55,200 miles
Engine failed would not start in less than 55200 miles

- Deerfield Beach, FL, USA

problem #14

Feb 022017

Sonata

  • 32,000 miles
Driving in traffic and car stall on freeway doing rush hour traffic car died could not move gear selector fondling with key before it started was followed by a police until out of danger, had it tested at Firestone auto repair no electrical problem was found

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #13

Jun 102016

Sonata

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor seized due to lack of oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- West Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #12

Feb 182016

Sonata

  • 123,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine). The failure mileage was 123,000.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #11

Sep 132015

Sonata

  • 34,795 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 65 mph, engine light illuminated and the speed immediately decreased to approximately 30 mph. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and called the dealer's hotline for a tow truck. While the contact and his wife were seated in the vehicle waiting to hear from the dealer, the vehicle started smoking at the front end. The duo rushed out of the vehicle and called the fire department who immediately extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot where the insurance company took possession of the vehicle. The vehicle was written off by the insurance company. Per the advise of the insurance company, the contact notified the manufacturer of the failure since the vehicle was under warranty. The manufacturer started an investigation. Three months later, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine). The manufacturer did not complete the investigation. The failure mileage was 34,795.

- Kemp, TX, USA

problem #10

Nov 032015

Sonata

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 65 mph, there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The failure recurred randomly. The contact also stated that the gauges on the instrument panel became inoperable randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil measuring device failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Conroe, TX, USA

problem #9

Jan 142015

Sonata

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 75 mph, an abnormal noise could be heard from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

- Albuguerque, NM, USA

problem #8

Mar 062015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
Have seen the recall notice on Sonata 2011-12. I have a 2010, manufactured in Alabama. The motor went out in the car a few months ago while I was driving. It lost power and stopped. The car continues to sit in my driveway. I had the dealer inspect it before it went out because of a knocking noise. The dealer (mungenast Hyundai, 649 dunn rd., St. Louis, mo) reported it was a motor problem and the only way to fix it was to replace the motor. The warranty had already expired, and I did not have $5000 to replace the motor. The motor problems did not start with the 2011 models. I hope you can look into this, and hopefully I can get my vehicle repaired. Thank you.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #7

May 012013

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
Delays in acceleration linked to a computer program that controls the transmission, shifting from 1st to 2nd gear automatic transmission, there may be a 2 to 3 second lag in acceleration due to the transmission control module programming or transmission.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Read the next 6 complaints »