I have to say I'm shocked! We proudly bought our 2011 Hyundai Sonata in Oct 2011.. My husband has a long commute, so he had about 120,000 miles on it.

On Thursday, 04/16/15, he was on his way to pick up our kids and while 2 blocks from the school, the car just died, no warning, no lights.. nothing. He was able to get it started again and made it about 20 feet into a parking lot, where it died again. He ran to the school, got the kids, went back to the car and it started. Checked the oil and it was low so he went and got oil and added 2 quarts - Note: there was NEVER any oil leaks or stains on the driveway, no low oil/engine light at all. He drove it back and forth to work the next couple days and the car seemed ok and was planning on taking it for an oil change over the weekend, which it was just about due for.

On Sunday 04/19, he said the engine light came on, so he was just going to take off work on Monday and take it to the dealer and while there, also have some recalls taken care of. A couple hours later, the Service Manager called him and told him there is a rod knock, oil was about 2 quarts low (again?!?!?), that there was "sludge and metal bits" in the oil and we'd need a new engine. Let me state that "new" was a used engine with 70K miles on it for $6,000+. No way! The car wasn't even worth that anymore..

We had no choice but to rent a car for a couple days and we ended up getting another car.. which sucks because both of our cars were paid off and can't really afford a car payment right now, but what choice do we have??? We were hoping to trade in our 2008 car long before we had to trade in this 2011.

The dealer said it would go to auction for parts and they didn't want it for a trade in. It's pretty sad when the dealer doesn't even want it.

After we got rid of the car, I started Googling and find this is a common issue??? Seriously???? So disappointed.

I purchased the 2011 Sonata certified used. I purchased the extended warranty. Had no problems with car except recall parts. On Monday March 23rd I had oil changed and air filter on March 25th while driving, engine started knocking loud. I pulled over called for tow truck. Only putting 185 miles on oil change, I opened hood checked oil. It was clear and full. Had car delivered to dealership. The next day dealership calls and says bad maintenance, oil is very very dirty. I told them that's impossible, just had oil changed and I checked it in there parking lot it was clear and full. Plus the oil filter had the date on it from where it was changed. Dealership said were not honoring the warranty. I called the BBB. I took the car to get engine replaced and they told me the dealership took out my good oil and poured in used oil they know this because there was transmission fluid mixed in with oil. I went online looked up this car found over forty five people with same problem and in every case the dealership claimed bad maintenance

I was driving down the highway yesterday going around 70 mph. Traffic was coming to a stop and when I attempt to brake, it felt like a brick barely stopping. At that moment I realized the car wasn't running. I tried to go in the shoulder to not crash and the steering wheel barely worked. I nearly crashed but was able to wrestle the steering wheel and avoid the crash. I used the emergency brake to finally stop. I tried to restart the car numerous times only getting one click from the starter. Tried jumping the car thinking battery or alternator, nothing. roadside assistance towed the car to the nearest dealership, and they told me my engine seized due to engine sludge. They tried to accuse me of not changing my oil. This really pissed me off because I faithfully change my oil even before its do sometimes. I love my car and need it to last me, can't afford another one, so I know the importance of maintenance. They told me a used engine with a 6 to 12 month warranty would be around $6,000. I chose this car based on their reliability claims. My previous car a Pontiac Grand Am GT lasted me 170,000 miles and it was still running then, just ready for a new car. Hyundai claims the oil changes can be done every 7500 miles which sounded stupid to me so I never pushed it that far. Words can't describe how hurt I am too almost crash, not have a car, and be told it's my fault. I have never in my life signed up for a forum or a website like this to complain, but I know in my heart there is a problem with this vehicle. Just a side note it was only 48 degrees when this happened.

So apparently, I am not the only one with this problem as I have just read about the class action lawsuit. After going to watch the Mayweather/Pacquaio "fight", my car had a shaky feel to it. I didnt drive it that Sunday. On Monday night, I drove to work and a noise was emitting from my engine. Had to accelerate up a hill and something came lose in the engine. Pulled off the freeway and my car completely stopped. My mechanic saw the car the next day and said the engine was gone. Would take between 5,000 & 7,000 to fix. Went to Hyundai and stated they couldnt fix it due to the fact I went over 100,000 miles. I was also told by CarMax where I bought the car and purchased an extended warranty that they also would not cover the damage...even though the car had 40,000 miles when I bought it. Apparently the contract reads the expiration miles were at 100,000 so I was not covered. This has been a complete disaster. I have to pay for multiple tows, rentals, gas, etc and I have no way of paying for all this let alone had to miss work and have no idea how I am going to get another vehicle. I truely hope that everyone that has written a complaint here makes sure we are heard. I am more than willing to keep int touch with everyone who has went through this. We work hard to pay for and take care of our vehicles and for them to knowingly sell a vehicle with engine issues is absurd. Hope we all get our justice that we deserve....

Jay

Let me start by saying I previously owned a 2001 Elantra bought new from Huntington Hyundai. I loved my car …it drove like a dream for 10 years 220,000 miles . All I needed to do this vehicle was regular maintenance , tires , brakes & a thermostat…everything worked perfectly all this time. It was time to get a new car because the car started to look very dated. After seeing the new style Sonata, I was sold. In March 2011 traded my Elantra in (w/ tears) and purchased (cash) my 2011 Sonata. Also may I add, two of my friends also purchased Hyundai’s because of how highly I spoke about the make …

Now I will get to the point of this letter.Bought my Sonata March 3, 2011…I couldn’t be happier …until Jan 6th 2015, where my car is now sitting at Advantage Hyundai with a seized motor @ 68,000 miles. My car was riding exceptionally well no problems at all. Once again to this point only required regular maintenance oil changes etc, tires & front brakes & I did get a new battery & headlights & a taillight bulb no big deal, all normal things.

On Jan 2, 2015, I started my car to go to work (15 miles from my house) let it warm up. Proceeded to drive. Approximately 1 minute after driving away …I heard a knocking noise (never had any noises prior to this day) ..about ¼ mile up the road I pulled into the gas station …to have them check the oil …Only to find …there was hardly anything in there! I had no oil leaks, no smoke, nothing to indicate lack of oil… it mysteriously vanished. No oil light ever came on nor did any engine light or anything else for that matter to advise me of any indication of a potential problem.

The attendant put about 3 quarts of oil in, I turned the car off & then restarted it, sat for about 15 minutes, everything sounded fine again no knocking, purred like a kitten & drove smooth & beautifully. Got to work fine, drove home, drove the car over the weekend. Monday, again back & forth to work …. not another sound nor any problems …UNTIL Tuesday Jan 6th, 2015. I started the car to let it warm up …went in the house for 5 minutes only to come out & the car was not running. Went to start it again, this is when it would not turn over. Sounded like a seized motor. Car was towed to the dealer.

Chris the manager is stating that there is sludge in the motor, how does such a thing happen. I will not tolerate such a catastrophic thing like this to have happened when I have maintained my vehicle.…there should have been a recall on this car. Of course I cannot speak for everyone, only myself. My car is everything to me this is my transportation to make a living I take great pride of the proper maintenance of my vehicle. Something like this should not have happened especially no warning what so ever.

This was a portion of my letter to Hyundai, I am livid as Hyundai out & out denied any assistance in fixing my car I had presented every oil receipt this letter & 20 pages of car complaints .com

To top it off had my car towed to my home 4/6. The tow company called me to say Advantage Hyundai will not release my car because they had the nerve to charge me $134.70 to diagnose the car when it got there back in Jan ...I am appalled & I have since came across that there very well might be a class action suit eventually on this problem.

Not unlike the other complaints here, I have a Hyundai with 114,000 miles on it. No symptoms of any impending problems, regular maintenance in regards to engine oil, out of nowhere the engine stopped while driving and I coasted to a stop. Dealer indicated engine had seized. The first thing I did after I stopped was check the motor oil, while the level was at most a quart low, there was still oil present. The dealer claims there is "sludge" (a recurring theme here), and that is the reason for the failure. They also quoted a preposterous 10,000 dollar change to replace the engine.

This problem is clearly systemic. I've never had a car fail like this just over 100,000 miles. I'm halfway through the time period of the warranty, and only 14% over the mileage. Back to Nissan next time around.

I purchased a new 2011 Sonata 2.0T (my first new car ever). I have always taken very good care of this car with very few problems, except for the annoying "tinny" noise when starting the car every morning.

Driving to work a couple days ago doing about 40 mph in traffic, and all of a sudden a metallic banging noise under the hood. I pulled over to make sure I didn't run over something in the road. Nothing under the car. I kept driving another mile or so, then it just shut down. I managed to pull into a parking lot and checked the oil. Oil level was fine. No engine lights came on to warn me of any problems. Called roadside assistance and tow truck driver told me that engine was shot when he started it to put it on the flatbed.

The dealership verified it and now I am out $5000 for a rebuilt engine with a 6 month warranty. Still making payments on this car and now have to finance a new engine as well. Hyundai Corp told me that I am out of luck due to having 112,000 miles on the car. I am speechless. I have always driven Nissan Maxima's and never had problems. I drive a lot of miles and never had engine issues. The dipstick showed gold colored oil in the engine when I checked it while waiting for the tow truck. I just had it changed a couple weeks ago.

I purchased this car because it was a beautiful car with an awesome warranty. I never imagined I would be replacing the engine after 3 yrs of regular driving. I do not abuse my cars. I take care of them because I need them to last 250,000 miles. Up until this car, they all have lasted that long.

This is the sort of problem that will kill Hyundai in the US. Toyota and GM spend hundreds of millions fixing problems in their cars. Hyundai apparently thinks that they can sell junk and get away with it in this country. They had a horrible reputation for many years in the US. They slowly changed that perception over the years. This is the kind of thing that will destroy everything that they have tried to reverse for so many years.

One unsatisfied customer can wreak havoc on a company. Imagine what thousands of unhappy customers can do. Unfortunately, this will be my last Hyundai. I love the looks of their cars but I cannot take the risk of something like this happening again. A company that will not stand behind their product will not be around for long. Whatever business model Hyundai uses in other countries will not work in this country. The Sonata is in a very competitive car class. This is their best selling flagship car. The internet can quickly ruin that. The execs at Hyundai should know that putting the money out to fix this is a wise investment if they want to continue to sell cars in the US.

I'm glad to see that there is a class action suit against them. I am on it and hope the rest of you are too.

Oh yeah, the tranny is also an issue with this car. Can't wait for that problem to hit me while I'm still paying for the new engine. I hope it gets stolen and I never see it again. I can't be that lucky though.

Original owner, have had the vehicle less than four years, only ever used full synthetic oil and had frequent changes by reputable shop. Never had a single problem with the engine, no performance issues or warning lights, just sudden stall while driving (to get oil change). Car would not start, but seemed like alternator or starter issue because turning key produced a single click but no other unusual sound.

Dealership immediately diagnosed as seized engine within minutes of tow truck dropping it off. Dealer says Hyundai will deny warranty coverage of there is any sign of sludge, regardless of prior maintenance record. Re-manufactured engine will cost over $5,000 installed. By far our worst vehicle purchase ever. The seemingly amazing powertrain warranty is apparently worthless and actually only provides a false sense of security to encourage vehicle purchase.

Update from Apr 7, 2015: Seized engine was replaced by Hyundai under warranty without requiring any maintenance documentation.

Same problem as most on here. Was accelerating up to 45mph, engine fell to half power then shut off completely. I had no warning lights at all till engine was dead. Had towed to dealership and they said it was seized due to lack of lubrication. I do all my own oil changes and have receipts and when the car died, I popped the hood and checked the usual stuff including oil which was a little low (about 25% down from full mark) but not what I (as a Mechanic and Service Manager) would consider too low for proper operation. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment and it was burning oil so I know what had happened.

Now it is at the dealership and they are saying it was my fault and there is an oil leak at the filter? I have no oil drippings anywhere I park and there was never oil spray on top of the under cowling or around the oil filter or transmission that would indicate oil leakage during use of the vehicle. Anyways, my warranty company is trying to get out of replacing the engine (of course) and the dealership isn't doing me any favors either considering their "diagnosis". Dealership says it is because I have the "Wrong Oil Filter" because it is not a HYUNDAI brand filter, (it's not a Hyundai brand filter because you cannot access a stock type filter with out removing the air dam under the car to replace it, if you use a filter with a nut on the bottom you can replace it very easily).

Bottom line if this is not taken care without coming out of my pocket I will make sure Hyundai Motor Company, AutoMax Hyundai of Norman and Advantage Auto Warranty lose however much money it cost's me for the repair and then some! Only reason I bought the Hyundai is because a family member had one the he was very happy with. NOW NOT ME OR ANY OF MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS OR COWORKERS OR FACEBOOK FRIENDS OR ANYONE I SPEAK TO FOR ANY REASON IN MY DEALERSHIP WILL EVER BUY A PRODUCT FROM ANY OF THESE COMPANIES AGAIN!!! YOU NOT WILLING TO COVER YOUR WARRANTED PRODUCT JUST COST YOU MORE IN SALES REVENUE THAN YOU COULD HAVE EVER PUT IN FIXING MY CAR!

Update from Jun 1, 2015: Update: Dealership has stated there is not enough evidence to support lack of maintenance or neglect, however, warranty company has stated it is due to lack of lubrication. If it is "lack of Lubrication" why was there no low oil leve light (thats right cause it had oil), why was there no Low Oil Pressure light? how is that my fault? doesn't warranty cover mechanical and part failure? Well for anyone else in Oklahoma or other states check with your Automotive insurance board in your state and they can help you with a lawsuit to sue a warranty company for repairs. I am now starting up my legal proceedings to get the repairs taken care of! and my Family member who owned the same car had the same problem now too! DO NOT BUY HYUNDAI RIGHT NOW!! MY DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THEIR ARE A LOT OF THESE GOING ON RIGHT NOW!

I was driving my 2011 Hyundai Sonata last year 2/14 and heard a rattling noise under hood. Took it to dealership and they informed me that the engine had seized up and there was no oil in the engine and it was my fault for not taking care of the car. Imagine my surprise, because I had the documentation to prove that car had regular maintenance. Hyundai replaced the engine under warranty and assured me the problem was fixed.

I was driving the same 2011 Sonata this last week and noticed the same knocking noise under the hood again. No warning lights or indicators whatsoever there was a problem. Again, car had routine maintenance and have documentation to support it. Speck Hyundai in Pasco, WA told me that the "engine was toast" AGAIN !!! How could this be, this engine was only a year old. They told me the warranty was only for 1 year or 12,000 miles and we were 3 weeks past it. Told me it was my fault because I was over on my mileage to change oil and I would be responsible to replace a THIRD engine to the tune of $8400 Needless to say, car is still at dealership while this issue is being investigated. Ridiculous. A vehicle that is four years old should not need THREE engines !!!!!

I use this car for business, original owner.. I get reimbursed for 80+% of all cost to use this car from my employer. So I do take care of it. Had all maintenance done at the dealership for the first 100k miles. Maybe had 3-4 oil changes at a non-Hyundai dealership, the rest were done at a Hyundai dealership. Was driving to work the other day, no warning lights, no low pressure oil light, NOTHING and the car dies, will not restart, will not turn over. Call the tow truck, have it towed to Bob Rohrman Hyundai in Lafayette IN. They tell me the engine is seized, and the starter is bad. $7400+ for a used engine to be replaced in this car and charged me $50 for the estimate / analysis. They told me it was my fault due to low oil and my lack of keeping up with maintenance. I still have a loan to pay on this car. Done with Hyundai, done with Rohrman dealerships.

Very frustrated, still trying to figure out what to do.

I was driving my car when all of a sudden it just died. Neither the engine light or oil light came on before or after this happened. We immediately checked the oil and water and both were fine. The car would not start back up after this and the motor was smoking. I had the car towed to the dealer. The dealer called to notify me that my starter had gone out so I had them replace it. Then I got a call the very next morning saying that actually the motor had locked up. They informed me I could purchase a used motor or a new one from $5,000 - $9,000. My warranty had only been good for up to 60,000 miles. I asked them what caused this to happen and I was told that the oil was low. Then when I spoke to them an hour later to get more details I was told the there was NO OIL however I know there was oil because we checked it before having it towed. My husband does regular maintenance on our vehicles. He had just changed my oil 2500 miles ago. I have no money to get another car or to get this one fixed and still pay my car payments of $550 a month!!!

Let me just say I LOVE my Hyundai Sonata, truly I do. It's probably the best driving and looking car I have ever had. In the past I've had problems with cars but never did I think this would happen.

I was headed out with my husband and 2 girls to our appointments. Mine was to the dr. while my husband headed to get an oil change, funny enough. We live about 20 miles away from both places so our trip wasn't to far. My husband dropped me and my youngest daughter off at the dr.'s office and he went to get a few dollars in gas before heading to the car place for his appointment.While heading back after getting gas, he stated the car basically froze up on him. He luckily was able to get off the side of the road. He called the insurance company for roadside assistance and a tow truck took him to the car dealership which was where we were getting our car worked on.

When he arrived they looked the car over and told him that it was a seized up engine and there was "sludge" in the oil, basically blaming us for not changing the oil. No warning lights, no nothing to let us know there was a problem. The service person said that we were a half quart low on oil, duh we were in for an oil change also. He said I have had the oil changed and asked what can be done to fix the issue. They said a new engine would cost about $7,000 to repair. I'm pretty sure he felt like he had just been stabbed in the back because the guy told him "let me give you a minute to let this sink in" due to the look on my husbands face. When I received the call I lost it.

We only had 1 car and this was it. Now I was basically car-less. My husband asked them to come and pick me up from the dr.'s office so I could go over what was going on with the car. We were given the run around about what all they could do for us and they tried to get us another car until the salesman knew he couldn't sell us another car and dispose of the one in there service department, he then became very dry with us.

We sat in that place for hours waiting for something to come back, someone to help us. I cried so much that by the end of the day I was literally physically sick. I had to find a vehicle to drive so my husband could get to work everyday. So we had called another dealership to help us out and they picked us up, we went there and purchased another car. I know now I am stuck with 2 car payments but I had to do something. I have no family close to me and no one to rely on.

I am very ticked at Hernnstein Hyundai in Chillicothe, Ohio for their poor service, and a very disrespectful salesman. I am not sure how I am going to get my car fixed and when I will be able to get it back. My next payment is not due until next month so hopefully something comes up by then. I really hope after all the complaints I have read with the same issues that Hyundai has to pay for this. I truly don't believe this is my fault, nor my husbands. Please don't let this be you. I was in a predicament when I got the car and now I am in another with the car.

Bought my 2011 Hyundai Sonata from Hyundai dealership in Springfield, IL for $19,000. I had it less than 2 years, still owe $13,000 was pulling into my driveway and motor died, no previous check engine lights and got all oil changes from dealership, Tried starting and just made clicking sound but engine didn't turn over, Removed starter and bought new one, My uncle said to put a socket on flywheel nut and try moving it to make sure engine isn't locked up tried moving and engine was definitely locked up.

Got on line and found out that for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata there is a flaw in the motors and this is a common occurrence and Hyundai will not take responsibility for problem and fix it People are signing up for a class action law suit and Hyundai dealership will charge you anywhere from $6,000 to $11,000 to repair or replace motor, if this has happened to you please get in on the future class action law suit and contact your Attorney General the more people that report it and complain the better chance we have of getting reimbursed for any expenses that you had to pay for.

Reading all of the complaints regarding the sudden engine failure feels like Groundhog Day to me and my wife. Same exact thing happened to my wife. No warning at all. Car just cut out. Lights on the dashboard went on and my wife had to push the car to safety in major downtown LA traffic. Had it towed to South Bay Hyundai thinking it was a starter or something common, but when we arrived and told the service rep Calvin at the dealership what happened, he knew right away. He didn't straight out tell us, but he knew as he has come across this situation more than once before and I left the dealership with a bad feeling in my stomach. Of course two days later we get the call that the engine is done and it will be $2,500 to break the engine down to see if it is a defect or user negligence. He then went through the motions of asking for every receipt and so forth. We must have heard the term "sludge" five to ten times, and it was as if the rep Calvin was reading directly from a script. I'm telling all of us here, Hyundai is well aware of this problem and is doing everything possible to not accept responsibility.

The one thing Calvin and the dealership did not take into consideration is my wife. She is as motivated as they come, especially when she knows she is being told a bunch of BS. She was down at the dealership everyday and calling Calvin twice a day until she got answers. The service rep finally broke down and said he would not pay the $2,500 if it was his car and to take it to a master certified repair shop and document everything. So, that's where we are now. We are paying him $995 to break the whole engine down and document everything. We will have to pay for the installation of a new engine ($5,000) and maybe we get our day in court when enough of us have made a big enough stink in order to get the class action attorneys to take action. They will only take action if there is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, and I believe this can be a huge case for a firm willing to work and expose these crooks. This lawsuit would not even get to the deposition stage as they would get exposed because corporate has coached everyone from the top down how to respond, and they would never want to risk a cover up getting exposed

Please keep fighting and please keep all of us posted on any news regarding this situation.

Thanks.

TStringer

Los Angeles, CA

My wife is driving down the road and all of a sudden all of the check lights go on, power dies, and white smoke starts billowing out the hood. Dealership said "improper maintenance" and wants proof of oil changes, etc... I do the maintenance myself. There are no receipts. I bought a Hyundai because they're supposed to be reliable. How does an engine seize after 60 miles? I should have bought American.

I have had nothing but problems with this car since we bought it. Who knows about this class action lawsuit?

This car is equipped with an engine oil pressure warning light that exists in the manual, but never appeared until the ENGINE SEIZED. I have never seen this oil light come on. I have multiple receipts from oil changes, but there was NO WARNING or INDICATOR to tell me that my oil was so LOW that the engine seized while we were on I 70E and cars are moving at 75mph. I towed it to a gas station and was told by the owner of the station, my car was about the fourth one he has seen this year with the same story. I went to College Park Hyundai in Maryland and got no satisfaction whatsoever.I am not done there either. In order to fix this-I can get a used engine (approximately $6100 for an engine with 40,000 miles on it) or a new engine for $9-10,000.00. Even if my oil was not changed the minute or mileage that was designated on the sticker---this should not happen before some kind of warning light lets you know there is a potential problem. I have had many cars in my life and this has never happened because the car indicates a potential problem as basic as LOW OIL. This will be my first and last HYUNDAI---