10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 58
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,405 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #154

May 252017

Sonata

  • 126,000 miles
Below is a recall from Hyundai regarding the engine. We took the vehicle to get it inspected and the dealer stated it was fine, however, a year later the motor had to be replaced, and the recall info below is exactly what the problem was. The vehicle stalled while driving is how we noticed the issue. Our concern is; Hyundai told us it was fine when we took it in to get inspected and now that the engine has been replaced (by us) Hyundai stated that it was after the 120,000 mile limit (126,000) that is on the recall so no help is provided. If it had been inspected properly the first time, we may have not had to pay to have it replaced, also, if there is a problem, why put a limit on it (120,000), just replace what is not working properly or repair what is the problem...or make sure techs know how to inspect the concerns properly. Is there any help or resource you can provide? your vehicle is affected by the Sonata engine connecting rod bearing inspection recall campaign. To schedule a service appointment, input your zip code below and a list of the closest dealers will appear. During the manufacturing of the engine, metal debris may have been generated during factory machining operations. If the debris was not removed from the crankshaft's oil passages, it could contaminate the connecting rod oiling passages, restricting oil flow to the connecting rod bearings and increasing the potential of premature bearing wear. A worn connecting rod bearing may result in one or more of the following: a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine which increases in frequency as the engine RPM increases. Illumination of the check engine light in the instrument cluster. if the vehicle continues to be driven with a worn connecting rod bearing, the bearing can fail, and the vehicle could stall.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #153

Sep 212017

Sonata

  • 61,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle lost power, the power steering seized, and the instrument panel fully illuminated. In addition, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine. The fire department was called and assisted with pushing the vehicle off the road. The fire department used a heat gun to confirm that there was no combustion or fire within the engine; however, the smoke and odor originated from the engine. The fire report status was unknown. There was no fire to extinguish. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer (fairfax Hyundai, 10925 fairfax blvd, fairfax, va, 22030) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The engine will be repaired under the warranty. The manufacturer confirmed the failure was due to a brochure that was received in the mail the day after the failure, but it was not a recall. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

problem #152

Sep 232017

Sonata

  • 135,000 miles
The engine seized with no warning while driving. There was no indicator illuminated prior to the engine completely stopping. Apparently there was an issue with the oil and the engine must be replaced. I was driving at about 35 miles/hour when the engine failed. All of the dash lights came on and the engine shut off. I was driving up a hill as I entered a 4 lane county road going up hill.

- Morristown, NJ, USA

problem #151

Sep 102017

Sonata

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted and the engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to advance auto parts in Virginia beach, Virginia where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #150

Aug 172017

Sonata

  • 103,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway when my 2012 Hyundai Sonata began making a rattling sound and lose power and the engine died. There were no check engine lights, oil lights or overheating gauge indications prior to this. As I was pulling to the side of the freeway smoke began coming from under the hood. When I stopped on the side of the freeway and opened the hood, the bottom portion of the engine was on fire and I could see the flames coming out from underneath.

- Norco, CA, USA

problem #149

Jul 172017

Sonata

  • 8,000 miles
Takata recall. Mi carro Hyundai Sonata desde que lo compre tenia problemas lo llevaba al dealer Y me cobraban por todo, menos por el cambio de aceite. Resulta que el dealer de roswell reparando el sistema electrico puso mi carro a 0 millas, ellos dicen que no pero yo tengo los recibos. Llevo al rededor de 3 semana sin carro, a mi Y mi marido nos despidieron del trabajo Y estamos durmiendo en la calle en el carro de un primo sin aire Y sin nada, la Hyundai dice que yo tengo que pagar eso, esroy pagando por algo que en realidad no funciona, por favor ayudarme. Ya he hablado con el manager ya he hablado con todo el mundo hasta con el banco el carro paso su primera inspeccion en octubre Y en febrero nos dan una multa por el cinturon Y la luz delantera, no frenaba, no enfriaba, problemas en la direccion, gastaba la goma, cuando echabamos gasolina el olor SE quedaba dentro, problemas electricos, los intermitentes ponas para la derecha Y sala el de la izquierda, mucho ruido dentro del carro, con todo Y eso no me import segu pagando el carro a pesar que ellos me cobraban por todo, pero ahora esto de las millas si que no. Y Hyundai no quiere hacer nada, el gerente dice que ellos no pusieron el carro a 0 millas pero yo tengo el comprobante de todo. Por favor no tengo donde vivir, no tengo trabajo, necesito que me ayuden por favor para aunque sea buscar un trabajo

- Carlsbad, NM, USA

problem #148

Jul 292017

Sonata

  • miles
My car is currently at a shop being looked at. I had to have it towed because I was driving it and it started making a knocking sound and died on the side of the road. I have constant lighting issues where I have to replace headlights and brake lights every month to 2 months. Lights are very dim all the time. It has a clicking sound that never goes away. I feel very unsafe in this car. I owe 2 more years on this car and I'm afraid it's not going to make it. I have no transportation to work now and I may be at risk of losing both jobs I have. I'm so disgusted in my choice of vehicles right now.

- Pineville, KY, USA

problem #147

Jul 052017

Sonata

  • miles
First the airbag light came on while driving the vehicle. The next day while at work during my lunch break wanted to leve the facility to purchase lunch and was unable to. The car wouldnt start. It said on dashboard eps. Tried cranking several times afterwards and still nothing.

- Marion Junction, AL, USA

problem #146

Jun 182017

Sonata

  • miles
I was turning on to a city street, began to accelerate when the engine just shut off. Tried to jump, nothing.thought maybe it was the starter. Had it towed to a shop to check/change the starter. They told me the engine had seized.had it towed to Hyundai dealership three days ago.was told they would get back to me after inspection of the engine that I might have to pay for. Hoping for the best, expecting the worse

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #145

Jun 142017

Sonata

  • 81,500 miles
Driving in heavy highway traffic in the high speed lane of a six lane highway my engine died. No warning of any sort preceded the failure. I was fortunate to safely navigate across the other travel lanes in a vehicle with no power..

- Somerset, MA, USA

problem #144

Jun 062017

Sonata

  • 81,000 miles
The engine seize they try to blame it on the frist owner !!!!! which was crazy they gave me one thousand too help buy new engine cast is 5140 minus the one thosuand came too 4140 dollars they stink bad fail onthe street in motion

- Lithonia, GA, USA

problem #143

May 302017

Sonata

  • 139,854 miles
While traveling on a highway at approx. 65mph with other vehicles in front of and behind me, all of the indicator lights on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata lit up and the engine siezed. The RPM dial indicated "0" and I had to coast to a safe place to exit the highway. The engine was not running, so I attempted to start it, resulting in smoke coming out from under the hood of the car. Had to have the car towed to repair shop and was told the engine was completely seized. I am the only owner of the car and have maintained service properly including having it inspected when recalls were received. I am now getting the run around from Hyundai as they say it is no longer covered under warranty. My financing has not even come to an end, but the engine did and I do not find that acceptable. Especially since learning Hyundai has known of a problem with this engine.

- Quitman, AR, USA

problem #142

May 042017

Sonata

  • miles
Takata recall engine rod bearing, this car has had 7 recalls. The engine can go now. I just want to get out of the car into something where the manufacture didnot rush to put together. This is the second time I've taken the car for the engine noise and the clicking. Oil is not staying in the car. "help"

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #141

Mar 182015

Sonata

  • miles
Engine has ticking / knocking has recall on engine wondering what to do to have fixed, service dept said not to worry about it added ex quart oil and longer dip stick"? said should take care of problem but still ticks, this is my only car and travel should we be concerned"

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #140

May 102017

Sonata

  • 126,000 miles
Last year (2016) 2 months after I purchased my 2012 Hyundai Sonata my engine failed. I realized it was due to a recall on my car. I was not notified at time of purchase and car facts did not mention open recall. The dealer refused to pay or be involved in the fixing of the car or the rental. Even though I paid 2000 dollars out of pocket for an extended warranty. The Hyundai company completed the recall fix on my engine and my insurance company (state farm ) got the dealership to cover half the cost of the rental. This year (2017) almost exactly 1 year later I am driving 60 mph down the freeway and my engine fails once again. I had my car towed to the same merced Hyundai dealership hat "fixed" the problem last year. The problem is the fuel tank has metal debri in it from the time hey built the car and over time as it passed through your engine it breaks it down. The "fixed" the problem by replacing my engine block but not replacing he fuel tank so won't the problem just happen again? I am hoping they don't try to make me pay for it this time around. I would like to know my options for this situation and who needs to be held accountable.

- Merced, CA, USA

problem #139

Apr 072017

Sonata

  • miles
I was not involved in an accident, but this is the second time that my engine has failed, the first was February 2016, the dealership had my car for more than three months. Now a part inside of the engine that was replaced has failed. The car is over heating. Hyunadi would not paid for a rental car the dealer gave me one. Third, Hyundai wanted the dealer to send pictures of the engine, then send pictures of the oil mixing with the anit freeze liquid. I called Hyundai and spoke to Mr. Chris lowe at the eastern regional Hyundai office he assure me that he would call the dealership on Wednesday of last week he did not and I had to call him about my car. He was not helpful. I owe a great deal on this car and I can not afford to pay $800 a month for a need car which I did not want. I would like to have a used 2017 with mileage under 12, 000. No accidents. I am very disappointed in the response and poor customer service that I have received from Hyundai. The engine was provided by Hyundai and they should help me with the car or buy it back and so I can get into a different car without the engine problems.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #138

Oct 012016

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine prematurely seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine). The vehicle was still at the dealer and awaiting a solution by the manufacturer. The dealer stated that the engine assembly needed to be replaced. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

- Madisonville, LA, USA

problem #137

Mar 272017

Sonata

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 35 mph, the lights on the instrument panel illuminated and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised that she would need to pay $400 before work could begin to verify the cause of the failure. NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V568000 (engine) and 17V152000 (seat belts) were associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

- Charleston, SC, USA

problem #136

Mar 102017

Sonata

  • 169,050 miles
External high pressure fuel pump - my car just continually remained in the start up for 60 seconds without actually finishing the start up. I had to turn the car off try again 3 times. Once started and in motion after about 2 minute the car began sputtered and slowed down even when mashing the gas until I could get it to a repair shop thankfully the road was not filled with other cars going the posted speed limit of 55 because I may have been in an accident.

- Willow Spring, NC, USA

problem #135

Mar 062017

Sonata

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine area. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V568000 (engine) and 14V434000 (power train) but had not been notified by the manufacturer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.

- Clermont, FL, USA

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