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 #34

Aug 292015

Sonata

  • 88,000 miles
Was driving down the interstate from fl to SC at 75mph with an infant in the car when with no warning started making a loud noise, luckily an exit was right there with a gas station and was able to roll the car in. I called a tow truck and had it taken to the Hyundai dealership where they said my motor has seized. I was stranded at night time with an infant in Georgia, 2 hrs away from home knowing no one. I am a single mom that is already struggling financially and now I am told that I have to pay $5,300 for a new engine for a car that is 3 years old!!! I've been reading a lot of the same problems have occurred with other people with the exact year vehicle.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #33

Aug 202015

Sonata

  • 67,527 miles
I was bringing a rescue dog to his new owners and driving on cruise control at 70 mph on highway 495 South been driving for about 1 1/2 hours( not a constance 70 mph) and the lights on my dash board lit up like a christmas tree and I had no power in the gas petal. Stopped on side of highway. Called insurance company for a tow and contacted a rental car Agency. The car went to a westford bp garage in westford Massachusetts the people who rescued the dog rescued us all from side of highway and he referred us to that garage.. went home and went to local dealership and had it towed there, which is closer to my resident they did a check and determined that I needed an new engine. We both got on the phones with Hyundai and Hyundai paid for the parts but I paid $2150 for the tow and the service to the engine to be able to have my car back. A week later I hear on the news that you all have a recall on the engine assembly which I had replaced. I have the paper work of the work order and work completed and receipt of payment.

- Enfieild, NH, USA

problem #32

Sep 012015

Sonata

  • 146,074 miles
Engine seized without any warnings (as Hyundai states we would have) while driving approximately 73-75 mph. Was accelerating to move from left lane to right in order to exit highway during rush hour traffic on NJ 78 West. Without warning all lights came on and engine shut down. Paying to have a used engine installed with a 1 year warranty. Dealership says Hyundai will not replace our engine for free because we were over the wsrrsnty period.

- Columbia, NJ, USA

problem #31

May 202015

Sonata

  • 88,000 miles
While driving on the interstate I notice my car making a knocking noise, and engine light on. I then pulled over and the car completely died. I had my car tolled to Hyundai service department.they informed me that my oil pan had sludge and metal particles. They informed me that it was because of lack of oil changes and need to replace the engine.I disagreed, but was force to replace the engine at another repair shop.with the recent Hyundai Sonata recalls, I feel this was the exact same problem I had. I am hoping that I can get some answers and a refund.

- Ruskin , FL, USA

problem #30

Sep 092015

Sonata

  • 111,200 miles
While driving through residential area my engine made loud clicking sounds and lost complete power. I coasted to a side street and parked. There was no warning lights or prior issues to alert me that my engine was troubled. Tried to restart and the engine was shaking and making noise so I cut it off and called for a tow. After returning home I begin to research the problem and found hundreds of complaints with the same exact issue on the same model and year car. This told me that my engine problems were just a coincidence but more of a manufacturer defect. I had a mechanic verify that my engine was gone and needed to be replaced. This is an extremely dangerous situation. Luckily I was not driving at highway speeds which some drivers reported. Hyundai, of course, refuses to acknowledge this issue. I see two law firms that in process of filing class action lawsuits. Will it take people to lose their lives before this issue is investigated and Hyundai is make to correct any wrongdoing? I am in the process now of having a dealership do a diagnostic so that I can file a claim with Hyundai. I am not sure if Hyundai will cover the cost of repair or not. However, I think your Agency owes it to the safety of the public to investigate this issue and the claims of hundreds of owners about they problems with the engine used.

- Brandywine, MD, USA

problem #29

Sep 022015

Sonata

  • 87,000 miles
My daughter was driving on the highway in the 2nd to left lane about 65 mph, check engine light was on and all of the sudden she lost complete control of the accelerator pedal. She say's she pushed it all the way down to the floor several times, no pressure, no control and obviously slowed down. She moved over to get to the right shoulder to stop and see what is the issue, luckily the brakes worked (hard pedal), but many cars were dodging her trying not to hit her. She didn't get in an accident, but sure close to being in one and high speeds. Frightening to say the least. I has about 87,000 miles on the car. I am still concerned if I put another engine should I worry about this happening again? it could happen again unless it's recalled and the problem fixed! I am just glad she didn't get seriously injured or killed. I am very concerned knowing that this could happen to anyone with the 2011-2015 2.4L engine. I tried to be proactive therefore I'm posting this complaint for others. I guess it takes collateral damage of people losing life for car companies and the wonderful federal government to take notice. Beware most 2011-2015 hyundae Sonata cars have this problem from what I am told.

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #28

Jun 012013

Sonata

  • 8,000 miles
On more than a dozen occasions since purchase, the vehicle has neglected to accelerate when the gas pedal is depressed nearly causing me to be hit by oncoming traffic. Additionally, the vehicle has slammed on the brakes at high rates of speed when the driver was barely applying pressure to the pedal; almost causing the vehicle to be rear ended. The vehicle has been inspected by two Hyundai dealerships for the issues; of which they claimed to have replicated. Both dealerships stated that it was normal behavior for the vehicle and there was nothing they could do to make the issues go away.

- Yale, MI, USA

problem #27

Aug 042015

Sonata

  • 31,509 miles
My wife and little kids were traveling on highway when the car lost power steering and all the lights light up on the instrumental panel. Luckily, she was able to maneuver the car to a side of the road avoiding rear-ended collision. There was no indication of any problem up until last second. It was towed away and later declared as engine seized. This car is dangerous and hazard on a road.

- Fair Lawn, NJ, USA

problem #26

Aug 072015

Sonata

  • 136,564 miles
On August 7, 2015 at approximately 9:30 pm, I was coming back from running an errand with my 16-year old daughter in the car with me. I made a right-hand turn when suddenly, all of the lights on the instrument panel illuminated and the engine stopped. Additionally, I lost all power steering, etc. I was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road immediately, but almost got rear-ended by a pickup truck that was following me. I turned off the car, let it sit for a few minutes, and started it up again. The car seemed fine at that point, and I was able to continue my short drive back to my home (approximately 1.25 miles). When I arrived at home and placed the car in park, the oil pressure light was flickering slightly. I turned the car off and went into the house for the night. The next morning (8/8/15), I checked the oil level in the engine, and noted that it was slightly above the fill line. I added some synthetic oil to the engine, checked the level and noted that it was adequate. I started the engine to go run some errands. The car seemed fine at first, but when I was approximately 5 miles from my home, the oil pressure light began to flicker again while the car was idling (at a stop light, etc.) I called my husband right away, who told me to bring the car home. I noted that the engine had somewhat of a ticking noise while driving it. When I was approximately a quarter-mile from home, the engine started knocking/banging very loudly. I immediately shut the car off, called my husband, and called for a tow truck. I had the car towed to my mechanic's shop. On Tuesday, 8/11/15, my mechanic removed the oil pan and informed me that the bearings were failing, which caused metal shards to clog the oil pump filter, and he also noted that the oil pan was full of shards. This car is a safety hazard and needs to be recalled!!!

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

problem #25

Jul 292015

Sonata

  • 182,000 miles
We were traveling at approximately 65 mph in the 2nd from right lane in heavy rush hour traffic when the engine abruptly stopped and could not be restarted. My wife had difficultly steering and braking to move to the breakdown lane from the loss of engine power. It was very fortunate that we were not hit by oncoming traffic. The car was towed to the dealer who stated that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced at great expense.

- East Greenwich, RI, USA

problem #24

Jul 102015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,654 miles
While driving at a speed of 70 mph the engine quit. There was no previous noise or indication of a problem. Tow truck driver tried to jump start with no success. Towed to Hyundai dealer. They tested the battery and determined there was a dead cell. New battery was installed still would not start. After further investigation it was determined the engine seized up. Ordered and installed a new remanufactured engine. Took eleven days to complete. Update 9/15/15 updated 12/13/2017

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #23

Jul 032015

Sonata

  • 60,000 miles
I had a minor fender bender ( a person hit me and took off) 1 block later the engine died. It was taken to the shop where I was first told it needed a new battery and a starter. Battery was only 12 months old and starter was not a problem. I had it towed to Hyundai and they told me the engine seized from sludge and water. I I dont even have a sprinkler system for water damage and we are in a drought and the oil was changed a few months ago. I had read about the seized engine issues on this model but Hyundai says that is not true. I pointed out to them that no oil light came on and no check engine light came on.I have had no problems with this car until this happened. They refuse to do any thing about it but are willing to charge me $6700 to replace the engine

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #22

Jun 012015

Sonata

  • 60,800 miles
Engine rattling sound upon acceleration and oil burning fast.brought into dealership 3X for the same concern. Twice while it was still under warranty. Sent home saying they couldn't figure it out. Even assured us it was nothing serious. On third time (60,800 mi), car burned through oil and oil light came on, rattling sounds came back, stereo stopped working, car died (new starter needed). Dealership inspected it and said they figured it out this time (how convenient that they finally did right after the warranty expired), suggested a brand new engine. Says there was tons of sludge and metal shaving in the oil. They cited 'owner neglect'. we provided them every documentation of maintenance and consistent oil changes. Denied honoring our warranty. Did research and found 2011-2012 Sonatas have a manufacturing engine defect. People all have same issues and outcomes with their cars. Hyundai will not even look at our proof of maintenance and continue to deny there is an issue with their engine.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #21

Apr 192015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 82,300 miles
My engine seized with no warning. I was traveling downhill and the motor just shutoff. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer who notified me that the engine was seized. This is a huge safety concern as it could have happened in the middle of traffic.

- Saraland, AL, USA

problem #20

Apr 282015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
I was driving home from work when all of a sudden my check engine light came on and I started hear noises coming from my engine. I pulled over somewhere safe and eventually had to get it towed to a Hyundai dealer. I'm not the original owner of the call so the dealer tells me I cant used the 100,000 mile warranty. I have another warranty company who wants the dealer ship to come to a final decision as to why my engine stopped working. There was no sludge in my oil pan but there us metal which obliviously means something messed up on the inside. Hyundai is telling me under no circumstance will they further investigate what happened to my vehicle and wynn is telling them they will not pay for my vehicle unless they have the specific reason as to why a engine that only had 86,000 miles stopped working. My husband has a 2007 Honda civic that has 210,000 miles on it and yet my newer car dies out at only 86,000 miles to me this doesn't make any sense and I'm getting the run around on all ends. I don't have 6000 dollars to pay out of pocket expenses that is why I got the warranty in the first place. My engine shouldn't have gone out and with no warning!!!!!! so now I'm stuck without a car, paying a car payment for a car I cant drive, and no way to get back and fourth to work this will cause me to lose my job and not be able to care for my family something has to give.

- Nottingham , MD, USA

problem #19

Mar 022015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 44,493 miles
When attempting to accelerate the vehicle to get onto the freeway the engine lost all power. This incident has happened multiple times on multiple occasions, each time Hyundai and the dealership have failed to identify and fix the problem. Each power failure event has been a near accident. I am concerned for the my passengers and my own safety. The vehicle has received all regular maintenance, oil changes and recalls. A case has been opened with Hyundai customer support.

- Arroyo Grande, CA, USA

problem #18

Feb 092015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 21,348 miles
Earlier that day the wrench was lit up on the dashboard, but it disappeared. I was driving out of my neighborhood at about 15-20 mph and the screen read "warning! do not drive! irreparable damage to ? I can't remember" it started to freeze the driving. Then I parked it and it would not start back up. It was towed to the dealer and they replaced the battery and hpcu. It scares me to think what would have happened if I was on the freeway. I bought this car April 20, 2014 and now can just get 2/3's what I paid for it. Sad, but true. When I get some money I will be trading this in as I am nervous driving this car now.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #17

Dec 292014

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 39,250 miles
Without notice/warning, engine started making a metallic knocking/flapping sound with a lot of blue smoke exhaust when rapidly accelerating. Shortly after, engine oil light flickered momentarily. From past experience, I knew to pay attention to this. By the end of the same day, I added almost 5 quarts of oil. I also brought the car to local Hyundai dealer for a late afternoon (4:30pm) appointment just before new year's eve. Service advisor mentioned that "by the time the engine oil light comes on you've got less than a quart of oil left". he suggested we bring the car back when they would have more time to work on it. I planned to have 40000-mile service and expected a somewhat expensive repair, so I needed to wait until Feb 4, when I would have funds available. I brought the car for service on 2/4, and was told later that day that the engine was damaged and needed replacement. After thorough inspection, with several photos provided to factory, Hyundai refused to replace the engine under warranty repair, citing my lack of regular service. I had the car serviced at 15000 miles at the dealership where we bought the vehicle in March, 2012, but did not have any other regular service performed. Dealer (not the purchase dealer) requested Hyundai do a "goodwill repair" that would require me to pay $1900 labor, while Hyundai would pay for the engine and all fluids (~$4800). Again, Hyundai refused. I understand my accountability for overlooking regular service, which is why I agreed to pay the $1900 labor portion of a goodwill repair. However, none of this eliminates the fact that the engine oil warning light did not even flicker until after the engine was totally damaged. By Hyundai service advisor admission, there is less than 1 quart of oil left when the warning light activates. What kind of warning indicator only activates after catastrophic damage?

- Fair Oaks, CA, USA

problem #16

Dec 272013

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 77,000 miles
Was driving 35 mph making a turn when I heard a knocking noise. Was subtle at first. Checked oil and was low. Added 1 qrt of oil. Drove home about 2 miles and knocking became extremely loud. Took it to len stoler Hyundai dealership and they stated that exhaust manifold, drive belt, pistons, and valves need to be replaced. Basically, $6300 worth of work. Car is up to date on all maintenance. No other issues with car. Warranty does not cover engine damage and no help was given. I have seen many other complaints about the same engine issues. Hyundai should replace!

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #15

Aug 102013

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 15,042 miles
First time noticed that the oil pan is leaking at 15,042 miles. Took the car to the dealership and they resealed it under warranty. Started leaking again at 22,566 miles and took it to the dealership. This time they replaced the oil pan and resealed it again under the warranty. I just noticed it that it's leaking again at 30,660 miles. I am really concerned that this brand new car is leaking oil like this. Also, I strongly feel that the fix is not addressing the underlying issue which may be something else. I think Hyundai needs to look at this issue closely and must come up with a permanent solid fix. I have been reading on the Hyundai Sonata forum that many are facing the same problem. I am surprise that there is no recall for this yet. This is my first and last Hyundai.

- Wheaton, IL, USA

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