10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 61
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,608 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #426

Jun 092022

Sonata

  • miles
I gave my son this car b/c I thought it was safe and reliable. My son was driving down the road and all of a sudden the lights started blinking and he pulled over. He had to have it towed and repair shop says the engine is locking up and would cost more to replace. This is a paid for car and now we are totally screwed. I really want the manufacturer to honor and fix their issues. I ensured I had this car serviced timely and took care of the car. Now, I am $12K in the whole and will probably go ahead and trade in my other 2017 Hyundai Sonata to avoid anymore of these issues that no one can honor to fix. This car has about 80K miles on it so not too bad, either!

- Merritt Island, FL, USA

problem #425

Jun 182022

Sonata

  • miles
Connecting rod broke and punctured engine. Vehicle is available for inspection. My son was driving vehicle and the vehicle shut off while driving which could have been very catostrophic. Service center is who advised what the problem was after the vehicle was towed to their facility. Not inspected by any others at this point. Vehicle was just in for maintenance a week prior. No warning lamps or symptoms until the moment it happened. Approaching stop sign heard knocking or clicking noise, proceeded to side street to pull over and before he could pull over, the vehicle completely shut down. He went to look under hood and oil was splattered on top of hood and leaking all under vehicle. Vehicle was then towed to service facility who advised the connecting rod broke off and blew hole in engine.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #424

Apr 022022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
My car started making knocking noise while I was driving. I put my VIN on a website and it said my car was affected for recall engine connecting rod bearing and qualified to get fixed under campaign. On 4/04/22 I had my 2012 Hyundai Sonata towed to the dealership where few days later they denied it because of salvage title. I contacted Better Business Bureau for help and almost two months later denied me and closed my case for the same reason it has salvage title. My car does not have 100,000 mileage and only is not operating because of this mistake the Hyundai manufacturer made. The BBB auto line sent me the car fax and none of the previous owners ever got this recall fixed and now that I have the car it stopped working because of the rod bearings and the dealership has confirmed it. It is a safety concern and is not performing as it should because of manufacturer. I have the proof where it says my car is affected. It having salvage title isn-??t valid reason to refuse recall coverage. Consumer is trying to get the car fix under the engine connecting rod bearing campaign.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #423

Apr 282022

Sonata

  • 71,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the contact was referred to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a seized engine seize and oil drain plug failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #422

Feb 152022

Sonata

  • 2,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine started smoking. The vehicle was overheated and the vehicle flap and cooling warning light message displayed. The contact was able to pull over safely and exit the family out. There were 4 passengers, the wife, and 3 children. The entire vehicle was destroyed and engulfed in flame. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the wrecking yard. There was a police report. There were minor injuries to the wife and 1 daughter. The contact related the fire to NHTSA Campaign Number 20V746000 (Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 2,000

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #421

Apr 122022

Sonata

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #420

Apr 282022

Sonata

  • miles
The vehicle had the engine replaced under Hyundai recall. What a fiasco. Within 6 months the fuel gauge starts intermittently work. Then the vehicle completely dies, diagnosis calls to have fuel pump replaced. Next 3 months the vehicle while driving losses power having to pull over to the side of the road. Thank God vehicle started and able to drive home, while the vehicle would loose power, then regaining it once took foot off gas pedal and applying pressure to again. That night find the rear brake light illuminated, went out stepped on brake pedal and went off. Another time console light would illuminate while driving no reasoning. The vehicle lastly killed the battery in the driveway. Had AAA tow to mechanic who now states the alternator needs to be replaced. After a few day not hearing back from mechanic, I call. He stating now the vehicle has electrical problems and it takes time. I will keep you posted. Hyundai has many major issues and should be held accountable, its a safety issue to the driver and general public.

- Hartsdale, NY, USA

problem #419

Mar 192022

Sonata

  • miles
On March 19th I was involved in wreck where the other driver was at fault. The lady t-boned me on my driver's side. Airbags never deployed so my head smashed Into the window leaving me with a concussionand spinal injury. My usually working horn failed as well. I would also like to mention that I have only had this car a year. I was also told it was never in a wreck and had 1 owner. Nope. A week after I got it, I was driving and my engine seized while I was doing 70mph. The steering stopped working, but somehow managed to pull off to the side. i had to stay in my car because of the busy highway. It was 100+ weather and my windows wouldn't work. I sat there for 2 hours. Took the car to a shop just to find out about the engine recall that I believe my car wasn't apart of, but should have been. Fought with Hyundai for them to fix it then lost my job because I was denied a loaner car while waiting. 2 months later they finally fix it. Now the breaks do a weird grinding thing a lot, my shifter slips out of place, the steering column wobbles, the engine is constantly making a disturbing noise and is sluggish, it has trouble shifting when accelerating. I have had the car rapidly accelerate instead of slow down when stopping at a stop sign or light. I only got it to stop after stomping the breaks repeatedly while throwing it in park and turning the car off all at the same time. Emergency break and traction control light come on a lot. It's throwing a high speed can bus code, but only sometimes. My gas mileage has went down to 16-18 mpg. Oil changes are necessary every month. AND my taillights burn out every 1 to 2 months. Now I have 4 traffic tickets. And that was all BEFORE the wreck. Hyundai refuses to call me back after they reluctantly fixed the first recall.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #418

Apr 292022

Sonata

  • miles
While driving, the gas pedal was unresponsive to down pressure. The 2012 Sonata Hyndai moved slowly off the road till it stopped. I could start it again, the lights responded, it would not move. Towed to a garage and they said my engine failed! No warning lights observed. After restarting the engine warning light came on.

- Boxford, MA, USA

problem #417

Dec 282021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
My Hyundai Sonata has the failed engine that was recalled by Hyundai. But because we did not do a software update Hyundai will not replace the engine. We were not aware of either recall. We also didn't know about a class action settlement. My car is sitting at the dealership since December, 2021. I have notified your department once before and nothing was done. This vehicle has been deemed dangerous to drive but I will have no choice. Hyundai needs to step up and replace their horrible mistake. Please help me.

- New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA

problem #416

Feb 192022

Sonata

  • miles
There is a recall on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata motor. Which has caused the motor to lock up. Hyundai is refusing to fix the recall issue. Both dealership and customer care have stated that the motor locked up due to the recall but they are refusing to fix the issue, stating it is my fault. My car had 130k miles on it. The dealership has had my car for 2 months and they never contact me regarding the progress on my car, I have had to contact them.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #415

Feb 192022

Sonata

  • miles
The motor just stopped running due to the ECM recall the motor locked

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #414

Mar 032022

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving and DoorDashing for money when all of a sudden there was a weird knocking noise, causing all of the lights on my dash to turn on. I had just taken my car in for an oil change 2 days prior to an independent service center. This was the first time this situation occurred. I had never dealt with it before. I went to make a left to get out of the road and a burning smell started to occur and my entire car died in the turning lane. I was stuck in the lane for about an hour until a tow truck came and towed me to Huffines Hyundai Plano. While there they told me I had a lot of recalls and they would take care of them. About a week later they called me to tell me that my entire engine had seized up and failed and my recall was denied due to a software update campaign back in 2015 that I did not do. I have been to multiple Hyundai Dealerships since 2015 and was never informed of the severity of this recall, nor was I told if I didn't get such a software update that if my engine did indeed fail they would deny fixing their mistake to begin with. I had no idea of the important of this software update and really don't understand how it comes down on me that metal shards potentially were left in the engine, causing to dislodge and ruin my engine. It was incredibly sudden and I have only put 50,000 miles on the car in 7 years since owning it. The dealership also kept bringing up my warranty as if that had anything to do with this recall that is out for the engine.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

problem #413

Mar 252022

Sonata

  • miles
As I was driving on the highway, my car engine stalled and all the interior dashboard lights came on. I was unable to accelerate although all other features of my car worked (steering, brakes, radio, bluetooth, etc...). I was barely able to get off the highway safely as the highway I was on had no shoulder that was safely accessible. Luckily, I was in the far right lane already which allowed me to exit the highway. I was just barely able to exit the highway and move to the middle and far right lane of the service road before my car came to a complete stop. I attempted to turn my car off and back on without success. At this point, I could start to smell burning of something and knew I needed to exit the car immediately, however, I was unable to do so due to traffic on the driver side of my car. I noticed smoke coming from my engine which prompted to me to jump out of the car without continuing to pay attention to the traffic that was passing me. I called 911 to alert them of my car impeding traffic, potentially causing another wreck, and the potential that my car may be on fire. After making those statements to dispatch, flames shot forward from my hood and I was able to move away from my car. The fire department arrived on scene but not before the flames had reached 12+ feet as they were taller than the fire truck. The firefighters were able to put out the flames. My car engine was completely melted from the fire. At this point, the dealership, insurance agent or any other representative has determined a cause of the fire or has looked at my car. No warning lights to indicate a malfunction was visible prior to the incident. No noises or engine malfunctions were noted prior to the incident.

- Rowlett, TX, USA

problem #412

Dec 062016

Sonata

  • miles
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has not had any resolution after the motor seized in 2016. The dealership service department said the motor needed to be replaced in 2016 but refused to honor the warranty. I drove the car part way home when the motor seized on the highway. At that time I made multiple attempts for Hyundai to honor the warranty. The Sonata had 58,708 miles on it. It had to be towed has been in storage since that time. Hyundai since has placed a recall on the motor. The Hyundai customer care center is refusing to cover the cost of towing and loaner vehicle while -??they check it out to see if it covered under the recall-??. I would like to know what rights I have" Will I need to initiate a law suit to get resolution? My VIN indicates it is included in the recall. I contacted a Hyundai dealership who stated they would get back with me also. They also have not contacted me to date. Six years has passed and Hyundai has been fined billions according to your website yet they do not respond in any reasonable fashion. Do have have any information about what they are required to do for someone in my position" It has been pointed out to me that many other parts will need replacing such as the hybrid battery, connectors, hoses and so on due to the time lapse which Hyundai purposely created by their refusal to act in a timely manner. I am making a complaint against them for the above reasons.

- Wellington, TX, USA

problem #411

Feb 162022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine failed per hyundai recall September 2nd 2015 engine should be repaired or replaced. Hyundai is refusing to honor recall.

- North Branch, MN, USA

problem #410

Mar 162022

Sonata

  • miles
Limp mode on the 16th of march, no symptoms prior to entering limp mode. Check engine light was illuminated and blinking & a knocking sound came from under the hood, along with not being able to get over 1800 rpms before having to shift. Drove back home until the next day on march 17th went to try to take it to a manufacturing company and did not make it. While in the middle of driving it had a loud bang under hood and left me on side the road. Could not crank it again.

- Kinston, AL, USA

problem #409

Mar 162022

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving inner city about 40 mph on 3/16/22. Vehicle lost power while driving. There were no warning signs, no check engine light, nothing. It just died while driving. I was nearly hit in the back by another vehicle with my 2 small grandchildren in the back seat. I was stuck in middle of road with 2 grandchildren at night in the dark around 8pm in the rain. The roads are slippery and wet during rain. Many cars passing had to jump over without warning because my car was just sitting in the middle of road. It was not safe for me and my grandchildren to get out of the car as it was heavily raining. I got out and stood on side the car until a passer by in a car pulled over to help me push the car out of the middle of the street until the tow truck arrived. Tow truck finally arrived 2 hours later. This car always stalls with no warning and did not crank. It had to be towed to nearby repair shop. My grandchildren and I had to find a ride back home.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #408

Jan 042022

Sonata

  • 122,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle had started decelerating before stalling without warning. The contact was able to pull off the road to a parking lot and park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

- West Haven, CT, USA

problem #407

Jan 182021

Sonata

  • miles
I keep getting this error message Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive with the caution symbol. I have take it to the dealership 5 times and they do not see anything wrong. Usually the message flash for a few seconds and then go away. Today it did something different. The display keep alternating with Check charging system and Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive along with a beeping sound. I had to pull over and restart the car. I travel in rural areas for work, and I am so afraid my car is going to stop in the middle on nowhere. When I googled the error message it appears so many other Sonata owners from 2011-2014 are experiencing the same problem. I have reported this to Hyundai warranty, but when they contact the dealership, they tell them nothing is wrong with my car. Please advise of what to do.

- Fort Mitchell, AL, USA

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