10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,467 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.

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problem #10

Jan 062020

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 134,000 miles
I have had both my back light harnesses where a bulb has blown and it was so hot it melted the bulb ends into the socket and I had to replace the whole harness for one side and might have to replace it for the other side as well. The vehicle inside dash lights would also start flickering off and on as well as the outside lights while the vehicle is in motion. This is concerning to me and I know they have had numerous complaints on this and it is a safety issue, but yet they have not done any recalls. Why please advise.

- Donaldsonville, LA, USA

problem #9

May 302019

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
Both headlights and break lights continue going out. First time I replaced the break lights, they had melted to the unit. I have had both headlights go out at the same time on two separate occasions. I have replaced the alternator twice now and it is looking like I will have to replace it again soon, headlights are getting dull (it's hard to see, and my brights won't click on (it is not the blinker column)), the battery has been replaced when the alternator was replaced as well. This is getting expensive. The dealership told me it was the blinker column when it was actually the alternator. Replacing the lights have been happening for years, the alternator problem started last year, so within 2 months of replacing it the first time, it went out again, and now 5 months later, it is needing to the be replaced again. It appears that it is perhaps an electrically issue since lights, battery, and alternator are going out.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #8

Feb 242019

Sonata

  • 53,000 miles
While I was driving my car, I hear a loud sound from the roof of my car. I pulled aside and saw that the panoramic sunroof on my car (Hyundai Sonata 2013) was broken. At first I thought something might have hit the car but there was nothing that hit the car. It just exploded while I was driving.

- Issaquah, WA, USA

problem #7

Jan 112019

Sonata

  • 70,000 miles
I have a problem with my exterior lights constantly burning out. Brake light was out, I was notified when I was pulled over for a traffic stop. I changed the light bulb that same day, and two days later the bulb was burnt out again. I changed the bulb thinking it was a bad bulb, and the same thing happened about a week later. I was told at Hyundai service department that it was a wiring issue, and they fixed it. However, a month later, my bulb is out again, plus my two license plate bulbs, and a taillight. I again fixed all lights, and to no surprise, passenger side brake light is out once again. Also, my headlights were just replaced the same time because they seemed dim. Brand new, supposedly brighter bulbs, look exactly the same as the old dim lights. I cannot see at night unless I use my high beams. This is a very big safety issue. I have read several other people having the same problem, but still no recall has been put out about this issue.

- Council Bluffs, IA, USA

problem #6

Mar 152017

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
The contact's husband owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her grand daughter was driving, the rear passenger side brake light failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side brake light tail assembly needed to be replaced. The rear passenger side bulb was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that the vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the mechanic stated that the tail assembly socket was melting and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to ourisman Hyundai ((301) 725-4400 located on 3516 fort meade rd, laurel, md 20724) where it was confirmed that no recalls were associated and there would be a charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then stated that while driving both driver's and passenger side headlights failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted for the most recent failure. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Laurel, MD, USA

problem #5

Feb 192018

Sonata

  • 81,000 miles
On 2/19/2018 while driving on the highway my sunroof spontaneously exploded. There were no prior indications of problems and no warning. It was not below freezing, it was raining(I wasn't using it), and there was no falling debris of any kind. It sounded like a gunshot went off by my face. Had this happened to an inexperienced or insecure driver it could not only cause a highway collision but fatalities. I believe there is something wrong with the structural integrity or possibly the chemical makeup of the glass used which makes it susceptible somehow(the entire sunroof was gone, 90%+) however the cause is unknown at this time. I pulled over immediately to think and make sure I was unharmed, then called my Hyundai dealership and drove straight there. The dealership put in a repair order which at first was denied by Hyundai. I called Hyundai customer service department and started a case. Within a few days Hyundai approved the second attempt and repaired the vehicle at no cost to me. However if this happened once I believe this could happen again and I would like a recall issued or at the very least investigated. This is a public safety issue.

- Northlake, IL, USA

problem #4

Sep 132017

Sonata

  • 67,672 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. When the contact attempted to use the key fob, it failed to open any of the doors on the vehicle. Also, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V226000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 67,672.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #3

May 272017

Sonata

  • 69,000 miles
Driving southbound at 70 mph on a straight section of a major interstate in my city at approximately 1:25 pm, the sunroof glass shattered for no apparent reason with a sound similar to a shotgun. Almost lost control of the vehicle due to the sound. Did not see any road hazards flying through the air. Shade was closed so all glass stayed above myself and other occupants. Outside air temperature was 94F and sunny. Photo taken to document as soon as it was safe to pull over.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #2

Apr 122016

Sonata

  • miles
Headlights flicker while driving. They are getting worse as they are cutting completely off driving down the road. Some times it will even dim or completely shut off the interior lights.the lights cut off in the middle of a turn. I've had it in service 3 or 4 times and they can not seem to find the problem. The day I bought the car on the way home is the first time I noticed and called it in for repair. They have since then replaced the battery and the alternator in attempt to fix the problem which none of this has successfully helped. The car does this mainly while driving, but sometimes while in a stationary position. My job requires me to work nights which I can not even drive my car for this safety issue in the fear of causing a wreck and possibly injuring someone or myself. I had a video to share, but its not in the right format so it will not let me post. Please help me find the solution to this.

- Blountsville, AL, USA

problem #1

Jul 192012

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
This car has a disturbing reflection of the top deck of dashboard on the windshield..it interferes with concentration....car was purchased 7/19/12 in searching the internet I have found complaints of this nature with other Hyundai Sonatas.......

- Brooklyn, NY, USA