10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 23,496 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.
Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Vehicle stalled while driving
- Sterling , VA, USA
On November 10, 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN [XXX], approximately 150,000 miles) experienced a sudden loss of power while I was turning right and accelerating into traffic. The vehicle immediately entered limp mode with flashing warning lights and audible alerts. The vehicle lost normal propulsion and could not accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation as it was blocking a traffic lane. I was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby parking lot to get out of traffic. The vehicle was not safely drivable afterward and was towed home. A few days later, the vehicle was towed to Murdoch Hyundai in Lindon, Utah, for diagnosis. The vehicle was found to have diagnostic trouble code P1326, which Hyundai identifies as activation of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) related to connecting-rod bearing wear. This condition is part of Hyundai-??s known engine defect and safety recall/warranty extension programs. During inspection, the dealer observed that the valvetrain did not show signs of neglect or sludge, which is inconsistent with oil starvation or severe maintenance neglect. This further supports that the failure is consistent with the known connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by Hyundai-??s KSDS safety recall, rather than a maintenance-related issue. This is a safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion or reduced power while entering traffic creates a high risk of collision. Hyundai customer care has been unwilling to open a new case number or escalate review, and the dealer has indicated possible denial of engine replacement coverage based on incomplete oil-change records, despite the vehicle exhibiting the KSDS safety condition. I am requesting NHTSA review of this safety-related defect and the manufacturer-??s handling of KSDS/P1326 failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Spanish Fork, UT, USA
The vehicle experienced an engine and power train failure while driving on the highway, resulting in sudden loss of power. The electrical system also failed after the dealer visit, causing the battery to die every morning. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My car suddenly lost power on the highway and would not accelerate, forcing me to pull over on the shoulder with traffic moving around me. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision or crash. Additionally, after the dealer visit, the electrical system began failing and the vehicle has been completely dead every morning, leaving me stranded with a child and unable to reliably start the car. The problem has not been reproduced because the check engine code cleared itself after the incident; however, the symptoms absolutely remain. The dealer refused to diagnose the loss-of-power event because the code was cleared, and they returned the vehicle to me with a dead battery. The electrical issue (car dying every morning) has been happening consistently since the dealer visit. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership immediately after the incident, but they refused to diagnose the loss of power due to the code being cleared. A mobile mechanic scanned the code at my home before the tow, but the code disappeared afterward. The electrical failure began after the dealer visit and has not been properly inspected by Hyundai. Yes. While driving on the highway, the check engine light came on and the car immediately lost power and would not accelerate. After the dealer visit, the car has been completely dead every morning and requires a jump to start. These symptoms began on the same day as the highway incident and continued after Hyundai serviced the vehicle.
- Bridgeport , OH, USA
High engine oil consumption 2 qts every 1k miles.
- Malden , MA, USA
My vehicle had the following symptoms: 1. Alternating between sluggish acceleration/handling AND rough acceleration with the vehicle lurching forward at times 2. Check engine light with error code P00010 3. Occurred frequently over a one month period (5+ times) This was unsafe as the car could not properly accelerate and would lurch forward at intersections. This could easily have led to a crash. We limited driving. This issue was observed at the dealer where I repaired issue. The issue is exactly the same as the issue described in the recall for Hyundai Sonata 2015 under SB-10058136-4434 and was resolved by replacement of the E-CVVT seal as described. This issue is ridiculous for me to deal with and put my family as risk given it a KNOWN issue for Hyundai in their other vehicles.
- Bear, DE, USA
Car Lost Power going up a hill. Generating codes P1326, P0455 and P0302
- Sandyston, NJ, USA
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" Automatic transmission failed two times. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle stalled in the middle of the road while driving which put me and my family in a very dangerous situation Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, inspected by dealer and extended warranty Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" None, Tranmission failed without any warnings or check engine lights.
- Naperville, IL, USA
Background Info : On November 28th, 2023 I filed a case with Hyundai Consumer Affairs due to smoke and sparks coming from my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA engine. I was assigned to a Case Coordinator Carla who did not provide her last name at telephone 714-694-4963. She was my contact person for the repair. I signed a tow authorization on November 28th, 2023 authorizing HMA to tow the vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealership due to some delays in coordination on behalf on my contact Carla and the dealership Pohanka Hyundai received my vehicle on approximately December 4th, 2023. Per correspondence from Carla she had contacted the dealership with no response until the 18th of December 2023; approximately two weeks after the dealership received my vehicle. She informed me that she had made countless attempts to reach a service team member for follow up on an inspection. On December 18th 2023 I got in contact with Joseph to inquire as to what his inspection found. He stated -??That he did not see an oil leak and the car hand no oil.-?? I explained to him that was my car had been recently serviced at Jiffy Lube on August 1st 2023 at 44,664 miles for an oil change. Per Hyundai the oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5000 miles which I had not exceeded as my car had 46863 miles at the initial time of the service inspection that he performed. He then said -??Jiffy lube did not put any oil in the car then-?? which was impossible. I made contact with the Jiffy Lube location who performed the oil change to get the record of my last oil change as Joseph had a differing opinion. I was informed that in fact the oil was changed and they could provide video proof if necessary. I then communicated this information to Joseph as well as provided a copy of the last oil change. I then was told that I needed a CVVT replacement, transmission flush and oil change. I attempted to address his initial diagnose of -??no oil in the car-?? as I had proof that it had been changed and that they should do furthe
- Washington, DC, USA
I have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata that has had repeated engine issues including stalling overheating and shutting off. The car engine also caught on Fire on [XXX} and was reported to Hyundai Consumer affairs where a case was opened. The car was in the dealership for repair until [XXX] I have a warranty that the dealership or Hyundai did not honor for the engine, power train. The services that were repaired was a replacement of a engine piece which is Continuously Variable Valve Timing) System which controls the controls the open & close timing of intake valve to improve engine performance. On approximately [XXX] 3 days after picking the car up which I had to incur the cost of the repair as Hyundai did not honor my warranty the engine as well as oil light came on The car repair included transmission oil flush and engine oil replacement per the dealership. I contacted the service manager Mr Espinoza who was overseeing my case and informed him of the continued issues he asked me to drive the vehicle in to be looked it. as we have had inclement weather in my area i was unable to take the vehicle in. On [XXX] I attempted to drive the car to the services department at Pohanka hyundai only for the engine to make a roaring noise and stall also there was no engine oil in the car wherefore it should-??ve been. I contacted the dealership and told they were busy and to bring it next week. i am requesting hyundai to buyback the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Washington, DC, USA
INTAKE CAMSHAFT CVVT COVER AND SENSOR INTAKE CAMSHAFT CVVT OIL PLUG PLUG Exhaust Manifold I am up to date on all me oil changes and everytime I get and oil change the oil goes so fast! This has actually been happening ever since I got the vehicle. My acceleration has been decreasing when I get an oil change.
- St. Ann , MO, USA
I am having electrical issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata plus the other recalls. It started as issues with the lights on the driver side. I have replaced several bulbs and the entire light even and still have issues with the lights working properly. Now the issue is the battery, alternator or the starter. The starter had to be replaced as I was advised by Hyundai dealership when my engine had to be replaced, per recall. I had to purchase a starter, that was three times the amount at the dealership because the one that is manufactured in the auto stores is not correct, so it should not be the starter as it is only 1 to 2 years old. I have had the alternator replaced as well as 2 batteries and I-??m still having issues. It cut off completely while driving on more than 1 occasion. There was no warning, no power steering, gear lock, no lights & no power so I could not move and almost had a major accident. It is definitely a safety hazard even after the repairs, it has happened again! My vehicle is currently not working because the new battery will not hold a charge and they both have been replaced. I-??ve been having other electronic type issues with this vehicle. My information center has not worked for the past 8 months or so! I reported this to Hyundai and they agreed that it could be a part of a previous recall, and advised me to go to the dealership to have it repaired. The dealership refuses because they don-??t have required information to show it as a Current recall and want to charge me half the price of a new car to repair. I am not the only one experience this as my research has led me to several other Hyundai owners experiencing the same issues. It is not fair that they cannot be corrected as these are things that are none of consumer fault & should have been high demands to proper repair or recall being a major safety issue as it can cause a horrific accident! Shame on Hyundai for putting their Hyundai customers at risk & through so much chaos!
- Jackson, MS, USA
I keep having the same issue with this vehicle's fuel/propulsion system, power train, engine, cruise control. This vehicle is need it's fuel system cleaned now for a 3rd time in less then 2 years. I have done the high mileage maintenance on it as well. I drive the vehicle less than 5,000 miles a year. When I am driving the vehicle, it struggles to speed up, making me press on the gas repeatedly to get to the indicated speed limit. The vehicle does not slow down as it should when pressing on the brakes. I have to press repeatedly over and over and harder on the brakes in order for it to slow down. The vehicle jerks, speeds up without me pressing on the gas and sometimes it will not stop when prompted. I cannot put this vehicle on cruise control, because it speeds up and out of no where, it accelerates causing me to almost collide with another vehicle or object. Even when the vehicle is not in cruise control, the sudden jerks and acceleration puts me, my children and others in harm when it suddenly speeds up, jerks or will not stop in time. It makes a loud noise and jerks even when the car is in a resting position. It loses power, it speeds up when i need it to stay the same speed or slow down. I fear this vehicle is unsafe. I have reported these issues and a few more to the dealership who never responded, so I had to go over their heads, then finally I got a response from their Consumer Affairs' Department, as well as the BBB and they state because of the vehicle's age and/or mileage there is nothing they can do about it. Please help me. This is the only vehicle I have, and I am a single parent who cannot afford another vehicle. What is going on with this car? Why do I have to keep struggling to pay for something to get fixed and it is still not solved. Below, it ask for a date, but it is multiple dates, not just one. I have listed the first time it occurred. Thank you.
- San Antonio, TX, USA
The paint on the vehicle is peeling. It started on the roof and has progressed to the hood, frond fenders, and trunk. Because I am not the first owner, Hyundai will not not cover repairs. On 23 Aug 2023 I also had to replace the transmission at 115,416 miles. Again, Hyundai refused to cover any repairs.
- Lorton, VA, USA
My vehicle is experiencing high oil consumption. An oil light came on for about a second and went out. When I returned home, I checked the oil, and it was empty. We have our oil changed at our dealership everyou 3000-3500 miles. The next time frame, I checked the oil regularly and noticed it was getting low very quickly. When we returned to the dealership we were put on a 1000 mile oil consumption test, then the next time had a combustion chamber cleanse, and then returned at another 1000 miles and the dealership disputed the amount of used oil, and told us if there were additional issues we would need to start over. It continues to burn unusually high, but we are monitoring it. Hyundai says their threshold is a quart every 1000 miles.
- Raleigh, NC, USA
We have a Hyundai sonata that has been burning oil since 56,000 miles and has failed 5 oil consumption tests.the car is unsafe to drive. It stalls on highway and around town. It just stops running and leaves us stranded. The car now burns 4 quarts of oil every 1,000. We have to put oil in the car every week. The plugs fowl about every 4,000.. Car goes into stall or safe mode. We are afraid to drive the car and it's our only form of transportation. Hyundai just laughed at us. We have all maintenance records and still they won't fix the vehicle. We need help. The care is unsafe to drive because it stalls in traffic and we have almost been hit in the rear many times. This company made bad and defective motors yet our government refuses to protect us.
- Knoxville, TN, USA
I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L with the Theta II engine back in December 2016. I purchased it as a Hyundai Certified Pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, with the 10 year, 100,000 mi powertrain warranty. The car had approximately 36,000 mi on the odometer. Starting at about 60,000 mi on the odometer, I began to notice excessive engine oil consumption. The factory has made attempts to remedy the issue under the 10 year, 100,000 powertrain warranty coverage, but none have lasted more than 1,000 mi. After 1,000 mi of a "repair" service, the engine is back to consuming lots of engine oil. As a result, I have resorted to checking the dip every time I fuel up, and top off engine oil as it gets consumed. To my estimate, my oil consumption is between 200 to 300 mi per qt of oil consumed, which is well in excess of the factory acceptable levels of 400-500 mi per qt of oil consumed. Then, Hyundai USA's Customer Care's customer reps, case managers, and Hyundai National Managers all have told me in several occasions over the past two years that my car is either "out of warranty" (despite not yet having reached the 10 year, 100,000 mi mark, nor the extended 120,000 mi mark) or that Hyundai has never sold any Hyundai CPO cars with the 10 year, 100,000 mi powertrain warranty in the US, despite my sales records and owner's records indicating that my car came with the warranty. Hyundai is trying to breach its 10/100 powertrain warranty contract and trying to have me pay for the diagnostic and repair costs out of my pocket.
- Irvine, CA, USA
Knock Sensor, ECM, Engine stalling and loss of connection. Resulting in flashing engine light. Low acceleration. Power reduced to 40 and below Engine misfire.
- Georegtown, SC, USA
Burns oil at an extraordinary rate. Takes about 1-2 quarts every week. No leaks, I-??m unsure what the cause is for the oil burning so fast but it-??s not leaking because I-??ve gotten it checked for leaks and there is not oil stains or puddles when the vehicle is parked.
- Hesperia, CA, USA
- Franklin Park, NJ, USA