2018 Hyundai Sonata

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2024· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  - Component or system that failed: engine (cylinder #4 misfire) - Safety was put at risk twice: once when knock sensor went off on interstate (October) and engine went into limp mode (aka protection mode). Required a tow from the, which was tricky with a vehicle full of passengers. Safety was put at risk gain when vehicle began to stutter/sputter on interstate (December). Drove 4-cylinder vehicle essentially on three cylinders an hour to dealership - Problem has been confirmed by dealer (Southern States Hyundai, Raleigh, NC) - vehicle has been inspected by warranty inspector, who requests approval before disassembling engine to diagnose issue. However, based upon maintenance records and manufacturer's history of engine issues (more on this below), owner should not be liable for investigating a well known issue. At the time of this writing, the issue has been escalated beyond the dealership and warranty to Hyundai Motor America, and currently awaiting the results of their findings. - symptoms of the problem include constant oil leak from vehicle purchase in May 2024 up to engine failure in December 2024. Various temporary remedies (oil changes and repairs, including oil drain plug gasket replacement, crush washer replacement, and replacement of cracked oil pan) did not fix the issue. Additionally, in the October incident, Hyundai dealership (Sport Durst Hyundai, Durham, NC) simply updated the knock sensor detection (KDS) software, despite the vehicle previously receiving the update in 2019 (this can be verified). Finally, owner, noted "engine knocking" (aka 'tapping') in vehicle prior to engine failure. - Hyundai (the manufacturer) settled a class action lawsuit in 2021. Vehicle is one of the vehicles listed under Class Vehicles, but dealer, nor warranty company, nor Hyundai seem to want to resolve issue, which both alienates owner and presents a safety hazard, as the vehicle is unsafe to drive. All claims here will be supposed via documentation and images.

• 12/31/2019· ENGINE

  THE CAR BUCK GOING THREW LIGHTS IT HAD NO POWER. IT WOULD BOG DOWN WHEN YOU LEASE EXPECT IT. THIS DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN. BUT ONCE HAPPEN AT 1:30AM. THE LIGHT BEEN ON FOR AWHILE. I GO THREW A GREEN LIGHT THE CAR WENT LIP AND THE SEMI LAID ON HIS HORN AT 1:30AM. BECAUSE HE DIDN'T KNOW I BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR MONTHS.THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO THE DEALER JUST AS THEY GOT THERE NO APPOINTMENT I JUST WALKED IN. I WAS PISSED. THEY CHANGED THE KNOCK SWITCH. IT ALMOST WORKED FOR TWO WEEKS.

• 12/31/2017· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED HAVE CONDENSATION IN THEM. IT HAS BEEN THERE FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 10/1/18. THAT DAY THE DEALERSHIP TOOK PICTURES TO SEND TO HYUNDAI AND 1 MONTH LATER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS. BUT THE NEW HEADLIGHTS WERE WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL AND THE DAY AFTER THEY WERE INSTALLED I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE PARTS MANAGER TOOK MORE PICTURES FOR HYUNDAI. I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE FROM HYUNDAI DIRECTLY WHO IS MY CONTACT REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ADVISED HYUNDAI IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM AND WHILE THEY DO I AM STILL WAITING FOR NEW HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE FOUND OTHER CARS IN MY AREA WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AT NIGHT THE MOISTURE COVERS A GOOD PORTION OF THE GLASS GIVING A DISTORTION TO THE PROJECTED HEADLIGHT BEAM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE NOT JUST DURING GOOD WEATHER, BUT ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER.

• 12/29/2024· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

  When my car suddenly stopped on the highway, I encountered an issue with the “body control module.” The car wouldn’t start, and the key fob was ineffective. Additionally, the airbags stopped working. I don’t recall all the details, but I was unsure of where to report the dangerous vehicle. I’ve noticed several other Hyundai owners complaining about this issue, where their cars suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere.

• 12/28/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Intermittent no-crank, no-start condition. Dash lights illuminate, push-button start produces no response. Brake pedal applied. Vehicle becomes immobilized without warning. I’ve been stranded on multiple occasions. Unable to commute to work, or home. Most recently on December 19,2025 the car completely shut off while driving on the highway.

• 12/27/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  DIM HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY WEAK, NOT AIMED CORRECTLY OR POOR DESIGN. NOT ENOUGH CANDLE POWER TO SEE DIVIDING LINES ON HIGHWAY. WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS THINGS ARE GOOD. I HAVE TALKED WITH 3 OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE SONATA'S, DIFFERENT YEAR MODELS, THEY HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. NOT SAFE! I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW THIS HIGH SAFETY ITEM PASSED THE NTSB!!!!

• 12/26/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  We were heading to Lakewood NJ from Bucks County (North of Philly) . Car trouble w/ hybrid system on Rt 1, just past I-95. Got off @ Fairless Hills & took back roads. We could only go 20-30 mph. IDK how many times I pulled over. Several lights on, including "Check hybrid system. Turn Engine off", engine light, low tire pressure, battery & 3 other unidentifiable lights. I turned around to try to make it home, as 2 years ago, I had a similar issue, which turned out to be the hybrid water pump failed. We finally stopped near a park & called AAA & towed to dealer. Prior to driving, we had no fluid on our driveway. My last synthetic oil change was April 19, 2023 @ 49,097mile. I now have about 57,000 miles. Today, dealer said no oil in the car & oil pan was all wet. They claim the oil filer was loose. Why would it take 8 months to loosen to lose oil? After adding oil & taking for test drive, they said the engine seized & would need to be replaced. Not under warranty. Add to complaint - the remaining dashboard lights where checked and non of them was for the oil pressure. If I lost enough oil for the engine to seize I would expect a low oil pressure light to come. The dealer informed me on Dec 26, 2023 that when doing the diagnostic, the oil pressure light came on for them. The photos attached to the case does not show the oil pressure light on.

• 12/22/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while receiving an oil change, the technician advised that the oil level was very low. The contact stated that the low oil warning was intermittently illuminated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The contact was advised that the vehicle was operating normally. The contact stated that the low oil warning light was illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, and the oil level was topped off; another oil consumption test was suggested. The contact researched online and related the failure to a known issue of oil consumption that could lead to engine failure. The contact called the manufacturer and asked about an engine replacement because the vehicle was still under warranty. The manufacturer informed the contact that a combustion cleaning had to be performed to determine if the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who performed the combustion cleaning; however, the excessive oil consumption remained, and there was evidence of burned oil coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact called the dealer and was advised that another oil consumption test and combustion cleaning were needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,235.

• 12/22/2023· ENGINE

  Oil pan crack. Leaking oil can get on engine or underbody components causing fire or failure of breaking systems causing an accident resulting in death. Problem was identified by dealer and in fact the dealer rep said this was common. It has not been inspected by police or insurance reps. There is no warning systems in place for a cracked pan.

• 12/22/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as designed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and then contacted the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,920.

• 12/22/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  MY 2018 SONATA WILL NOT START WHEN TEMP DROPS BELOW 20 DEG F. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS WINTER AND WHEN IT WARMS BACK UP TO 40 TO 50 DEGREE IT WILL START. WHEN I TURN THE KEY ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIGHT UP LIKE NORMAL. I CAN MOVE HEAR SELECTOR AND TURN WHEEL. BUT THE STARTER WILL NOT ENGAGE NOTHING IS HEARD NOT A CLICK OR A SHIRT. IS THIS COMMON PROBLEM?

• 12/21/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Excessive oil consumption. I am routinely getting notifications of low oil about 1,000 miles before the oil change is due. When I bring it in for an oil change it is nearly empty. No signs of leaks anywhere.

• 12/20/2023· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The paint if pealing off in large sections due to a manufacturer defect in the primer. The flakes can fly onto the windshields of other vehicles causing collisions.

• 12/19/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  This car will not start when it is cold. I have only had this car for over one year and four months. The car ran perfect up until we began to have extreme cold weather. This is so dangerous because it could be an emergency and my car will not start. I have done my research and discovered that this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai. And nothing has been done about it.

• 12/17/2025· AIR BAGSCrash

  I am Detective [XXX] #XXX with Austin Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit and I worked a fatal crash [XXX]. The damage to the vehicle two vehicle should not have caused a death. The airbag became detached from the steering wheel and impaled into the drivers chest. I do have pictures but they are crime scene pictures and pictures of the decedent so I am not attaching them but if someone contacts me I can arrange that. I do not know the speed but I am going to image the module next week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/17/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  ENTERTAINMENT SCREEN TURNS OFF AFTER A WHILE AND WILL RESET OR I HAVE TO TAP IT AND MAKE SURE IT GOES BACK ON AND DOES THIS OVER AND OVER AT TIMES. SMOKE COMES OUT EXHAUST WHEN PASSING A CAR SOMETIMES

• 12/16/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  While driving on the highway, my 2018 Hyundai Sonata experienced sudden loss of engine power and became undrivable. The failure occurred without warning at approximately 86,500 miles. At the time of the incident, there were two children in the vehicle, and the breakdown occurred at night in cold temperatures (approximately 20°F). An authorized Hyundai dealership later diagnosed zero compression in cylinder 3 and confirmed a cracked piston, recommending full engine replacement. The sudden loss of power while driving created a safety risk due to traffic conditions and environmental exposure.

• 12/15/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start in cold weather, below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The contact stated that the vehicle would start as needed whenever the weather was warmer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

• 12/12/2023· ENGINE

  I own a 2018 Hyundai Sonata SEL. I purchased the car in 2020 with ~17,000 miles on it. At ~50,000 miles the engine begin burning oil. It has progressively gotten worse. I can’t bring myself to have anyone drive my car because of this issue. It is all to likely that the result of the car burning so much oil in a short period of time. That it can pose a serious risk to anyone driving the car if the oil wasn’t checked. This is not a common problem with many cars, this is a problem with Hyundai vehicles. The negligence of not issuing a recall for this is horrible. I have taken my car to private mechanics and Hyundai service centers. The response I get is “oh yeah they’re know for burning oil and there’s not much to do about it.” That’s a ridiculous response to situation like this for the thousands of owners. How long will it take to issue a recall, until a life is taken? When the issue could have been fixed by issuing a recall. Complete negligence on Hyundai and the NHTSA.

• 12/11/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and approved the engine replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the check engine warning light continued to flicker on the instrument panel. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the most recent failure The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

• 12/10/2023· ENGINE

  Purchased this vehicle with about 64K miles. Vehicle, as per CarFax report, has been meticulously maintained. Upon delivery, we changed the oil and filter with full-synthetic Amsoil. We ensured oil levels were appropriate prior to returning to service. No more than 1,000 miles later, roughly incurred in about a month, we checked oil levels again. This time, it required about 1.25 quarts to return it to the appropriate level .We did research and apparently, there is a class-action lawsuit filed by owners of Hyundai vehicles with this specific engine, the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Here's an article making reference to apparently your organization already looking into these complaints. [XXX] Could you please advise if the NHTSA will take the necessary steps to request Hyundai to issue a recall? I have found multiple articles where Hyundai is rejecting to take any action on their own, in most cases, advising their customers that such level of oil consumption is 'normal'. That clearly contradicts their own owner's manual guidelines. I own a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500LT with 302K miles and the vehicle will go nearly 5K miles between oil changes while requiring no more than 1/2 quart of oil to keep it at the appropriate levels. I also own a 2019 Honda Accord 2.0T that normally requires oil changes every 10K miles and it seldom requires more than 1/8 of a quart to keep at the appropriate oil levels. There is definitely something definitely wrong with this engine type and requires governmental involvement to hold the manufacturer to provide adequate remediation. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/10/2020· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING IN ANOTHER CITY AND MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I HAD IT TOWED TO NEARBY DEALER AND THEY SAID I WAS LOW IN OIL, AFTER HAVING IT CHANGED AN MONTH BEFORE. THEY DID OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND FOUND IT TO BE 1 QUART PER 1000 MILES AND LEFT THERE AND 2 MONTHS LATER HAD ANOTHER CONSUMPTION TEST DONE AFTER SEEING MY CAR WAS ONE IN THE CLASS ACTION ON ENGINE AND BEARINGS. THEY FOUND THIS ONE TO BE 1.1 QTS PER 1000 MILES. DEALER SAID NO WAY WILL THEY SEND INFO TO GET A NEW ENGINE UNDER WARRANTY. A QT A 1000 MILES SEEMS VERY EXCESSIVE. DEALER SAID THAT YOU NEED TO BE AT 1.5 QT PER 1000 WHICH WOULD BE ALMOST NO OIL WHEN I GO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND 100000 MILES. THIS SEEMS LIKE TOO MUCH OIL TO BE BURNT. AND THEY KNOW THEY HAVE ENGINE ISSUES AND WILL NOT RECTIFY

• 12/09/2020· POWER TRAIN

  WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS OR STUTTERS BEFORE PROPER ACCELERATION IS ACHIEVED. I OWNED A FORD FIESTA THAT DID THE SAME THING AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE CLUTCH. IS THAT A POSSIBILITY WITH MY SONATA?

• 12/08/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that cylinder #1 was misfiring on every cycle due to damage to the piston. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.

• 12/08/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  For the past 3 Oil changes, I find myself having to add 5 quarts of oil to my car after driving over 1,000 miles from getting my oil change. This third oil change I have added 15 quarts of oil to my car due the check oil light comes on. When I first purchased this car in March 2021, I didn’t experience this issue. I’ve never had to add oil to my vehicle before an scheduled oil change. Whalen the oil is checked due to the light coming on, it’s boned dry.

• 12/07/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  IN FEB 2020 MY SONATA WENT INTO SAFE MODE AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY AND DEALER ENDED UP REPLACING "KNOCK SENSOR". IN DECEMBER 2020 MY ENGINE "STUTTERED" THROWING ME FORWARD AS IF I HAD HIT BRAKES HARD. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES OCCURRED AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS CAR ACTED NORMALLY MOSTLY. A FEW DAYS LATER AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY AGAIN THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT (ORANGE) CAME ON ALONG WITH ERROR MESSAGE "POSSIBLE CONDITION WITH ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM" HAS BEEN DETECTED. CAR DID NOT GO INTO "SAFE MODE" AND SEEMED TO BE OPERATING NORMALLY. I CONTACTED DEALER WHO ASSURED ME SAFE TO DRIVE OVER HUNDRED MILES BACK TO DEALERSHIP IN THIS CONDITION TO CHECK. I DROVE BACK FROM EAST COAST FL TO WEST COAST FL TO TURN CAR IN. I BELIEVE ENGINE ISSUE EXPERIENCED IS RELATED TO THE THETA ENGINE ISSUE AND REPAIR WOULD BE COVERED UNDER SETTLEMENT. DEALERSHIP DISAGREES AND HAS INDICATED ISSUE IS WITH FUEL PUMPS (BOTH ARE BEING REPLACED) AND CHARGING ME $2300.

• 12/06/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  See attached document for complaint.

• 12/05/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to have an oil change performed and then return the vehicle after 1,000 miles of driving. The contact stated that after returning the vehicle to the dealer, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

• 12/05/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  My car started leaking oil from the oil drain bolt area. I took it to the dealer and they said the oil pan had a defect, they called it a “weld crack”. A quick internet search shows that this is a very widespread issue.

• 12/03/2024· ENGINE

  My cars engine is failing. My safety as well as other around me are at risk because the more oil my engine consumes, the more it is likely to quite literally blow up. My car just hit 60,000 and my dealership has informed me that I need an engine replacement. The manufacturer will not take accountability for their fault engines, even though my dealership told me they see this same engine problem come in every single day. Since before my car hit 60,000 in October 2023, my oil light came on which is odd because I’ve always maintained my car well. Since then, my car has been burning 4-5 quarts of oil in 1000 miles. My engine has an oil consumption issue, as do many other Hyundai models but Hyundai refuses to acknowledge this issue. Go on Tik tok, look at how many people are having the same problem. Call a Hyundai service center, any one of your choice, they will tell you that they see oil consumption motor issues every day. Hyundai corporate told me it is not their problem, and good luck. This is unethical and immoral and there needs to be a recall. There is no reason why I need an engine replacement at 60,000 miles.

• 12/03/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I HAVE A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHTS LOOK LIKE THEY ARE PARTIALLY SHADED AND EACH LIGHT HAS A NOTCH HANGING DOWN OVER IT. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THE LIGHTS HAVE AN ANTI GLARE SYSTEM AND THAT'S HOW THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO WORK! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS FEATURE. WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT ON A DARK ROAD I CAN SEE ABOUT 15 - 2 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. PLEASE DO SOMETHING.

• 12/02/2025· ENGINE

  I bought this vehicle as a certified pre-owned from a Hyundai dealership on 09/10/2022 with 32,677 miles. Around 85,000 miles, it began burning an excessive amount of oil—about two quarts per month. Now, with approximately 101,000 miles, it still burns two quarts weekly, oil is being expelled from the muffler, and the exhaust has started to glow red. I have tried contacting Hyundai but have not received any response.

• 12/02/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  43000 miles on car. original owner. new battery. car does not cold start in the morning. all electronics light up, but engine doesn't start. This is a known issue from all the posts i found online, yet Hyundai has not issued a recall. I paid 300 for a battery 2 weeks ago and the issue didn't resolve. Now i am being told by dealer it is the starter and it's not covered because my 5 yr warranty is expired (my car is 6 years old). This is a known safety issue across the 2018 Sonata line. This should be a recall or bulletin, instead I have to come up with hundreds of dollars more to replace a starter on a car with ONLY 43,000 miles.

• 12/02/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

  when the car is cold it would not start. I checked what the problem can be online and it turns out that there are a lot of out cars with the same problem. The problem is starter. sever people after changing the starter there vehicle was fixed. Another problem is sometimes the blind spot warning system does not work. These problems are reported by people with the same car but not by dealers.

• 12/02/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VISUAL ALARM SYSTEM AND AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING LAKE NORMAN HYUNDAI (704-274-3145, LOCATED AT 20520 CHARTWELL CENTER DR, CORNELIUS, NC 28031) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ROAD TESTS WERE NOT ALLOWED ON SUCH VEHICLES. ONE OF THE DEALERS PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH TSB: GROUP BRAKE 18-BR-001. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,700. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

• 11/30/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  UNKNOWN— Engine has been making noises, vehicle keeps breaking down (ENGINE ISSUES, alleged starter) and Hyundai dealerships keep ignoring and not documenting my complaints and passed the vehicle for all inspection after others have documented some of my complaints that I brought to them. They simply didn’t want to do any work because it was covered under bumper to bumper warranty until I threatened to call Hyundai USA with a lawyer and my engine problems were NEVER ADDRESSED or examined by the Hyundai Dealer in my area even though I specifically kept complaining about my car seizing and stopping on me in the middle of the highway with my toddler in the vehicle! It’s doing it again and no one at anything Hyundai cares! I’ve been lied to and passed on for over a year now and the problems list keep getting longer and longer! I was told that the Engine was replaced in March 2019 and that was that..I was dismissed! No more questions asked when I made my complaint directly to Hyundai USA this time!

• 11/29/2024· ENGINE

  Approximately 6-8 weeks ago, I was driving home and my oil light began turning on and off. This had never happened before. It was nighttime and I was only a few miles from home so I continued driving. The next morning, I checked the oil to find that the reservoir was bone dry. There had been no warning light whatsoever prior to this incident. At this point, the vehicle had about 65,000 miles on it. I had to put 2 quarts of oil in before it would even register on the dipstick so I could get it to my mechanic. Upon arriving to his business, he explained that Hyundai is well aware of this ongoing issue of oil consumption but they are doing nothing about it. I had not driven excessive miles without an oil change and faithfully get it changed between 3,000-5,000 miles, which is perfectly acceptable for this vehicle. I have all receipts from these changes. I have begun to maintain a record indicating the oil that I have added over the last 1,700 miles. It has been 2.5 quarts. The morning I brought the car to my mechanic I reached out to the Hyundai dealership and was told I would need to pay for a diagnostic, then two oil consumption tests. I declined and promptly reached out to Hyundai corporate. They told me the same nonsense and then offered to have their consumer division reach out to me. Ultimately, that person told me I would need to do the same thing, so they were entirely useless in facilitating any reasonable resolution. I subsequently found out about the oil consumption problem that thousands of people have reported in various models and years. I joined a few Hyundai oil consumption groups on Facebook and now realize how many people have been impacted by this issue. I still owe $5,600 on the car but feel that the issue will not be handled by Hyundai and don't wish to have ongoing concerns with driving the car and constantly topping it off with oil. As a result, I feel that I am forced to pay off this car and buy something else.

• 11/29/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I purchased my 2018 Sonata on 10/23/21 from South Point Austin with 30-35k miles on it. In the year of owning it, I've had 3 manufacture issues occur. Once on 12/31/20, there was an issue where my car detected an issue, and my maximum speed was 30 MPH while I was on the interstate. It was a sensor issue and covered by my manufacturer's warranty. On 11/11/21, I had to purchase a new starter for $789.26 despite this being a manufacture issue and covered by warranty. There was not a dealership in my area that would look into my car until 2022. They would not cover a rental until at least a diagnosis report came back which they would not begin until 2022. They said the lengthy waitlist for a rental would prevent me from securing a vehicle to use in the meantime. Because I need a functioning car, I had to purchase this out of pocket. On 11/23/21, I had to purchase a new battery. Again, this should be covered by factory warranty, but the dealerships would not look at my car until 2022. I paid $241.14 out of pocket for this. Setting the issue of these unexpected expenses aside, my car does not feel safe to drive and has had several manufacture complications. I had a near fatal accident in my previous Sonata do to a software issue causing the brakes to go out. This line of cars should be looked into for the safety of all.

• 11/29/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),VISIBILITY/WIPER

  SINCE THE YEAR 2017 WHEN USING A PORTABLE AUDIO DEVICE CONNECTED TO THE POWER OUTLET THE SYSTEM TURNS ON AND OFF.DRIVERS FOG LIGHT BEEN REPAIRED TWICE IN JULY 2018.LEFT FOG BULB BEEN REMOVED PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED FOUND BURNED GREASE WAS ADDED TO SOCKET GREASE WAS ALSO PUT ON SENSOR ON DRIVER DOOR BECAUSE RADIO SYSTEM WAS STAYING ON AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF,CLOSING DRIVER DOOR AND AFTER CLICKING THE ALARM TO LOCK DOOR RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING. DRIVER BRAKE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED. SEPTEMBER 2018 REMOVED AND REPLACED THE FOG LAMP/DRL ASSEMBLY THE SOCKET FOR THE BULB MELTED,CAUSING THE PLASTIC TO WARP AND THE CONNECTOR WITH NEW BULB WOULD NOT LOCK IN.NOW THE WIPERS ARE BAD. I'M ALSO HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES AND GAS MILEAGE BUT BECAUSE IT CAN NOT BE DETECTED I'M BEEN TOLD IT'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.JUST LIKE WHEN I TOLD THEM IT WAS SOMETHING GOING WITH THE LIGHTS BUT IT WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NO I'M NOT A MECHANIC BUT I KNOW THAT I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE ALL THESE PROBLEMS WITH BRAND NEW 2018 MODEL I DIDN'T HAVE DO THIS MUCH REPAIR ON USE CAR. I BEEN COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY JUST BEEN GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND TELLING LIKE THE GAS MILEAGE READING IS NOT GOING TO ACCURATE YOU SOMETIMES HAVE TO JUST ESTIMATE OR THINGS GO OUT. I HAVE TWO HYUNDAI SONATA THE DIFFERENCE IS ONE JUST ANOTHER COLOR AND I'M NOT HAVING ALL THESE ISSUES WITH IT.AT LEAST NOT YET.

• 11/27/2023· SUSPENSION,SEATS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  ABS module stopped working and the ABS module light is on. Car automatically brakes by its self sometimes or locks up at stop lights creating dangerous driving situations

• 11/26/2023· ENGINE

  My 2018 Hyundai Sonata began running low on oil around May 2022 when the car had 86,400 miles on it. I informed the local dealership where I bought the car and had all maintenance completed. The dealership and myself contacted Hyundai Corp. Hyundai Corp approved oil consumption testing which resulted in an induction cleaning in Sept. 2022. This did not resolve the oil burning issue. The dealership service staff informed me that I was given a lifetime warranty on the engine and to keep driving it and putting oil in as needed until the engine failed and then to bring it to the dealership for replacement engine. There evidently was not a fix for the problem. Most recently I have been putting oil in the car every Sunday. I sent an email message to Hyundai Corp about a month ago to request to talk with a case manager regarding this excessive oil issue. In the meantime I have taken my car to the dealership for all suggested maintenance and informed them of the continued oil consumption. Before I received a response from Hyundai, my engine failed. I pulled out of my drive way and my car was stalling and would not accelerate properly then my engine light came on. I drove the car about a quarter mile down the road and turned around and came home in this very scary condition. This is a safety issue due to pulling out on a road with no power to accelerate. I had it towed to the dealership. I was give a case manager from Hyundai. My car has burnt valves and excessive carbon build up from excessive oil burning. Hyundai will not cover engine replacement costs, or buy back the vehicle. This vehicle is available for inspection. I'm not sure if I should leave it at dealership or have it towed home.

• 11/25/2025· ENGINE

  Car started misfiring while driving and engine light came on. It kept losing power but I was able to pull off highway. This put myself and others in danger because speed was significantly reduced suddenly. Dealer said problem was due to oil leaking on spark plugs. The car had been using excessive oil. Dealer said this is known issue but I had to pay for any repairs since I was the second owner. Hyundai still pays for the original owner to get an oil consumption cleaning, but recently stopped paying for secondary owners. If the oil consumption cleaning does not work, then the next step is to replace engine, paid by customer if Hyundai refuses. Mileage on car is 75,769.

• 11/22/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I am submitting a formal complaint regarding ongoing and severe engine issues with my 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE. Despite proper maintenance, the vehicle has developed extreme oil consumption and misfire problems that have made the car unreliable, unsafe, and financially burdensome. Beginning around 118,000 miles, the vehicle started consuming oil so rapidly that I was forced to completely replace the oil every 1–2 weeks because it would run dangerously low or nearly empty. This level of oil loss is not normal, acceptable, or sustainable. I have detailed documentation, receipts, mileage logs, and maintenance history supporting this. In addition to oil consumption, the vehicle has repeatedly misfired, produced diagnostic trouble codes, and fouled spark plugs with oil. I have been forced to replace spark plugs approximately every two weeks, which is clearly abnormal for any modern vehicle. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has experienced violent knocking noises, severe loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and near-stalling. One incident was so loud and aggressive that it felt like the engine was going to come out of the hood. These symptoms pose a serious safety risk while driving. I brought the car to a Hyundai dealership at approximately 118,000 miles for an oil-consumption test. The vehicle failed that test, clearly confirming excessive oil consumption. Despite this, Hyundai refused to provide repair, internal engine cleaning, or engine replacement, claiming the vehicle was already over 100,000 miles I have maintained this vehicle responsibly and have documentation of regular oil changes, spark-plug replacements, inspections, and diagnostic reports. Despite my efforts, the issue continues to worsen, and the vehicle remains unsafe and unreliable. This ongoing problem has caused significant financial strain, emotional stress, lost time, and fear of engine failure while driving. Based on countless similar complaints from other Hyundai owners, this appear

• 11/22/2024· ENGINE

  Car is having a misfire in cylinder 4 . Carbon is being built up in my spark plugs and causing gas build up in the spark plugs . Engine burning oil fast.

• 11/21/2023· LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Warning lights keep coming on for ABS and Blind Spot Detection. Please help as I know this has been recalled in other 2018 Sonatas. So why is my VIN # not included in these recent recalls?? I FEAR for mine and my daughter's safety as she turned 16 in February 2023 and started driving this car in August 2023. PLEASE HELP!!

• 11/21/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR LAST NIGHT ON CITY STREETS AND THE HIGHWAY, WHEN WE ENCOUNTERED A BAD SMELL COMING INTO OUR VEHICLE. WE FIRST THOUGHT IT SMELLED LIKE NATURAL GAS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE AREA WE WERE DRIVING, BUT THEN CONCLUDED AFTER ANOTHER 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR THAT IT WAS OUR CAR THAT WAS MAKING THE BAD ODOR OR SMELL. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, AND SHUT THE ENGINE IN THE CAR OFF. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS BURNING OR IF SOMETHING LOOKED LIKE IT WAS VERY HOT. I DID NOT DETECT ANYTHING WRONG UNDER THE HOOD. THE COOLANT WAS FINE, AND THE MOTOR OIL WAS GOOD. SO THEN WE GOT BACK IN THE CAR, AND THE SMELL WAS STILL THERE. WE NOTICED THE CELL PHONE WAS SITTING ON THE "SELF" CHARGER THAT THIS CAR HAS AS A FEATURE. WE TOOK THE CELL PHONE OFF OF THIS AREA WHERE IT CHARGES, AND NOTICED THE TOP RUBBER AREA WAS VERY VERY WARM OR HOT TO THE TOUCH. SO WE CONCLUDED THIS HAD TO BE THE AREA THAT WAS CAUSING THIS CAUSTIC SMELL THAT WE WERE BREATHING FOR ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES OF DRIVING. THE TOP SURFACE OF THIS RUBBER PAD AREA DID NOT LOOK BURNT OR DESTRUCTED, SO IT MUST BE UNDERNEATH THIS AREA THAT WHATEVER IS RECHARGING THE CELL PHONES, MAYBE A BATTERY OF SOME SORT, IS NO GOOD. WE WERE AFRAID IT WOULD START A FIRE THE SMELL WAS SO STRONG. SO AFTER A FEW MORE MINUTES, WITHOUT THE CELL PHONE RECHARGING ON THIS AREA, THE SMELL STARTED TO GO AWAY. SO THAT IS WHY WE ARE DEDUCTING THIS MUST BE THE PROBLEM AREA. AND IT COULD BE A SERIOUS ONE. I DROVE THE CAR TODAY, AND THE "STRONG" SMELL DID NOT COME BACK. BUT YOU CAN STILL SMELL THE RESIDUE SMELL FROM LAST NIGHT'S PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED.

• 11/20/2018· STRUCTURE

  THE OUTSIDE ANTENNA COMPLETELY CAME OFF AND DISAPPEARED... NOT BROKEN, BUT LITERALLY CAME LOOSE AND BLEW AWAY DOWN THE INTERSTATE

• 11/17/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

  My car was serviced at Hyundai dealer for other problems while my car was being serviced the service department said they fixed a recalled latch on trunk I never had problems with trunk before the so called recall was fixed Now my trunk is stuck close and pops open and is very hard to close once open you have to slam it shut once shut it will not open I had a tail light out I press the button to open the trunk and after riding around for Three Days it popped open and I fixed the tail light within 3 weeks the tail light is out again and my trunk is still stuck shut I called the dealership and it’s seems as though it’s not important and been giving appointments so far away

• 11/15/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings. The contact was informed that metal was observed within the engine and that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 67,000.

• 11/14/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  See attached document for complaint.