2019 Hyundai Sonata Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 01/05/2026

My car's engine is burning oil. I have maintained service of oil changes and fluids, etc. since I purchased my car. It is not that old in my opinion.

ENGINE — Filed 09/10/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 58 MPH. The contact retrieved DTC: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) at O'Reilly Auto Parts and stated that the knock sensor had previously been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/01/2026

The low-pressure fuel pump module assembly, located directly beneath the rear passenger seat cushion, experienced a plastic housing failure. A stress fracture on the upper plastic fuel outlet nipple caused raw liquid gasoline to actively weep and pool on top of the module inside the passenger cabin. This component is retained and available for inspection upon request. RISK TO SAFETY: Raw liquid gasoline pooling inside the interior passenger compartment creates an severe, immediate fire and explosion hazard. Additionally, vehicle occupants were exposed to toxic fuel vapors while driving. INSPECTION & DEALER CONFIRMATION: An authorized Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed raw fuel leaking at the top of the fuel pump module assembly. This exact module had previously been removed and disassembled during a 2024 manufacturer recall service to replace the internal fuel filter and tank seal. Stress applied to the plastic fittings during that recall service appears to have caused the plastic top-hat to fracture over time under line pressure. Hyundai Corporate was notified of the safety hazard and prior recall history, but refused assistance. WARNING SYMPTOMS: The failure began with a strong, persistent fuel odor inside the vehicle cabin. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) triggered prior to or during the failure. SUMMARY: A stress-fractured plastic fuel pump housing allowed raw fuel to pool in the passenger cabin following a prior manufacturer recall repair involving the disassembly of the same component.

ENGINE — Filed 07/07/2026

The oil is low, went to get looked at by another mechanic besides Dealer cause they want to hit you over the head with prices. Was told car burning oil. Took to dealer for Oil Consumption Test. Had to pay for oil change. Came back a little before 1,000 miles and car failed. They charging me 900.00 for next step because I can’t find ALL the oil changes. I just don’t get it, if this is a known issue with this model engine why do I have to pay.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 07/01/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced severe overheating and excessive oil consumption. The contact also stated that there was a misfire in the engine even though the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Due to the failure, the vehicle could not be driven with the air conditioning activated. Additionally, the engine was knocking and shaking abnormally, causing an oil leak and a smoke odor due to the oil burning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an engine replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

ENGINE — Filed 01/26/2026

On January 26, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata SEL suddenly became inoperable overnight. The vehicle had been operating normally with no warning signs—no check-engine or oil-pressure light, abnormal engine noise, overheating, loss of power, or other indication of an impending failure. The following morning, the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on January 28, 2026, who determined that the engine was locked/seized. On February 11, 2026, it was towed to Wayne Hyundai for further diagnosis. The vehicle had only 51,533 miles and had received Hyundai’s Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update. Hyundai denied warranty coverage, citing engine sludge, despite my providing a complete service history after resubmiting the missing receipts I had previously misplaced. My primary concern is safety, not the warranty dispute. A sudden engine seizure without warning could cause an unexpected loss of propulsion or create a dangerous situation if the engine fails while the vehicle is being driven. This concerns me because Hyundai Theta II engines have previously been associated with engine seizure and stalling, including issues addressed through The Hyundai Theta II Engine Settlement: and subsequent litigation involving certain 2019 Sonata vehicles. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether a continuing or insufficiently addressed engine defect exists in affected 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles, particularly sudden engine seizure/no-start failures occurring without warning. I also ask NHTSA to examine whether existing recalls, campaigns, software updates, warranty extensions, and other remedies adequately protect owners when an engine fails suddenly before the KSDS system provides a warning.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/31/2026

Vehicle stalled in traffic due to recall defect. Manufacturer recall remedy is delayed beyond reasonable timeframe, creating ongoing safety exposure.

ENGINE — Filed 07/16/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke started coming from the hood and the vehicle was pulled over into a parking space. While opening the hood, the contact saw that fire was coming from the top of the engine. The contact stated that the fire consumed the front of the vehicle, including the windshield and the dashboard. The smoke coming from the vehicle was dark gray and turned black afterwards. The contact called 911, and the Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported. A vehicle parked next to the vehicle was damaged by the flames. The contact's vehicle was not inspected or officially deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an oil change had been performed prior to the failure. The mechanic stated that there might have been a high-pressure fuel valve on top of the engine that possibly caused a gas leak, which started the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/10/2026

Driver's side seatbelt retraction mechanism failed without warning. Intentionally brought car to dealer ASAP since it was close to 100,000 miles pointed out. This was serious safety defect dealer refused to repair under warranty.

AIR BAGS — Filed 07/02/2026

The air bag light suddenly illuminated when turning on my car. My car has around 60k miles. It was previously repaired a few times for a power steering faliure while driving making it hard to stear. I believe that this latest failure is due to a failure of the stearing wheel clock spring or another SRS module. failure.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/14/2021

2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport. (Original owner). Problem: Transmission. [XXX] (9,912 miles). Lack of power, vehicle did not move when trying to merge onto freeway. Very unsafe. Also, hesitation and jerking. [XXX] (10,619 miles). Lack of power, hesitation, jerking. Hyundai tech performed TSB, TCU updates, ECU update for knock sensor performance, reset engine & transmission updates. [XXX] (41,332 miles). Harsh shifts, hesitation, jerking, clunk sound, gear grabs, bursts of power, lack of power. Unsafe to drive. February 2, 2026 (41,751 miles). Hyundai tech found leak at case seal. Hyundai replaced transmission. [XXX] rough start, vibration in pedals. March 9, 2026 Hyundai tech found transmission fluid leak at case seal. Hyundai replaced transmission. March 25, 2026 Hyundai service advisor voicemail said, have to submit to Hyundai another transmission replacement because new transmission is not good. Issues shifting in reverse, hard slams, loses gears. [XXX] picked up vehicle from Hyundai service dept. Harsh shifting, hesitation, jerking, clunk sound, gear grabs, bursts of power. Clunk sound in steering wheel when turned back-and-forth. Front end vibration & wobbly. Vehicle unsafe. May 26, 2026. I notified Hyundai Motor America. Case #[XXX]. June 10, 2026 (43,000 miles). Hyundai service dept. informed me of right and left front axle replacement, universal steering joint replacement. Vehicle unsafe. [XXX] (43,000 miles). Test drove car with Hyundai tech. Verified front end vibration & shaking. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Hyundai service manager said that Hyundai should recall the transmissions. To date, my car is still at Hyundai service dept. Hyundai's service manager said that the Hyundai service dept. will have a meeting regarding my car and include Hyundai's service director, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/14/2026

On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the engine area, about 4” high. I called 911 and waited about 10 minutes for the fire department to arrive. During this time, the flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and extended vertically above the hood height. The hood eventually melted and fell back onto the engine area. The fire department came and put out the fire. The car is totaled. There were no injuries, thank God!

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/13/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 15 MPH in a residential area, another vehicle coming from the left side tried to pass the contact into oncoming traffic, as the contact's husband was trying to slow down to make a U-turn. As a result, the other driver's vehicle then crashed into the contact's husband. There were no warning lights illuminated. None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was idled back to a friend's place of residence. The contact's husband suffered injuries from the vehicle collision. The contact's husband went to the hospital a day after the collision and was informed he would be sore for a couple of days. A police report was filed. The vehicle has not been repaired or taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that she had notified the other vehicle's insurance and was awaiting a response. The dealer has not been made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

ENGINE — Filed 11/05/2024

I started the car and smoke came from the engine compartment I didnt think anything of it but the smoke keep getting worse . So I pulled over and open the hood to find fire come from on top of the Engine the flames got higher so I asked an local restaurant for an fire extinguisher I put it but know these cars this could of been an big problem if I had parked in the garage or park next to other cars or even if I keep driving . It would of not been good! By this time the Shelby Twp. fire dept showed up and sprayed more water on it.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE — Filed 03/01/2023

The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam’s only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is very dangerous to drive with the oil leaks that are continuously happening.

ENGINE — Filed 04/01/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while parked and powered off, the vehicle was being refueled and connected to the fuel pump when she observed smoke coming from vents and from the engine compartment. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and she observed fire emanating from the engine compartment. The gas station attendant extinguished the fire with an extinguisher. A police report was filed. The fire department was not called. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 03/11/2024

The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, smoke was present coming from the hood and a burning oil odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Moments later while driving, flames were seen coming from under the hood before the vehicle stalled. After exiting the vehicle, the front of the vehicle burst into flames. The local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/23/2023

The issue is UNKNOWN. On may 23,2023 I exited my car… maybe less than 10 minutes returned to car to go on with my day pressed the start button and it burst into flames.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 07/25/2021

This vehicle was bought brand new from West Broad Hyundai in Richmond , VA. I was financing this vehicle had it for almost two years before it was stolen. The police said it was a couple of teenagers. I lost thousands of dollars almost 2 years worth of car payments. I think Hyundai should be accountable because they nevar notified me these vehicles were easily stolen. I lost two years of car payments. I still owe 1,000 to Capital One because my insurance company didn’t fully payoff this loan. Please help: I lost allot of money had to come up with a down payment for a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. This vehicle has the same problem with it can be easily stolen. My information is Mary Chanberlain 6700 Veritas Way 1-B N Chesterfield 23234 804-2411844

STEERING,ENGINE — Filed 11/17/2022

The car was stolen, one of the vehicles that Hyundai manufactured without an Engine Immobilizer, making it very easy to steal. Consumers didn't know about this defect, because the corrupt automaker kept us in the dark. I'm fairly certain that by breaking the steering column to expose the port to start the car, that driving the speed limit or having control of the vehicle was on the thieves mind. The safety of my neighbors and anyone they were driving would have had their safety compromised. The vehicle is currently being repaired cosmetically. The Engine Immobilizer will not be installed by the body shop. It was inspected by a certified repair shop of State Farm. No warning lights were illuminated.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/07/2022

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 78 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a concrete median. During the crash, no airbags in the vehicle were deployed and the driver sustained a concussion and neck injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 60,000.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/10/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while she was at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the back of her vehicle however, the seat belt failed to retract, causing the contact to suffer whiplash and a bump to her knees against the dashboard behind the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence, where she noticed she had sustained injuries on her legs and her right leg was swollen, as well as multiple other injuries. The contact sought medical attention. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the driver’s side seat belt was replaced however, the seat belt was still not latching securely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to drive the vehicle up to a certain speed and step on the brake pedal to see if the seat belt would operate as needed. The contact did so, and the seat belt operated as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to mail photos of the vehicle and other documents. The contact provided the needed documentation as requested. The approximate failure mileage was 12,246.

ENGINE — Filed 07/19/2020

EXHAUST TIP UNDER RIGHT REAR BUMPER EXTENDS PAST END OF BUMPER. A FEW WEEKS AGO SOMEONE BURNED THEIR LEG WHILE ACCESSING THE TRUNK. YESTERDAY, A SEPARATE PERSON WAS ALSO BURNED FROM SAME EXHAUST TIP FROM STANDING CLOSE TO BUMPER TO ACCESS THE TRUNK. WE HAD 2016 SONATA FOR 4 YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED BURNS FROM SIMILAR EXHAUST TIP. CAR WAS PARKED ON LEVEL DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS WARMED UP FROM RECENT DRIVE AND TURNED OFF.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/17/2019

WHILE TRAVELING IN ONE DIRECTION, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO U-TURN IN AN INTERSECTION WITH NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. THEY HIT MY CAR IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUSING ENOUGH DAMAGE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED AWAY AND TOTALED. IN THIS CRASH THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS INDICATION THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE FAULTY, NO RECALL, AND THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AT TIME OF PURCHASE 7 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT INJURED ALTHOUGH MY HAND DID HIT THE STEERING WHEEL OR WINDOW (OR SOMETHING IN THAT VICINITY), IT WAS TOO QUICK TO REALLY REALIZE WHAT SPECIFICALLY I HIT. *TR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/08/2019

I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I MOVED THE CAR IT TOOK OF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED , FLEW PASSED 5 OTHER PARKING SPACES AND CAUSED ME TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE