TireKick

Reported years

Engine owner reports: Hyundai Sonata years in the records

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019. A year on this list does not mean every car has the problem.

Years we reviewed

What to inspect

  1. 1Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The engine is the component or system failed or malfunctioned, and it is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of engine power while driving, including during highway speeds or intersections, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine stalling or failure to accelerate, preventing me from safely maneuvering away from hazards. Overheating events, which resulted in complete engine seizure and an unexpected loss of vehicle control, all which can potentially causing catastrophic incident without warning. To include, the increased risk of collision, especially if the failure occurs during traffic, merging, passing, or emergency situations. It has been reported to CC Transmission Auto Repair and independent service center. It was previously inspected by Hyundai dealer. Check engine light present September 2025.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“My 2019 Hyundai Sonata has been experiencing excessive oil consumption since I purchased it. The vehicle requires oil to be added approximately every two weeks, which indicates a serious internal engine issue. Recently, the check engine light turned on, and I took the vehicle to a dealership for inspection. I was told that the engine is “operating normally,” despite the ongoing oil consumption problem. I was also informed that the engine would only be replaced under warranty if it fails completely, such as through connecting rod bearing damage. This means I am expected to continue driving a vehicle that may suddenly fail without warning. I drive daily with my children, and I am concerned about the risk of sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could lead to a serious accident. I believe this is a known issue with these engines, and it represents a significant safety hazard that should be addressed before a catastrophic failure occurs.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“I was driving on the interstate when my engine started shutting down on me and I’m glad I had moved to the right lane because someone would’ve hit me from the back because I never had this problem and now the mechanic telling me it jumped timing.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“My oil pan cracked. I’ve never had any issues with oil pans until this one. Hyundai will not replace this under warranty.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record