Owners have filed 40 complaints
about the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 24
Against the median year of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 45
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
310.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
516.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
723.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
930.0%
150,000+ miles
26.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2014peak 5Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complain...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
PE19003Opened 29 Mar 2019Closed 22 Dec 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda engines (approximately 4.8 million). As a result of this PE, Hyundai has issued NHTSA Rec...
DP18003Opened 21 Aug 2018Closed 10 May 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)...
Recalls on the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V651000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
17V617000
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
17V152000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
LAS Vegas, NVCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EL CARRO TRYNA CUANDO VOY DE REVERSA Y CUANDO ESTOY AN STOP EL CARRO TIEMBLA Y LOS BRAKES YA SE LOS CAMBIE Y SIEMPRE ME HACE RUIDO..
NHTSA complaint #11023696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NVCrash
ENGINE
EL CARRO TRYNA CUANDO VOY DE REVERSA Y CUANDO ESTOY AN STOP EL CARRO TIEMBLA Y LOS BRAKES YA SE LOS CAMBIE Y SIEMPRE ME HACE RUIDO..
NHTSA complaint #11023696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NVCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
EL CARRO TRYNA CUANDO VOY DE REVERSA Y CUANDO ESTOY AN STOP EL CARRO TIEMBLA Y LOS BRAKES YA SE LOS CAMBIE Y SIEMPRE ME HACE RUIDO..
NHTSA complaint #11023696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesCopperas Cove, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TRAVELING AT 60 MPH IN A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID . A DEER APPROXIMATELY WEIGHING 150 POUNDS JUMPED ON TO THE ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH MY BEFORE MENTIONED VEHICLE. CAUSING DAMAGE ON THE FRONT BUMPER, HOOD, AND PASSENGER SIDE FENDER. THE CONCERN IS THAT DESPITE THIS IMPACT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE ESTIMATED BY AN INSURANCE APPROVED COLLISON REPAIR CENTER TO BE IN EXCESS OF $9000. ADDITIONALLY THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT DID NOT LOCK UPON IMPACT. ONLY MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED SUCH AS WHIPLASH AND A BUMPED HEAD. THESE INJURIES WERE NOT DOCUMENTED, YET I DO FEEL THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION THEM FOR GENERAL PUBLIC AWARENESS AND A GENUINE CONCERN FOR MY FELLOW DRIVERS.
NHTSA complaint #10715536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,060 milesTustin, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I PURCHASED SKY BLUE 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID LIMITED ON AUGUST 31ST, 2014. I DROVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS, DURING THIS TIME I NOTICED AND FELT WHEN I BRAKED THE CAR DID NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY, THERE WAS A DELAYED EFFECT. AT THIS TIME THE BREAK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I CHECKED THE MANUAL WHICH INDICATED THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN IN THIS STATE AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A CHECKUP AND SERVICE TO DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2014 SO THAT THE ILLUMINATED BREAK LIGHT COULD BE CHECKED. THE TECHNICIAN SPENT FIVE DAYS ON THE CAR AND DISCOVERED LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 637 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CAUSE REASON IS: LOOSE FITTING. " LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 637 MILES" I HAD A FURTHER SERVICE ON THE VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP ON DECEMBER 27TH 2014 FOR HAVING 3500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I REQUESTED A DETAILED BRAKE CHECK DUE TO THE EARLIER ISSUE BUT THEY ASSURED ME IT HAD BEEN MADE CORRECTION. ON JANUARY 6TH 2015 I HAD JUST PICKED UP MY SON FROM PRESCHOOL AND WAS HEADED TO MCDONALDS TO BUY MY SON LUNCH. MY SPEED WAS 30 MPH IN A 55 MPH SPEED ZONE. I REMEMBERED VERY VIVIDLY APPLYING THE BRAKES; THE CAR JUST DID NOT STOP AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WITH SUFFICIENT TIME AND SEVERITY BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT REACT OR STOP. MY FEELING IS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT INCIDENT WAS THE PRECURSOR TO AN ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH COULD BE AN INHERENT DEFECT ALLEGEDLY.
NHTSA complaint #10700848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake City, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2014 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN A GARAGE. EARLY IN THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2014 IT CAUGHT FIRE RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HOME. THE OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE HOME WITHOUT INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #10661112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tallahassee, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hybrid system warning. Safely drop don’t drive. It comes and goes for all hybrids it has the issue
NHTSA complaint #11710093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesRidgefield, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. Several unknow warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rod bearings and observed metal shavings inside the short block. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, 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 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11597490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,453 milesRedmond, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The contact replaced the brake pads; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,453. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11586391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11579721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesCarlsbad, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hoover, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11567991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alabaster, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11567856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesAuburndale, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Brake System Malfunction - Vehicle Will Turn Off for Safety" was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the remedy was not yet available and did not include replacement of the ABS module. The failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11554995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesSaint Marys, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving onto an on-ramp at an unknown speed, an abnormal knocking noise was heard. The vehicle was able to accelerate to approximately 40 MPH. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven home and then to a dealer. While at the dealer, the failure was diagnosed as a piston failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine), and the VIN was included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired under the recall. The contact stated that the dealer provided the test results to the manufacturer. The contact stated that the recall repairs were denied by the manufacturer due to negligent maintenance. The contact stated that he had owned the vehicle for 3-weeks. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11501288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,684 milesCorona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING 20 MPH STRAIGHT DOWN A FLAT RESIDENTAL STREET. A LOUD DASH ALARM SOUNDED IN MY 2014 HYUNDAI SONADA HYBRID. THE DASH DISPLAYED "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING, SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" . BELOW THE WARNING A YELLOW CAUTION TRIANGLE DISPLAYED. I ATTEMPTED TO GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS, SO I COULD PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE ENGINE ACTED LIKE IT HAD NO POWER. A BLINKING GREEN "READY" LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ECO GUIDE DISPLAY WAS MOVING UP AND DOWN FROM THE TOP TO BOTTOM. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND BEGAN BRAKING. THE BRAKES FELT MUSHY AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WAS THE ENGINE WAS REVVING UP AND DOWN BUT LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GEAR. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, I LOST THE POWER STEERING AND THE IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I AGAIN TRIED BRAKING BUT THE BRAKES JUST FELT MUSHY AND WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUED COASTING DOWN THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED I SHUT IT OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE GREEN "READY" LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH AS WELL AS THE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN ON BUT NOT START AGAIN. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE PUSH ME TO THE CURBSIDE. THE BRAKES WERE VERY MUSHY AND ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. I AGAIN USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT. I NOTIFIED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND ADVISED I WOULD BE TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THEM. I HAD JUST CAME OFF THE FREEWAY AND HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. IT WAS LITERALLY TERRIFYING TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THE WAY THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF AN ISSUE AND NOT ENOUGH TIME TO REACT ONCE THE WARNING SYMBOL WAS DISPLAYED.
NHTSA complaint #11217433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,684 milesCorona, CA
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING 20 MPH STRAIGHT DOWN A FLAT RESIDENTAL STREET. A LOUD DASH ALARM SOUNDED IN MY 2014 HYUNDAI SONADA HYBRID. THE DASH DISPLAYED "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING, SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" . BELOW THE WARNING A YELLOW CAUTION TRIANGLE DISPLAYED. I ATTEMPTED TO GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS, SO I COULD PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE ENGINE ACTED LIKE IT HAD NO POWER. A BLINKING GREEN "READY" LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ECO GUIDE DISPLAY WAS MOVING UP AND DOWN FROM THE TOP TO BOTTOM. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND BEGAN BRAKING. THE BRAKES FELT MUSHY AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WAS THE ENGINE WAS REVVING UP AND DOWN BUT LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GEAR. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, I LOST THE POWER STEERING AND THE IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I AGAIN TRIED BRAKING BUT THE BRAKES JUST FELT MUSHY AND WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUED COASTING DOWN THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED I SHUT IT OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE GREEN "READY" LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH AS WELL AS THE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN ON BUT NOT START AGAIN. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE PUSH ME TO THE CURBSIDE. THE BRAKES WERE VERY MUSHY AND ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. I AGAIN USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT. I NOTIFIED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND ADVISED I WOULD BE TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THEM. I HAD JUST CAME OFF THE FREEWAY AND HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. IT WAS LITERALLY TERRIFYING TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THE WAY THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF AN ISSUE AND NOT ENOUGH TIME TO REACT ONCE THE WARNING SYMBOL WAS DISPLAYED.
NHTSA complaint #11217433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,684 milesCorona, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING 20 MPH STRAIGHT DOWN A FLAT RESIDENTAL STREET. A LOUD DASH ALARM SOUNDED IN MY 2014 HYUNDAI SONADA HYBRID. THE DASH DISPLAYED "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING, SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" . BELOW THE WARNING A YELLOW CAUTION TRIANGLE DISPLAYED. I ATTEMPTED TO GIVE THE VEHICLE GAS, SO I COULD PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE ENGINE ACTED LIKE IT HAD NO POWER. A BLINKING GREEN "READY" LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ECO GUIDE DISPLAY WAS MOVING UP AND DOWN FROM THE TOP TO BOTTOM. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND BEGAN BRAKING. THE BRAKES FELT MUSHY AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STOPPING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WAS THE ENGINE WAS REVVING UP AND DOWN BUT LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GEAR. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10-15 SECONDS, I LOST THE POWER STEERING AND THE IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I AGAIN TRIED BRAKING BUT THE BRAKES JUST FELT MUSHY AND WERE NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUED COASTING DOWN THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED I SHUT IT OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE GREEN "READY" LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH AS WELL AS THE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN ON BUT NOT START AGAIN. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE PUSH ME TO THE CURBSIDE. THE BRAKES WERE VERY MUSHY AND ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. I AGAIN USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP IT. I NOTIFIED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND ADVISED I WOULD BE TOWING THE VEHICLE TO THEM. I HAD JUST CAME OFF THE FREEWAY AND HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. IT WAS LITERALLY TERRIFYING TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THE WAY THIS OCCURRED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF AN ISSUE AND NOT ENOUGH TIME TO REACT ONCE THE WARNING SYMBOL WAS DISPLAYED.
NHTSA complaint #11217433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,500 milesWellington, FL
ENGINE
WHILE IN MOTION GOING 60MPH, VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND THEN AN ALARM SOUNDED ALONG WITH A WARNING DISPLAYED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SCREEN STATING "HYBRID SAFETY WARNING. PULL OVER AND DO NOT DRIVE." THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE AND CAME TO A STOP. HAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE SAME WARNING HAPPENED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE IN MOTION GOING 50MPH. HAD TO GET OUT OF THE ROADWAY AND RESTART THE CAR. HYUNDAI REPLACED THE ENTIRE ENGINE UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY (TOOK ABOUT 5 MONTHS). UPON RECEIVING VEHICLE BACK, THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED IN THE FIRST 10 MINS OF DRIVING IT (ISSUE NOT FIXED). IT IS BACK AT THE HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AWAITING REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11186237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesLithia, FL
SEAT BELTS
SEATBELT POPS OUT OF THE SEATBELT RECEIVER AND MOST OF THE TIME, SEATBELT DOES NOT ATTACH TO RECEIVER AT ALL. DOES NOT ATTACH PROPERLY. THIS IS HAPPENING FOR LONG TIME BUT I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE THAT WE CAN FILE A SAFETY ISSUES ON CARS.
NHTSA complaint #11176215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLithia, FL
STEERING
WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION, CAR JUST STOP OVERSUDAN WITH A SPOKEN MESSAGE: " HYBRID CELLS VEHICLE IS IN DANGER. CAR WILL STOP"AND AFTER THIS MESSGAE, CAR STALLS WITH NO CONTROL ON THE BREAKS AND STERINGWHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11176211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLithia, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION, CAR JUST STOP OVERSUDAN WITH A SPOKEN MESSAGE: " HYBRID CELLS VEHICLE IS IN DANGER. CAR WILL STOP"AND AFTER THIS MESSGAE, CAR STALLS WITH NO CONTROL ON THE BREAKS AND STERINGWHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11176211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION, CAR JUST STOP OVERSUDAN WITH A SPOKEN MESSAGE: " HYBRID CELLS VEHICLE IS IN DANGER. CAR WILL STOP"AND AFTER THIS MESSGAE, CAR STALLS WITH NO CONTROL ON THE BREAKS AND STERINGWHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11176211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesSunrise, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 TIMES THE ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION DUE TO HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE. A SIMPLE FUSE FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM WENT OUT AND TURNED OFF ALL POWER. THE MAIN ISSUE IS THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. OTHER HYBRID VEHICLES HAVE A SAFETY FEATURE THAT WHEN THE HYBRID SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING THE GASOLINE ENGINE WILL STILL BE IN FULL OPERATION. EVERYTIME THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON IT KILLS THE WHOLE CAR. I GOT STUCK ON AN EXPRESSWAY AND WAS PUT IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THIS DID NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO MAKE THE 2 MOTORS COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON EACH OTHER. HAVING THE GASOLINE ENGINE CONTINUE TO RUN AND BE ABLE TO POWER THE CAR IN A HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE WILL SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS NOT A REQUIREMENT BY LAW TO HAVE THIS SAFETY FEATURE
NHTSA complaint #11170917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesSunrise, FL
ENGINE
2 TIMES THE ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION DUE TO HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE. A SIMPLE FUSE FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM WENT OUT AND TURNED OFF ALL POWER. THE MAIN ISSUE IS THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. OTHER HYBRID VEHICLES HAVE A SAFETY FEATURE THAT WHEN THE HYBRID SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING THE GASOLINE ENGINE WILL STILL BE IN FULL OPERATION. EVERYTIME THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON IT KILLS THE WHOLE CAR. I GOT STUCK ON AN EXPRESSWAY AND WAS PUT IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THIS DID NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO MAKE THE 2 MOTORS COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON EACH OTHER. HAVING THE GASOLINE ENGINE CONTINUE TO RUN AND BE ABLE TO POWER THE CAR IN A HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE WILL SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. I AM NOT SURE WHY THIS IS NOT A REQUIREMENT BY LAW TO HAVE THIS SAFETY FEATURE
NHTSA complaint #11170917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,759 milesWest Sacramento, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE DRIVING CAR SYSTEM WARNING CAME ON TO" SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP CAR. COULD NOT RESTART IT. HAD IT TOWED THEN CHANGED BATTERY WHICH WAS LOW. TRIED TO RESTART AND DID NOT TURN ON UNTIL 3RD TIME STARTING. LET ENGINE RUN FOR ABOUT 10 MIN AND WARNING CAME BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #11165515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,759 milesWest Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING CAR SYSTEM WARNING CAME ON TO" SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP CAR. COULD NOT RESTART IT. HAD IT TOWED THEN CHANGED BATTERY WHICH WAS LOW. TRIED TO RESTART AND DID NOT TURN ON UNTIL 3RD TIME STARTING. LET ENGINE RUN FOR ABOUT 10 MIN AND WARNING CAME BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #11165515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,759 milesWest Sacramento, CA
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING CAR SYSTEM WARNING CAME ON TO" SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND STOP CAR. COULD NOT RESTART IT. HAD IT TOWED THEN CHANGED BATTERY WHICH WAS LOW. TRIED TO RESTART AND DID NOT TURN ON UNTIL 3RD TIME STARTING. LET ENGINE RUN FOR ABOUT 10 MIN AND WARNING CAME BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #11165515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,388 milesNewburgh, NY
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A WARNING CHIME SOUNDED AND "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AS IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES, THE FAILURE WENT AWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY FOR A MONTH AND WAS BECOMING WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,388. *DT CONSUMER STATED ERROR BECAME PERMANENT. SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER ORDER A STARTER BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11161337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
POWER TRAIN
THIS EVENT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING AND HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES DURING ONE SHORT TRIP UNTIL I PARKED THE CAR DUE TO THE DANGER OF DRIVING IT. WHILE DRIVING, YOU GET AN ALARM SOUND AND DASH INDICATION AND THE CAR JUST DIES. YOU THEN MUST PULL OVER QUICKLY AND STOP. WHILE STOPPING IN THIS CONDITION, THE BRAKES SOUND TERRIBLE LIKE THEY ARE GRINDING HORRIBLY BUT DO STOP THE CAR. IF YOU PUSH THE BUTTON TO SHUT OFF THE CAR AND THEN PUSH IT TO RESTART, THEN THE FAULT CLEARS AND THE CAR DRIVES NORMALLY UNTIL IT OCCURS ALL OVER AGAIN. MY WIFE SAID IT HAD BEEN HAPPENING OCCASIONALLY BUT NEVER SEVERAL TIMES DURING ONE SHORT TRIP. SHE HAD ALREADY TAKEN IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND THAT IT WAS A HYDRAULIC SENSOR IN HE THE HYDRAULIC PACK THAT WOULD BE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE. THEY THEN ASSURED HER THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY LATER STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE CAR WAS SHUTTING OFF AND THAT THEY THOUGHT THAT IT WAS ONLY A DASH TROUBLE LIGHT. THIS ISSUE PUTS THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IT HAPPENED TO US SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. WE PARKED THE CAR AFTER THIS ONE TRIP AND STARTED DRIVING A BACKUP CAR UNTIL WE COULD GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES, BUT I BELIEVE THAT IT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE ABOUT 36K MILES. IT STARTED MAKING A FUNNY NOISE AT THAT TIME BUT DIDN'T AFFECT THE CAR IN ANY WAY AND THE DEALER ASSURED US THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THE CAR EVEN THOUGH THE NEW CARS DIDN'T MAKE THIS NOISE. RAY SKILLMAN HYUNDAI SOUTH SIDE IN INDIANAPOLIS HAS SINCE "FIXED" THIS ISSUE AS A GOODWILL FAVOR, BUT WE JUST GOT IT BACK AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT ENOUGH TO KNOW WHETHER IT IS TRULY CORRECTED. THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS BECAUSE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11141027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brunswick, GA
ENGINE
I BOUGHT MY USED CAR SEPTEMBER 1 IT'S A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID, WITH A LITTLE OVER 61000 MILES ON IT, I HAD TO EVACUATE FROM A HURRICANE ABOUT WEEK AFTER THAT, WHEN I RETURNED I CHECKED THE OIL ON MY CAR THERE WAS NO OIL SHOWING ON THE STICK THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER HAD CRACK IN IT, THEY PUT OIL IN AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I HAD TO GO OUT OF TOWN THIS PAST WEEK AND ON THE WAY BACK I CHECKED THE OIL IT WAS ABOUT A QUART AND A HALF LOW I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASK THE SERVICE MANAGER WHAT TYPE OF OIL THEY USED WAS IT SYNTHETIC OR REGULAR OIL SHE WENT AND ASK THE MECHANIC SHE CAME BACK AND SAID DO NOT PUT OIL IN IT BECAUSE IT WOULD VOID THE WARRANTY I ASK HER HOW THAT WOULD VOID IT, SHE DIDN'T HAVE AN ANSWER FOR ME AND I GOT KINDA MAD CAUSE THEY WOULD NOT TELL ME WHAT OIL TO PUT IN IT, THEN I DROVE TO THE NEXT REST AREA A CHECKED IT AGAIN THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE STICK I TRIED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD NEVER ANSWER THE PHONE I GUESS THEY HAD CALLER ID , SO I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND TOOK IT TO THE CLOSET HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THEY PUT IT ON THE RACK THE UNDER BELLY WAS CLEAN THERE HAD BEEN NO LEAK, HE THEN TOOK OFF THE OIL CAP AND THERE WAS SO MUCH SLUDGE BUILD UP HE SAID THE ENGINE WAS TORCHED NO WAY IT COULD BE FIX, I ASK WAY THE OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON, HE SAID BECAUSE OF ALL THE SLUDGE IN THERE, HE SAID THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD
NHTSA complaint #11030760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.