2014 Hyundai Sonata transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss of power significantly reduced my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. This condition could have increased the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Fred Beans Honda Of Abington PH# 215-392-9020) for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326, related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). According to the dealership, the vehicle entered limp mode as a result of this fault. The abrupt reduction in vehicle power and speed occurred without sufficient warning and created a safety concern. I am reporting this incident so that NHTSA can investigate whether this condition represents a broader safety defect affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles equipped with the KSDS system. Vehicle Information: Make: Hyundai Model: Sonata Model Year: 2014 I request that NHTSA review this issue and evaluate whether additional action is warranted regarding vehicles experiencing DTC P1326 and associated limp-mode operation.

NHTSA complaint #11741142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving with my family on a busy freeway at approximately 70 mph, our vehicle suddenly displayed a loud, urgent warning: “Hybrid System Warning – Safely Stop and Do Not Drive!” At the same moment, the car lost the ability to accelerate without any prior signs of trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have enough momentum to coast to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off, unsure of how serious the issue might be. Being stranded without warning on a high‑speed highway put my entire family in a dangerous situation. After a few minutes, we restarted the car to see if we could at least get it off the freeway. The warning had disappeared, and the vehicle drove normally, allowing us to take back roads home. The lack of any prior symptoms makes this even more concerning. Losing acceleration at highway speeds with no warning is a major safety hazard. We took the vehicle to a dealership immediately, but because the warning light was no longer active, they were unable to diagnose the problem. A few days later, the same warning appeared again—this time only a couple minutes from home. I turned around immediately for safety, parked the car, and once again the warning disappeared as soon as the vehicle was shut off. At this point, we have a car sitting in our driveway that we do not feel safe driving. The dealership cannot identify or repair the issue unless the warning is active, & even then, they cannot guarantee that a diagnostic code will appear. After researching this problem online, it’s clear that many other Hyundai owners are experiencing the same issue, often spending thousands of dollars without a definitive fix. Despite how common & dangerous this problem appears to be, there are no recalls & no consistent guidance from dealerships. This situation is unacceptable from a safety standpoint. A vehicle that can suddenly lose power at highway speeds—with no warning and no reliable way to diagnose the cause—poses a serious risk to EVERYONE and needs to be investigated

NHTSA complaint #11711362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) and Hyundai Motor America’s failure to fully correct the issue. Incident Summary: While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly displayed the following alarming warnings: “Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” “Check Charging System” Immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and shut down in the middle of the road. I had my two young children (ages XXX and XXX) in the car, making the situation extremely unsafe and traumatic. The vehicle lost all mobility and provided no opportunity to safely pull over. After contacting Hyundai Corporate multiple times, a case manager was eventually assigned to my case. At Hyundai’s request, I towed the vehicle to AutoNation Hyundai Valencia for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership diagnosed the issue as error code P0A78, indicating a transmission failure. Hyundai Corporate offered to cover 60% of the repair cost, leaving me responsible for the remaining 40%—an amount that exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This proposed resolution is not reasonable considering the severity of the safety risk and the vehicle’s low mileage. My primary concern is that this is an extremely dangerous defect, as the vehicle loses all power without warning, leaving the driver unable to move the car to a safe location. Requested Actions: A formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai’s hybrid systems, specifically in 2014 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. A determination of whether this defect qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Full compensation from Hyundai Corporate to cover 100% of the repair costs to correct this serious safety issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA complaint #11671502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle's engine seized completely at 75 MPH on the interstate. No warning lights or abnormal noises were present before catastrophic failure, and the car has been serviced recently. CEL came on at time of failure, throws code P1326. Car rapidly/dangerously decelerated, would have crashed if not driving in the Leftmost lane of travel.

NHTSA complaint #11667810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Formal Complaint – Hybrid System Failure, Safety Risk (VIN: [XXX] | Hyundai Case #[XXX]) Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai hybrid vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) and Hyundai Motor America's failure to respond meaningfully to repeated requests for assistance. Incident Summary: On [XXX], while driving with my two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ), my vehicle suddenly displayed the following critical warnings: “Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” “Check Charging System” Immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. This created an extremely hazardous and distressing situation for me and my family. Although the vehicle is a few years old, it has very low mileage (38,345 miles), and I did not expect such a catastrophic failure. I submitted a report to Hyundai Customer Support on May 30, 2025 (Case #[XXX]) and followed up on June 9, 2025, but have only received an automated acknowledgment—no response, investigation, or support to date. Attachments: A video clip showing the warning messages at the time of the incident (I cannot upload the video clip since the option is not there, but I do have it if required) Requested Actions: A formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai's hybrid systems. A determination as to whether this incident qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Immediate contact from Hyundai with the next steps regarding inspection, resolution, or compensation. I am cc’ing Hyundai Motor America to ensure this matter is escalated appropriately and receives the attention it warrants. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11666942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When I was driving on highway check brake warning came up with hybrid system warning I wasn’t be able to stop or accelerate I slowed down and pulled over might caused a big accident.

NHTSA complaint #11639362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I was driving at a higher rate of speed 50 MPH in the center of 3 laned road no warning or indicator lights were on in my vehicle when the engine without warning blew and stopped working. Again no check engine lights were on no warnings were given. It shut down and would no longer accelerate or drive. We almost caused several accidents as this was a very busy roadway.

NHTSA complaint #11615483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Lost power to vehicle while driving on the freeway, hybrid system warning was displayed as well as several lights to include engine, brake, and skid control. Had the dealer replace the knock sensor, 3 months later the exact same thing happened, in the same way. All the same obd2 codes were pulled both times.

NHTSA complaint #11542319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On the dashboard showing " Hybrid system warning. Safely park and do not drive" sign while the vehicle is being driven and slowly loose its power till completely stall. After I turn off the engine and try to turn on again ,the "Ready" sign keeps blinking. I was twice stall by the exit of a freeway. It's very dangerous. I also found a few recalls related to this issue in the past.

NHTSA complaint #11537194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The car used up to 4 quarts of oil per week with just driving when necessary. It burned oil and blew it out under the hood.

NHTSA complaint #11511459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am the owner of a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. That car is 8 years old and has 69K miles on it. At no time did Hyundai Motor Company notify that my car was impacted by an engine failure recall. On November 10, 2022 the car was being driven. At no time did it give any potential warning, instead the car fully stopped while in motion at 25 mph. There was no warning, no lights appeared on the dashboard until the car had stalled itself out. When I called the local dealer where the car was purchased, I was promised a call back. That call never came. I was able to contact someone at corporate who did confirm the vin number of my car is on an engine recall. I was told to contact a local dealer to find someone to replace the recall alerts. Again the local SURESKY dealer cannot help me. After spending 4 hours on the phone, I was able to connect with someone in a service department who indicated that the return volume of these car is so extensive that they are backlogged 3 to 4 more. I would encourage all users of this car to immediately end use of it. I would encourage all users to look into local LEMON laws. This entire recall was handled completely wrong by Hyundai Corporate who. Nobody can answer questions, they can only pass you around. The company should be investigated for consumer fraud at the state and federal level. The company should be investigated for proper accounting, proper tax reporting, for the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11494807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I was driving down the road in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T, in the car with me was my two young children ages 1 & 2. We were driving normally when the car all of a sudden shut off and died in the middle of the road while ongoing traffic behind me. I was able to come to a safe stop and crank the car back up and move to the side of the road. When I cranked the car back up it began knocking and the engine shaking. I immediately turned the car off and got my children out of the vehicle and we waited for my fiancé and a tow truck. Car has always had oil changes on time in the three years I owned it. Only had 125k miles. Oil was changed 1 week and a half prior to this incident. I only ran it 567 miles before my engine stalled. Thankful I was not rear ended with my babies in the back seat.

NHTSA complaint #11479272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Car is leaking excessive oil all through the engine and other main components. Theta engines are faulty and leading to engine staling and then failure. My engine stalled once. Was throwing no dash lights or codes. Next time the car was cranked it started knocking, still not throwing any dash lights. Brought to Hyundai dealership. The manufacturer is refusing to fix the engine saying it was ran on to low on oil to often. I had my records of maintenance to prove other wise once I provided them Hyundai said no still then said no because they took pictures of the inside and it looks as if it was running low on oil. This engine seizing can result in fire and major safety hazards including death and Hyundai is taking no accountability.

NHTSA complaint #11479073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

i was coming around a bent and accelerated down a straightaway when the car shutdown and all dash lights came on. I had to quickly find a spot to pull over as I was losing momentum and it was hard to brake. I pulled on to the front yard of a residence as there was no road shoulder. The car was smoking and there was a distinct smell coming from it. Some of the car was still out over the road so traffic had to avoid it. There weren't streetlights and it was foggy at night. I used the emergency flashers. There was no warning before the problem took place as far as engine light or warning lights being on. I had the car towed. It is currently at a dealership. Dealership determined engine seizure after diagnosis.

NHTSA complaint #11449847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.*DT*DT*JB*JB

NHTSA complaint #11399770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STARTED REVVING,NO POWER,THE CAR WAS STUCK IN FOURTH GEAR, HAD TO TURN CAR OFF,FOR IT TO RUN NORMALLY,BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING.

NHTSA complaint #11398863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AT 92K MILES, THEN THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING NOISES INTERMITTENTLY, AND THEN THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE KNOCK SENSOR SOFTWARE UPGRADE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN INSTALLED. THE SYNTHETIC OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED AT 82K AND 86K. SOUTH POINT HYUNDAI CHANGED THE OIL, REPLACED THE BATTERY AND TURBOCHARGER AT 92381 MILES. AROUND 93246 MILES THE INTERMITTENT ENGINE NOISES AND INTERMITTENT NO ACCELERATION AND SLOW ACCELERATION ARE BACK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ILLUMINATING. RETURNED MY SONATA TO SOUTH POINT HYUNDAI WHO REPORTS THE ENGINE IS BAD, BUT THERE ARE NO DIAGNOSTIC ERROR CODES, AND THEY ARE WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM HYUNDAI ON HOW TO PROCEED. HENCE, THE KNOCK SENSOR SOFTWARE UPDATE IS NOT A CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR DETECTING ENGINE FAILURE, ALERTING DRIVERS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE KNOCK SENSOR SOFTWARE UPDATE IS NOT AN EFFECTIVE SCREEN FOR ENGINE DEFECTS. THE ENGINE NOISES OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET, AND ON A HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11396084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

"CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT 01/08/2021. SUDDENLY NO POWER TO THE ENGINE. THE GAS PEDAL WASN'T WORKING. QUICKLY I PULL INTO THE HARD SHOULDER. THE CAR FAILED TO START THE ENGINE WITH THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE. THE CAR LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER. (THE HAZARD LIGHT WASN'T WORKING. I CONTACTED 911 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. PENNDOT TRUCK SHOWS UP AFTER AN HOUR TO COVER THE ROAD. ( TO PREVENT COLLISIONS.) I TOWED THE CAR TO A NEARBY DEALER. CONTACTED BY THE DEALER 3 DAYS LATER. THEY SAID IT WAS12V A BATTERY ISSUE AND IT'S FIXED. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY TO PICK UP THE CAR. I PAID $388 FOR REPLACING THE BATTERY. THE CAR WON'T START WITH THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE. I RAN INTO THE DEALER ASKED FOR AN EXPLANATION. THE WORSE THING IS THE DEALER NEVER RAN THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR CODE OR ANYTHING AND ASSUMED IT'S FIXED. I DEMANDED A REFUND. I MADE A FEW CALLS TO CHECK THE STATUS OF SERVICE SINCE THEN. NO ONE HAS RETURNED MY CALL YET.

NHTSA complaint #11388171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

THERE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR HYUNDAI VEHICLES REGARDING THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH/TRANSMISSION RANGE INHIBITOR FAILING TO WORK PROPERLY, BUT IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM EXTENDS TO VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THE PREVIOUS RECALL WINDOW. THE 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA SE EXPERIENCES A SIMILAR DEFECT, AS SEARCHES ONLINE WILL INDICATE A HIGH NUMBER OF FORUM POSTS AND OTHER RESOURCES WHERE DRIVERS OUTLINE THEIR CONCERNS. SPECIFICALLY, ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS, THE CAR WILL FAIL TO DISPLAY A GEAR WHEN STARTING, SHOWING A BLANK SYMBOL ON THE DASH AND NOT ILLUMINATING THE GEAR SHIFT COLUMN. THIS LEAVES THE CAR UNABLE TO BE SHIFTED INTO ANY GEAR. IT APPEARS THAT A WIDE RANGE OF HYUNDAI VEHICLES HAVE BEEN EFFECTED BY FAULTY NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCHES, AND AS I MENTIONED SOME VEHICLE YEARS NEED TO BE RECALLED THAT WERE NOT PREVIOUSLY DONE SO IN THE LAST 'BATCH' OF RECALLS FOR THE SIMILAR ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11384068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR JOLTS BACK AND THEN THE GEAR INDICATOR DISAPPEARS ON THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE LETTER DISAPPEARS FROM THE SPOT BENEATH THE SPEEDOMETER. WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND LET OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR STAYS STILL AND WHEN I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE THE CAR STRUGGLES TO SHIFT GEARS. ALSO IF THIS OCCURS REPEATEDLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. I'VE TOLD MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS AND CARMAX ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT EVERY DIAGNOSTIC TEST SAVE FOR ONE NEVER REPORTS THE PROBLEM AND IT SERIOUSLY IMPEDES MY MOBILITY.

NHTSA complaint #11364651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I SENT YOU AN EMAIL REGARDING THE PROBLEM. YOU WANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. BUT DIDN'T SAY WHAT ADDITION INFORMATION. BOTTOM LINE IS I HAD BRAKES PUT ON IN MAY 2020 ON MY 2014 HYUNDAI, THEY DIDN'T FEEL RIT., TOOK CAR BACK, TEST RIDE, SEEMED OK. THESE BRAKES WERE MANUFACTURED BY WAGNER BRAKES.; .FOR A FEW WEEKS WHEN I PRESSED ON BRAKES THERE WAS A SQUEAL, WHILE CAR WAS MOVING, AND LATELY SOUNDED LIKE STEEL ON STEEL. WHILE CARE WAS MOVING TOOK CAR BACK TO JTIRES PLUS, BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE, THEY REPLACED THEM WITH DURALAST GOLD BRAKES. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS AGAINST WAGNER BRAKES, AND I'D LIKE A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THESE BRAKES. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE RECALL ON MY 2014 SONATA POWER TRAIN/GEAR SHIFT; CAMPAIGN # 123. THIS WAS COMPLETED IN 2017; HOWEVER, SOME MONTHS AGO ONCE THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN PART WITH MOTOR OFF, AND I TURNED ON THE MOTOR THE SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE FROM THE PARK POSITION. I HAD TO WORK WITH IT A WHILE; SOMETIMES AFTER A WHILE I WOULD PUT THE KEY. NEXT TO THE SHIFT COMPARTMENT AND I COULD SHIFT THE GEAR. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SHIFT GEAR AND HOW TO HAVE A SECOND RECALL ON CAMPAIGN 123. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT ON THE E BRAKE, IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE OTHER DAY AFTER BEING PARKED, I TURNED ON THE ENGINE, PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD. I HAD TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART IT AND THEN PUT IT IN REVERSE BEFORE IT REVERSED. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU'VE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS AND I AM REQUESTING THAT MY CAR BE TESTED FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED PROBLEMS FREE OF CHARGE DUE TO ALL OF THE RECALLS HYUNDAI HAS HAD IN THE PAST. IN ALL OF THE SITUATIONS ABOVE THE CAR WAS ON CITY STREETS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE REVERSING, I WAS PARKED IN A FAST FOOD PARKING LOT.

NHTSA complaint #11355219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, MY CAR LOST CONTROL MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. ONLY WAY TO MAKE THE CAR STOP WAS TO THROW THE CAR INTO PARK. AFTER STOPPING MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON, THE CAR STAYED ON AND KEY COULDN'T TURN

NHTSA complaint #11352181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FAULKNER HYUNDAI PHILADELPHIA LOCATED AT 11500 ROOSEVELT BLVD, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19116 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000.

NHTSA complaint #11331933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. ALL THE DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I TRIED TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD TO MAKE MY WAY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH ABSOLUTELY NO POWER WHICH WAS FRIGHTENING. WHEN I GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY, I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER REALIZING THAT MY CAR HAD IN FACT, SHUT ITSELF OFF, I TRIED TO RESTART IT. FIRST TRY, IT STARTED! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR THAT IT CAN SHUT OFF, THEN BE FINE RIGHT AFTER? I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS I GOT HOME, LOW AND BEHOLD, THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE. LOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY HIGH SPEED IS A FRIGHTENING AND UNSAFE CONDITION. I COULD'VE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT ENDANGERING MYSELF AS WELL AS OTHER MOTORISTS. PLEASE TAKE THIS SAFETY ISSUE SERIOUSLY AND HOLD HYUNDAI ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR PRODUCT. PLEASE DO THIS BEFORE ANYONE DIES FROM THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11323005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

HYUNDAI INSTALLED A SOFTWARE UPDATE ON OUR 2014 SONATA DUE TO ENGINE FIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THIS SOFTWARE UPDATE RESULTED IN THE CAR GOING INTO WHAT IS CALLED " LIMP MODE" AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT COMING ON WHICH RESULTS IN THE CAR LOSING ACCELERATION AND NOT BEING ABLE TO CLIMB HILLS. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. ONCE THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE IT WOULD BARELY GO UP HILLS AND PRESENTED A HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN ENGINE OR DRIVE TRAIN AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT TOW THE CAR INTO THEIR SHOP. THEY ALSO TOLD ME I SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A P1326, WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF MY POCKET. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MOTOR AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY AGREED TO TOW THE CAR TO THEIR DEALERSHIP. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM THEY INFORMED ME THE SOFTWARE SYSTEM DETECTED A NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE TO PROTECT THE ENGINE. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THAT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND LIMP MODE WERE A FALSE POSITIVE DUE TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT WAS INSTALLED. WHEN I POINTED OUT THE INCONVENIENCE THIS HAD CAUSED ME I WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AND I WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO IT OR SELL THE CAR. I ONLY HAVE 64,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND I NO LONGER HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE TO COMMUTE LONG DISTANCES. THE ISSUE WITH THESE FALSE POSITIVES AND THE LIMP MODE NEEDS TO BE ELIMINATED.

NHTSA complaint #11320983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2014 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH VIN # [XXX] HAS HAD CAMPAIGN RECALLS WHICH STARTED 3/ 2019 ( CAMPAIGN RECALL123 POWERTRAIN TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE). VEHICLE RECEIVED REPAIR FOR CAMPAIGN RECALL 123 10/2014 UNDER HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. RECENTLY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND GOT DIAGNOSED BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NEED NEW ENGINE.CAR WAS UNDERWARRANTY WITH THE CAMPAIGN RECALL AND STATED THAT CAR WOULD NEED TRANSMISSION DUE TO 3RD SHIFT NOT WORKING LIKE IT SHOULD. CASEWORKER FROM CONSUMER AFFAIRS STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR TRANSMISSION DUE TO TRANSMISSION NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND HE WOULD NOT APPROVE FOR REPAIR. I HAD MENTIONED TO CASEWORKER THAT CAMPAIGN RECALL 123 HAD BEEN REPAIRED BY HYUNDAI BACK IN 2014. HE DENIED ANY APPROVAL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11258851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

IN JULY 2019 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA AS I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2019 VEHICLE DID SAME THING. PRIOR TO THAT AS I WOULD PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURN OFF ENGINE THE SHIFT NOB WOULD NOT COMPLETELY BE IN PARK POSITION. IT WOULD MAKE A NOISE LIKE IT SHIFTED. TOOK IT TO HUYNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE ABLE TO APPROVE WARRANTY FOR ENGINE,BUT THEN STATED IT WAS GOING TO NEED NEW TRANSMISSION. AND THAT THE 3RD SHIFT WAS DIFFICULT. AS I LOOK UNDER RECALLS I SEE THAT CAMPAIGN RECALL 123 WAS DONE 2014. HOWEVER UPON RESEARCHING CAME ACROSS IF DEALERSHIP REPAIRED A RECALL AND IT FAILED THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY I WAS NOT GETTING ANYWHERE WITH CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND GETTING RECALL CAMPAIGN 123 REPAIRED.. I NEEDED VEHICLE RUNNING TO GET TO WORK SO SINCE HYUNDAI DIDN'T WANT TO REPAIR SOMETHING THEY SUPPOSEDLY BILLED OUT. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11257897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.