Owners have filed 212 complaints
about the 2019 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 32 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 — 15
Against the median year of the Hyundai Sonata. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 66
12.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 99
58% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
712.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1527.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
59.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
712.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
59.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
23.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
814.5%
150,000+ miles
610.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2019 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
10.5% risk
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.
Apr 2019peak 14Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 Hyundai Sonata
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.
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...
Recalls on the 2019 Hyundai Sonata
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2022244178,064 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine. For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this campaign. This is an expansion of R0180 (Transport Canada #2021-575). Any vehicle that received a software update under campaign R0180 does not require this update. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall 2021575152,924 units in Canada
Engine
This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2022-244. Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine. For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this campaign. All vehicles previously included in TC # 2021-034 are now part of this new campaign. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Hyundai recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Hyundai advises you to immediately visit a Hyundai dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall 2019640275,533 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: This affects Sonata and Santa Fe Sport equipped with a 2.4 L GDI or 2.0 L Turbo GDI engine, as well as Tucson equipped with a 2.4 L GDI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Vehicles previously repaired under Product Improvement Campaign R0153 (TC # 2019-130) do not require this software update. Owners can find additional information at <a href="http://www.hyundaiengineinfo.ca">www.hyundaiengineinfo.ca</a>.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 172,000 milesNorth Chesterfield, VAFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11752343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11732956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ENGINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #11732956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11732956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDallas, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11643725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grosse Pointe Woods, MIFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11624128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 140,000 milesJacksonville, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brentwood, NY
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paterson, NJ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11756831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle stalled in traffic due to recall defect. Manufacturer recall remedy is delayed beyond reasonable timeframe, creating ongoing safety exposure.
NHTSA complaint #11755086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesNorth Chesterfield, VAFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11752343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, NY
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, WI
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11748085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
POWER TRAIN
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)
NHTSA complaint #11745802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, VA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11745390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
STEERING
after the car is driven for a while in warm weather, the steering can feel sticky after doing a slight turn doing more than 30 MPH. It takes extra force to return the steering wheel to the straight/neutral position. It acts as though the steering wheel is stuck in this slight turn position. The problem is intermittent but does create a safety hazard with the risk of the car being unable to easily remain in its correct lane position. Symptom summary: Intermittent; Worse in warm weather; happens after small steering inputs; Feels like the wheel is “hung up”.
NHTSA complaint #11742988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
POWER TRAIN
For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced acceleration performance during normal driving • Vehicle becomes difficult to control safely The malfunction occurs intermittently but follows a consistent pattern. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring defect that has persisted for years. Multiple diagnostic and repair attempts have been unsuccessful: • Coconut Creek Hyundai service center - unable to diagnose [DATE(S)] • Independent mechanics - unable to resolve [DATE(S)] • Issue remains unresolved despite multiple service visits Despite multiple attempts by qualified technicians, the root cause has not been identified and the defect has not been corrected. This malfunction creates a significant safety hazard: • Unintended acceleration increases risk of collision • Reduced acceleration capability limits ability to merge or accelerate safely • Check engine light indicates undiagnosed system failure • Problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it unsafe to drive I am concerned this may represent a defect pattern affecting multiple 2019 Sonata vehicles. NHTSA should: 1. Investigate whether this represents a defect pattern in 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles 2. Determine if a safety recall is warranted 3. Contact Hyundai Motor America to address this systemic issue
NHTSA complaint #11738831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
ENGINE
For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced acceleration performance during normal driving • Vehicle becomes difficult to control safely The malfunction occurs intermittently but follows a consistent pattern. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring defect that has persisted for years. Multiple diagnostic and repair attempts have been unsuccessful: • Coconut Creek Hyundai service center - unable to diagnose [DATE(S)] • Independent mechanics - unable to resolve [DATE(S)] • Issue remains unresolved despite multiple service visits Despite multiple attempts by qualified technicians, the root cause has not been identified and the defect has not been corrected. This malfunction creates a significant safety hazard: • Unintended acceleration increases risk of collision • Reduced acceleration capability limits ability to merge or accelerate safely • Check engine light indicates undiagnosed system failure • Problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it unsafe to drive I am concerned this may represent a defect pattern affecting multiple 2019 Sonata vehicles. NHTSA should: 1. Investigate whether this represents a defect pattern in 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles 2. Determine if a safety recall is warranted 3. Contact Hyundai Motor America to address this systemic issue
NHTSA complaint #11738831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland Park, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced acceleration performance during normal driving • Vehicle becomes difficult to control safely The malfunction occurs intermittently but follows a consistent pattern. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring defect that has persisted for years. Multiple diagnostic and repair attempts have been unsuccessful: • Coconut Creek Hyundai service center - unable to diagnose [DATE(S)] • Independent mechanics - unable to resolve [DATE(S)] • Issue remains unresolved despite multiple service visits Despite multiple attempts by qualified technicians, the root cause has not been identified and the defect has not been corrected. This malfunction creates a significant safety hazard: • Unintended acceleration increases risk of collision • Reduced acceleration capability limits ability to merge or accelerate safely • Check engine light indicates undiagnosed system failure • Problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it unsafe to drive I am concerned this may represent a defect pattern affecting multiple 2019 Sonata vehicles. NHTSA should: 1. Investigate whether this represents a defect pattern in 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles 2. Determine if a safety recall is warranted 3. Contact Hyundai Motor America to address this systemic issue
NHTSA complaint #11738831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Machesney Park, IL
SUSPENSION
Ecm, p0303, yes, not yet, no, cel light before the car was brought to the dealership, 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2.4L Theta II GDI. Perryville Hyundai IL refused applicable TSB in writing 5/4/26 despite active P0303 misfire, fuel-in-oil smell, crankcase pressure. I have Photos prove falsified multi-point inspection: 1.0 inch (.0833') wheel well discrepancy, same mileage in/out. Vehicle has stall risk. Case Manager [XXX] non-responsive 2hr 45min after requesting written tow instructions on safety matter. RSPM escalated 1:00 PM CDT 5/5/26 with 3:00 PM deadline. No contact received as of 3:03 PM. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Theta II Lifetime Warranty Settlement violation. Case #XXX. Requesting federal investigation. Photo upload is not working, I'll need a email to send them in apparently INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Machesney Park, IL
ENGINE
Ecm, p0303, yes, not yet, no, cel light before the car was brought to the dealership, 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2.4L Theta II GDI. Perryville Hyundai IL refused applicable TSB in writing 5/4/26 despite active P0303 misfire, fuel-in-oil smell, crankcase pressure. I have Photos prove falsified multi-point inspection: 1.0 inch (.0833') wheel well discrepancy, same mileage in/out. Vehicle has stall risk. Case Manager [XXX] non-responsive 2hr 45min after requesting written tow instructions on safety matter. RSPM escalated 1:00 PM CDT 5/5/26 with 3:00 PM deadline. No contact received as of 3:03 PM. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Theta II Lifetime Warranty Settlement violation. Case #XXX. Requesting federal investigation. Photo upload is not working, I'll need a email to send them in apparently INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned about my daughter’s safety because she use the vehicle to drive to and from school and you never know when the brakes might fail, again I just bought this vehicle a month ago just one month not even a year and it’s having all this problem even though it’s a pre-owned vehicle I shouldn’t have to take it to the shop after one month please help… thank you
NHTSA complaint #11734528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned about my daughter’s safety because she use the vehicle to drive to and from school and you never know when the brakes might fail, again I just bought this vehicle a month ago just one month not even a year and it’s having all this problem even though it’s a pre-owned vehicle I shouldn’t have to take it to the shop after one month please help… thank you
NHTSA complaint #11734528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned about my daughter’s safety because she use the vehicle to drive to and from school and you never know when the brakes might fail, again I just bought this vehicle a month ago just one month not even a year and it’s having all this problem even though it’s a pre-owned vehicle I shouldn’t have to take it to the shop after one month please help… thank you
NHTSA complaint #11734528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chanhassen, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I wanted to report the failure of my rear camera and/or the electrical circuit that is tied to it. It's my understanding that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls across different years/vehicles for issues in this area. My 2019 Sonata is NOT included in those current recalls. I was without my vehicle for a week and was charged over $1600 to repair. The issue was diagnosed and repaired by an independent mechanic. When they system failed numerous error lights/warning went off and continued to cycle thru (plus beeping). I wanted to report this in hopes of continued pressure on Hyundai to add this model/year to their recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11733342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chanhassen, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I wanted to report the failure of my rear camera and/or the electrical circuit that is tied to it. It's my understanding that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls across different years/vehicles for issues in this area. My 2019 Sonata is NOT included in those current recalls. I was without my vehicle for a week and was charged over $1600 to repair. The issue was diagnosed and repaired by an independent mechanic. When they system failed numerous error lights/warning went off and continued to cycle thru (plus beeping). I wanted to report this in hopes of continued pressure on Hyundai to add this model/year to their recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11733342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11732956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ENGINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #11732956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11732956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manville, NJ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11730703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manville, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11730703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
