2019 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ENGINE

I was driving on the interstate when my engine started shutting down on me and I’m glad I had moved to the right lane because someone would’ve hit me from the back because I never had this problem and now the mechanic telling me it jumped timing.

NHTSA complaint #11729912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My oil pan cracked. I’ve never had any issues with oil pans until this one. Hyundai will not replace this under warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11729007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

consuming oil a quart every 2-3 weeks sonata hyundai in 2000 miles 3 quarts of oil were used. what happens when the motor locks up from be extremely low on oil. Possible accident! I cannot expect my wife to be checking the oil level every time she drives.

NHTSA complaint #11725416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (Safety Hazard) Motor/Pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.

NHTSA complaint #11719616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the failure reoccurred with the messages "Check Hybrid System” and “Turn Engine Off" being displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer for assistance. A diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that there was engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer requested proof of the last two oil changes. The contact obtained a Carfax Report, which showed proof of the oil changes and maintenance records. The manufacturer denied the goodwill request after several months of negotiations. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA complaint #11714435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have had my car in 7 times for the same issue. Metal shavings in oil and burning excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. This is a very well known issue with 2019 Hyundai Sonata. They have done nothing but add oil and run tests which the car failed. No attempt to fix it or replace it. I have been in contact with Corporate who refused to help. My car has an extended warranty for this specific issue, but they only give me the run around.

NHTSA complaint #11709374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine is burning oil around 1 quart every 700 miles. I check the car oil level around every 10 days. I have experienced when I didn't check the oil and the low oil engine light would come on in the instrument panel. Hyundai shows no recall for this 2019 Hyundai Sonata Limited edition. I believe that this type of incident occurred back around 2011 with Hyundai's models for that time

NHTSA complaint #11707477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle has an oil consumption problem. I put in 5 quarts of oil last week after changing the oil three weeks before this. I am down today December 19, 2025 2 1/2 quarts when I put in 5 quarts last Friday. Hyundai motor Corp. says I have to pay for the $90 oil change to do the oil consumption test then I have to go back 1000 miles later and pay $600 for an oil combustion cleaning and drive it another thousand miles and come back and see the oil level to see if I need an engine. I think this is absolutely a safety hazard and needs to be taken very seriously for all customers that drive a Hyundai that are having these issues.

NHTSA complaint #11706209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the vehicle required an oil change every 10 days. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after driving 1,000 miles after an oil change, and the dealer informed the contact that a combustion cleaning was needed. The dealer performed the combustion cleaning, but the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic and the dealer had diagnosed the vehicle and had determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and declined to cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11705662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Hyundai replaced my engine under warranty due to their oil consumption in mid October. About 2 weeks later all warning lights came on and they said need new battery. They put in new battery in November. 15 miles after new battery a burning smell and smoke came from under hood with visible smoke. Took to dealer following day and no smoke. Got car back and next day it’s smoking and burning smell. Got it back to dealership and they had it a while and said no smoke and I got car back. They can’t find a reason and it’s not smoking .About a week later (tonight) burning smell and smoke from under hood at the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11705709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My oil light came on after driving it about 4700 miles from purchase date. I checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick. 200 miles and 2 days later the check engine light came on and put it into limp mode. It was about a half quart low. I was put at risk for having to go slow on a main highway to get back home. I took it to a local Hyundai dealership they did a diagnostic and bearing clearance test for $572.00. They said it passed. Then I did a 1000 mile oil consumption test. They over filled my oil and it passed. The 2nd 1000 mile oil consumption test they did not over fill my oil and it failed. They told me they would submit a PA to Hyundai corporate and as long as the maintenance was done they would most likely replace the engine. He also told me my engine could blow anytime. They never called me back so when I called the dealership they said they denied it needed a new engine. They wanted me to pay another $800 to run a combustion test. I am not paying for anymore testing when they clearly have engine problems with many of their engines. I had warning signs and that’s when I called the dealership I purchased it from and went on this path. I was also told that this was covered under an extension warranty of 120, 000 miles. Only to be told by Hyundai corporate that it is not covered. This is an issue Hyundai is well aware of and they refuse to fix it.

NHTSA complaint #11702005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Problem with the valve cover gasket. Dealer said replaced. Engine oil smell has been entering into the cabin and making me ill. Causing chest pain, headache, dizziness, nausea.

NHTSA complaint #11694671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My car has been with Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake Va since September 23rd. They have advised me that I will definitely need a new engine however, Hyundai is requiring them to do 2750.00 worth of work on my engine before they can submit a claim to have my engine replaced. They explained to me that one of the piston rings in my engine needs to be replaced. The service technician reassured me “the failure was nothing that I could have caused”. I have gotten my oil change regularly, and I have paperwork that shows that. The car is five years old. I’ve only had the car for 3 years and I’m the first owner. I have never driven my car long distance. I work from home. The most I do is take my boys to and from school which is at the most 5.1 miles away from my home. The dealer recommended that I call Hyundai my self and start a case. Which I did. Two days later Hyundai Canada called to tell me their decision is final and my case was denied because the warrant is 5 years/60,000 miles I told them the car was over the 60,000 mileages when I bought it and I’m still well within the 5-yr mark. She then says, basically that the piston failure is not included in the extended warranty. However the class action suit states differently. The dealership advised me that their system shows a 99 yr warranty on the engine, which they took that to mean lifetime. They priced me a new engine at 7111.00 in addition to the 2750.00 of engine work they told me I must get done before hyundai would approve me for a new engine. I have been in contact with the lawyers handling the Hyundai/Kia 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI Engine Class Actions. They have added me to the data base and provided me some direction. which have led me to you, the NHTSA.

NHTSA complaint #11694795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine is burning oil at an excessive rate. Burning a liter every 1,000 miles and Hyundai refuses to do anything about it.

NHTSA complaint #11694891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Burning oil

NHTSA complaint #11692945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Excessive oil consumption leading to no or low oil levels. Piston ring design flaw allowing oil to leak into combustion chamber, damaging the spark plugs. No warning lights until failure posing a significant crash risk for my family. Engine failure at 134K miles without warning, rings need replaced, per mechanic. I am shocked as I just paid the car off and thought Hyundai was a good brand.

NHTSA complaint #11688992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Burning excess oil

NHTSA complaint #11688072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. In addition, while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown piston and cylinder #2 failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I just had an Oil change twice on this car it burns oil like crazy..mine you only had car for5 months

NHTSA complaint #11684358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I took my car to the garage after purchase around 75,000 miles due to rattling noise 8n the front and the amount of oil that my car was requiring in between oil changes, did the oil consumption test it came back on the higher range but Hyundai offered no resolution

NHTSA complaint #11682438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Burning oil four quarts in between normal oil changes

NHTSA complaint #11679421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.