What 741 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Sonata

I was driving my 2014 hyundai sonata that I only had for 3 months when it just quit on me. I pulled over and seen when white smoke was coming from the wires.

NHTSA ODI 11747161

Updated NHTSA Complaint DraftVehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai SonataVIN: [XXX] Incident Date: XXX Description of Safety Defect:While driving on XXX, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk.A subsequent professional inspection revealed that the vehicle's odometer had been illegally rolled back and tampered with by the selling dealership (Johny's Auto Center in 120 bleu hill ave Roxbury, MA) 02119 prior to purchase. The true, undocumented mileage of the engine is significantly higher than indicated, directly causing this sudden component failure. I am reporting this incident both as a critical vehicle safety defect and as a case of illegal odometer fraud. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11747015

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 ODI 11741142

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2014 Hyundai Sonata Mileage: less than 120,000 miles Ownership: Second owner Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata. My vehicle experienced issues beginning with a faulty knock sensor, which escalated into complete engine failure. This issue appears to be identical to problems that have already been identified in recalls involving similar Hyundai Sonata models. Despite experiencing the same symptoms and failure pattern, my specific VIN is not included in the recall. My vehicle has been well maintained, has under 120,000 miles, and should not have experienced a total engine failure under normal conditions. Based on the known recall issues related to engine defects and knock sensor failures, I believe my vehicle is affected by the same underlying defect. I am concerned that vehicles like mine are being excluded from the recall despite having identical safety-related issues. Engine failure while driving presents a serious safety risk, including potential loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate in traffic. I have had the car looked by a professional and advised of the engine failure and this is a common issue with this make and model.

NHTSA ODI 11735760

I was driving my vehicle on multiple occasions in which the car started to alarm and say, "Check charging system" at which point the car stopped all together. Also, when the cruise control is engaged, it will turn off automatically. It doesn't matter the speed the cruise control is set at, it will turn off.

NHTSA ODI 11735260

ABS module/brakes system goes into limp mode randomly, which causes brake malfunction, throwing codes c1233, c1234 and c1236. There was a recall repair performed by Hyundai about two years ago, however there was two options on NHTSA recall 23V651000/campaign 251. One was to replace a safety plug fuse issue, TSB 23-01-054H . That is the recall they performed. The other recall repair which they did not perform is to replace the ABS module. The Hyundai dealer says I must pay a $225 diagnostic fee for them established they need to do this recall repair . Does that sound correct to you?

NHTSA ODI 11730062

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after driving over a pothole, the steering wheel became difficult to handle, with a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ODI 11728583

1. Dash Board has several cracks especially over airbag. 2.The location and severity of the cracks raises concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dashboard during a collision and the potential for obstructed airbag deployment. 3.It has not been inspected. I plan to carry it to the dealer tomorrow. 4.There were no warnings. I just realized the cracks a few weeks ago. I had seen them prior but thought they were part of the design until they became more pronounced.

NHTSA ODI 11727822

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11727565

I had gotten an engine back in 2021 because of a recall, and now the newer engine is burning all my oil up.

NHTSA ODI 11722578

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and leaving it unoccupied, the contact's daughter, who was seated on a porch, called the contact informing her there was grey/blue smoke emitting from the vehicle. The smoke increased, and fire droppings were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact arrived back at the vehicle and saw the fire coming from underneath the vehicle. The fire started in the engine bay. There was property damage to the driveway, and the fire was eventually extinguished by the fire department. Prior to the fire department, the contact's daughter and neighbors attempted to extinguish the fire with water. The front passenger side tire blew out as a result of the fire. The contact's insurance company informed her that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V312000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), the recall repair was never completed due to the owner being unaware of it. The vehicle was left on the driveway. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11721429

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact purchased the vehicle on April 28, 2025, with 28,974 miles from a dealer. On January 20, 2026, while attempting to start the vehicle after being parked for a while, the vehicle lost power and failed to start. The contact walked to an AutoZone nearby, where a mechanic diagnosed that the battery and starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired while with the mechanic, and the contact was informed that the actual mileage on the vehicle was 170,123. The contact reported the issue to the dealer and was informed that it would be investigated; however, the contact had not received any additional information. The dealer had taken possession of the vehicle and informed the contact that payments were still expected despite the odometer discrepancy. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the odometer discrepancy. The failure mileage was not provided.

NHTSA ODI 11718409

I had recall 162 - engine replacement completed in 2024 , now I have fuel leak at high pressure fuel pump, the pump that is a component of the engine has now failed which was installed during the engine replacement which can cause a major fire

NHTSA ODI 11713805

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 ODI 11711362

The engine failed in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata for the 2nd time while driving in evening traffic on a major interstate with my elderly father in the car with me. The engine completely shut down while in mid drive on the interstate with no power. The engine and oil lamp indicators immediately came on right before the engine lost power on the interstate. This caused my safety and the safety of my father to be put at risk by not being able to have any power while in the lane of evening traffic. My vehicle was towed to the nearby Hyundai dealership, Modern Hyundai of Concord, where their service department conducted inspection of the engine issue and where it was kept for 4 months with no repairs made per the orders of Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America refused to honor their own warranty to replace the engine (engine in need of replacement for the 2nd time).

NHTSA ODI 11710169

My vehicle, a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Turbo, is having brake lock-up issues. It seems to be related to the AVS (Automatic Brake System). This happens mostly when the vehicle is parked on a hill and the brakes lock up when I start moving. This has been happening for several months, but my mechanic hasn't been able to find the problem. I made an appointment with Hyundai to find out what the issue is, but they told me there's no recall related to it.

NHTSA ODI 11708752

Fuel line under the hood was spewing gas after starting the vehicle. My safety was put at risk by being stranded in a dangerous part of town for 5 days before getting the car towed back home No inspections have been done by those companies No warning light where on.

NHTSA ODI 11708401

I was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata in a rural area when smoke suddenly entered the cabin from the engine compartment. Two bystanders waved me down, alerting me that they could see fire underneath the engine compartment. I immediately stopped the vehicle, turned it off, and exited safely. I attempted to contact 911, but reception was poor. The fire spread from the engine compartment and engulfed the vehicle, producing thick smoke that created a serious safety risk. Emergency services arrived approximately 15 minutes after being notified and extinguished the fire. The vehicle burned for approximately 30 minutes in total resulting in total loss. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the fire. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives beyond the fire report. It was towed and is being stored on private property awaiting investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11707840

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the front passenger's side air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised not to take the vehicle for a diagnostic test until contacted by the manufacturer. The contact had no additional communication with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11705597

The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and loss of power while traveling at freeway speed. Two days earlier, the vehicle had been taken to an authorized dealership for factory recall service. During that visit, concerns were raised about known engine issues associated with this model, but the vehicle was returned to service. While driving on the freeway, the engine abruptly stalled without warning, causing immediate loss of propulsion and power. This created a dangerous situation in moving traffic, requiring rapid maneuvering to avoid a collision and safely exit traffic lanes. The vehicle became inoperable and could not be restarted. The failed component appears to be the engine or related internal engine system. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership following the incident and has remained inoperable since that time. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. The failure placed the driver at significant risk due to the sudden loss of power at highway speed. No collision occurred, but the risk of serious injury or death was present. The problem has not been reproduced because the vehicle has remained disabled since the incident. The dealership and manufacturer have inspected the vehicle after the failure. The manufacturer is reviewing the incident under an internal process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating imminent engine failure before the stall. The failure occurred suddenly and without advance notice.

NHTSA ODI 11705440

My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a P1326 engine fault code, which activates the knock sensor system due to engine bearing wear. This condition is directly related to Hyundai’s safety recall 17V226 (Theta II engine). The Hyundai dealership submitted my case to Hyundai corporate, and Hyundai denied the repair solely because my vehicle has over 150,000 miles. A manufacturer cannot refuse a federal recall repair due to mileage, and Hyundai’s engine recall has no mileage or time limit. The denial places me in an unsafe situation, as the recall defect can cause engine seizure or stalling while driving. I am requesting NHTSA intervention.

NHTSA ODI 11703395

The High-Voltage (HV) Hybrid Battery Pack Assembly failed, resulting in a system shutdown and the required replacement. The primary code is DTC P0A80 ("Replace Hybrid Battery Pack"), which indicates an internal manufacturing or design flaw, specifically a weak battery module or compromised internal connection, not normal wear. The defective component (the high-voltage battery) is currently at and is available for inspection. The entire vehicle is also compromised by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Module defect (NHTSA Recall 23V-651000). My safety was put at risk in two primary ways: 1. Immediate Loss of Power: The hybrid system failure resulted in a loss of drivetrain power, rendering the vehicle nearly immobile. This occurred on at approximately mph, placing me at high risk of a collision. 2. Latent Fire Risk: My vehicle is covered under the NHTSA ID 23V-651000 fire risk recall due to the ABS module. Hyundai specifically advised owners of these vehicles to "park their vehicles outside and away from structures" until the remedy is complete, confirming the severity of the latent fire hazard. The failure of the secondary HV battery system occurred within this already dangerous, electrically unstable environment. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Hyundai dealership / independent shop at the time of failure.. The manufacturer's corporate division has been contacted and is aware of the defect and the resulting $10,000 replacement estimate, as they offered a 50% "goodwill" subsidy which I am rejecting, asserting 100% coverage is required for a defect. Yes. The primary preceding warning was the intermittent appearance of the "Check Hybrid System, Turn off engine" warning.

NHTSA ODI 11701274

While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai expands its recall and warranty coverage to include affected 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited vehicles exhibiting this defect that was well-known to the Hyundai Corporation. Date of Incident: October 23,2025 in Houston Texas. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer which diagnosed Engine Seized and currently awaiting Warranty Extension Approval (TXXC/TXXI)

NHTSA ODI 11697541

Brake lights not working. Checked fuses and bulbs, neither are the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11697087

This motor had a recall. Campaign t3g- sonata yfa 2.4L Theta II. 1 month after an oil change at the mechanic the car started making noises. Took it right to the mechanic who said there was no oil and that there was a recall on this motor for this reason. Immediately took it to the Hyundai dealership located in centereach NY. The employee who helped us was not a help. Took days and days to even get the paperwork In for the recall. Did not communicate with us unless we called him. Then eventually just said it was denied. Took weeks to get the proof from them. Completely frustrating. We submitted all proof of oil changes and maintenance and it was denied saying engine neglect! We are struggling to keep up with bills and now cannot get to work because of this. We have 2 toddlers and he is a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Centereach. He works full time at Stony Brook Hospital and is in school full time with rotations in the hospital for paramedic class. This is insane to be treated this way

NHTSA ODI 11696703