What 741 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Hyundai Sonata

I am filing a complaint due to the lack of timely fix of this recall. It has been more than four months since the recall was issued (NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000) with no repair available.

NHTSA ODI 11569104

I have a 2014 Hyundai Sonata that had its engine replaced as part of the recall. The car was taken to Hyundai of Central FL in January 2022 and repairs were completed in May 2022. Since that time the car has had several repairs that I feel are a cause of the faulty engine and or engine related to the replacement. These repairs include oxygen sensors both front and rear replaced, additional sensors, catalytic converter, transmission flush. Just in this month the car has been taken to Greenway Hyundai in Orlando weekly for a check engine light. The car was taken last week after the check engine light came on again and oxygen sensors needed to be replaced again. After the car was picked up last Wed, the check engine light on again and is currently sitting at Greenway Hyundai in Orlando for additional diagnostics. I may have to pay for diagnostic fee again and additional repairs again. So far, the repair costs exceed $3,000. The car displays show that it is one notch from overheating, runs a little sluggish, knocking noise at times and are experiencing similar issues when prior to when the engine was replaced initially back in May 2022. I am afraid of the car seizing up while I'm driving potentially causing an accident or fire as several consumers have noted the same. I have corresponded with Hyundai Corporate on several occasions asking for assistance as I quite frankly do not feel safe Hyundai or Kia vehicles. I had also asked for some type of assistance with my repair costs again that I feel are engine related otherwise why else would the check ENGINE light be displayed. In all instances Hyundai Corporate has simply skirted the greater issue and provided me with a staged response. Now I’m being told that possibly the injectors need to be replaced on a car whose engine was replaced less than 2 years ago. I’ve asked Hyundai several times to replace the car in like kind and quality because they are allowing a car to be unsafe to be operating .

NHTSA ODI 11568633

Engine started making a weird knocking noise & was smoking from oil lid. Was driving & the noise got louder & then started to making a squealing noise. Started heading towards the dealership & it slowly started loosing power. Got to the turning lane to turn into the dealership parking lot, car immediately died in middle of road causing me to almost be hit by another vehicle . It started up long enough for me to make it into the parking lot. Car is now currently sitting at dealership waiting till Monday for Hyundai Service center to look at it. I originally had an appt scheduled for Tuesday to get it looked at but it didn’t last that long. speed limit was 35, I couldn’t even drive over 20 mph & had my emergency hazards on.

NHTSA ODI 11568266

In May 2022 the engine was replaced as part of the Theta engine recall. Since that time the vehicle has been taken back to the authorized Hyundai dealership for oxygen sensors and a catalytic converter to be replaced. The check engine light is still on and out of pocket expenses are in excess of $3000 and growing. Hyundai corporate is refusing to cover any of these expenses stating that it is not engine related. In the meantime the car check engine is still on and by not taking responsibility for this has caused a safety issues as it is a known fact that their cars have a history of catching fire and I’m fearful that this may occur unless Hyundai takes responsibility and reimburses for these repairs and/or replace the car with one in like,kind and quality. It is my firm belief that Hyundai is well aware that when the engine was recalled it created issues with other parts such as oxygen sensors, catalytic converter , etc to fail and by not taking fiscal responsibility has created a safety issue for millions of Americans. I am begging the NHTSA at demanding Hyundai replace the vehicle and /or reimburse for additional expenses mentioned above as I am not the only American having to deal with Hyundai’s negligence. Simply saying it is not part of the warranty is not an inclusive defensive when millions of American lives are at stake.

NHTSA ODI 11566674

As I was driving on the interstate, 25 or so miles away from, my car started to shake and the service lights appeared on the dashboard. I pulled to the shoulder of the road, and shut it off, i turned it back on and it ran for maybe about 10 more miles until it happened again. This time, I turn it back on to get it to run and it doesn’t even begin to shift into drive. It started making a grinding/knocking noise from the engine & shaking, so I shut it off. I had to get it towed home and it has just been sitting in the drive way for a couple weeks now because it’s undrivable. I had no knowledge prior to this incident of an engine recall issued on the car, the dealer I bought it from didn’t inform me and neither did my lien holder. I contacted Hyundai of Slidell and they said since these open safety recalls have not been addressed that they will just reject them. There are about 2 from before I even bought the car that were issued in 2017 I believe that have not been completed. I bought the car in October of 2021 and was not informed of these safety recalls. Prior to this incident, no warning service lights had appeared and I was never told that I need to get my engine inspected as it ran fine.

NHTSA ODI 11566578

My engine is burning through oil and also smoking while driving and has a burn smell coming through air vent. I scheduled to have it repaired and have a screenshot of the recall but when I took it to get repaired they stated there are no recalls on my vehicle and I would have to pay. I then called Hyundai customer service and was told they see the recall in one system but not the other and that they will give me a call back. I then never received a call back so I called again and was told that they cannot fix the engine recall and that I would need to get a diagnostic and pay for it myself.

NHTSA ODI 11561709

With the 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS off and onto a tow truck, it spontaneously burst into flames and the eventual total loss of the vehicle. The 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS need to be added to the notice to Hyundai consumers in the Hyundai 251 recall.

NHTSA ODI 11559742

The car warning lights turn on and the car shuts down. The problem is with the Hybrid battery that is malfunctioning. This is a serious life and death problem. After the vehicle stops it goes in neutral and rolls .

NHTSA ODI 11559577

UNKNOWN: my wife took the car to go to the store by our apartment. She was going through a roundabout at 10 maybe 7 mph when the car just shut off. We took it to AAA. AAA told us that it was an engine failure, and that there was an engine recall on our vehicle. We still thought it was the Ater. We took it to a shop called Gulich. They saw the engine factory recall and informed Chapman Hyundai in Scottsdale to repair the vehicle. Spoke with a Nick who told us that he would give us a free loaner as they fix our vehicle, and that it was under the recall. Got a call two days later from Nick stating that there was sludge in the car and it was from the previous owner, that is why they’re not fixing it. The previous owner only had the car for two years as we receive the car in 2016 with 36,000 miles on it. Every oil change, tuneup, air conditioning, etc., we were told that the car was a queen puff, and that there should be nothing wrong with it. This is just an unfortunate misunderstanding, I would like to have my car fixed they are pressing me to return the loaner and my wife is in the hospital. Trying to leave me stranded. Please help .

NHTSA ODI 11558957

Incident date 07/04/2023 Incident place I-405 exit WA-522 Incident total engine, car system completely off, brakes won't work Traveling with whole family complete car system failure, had to drive to side road hitting bushes and trees in order to get the car stopped State patrol arrived at the scene, assisted getting towing Everything turned off while on freeway to direction to the two/three lane bridge had to quickly take any exit in order to avoid the freeway bridge I repeat again Total Engine & System failure, Brakes won't work at all while system is dead

NHTSA ODI 11554647

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine oil level was low and there were metal shavings in the engine oil. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a second oil change was performed. The dealer also performed three oil consumption tests every 1,000 miles. In the first oil consumption test, the engine oil level was 2 1/2 quarts less. In the second oil consumption test, the engine oil level was 1 quart lower, and in the third oil consumption test, the engine oil level was 1 1/2 quart lower. The dealer informed the contact to return for the fourth oil consumption test after another 1,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11551796

The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while in an undisclosed store, she was notified by the store P.A. giving a description that her vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that after she exited the store, she noticed that her vehicle was inflamed from the front end of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. The contact stated that she was informed by the fire department that the origin of the fire was engine-related. A police and fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Additionally, the contact stated that a year ago she had received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the engine was replaced, and the recall was completed. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11547946

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 ODI 11542319

o2 sensors

NHTSA ODI 11535172

The contact owned a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle followed by flames. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle and had to jump out to exit. The vehicle drove off to the side of the road where it came to a complete stop and burned bushes that were on the side of the road. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The contact suffered a fractured left arm and bruising on the left rib which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was deemed totally destroyed by the insurance company. The contact stated that the engine of the vehicle was replaced due to a recall under the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119.000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11533257

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the coolant temperature warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began to stall. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood and noticed a significant amount of smoke. The vehicle was towed to the Subaru dealer it was purchased from. The Subaru dealer diagnosed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local Hyundai dealer and the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had received a class-action lawsuit settlement notice related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11532831

While driving the vehicle the lights on the dash start to flash, stating that there is a Charging system warning. It says to pull over and not to drive. It becomes very difficult to brake, or steer, almost like the vehicle has lost power. It blew warm air and the check engine light also came on. This can be extremely dangerous if one was on the highway or at an intersection or any place where they needed to pull over to safety. My 12v battery was checked and found to be fine. I called multiple mechanics to come take a look at the vehicle and the codes that were read were P1B77, P1B96, P1B70, P0A0D. The 150 Amp fuse was said to be blown, and was replaced. Sometimes the car will start back up, and sometimes it won't. Currently, it's sitting in my yard. The engine and interior look pristine, but there is something going on with these vehicles that isn't being addressed. This car is dangerous and there are many, many, MANY people that I'm finding on Reddit, YouTube, and the Hyundai forums who are having the exact same issues. I unfortunately cannot afford to continue to keep hiring mechanics, nor to have it towed to the dealership, only for them to do what they are doing with countless other people. They do not seem to understand the issue either and are grasping at straws to replace expensive parts, only to have the issue reoccur. Something needs to be done about this before someone is killed.

NHTSA ODI 11532527

While driving normally on the highway I received the "Hybrid Safety Warning: Do Not Drive!" error. The engine began sputtering uncontrollably, the brakes weren't fully responsive and I lost power steering. Thankfully I was able to coast down the road and pull over. If this had happened in traffic I can't imagine an accident would not have happened. Not being able to brake safely or steering properly while your engine is sputtering out of control is terrifying and a MAJOR mistake in design and implementation.

NHTSA ODI 11532594

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and then stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA ODI 11530699

Complete engine failure while driving. Car completely shut off and will not restart. It did not give any warnings prior to happening. Also cruise control stopped working months prior to this engine failure. Took to mechanic and he stated there is recalls on this vehicle and need to turn it in. I have also received mail stating the same about recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11530097

The engine appears to have seized. No engine light, smell, sounds or warnings to indicate there was an issue. However, now my car will not start. The engine also will not turn over manually.

NHTSA ODI 11529888

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated with a burning odor and a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who discovered metal shavings inside the engine and engine oil and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The mechanic stated in the engine evaluation notes rings in the engine bad, and the metal shavings would indicate the rings on the piston were not correctly installed or shimmed to tolerance, causing them to scrape the inner wall of the piston chamber. Further stating it is a mechanical issue and not the negligence of the owner.

NHTSA ODI 11529341

My engine is burning oil and the mechanics are telling me it is very unusual for this to happen, there is a recall on my type of car and engine.

NHTSA ODI 11527187

A week ago (June 5th) car had been running fine, then all of a sudden lost power. Wouldn’t pick up speed, several warning lights came on and then it just died. Did hear a knocking noise right before it died. It is currently at dealership and was given a time frame of approximately 3 weeks to fully diagnose. This is obviously frustrating as I just got this car at end of March and it is being financed, so paying for a broke down car at this point! I hope that Hyundai manufacturer fixes this issue because it seems to be happening to quite a few people upon doing some research!

NHTSA ODI 11526334

Unknown, my vehicle sounds like the valves are knocking. I've had my oil changed on time since I've own the vehicle. While driving, my car shuts off. I pulled over and started it again and 3 mins later it shuts back off. Now I cannot start my vehicle. It literally won't allow me to. And there's metal shavings all throughout my engine.

NHTSA ODI 11526390