NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
While driving my car with no warning light or any type of sound just cut off engine while driving. I was on busy highway going slightly uphill and was almost rear ended causing car behind me to swerve to avoid hitting me swerving to other lane and almost colliding into another car. I was able to get to middle divider almost but back end of my car sticking out in #2 lane. I was stuck in car for about 10 minutes then got across Street to sidewalk. There was no warning, no smoke etc prior to engine cutting off. Everything still works lights, a/c, radio etc . Engine tries to turn over but then slowly dies out like a battery issue however I have a 2 year old battery and when I charge it or try to jump start it it doesn't start also everything else powers on. I have had it stall 2 times before on L.A. freeway in which I somehow was able to cross over 4 lanes coasting to side of freeway. And at that time was sideswipped by another vehicle to front of car and car kept going and I really didn't have time to think about that while just trying to maneuver safely to side of freeway. The 1 and 2nd time it stalled it did restart after about 10 min. But this 3rd time it hasn't started again. The most recent incident was4/15/26. Another issue is the massive amounts of oil it consumes. I put in 2 quarts a week . But there is never oil leaking on driveway or anywhere its parked so where is oil going. I've had it checked several times and they said that these cars burn through oil and I also told Hyundai dealer about both issue and nothing was ever done. My s Check engine came on and I took in to shop and picked it up after paying alot of money and light was off but about a week later on. Took it back and pick up and lights off running good another couple thousand again. And on and off just randomly and auto mechanic shop said I would need to take to hyundai dealer to see whats happening. Called and told them never heard back. I have more pic of repairs but couldn't load more
Our Car is 2016 with 97000 miles with engine failure. Previous driving noticed the Engine will slow down suddenly at times. Preston Hyundai Dealer says bad engine cylinder $6000 is a fire hazzard and needs new engine. I see Hyundai sold 199000 2016 Sonatas and replaced 129000 bad engines. They gave a 120000 mile warranty to the 2016 cars. Hyundai said my car in not on the recall list so they will not pay for an engine. The dealer said the engine rods look okay. An engine should last longer than 97000 miles! Please help! [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] My INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
*Engine failure-needs a new engine *The car turned off while I was driving it on the freeway, I managed to steer the car to the shoulder, almost caused an extremely dangerous accident due to traffic and speed limit. *Took it to a Hyundai dealership in Irving, TX 3x about 3 years about excessive oil consumption, they ignored the requests for a solution. I stopped going to the dealership due to time constraints, and them not wanting to acknowledge the issue. The engine was consuming 2-3 quarts every 2 weeks. Finally the engine gave out last week. Car has around 153k miles but the issue started when the vehicle had around 100k miles . * Engine oil would turn on sometimes for a short time. I had several mechanics inspect the vehicle and all would tell me that it was just oil consumption due to a known issue with Hyundai engines.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that oil was blowing out of the top of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,100.
I have a car covered by the Theta II Settlement. Engine, fuel system. Metal shavings found in oil and oil is diluted with fuel and oil if overfilled 1 inch above full mark on dipstick upon pickup from dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection at my residence; however, it is currently grounded as a known safety hazard. The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms of imminent engine failure (audible knocking, P0011 code, and oil dilution). Despite being shown evidence of this(photo and video of oil overfill and watery viscosity) , the manufacturer instructed me to continue operating the vehicle, placing myself, and other drivers at risk of a high-speed collision or vehicle fire. The symptoms (P0011 code and engine noise) were confirmed by an independent mechanic on March 25th 2026. However, during the official Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), the dealership intentionally overfilled the engine oil by 3 quarts (documented via photograph) to muffle mechanical noise and artificially pass the diagnostic and issued a pass on all inspections despite the oil hazard. Hyundai Corporate Case Manager Nikulmar Dhabi has admitted on record that the dealer was out of compliance by "being outside the standard notification time" yet they refuse to provide a safety-compliant remedy. Warning Symptoms & Appearance: Symptoms first appeared months ago when I repeatedly got a P0011 code, however On march 24th 2026 I received an engine light with a P0011 and the car going into limp mode while i drove. Warning signs included a persistent Check Engine Light (P0011) and audible metallic knocking. Upon checking the oil myself after the dealer "inspected" it, I discovered the oil was 3 quarts over the "Full" line, which is a deceptive practice used to mask rod bearing failure.
Car burning oil and engine started knocking no warning lights ever came on prior to knocking noise. Brought to mechanic and engine has failed. Vehicle has less that 130,000 miles on it.
code P1326 unable to accelerate, drive past 1st gear and knocking noise in engine area engine could stall out or lock up if problem is not fixed 3/14/2026- started engine light blinking warning light also code p1326 has had recalls for this particular car brand
Engine siezed
i took my car in for an oil change and the tech wouldn’t even take my money because he said the car was a safety issue and it needed to be taken to a hyundai dealership ASAP as he has seen the engine fail or blow up on this model before. on the way to the dealer the engine completely seized in the middle of the road forcing us to stop traffic on the busy road and push it in a near by parking lot.
This complaint is NOT related to the existing recall associated with this vehicle. The vehicle is experiencing a serious loss of power and acceleration issue. The car is unable to accelerate past approximately 60 mph. When pressing the accelerator fully, the vehicle does not respond or increase speed. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increases and then suddenly drops repeatedly, causing the vehicle to struggle to maintain speed. This behavior is consistent and occurs during normal driving conditions. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to accelerate in traffic, as the vehicle cannot respond when needed. The issue has occurred multiple times and makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to operate.
Vehicle started then stalled requiring tow. No initial illumination of warning lamps or messages. Findings upon inspection by independent service center: multiple cylinder misfires (P030100, P030300, P030400, P030200, P030000) and excessive debris buildup on vvt sensor screen. Car uses excess oil- a minimum of 3 qts per 600 miles. No warning lamps or messages occur when car is excessively low on oil.
I am submitting this complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America’s denial of my request for engine replacement assistance. I own a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with approximately 106,000 miles. The vehicle experienced sudden engine failure while driving which put my daughter, in danger and is now inoperable. I still have a remaining loan balance, and the cost to replace the engine is significant. I am the second owner of this vehicle. Prior to my ownership, it was a government vehicle. Hyundai requested maintenance records from before I purchased the vehicle; however, I do not have access to those records, as they were not provided at the time of purchase. Since owning the vehicle, I have maintained it responsibly and submitted all available maintenance records from my period of ownership outside of work issued directly to the state. My request for assistance was denied based on a determination of “exceptional maintenance neglect.” I respectfully dispute/ disputed this conclusion. I do not believe the engine failure was due to neglect, and I was not provided with clear documentation or evidence supporting this determination.
The failure involves the engine, which has seized (locked up) and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle became unsafe when it stopped operating in traffic, creating a potential hazard to myself and others due to the sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle. The issue has been confirmed by both a dealership and an independent service center, both of which determined that the engine has failed and requires repair or replacement. The vehicle has also been inspected by the manufacturer as part of the claim process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or indicators before the failure occurred.
I contact the Hyundai dealer about my 2016 Hyundai sonata. for all I know those vehicles have recalls with engine failure/stalling due to premature rod bearing wear, fire risks from malfunctioning electric oil pumps. My car is having those exact problems with the abs lights being on and is also have problems with the VVT sprocket. And the oil I called Hyundai and they said my vehicle only has a recall with the JUNCTION BOX. But my car is unable to go over 60. And is unsafe to drive and the recalls with that type of model car is the same recalls I am having and soon as I've bought the car and had it for some time i am starting to have those problems so I would like to know what’s going on because it is unsafe and I can’t even drive my vehicle I also have a blinking check engine light. I’ve wanted to report this now incase risk of a fire because I’ve did my research and realize these cars that have these type of problems are known for catching on fire.
I began braking and the brakes locked up. Braking to the floor and the car would not stop resulting in a car crash
Engine failure, cylinder 4 is swimming on oil.
Both rear doors will not open. The door locks stopped functioning so we are not able to open and close both rear back doors. In addition, the right rear door window stopped rolling up and down.
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (2.0T/2.4L engine) has been experiencing loss of motive power and severe engine stumbling at stoplights, creating an unreasonable risk of a crash in traffic. The Check Engine light is on with DTC P0010. Upon inspection, the internal oil seal plug at the intake camshaft E-CVVT has become unseated, causing an active oil leak. This matches the exact defect and symptoms (elevated idle of 1,200–1,400 RPM and power reduction) described in Hyundai Service Campaign TX3 (TSB 15-01-022-1). While that campaign only applied to 2015 models, my 2016 vehicle has suffered the identical failure. I am requesting that this safety-related defect be investigated for 2016 models to prevent potential engine fires from oil leaks or accidents from sudden power loss
I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached
Engine started rough idling and knocking. Took to a mechanic who found metal particulate in the oil and the engine spun a bearing.
While driving in normal traffic, the engine experienced a sudden and significant loss of power and went into a reduced-power “limp” mode. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stored an active P1326 diagnostic trouble code related to the engine/Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Because this occurred in live traffic, the sudden power loss created an unsafe situation that increased the risk of a collision, as the vehicle could not accelerate or keep pace with surrounding vehicles. This issue appears to be directly related to Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 22-EM-001H-1, which addresses known engine defects and P1326 activation in this model and engine. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership in West Palm Beach, Florida for inspection, where the code was verified and documentation (including oil change records) was requested. The vehicle has approximately 89,000–90,000 miles. After the dealership inspection, I received an email from Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs [XXX] ) stating: “This is Hyundai’s final position in this matter, and we are unable to offer any assistance with regard to this claim.” I believe this position is incorrect, as the symptoms and P1326 activation align with the conditions outlined in TSB 22-EM-001H-1, which Hyundai is supposed to honor when these failures occur. To my knowledge, the vehicle/component has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. The check engine light and reduced power symptoms first appeared at the time of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] While stopped in traffic with my foot firmly on the brake, my vehicle begins to accelerate before I release the brake pedal. This is not normal “creep” — the engine increases RPM and the vehicle moves forward as if the accelerator is being applied, even though it is not. This condition has occurred multiple times and creates a serious safety risk. The vehicle surges forward, sometimes 20 mph, unexpectedly and has almost caused several collisions. This rapid acceleration can easily cause a collision with a pedestrian or the vehicle in front of me. The onboard diagnostic system repeatedly reports a camshaft position sensor fault. The sensor has been replaced, but the problem returned, indicating the issue is not the sensor itself but a deeper engine or electronic control malfunction. Because this vehicle uses electronic throttle control, I am concerned the engine control module is misinterpreting throttle and brake inputs and failing to properly apply brake-throttle override. The vehicle is effectively accelerating against the brake. This is a dangerous and unpredictable condition and represents a potential defect in the throttle/engine control system. This is clearly a safety-related issue that warrants investigation before it results in a serious crash or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am filing a complaint against Hyundai Motor America regarding denial of defect coverage for my 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is experiencing excessive oil consumption and triggered diagnostic code P1326. The dealer confirmed only one quart of oil remained in the engine and noted a valve cover gasket leak. Hyundai’s Tech Line instructed a gasket replacement and oil consumption test, but Hyundai corporate formally declined coverage, citing mileage and second-owner status. This is not a routine warranty claim but a defect claim. Oil consumption defects in Hyundai Theta engines are well-documented and have been subject to recalls, Technical Service Bulletins, and class actions. Defect coverage should not be limited to first owners. I am requesting reimbursement for the valve cover gasket repair, acknowledgment of the oil consumption defect, and corrective action to ensure Hyundai honors defect-related coverage fairly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oil pressure sensor failure caused oil to leak into the injector harness damaging components and engine shutdown. Because this was a sudden engine shutdown and safety-related loss of motive power caused by an oil pressure sensor failure this presents a safety risk
My Hyundai is experiencing severe and continuous engine oil consumption that creates a safety risk. The vehicle loses a significant amount of oil within 1,000–1,500 miles, sometimes showing almost no oil on the dipstick despite recent oil changes. There are no external leaks, no burning smell, and no visible oil under the car. The cause remains UNKNOWN, but it appears to be internal engine burning or a manufacturing defect. I have taken the vehicle to the Hyundai dealer multiple times. They performed oil consumption tests but either reported “normal results” or did not provide clear explanations. The issue continues exactly the same. I also contacted Hyundai corporate, but no meaningful assistance or goodwill support was provided. The dealer acknowledges no leaks but still refuses to repair or replace the engine. This problem is dangerous because the oil level drops without warning lights or error codes. If I do not manually check the dipstick, the engine could run dry and seize while driving. Sudden engine failure on highways or in traffic can cause accidents. I now have to frequently top up oil just to keep the engine alive. I have maintained the vehicle properly and completed all requested tests. The cause is still UNKNOWN, but based on similar Hyundai cases, it may involve piston rings, valve seals, or internal engine wear. Many Hyundai owners report the same issue, suggesting a broader defect. The dealer’s only advice is to “keep monitoring oil,” which is not a safe long-term solution. This defect poses a serious safety concern and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can investigate, as the engine may fail unexpectedly, putting me and others at risk.
Subject: Excessive Engine Oil Consumption – 2016 Hyundai Sonata I am reporting an ongoing and excessive engine oil consumption issue with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata that I believe may represent a safety defect or other significant reliability concern. The engine is burning oil at a rate far beyond normal expectations (requiring frequent top-off well below recommended mileage intervals), resulting in dangerously low oil levels while driving. I have maintained the vehicle per manufacturer recommendations and documented oil add-ins and dealer visits, but the problem has worsened over time. Despite presenting this problem to my Hyundai dealership, they have declined to authorize engine cleaning or further corrective action due to the mileage. I am struggling with high oil consumption and potential risk of engine failure while driving. This issue is not unique to my vehicle — numerous similar complaints exist in Hyundai forums and in other owners’ submitted complaints (e.g., reports of more than 1 quart consumed every ~500–1,000 miles and sequences of denied repairs) which suggests a broader pattern of oil consumption failures for this model year. Auto Safety +1 I believe this may represent a safety defect because loss of engine oil can lead to engine seizure or failure without warning, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Please review this complaint, add it to the NHTSA vehicle database, and contact me if further information is needed.
The driver’s seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: •Pelvic fracture •Broken femur, hip, and back •Collapsed lung and punctured liver •Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. Not yet reproduced under controlled conditions. The incident has been documented by police and medical personnel. The vehicle is currently in a tow yard, and we have not had access to it, but it remains available for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or a qualified service center Police: Yes, crash scene documented. •Insurance: We are unsure whether the insurance company has inspected the seat. The vehicle remains in the tow yard and has not been repaired or altered. •Manufacturer (Hyundai): Not yet inspected; formal inspection requested. The vehicle and seat are preserved and ready for inspection by Hyundai, NHTSA, or other qualified representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms of seat failure. The seat functioned normally prior to the crash, and the malfunction occurred only during the impact, demonstrating a sudden and catastrophic failure under crash conditions.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond or exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speedometer reading was lagging. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal with more force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the camshaft position sensor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the starter was previously replaced due to the engine's failure to turn over while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that upon switching to Sport Mode and driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure could be an electrical failure or that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
On November 10, 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN [XXX] , approximately 150,000 miles) experienced a sudden loss of power while I was turning right and accelerating into traffic. The vehicle immediately entered limp mode with flashing warning lights and audible alerts. The vehicle lost normal propulsion and could not accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation as it was blocking a traffic lane. I was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby parking lot to get out of traffic. The vehicle was not safely drivable afterward and was towed home. A few days later, the vehicle was towed to Murdoch Hyundai in Lindon, Utah, for diagnosis. The vehicle was found to have diagnostic trouble code P1326, which Hyundai identifies as activation of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) related to connecting-rod bearing wear. This condition is part of Hyundai’s known engine defect and safety recall/warranty extension programs. During inspection, the dealer observed that the valvetrain did not show signs of neglect or sludge, which is inconsistent with oil starvation or severe maintenance neglect. This further supports that the failure is consistent with the known connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by Hyundai’s KSDS safety recall, rather than a maintenance-related issue. This is a safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion or reduced power while entering traffic creates a high risk of collision. Hyundai customer care has been unwilling to open a new case number or escalate review, and the dealer has indicated possible denial of engine replacement coverage based on incomplete oil-change records, despite the vehicle exhibiting the KSDS safety condition. I am requesting NHTSA review of this safety-related defect and the manufacturer’s handling of KSDS/P1326 failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle experienced an engine and power train failure while driving on the highway, resulting in sudden loss of power. The electrical system also failed after the dealer visit, causing the battery to die every morning. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My car suddenly lost power on the highway and would not accelerate, forcing me to pull over on the shoulder with traffic moving around me. This created a serious risk of a rear-end collision or crash. Additionally, after the dealer visit, the electrical system began failing and the vehicle has been completely dead every morning, leaving me stranded with a child and unable to reliably start the car. The problem has not been reproduced because the check engine code cleared itself after the incident; however, the symptoms absolutely remain. The dealer refused to diagnose the loss-of-power event because the code was cleared, and they returned the vehicle to me with a dead battery. The electrical issue (car dying every morning) has been happening consistently since the dealer visit. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership immediately after the incident, but they refused to diagnose the loss of power due to the code being cleared. A mobile mechanic scanned the code at my home before the tow, but the code disappeared afterward. The electrical failure began after the dealer visit and has not been properly inspected by Hyundai. Yes. While driving on the highway, the check engine light came on and the car immediately lost power and would not accelerate. After the dealer visit, the car has been completely dead every morning and requires a jump to start. These symptoms began on the same day as the highway incident and continued after Hyundai serviced the vehicle.
The vehicle is going through oil very quicky. No leaks no burning.
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata with the DOHC GDI Theta-II engine is experiencing severe engine oil consumption consistent with Hyundai's known TXXI/TXXC extended warranty defect. The oil pressure warning has flashed while driving or braking, the engine runs rough when slowing down, engine has made knocking noises, and there is smoke/vapor with a burnt oil smell when removing the oil cap after driving. The oil level drops rapidly between changes despite proper maintenance. This issue poses a risk of engine failure, stalling, or fire while driving. I have maintained the vehicle on time with all oil change receipts. A Hyundai dealership refused to perform the required warranty diagnostics even though this issue falls under Hyundai's extended warranty for Theta-II engines. This is a serious safety concern, and no corrective action has been taken.
This vehicle has experienced multiple hybrid system failures while driving, including a complete loss of power “Hybrid System Warning – Turn Engine Off” on the interstate in June 2022 through November 2025. These events have placed me and my loved ones in dangerous driving situations. Despite a warranty‑covered engine replacement at 82,015 miles (January 2023), the same hybrid system issues have recurred. Hyundai initially indicated a warranty claim was submitted, then told me there was no record of any claim in the system. The dealership claims it was denied — creating a serious inconsistency in communication and accountability. In addition, I have identified multiple NHTSA complaints in the database from other owners of 2016 Sonata Hybrids (VINs beginning with KMHE) describing similar highway shutdowns and hybrid system failures, which raise concern about a broader, unaddressed safety defect not currently covered by existing TSB or recall actions. I am respectfully requesting: A regional inspection and review of my vehicle prior to any further work. A review of Hyundai’s handling of this warranty claim and the discrepancy between dealer and corporate communication. Assessment of whether the hybrid system failures in KMHE‑prefix Sonata Hybrids warrant further safety action.
Engine issue - but no recalls there have been hundreds of this same car yr and model with engine issues out of the blue
While driving, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s engine suddenly started knocking loudly. I stopped immediately and found the engine oil was very low without any prior warning. After adding oil, the engine still runs but with possible internal damage. This could have caused the engine to seize while driving. There were no warning lights or leaks before this happened.
High engine oil consumption 2 qts every 1k miles.
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata experienced a sudden engine failure while in operation with no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine seized unexpectedly, creating a safety risk. This failure appears consistent with known engine defects affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles of this model year. Hyundai Motor America denied my claim without addressing these known defect patterns.
Sudden engine failure. Compression issue, car has only 63,000 miles.
Car had oil in the electrode of spark plug. Total engine failure
The problem with my vehicle is a failure of internal engine components, specifically a known defect in the piston rings of the Hyundai Theta II engine. This failure causes excessive oil consumption, which is burned internally. The internal engine components have failed, leading to a widely documented defect in the Hyundai Theta II engine. The primary symptom, which began to get serious around 80,000 miles, is the constant need to add oil to the engine every two weeks. If I do not do this, the low oil warning light illuminates on the dashboard, serving as a continuous alert of the problem. This failure was officially confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership. About two weeks ago, they first documented that there were no external leaks on the vehicle. When I returned because the oil had been consumed again, they performed a new diagnostic, for which I paid over $300, that confirmed the engine is burning oil internally. The dealership, acting as the manufacturer's representative, is the only entity that has formally inspected the vehicle. The situation places my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. First, the oil consumption can lead to a sudden and catastrophic engine failure, resulting in a loss of power and control of the vehicle while in transit. More alarmingly, the guidance I received from Hyundai staff was to simply "wait for the engine to stop working or start making a lot of noise." As someone who depends on the car for a daily commute, following this dangerous recommendation is an unacceptable risk.
Was driving on the interstate, and took the exit I needed. Upon exiting before coming up to stop light, noticed check engine light flashing, and couldn't accelerate. RPMS were bouncing when I tried to accelerate. Pulled off onto side of road, called mechanically inclined friend who came with an obd2 sensor, and it was showing a P132600 code for Knock signal range performance, with an audible knocking sound, and engine vibration while on in idle. Got the code cleared so we could drive the car the 3 miles I needed to go to get to where I was going, 2 miles in, the engine light came back on and vehicle went back into limp mode. Called AAA and got the car to an in network mechanic shop for Carvana, whom i bought the car through a month prior. Proceeded to do an oil sample test and found it to be full of metal shavings. Said engine would need to be fully replaced. Vehicle is currently still at mechanic until SilverRock gets the claim and will see if the engine replacement is covered under warranty. Certified Automotive Inc. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
At 70712 miles cylinder 4 suffered a catastrophic internal failure. The vehicle also had excessive oil consumption and the dealer just told us to keep adding oil as there was nothing they could do. The vehicle must have had a manufacturing defect.
My 2016 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) had its engine replaced under recall campaign 20V746000 in March / April 2024 at Hyundai of Round Rock, TX. In October 2025, less than 18 months later and at 97,000 miles, the replacement engine failed again. Hyundai has refused further repair, citing an expired recall warranty. This raises serious safety and reliability concerns, as a recall engine should not fail this soon. Engine failure while driving could result in a stall or crash risk. Please investigate whether Hyundai’s recall replacement engines are defective and if extended coverage is warranted for affected consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle stalled while driving
The problem originates from a single faulty passenger seat airbag sensor, but Hyundai requires replacement of the entire seat cushion module, quoted at approximately $3,200 for the part alone and around $4,000 total repair cost. This creates the impression that a single failed sensor affects the entire airbag system. I was not provided with a definitive answer as to whether this fault impacts the driver airbag, which leaves a critical safety uncertainty. By designing the sensor as an inseparable, non-serviceable part of the cushion module, Hyundai forces consumers into an unreasonable expense. This situation puts drivers in the position of either paying thousands of dollars or risking driving with potentially compromised airbag safety. I strongly believe this constitutes a serious safety defect and should be subject to recall.
I am submitting this complaint as a follow-up to my prior NHTSA complaint regarding the defective passenger seat Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Previous Tracking Number: 11689976 Since my initial submission, I have prepared a detailed technical and comparative report, which I am attaching here. The report documents how Hyundai’s repair policy for the OCS creates excessive repair costs (over $3,600 for a single sensor failure) and forces consumers to operate vehicles with compromised safety systems, in violation of the intent of FMVSS 208. The attached report provides: • Technical analysis of the OCS design and failure mode • Cost comparison with other manufacturers (Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) • Legal and consumer protection implications, including potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act • Supporting exhibits (service estimate and parts documentation) I respectfully request that NHTSA review this additional evidence in connection with my prior complaint and consider appropriate regulatory or enforcement actions. Thank you for your attention.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged abruptly while there was no other vehicle or object near the vehicle, which nearly caused another vehicle to rear-end the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Engine failure and car burning oil very fast causing other things to go wrong like piston ring and spark plugs.
Pushed acceleration at traffic light to cross and turn into neighborhood, car started beeping frantically, 'check hev system' flashed on dash as well as 'turn off engine' while car decelerated to 1-3 mph. Battery meter bar on left side of dash completely depleted showing no battery power supply at all. Turned vehicle off for a few minutes then restarted. Put the vehicle in drive gear and same warnings appear, car doesn't even accelerate when gas pedal is pressed fully, stays at 1-3 mph crawl. Vehicle stalls out after 30 seconds, vehicle turns on but cannot start.
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON [XXX],I DIDNT RECIEVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS,I WAS DRIVING ON [XXX] AT 60 MPH AND NOTICED THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, SOMEHOW I WAS ABLE TO COAST FAR ENOUGH AND MERGE 2 LANES AND WAS SITTING BETWEEN THE OFFRAMP AND THE FREEWAY ,THE SEEMED LIKE A DEAD BATTERY OR WOULDNT TURN OVER, SOON A CALIFORNIA STATE TOW TRUCK PULLED UP HE TRIED TO JUMP IT ,NOTHING, HE TOWED ME TO A SAFE PLACE, THEN I CALLED TRIPLE A SAME THING, I WAS TOWED HOME AFTER I ASSUMR THE CRANKSHAFT COOLED IT STARTED WITH A KNOCK, THERE WAS NO KNOCK WHEN IT SIEZED, I GOT HOME AND SEEN THEY GAVE ME GWC WARRANTY, IM PAYING FOR THEY DIDNT EVEN MENTION THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT, ,THE STORY IS WORSE THIS WAS THE SECOND CAR FROM THIS DEALER,THE FIRST ONE I HAD 1 DAY AND HEARD RODS KNOCKING ON COLD STARTS I TOOK IT RIGHT BACK, THATS HOW THEY GOT ME IN THIS I WAS KINDA CORNERED, I CALLED GWC THEY SAID SEND IT TO A DEALER SO I SENT IT TO HYUNDAI ,AT FIRST THEY TOLD ME THE ENGINE SIEZED AND SAID ITS COVERED BY HYUNDAI, THEN SAID THE NEXT DAY THEY DENIED IT BECOUSE THE KNOCK SENSOR UPDATE WAS NEVER COMPLETED FROM 2020,I ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 MONTH IT SIEZED ON [XXX],SO NOW THERE TRYING MY GWC COVERAGE WHO TELLS HYUNDAI THEY WILL COVER A USED ENGINE,I SAID OK, I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER, HE DID TELL ME OVER THE PHONE HE DOESNT BELIEVE IT WAS EVEN LEGAL FOR THEM TO SELL ME THAT CAR,ALSO YES THE BLINKERS DID CONSTANTLY GO THE WRONG WAY,I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THAT RECALL EITHER I KNOW IT WAS UPSETTING ME,EVERY TIME I LOOK MY BLINKER WAS GOING THE OTHER WAY,,I SEE LOTS OF RECALLS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE HYUNDAI ENGINES,HOW DO I REALY KNOW IF THAT WAS OR WASNT TAKEN CARE OF FOR THIS CAR OR WAS THERE A KNOCK SENSOR RECALL IN 2020, THE CAR HAS 144,000 MILES I BOUGHT IT WITH 141,051, HYUNDAI WARRANTY BECOUSE ENGINE SIEZURE IS 150,000, ITS STILL SITTING AT HYUNDAI WAITING FOR GWC TO SAY GO AHEAD ,HE KEEPS TELLING ME THEY WILL LET ME KNOW TOMAROW,I HAVE NO CAR, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026