Hyundai Sonata Engine problems
486 of the 1,211 complaints about the Hyundai Sonata (40.1%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.8× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2018 model (226, 60% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (2). 124 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 110 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “oil”, “engine”, “consumption”, “check” and “light”. 23 of these reports (4.7%) describe a crash or fire, with 4 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 124 · Previous 12 months: 110
Common terms in reports
- oil220
- engine342
- consumption90
- check129
- light168
- burning49
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke started coming from the hood and the vehicle was pulled over into a parking space.
Vehicle caught fire after repeatedly taking it to Hyundai for service . I complained about the oil consumption and knocking noises while the vehicle was still under warranty and it was denied.
Since I had Service Campaign 9C2 completed, the car hesitates to start, does a mini-lurch upon cold start and runs rough. Two weeks ago, it was put in park, lurched backwards, then died. The starter and battery have been replaced but this has not helped.
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.
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.
I recently had the 9C2 Emissions recall update performed on my car, and since the update my car drives like total garbage after a cold start. It hesitates to accelerate, it bucks when trying to accelerate, and it’s to the point the engine is about to stall.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Hyundai Sonata
- Engine486
- Electrical151
- Fuel system128
- Interior & equipment114
- Transmission / powertrain82
- Body & structure68
Hyundai Sonata problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the Hyundai Sonata?
486 of the 1,211 complaints about the Hyundai Sonata (40.1%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.8× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Hyundai Sonata model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2018 model (226, 60% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (2).
Is there a recall for Hyundai Sonata Engine problems?
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.