What Hyundai Sonata owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Hyundai Sonata safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 2025 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 |
| 2024 | 55 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 32 |
| 2023 | 102 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 50 |
| 2022 | 112 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 78 |
| 2021 | 189 | 8 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 88 |
| 2020 | 194 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 99 |
| 2019 | 171 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 167 |
| 2018 | 382 | 18 | 13 | 21 | 1 | 205 |
| 2017 | 876 | 29 | 15 | 12 | 1 | 228 |
| 2016 | 883 | 23 | 31 | 20 | 1 | 228 |
| 2015 | 1,198 | 38 | 51 | 38 | 2 | 251 |
| 2014 | 773 | 32 | 41 | 38 | 0 | 178 |
| 2013 | 2,019 | 101 | 101 | 86 | 1 | 182 |
| 2012 | 1,711 | 53 | 100 | 40 | 1 | 180 |
| 2011 | 3,472 | 122 | 117 | 90 | 3 | 230 |
| 2010 | 345 | 19 | 3 | 19 | 2 | 50 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Hyundai Sonata complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
"I am filing a complaint regarding severe vehicle jerking, engine surging, and rough transmission shifting immediately following the completion of Hyundai Service Campaign 9C2 (TSB 26-01-013H-1) on my 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle exhibits dangerous hesitation and lurching during cold starts. This behavior creates a traffic hazard when pulling out of driveways or into intersections during the first 3 minutes of operation. The manufacturer has acknowledged this cold-start defect in an internal 'Drivability Information' memo but has not provided a permanent remedy to repair the software logic."
My 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line suffered a catastrophic, sudden total loss of drive power while operating at speed on a public roadway, creating an immediate crash hazard. The vehicle lost forward propulsion and the gear selector flashed a blinking 'R' when reverse was attempted. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, [XXX] Hyundai Southtowne, where their factory GDS tool pulled transmission code P283601 (Shift Fork 'B' Position Circuit). This matches the exact critical safety failure path targeted by Federal Safety Recall 236 (NHTSA Campaign 22V-746) for the 8-speed wet-DCT high-pressure electric oil pump circuit failure. The vehicle previously received the 2022 software patch, but th…
Factual summary * Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata * VIN: [XXX] * Incident date: XXX * Failure: Sudden knocking noise, immediate checkâengine illumination, loss of power, and catastrophic engine failure; vehicle towed to Allen Turner Hyundai, 6501 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505. * Recall: My VIN appears on Hyundaiâs engine recall list; the recall notice was issued before the vehicle received a rebranded title. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The passenger side curtain and front airbags popped with no crash or reason, yes Hyundai will be able to inspect upon pick up. My safety risk was fortunately at minimal during times of explosion because I had just parked the vehicle when curtain side air bags went off first then slowly reserving when the front passenger side air bags went off good thing I wasnât on highway going highway speeds. The manufacturer said some one will reach out to me in 2 business days. No there were no warnings lights or anything
am writing regarding 43099808 Number with Hyundai My 2019 Sonata hybird se in limp mode with an active flashing P1326 knock sensor code. The dealership is using an automated system denial to try and charge me $2,110 for an EGR valve and air filter.I am officially challenging this diagnostic path. Mathematically and mechanically, an EGR valve or MAF sensor cannot generate the structural rod-bearing acoustic frequency required to trip a manufacturer-specific P1326 engine protection code.Furthermore, the tracy Hyundai certified my vehicle's warranty compliance and replaced my knock sensors under the KSDS campaign only two weeks ago. The fact that the P1326 code flashed again 14 days later prov…
While driving at highway speeds, the emergency brake system will apply and alert me. Itâs happened twice now in the last 3 weeks. Iâve experienced a random loss of power while driving on the highway with no check engine light on the dashboard. Lastly, at lower speeds the car will randomly jerk while accelerating with no lights on the dashboard as well. Iâve gone to the dealership but they wanted to charge me a diagnostics fee to first look over the vehicle, which I donât feel I should be on the hook for since the issue isnât user caused.
DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & IMMEDIATE HAZARD:My 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL is currently exhibiting the most severe, catastrophic symptoms of the fuel tank expansion defect covered under NHTSA Campaign 25V796000. The fuel tank has expanded so drastically that it physically warped the structural interior of the cabin, violently popping the rear passenger seat completely out of its assembly while the vehicle was in motion. Furthermore, there is a constant, heavy, raw gasoline odor inside and around the vehicle. The vehicle is a documented, active fire, explosion, and vapor inhalation hazard. It is currently physically located at Sterling Hyundai in Lafayette, LA.DESCRIPTION OF MANUFACTURER NON-…
When turning the steering wheel, left or right, there was a distinct âclunkingâ noise, and you could feel it in the steering wheel. When the car was inspected by the Hyundai service department, I was informed that the problem was a part in the steering coupler.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and su
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use for original & subsequent owners.
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit a transmission oil leak at the bottom of the valve body cover due to a loose oil level plug that could potentially lead to a total failure of the automatic transmission. This bulletin provides instructions to inspect the oil level plug and transmission oil level and, if necessary, replace the automatic transmission.
Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit a transmission oil leak at the bottom of the valve body cover due to a loose oil level plug that could potentially lead to a total failure of the automatic transmission. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-060H instructions to inspect the oil level plug and transmission oil level and, if necessary, replace the automatic transmission.
Certain 2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a fuel filler door that is difficult to open due to the push-type opener mechanism. Technical Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-057H provides instructions to inspect the fuel filler door push opener and, if necessary, replace the component to restore proper operation.
Certain Sonata (DN8) and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit a fuel filler door that is difficult to open due to the push-type opener mechanism. This bulletin provides instructions to inspect the fuel filler door push opener and, if necessary, replace the component to restore proper operation.
Certain 2024-2026MY Sonata (DN8) and 2024-2026MY Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge condition due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked. Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) 26-01-051H & 26-01-052H provide the procedure to update the ATCU (Air Temperature Control Unit) software; the revised logic improves controller shutdown to prevent battery drain and corrects a condition where the HVAC control display may appear blank when climate remote start is activated via Bluelink. Over-the-Air (OTA):
Certain Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge conditions due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Air Temperature Control Unit (ATCU) software; the revised logic improves controller shutdown to prevent battery drain and corrects a condition where the HVAC control display may appear blank when climate remote start is activated via Bluelink.
Certain Sonata (DN8) vehicles may exhibit intermittent battery discharge condition due to the air conditioning controller not fully powering down after the vehicle is turned off and parked. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the ATCU (Air Temperature Control Unit) software; the revised logic improves controller shutdown to prevent battery drain and corrects a condition where the HVAC control display may appear blank when climate remote start is activated via Bluelink.
This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Some 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise, drivability concerns may occur. This service procedure should be performed prior to any 8WDCT replacements done for drivability/ju
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has become aware of eight vehicle crashes in which a rupture of a Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN) air bag inflator occurred during the deployment of the driver side air bag. All eight drivers in these crashes sustained serious or fatal injuries that appear linked to the ruptures. Six of those drivers sustained fatal injuries and two sustained severe injuries. In all eight incidents, the subject inflators had been install
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando.
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-spe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine fail
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of t
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Ele
During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with Theta II and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.3 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field data of other Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2026, owners most often name: engine, steering, electrical system. 12,515 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.
