Hyundai Sonata Hybrid hesitation problems

Filed Mar 19, 2025 · Engine · AZ

FAIL/MALFUNCTION 3/18/25: Internal engine failure diagnosed by local Avondale, AZ Hyundai dealership service - rod bearing failure suspected. Vehicle currently undergoing Bearing Clearance Test to affirm this or any connecting rod issues, with possible need for total engine replacement. When googling "Hyundai Sonata hybrid 2017 internal engine failure," masses of reports generate from consumers with this model, complaining of same defect, as do numerous recalls for such defects that have been mandated for the model with range of years including 2017.Yet when searching with my VIN, it says no recalls have been mandated, in spite of the undeniable, widespread identical defect. Available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Driving on the freeway in city traffic at 70-75mph, the engine completely stopped and all dash lights lit up at once. Vehicle had to be coasted to shoulder to wait for roadside assistance. Extremely hazardous to us in vehicle and to all around us with sudden, dramatic speed change in moving, constant freeway traffic. First time: Our usual mechanics at Pep Boys did diagnostic but found nothing, the vehicle drove normally for them, yet they did our regular tune-up, oil change, etc. Two weeks later, the same event happened on freeway, identical to first time. We were very lucky that no crashes happened either time. Pep Boys advised that Hyundai investigate the issue. PRIOR SYMPTOMS: No warning lights or sounds presented until the events themselves, when the entire dash lit up. However, in the couple of months before, there were occasional, slight hesitation moments in the motion while driving at any speed. CONCERNS: 1) It seems Hyundai is on track to want to charge me for an entire engine replacement, or for whatever engine repairs they deem, e.g. connecting rods, for manufacturing defects that they are entirely responsible for, 2) no recall seems to be mandated YET for this VIN batch, and 3) too many consumers are in danger - physically and financially.

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · AL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message "Pull Over. Stop the Vehicle" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle became drivable after waiting 30 minutes to an hour. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, made an abnormally loud sound, and failed to respond. The contact shifted into park(P) and shifted back into reverse(R), and the vehicle jerked and responded. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine and produced an undisclosed code indicating that the HECU was faulty. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was then determined that the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2022 · Engine · 40,800 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and hesitated during acceleration with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,800.

Filed Apr 20, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TX

the federal safety agency has numerous complaints from owners of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata and 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with failures associated with the following: abnormal (knocking) noise from engine, reduced motive power and/or hesitation, illumination of the “Check Engine” warning lamp, illumination of engine oil pressure warning lamp, and a burning smell, oil leaking, and smoke. After research, I found the recall 21V301000, which lists “Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V‑301”, and I have attached it. I believe the piston oil rings are potentially a source of engine failure for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata and 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (since they are from the same manufacturer) and not the process and defect that Hyundai previously listed (that they stated was corrected), yet referenced in their recall. Hyundai and Kia both have defects with their ignition coils that have the shared part number: 27300-2E601, which also appears as: 27300 2E601. We have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited that is on its 3rd set of ignition coils, and some Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte owners have reported the use of a 4th set of ignition coils. I have researched this part number by contacting multiple Hyundai Certified Parts Departments. A Hyundai Parts Department verified that the Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 16-01-003-1 states that it “replaces” part number 27300-2E601 with part number 27300-2E601QQH, but they are the same exact part down to the 27300-2E601 appearing on both parts. One of the Hyundai parts people that I spoke to said that Hyundai put white circle stickers on the top of the ignition coils to differentiate between the older and newer part numbers, but the parts are identical. He said that Hyundai contacted their supplier of the ignition coils and negotiated a lower price due to a high failure rate. This means a significant price difference per ignition coil for the dealers, but keeps a defective part in the concerned vehicles.

Filed Feb 10, 2022 · FL

When accelerating, the vehicle automatically hesitates and loses power. This happens when pulling out from complete stops as well as moving slowly to passing other vehicles. The tachometer still shows power but the brakes depress and there is no power to the vehicle and it hesitates feeling as if the ABS are kicking in. In order for it to resolve itself you have to let it run its course. The service departments at the dealer have felt it but can’t pinpoint an answer.

Filed Jun 10, 2021 · Fuel system, Transmission · 130,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to multiple independent mechanics who were all unable to diagnose the failure due to no warning lights illuminating on the instrument panel. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the mechanic was also unable to diagnose the failure. The mechanic informed her that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Engine · 110,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, with the air conditioner activated and making a turn, the vehicle hesitated and loss power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called headquarter hyundai (985 rinehart rd, sanford, fl 32771, (407)292-0000) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 117,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, an unknown warning light illuminated indicating to stop the vehicle do not drive. The vehicle was taken to clay cooley hyundai of mesquite (16230 lyndon b johnson fwy, mesquite, tx 75150) and was diagnosed that the fuel pump that go to the transmission failed and was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was picked up at the dealer and while leaving the dealer, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2018 · 52,000 miles · FL

I was driving the car and all of a sudden is just died. Not sure what problem was. Can't be a battery problem cause the car was running. Roadside assistance tried to start the battery but that is not the problem. I have read all over the internet with complaints of this hybrid car just shutting down while driving. This is a serious safety risk and a ongoing problem. The car is a death trap and I refuse to drive it anymore. The car acceleration is met with a pause when taking off as well. I was explained its when the car switches from battery to engine for power. It's a safety issue as well given you could put yourself out into a intersection and not have enough power or the hesitation can prevent you from going. The car is the worst made car I have ever owned. I refuse to drive this car with me or my daughters life in jeopardy due to the problems with the vehicle. Please forward a complaint to hyundai corporate office as I will do the same. Thanks