2006 Hyundai Sonata: engine failure

Filed May 25, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · WI

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine issue with my 2006 Hyundai Sonata equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine. My vehicle experienced [engine knocking, stalling, and then seized up indicating complete Engine failure] without warning, posing a potential safety hazard while driving. The issue appears to be identical to the known manufacturing defects that Hyundai has acknowledged in its recall of 2013–2014 Sonata models with the same engine Class Type. Although my vehicle is not currently included in the official recall “ SONATA ENGINE RECALL CAMPAIGN it contains the Theta II MPI Engine which constitutes and Further solidifies proof of the ongoing Manufacturing Defects of Theta Model Engine design and exhibits the same symptoms of sudden engine failure. This raises concerns that the defect may affect a broader range of model years than Hyundai has acknowledged. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this issue and determine whether the scope of the current recall should be expanded to include earlier model years such as 2006. The defect creates a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers, and Hyundai should be held accountable for all affected vehicles—not just those produced within a narrow window.

Filed Nov 28, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · RI

Driving on the highway and my car just died out of no where took it to get looked at only to find out the engine died car got so hot it had to sit over night to cool. Also was driving one day and rook a turn amd my brakes wouldn't stop took it in and found out the entire brake line was corroded had to spend thousands to get it fixed.

Filed Apr 12, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 hyundai sonata. While driving low speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. Also, the steering wheel seized when attempting to turn left. The contact also mentioned that the instrument panel does not display the correct mileage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the harmonic balancer fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 22, 2018 · Engine · 136,861 miles · CA

The check engine light starting going on and off. Our 19-year-old daughter was driving on the freeway at night when the light came on and it started making a loud noise. She stopped on the side of the freeway, turned it off and never could restart it. The engine died. It blew a rod. The car had regular maintenance. We hadn't had any work done recently that could have LED to engine problems. The mechanic said it had oil and he couldn't explain what happened.

Filed Apr 19, 2017 · Engine · PA

It is having the same problems that the engines are being recalled for now. It is making tapping and pinging sounds. I have looked the vehicle and have seen people have been complaining about their 2006 hyundai sonatas doing the same thing. Scrap yards have these cars there with blown engines. My son is having to pay on a loan on a car that he can not even drive. We have called the banks and insurance. It will cost more to fix the engine than what he owes. Why are 2006's not being recalled also?

Filed Oct 23, 2015 · Engine · 105,000 miles · MI

In jan. 2015 it was on a 100 mile highway trip. Upon arrival he noticed the engine developed a knocking noise. I found many 2.4l hyundai's with the same problem on the internet. The engine was made in indiana. It sounds the same as nhsta campaign #15v‑568. It needs a new engine. I can't upload it, but I have video of the knocking. I believe the recall needs to be expanded to earlier years

Filed Oct 4, 2015 · Engine · 125,000 miles · NY

The car was expertly maintained, followed the severe duty maintenance schedule. Never had a problem until 125,000 miles. Metallic debris in the crankcase caused the oil pump not to spray oil onto the connecting rod bearing causing a complete engine failure. This is the same thing that was recently recalled on the newer 2011-up theta ii. The theta I and theta ii are the exact same short blocks except for the theta ii's direct injection system. My mechanic who did the repair was very surprised since he always inspected my car annually and knew I used to be a mechanic and maintained all my cars like clockwork. The repair cost was $4,113.53, see attached invoice. The existing recall should be for all theta engine since 2006-up not just for the 2011-up.