2010 Hyundai Sonata: engine failure

Filed Jul 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving 60–70 mph on [XXX] just north of Sylmar, I suddenly heard a loud, deep “pop” from the lower part of the car. Within seconds, the engine began steaming heavily and leaking oil everywhere. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began maneuvering toward the right shoulder, crossing multiple lanes with semis and fast-moving traffic approaching behind me. I felt unsafe and feared the car could catch fire or explode, especially with smoke and oil present. After safely exiting the vehicle, a mechanic later told me the rod bearing blew and punched a hole through the bottom of the engine block, calling it a total engine failure. He said it would require a full replacement and matched known issues with this model. There was no warning before the failure. I’m having it inspected at Hyundai of Downtown Los Angeles on July 28. I believe this event posed a serious safety hazard to me and others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 24, 2023 · Engine · NY

I purchased a 2010 Hyundai Sonata in February 2022 from the original owner. In July of this year, my engine failed due to the oil consumption defect found in many of Hyundai's engines produced at the Alabama factory. My oil and check engine light came on before it was time for my following oil change, despite making on-time synthetic oil changes during ownership. The vehicle hesitated and jerked on my commute to work, potentially causing harm to myself and other motorists. I went to take my vehicle to the mechanic on my lunch break. The car failed to turn over and has been inoperable ever since. I need my engine replaced at no charge. It's unconscionable that corporate would turn me away because the engine has 146k miles, which is nowhere near the industry standard 200k. Hyundai has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that an engine replacement is needed.

Filed Mar 2, 2021 · Engine · 116,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the engine threw a rod and the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the contact pulled the vehicle off to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that the engine threw a rod which LED to complete engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to towed the vehicle to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to hyundai of greeley (4533 w 29th st, greeley, co 80634) and he was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer offered any further assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine blew and failure mileage was 116,000. *dt *jb

Filed Sep 3, 2020 · Engine · 77,000 miles · LA

Car has only 77,000 miles and was well maintained. On august 27, I had driven the car late afternoon, parked. Later after a couple of hours when I went to start it, it would not start, jump start did not work. Mechanic replaced the starter and still would not start. He checked the engine and told me that the engine has seized. I took it to the hyundai dealer who confirmed that engine has seized. I contacted hyundai as the complaint is similar to other car engines that seized when driven between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Hyundai motors is not willing to fix this major issue.

Filed Jul 25, 2020 · Engine · 126,454 miles · WA

As I was driving on the freeway my car which was on cruise control. The car went from 60-50-40-30 within 30 seconds while it still said cruise control was on and the gas and brakes didnt work. I had to pull over to the side of the road. The electronics still work but the car no longer work and did not turn on. It seized while I was driving. No warning lights, no check engine light, no gas light, absolutely no warning before the car seized.

Filed Apr 25, 2019 · Steering · 65,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 hyundai sonata. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn and made a squeaking noise. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact called sterling mccall hyundai (located at 10505 southwest fwy, houston, tx 77074, (713) 981-4400) and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · 55,200 miles · FL

Engine failed would not start in less than 55200 miles

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Engine · 98,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 hyundai sonata. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the motor seized due to lack of oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Dec 31, 2015 · Brakes · 67,950 miles · MA

Back rear brakes have needed constant replacing since the first replacement in 2013 at 41,658 miles---rear pads and rotars. Eight mos. Later at 48,900, replaced the rear rotars and pads again. Two weeks later at 49,247, replaced rear left flex brake hose and caliper, and deglazed pads and rotars. Six months later at 56,199, the right rear brake was metal to metal and binding--replaced right rear caliper, rotar, and pads. Today, dec. 29, 2015, with mileage at 67,950, had to fix the back left brakes which emitted a terrible burning smell when used. The mechanic replaced, under warranty, the whole back set of brakes (rotars, calipers, pads). The lug nuts and studs were all seized up from the heat of the left rear brake failure and had to be forcibly removed and replaced by the mechanic. There is something very wrong with the back rear brakes of this car, and these brake failures should not be happening with so little mileage put on the brakes between repairs.

Filed Nov 1, 2013 · Steering · 85,768 miles · AL

Driving along at about 35 miles per hour when vehicle engine died. Restarted vehicle and it was almost impossible to steer. I was near home so I was able to get it home where it stayed until I could get it towed to a hyundai dealer. The dealer replaced power steering pump, the power steering rack and pinion, gear and linkage assembly and performed a 4-wheel alignment. I was extremely blessed that I was not on the local interstate going at the maximum speed allowed. I note that there are numerous complaints about the steering on the 2010 hyundai sonata and other earlier and later year sonatas. It seems there should be a recall before someone is seriously injured or killed.

Filed Jul 31, 2013 · Brakes · 64,000 miles · DE

Back rear brake sounded like it was grinding and brake pedal very soft. Took for repair while out of state. They replace all 4 break pads and rotors. Next day I went back and complained that I smelled a burning smell and was told that was normal. On july 8 heard grinding sound which was severe on right rear brake. Repair shop owner said the caliper right rear seized and destroyed brakes. All rotors and pads on rear needed to be replaced. The repair shop showed me the pad and rotor from the right rear brake and I saw that there was nothing left of a pad and could plainly see how the meal on both the pad and rotor were ground. I believe that I previously had the brakes repaired but can't remember the specifics.

Filed Mar 15, 2013 · Brakes · 52,000 miles · RI

Caliper right rear seized and destroyed brakes. All rotors and pads needed to be replaced, front and rear due to premature wear. All tires worn as well and need replacement. Mechanic said caliper should not have done this at this mileage. Common issue reading online reports and a class action suit in ny has been filed. Safety issue.