2010 Hyundai Sonata: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MS · fire

Subject: Non-Collision Engine Compartment Fire - 2010 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) ​"On dec 19 2025, my 2010 Hyundai Sonata suffered a sudden, non-collision fire that originated in the engine compartment. While there are currently no 'open' recalls on this VIN, I am formally reporting this incident as it matches the failure patterns documented in the federal safety agency Defect Petition DP18-003 regarding non-crash fires in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. ​Preliminary inspection of the damage shows characteristic signs of a manufacturer defect, specifically potentially related to a connecting rod bearing failure leading to an engine block puncture and oil ignition, or an electrical short in the ABS module—both of which have been subjects of major Hyundai fire investigations and class-action settlements (e.g., Engine II settlement) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 May 13, 2016 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · CA

When driving over uneven road, potholes, bumpy roads, etc., both front suspension system, emits a rumbling, knocking, like a lose part sound. On the highway it sometimes car becomes un-stable, and loses control. Car is only 21,000 miles, suspension seems like an old 100,000 miles car. Hyundai should be accountable for this defect, since it is life threatening issue.

Filed Jan 25, 2016 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 hyundai sonata. While driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the engine compartment. The failure recurred randomly. The contact also stated that the gauges on the instrument panel became inoperable randomly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil measuring device failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2015 · Engine · MO

Have seen the recall notice on sonata 2011-12. I have a 2010, manufactured in alabama. The motor went out in the car a few months ago while I was driving. It lost power and stopped. The car continues to sit in my driveway. I had the dealer inspect it before it went out because of a knocking noise. The dealer (mungenast hyundai, 649 dunn rd., st. Louis, mo) reported it was a motor problem and the only way to fix it was to replace the motor. The warranty had already expired, and I did not have $5000 to replace the motor. The motor problems did not start with the 2011 models. I hope you can look into this, and hopefully I can get my vehicle repaired. Thank you.