2011 Hyundai Sonata: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Engine · NJ

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine developed an engine failure at 99,928 miles. On XXX Hyundai’s dealer (McFarland Hyundai, [XXX]) ran Hyundai’s T3G connecting-rod-bearing test, and the engine returned NO PASS. Hyundai’s own test recorded the oil level as full. This engine family is the subject of Hyundai’s connecting-rod-bearing safety campaigns and its extended engine warranty. Hyundai declined the repair (#XXX) as “exceptional maintenance neglect,” although the oil and filter were changed about 730 miles before the failure, with two more documented oil changes in the prior 16 months. Connecting-rod-bearing failure in this engine can cause engine seizure or stalling while driving, which creates a crash risk. The vehicle is at the dealer and has not been repaired. I am reporting this so the federal safety agency has a record of a Theta II failure in a vehicle covered by these campaigns that was denied repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

The vehicle suffered an internal connecting rod bearing failure, a known manufacturing defect affecting the Theta II GDI engine. The failure was explicitly diagnosed via the manufacturer - specific OBD-II fault code p1326 Knock Sensor Detector System. This defect causes sudden engine stalling poses an immediate risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire while driving. Hyundai Motor America has denied financial reimbursement for the required engine repair because the work was completed by an independent shop and third-party arbitration deadline (BBB Auto Line) communicated to me. The manufacturer is actively refusing to remedy an acknowledged safety defect.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · 167,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds on four occasions. During the first occasion, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but approximately a year later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was advised to contact a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump and electrical wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine · MD

The vehicle suddenly stopped and died while driving. The mechanic confirms that the engine is gone, contact Hyundai. Ourisman of Rockville and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) refuses to replace the engine for free. The vehicle has now developed a severe engine knock consistent with the well-documented defect affecting Hyundai’s Theta II engines. Hyundai has publicly acknowledged this issue and issued a major recall covering approximately 470,000 vehicles with the following specifications: • Model Years: 2011–2012 • Engines: 2.0L and 2.4L • Manufacturing Period: December 11, 2009 – April 12, 2012 Hyundai and federal regulators identified the safety concern as manufacturing debris that could restrict oil flow to rod bearings. This defect can lead to engine knocking and eventual engine failure. Critically, Hyundai has acknowledged that engine failure may stall the vehicle while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai’s official remedy for this defect required dealerships to: • Inspect engines for bearing noise • Replace the engine if necessary • Honor Hyundai’s extended engine warranty of 10 years / 120,000 miles for affected vehicles. This issue has also been the subject of significant litigation, including the class action lawsuit Case No. [XXX], filed January 23, 2018, against Hyundai Motor America (HMA), Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA), Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), and Kia Motors Corporation (KMC). Despite these well-known issues, Ourisman of Rockville failed to disclose any of the following when selling my daughter's this vehicle: 1. The widespread engine defects associated with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. 2. The recall and safety concerns related to debris restricting oil flow to rod bearings. 3. The extended Hyundai engine warranty covering affected vehicles up to 120,000 miles. This omission is particularly concerning because this defect presents a serious safety hazard and a clear and present danger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

The vehicle experiences a recurring defect where the brake light turns on suddenly and the engine shuts off while driving. The failure appears related to the braking system (brake switch circuit), electrical system (CAN-bus/ECU communication), and engine control (shutdown/stall). The system remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. The shutdown poses a serious safety risk, including possible rear-end collision or loss of power in traffic. The problem has occurred multiple times. The dealership inspected the vehicle briefly but failed to diagnose or document the defect and returned the vehicle within hours, stating “it shouldn’t be a problem,” even though the issue continues. Hyundai has refused to provide recall documentation or authorize a re-inspection. The only warnings prior to shutoff are the sudden activation of the brake warning light just before the engine cuts off.

Filed Oct 2, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

The affected component is the engine/rod bearing (Theta II 2.4L). My 2011 Hyundai Sonata stalled and the engine locked up twice in live traffic (March 2025 and July 2025). The vehicle is available for inspection if needed. This created a serious safety risk to me and others on the road, as the stall occurred on [XXX] at highway speeds. This failure could have been catastrophic had it happened on the DC/Baltimore Beltway or another high-traffic roadway. Hyundai’s system shows Recall 132 was marked complete at very low mileage (around 32,000 miles), but my vehicle later developed oil consumption and stalling consistent with rod bearing failure. Capitol Heights Hyundai noted a warranty pre-authorization (PA) in March 2025 and told me Hyundai needed my mailing address “for the claim,” but later said it was a typo and that no record exists. The dealership charged me for a diagnostic but did not inspect the vehicle for rod bearing failure, despite symptoms consistent with Recall 132. Annapolis Hyundai, where the car was purchased as a CPO, has admitted they have no documentation that Recall 132 was ever performed (no repair order, mileage, or technician notes). Yet Hyundai’s system shows Recall 132 marked “complete.” Without proof that the KSDS software or bearing inspection was done, I belive this recall should be considered open. Hyundai Consumer Affairs has stated that I must pay for towing and diagnosis before they will investigate, with possible reimbursement later. This conflicts with federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120), which requires recall diagnosis and repair at no cost to the consumer. Prior to the failures, my vehicle had a history of oil consumption and “no oil on dipstick” findings, which are known precursors to rod bearing failure. No warning lamps appeared before the stalls. I am requesting the federal safety agency’s assistance in requiring Hyundai to provide documentation or reopen Recall 132 and perform a no-cost inspection/repair to ensure this vehicle is safe to operate INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Filed Sep 17, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

1. The car began to randomly stall and stop running. This happened while driving and it was extremely dangerous. Typically, the engine would restart after at least waiting 15 minutes. Any attempt to start the car before that time would fail. 2. When the stalls happened, the car acted as if it had run out of gas. The engine would simply stop running WITHOUT WARNING, at intersections, on city streets, and on the freeway at high speed. It did not matter how full the gas tank was. 3. My brother and I diagnosed the problem as intermittent loss of fuel pressure. 4. My brother and I replaced the FACTORY fuel pump, and to hour horror, when we unplugged the electrical connection/plug, one of the pins from the fuel pump came out with the plug/connector. 5. We inspected the fuel pump and discovered that parts of the electrical plug INSIDE THE FUEL TANK had become burned and melted. See Image SANY0135.JPG === This is a SAFETY DEFECT - either the internal fuel pump electrical connections were faulty from the factory or the problem developed over time. There have been other recalls for this model of car for random engine stalls but this is a NEW and DIFFERENT cause. A dealer with a relatively inexpensive Infrared camera could likely spot this problem with minimal vehicle disassembly. There was clearly a LOT of heat concentrated in the area of the electrical connection to the fuel pump. We hope this report triggers a recall and prevents extremely dangerous random loss of engine power events, fires, or worse. Please recall all the vehicles that used that fuel pump for inspection before there is a disaster.

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving our 2011 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], my fiancée and I experienced sudden engine failure on [XXX]. The car suddenly lost power and began vibrating violently, then stalled completely and would not restart. We had to pull over in a dangerous area with no power and limited shoulder space, creating a serious safety hazard. A relative had previously scanned the vehicle and retrieved a P1326 knock sensor code, indicating a potential engine bearing issue. He cleared the code temporarily in an attempt to drive the vehicle again. However, when it failed on the freeway, we were forced to tow the vehicle twice—first to our home and then to Anaheim Hyundai for diagnosis. Hyundai later denied warranty assistance, claiming "exceptional maintenance neglect" despite the fact that we provided all available oil change records since our 2017 purchase. We were not the original owners, yet were expected to produce records dating back to 2013. No sludge or varnish evidence was cited in the repair order, and the dealer simply claimed a seized engine. We’ve since been denied under both the extended warranty and goodwill policies, even though our engine displayed the same symptoms covered in the Theta II engine class action settlement. This failure was dangerous, left us without transportation, and has caused serious financial and emotional strain. We are reporting this because it reflects a potential ongoing safety risk for other Hyundai owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 2, 2025 · Engine · FL

My girlfriend was driving my car at 70mph on [XXX] when suddenly the engine stalled abruptly with no warning. She had to coast over to the shoulder and come to a stop. At this point the engine would NOT turn over. If it did it was very challenged to turn over as if the engine was seized-partially or fully. My car was towed to my mechanic who later confirmed that the battery and starter were indeed good and that the engine seemed partially seized and even possessed metal shavings. On top of this my car has been consuming half a quart of oil every 400 miles as I check the oil everytime I get gas. So with this information my car seems to be fit for the Hyundai class action settlement recall #132 for the 2011 Sonata GDI engine. So I towed my car to Coastal Hyundai of Melbourne, FL, a dealership where all my records and maintenance have been done and are up to date. My car has been at this dealership for TWO weeks and they won’t even confirm that they have looked at it. I am under the understanding that it is costing Hyundai a lot of money to replace this engines and that they purposely stall hoping to somehow save money. I commute 72 miles round trip to work and have been greatly inconvenienced as I am having to borrow cars from family and figure out how to get to work. Any help in this regard is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

I had bought this car off Facebook marketplace after confirming with my dad that it was a good car, when I had finally saved enough. After I took it home the check engine light had come on not too long after, the engine stalls when turning the key, pressing on the brake helps start the engine. Turns out the car was a salvage title and my dad didn’t know that and I didn’t know what that was.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Engine · OH

From: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I have attempted to make a Better Business Complaint against Hyundai Corporate Office Headquarters 10550 Talbert Ave. Fountain Valley, CA 92708-6031 USA, but I am being blocked from filling out a complaint; attempts to make a complaint against the Hyundai Corporation results in being forwarded to a NULLED screen. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO FILL OUT A BBB COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS BUSINESS! On [XXX] my wife could have been killed when driving her 2011 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX] ) on the highway when her engine stalled out having to take evasive action not to cause an accident. Note my wife is [XXX]. According to a former Hyundai technician at Schmidt Auto Care (285a Hiawatha Trail, Springboro, OH [937] 514-7860 said there is an open recall (T3G) on this vehicle which is for engine replacement. Schmidt Auto care technician said “the oil ports were drilled wrong in the engine causing them to go out after 100,000 miles.” On March 20, 2025 Ian Clemons Service Advisor at Voss Hyundai (766 Miamisburg – Centerville Road, Centerville, Ohio 45459 [937] 428-2416) stated, “From the pictures of the valve cover it is obvious the engine has had the oil changes because it is super clean, but Hyundai is wanting all the oil change records” (which have been lost in a move). And because of it they won’t replace the engine even though Ian Clemons is advocating for it knowing that it is just thing for Hyundai to do. Case ([XXX] Hyundai Customer Care 1‑800‑633‑5151) Hyundai is trying to hide this recall, calling it an extended warranty on the engine and the public needs to be warned knowing my wife could have been killed by this engine defect and Hyundai needs to make this wrong a right. I ask for your help to resolve this matter of public safety. Thank-you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 12, 2025 · MA

While Driving sometimes car comes to a slow paste like it wants to stall I have to take my foot off gas paddle and put my foot back on again for car to accelerate and speed up again I am also noticing this when I turn my headlights on while car is driving. Recently had car engine light come on and car had to be towed to a mechanic. Car was fix where light was gone but I am still having the problem with the car wanting to stall while driving.Took it to dealer who said they saw nothing wrong because no check light was on but the problem for me still is there as of this morning 1/12/2024