2012 Hyundai Sonata: excessive oil consumption

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

Diagnosed 07/20/2026 with catastrophic oil ring failure requiring engine replacement. Engine can stall due to oil degradation/absence of causing uncontrolled vehicle handling and fire. This would put myself and others at risk. It has been diagnosed at dealership. Complaint Narrative: The subject vehicle is experiencing its third total engine failure due to an inherent manufacturing and design defect, presenting a severe and repeating highway safety hazard. The original factory engine failed catastrophically in 2015 at 116,440 miles and was replaced under the federal safety agency Recall 15V‑568. The second engine failed in 2021 at 244,710 miles and was replaced under the federal safety agency Recall 17V‑226. The third engine (the second replacement) has now failed prematurely at 334,935 chassis miles, lasting a mere 90,225 miles. An authorized Hyundai dealership diagnosed a total failure of the oil control rings. This mechanical defect allows engine oil to bypass the pistons directly into the combustion chambers. This causes severe, rapid oil consumption, spark plug fouling, engine stalling, and total loss of motive power at highway speeds without prior dashboard warning illumination. The manufacturer is failing to provide safe, durable remedies for its federally mandated safety recalls (see warranty info Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq./ Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability). Instead, they are installing subsequent replacement powerplants that suffer from the exact same structural vulnerabilities and component lifecycle failures. This creates a continuous risk of sudden engine seizure and traffic collisions for consumers.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Engine · 158,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required the oil reservoir to be refilled after 3-4 weeks. Additionally, there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to Jiffy Lube for a top off, the mechanic would inform the contact that the oil reservoir was empty and needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Engine · WI

Oil consumption engine issues

Filed Sep 20, 2024 · Engine · 170,000 miles · IL

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed May 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TN

I was driving. The tailpipes started smoking I checked engine oil and it was almost empty. No check engine light came on. The engine could have locked up on me on a state hwy that has a 60mph limit! No warning light. No low oil light. No lights came on at all ever. The car still doesn't have any light on but has oil consumption like I've never experienced. The engine was replaced in 2019 and only has about 63,000 miles on it.

Filed Mar 31, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

Approx one year post engine replacement, and 2 weeks prior turbo system replacement, I am having major issues with my sonatait struggles to stay started, it always hesitates and doesn't want to move when I press accelerator, shakes jolts and shudders, the smell of burning oil comes thru the vents and even smoke comes out from under the vehicle. The engine is leaking masses amounts of oil that seem to be leaking from all over the under carriage and half way to the back underneath the car, oil is in the wheel wells, and even splashed on the rims, the spark plugs are covered in oil, huge plums of white and dark smoke come out of the tailpipes, literally blinding anyone behind me, press the accelerator to the floor and it just shudders and smokes even more, check engine light is on and states malfunctioning turbo system, boost pressure sensor malfunction, sluggish will not gain speed, oil within the turbo blow by hose and in intake hose area, now I have coolant pouring out and the reservoir the coolant will be literally boiling. This is not good at all especially after a year post engine replacement and turbo replacement. When the car is started I push start and car struggles to start the starter keeps screeching and car shudders for a good 45 seconds before it either dies out or finally starts. This vehicle should be a lemon and bought back regardless of age condition etc. A vehicle after engine replacement of only one year should not be pouring oil out of the engine, failed head gaskets,misfiring and leaking coolant. I keep receiving recall notice after recall notice in the mail stating I have recalls that need to be addressed but when checking using my vin it says there are no recalls needing fixing, that makes me uneasy and I don't feel safe driving the vehicle I lost faith in it all together

Filed Oct 12, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Car completely shut down suddenly and spontaneously without ANY warning while my husband and I were driving on a very busy major highway at night. We were unable to do ANYTHING to control the car and could have died, been seriously injured, or caused death or injury to other drivers. We were then towed off of the highway after calling for help. We don’t know firsthand exactly what failed. We were aware of our engine burning oil and had been to Huffines Hyundai multiple times previously for an oil consumption test at their recommendation. Upon completion of this test process no solutions for repair were offered, and we were never warned of any danger in driving it. We have found out via our own research that our car has a defective engine. This specific engine has been the subject of at least one class action lawsuit and Hyundai is well aware of its dangers. We have been denied an engine replacement by Hyundai as they are claiming negligence on our part as the reason for failure after we presented a substantial stack of oil change receipts. Not 100% complete, so they make this claim. These cars are death traps and people are dying because this company won’t honor their warranty. Please do something.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Engine · MA

I went to get my car fixed at a local garage but the employee came back with a recall information form printed out and said my engine and oil consumption problem was under a recall and would not charge me for the work. Hyundai dealership in Brockton. Ma refused to fix the issues & made my car further damaged and gave me a 1 week rental. I’ve had this car for a little over 1 year. Now today my car lit up lights on the dash while I was driving, locked up and won’t start. I’m currently on the side of the road.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TN

My car is burning oil very fast it has a engine campaign running but Hyundai refuses to fix it .. it cuts while driving it at high speeds

Filed Apr 26, 2023 · Engine · NJ

After intermittent starting and car dying for no reason, the engine completely died while driving on highway. I filed a claim with Hyundai as part of Theta Engine settlement. I had the engine replaced at my expense, they will not cover. It is now burning oil at an alarming rate. This is dangerous and has happened to many many HYUNDAI/KIA owners as part of this engine problem.

Filed Nov 25, 2022 · Engine · MN

Excessive oil consumption. No oil leaks. Car has been using oil for quite some time, but now I need to add over a quart a month to keep the oil level in the recommended range.

Filed Apr 28, 2021 · Engine · 110,000 miles · MO

The car uses oil and the oil light does not come on when the oil is low.