2012 Hyundai Sonata: engine stalls while driving

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 Jun 30, 2026 · Engine · OH

Around the end of May 2026, my vehicle stalled without warning while traveling at highway speed. The engine light and EPS warning light illuminated simultaneously. The engine cranks but will not start. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership on June 15, 2026 where the engine failure was confirmed. My safety was directly at risk. The vehicle lost power on an active highway with no warning, creating a collision hazard for myself and other drivers. The failure has been confirmed by the dealership. Hyundai Motor America acknowledged the engine failure falls under the TXXI Settlement Agreement and offered a buyback or cash settlement. However, Hyundai has had physical possession of my vehicle since June 15, 2026 and has repeatedly failed to provide a written buyback offer despite multiple commitments to do so. Prior warning signs included the engine and EPS lights activating at the moment of failure. No prior warning lamps appeared before that day. The vehicle has 2 open safety recalls as of the date of purchase in November 2025.

Filed Jun 6, 2026 · Engine · VA

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power while merging onto interstate I accelerated to enter traffic and all dashboard warning lights illuminated at once. Engine shut off immediately with no prior knocking,smoke, or warning. Car coasted to shoulder with complete loss of power steering and power brakes. After incident vehicle will not crank or restart , push -button start activates accessories but engine does not turn over when brake is pressed. Vehicle has Campaign 953\Knock Sensor Detection system update completed on October 14 2020. This failure matches the federal safety agency PE-18-003 and Hyundai TSB 22 -EM-003H for Theta II Engine connecting rod bearing failure.This is a known safety defect causing sudden engine stall at highway speeds .. Dealer inspection is pending Vehicle is currently inoperable...

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine, Lights · 168,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side brake light was inoperative. The failure occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · VA

My 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced complete engine failure at 241,433 miles on August 7, 2025. The failure aligns with known safety defect symptoms described under the federal safety agency Recall Campaign 15V568000 and 17V226000, which cite premature bearing wear due to metal debris during engine manufacturing. My vehicle had previously received the knock sensor update under Campaign T3G and failed the BCT (bearing clearance test), confirming bearing damage. Despite this, Hyundai denied my engine replacement claim, stating the issue was related to a fuel pipe and not a rod bearing issue—this is contrary to their own recall documentation and dealer diagnosis. Hyundai continues to deny engine replacement, in violation of their federal recall obligations under 49 U.S.C. §30120. Their refusal endangers public safety by ignoring engine failures that can lead to stalling and crashes. I request the federal safety agency intervention to compel Hyundai Motor America to comply with federal law and perform the necessary recall repairs on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 100,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The engine and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the maintenance records were needed. The contact was using an independent mechanic for maintenance and did not have the records. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Engine · WV

My 2012 Hyundai Sonata originally had its engine replaced under Hyundai’s recall (the federal safety agency Recall #17V226000) due to the Theta II GDI engine defect. The replacement engine was installed by the dealership as part of the recall. However, the replacement engine has now failed after only ~50,000 miles, exhibiting the same issues (engine knocking, stalling, and eventual failure). This occurred despite proper maintenance and care. The dealership contacted Hyundai, and I also contacted Hyundai Consumer Affairs directly. Both refused to replace or assist with the failed replacement engine. It is unacceptable that a recall replacement engine would fail so soon and that Hyundai will not stand behind the part they used to correct a safety defect. The issue remains a serious safety concern, especially since engine failure can lead to fire. I request that the federal safety agency investigate the durability and safety of replacement engines and Hyundai’s refusal to support affected owners when these replacement engines fail prematurely. I have case number with Hyundai 41436693

Filed May 19, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CO

Hybrid system malfunction Do not Drive warning light comes on while driving and stalls out the car

Filed Jan 4, 2025 · CA

Car went complete stall after a warning light came off “Hybrid System Warning - Check Brakes” I am completely braked, but when I slowly releasing the brake pedal, there’s was a loud grinding noice and the wheels wouldn’t go forward at all, so I have to step on the brake again . I got stuck IN THE MIDDLE of the road and couldn’t park on the right curb since the car randomly got stalled completely. It took almost 40mins for the warning issue to go away and the car went back to normal. However, IT’S COMPLETELY A SAFETY ISSUE for the car to randomly stall in the middle of driving! I could be driving to fast traffic on a freeway or wide street where accidents can occur since I couldn’t even drive it a bit to park on the curb. On top of this - I occasionally get “hybrid system warning” whenever I am in the middle of driving and I always have to pull over and wait at least half an hour for it to go away, it’s been happening for few years now, and tonight was the most dangerous one so far!!! Please make Hyundai do a recall on the hybrid battery diagnose or replacement

Filed Dec 29, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

In October of 2023, I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to the laundry mat about a quarter of a mile from my home. I stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, a warning sound burst from my dasher board. The message stated, "Hybrid Warning-DO NOT DRIVE: CHECK BRAKES". The brakes completely stopped working, the pedal was to the floor and the accelerator was stalling. After managing to get the vehicle back to my home, naturally I went to the Dealership (Langdale Hyundai of Valdosta) and informed them of the issue. They informed me there was no issue, charged me for a diagnostic and sent me on my way. Once I provided proof of my car stopping mid-drive, they began to check wiring and such. What they told me the issue was is a Hydraulic Power Unit. I had it replaced, still the same issue "CHECK BRAKES". I only have 116k miles on this car, bought it with 72K in 2021, so I haven't driven it much. It spent 8 months in Hyundai Dealership in Holiday, FL for a brand-new Hybrid Battery in 2022. I have been looking online for anyone that knows more about this issue so I can get it resolved. It turns out there are thousands of people who are just like me. I believe this is indeed a recall issue. I believe this is an issue is an emergency issue, brakes giving out while driving is an issue that needs to be addressed. This has been happening for years, and Hyundai has not done one thing on it. It's happening with newer vehicles as well as older. Langdale Hyundai of Valdosta was not much of a help at all, to be honest, I don't trust their workers at all. I believe they do nothing and charge customers for the max that they can.

Filed Jun 18, 2024 · Engine · MI

Engine stalled in middle of the road while travelling. It put me in danger of getting into an accident. Tried getting appointment with dealership and nonappointments available for next 30 days. No warnings before the failure.

Filed Apr 18, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to restart. After numerous attempts, the vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.