2013 Hyundai Sonata: engine stalls while driving

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · 114,719 miles · FL

The contact's mother owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the engine failed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine seized and required replacement. The engine long block was replaced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that approximately 11,000 miles after the replacement, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the engine failure could not be confirmed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,719.

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Engine · AZ

This vehicle is subject to a known Theta II connecting rod bearing defect (Recall 162 / KSDS) and a related class action settlement. On October 2, 2025, the vehicle stalled while entering the highway. It was taken to Ken Garff Hyundai Surprise, and the following day, October 3, 2025, it entered engine protection mode (limp mode) during the dealership's own test drive, the exact behavior the Knock Sensor Detection System is designed to trigger for connecting rod bearing wear. The dealership's own service advisor documented in writing, as early as December 27, 2025, that he did not like how the vehicle ran and drove and wanted to resubmit a warranty claim. Despite this documented concern, on May 5, 2026, the dealership's service manager told Hyundai corporate that nothing was wrong with the vehicle and that it could be picked up. Hyundai corporate maintained that the engine had passed bearing clearance testing on two occasions, October 3, 2025 and May 23, 2026. I was told the vehicle was safe and retrieved it on June 29, 2026, out of necessity after my family's other vehicle was totaled in an accident. Approximately ten days later, the engine failed completely while I was driving with my family in the vehicle. Hyundai's own repair order documented the crankshaft as seized at over 95 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai subsequently approved and completed a full engine replacement. I am filing this report because a vehicle with a documented, known defect and a documented internal safety concern was represented to me as safe to drive, and it failed catastrophically with my family inside it within days of that representation

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Car stalls when I’m at a red light, very dangerous

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA · fire

When my father was driving, the vehicle stalled out with no prior odd activity. He pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to start the vehicle. He saw smoke, opened the hood, saw flames and cleared the area of the vehicle. Due to the large Hyundai/Kia engine recall for his year of vehicle, the engine had been replaced 2-3 times and ONLY EVER been serviced by the dealership. We do not know if all recall repair work had been done, because there was also a fuel line recall which was "fixed" in 2020 and 2022.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · IN

Engine developed a loud rod-bearing knock at approx. 107,771 miles, consistent with the Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by the federal safety agency Recall 17V‑226 (Hyundai Recall 162). The vehicle was taken out of service and delivered to Webb Hyundai, Highland, IN, on 06/13/2026, where it remains. Hyundai's own campaign records confirm Recall 162 (GDI engine inspection/replacement) was completed on this VIN on 10/02/2017 and the KSDS engine-monitoring software (Service Campaign 953) was installed 08/09/2019 - yet the engine has now failed in exactly the manner the recall was meant to remedy, indicating the recall remedy was ineffective for this vehicle. Hyundai Motor America (case #42847594) has refused repair, citing a "branded title"; the only brand on the title is a "Not Actual Mileage" odometer disclosure, not a salvage or rebuilt brand. the federal safety agency guidance is that title branding is not a valid basis for denying a recall remedy. The defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and stalling while driving. No crash, fire, or injury. Requesting the federal safety agency review of recall remedy effectiveness and of Hyundai's denial.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · VA

While accelerating to merge into traffic, the engine suddenly lost power and died completely. I lost power steering and power brakes, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder. There was no warning light or unusual noise prior to the stall. The vehicle has approximately 138,000 miles. This stall occurred in live traffic, creating a high risk of a rear-end collision.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Engine · 79,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. A mechanic friend replaced the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. The contact stated that the failure persisted. When the RPM was high, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer charged for the diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay. The contact stated that the testing should be covered by the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer charged the contact a storage fee, and a lien was placed on the vehicle, and the vehicle might be sold to pay for the storage fee. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the diagnostic fee would be paid by the manufacturer, and the warranty was extended. The manufacturer informed the contact that a supervisor would reach out; however, the contact was still waiting to hear from the supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] , 2.4L Theta II GDI engine) is experiencing symptoms consistent with the known Theta II engine defects covered under prior the federal safety agency recalls (e.g., 17V‑226) and the related class action settlement for connecting rod bearing wear due to manufacturing debris restricting oil flow. The vehicle has begun exhibiting [describe your specific symptoms here, e.g.: "a loud metallic knocking/tapping noise from the engine that increases with RPM, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds; reduced engine power and hesitation; illumination of the check engine light and/or oil pressure warning light; excessive vibration; or sudden loss of power/stalling risk"]. These issues have [escalated/worsened over time or occurred suddenly while driving]. This poses a serious safety hazard because premature bearing wear can lead to complete engine seizure or stall without warning while the vehicle is in motion, potentially at highway speeds, resulting in loss of motive power, inability to maintain speed, or increased risk of collision, injury, or fatality. I have properly maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes using the recommended full synthetic oil [add if true: "and can provide service records showing no evidence of sludge or neglect"]. Despite submitting an appeal/claim under the Hyundai Theta Engine Class Action Settlement (Case Number XXX), I received confirmation on December 30, 2025, promising a decision within 14 business days, but as of January 16, 2026, there has been no response or update despite follow-up attempts. This ongoing delay prevents me from obtaining the necessary inspection, repair, or replacement under the extended warranty/safety coverage, leaving the vehicle in a potentially unsafe condition. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this as part of the pattern of Theta II engine failures in 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas, which have led to thousands of similar complaints, recalls, and investigations into untimely INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Engine · TX

Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] Mileage: [163,000] Summary: Theta II 2.4L GDI engine bearing failure (Recall 953 / 20V‑393) – severe knocking, risk of sudden engine seizure/fire. Dealer refuses lifetime-warranty repair and forced consumer to pay towing to avoid lien/fees. Description: This vehicle is covered by the federal safety agency Recall 20V‑393 (Campaign 953) and the court-approved Theta II engine class-action settlement providing a lifetime warranty for rod-bearing failure. The engine now has loud knocking from failed rod bearings – the exact defect addressed by the recall and settlement.On 11/28/2025 I dropped the vehicle at Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston (10301 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074) for diagnosis and repair under the lifetime warranty. The dealership confirmed bearing failure but refused to repair, stating the vehicle is “not eligible” because the free Campaign 953 knock-sensor software update was never performed. No owner (current or prior) ever received any recall notice or settlement notice despite Hyundai’s legal duty to notify all registered owners.On 12/04/2025, service advisor Tevin told me to remove the car by Friday or face storage fees and possible lien sale. To avoid unlawful charges for a known safety defect, I paid $192.70 out of pocket for AAA to tow the vehicle off the lot on 12/05/2025 (receipt available).Hyundai is using its own failure to provide notice as justification to deny legitimate lifetime-warranty claims and shift costs to consumers. The unrepaired vehicle remains a serious safety hazard (engine stall/fire risk) on the road.Requested Action: Investigate Hyundai Motor America and its dealers for (1) systemic failure to notify owners of Recall 953 and the Theta II settlement, (2) wrongful denial of lifetime-warranty engine repairs, and (3) imposing towing/storage fees on consumers for admitted safety defects. I have filed a claim with the settlement administrator and can provide receipts, recorded calls, and docs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Engine · AL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact previously received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine short block had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would not be serviced under the recall. The contact was offered a buyback option for the vehicle and was also offered a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Engine · MD

Driving at 70 mph on the highway, the engine seized without warning. The car violently shuddered and rapidly decelerated in the travel lane. A fully-loaded semi-truck was directly behind me and had to swerve violently and brake hard to avoid crushing my vehicle. This created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a catastrophic, high-speed rear-end collision. The failure is with the internal engine assembly (likely connecting rod bearings) and is available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the engine failure but denied the repair. This is a known defect. The "Engine Oil Pressure" warning light flashed and a loud engine knocking began moments before the total power loss. This is a dangerous defect that causes sudden, unpredictable stalling at highway speeds.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Engine · 128,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was restarted. The check warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall repair was denied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the waste gasket, timing belt, and battery needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that, due to the mileage and year of the vehicle; the recall repairs could not be redeemed. The contact stated that rental reimbursement was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.