2014 Hyundai Sonata: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · UT

I was driving on the freeway about 100 miles outside of Boise, ID when the vehicle went into limp mode and a flashing check engine light came on. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealership in Boise where they ran a diagnostic check and it came back with a P1326 code, which is the issue related to the engine/ball bearings. They said it passed the bearing clearance test (BCT) so they updated the software and gave the car back. I picked it up a week later and while driving it from Boise to Salt Lake City (where I live), it went into limp mode again with a flashing check engine light. This happened about 100 miles north of Salt Lake City. I had it towed to a dealership in Murray. They indicated it passed the BCT again, but they replaced the knock sensor and did an oil change and gave the car back. I picked it up, and the next day, while on the freeway, the same thing happened again. I took it back to the dealership. They indicated the knock sensors they just installed the day before needed to be updated, so they updated the software for the knock sensors. I just picked it up, and within 45 seconds of being on the freeway, it went right back into limp mode with the flashing check engine light. This has happened 4 times now, on the freeway forcing me to immediately get over, and I have almost gotten into two separate accidents because of this. Hyundai says they will not replace the engine because it keeps passing the BCT. The vehicle is not safe to drive and it is likely causing irreparable damage to the other systems of the car.

Filed May 31, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss of power significantly reduced my ability to maintain traffic speed and safely maneuver the vehicle. This condition could have increased the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership (Fred Beans Honda Of Abington PH# 215‑392‑9020) for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed that the vehicle stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326, related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). According to the dealership, the vehicle entered limp mode as a result of this fault. The abrupt reduction in vehicle power and speed occurred without sufficient warning and created a safety concern. I am reporting this incident so that the federal safety agency can investigate whether this condition represents a broader safety defect affecting Hyundai Sonata vehicles equipped with the KSDS system. Vehicle Information: Make: Hyundai Model: Sonata Model Year: 2014 I request that the federal safety agency review this issue and evaluate whether additional action is warranted regarding vehicles experiencing DTC P1326 and associated limp-mode operation.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · NC

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2014 Hyundai Sonata Mileage: less than 120,000 miles Ownership: Second owner Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata. My vehicle experienced issues beginning with a faulty knock sensor, which escalated into complete engine failure. This issue appears to be identical to problems that have already been identified in recalls involving similar Hyundai Sonata models. Despite experiencing the same symptoms and failure pattern, my specific VIN is not included in the recall. My vehicle has been well maintained, has under 120,000 miles, and should not have experienced a total engine failure under normal conditions. Based on the known recall issues related to engine defects and knock sensor failures, I believe my vehicle is affected by the same underlying defect. I am concerned that vehicles like mine are being excluded from the recall despite having identical safety-related issues. Engine failure while driving presents a serious safety risk, including potential loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate in traffic. I have had the car looked by a professional and advised of the engine failure and this is a common issue with this make and model.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Engine · CA

My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a P1326 engine fault code, which activates the knock sensor system due to engine bearing wear. This condition is directly related to Hyundai’s safety recall 17V226 (Theta II engine). The Hyundai dealership submitted my case to Hyundai corporate, and Hyundai denied the repair solely because my vehicle has over 150,000 miles. A manufacturer cannot refuse a federal recall repair due to mileage, and Hyundai’s engine recall has no mileage or time limit. The denial places me in an unsafe situation, as the recall defect can cause engine seizure or stalling while driving. I am requesting the federal safety agency intervention.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Engine · PA

Hello, I brought my 2014 Hyundai Sonata (approx. 73,000 miles) to an authorized Hyundai dealership (MotorWorld Hyundai, Wilkes-Barre, PA) on August 4, 2025, for Recall 162 (the federal safety agency 17V‑226) due to audible engine knocking. I reported the noise when dropping off the vehicle. The dealer claimed the engine passed the inspection but did not provide any documentation confirming that the required bearing test was performed. They said the issue might be from the top of the engine (possibly the timing chain) and wanted to charge $800 to disassemble the engine, with a repair estimate of $2,900. The reason they wanted to disassemble the engine is because after an initial diagnosis for $160 they discovered the noise is not from the timing chain. Besides, it would be extremely unusual for the issue to be a timing chain at 73k. I later learned from Hyundai Customer Care that the recall still shows as “Incomplete” in their system, meaning the inspection was never properly submitted. I'm conerned that the recall was not properly performed or submitted (why does it still show "incomplete" if they insepcted it and it passed?) and that the symptoms may still indicate the exact defect covered under Recall 162 (rod bearing knock), I believe I was denied proper remedy (in a less polite way - I think they flat out lied to me about the real issue) and I was pressured toward expensive non-recall repairs without conclusive diagnosis. My understanding is that getting a diagnosis for a timing chain shouldn't cost anywhere near $800. I am requesting the federal safety agency review this situation to ensure Hyundai fulfills its federally mandated recall obligation. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 24, 2025 · Engine · OR

My engine has a knock and the dealership told me that they would not fix it due to "lack of maintanence" but I tried explaining to them that I was unable to get proof because Oreily and auto zone were unable to get me receipts on old purchases.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Engine · 136,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened for repair assistance. The contact was later informed that the assistance request was denied on the grounds of poor maintenance history. The contact stated was not the owner of the vehicle during the time cited by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Engine · CA

While driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], the engine suddenly stalled without warning. I was in motion on a public road when the vehicle lost power, forcing me to safely pull over. There were no warning lights, check engine lights, or prior signs of engine trouble before the failure occurred. I had the vehicle towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Norm Reeves Hyundai Superstore in Cerritos), where I was told the engine failed due to rod bearing failure caused by oil starvation. The dealership stated that the engine needed to be replaced. However, I have maintained the vehicle regularly, with consistent oil changes and maintenance, and I have documentation to prove this. Despite this, Hyundai has refused assistance and claims "exceptional maintenance neglect" without showing inspection photos or detailed evidence. This engine failure fits the exact pattern of a known engine defect already under recall for similar Hyundai models and engines, including issues with oil passages and rod bearings that lead to sudden engine failure. These vehicles have been involved in class-action lawsuits and recall campaigns for this reason. This sudden failure put my safety and that of others at risk, as the engine lost power in traffic without any prior warning. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate whether this issue is part of the broader defect already under recall, and whether Hyundai is avoiding responsibility by misclassifying valid cases. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Engine · NC

Due to a recall Hyundai promised a lifetime extended warranty on the engine of my 2014 Hyundai Sonata concerning a defect in the engine manufacturing. We're as metal shavings can cause rod bearings to wear out causing what is known as engine knocking noise. Well my engine is knocking, and I was told by a license certified mechanic that it's my rod bearings & that the engine is fixing to throw a rod. This is covered under the extended lifetime warranty. When I called Hyundai they said we aren't going to fix the issue because the vehicle has a salvaged title. I had a consumer rear ended me years ago, there insurance company totaled out my car which was not totaled. Only minor rear damage. I ended up keeping the car and it drove fine, no engine damage due to the wreck on rear end damage. This shouldn't stop my rights to a new engine which Hyundai promised during a lifetime extension of the engine. This is considered unfair Deceptive Trade Practice Act violation.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Engine · 62,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC code P1326 for the knock sensor detection system (KSDS). The dealer performed a software update, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an oil consumption test, which the vehicle failed. The contact had an independent mechanic replace the knock sensor and spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2025 · Engine · PA

I got a 2014 Hyundai Sonata in May of 2023. In the beginning of September 2024, I was driving down the road on a highway and a knocking sound began as well as grinding. The car then immediately lost all power which could’ve resulted in a serious accident like death or injury to me or others. I found out about the engine recall right after for the class action lawsuit for Hyundai. They told me I was good under the extended warranty. I was told that I needed to get the odometer branding fixed on the title before they would honor the recall. I did that and received the clean title in the beginning of November. The car was at a garage where they agreed that the car had premature worn engine bearings and had failed. The car went to a dealership in the beginning of November. Then I was told I needed more information like the clean title, bill of sale, and a statement. I provided all 3. After that I was told I needed to send receipts of my maintenance to the car. I also did that. I send every several documents. The dealership had told me my claim was denied due to “maintenance neglect” and “not enough maintenance documentation.” I then had the dealership reopen the claim and sent all of the prior maintenance records on the vehicle from the owner before me. I am told it is declined still for the same reason which makes no sense. I sent 35 documents to them. I was told today that they will not fix it and I was wished the best of luck. I did not have the car at the time of the recall and only had it for a year and a couple months. The car has been sitting for 4 months while I am paying insurance on it at the dealership to get the engine recall repaired.

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Engine · 158,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the sound was persistent. The vehicle was driven to a local restaurant parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled several times. The contact was afraid to drive the vehicle because of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that in November 2024, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and several unknown recall repairs were performed. The contact stated that the failure began shortly after the recall repairs were performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.