2014 Hyundai Sonata: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jun 28, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · MA

Updated the federal safety agency Complaint DraftVehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai SonataVIN: [XXX] Incident Date: XXX Description of Safety Defect:While driving on XXX, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk.A subsequent professional inspection revealed that the vehicle's odometer had been illegally rolled back and tampered with by the selling dealership (Johny's Auto Center in 120 bleu hill ave Roxbury, MA) 02119 prior to purchase. The true, undocumented mileage of the engine is significantly higher than indicated, directly causing this sudden component failure. I am reporting this incident both as a critical vehicle safety defect and as a case of illegal odometer fraud. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Mar 27, 2026 · Engine · GA

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was started. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Engine · TX

The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and loss of power while traveling at freeway speed. Two days earlier, the vehicle had been taken to an authorized dealership for factory recall service. During that visit, concerns were raised about known engine issues associated with this model, but the vehicle was returned to service. While driving on the freeway, the engine abruptly stalled without warning, causing immediate loss of propulsion and power. This created a dangerous situation in moving traffic, requiring rapid maneuvering to avoid a collision and safely exit traffic lanes. The vehicle became inoperable and could not be restarted. The failed component appears to be the engine or related internal engine system. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership following the incident and has remained inoperable since that time. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. The failure placed the driver at significant risk due to the sudden loss of power at highway speed. No collision occurred, but the risk of serious injury or death was present. The problem has not been reproduced because the vehicle has remained disabled since the incident. The dealership and manufacturer have inspected the vehicle after the failure. The manufacturer is reviewing the incident under an internal process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating imminent engine failure before the stall. The failure occurred suddenly and without advance notice.

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 Jul 31, 2025 · Engine · FL

The vehicle experienced engine stalling and rough running. We discovered it had an open engine recall related to known defects in the Theta II engine. We dropped the vehicle off at a Hyundai dealership (Hyundai Napleton) on July 1st, 2025 for recall repair, following instructions from ACV Auctions. After holding the vehicle for over three weeks, Hyundai Napleton informed us they could not perform the recall due to their internal policy against working on dealer-owned vehicles. This directly contradicts the purpose of a federally mandated safety recall, which is supposed to apply regardless of ownership. On July 23, 2025, we received a call from Hyundai Motor America, stating they would not approve the recall repair because the vehicle had been declared a total loss. This is entirely false—the vehicle has never been declared a total loss by any insurance company or official source. It appears Hyundai Motor America and the dealership are passing responsibility back and forth, providing conflicting and inaccurate information, while the vehicle sits unrepaired and inoperable. This behavior delays a federally mandated repair, puts consumers at risk, and reflects serious breakdowns in how Hyundai handles recall compliance. We need the federal safety agency’s help to investigate and enforce the proper handling of this safety recall. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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.

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Engine · IA

Stopped at a stop light, started going again, got up to about 20 mph and engine stalled on the side of the road. Had to wait HOURS for a tow, triple A couldn’t help, had to pay $70 out of pocket. Now they are denying me for an engine replacement, each time I submit the documentation they request, they find some reason to turn it down, and when I ask what they specifically needed me to do, they just gave me a phone number to call for Hyundai customer affairs, even though I have already gone through all of this with them, and they directed me back to the dealership as far as communication goes. I’m getting the run around, and it has been going on since May.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine · TX

Car stalled at 65 mph and went in to limp mode. Knocking noise came from under right side of engine. Car is not drivable at this time. Sounds like a rod thrown and there are metal shaving in oil.

Filed Jul 9, 2024 · Engine · KS

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 3, 2024 · Engine · CA

This is the 3rd time in 2 years my car shuts down while driving. The dash panel started flashing "WARNING CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. DO NOT DRIVE" and an alert starts beeping and the car shuts off. THERE WAS NO OTHER PRIOR WARNING LEADING UP TO THIS. Why isn't there any warning BEFORE it gets to this? This is an accident waiting to happen. Do you know how many accidents would happen if every car just shut off like that because of some faulty charging system. Any other car would have warned you before hand. It's by the grace of God I was not slammed into while crossing a busy street and this damn car shut off leaving me right in harms way with cross traffic. AND another time it shut off on a busy highway. COMPLETELY DEAD. No functioning hazards. It's not right. This last time, The dealership told me there is a recall on the car for the safety plug and that was replaced. I was also told I needed a new battery and new power relay assembly. Those parts are related to the safety plug and the operation of the charging system. Why are those parts not also part of the recall? The dealership charges a diagnostic fee when they already know what the issue is. Must be nice. Everyone involved is building their own karma. I'm very displeased with this Brand. I will never buy another one and I will tell everyone I know hyundai does not stand by their product in making sure it's safe and operational. And they leave the consumer stuck with a bill that was their fault. FYI I had a prior complaint case with consumer affairs. (The mileage I stated was when it first happened. Now it's at 90k)