2014 Hyundai Sonata: stuck in gear or won't shift

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 Apr 8, 2026 · Brakes · CA

ABS module/brakes system goes into limp mode randomly, which causes brake malfunction, throwing codes c1233, c1234 and c1236. There was a recall repair performed by Hyundai about two years ago, however there was two options on the federal safety agency recall 23V651000/campaign 251. One was to replace a safety plug fuse issue, TSB 23-01-054H . That is the recall they performed. The other recall repair which they did not perform is to replace the ABS module. The Hyundai dealer says I must pay a $225 diagnostic fee for them established they need to do this recall repair . Does that sound correct to you?

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 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 Apr 22, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · TX

On Feb 15th 2023 my daughter was driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata at the posted speed limit of 55 MPH on a 2 lane blacktop when the car suddenly and without any warning at all, lost all power and became unresponsive while traveling with other vehicles behind her, in front of her and in the opposing lane of travel. Without enough of an improved shoulder to pull to the right and a steep embankment on that side of the roadway as well, she was forced to veer to the left with other cars approaching. She had minimal braking, steering and no response to depressing the accelerator pedal at all. She was able to direct the car onto a paved portion of a feeder road and finally got the car stopped. The cabin filled with smoke and there was smoke all around the car but no fire was ever found. These vehicles are dangerous to the public and have a known engine defect that because of this the manufacturer has implemented a software patch known as KSDS and with this recall in place should have allowed my daughter to reach a safer place than being stranding on the side of a busy hi-way. My car had this patch installed and I was assured that this recall would allow the car to be driven a safe distance and it would be obvious when this patch was active and the engine would be put in "Limp mode" This did not happen, the engine locked up

Filed Dec 12, 2022 · Engine · TX

My car has been driving in limp mode for almost two years. I have taken it to the dealership over 8 times for the same problem while it was still under warranty. The replaced the knock senser twice and it passes the bearings test. My check engine light blinks and it hesistates while driving. I only had the car for one month since this started and everyone is giving me the run araound and not fixing the problem. Now my warranty is expiring because I have over 100,000 miles on it but nothing is fixed.

Filed Jun 21, 2022 · Engine · GA

On 19 June 2022 at approximately 5:30 PM EDT, the engine of my 2014 Hyundai Sonata was electronically shutdown (via vehicle protection mode a.k.a. limp mode) while driving on I20 Westbound heading towards Atlanta, GA; lost all ability to accelerate and a number of warning lights illuminated on the dash. There was zero indication of a potential failure until that very moment on the highway...at which time, I made my way across two lanes of traffic while barely avoiding being struck by multiple vehicles to include semi-trucks traveling at high rates of speed. My husband and I were fortunate not to lose our lives or cause the deaths of others due to this engine failure. After doing some research, I learned that Hyundai has known of these engine failures for years and that there is currently a class action suit against Hyundai Theta Engines. Personally, I've experienced a number of issues mentioned in the suit to include excessive oil consumption. And, I've been diligent about addressing all recalls issued by the manufacturer in a timely manner. After waiting three hours on Interstate 20, our tow truck finely arrived. The very next day, I had a mechanic conduct a diagnostic test and it indicated a camshaft/crankshaft failure. Also, noticed that the engine had burned through an excessive amount of oil and I just had an oil change on 23 May. Feeling unsafe to operate the vehicle any longer, I turned it over to Hyundai of Kennesaw located at 2878 Barrett Lakes Blvd Kennesaw, GA 30144 on 20 June to await an engine replacement. The service technician informed me that it would be three weeks before they could perform diagnostics to see if I even qualify for an engine replacement; then another four months to replace the engine if approved. No rental/service vehicle was provided to me by Hyundai for the loss of use of my property. Though I have rental coverage, my insurer USAA would not make me whole either as I was not involved in an accident.

Filed Mar 2, 2022 · Engine · IL

Although my VIN is not a part of the recall I have undergone the same issue as those recalled. Engine light blinking, car in limp mode, unable to drive. My local mechanic scanned the codes to find glow plug stuck on so he reprogrammed car but it went back in limp mode. Then towed car to Hyundai who reprogrammed my car and I picked it up. However I did not make it home. Car towed back to hyundai. They then had to replace the sensor-assy knock. Car seems fine now and engine light no longer blinking for now.

Filed Apr 13, 2020 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · PA

Hyundai installed a software update on our 2014 sonata due to engine fires about a year ago. This software update resulted in the car going into what is called " limp mode" and the malfunction indicator light coming on which results in the car losing acceleration and not being able to climb hills. This occurred when the car was being driven on the highway at 65 MPH. Once the car went into limp mode it would barely go up hills and presented a hazard on the highway. When I called the dealership they told me my car was no longer under warranty for anything other than engine or drive train and that they would not tow the car into their shop. They also told me I should not drive the car. I had the car towed to a local shop and they diagnosed the problem as a p1326, which I had to pay for out of my pocket. The mechanic told me there was a recall on the motor and it would have to be replaced. I then called the dealership and they agreed to tow the car to their dealership. After the dealership diagnosed the problem they informed me the software system detected a noise in the engine and went into limp mode to protect the engine. They said everything was fine and that the malfunction indicator light and limp mode were a false positive due to the software update that was installed. When I pointed out the inconvenience this had caused me I was told this happens all the time and I would have to get used to it or sell the car. I only have 64,000 miles on this vehicle and I no longer have any confidence in this vehicle to commute long distances. The issue with these false positives and the limp mode needs to be eliminated.

Filed Jan 24, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 98,000 miles · KY

I was on the interstate during torrential downpour, my car's check engine light started flashing and I couldn't accelerate above 2,000 RPM or go over 60 MPH. It was very dangerous. I took the car to the dealership to be repaired. After 3 days I picked the car up, and they said they replaced the knock sensor and the car was fixed. Since then this has happened 3 more times. Car is currently in the shop. I started researching on my own, and I read that the knock sensor was an update hyundai added after the recall of the engines in these cars. This knock sensor is actually protecting my car (and me) by putting it in 'limp mode' because it senses something dangerous in the engine. I have contacted hyundai consumer affairs to inform them I am afraid to drive the car because this has happened so many times and clearly is't fixed, and I'm sure it has to do with the recalls they have and engine fires. They've done nothing. Last time I went to get the car the manager at the dealership said that many people were having issues, but hyundai doesn't allow them to actually fix the problem. They have to do work-around fixes instead of the actual repairs needed. The manger said he predicts that "there will be a class action lawsuit because of hyundai not doing anything to actually fix this engine issue". I don't know who to turn to, but I' am afraid to drive the car. I don't want to be driving down the road and the engine catch fire. I'm currently pregnant and it has been very stressful dealing with this issue. I fear the dealership will disable the knock sensor so that it stops putting the engine on limp mode and then I will have a fire. I also fear that the knock sensor may not work correctly next time and the engine may catch fire. I need the engine fixed. I hope by submitting this complaint it will help get this engine problem solved for me and consumers.

Filed Jun 19, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 46,000 miles · PA

On 4/19/2019, I was driving my car at 60 MPH on freeway and suddenly car's speed dropped to 20 MPH with check engine light (mil) blinking. Also car was hesitating and wasn't going beyond 20 MPH after that. It went into limp mode / low power mode. I got my car towed to hyundai's dealership on 4/20/2019. I was informed that there was an issue with the knock sensor harness and it has been replaced under campaign t3g. I picked up my car from the dealership on 4/23/2019 but my car is still having knocking sound, car is hesitating and I got the engine light (mil) back up again on the very next day I.e. 4/24/2019. My car is at the same dealership since than for the repair and they are waiting for the parts from the hyundai factory. I also contacted hyundai consumer affairs center for this and case#: 15700612 has been created for this complain.