2014 Hyundai Sonata: complete transmission failure

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) and Hyundai Motor America’s failure to fully correct the issue. Incident Summary: While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly displayed the following alarming warnings: “Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” “Check Charging System” Immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and shut down in the middle of the road. I had my two young children (ages XXX and XXX) in the car, making the situation extremely unsafe and traumatic. The vehicle lost all mobility and provided no opportunity to safely pull over. After contacting Hyundai Corporate multiple times, a case manager was eventually assigned to my case. At Hyundai’s request, I towed the vehicle to AutoNation Hyundai Valencia for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership diagnosed the issue as error code P0A78, indicating a transmission failure. Hyundai Corporate offered to cover 60% of the repair cost, leaving me responsible for the remaining 40%—an amount that exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This proposed resolution is not reasonable considering the severity of the safety risk and the vehicle’s low mileage. My primary concern is that this is an extremely dangerous defect, as the vehicle loses all power without warning, leaving the driver unable to move the car to a safe location. Requested Actions: A formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai’s hybrid systems, specifically in 2014 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. A determination of whether this defect qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Full compensation from Hyundai Corporate to cover 100% of the repair costs to correct this serious safety issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · MI

Car transmission replaced with only 38,000 miles. Car shutters, skip gears, loss of power. Very dangerous especially when pulling out from side road on to main road. Transmission problem starts out as intermittent at first, so you never know when it will happen next. Lots of near misses where I would have been rear ended, due to shifting problems. New Transmission is already starting to shift erratically at times with only 2,000 miles on new rebuilt trans. Cost of repair is 5 to 6,000. Also own 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with the same exact transmission problems. Transmission replaced at 67,000 and now at repair shop for replacement Trans at 124,000 miles. Vin [XXX] . Both of these cars are dangerous to drive. These problems start out intermittently, and if the dealership cannot duplicate the problem, they will not fix anything, hoping to string you along past the warranty period. I tell them to check the fault code history and they tell me that they did not find any error codes. Both these cars also have the defective engine too- but so far my engines are working correctly. Invoices can be provided if needed. Found research shows that there are transmission problems with almost all generations of the Sonata's especially my 2 years - 2012 and 2014. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Electrical · CT

Hybrid System Warning! This is the second time I have received this issue. It seems like a big issue within these types of cars. The first time I took it to Hyundai and they said replace the transmission. I took it to my transmission guy and he just changed the alternator and it worked. Now today, I am getting the same error message, but all the answers online are completely different things. I called Hyundai again and they once again suggested to replace transmission. They are trying to rip people off. This car is a lemon.

Filed Sep 25, 2019 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · TX

In july 2019 2014 hyundai sonata as I was driving vehicle stalled. Again in september 2019 vehicle did same thing. Prior to that as I would put vehicle in park and turn off engine the shift nob would not completely be in park position. It would make a noise like it shifted. Took it to huyndai dealership and they were able to approve warranty for engine,but then stated it was going to need new transmission. And that the 3rd shift was difficult. As I look under recalls I see that campaign recall 123 was done 2014. However upon researching came across if dealership repaired a recall and it failed they should have been able to repair the problem. Unfortunately I was not getting anywhere with consumer affairs and getting recall campaign 123 repaired.. I needed vehicle running to get to work so since hyundai didn't want to repair something they supposedly billed out. I had to pay out of pocket for transmission repair.

Filed Mar 13, 2017 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · CT

Brought car in for service and mentioned issue with slipping transmission. Was told there was a slow leak and it would need to be replaced under warranty. Transmission was replaced but the same symptoms still occurred. Dealer then replaced the transmission a total of 4 times before giving the car back to me with the same problem. After an escalation to corporate and many months of back and forth I receive an urgent phone call to bring my vehicle in immediately because the computer system apparently had the wrong part number in it and the transmission they had been putting in all this time was the incorrect one. I am currently still waiting for the vehicle to be returned to me once again with the right transmission in it and see if the problem is now corrected. However, I have no idea what residual issues the vehicle may now have based on having the incorrect transmissions in there for more than 1000 miles.