2015 Hyundai Sonata: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · MA

1.) Following Hyundai's 9C2 Campaign update for the ECU that was completed back on May 27th, 2026, my 2015 Sonata went into limp mode [solid check engine light present] while I was accelerating up an on-ramp on the 2nd drive cycle since the update was performed. I was already far away from the dealership so I was forced to limp it to my local shop that I regularly use to have it checked out. It was confirmed that the code on the vehicle was P200A for intake manifold runners. Since the update was for smog regulation, the code was cleared in order to see if it would come back. Since then, it has not, however the vehicle continues to have one persistent problem. The RPMs will dramatically dip and then surge back upwards while the car is coasting (no gas and no brake applied). 70% of the time, you can feel the car violently jerk as it appears to try and correct itself. 2.) I've brought this car to multiple dealerships, have a case open with corporate and have also found that this is a systemic issue with this specific update in these cars. All and all, nothing has been done. I'm repeatedly turned away over and over again because their techs are only permitted to look into it once they have hard evidence of a fault. In this case, that would be a dashboard light. I'm told that I may only return if the check engine light comes back, which as I mentioned previously, posed a HUGE safety risk to myself the first time it appeared. If I can only go 55mph down the highway, I am at risk of being rear-ended or struck in some way. 3.) The problem has not been reproduced by the dealer as they will not test drive it to see the dip and spike. However, the code was still pending for awhile in the vehicle before it cleared it on its own, so that was acknowledged by at least one place. 4.) Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but a dealership and local mechanic. 5.) No other signs prior to the vehicle limping out on me other than some acceleration concerns on May 27th, 2026.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Engine · CA

In August 2025, my car went into "limp mode" (go no faster than 40 MPH and it was lurching and speed dropping) on the freeway, which was scary and dangerous. Once home, I called a certified mechanic. When this mechanic tried to start the car, it made a terrible clacking noise. He told me it sounded like the main bearings were going out. He discovered that there was a recall on this particular vehicle because the main bearings would fail. The local dealer confirmed that the car was subject to the recall and requested that the car be brought in. Because I am on limited income, I could not afford to have the car towed until November 2025. Once there, the dealership verified that the main bearings went out. A claim was made to the manufacturer. The claim was denied claiming "outside influence." I provided service records to the manufacturer, but before they had all the maintenance records, they closed my case and will no longer take documents or even speak to me or the dealer. I have been without a car for almost 10 months. I have seen documented cases that trying to start the car could lead to dangerous engine fires.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine · TX

My vehicle has a lifetime warranty that is currently not being honored. It is currently in limp mode and showing a code P1326 which is an engine failure and possible fire hazard. The dealership has had my car for three weeks and have made no attempts to repair my vehicle which they are required to do by law under the Theta II Settlement. I was lied to by both dealerships. One stated my vehicle was branded as junk which was false. And now they are denying me due to mileage which shouldn’t be factor since the warranty is a lifetime warranty.

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving my 2015 Hyundai Sonata, the vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. A loud engine knocking noise was present, and acceleration was severely limited, creating a safety risk in traffic. The check engine light illuminated at the time of the failure. An independent mechanic confirmed diagnostic trouble code P1326, related to the engine knock sensor detection system designed to detect early engine bearing failure. The condition occurred without warning. The vehicle is currently not being driven to prevent further damage and is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of power while driving poses a serious safety hazard. This appears to be a known engine defect affecting similar vehicles.

Filed Nov 23, 2025 · Engine · FL

On the highway, my 2015 Hyundai Sonata suddenly began making a squealing or metallic rattling noise. At first, I thought it might have been something loose inside the vehicle. Within moments, the check engine light began blinking, followed by several additional warning lights and a pronounced knocking noise from the engine area. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle entered a reduced-power “limp mode” and began rapidly losing speed, even though the engine was still running. Because this occurred at highway speed while surrounding traffic was traveling normally, I had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid being struck. This created a significant safety hazard. I was stranded for approximately 45 minutes on the shoulder, at risk of being struck by other vehicles passing at high speeds. A tow truck arrived before the highway patrol, and the vehicle was towed home. When I returned home, my code reader pulled two versions of diagnostic code P1326, which is associated with potential engine bearing failure in Hyundai Theta II engines. The issue has since been inspected by the dealership, who confirmed the presence of the P1326 code. The vehicle is currently available for further inspection upon request. There were no prior symptoms that I was aware of leading up to the incident other than the brief squealing/rattling noise and the sudden warning lights immediately beforehand. The failure happened suddenly and without warning, causing an immediate and unexpected loss of speed and creating a dangerous situation on the highway.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · GA

The engine light started to come on and go off and when I got the codes ran, it said something along the line of misfire. I had the spark plugs changed and I kept regular maintenance done on oil changes and tune ups. Now my engine is knocking and the vehicle is in limp mode.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Engine · NC

Wednesday evening [XXX] I was driving on a rural Hwy entering onto another Hwy at a one way stop sign. This stop sign was on a blind hill with a partial obstructed view from the right and left. As I pulled out onto the road to go north onto a two lane Hwy towards my home, a truck pulling a trailer came into view from the left. To me the distance looked very close, so I accelerated to avoid a possible collision. Less than a mile down the hill my vehicle lost all forward movement. I costed to a safe stop on the side of this 2 lane Hwy. No warning lights or engine check lights were on the dash just typical signs of some sort of engine failure. The electrical system was fine. Everything else was working as it should. I had no idea I didn’t have forward acceleration until I stepped on the gas at the bottom of the hill. I costed to a safe location on the side of the road. At this point I tried to put the engine in Park from Drive. It would not go into Park. I turned the ignition off and removed the shift release button after which moved the gears to park. I attempted to restart the engine but it would not roll over. I had it towed by AAA from that point to my Hyundai dealership in Cornelius NC. They diagnosed the problem on Tuesday afternoon. The engine had seized up. I am just now learning that this is a class action suit on this particular engine. Very grateful that I was not on Hwy 77 in the fast lane or the express lane. That could possibly have escalated the failure to a deadly failure without warning and no where to pull over at higher speeds. No one should Have to die to make corporations responsible for the safety of their customers. This is our sixth or seventh Hyundai in our family. My Sonata was well maintained. This should not have happened. Will you please look at this issue for the consumers with the same car? I am still without a car or a loaner/rental and am getting ready to go back on assignment.

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Engine · 12,257 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, was jerking, and failed to exceed 45 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was driven to a nearby dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to the connecting rod bearing failure. The dealer filed a claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied. The dealer replaced the two engine knock sensors and the main fuel lines. Additionally, the fuel tank was drained; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to connecting rod bearing failure. The dealer filed another claim with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,257.

Filed Mar 13, 2024 · Engine · CA

Car repeatedly illuminates check engine light since my purchase on 9/30/2023. When this happens the car goes into limp mode, fails to accelarate and at times stalls. This has happened on the freeway and at busy intersections while driving.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Engine · CA

Check engine light illuminates repeatedly causing the car to go into limp mode (max speed of 30) & at times it stalls while driving. I purchased it on 9/30/23 & check engine warning light has illuminated 20+ since then. I’ve repaired and addressed all of the codes. It also occasionally accelerates abruptly when stopped causing the car in front of me to be hit from behind. In addition to all of the above safety issues, it also has an extremely high oil consumption rate. The engine is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Engine · IN · fire

The same as all other Hyundai I’ve seen from 2011 to 2019. Error code reads P1326 manufacturer control. the vehicle shut off on me 65 on the highway without warning. hook up the car to the computer and it has returned no code so we troubleshoot by that the starter was burnt up and we replace it everything‘s fine for two days. Then of course I get the manufacturer code P1326 and find out that 100s are not thousands of Hyundai have been recalled for the same issue. Also, like all other complaints, I’ve seen car went into limp mode or reduced power mode and the check engine light is flashing

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Engine · WI

The vehicle is demonstrating clear signs of engine failure based off the symptoms Hyundai states on its website for the rod knock bearing recall (no power, enters limp mode, white smoke out tailpipes, etc.) Hyundai states vehicle passes testing. Engine also has oil consumption issues, has had its PVC value fail twice in ten months, and burns through 1.5 qts of oil every 496 miles (has failed all 3 consumption tests). The vehicle has stalled out on multiple occasions and risked my/my child's life, has required cylinder cleanings and fuel injection cleanings, and the engine gets extremely hot. This is the second failed engine in the Sonata, and Hyundai has not stated if they will replace it.