2016 Hyundai Sonata: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Engine · UT

While driving on the freeway, the check engine light started flashing and the gas pedal became useless. This put the driver and the passenger of the car in massive danger as they could no longer accelerate on the freeway. Luckily, they were able to get off the freeway without causing an accident. Upon reading the code at an auto shop, they discovered that it was P1326 or a knock sensor issue. This malfunction caused the car to go into limp mode and put the passengers in serious danger. Several calls to the Hyundai Service Center were made yesterday (Saturday, October 3rd). However, not one was ever answered. They hope to be able to get the car to the dealership's service center as soon as possible, but the earliest appointment online is multiple weeks away. This same car was recently at the dealership service center for an internal engine oil consumption problem and thoroughly inspected. The car is up to date on all software and recalls. Even though a valve cover replacement fixed the oil consumption issue, the owners are now having even worse issues. This is the only car for a married couple who are both working and going to college full-time. This issue has been a severe complication to their scheduling, and they were put in harm's way on the freeway.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Engine · MN

My 2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L suffered an in-transit engine failure and entered emergency limp mode with an active P1326 rod bearing defect code, which is a recognized fire and safety hazard under the federal safety agency mandates. Service Campaign 953 was successfully completed on August 12, 2019, qualifying the vehicle for a lifetime settlement engine replacement. Walser Hyundai Brooklyn Park (RO #257457) has issued an administrative denial based solely on a prior-salvage title flag from a cosmetic theft recovery. The manufacturer is actively stalling a court-ordered federal safety recall remedy based on an administrative title brand, despite the engine compartment being structurally original and undamaged. Hyundai Corporate Case #42869828 is open but unresolved.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · SC

This vehicle has a major engine flaw; Hyundai USA KNOWS about it, and STILL will not issue a recall for EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. First episode: October 2023 at 86,371 miles. Dealership replaced leaking valve cover gasket and changed woefully-soiled spark plugs. Still under manufacturer warranty, but I paid the balance. Second episode: FOUR MONTHS LATER (Feb. 2024; 89,078 miles), another limp mode and Check Engine lamp. The spark plugs are soiled again with oil, so the dealership changes the spark plugs again, instead of addressing the underlying issue - Excessive oil consumption. Still under warranty, yet I pay the bill...AGAIN. Episode Three: October 04, 2024. Hyundai Sonata goes into limp mode again with CHECK ENGINE LIGHT illuminating – cylinder 1 was misfiring. All spark plugs fouled again; all spark plugs replaced. Valve cover gasket was leaking, so that was replaced as well. Yup, I paid for the repairs out-of-pocket. Episode Four: May 02, 2025. Vehicle goes into limp mode again, with CHECK ENGINE LIGHT turning on. Another spark plug fouled up, so it was replaced. Ignition coil replaced as well. Episode Five: June 19, 2025. Limp mode and Check Engine Lamp illuminates yet again, so Hyundai of North Charleston (SC) initiates an oil consumption test. "...[3.5 quarts of] oil consumption is excessive...", yet Hyundai denies everything. Hyundai is actually admitting to an underlying issue but offers ZERO assistance.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I have a car covered by the Theta II Settlement. Engine, fuel system. Metal shavings found in oil and oil is diluted with fuel and oil if overfilled 1 inch above full mark on dipstick upon pickup from dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection at my residence; however, it is currently grounded as a known safety hazard. The vehicle is exhibiting symptoms of imminent engine failure (audible knocking, P0011 code, and oil dilution). Despite being shown evidence of this(photo and video of oil overfill and watery viscosity) , the manufacturer instructed me to continue operating the vehicle, placing myself, and other drivers at risk of a high-speed collision or vehicle fire. The symptoms (P0011 code and engine noise) were confirmed by an independent mechanic on March 25th 2026. However, during the official Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), the dealership intentionally overfilled the engine oil by 3 quarts (documented via photograph) to muffle mechanical noise and artificially pass the diagnostic and issued a pass on all inspections despite the oil hazard. Hyundai Corporate Case Manager Nikulmar Dhabi has admitted on record that the dealer was out of compliance by "being outside the standard notification time" yet they refuse to provide a safety-compliant remedy. Warning Symptoms & Appearance: Symptoms first appeared months ago when I repeatedly got a P0011 code, however On march 24th 2026 I received an engine light with a P0011 and the car going into limp mode while i drove. Warning signs included a persistent Check Engine Light (P0011) and audible metallic knocking. Upon checking the oil myself after the dealer "inspected" it, I discovered the oil was 3 quarts over the "Full" line, which is a deceptive practice used to mask rod bearing failure.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · UT

On November 10, 2025, my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN [XXX] , approximately 150,000 miles) experienced a sudden loss of power while I was turning right and accelerating into traffic. The vehicle immediately entered limp mode with flashing warning lights and audible alerts. The vehicle lost normal propulsion and could not accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation as it was blocking a traffic lane. I was forced to limp the vehicle into a nearby parking lot to get out of traffic. The vehicle was not safely drivable afterward and was towed home. A few days later, the vehicle was towed to Murdoch Hyundai in Lindon, Utah, for diagnosis. The vehicle was found to have diagnostic trouble code P1326, which Hyundai identifies as activation of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) related to connecting-rod bearing wear. This condition is part of Hyundai’s known engine defect and safety recall/warranty extension programs. During inspection, the dealer observed that the valvetrain did not show signs of neglect or sludge, which is inconsistent with oil starvation or severe maintenance neglect. This further supports that the failure is consistent with the known connecting-rod bearing defect addressed by Hyundai’s KSDS safety recall, rather than a maintenance-related issue. This is a safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion or reduced power while entering traffic creates a high risk of collision. Hyundai customer care has been unwilling to open a new case number or escalate review, and the dealer has indicated possible denial of engine replacement coverage based on incomplete oil-change records, despite the vehicle exhibiting the KSDS safety condition. I am requesting the federal safety agency review of this safety-related defect and the manufacturer’s handling of KSDS/P1326 failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Engine · DE

Was driving on the interstate, and took the exit I needed. Upon exiting before coming up to stop light, noticed check engine light flashing, and couldn't accelerate. RPMS were bouncing when I tried to accelerate. Pulled off onto side of road, called mechanically inclined friend who came with an obd2 sensor, and it was showing a P132600 code for Knock signal range performance, with an audible knocking sound, and engine vibration while on in idle. Got the code cleared so we could drive the car the 3 miles I needed to go to get to where I was going, 2 miles in, the engine light came back on and vehicle went back into limp mode. Called AAA and got the car to an in network mechanic shop for Carvana, whom i bought the car through a month prior. Proceeded to do an oil sample test and found it to be full of metal shavings. Said engine would need to be fully replaced. Vehicle is currently still at mechanic until SilverRock gets the claim and will see if the engine replacement is covered under warranty. Certified Automotive Inc. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Engine · CA

My check engine light came on and my car went into “limp mode” and wouldn’t go above 30 mph. It also kept blowing hot air through the vents and the coolant level thermometer kept raising.

Filed Jan 10, 2025 · Body, Engine · FL

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) denied my engine replacement claim (PA# [XXX]) under their extended warranty program, specifically campaign TXXI. This claim involves my 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4 , VIN # [XXX] , which exhibits all the symptoms and engine damage outlined in the campaign, yet my request for a free engine replacement has been unjustly denied. Campaign TXXI, as explained in the Technical Service Bulletin issued by Hyundai, extends the engine warranty applicable to 2015-2019 model year Sonata (LF) vehicles equipped with Theta II 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines. This warranty covers engine long block repair or replacement due to engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear and extends to a Limited Lifetime Warranty, valid for both original and subsequent owners. o On or about [XXX], my vehicle exhibited a blinking check engine light on the dash, entered into limp mode, and a knocking noise was coming from the engine. o As I was driving the vehicle to the Hyundai of North Miami Service Center on [XXX] (21400 NW 2nd av., Miami, FL 33169) for inspection, the engine locked up and stop, necessitating a call to a towing truck company to complete the trip. o Upon inspection, the service center identified significant engine damage, including, engine mechanical failure unable to turn on, and recommended that the vehicle require a new engine replacement. o These findings align with the engine damage described under campaign TXXI. o Despite meeting the campaign criteria, HMA denied my claim (PA#XXX) for an engine replacement on 11/22/2024. o HMA based its denial to my claim on the review of engine pictures and my inability to provide evidence supporting oil maintenance intervals between 35k- 68k miles, 78k-99k miles, and 142k-163k miles. HMA cited these maintenance gaps as the basis for suspecting engine neglect, some indications of sludge found on the engine, as the reason for the engine failure and subsequent locking. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Engine · FL

Engine in limp mode, CEL activated with code p1326. Knock sensor detection system activated, oil leaking. Car won't Rev past 1700 RPM.

Filed Oct 26, 2023 · Engine · OK

Engine failure. Metal in the engine oil pan. P1326 code. No warranty coverage and no recall. Replacing the parts myself. Vehicle went into limp mode without warning. Oil bypassing one of the pistons. Lower end was loose.

Filed Oct 7, 2023 · Engine · CO

Was driving home when my car went into limp mode - couldn’t pick up speed to keep up with the flow of traffic. This seems to be due to the car’s engine knock sensor being triggered. It is impossible to get it to the dealer in a timely manner. We are having to wait half a month before it can even be diagnosed.

Filed Aug 27, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · WI · crash · 2 injuries

This vehicle had a complete engine failure. Since it is a hybrid, when the engine shut down, the vehicle lost all power. The driver had no control over steering or brakes. The vehicle crashed through three trees and into a house. Hyundai Motors of America and the federal safety agency are aware of the issues with this vehicle's engine, however, this engine was already replaced. The problem was that the "limp mode" did not enact in this specific car. I brought this to Hyundai's attention at least 20 times and expressed my concern about the threat this vehicle posed to me and anyone else on the road, yet they continued to ignore me or attempt to rectify the issue. This vehicle was part of the class action lawsuit. I was told, after the seventh time the vehicle broke down (fourth time after engine replacement) that Hyundai would buy back the vehicle. That never happened. The vehicle shut down without "limp/safe mode", with an entire loss of power eight times and was brought into the dealership. Hyundai refused to help me. I knew it would end in disaster, and it did. I'm sure my vehicle is not the only one that does not have a safe mode taking effect when the power shuts off and there is no steering or brakes at 70 mph. I am using the date for the last time the vehicle shut off and the driver lost control and hit a house. However, there are eight other times this happened. I have more information and documentation if needed. I'm attaching my first claim, documents collected after that claim, the accident report (did not have photos attached, the photos are from the scene when I went there the next day), and all email conversations with Hyundai since the first engine failure. My big concern here is that even though Hyundai did try to repair the recall issues, they ignored everything else. I told them over and over that the limp mode did not work. This made it morally impossible for me to sell, even if I wanted to. They refused to help. I worry there may be others out there with this issue.