2019 Hyundai Sonata: engine failure

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · 140,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced severe overheating and excessive oil consumption. The contact also stated that there was a misfire in the engine even though the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced. Due to the failure, the vehicle could not be driven with the air conditioning activated. Additionally, the engine was knocking and shaking abnormally, causing an oil leak and a smoke odor due to the oil burning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an engine replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine · NJ

On January 26, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata SEL suddenly became inoperable overnight. The vehicle had been operating normally with no warning signs—no check-engine or oil-pressure light, abnormal engine noise, overheating, loss of power, or other indication of an impending failure. The following morning, the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on January 28, 2026, who determined that the engine was locked/seized. On February 11, 2026, it was towed to Wayne Hyundai for further diagnosis. The vehicle had only 51,533 miles and had received Hyundai’s Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update. Hyundai denied warranty coverage, citing engine sludge, despite my providing a complete service history after resubmiting the missing receipts I had previously misplaced. My primary concern is safety, not the warranty dispute. A sudden engine seizure without warning could cause an unexpected loss of propulsion or create a dangerous situation if the engine fails while the vehicle is being driven. This concerns me because Hyundai Theta II engines have previously been associated with engine seizure and stalling, including issues addressed through The Hyundai Theta II Engine Settlement: and subsequent litigation involving certain 2019 Sonata vehicles. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether a continuing or insufficiently addressed engine defect exists in affected 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles, particularly sudden engine seizure/no-start failures occurring without warning. I also ask the federal safety agency to examine whether existing recalls, campaigns, software updates, warranty extensions, and other remedies adequately protect owners when an engine fails suddenly before the KSDS system provides a warning.

Filed Apr 12, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

My 2019 Hyundai Sonata has been experiencing excessive oil consumption since I purchased it. The vehicle requires oil to be added approximately every two weeks, which indicates a serious internal engine issue. Recently, the check engine light turned on, and I took the vehicle to a dealership for inspection. I was told that the engine is “operating normally,” despite the ongoing oil consumption problem. I was also informed that the engine would only be replaced under warranty if it fails completely, such as through connecting rod bearing damage. This means I am expected to continue driving a vehicle that may suddenly fail without warning. I drive daily with my children, and I am concerned about the risk of sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could lead to a serious accident. I believe this is a known issue with these engines, and it represents a significant safety hazard that should be addressed before a catastrophic failure occurs.

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 32,000 miles · FL

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the failure reoccurred with the messages "Check Hybrid System” and “Turn Engine Off" being displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer for assistance. A diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that there was engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer requested proof of the last two oil changes. The contact obtained a Carfax Report, which showed proof of the oil changes and maintenance records. The manufacturer denied the goodwill request after several months of negotiations. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed Nov 29, 2025 · Engine · IL

My oil light came on after driving it about 4700 miles from purchase date. I checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick. 200 miles and 2 days later the check engine light came on and put it into limp mode. It was about a half quart low. I was put at risk for having to go slow on a main highway to get back home. I took it to a local Hyundai dealership they did a diagnostic and bearing clearance test for $572.00. They said it passed. Then I did a 1000 mile oil consumption test. They over filled my oil and it passed. The 2nd 1000 mile oil consumption test they did not over fill my oil and it failed. They told me they would submit a PA to Hyundai corporate and as long as the maintenance was done they would most likely replace the engine. He also told me my engine could blow anytime. They never called me back so when I called the dealership they said they denied it needed a new engine. They wanted me to pay another $800 to run a combustion test. I am not paying for anymore testing when they clearly have engine problems with many of their engines. I had warning signs and that’s when I called the dealership I purchased it from and went on this path. I was also told that this was covered under an extension warranty of 120, 000 miles. Only to be told by Hyundai corporate that it is not covered. This is an issue Hyundai is well aware of and they refuse to fix it.

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Engine · VA

My car has been with Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake Va since September 23rd. They have advised me that I will definitely need a new engine however, Hyundai is requiring them to do 2750.00 worth of work on my engine before they can submit a claim to have my engine replaced. They explained to me that one of the piston rings in my engine needs to be replaced. The service technician reassured me “the failure was nothing that I could have caused”. I have gotten my oil change regularly, and I have paperwork that shows that. The car is five years old. I’ve only had the car for 3 years and I’m the first owner. I have never driven my car long distance. I work from home. The most I do is take my boys to and from school which is at the most 5.1 miles away from my home. The dealer recommended that I call Hyundai my self and start a case. Which I did. Two days later Hyundai Canada called to tell me their decision is final and my case was denied because the warrant is 5 years/60,000 miles I told them the car was over the 60,000 mileages when I bought it and I’m still well within the 5-yr mark. She then says, basically that the piston failure is not included in the extended warranty. However the class action suit states differently. The dealership advised me that their system shows a 99 yr warranty on the engine, which they took that to mean lifetime. They priced me a new engine at 7111.00 in addition to the 2750.00 of engine work they told me I must get done before hyundai would approve me for a new engine. I have been in contact with the lawyers handling the Hyundai/Kia 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI Engine Class Actions. They have added me to the data base and provided me some direction. which have led me to you, the federal safety agency.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Engine · PA

Excessive oil consumption leading to no or low oil levels. Piston ring design flaw allowing oil to leak into combustion chamber, damaging the spark plugs. No warning lights until failure posing a significant crash risk for my family. Engine failure at 134K miles without warning, rings need replaced, per mechanic. I am shocked as I just paid the car off and thought Hyundai was a good brand.

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Engine · NJ

I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America and the Freehold Hyundai dealership located in New Jersey, regarding the ongoing engine oil consumption issues in my Hyundai Sonata. I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata and its now 90,000 miles, I began noticing extreme oil loss, far more than a quart per thousand miles, with no visible leaks, no smoke, and no warning lights. I brought the vehicle to Freehold Hyundai for an evaluation, and they performed an oil consumption test, confirming the issue. They submitted a goodwill repair request to Hyundai Corporate, which was denied solely on the basis that I am the second owner, and the powertrain warranty does not transfer. The dealership offered a $200 PCV valve replacement (a part that costs $6–$20), but even their staff said it likely won’t resolve the issue. Their proposed solution is a full engine replacement costing $8,000 or more, which I cannot afford. I believe this is part of a broader manufacturing defect, and Hyundai should take accountability for the engine failure, especially considering similar complaints from Sonata and Elantra owners nationwide. TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) have been issued on related issues. A car engine should not fail before 100,000 miles under normal use, regardless of ownership transfer. This issue has been the subject of TSB 20-01-004H, which addresses excessive oil consumption due to piston ring Hyundai’s refusal to provide any real assistance or remedy — and the dismissive conduct by dealership management — has left me feeling discriminated against, frustrated, and financially trapped. I request the BBB’s help in facilitating a fair resolution, either through: A warranty repair or subsidized engine repair Coverage under goodwill or defect-related remedy Reimbursement or alternative assistance Please find all supporting documentation attached, including my Hyundai case number dealer correspondence, and oil test results.

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Car has 39,495 miles. First owner of vehicle. Have advised dealership since 2024 that there was a oil issue as i have only went to them for oil changes. I advised that as they can see the car is barely driven and the oil is disappearing. They claimed nothing was wrong and made me pay for a oil change again. Come this year, I advise again there is a issue, they tried to have me pay for a oil change again and I advised something else needs done. They argued I was not the first owner and the car was not in warranty however I bought the car from their lot and I am the original owner. Then they stated I had to pay for another oil change for the oil consumption. Then they claimed they would just do the oil consumption and then to drive 1,000 miles and bring it back. After the oil consumption engine light is on. I drove 1,000 miles, brought it back and the engine failed the test. The dealership changed the engine. 5 days later engine light is on, car is stalling and brake locked up, then car would not start and was smoking under the hood. Car was then towed to the dealership. They claimed nothing is wrong and they reset the code for the engine light to go away. They stated evap code was on but was not persistent so it's fine. Few days later engine light comes on again and once the car has been running, you shut it off go to start it again it won't start unless you have it sit for a while. I Take it back to the dealership they point next to the engine saying a purge valve, but the wants money for a diagnostic. They do the diagnostic and still provide maybes, as they claim the filler neck is rusted and corrosion. I take the car to another place who states the filler neck is fine.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Engine · TX

I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 2 years. I have taken it to the dealership Vandergriff Hyundai in arlington, tx advising the oil light keeps coming on before oil change is due this was before my warranty had expired on my vehicle. I was told that they could not find anything wrong and a oil change was completed, but no oil consumption test was done. I asked about any recall for knock sensor and i was advised that had already been completed. I have no proof of this being completed. After researching the issue, I discovered that this is a known engine defect covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 23-EM-008H, which relates to excessive oil consumption. This condition can lead to engine failure, posing a significant safety risk if the engine fails while driving at high speeds or in traffic. This issue is part of an active class-action lawsuit and has affected numerous vehicles with the same engine type. I had my oil changed on April 26th, 2025 and as of June 24, 2025 it was 3 quartz low. this is not normal and it is dangerous.

Filed May 5, 2025 · Engine · OH

The car stalled and came to a stop on the highway which was very dangerous. Took it to mechanic and they found the cylinder 3 and 4 misfire and suggested we take it to hyundai dealer for repair. Took it to hyundai dealer and they did a compression test and found only 40% compression in cylinder 4. All cylinders should be around 180%. Engine needs to be replaced and hyundai refuses to help.

Filed Apr 10, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · TN

I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE in December 2024. Within one month, the vehicle consumed 3.5 quarts of oil out of a 5-quart capacity. After researching the issue, I discovered that this is a known engine defect covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 23-EM-008H, which relates to excessive oil consumption. This condition can lead to engine failure, posing a significant safety risk if the engine fails while driving at high speeds or in traffic. This issue is part of an active class-action lawsuit and has affected numerous vehicles with the same engine type. I am reporting this defect so that the federal safety agency can track the scope of the problem and determine whether a recall should be issued.