2019 Hyundai Sonata: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine · 90,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 58 MPH. The contact retrieved DTC: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) at O'Reilly Auto Parts and stated that the knock sensor had previously been replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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 Jun 22, 2026 · Transmission · CA

2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport. (Original owner). Problem: Transmission. [XXX] (9,912 miles). Lack of power, vehicle did not move when trying to merge onto freeway. Very unsafe. Also, hesitation and jerking. [XXX] (10,619 miles). Lack of power, hesitation, jerking. Hyundai tech performed TSB, TCU updates, ECU update for knock sensor performance, reset engine & transmission updates. [XXX] (41,332 miles). Harsh shifts, hesitation, jerking, clunk sound, gear grabs, bursts of power, lack of power. Unsafe to drive. February 2, 2026 (41,751 miles). Hyundai tech found leak at case seal. Hyundai replaced transmission. [XXX] rough start, vibration in pedals. March 9, 2026 Hyundai tech found transmission fluid leak at case seal. Hyundai replaced transmission. March 25, 2026 Hyundai service advisor voicemail said, have to submit to Hyundai another transmission replacement because new transmission is not good. Issues shifting in reverse, hard slams, loses gears. [XXX] picked up vehicle from Hyundai service dept. Harsh shifting, hesitation, jerking, clunk sound, gear grabs, bursts of power. Clunk sound in steering wheel when turned back-and-forth. Front end vibration & wobbly. Vehicle unsafe. May 26, 2026. I notified Hyundai Motor America. Case #[XXX]. June 10, 2026 (43,000 miles). Hyundai service dept. informed me of right and left front axle replacement, universal steering joint replacement. Vehicle unsafe. [XXX] (43,000 miles). Test drove car with Hyundai tech. Verified front end vibration & shaking. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Hyundai service manager said that Hyundai should recall the transmissions. To date, my car is still at Hyundai service dept. Hyundai's service manager said that the Hyundai service dept. will have a meeting regarding my car and include Hyundai's service director, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Sep 12, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. In addition, while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown piston and cylinder #2 failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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 Mar 19, 2025 · Engine · 89,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal knocking sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had to add oil to the engine after an oil change. The oil level had been low by one quart, three quarts, or even more on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was oil leaking from the gaskets. There was an internal leak in the engine. The dealer informed the contact about an oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact about the associated fees. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 4 years. I started getting a "Knock Sensor" code. I replaced the knock sensor and still had problems. Hyundai had a recall and they reprogrammed my computer board. A year later I was having the same issues. My car started stalling out. Took back to the dealership they said my engine had sludge and now they're saying that there is a hole in my engine. Hyundai is saying that I don't qualify for assistance.

Filed Aug 31, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · SC

Car has a rod knock, has been looked at by a private mechanic, seen online there was a recall on Hyundai Sonatas for rod knock issues.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Engine · OK

We keep getting an engine light every 2-3weeks. That sets the engine in a safe mode (limp mode). The code comes up Knock sensor overheat. Tho inspecting the engine we have notice in that time frame the car is low 1-2qts oil. Once the oil has either been replaced or added to and code reset it drives normal. Again until 2-3 weeks and bam. A course now we know to check our oil. After hours of research, we see no recalls for our car. Tho many years back that have had the exact same issue. The issues also came to light when car hit around 80k miles.

Filed Oct 8, 2022 · Engine · FL

The dates are backwards because of the most serious incident which put my safety at risk. On October 3, 2022, while driving on a busy interstate, in rush hour traffic all of a sudden my car began to stall, there was a rattling/knocking sound emitting from the car, I lost power, could not accelerate and my check engine light began to flash. This leads me to believe it was an engine malfunction or failure involving the engine after viewing various ?online complaints. This was a safety risk not only to myself but to others because there is a posted speed limit that must be maintained on major highways. Other drivers began honking their horns, which added more fear to the anxiety I was already experiencing. In retrospect, had a car not realized I had slowed could have hit my car, which could have resulted in fatal injuries to my infant son and I. There was a recall service campaign update 953, which is related to the knock sensor detection system, which was performed on my car in February 2020. Furthermore, on October 1, 2022 while driving a red oil lamp began to flash on my car. I pulled over on the side of the road, called my personal mechanic who then informed me to get someone to bring oil before driving from the location. Once my friend brought the oil, it took 5 quarts before the light stopped blinking and I was able to drive home. The next day, I saw what appeared to be dark colored oil on ground where my car was parked overnight. Subsequently, I took the car to inspect the leak, because Hyundai informed me nothing would be covered because I was just outside of my 60,000 mile warranty. While at the mechanic it was found that I had an oil leak emitting from a crack in my oil pan. Again, my personal mechanic advised I take my car to the dealer, which I had the car towed on October 5, still waiting for a response on the status of my car(10/8/2022) from Hyundai while paying for a rental out of my own pocket.