On the morning of XXX, when starting my vehicle, I noticed that the oil warning light was flashing. The outside temperature was in the low 40s, which immediately raised concerns about the vehicle's engine and oil pressure. I promptly shut off the engine and checked the oil level. The oil level was full, as I expected, because I had checked it the previous day. I have consistently paid close attention to the oil level in this vehicle because it has consumed oil throughout the entire time I have owned it, beginning shortly after I purchased it brand new. Due to this ongoing issue, I make it a point to keep extra engine oil in my trunk so I can monitor and maintain the proper oil level. On XXXX, I stopped by the Joe Holland Hyundai Service Department and spoke with [XXX] about the oil warning light continuing to flicker while driving. Unfortunately, no resolution or explanation was provided. However, [XXX] did acknowledge that the engine in my vehicle had previously been identified on a problem list due to a machining error that occurred during the engine manufacturing process. This acknowledgment is particularly concerning because it suggests that Hyundai was aware of a potential manufacturing defect involving this engine. Despite the vehicle's ongoing oil consumption and the appearance of the oil warning light, I have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation or resolution from the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Hyundai Sonata oil consumption problems
651 of the 16,121 owner complaints about the Hyundai Sonata describe excessive oil consumption, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 651
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 90,000
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 211Check engine light 129Knocking 100Stalling 94Loss of power 55Fire or smoke 42Misfire 38Won't shift 24
Trouble codes mentioned
P1326 12P0010 3P0304 2P0303 2P2122 1P2096 1P0420 1P0302 1P0300 1P0011 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine was consuming oil. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while getting an oil change, the contact was informed that the oil pan was empty. The contact could not recall seeing leaks or making changes to the oil change routine. An independent mechanic informed the contact of an engine recall regarding excessive oil consumption. The contact was referred to the dealer. The contact had the oil inspected twice more and was informed of low oil levels on each occasion, but there were no leaks or burning oil odors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that no open recall was associated with the VIN. The dealer replaced several sensors; however, the contact was unable to specify which sensors were replaced. The dealer stated that the vehicle needed to be driven until the next oil service, at which point the oil would be changed and the engine sealed. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency hotline to file a safety complaint. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and a case was escalated. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
My car's engine is burning oil. I have maintained service of oil changes and fluids, etc. since I purchased my car. It is not that old in my opinion.
Hyundai dealership confirms I am in need of a new engine due to large oil consumption which is a known issue on 2018 Hyundai Sonata engines. Hyundai will not approve repairs because I am the second owner and vehicle is out of the 5 year warranty period. I only have 52K miles on my vehicle.
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic internal mechanical engine failure out of nowhere without any warning lights or previous symptoms. An inspection of the engine cylinder revealed a physical hole blown through the top of the Cylinder 2 piston, causing immediate and complete loss of engine compression. This sudden structural failure caused the vehicle to completely lose all propulsion and stall unexpectedly while in operation, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard on the road.This vehicle features Hyundai's 2.4L Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, a family with a well-documented history of manufacturing defects, severe oil consumption, and catastrophic internal structural failures. Because this failure occurred instantly and without a progressive warning, it put occupants at risk of a severe rear-end collision or stranding in an unsafe traffic pattern. I am filing this safety report because the catastrophic destruction of the internal engine components presents a persistent and dangerous hazard to public safety.
The oil is low, went to get looked at by another mechanic besides Dealer cause they want to hit you over the head with prices. Was told car burning oil. Took to dealer for Oil Consumption Test. Had to pay for oil change. Came back a little before 1,000 miles and car failed. They charging me 900.00 for next step because I can’t find ALL the oil changes. I just don’t get it, if this is a known issue with this model engine why do I have to pay.
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.
Excessive oil consumption. I lose 3 qt of oil every 1200 miles. I have had the required maintenance on the car and still having excessive oil consumption.
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V‑568 and 17V‑226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Recall number 18V934000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
- Risk
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Recall number 17V226000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
- Risk
- Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑671‑3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Recall number 15V568000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings
- What is wrong
- The spring clamp tangs on the coolant bypass hose may contact and possibly damage the engine fuel supply hose.
- Risk
- Fuel could leak from the damaged hose into the engine compartment and could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Rotate spring clamp to prevent contact with fuel hose; replace damaged hoses.
Recall number 90V037000 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Sonata oil consumption
Which Hyundai Sonata years have excessive oil consumption problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (146 complaints), 2016 (135 complaints) and 2015 (85 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix excessive oil consumption on the Hyundai Sonata?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 58 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Hyundai Sonata?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history