Hyundai Sonata phantom braking problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Driver assistance · IL

The vehicle is experiencing an immediate and severe safety hazard involving the sudden, simultaneous failure of multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Specifically, both the front and side collision warning systems repeatedly trigger false visual and audible alerts when there are no physical obstacles, surrounding traffic, or adverse weather conditions present. Most critically, these false sensor alarms frequently result in severe "phantom braking" incidents. While traveling at normal cruising speeds, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system unexpectedly engages and aggressively applies the brakes without warning or cause. This unprovoked deceleration creates a critical hazard, drastically increasing the risk of a rear-end collision from trailing vehicles. A temporary mitigation requires manually changing the driver assistance settings from "Active Assist" to "Warning Only" every time the vehicle is turned on, as the system defaults back to active braking upon restart. Cleaning the windshield camera and the front radar plate does not resolve the issue, pointing to a deeper systemic electronic, hardware, or software network failure within the vehicle's safety management modules. The manufacturer needs to investigate this multi-zone sensor malfunction and the resulting unexpected automated braking actions.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 158,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal while at a stop light, the vehicle continued rolling forward. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking causing the vehicle suddenly decelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local Midas Service Center who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, and a software update was performed on the braking system; however, shortly after retrieving the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Brakes · AL

Vehicle brakes sound and feel rough when pressing them. And when backing up the vehicle spotted another car turning in and hit brakes automatically. Car jerked hard as if I hit something. Very rough. Made a scrubbing sound. Does the same when pressing the parking button. It perks and makes the scrubbing sound. Just purchased Vehicle 2weeks ago. No inspection on it yet. A warning light about the approaching car but didn't know it was going to hit on brakes by itself so forcefully. Car wasn't near the vehicle just in the scenery of the camera.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Driver assistance · 2,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and nearly came to a complete stop. The contact stated that the automatic emergency braking system unexpectedly engaged while there were no roadway obstacles or vehicles near the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they would need to verify whether the repair would be covered under the active warranty. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Bought in 2023 @ 98k miles. Have had trouble with 1.it would only start in drive, then that seems to have self corrected. 2. In drive, car would not accelerate properly, and would slow as though I was braking, but no foot on brake. Had rear brake sensor replaced, seemed better for a while. 3. Developed oil leak at 120 miles which valvoline characterized as "not serious...just keep checking it and topping it off." So, have been doing that. Today after oil change, it began running rough, lots of vibration, then the shifting problem, sluggishness, and new..smoke from under hood on driver's side. No check engine lights at all. Nothing registered as hot or overheating. Turned off car, checked oil and trans fluid, both in proper range for warm engine. Let car sit and cool for an hour. Decided I had parked too close to the propane tanks for a smoking car, so I decided to start car just to back it into a space across the lot. Car had no issues- No smoke, no jerking or vibration, no sluggishness, no phantom braking. This car has done this same thing about once every 6 months since I've had it. Changed a tire sensor, that seemed to fix it once. Stopped using cruise control altogether, that seemed to help once. My brother is an ASE certified high school auto mechanics teacher who ran his own shop for 20 years and worked on trucks for VDOT for another 7 years and he cannot diagnose it. I know it has something to do with not being in the correct gear, but it's not reliable, and I have a hard time believing it's just my vehicle.

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Body, Brakes · PR

I am reporting multiple safety-related problems with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0 that have become progressively worse and may pose a serious danger. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light starts blinking during startup, then remains solidly illuminated while driving. This indicates a persistent fault in the stability system. The car also frequently slows down or brakes on its own, without any input from me. This happens especially right after starting the car or while driving in traffic, and has caused multiple near-accidents. These issues first appeared around two years ago, but they used to happen occasionally. Over time, they have become more frequent, and now they occur daily. There is also a grinding or dragging noise when the vehicle starts or moves at low speed, and it often hesitates when trying to accelerate. These symptoms create uncertainty and make the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. Inside the car, the dashboard has severely cracked, with deep, wide splits across the top panel. I’m concerned this could interfere with airbag deployment or reflect light dangerously while driving. On the outside, the paint is peeling off in large chunks, and I’ve noticed the same problem on other Sonatas of this model. This suggests a wider manufacturing issue and raises concerns about long-term durability and corrosion. These problems have not been confirmed by a mechanic yet, but they are consistent, worsening, and clearly pose a safety risk. I have recorded a video that shows the ESC warning and the sound it makes, which I am including for reference. Video evidence of ESC malfunction and mechanical noise: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · PR

I am reporting multiple serious issues with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0, which has only 30,000 miles. Despite the low mileage, the vehicle is experiencing major safety and quality problems. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light stays on constantly, indicating a system failure. On startup, the car sometimes applies the brakes by itself, and there’s a loud noise like something is stuck or grinding. The traction control light also comes on during this. While driving, the car will suddenly slow down on its own, even when I’m not braking. When I press the gas pedal, it barely responds or takes too long to accelerate. Sometimes, this happens at the same time as the ESC warning, which feels extremely unsafe — especially on highways or in traffic. The push-to-start button often delays before the engine turns over, which is abnormal. The A/C system only blows warm air, regardless of temperature settings, and no cold air comes out. I also have a serious issue with the paint peeling off in large chunks from the body of the car. It’s happening despite proper care, and I’ve seen other Hyundai Sonatas of the same year with the same issue, which suggests a widespread paint defect. These issues have not yet been diagnosed by a dealership, but given the low mileage and frequency, I believe this model may have serious defects in safety systems and paint quality. I’m very concerned for my safety and request a full investigation.

Filed Jan 7, 2022 · MI

Hello The car shut off on the freeway while driving. The display lit up light a Xmas tree including the forward collision warning. I though this was an isolated incident. It has happened now numerous times. The car even braked on its own then shut off while turning in the middle of a busy intersection. There are several reports of very similar symptoms on Edmonds under reviews. This car is dangerous. I have contacted Hyundai twice now.

Filed Aug 12, 2020 · 650 miles · NY

The car while I'm driving sometimes the car is unstable also when I turn on the car and I prepare to put it on drive the car apply the emergency brakes by itself. The emergency brake light is on and there is no way to remove it, I have to turn the car on and off continually until finally the car removes the brakes. I was driving on the highway and on the street and while I was doing so the car put on the brakes by itself. One to two months ago I took the car to the dealer and I told them about it but they said that the care needs 2 updates, apparently the car has two recalls. 6 hours later after the update the care wasn't working properly and they kept the car for 3 to 4 days, I got a loner by then. Last week wednesday 08/05/2020 I took the car again to report the problem and I was told the care would be ready in 5 hours but after 5 hours it wasn't. Since I didn't feel safe in the car I told them to keep the car and give me a loaner because the car is going to take one week to fix because they have to order parts, they want to keep the car but they didn't want to give me a loaner. I contact hyundai corporate to report this incident because it is twice already, and I was told that someone would be in contact with me in the next 48 hours. I missed the call and I have been trying to call to get in contact with them again to fix the problem but every time I call they come with another excuse. The case manager in charge of the case is garrison and the case number 17216875.

Filed Jun 27, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 94,000 miles · TX

Car began to start braking on its own at approximately 94,000 miles while driving in clear weather both at high and low speeds. Shortly after, the ESC malfunction light on the dash came on. Took it to the dealership where the brake pedal stopper was replaced. (note: this has not been recalled on this model) less than two weeks later the problem was back. Took the car back to the dealership. Brake pedal switch was replaced. Again a few weeks later the problem was back. Dealership could not find the problem. After weeks of back and forth with hyundai, they finally sent an engineer. Now they're saying the casing for the tail lights need to be replaced because the brake lights have burned the wiring and melted the casing. All during this time, my car will start (push button) without having my foot on the brakes. This is a serious safety issue. I've read reports of the brake lights staying illuminated due to the brake pedal stopper issue. I'm assuming this is what caused the melting and wiring issue. The brake pedal stopper needs to be recalled for this model!