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2019 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 161.

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How this year compares

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

46 reports with mileage · 115 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports

Engine complaints

86 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2025
Engine

My Hyundai is having oil consumption issues, Hyundai isn't stepping up and won't pay for my consumption test saying it's out of warranty, it's a 2019 with only 69895 miles on it. We are the second owner and there's been no maintenance done on this car for the year that we've owned it. We have all the oil change records and alt…

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My Hyundai is having oil consumption issues, Hyundai isn't stepping up and won't pay for my consumption test saying it's out of warranty, it's a 2019 with only 69895 miles on it. We are the second owner and there's been no maintenance done on this car for the year that we've owned it. We have all the oil change records and although we didn't start until January to regularly record the oil we were needing to put in we only get about 600 miles before we need to had 3/4 to 1 full quart. I know this is an issue that's been happening to numerous Hyundai owners and I'm reaching out as I feel something more needs to be done. I have a 2013 Sonata that had a recall on it and I got a full engine replacement on that at 135,000 miles. Is NHTSA looking at recognizing this as something that Hyundai needs to take ownership of? I apologize for rambling, but this is so frustrating. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11644747

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2025
Engine

Car started consuming large amount of oil at 80,000 miles, no leaks or drips under the car or on any of the under panels. I am adding a quart of oil every 1000 miles.

NHTSA ODI #11636960

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2024
Engine

The part in question is the oil pan. An oil leak was identified at the place where I get my oil changed. The service center at the dealership informed me that there was a crack in the oil pan due to overtightening of the drain plug. I am not sure how they made that connection. The risk of this oil leak could lead to engine f…

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The part in question is the oil pan. An oil leak was identified at the place where I get my oil changed. The service center at the dealership informed me that there was a crack in the oil pan due to overtightening of the drain plug. I am not sure how they made that connection. The risk of this oil leak could lead to engine failure if oil levels drop below a certain level. There were no warning lights or messages from the car about the oil leak.

NHTSA ODI #11632717

115,000 miles · Dec 23, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Since april 2025 i’ve been having low oil readings in my vehicle despite regular oil changes I took it into the dealer since my vehicle was still under warranty, which they stated only one part was under warranty. I had to pay $800…

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Since april 2025 i’ve been having low oil readings in my vehicle despite regular oil changes I took it into the dealer since my vehicle was still under warranty, which they stated only one part was under warranty. I had to pay $800 after this was replaced. I started having engine light come on. This engine light when I paid a diagnostic fee I learned that the cylinder three was misfiring. It was suggested that I have an oil change and get the oil level checked again within a week. This was done and it was determined that it was burning too much oil. I submitted this to the insurance and was told that this was not covered that there must be another reason why this was not working the way it should. 3 weeks ago Then I was asked to replace the spark plugs and coils. These were replaced for an additional cost of approximately $300. After replacing this, the check engine light gave the same condition of third cylinder damage.. And the oil level continue to decrease The vehicle was left with the dealer for approximately 10 days. They stated that the engine needed to be cleaned due to possible carbon buildup for about $800 then they stated that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced with a specific brand and not the type that Was previously used. Then my vehicle was returned to me, performing sluggishly with the check engine light returning with the same condition of third cylinder misfire. An inspection is available. How was your safety put at risk? The possibility engine failure away from hom Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes twice Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes frequently over the last 2 months

NHTSA ODI #11632115

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2024
EngineFire

I started the car and smoke came from the engine compartment I didnt think anything of it but the smoke keep getting worse . So I pulled over and open the hood to find fire come from on top of the Engine the flames got higher so I asked an local restaurant for an fire extinguisher I put it but know these cars this could of b…

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I started the car and smoke came from the engine compartment I didnt think anything of it but the smoke keep getting worse . So I pulled over and open the hood to find fire come from on top of the Engine the flames got higher so I asked an local restaurant for an fire extinguisher I put it but know these cars this could of been an big problem if I had parked in the garage or park next to other cars or even if I keep driving . It would of not been good! By this time the Shelby Twp. fire dept showed up and sprayed more water on it.

NHTSA ODI #11624128

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2024
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

Failed Component: Engine - Burnt Valve/ Snapped Piston/ Piston Scrapping Internally; available for inspection - Risk of safety: Car sputters/jerks upon acceleration, takes a long time to gain speed, STALLS when slowing or stopping, may or not start after stalling, violently shakes while driving - Problem has been confirmed by Hy…

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Failed Component: Engine - Burnt Valve/ Snapped Piston/ Piston Scrapping Internally; available for inspection - Risk of safety: Car sputters/jerks upon acceleration, takes a long time to gain speed, STALLS when slowing or stopping, may or not start after stalling, violently shakes while driving - Problem has been confirmed by Hyundai dealer/repair - Component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative; only Hyundai repair - Warning lamp, messages, and symptom PRIOR to failure, NO, after the failure, YES; check engine light and all symptoms listed above; all appeared approximately September 15, 2024. Since the purchase of the vehicle in January 2024, I have made complaint regarding the performance of the vehicle. Have had multiple oil changes/fill ups within the last 7 months, due to excessive oil consumption. Vehicle has had scheduled maintenance, several diagnostics, and too many trips to the dealership/repair for a 5 year old vehicle, with regular maintenance, and 3 owners. I have owned the vehicle for less than a year and I am UNABLE TO DRIVE IT DUE TO HYUNDAI STATING IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. It stalls when slowing and stopping, which it may or may not start back up - this happened a few times in the middle of traffic. It will not gain speed appropriately when moving from a complete stop, inhibiting me from keeping up with traffic. It shakes violently while accelerating, causing mishandling and ability to steer effectively.

NHTSA ODI #11623798

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2024
Engine

In April of 2024 initially the car was under warranty. I took my vehicle to the Edmond Hyundai dealership to see why I kept having to put oil in the car in between oil changes. The dealership said iI needed an oil consumption test to determine if the loss of oil amount was excessive. They changed the oil and i drove it 1000 mile…

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In April of 2024 initially the car was under warranty. I took my vehicle to the Edmond Hyundai dealership to see why I kept having to put oil in the car in between oil changes. The dealership said iI needed an oil consumption test to determine if the loss of oil amount was excessive. They changed the oil and i drove it 1000 miles and returned it to the dealership. They said it was was around 1 quart low, which is acceptable and "normal". This isn't normal. I tried to get them to check the engine again and do other tests but they wouldn't. It is now October of 24' and I am still putting oil in between oil changes because the light comes on. I took the car back to the dealership on 10/19 and they said the only thing they could do is another consumption test to determine if the oil loss is excessive. I asked them to do a more thorough check of the engine and cited the previous time I brought the car in for the same issue that was not resolved. The mileage is now just over the warranty threshold, but they are still wanting me to pay for whatever service needs to be done to the vehicle, whether it's a combustion cleaning or a new engine. The safety of the car is of concern now and since this car is driven by the three drivers in the family, I do not want them put at a risk on the road if something fails because of oil loss and engine seize. Hyundai needs to be held accountable and honor warranty, safety, and service. The dealers need to help the customer and go above and beyond. The staff at Edmond Hyundai kept going back to the consumption test and all the steps they need to follow before they could send in a submission for doing a combustion cleaning when clearly there was an issue. I am beyond frustrated with the lack of concern for safety and customer satisfaction.

NHTSA ODI #11620755

Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

Around the 70,000 to 80,000 mile range, I began to notice that I needed more frequent oil changes. Additionally, when making turns, the oil pressure light would illuminate. I reported these concerns to the service manager, Steve Purvis, at Noblesville Hyundai, who advised that the light simply indicated the need for an oil chang…

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Around the 70,000 to 80,000 mile range, I began to notice that I needed more frequent oil changes. Additionally, when making turns, the oil pressure light would illuminate. I reported these concerns to the service manager, Steve Purvis, at Noblesville Hyundai, who advised that the light simply indicated the need for an oil change. Due to the ignorance of Steve Purvis, I took my vehicle to Hyundai of Carmel, where the issue was not addressed until I reached 97,000 miles. During this time, the valve covers were replaced twice, yet there were no active leaks, and the problem persisted. Hyundai subsequently denied my request for an oil consumption test to further diagnose the issue. I then took my vehicle to a different shop, where a mini oil consumption test revealed that my car burned over 2 quarts of oil from Friday to Monday. Additionally, my start/stop system has ceased functioning, preventing me from starting the vehicle. I have also noted that there are open recalls for Hyundai vehicles, yet my VIN is not recognized under these recalls. I have incurred significant expenses related to these ongoing issues. My safety has been put to risk because the oil can burn completely out and cause the car to break down in the middle of traffic like it has before. Hyundai dealership has confirmed the car has an oil burning issue, as well as an independent shop by the name of Auto Tech in Indianapolis. Auto Tech has also confirmed that the start/stop system is causing my car to not start. The oil pressure light is not consistent when my oil gets low. Some times it comes on, other times it does not.

NHTSA ODI #11617542

118,000 miles · Sep 5, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle was taken for an oil change. The contact stated that the very next day he checked the dipstick and became aware that there was no oil on the dipstick. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was called, and the…

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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle was taken for an oil change. The contact stated that the very next day he checked the dipstick and became aware that there was no oil on the dipstick. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was called, and the contact was informed that there might be an oil consumption failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil consumption test; however, the contact stated that he was not able to pay for the oil consumption test to be performed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ODI #11612847

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2024
EnginePower Train

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.

NHTSA ODI #11611921

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.