Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
230–25K
625–50K
450–75K
375–100K
6100–150K
4150K+
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
What owners actually said
161 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2022
Steering
In September 2021 my power steering went out at highway speed making it unsafe and difficult to steer. The power steering ECU was replaced. The same thing happen again in June 2022 this time more parts were replaced position / torque sensors and wiring harness. The same issue happened again in 8/2022 the steering wheel was jerk…
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In September 2021 my power steering went out at highway speed making it unsafe and difficult to steer. The power steering ECU was replaced. The same thing happen again in June 2022 this time more parts were replaced position / torque sensors and wiring harness. The same issue happened again in 8/2022 the steering wheel was jerking and trying to make corrections (I don't have lane keep assist on any type of steering assistance in my vehicle. This in an ongoing problem and I can't trust that the vehicle is sage
NHTSA ODI #11479438
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
My vehicle was stolen from in front of my home. The "alarm" did not sound or go off at all. The area where my key should enter was removed, vandalized, and then an iphone charger was used to start my car via a USB port that is located somewhere within that area. Apparently, this is a tictok trend that has been in the works for …
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My vehicle was stolen from in front of my home. The "alarm" did not sound or go off at all. The area where my key should enter was removed, vandalized, and then an iphone charger was used to start my car via a USB port that is located somewhere within that area. Apparently, this is a tictok trend that has been in the works for a while and targets Hyundais.Yet, there has been no response from Hyundai to recall Sonatas or Elantras to remedy this issue. Now I am being forced to pay for repairs on a vehicle that was used for illegal activities and again have to place my family in. I do not feel safe in this situation and I am most likely privy to fall victim again until this issue is resolved.
NHTSA ODI #11477885
60,000 miles · May 9, 2022
Air BagsCrashInjury
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 78 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a concrete median. During the crash, no airbags in the vehicle were deployed and the driver sustained a concus…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 78 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a concrete median. During the crash, no airbags in the vehicle were deployed and the driver sustained a concussion and neck injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11463820
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2022
Power Train
The transmission in my vehicle makes a whine when shifting at about 35-40 miles per hour. No other car I ever drove made that noise. Hyundai has replaced the transmission 3 times and they still could not fix it. After the third replacement they said it's normal and that other Sonatas make that noise. That cannot be true. They di…
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The transmission in my vehicle makes a whine when shifting at about 35-40 miles per hour. No other car I ever drove made that noise. Hyundai has replaced the transmission 3 times and they still could not fix it. After the third replacement they said it's normal and that other Sonatas make that noise. That cannot be true. They did not replace the transmission 3 times if that noise is normal. If it IS true and other Sonatas make that noise, there may be a defect that will turn dangerous in other Sonatas. The second time the transmission was replaced, the service manager told me they found metal fragments in the transmission fluid. I don't know what problem this defect will cause later on. If you would like to inspect my car to determine if this is dangerous, I can make it available. Thanks! P.S. - Below, I have to pick a date of the incident and mileage at that time (so I chose when I first reported it to Hyundai), but this happens every time I drive the car.
NHTSA ODI #11455749
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2021
Exterior Lighting
Just purchased this vehicle yesterday 8/10/2021. Drove it home at night. there were significant blindspots, and a shadow in the headlight beam. Headlights only illuminated the bottom half of the of the beam hemispheres. This engineering defect is a danger to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as pedestrians an…
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Just purchased this vehicle yesterday 8/10/2021. Drove it home at night. there were significant blindspots, and a shadow in the headlight beam. Headlights only illuminated the bottom half of the of the beam hemispheres. This engineering defect is a danger to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as pedestrians and other vehicles. Have reported the issue to dealers sales manager. Will return to the dealership tomorrow in search of a resolution
NHTSA ODI #11428744
10,500 miles · Jul 27, 2021
Seat BeltsCrashInjury
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while she was at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the back of her vehicle however, the seat belt failed to retract, causing the contact to suffer whiplash and a bump to her knees against the dashboard behind the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The con…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while she was at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the back of her vehicle however, the seat belt failed to retract, causing the contact to suffer whiplash and a bump to her knees against the dashboard behind the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence, where she noticed she had sustained injuries on her legs and her right leg was swollen, as well as multiple other injuries. The contact sought medical attention. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the driver’s side seat belt was replaced however, the seat belt was still not latching securely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to drive the vehicle up to a certain speed and step on the brake pedal to see if the seat belt would operate as needed. The contact did so, and the seat belt operated as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to mail photos of the vehicle and other documents. The contact provided the needed documentation as requested. The approximate failure mileage was 12,246.
NHTSA ODI #11426678
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2021
Exterior Lighting
I PURCHASED THIS CAR OCTOBER 2019. I NOTICED THE LED HEADLIGHTS WERE A BIT DIMMER AND NOT AS BRIGHT AS THEY WERE WITH MY PREVIOUS CAR, WHICH WAS A 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH LED HEADLIGHTS. THERE IS A PROMINENT DARK HALF MOON SHAPED SPOT IN THE SPREAD OF THE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. ALSO, I NOTICED AS TIME WENT ON THE HEADLIGHTS A…
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I PURCHASED THIS CAR OCTOBER 2019. I NOTICED THE LED HEADLIGHTS WERE A BIT DIMMER AND NOT AS BRIGHT AS THEY WERE WITH MY PREVIOUS CAR, WHICH WAS A 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH LED HEADLIGHTS. THERE IS A PROMINENT DARK HALF MOON SHAPED SPOT IN THE SPREAD OF THE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. ALSO, I NOTICED AS TIME WENT ON THE HEADLIGHTS APPEARED TO BE SHINING CLOSER TO THE GROUND AND BARELY ILLUMINATING ROAD SIGNS COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND ALMOST HIT SOMEONE WALKING BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT DIDN'T SHINE ON THE PERSON UNTIL I WAS RATHER CLOSE AND THE LIGHT FINALLY REACHED THE REFLECTOR PART OF THE PERSONS SNEAKER; I ENDED UP HAVING HIT THE BREAKS AND SWERVE. THIS IS DEFINITELY MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHILE CARS PASS IN FRONT OF YOU. YOU CAN SEE OTHER CARS LIGHTS SHINE ONTO THE DOORS OF CARS CROSSING THE INTERSECTION. MINE BARELY GETS THE DOOR AND SEEMS TO SHINE UNDER A CAR, SAME WHEN I AM BEHIND SOMEONE THE LIGHTS SHINE VIRTUALLY BELOW THE BUMPER COMPARED TO OTHERS THAN CAN SHINE ALMOST DIRECTLY TO THE PLATE. ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE I NOTICED IS THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE HOUSE NUMBERS ON MAILBOX TUBES, COMPARED TO MY OTHER VEHICLE ILLUMINATED THESE ALONG WITH THE STREET SIGNS NO PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY LIGHTS WERE ANGLED LOW AND RAISED THEM. THIS HAS SHOWN A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THESE HEADLIGHTS AS OTHER HAVE SAID ON HERE. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI RECALL THIS MODEL BEFORE A TERRIBLE INJURY HAPPENS UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH TO THE DRIVER AND THOSE WITH THEM AND AROUND THEM ON THE ROADS. NOT ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUSLY COULD LEAD TO A LAWSUIT THAT WILL COST THEM A LOT MORE MONEY COMPARED TO FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER AND COMPARE THE LIGHTS TO OTHER CARS IN IT'S CLASS.
NHTSA ODI #11403196
20 miles · Sep 28, 2020
Exterior Lighting
THE LED DYNAMIC BENDING HEADLAMPS PROJECT 2 BLACK VOIDS ONTO THE ROADWAY OR STATIONARY OBJECTS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THESE VOIDS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE AREA ON THE PAVEMENT AND ARE A DRIVING DISTRACTION. THE VOIDS CAN BE OBSERVED CONSISTENTLY DURING USE OF THE LOW BEAMS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THES…
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THE LED DYNAMIC BENDING HEADLAMPS PROJECT 2 BLACK VOIDS ONTO THE ROADWAY OR STATIONARY OBJECTS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THESE VOIDS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE AREA ON THE PAVEMENT AND ARE A DRIVING DISTRACTION. THE VOIDS CAN BE OBSERVED CONSISTENTLY DURING USE OF THE LOW BEAMS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THESE DARK VOIDS ONLY APPEAR WITH LOW BEAM USE AND DO NOT APPEAR WHILE USING THE HIGH BEAMS. AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, OCT 21, 2019, THE SALES REP INFORMED ME THIS FLAW COULD BE FIXED BY A MERE HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT AND AFTER 3 HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENTS BY THE DEALER (ONGOING INTO FEBRUARY 2020 AND HAVING HYUNDAI DIRECTLY TELL ME TO WORK OUT ISSUE WITH DEALER) BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE FIXED AND THERE WAS NO WAY OF CHANGING THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND A TECHNICAL BULLETIN FROM HYUNDAI ABOUT THIS ISSUE DATED DECEMBER 2018 DESCRIBING THESE VOIDS AS AN ANTI GLARE MECHANISM AND TO NOT PERFORM ANY HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11361502
15 miles · Aug 3, 2020
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THERE ARE 2 ROUND BLACKOUT SPOTS IN THE BEAM FROM THE HEADLIGHTS.THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS WHILE DRIVING IT LOOKS AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS IN THE ROADWAY. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HYUNDAI DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF THE COMPLAINTS BUT CAN DO NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI #11342966
6,220 miles · Jul 27, 2020
Exterior Lighting
ON 7/15/2020, I PURCHASE A 2019 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED WITH 6,182 MILES. ON 7/25/20, I WAS OUT AFTER DARK AND USED MY HEADLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST TIME. I NOTICED A DARK LINE IN MY VISUAL FIELD AND 2 HALF CIRCLES PROTRUDING FROM BELOW THE DARK LINE WHILE DRIVING WITH MY LOW BEAMS ON. I HAD LIMITED VISIBILITY IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS T…
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ON 7/15/2020, I PURCHASE A 2019 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED WITH 6,182 MILES. ON 7/25/20, I WAS OUT AFTER DARK AND USED MY HEADLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST TIME. I NOTICED A DARK LINE IN MY VISUAL FIELD AND 2 HALF CIRCLES PROTRUDING FROM BELOW THE DARK LINE WHILE DRIVING WITH MY LOW BEAMS ON. I HAD LIMITED VISIBILITY IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS TRYING TO LOOK UNDER THE LINE TO SEE BETTER. I WAS ALSO EXTREMELY DISTRACTED BY THE 2 NOTCHES, WITH THE DRIVER SIDE NOTCH BEING MORE PROMINENT, AS THEY MOVE AS YOU DRIVE. THIS WAS NOT AN ISSUE ONCE THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ON. THIS IS MY 3RD SONATA AND I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED THIS PREVIOUSLY IN MY OTHER 2 SONATAS. I TOOK IT OUT AGAIN LAST NIGHT AND DROVE AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO SEE IF THE NOTCHES AND LINE WERE STILL THERE AND THEY WERE. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN I TURNED THE CORNER THERE IS A BLIND SPOT CREATED BY THE NOTICES AND LOW VISUAL LINE WHICH PROHIBITED ME FROM SEEING A MAN WALKING HIS DOG. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN POTENTIALLY FATAL. HYUNDAI SONATA DEFINITELY HAS A DESIGN FLAW AND IT'S A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. I CANNOT HELP BUT WONDER IF THIS IS THE REASON THE CAR WAS ALREADY TRADED IN. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND REMEDIED YET. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS MORE DANGEROUS TO BEGIN WITH. IT IS ALARMING THAT HYUNDAI HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE A CAR WITH SUCH A HUGE ISSUE FOR A PART AS VITAL AS HEADLIGHTS AND NO ONE HAS FORCED THEM TO ADDRESS IT. I HAVE NO DOUBT THERE HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECTIVE DESIGN. DISTRACTION AND REDUCED VISIBILITY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT A DRIVER WILL GET USED TO NOR SHOULD THEY HAVE TO. NHTSA PLEASE MAKE HYUNDAI ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM!
NHTSA ODI #11341613
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.
2019 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year