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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

Owner complaints by model year

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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

What owners actually said

161 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2026
Engine

The engine is the component or system failed or malfunctioned, and it is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of engine power while driving, including during highway speeds or intersections, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine stalling or failure to accelerate, preventing me from safely maneuvering away from haz…

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The engine is the component or system failed or malfunctioned, and it is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of engine power while driving, including during highway speeds or intersections, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine stalling or failure to accelerate, preventing me from safely maneuvering away from hazards. Overheating events, which resulted in complete engine seizure and an unexpected loss of vehicle control, all which can potentially causing catastrophic incident without warning. To include, the increased risk of collision, especially if the failure occurs during traffic, merging, passing, or emergency situations. It has been reported to CC Transmission Auto Repair and independent service center. It was previously inspected by Hyundai dealer. Check engine light present September 2025.

NHTSA ODI #11745390

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2026
Steering

after the car is driven for a while in warm weather, the steering can feel sticky after doing a slight turn doing more than 30 MPH. It takes extra force to return the steering wheel to the straight/neutral position. It acts as though the steering wheel is stuck in this slight turn position. The problem is intermittent but does …

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after the car is driven for a while in warm weather, the steering can feel sticky after doing a slight turn doing more than 30 MPH. It takes extra force to return the steering wheel to the straight/neutral position. It acts as though the steering wheel is stuck in this slight turn position. The problem is intermittent but does create a safety hazard with the risk of the car being unable to easily remain in its correct lane position. Symptom summary: Intermittent; Worse in warm weather; happens after small steering inputs; Feels like the wheel is “hung up”.

NHTSA ODI #11742988

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when f…

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For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced acceleration performance during normal driving • Vehicle becomes difficult to control safely The malfunction occurs intermittently but follows a consistent pattern. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring defect that has persisted for years. Multiple diagnostic and repair attempts have been unsuccessful: • Coconut Creek Hyundai service center - unable to diagnose [DATE(S)] • Independent mechanics - unable to resolve [DATE(S)] • Issue remains unresolved despite multiple service visits Despite multiple attempts by qualified technicians, the root cause has not been identified and the defect has not been corrected. This malfunction creates a significant safety hazard: • Unintended acceleration increases risk of collision • Reduced acceleration capability limits ability to merge or accelerate safely • Check engine light indicates undiagnosed system failure • Problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it unsafe to drive I am concerned this may represent a defect pattern affecting multiple 2019 Sonata vehicles. NHTSA should: 1. Investigate whether this represents a defect pattern in 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles 2. Determine if a safety recall is warranted 3. Contact Hyundai Motor America to address this systemic issue

NHTSA ODI #11738831

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2026
EngineSuspension

Ecm, p0303, yes, not yet, no, cel light before the car was brought to the dealership, 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2.4L Theta II GDI. Perryville Hyundai IL refused applicable TSB in writing 5/4/26 despite active P0303 misfire, fuel-in-oil smell, crankcase pressure. I have Photos prove falsified multi-point inspection: 1.0 inch (.083…

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Ecm, p0303, yes, not yet, no, cel light before the car was brought to the dealership, 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2.4L Theta II GDI. Perryville Hyundai IL refused applicable TSB in writing 5/4/26 despite active P0303 misfire, fuel-in-oil smell, crankcase pressure. I have Photos prove falsified multi-point inspection: 1.0 inch (.0833') wheel well discrepancy, same mileage in/out. Vehicle has stall risk. Case Manager [XXX] non-responsive 2hr 45min after requesting written tow instructions on safety matter. RSPM escalated 1:00 PM CDT 5/5/26 with 3:00 PM deadline. No contact received as of 3:03 PM. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Theta II Lifetime Warranty Settlement violation. Case #XXX. Requesting federal investigation. Photo upload is not working, I'll need a email to send them in apparently INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11735872

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2026
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureService Brakes

Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them …

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Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned about my daughter’s safety because she use the vehicle to drive to and from school and you never know when the brakes might fail, again I just bought this vehicle a month ago just one month not even a year and it’s having all this problem even though it’s a pre-owned vehicle I shouldn’t have to take it to the shop after one month please help… thank you

NHTSA ODI #11734528

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I wanted to report the failure of my rear camera and/or the electrical circuit that is tied to it. It's my understanding that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls across different years/vehicles for issues in this area. My 2019 Sonata is NOT included in those current recalls. I was without my vehicle for a week and was charged…

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I wanted to report the failure of my rear camera and/or the electrical circuit that is tied to it. It's my understanding that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls across different years/vehicles for issues in this area. My 2019 Sonata is NOT included in those current recalls. I was without my vehicle for a week and was charged over $1600 to repair. The issue was diagnosed and repaired by an independent mechanic. When they system failed numerous error lights/warning went off and continued to cycle thru (plus beeping). I wanted to report this in hopes of continued pressure on Hyundai to add this model/year to their recalls.

NHTSA ODI #11733342

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the…

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On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the engine area, about 4” high. I called 911 and waited about 10 minutes for the fire department to arrive. During this time, the flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and extended vertically above the hood height. The hood eventually melted and fell back onto the engine area. The fire department came and put out the fire. The car is totaled. There were no injuries, thank God!

NHTSA ODI #11732956

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11730703

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2026
Engine

I was driving on the interstate when my engine started shutting down on me and I’m glad I had moved to the right lane because someone would’ve hit me from the back because I never had this problem and now the mechanic telling me it jumped timing.

NHTSA ODI #11729912

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2026
Engine

My oil pan cracked. I’ve never had any issues with oil pans until this one. Hyundai will not replace this under warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11729007

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.