NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
45 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 8, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructure
I took my car in for a standard oil change and tune up. They found out that the fuel tank had expanded to the point where it caused significant damage to the metal frame. The Hyundai dealership sent it to the local body shop for an estimate for the frame, they sent it back because the dealership hadn't removed the gas tank, then…
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I took my car in for a standard oil change and tune up. They found out that the fuel tank had expanded to the point where it caused significant damage to the metal frame. The Hyundai dealership sent it to the local body shop for an estimate for the frame, they sent it back because the dealership hadn't removed the gas tank, then the dealership sent it back to the body shop. It's been 3+ weeks, my car is still in the shop, and I haven't received any indication of whether my car is able to be fixed. The dashboard never displayed any warning messages and there were no symptoms of the problem. I had no idea the gas tank had expanded and could've caused an explosion or fire.
NHTSA ODI #11647105
Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Been having an issue with a check engine light and a popping noise in the from the front of the vehicle for about two years. Took it to the dealership more than 3 times over that span and every time they discovered it was caused by something different..during the July of 2024 while driving on the interstate a loud pop noise was …
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Been having an issue with a check engine light and a popping noise in the from the front of the vehicle for about two years. Took it to the dealership more than 3 times over that span and every time they discovered it was caused by something different..during the July of 2024 while driving on the interstate a loud pop noise was made from the back and my children complain about the seat lifting…shortly after I went to get gas and a full tank was more gallons than usual 14 increased to 17g…. I once again took it to the dealer for the issue of the gas tank expansion and pop but found nothing. No more than a week later my car would hesitate to accelerate and progressively got worse. On 12/27/24 I took it to the dealer and they discovered my gas tank was expanded and was unsafe to drive leaving me without a vehicle.as of 1/04/2025 I still have no solution.
NHTSA ODI #11634109
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
I took my vehicle in for an oil change and was advised that my car failed a recall. The PCV valve failed. After the dealership, explain this problem to me I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. Imagine being told that the fuel tank can expand and pop up the backseat of your vehicle at any given moment or even cause the car …
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I took my vehicle in for an oil change and was advised that my car failed a recall. The PCV valve failed. After the dealership, explain this problem to me I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. Imagine being told that the fuel tank can expand and pop up the backseat of your vehicle at any given moment or even cause the car to blow up and no warning lights coming on to alert you that this part had a defect.
NHTSA ODI #11630242
Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Fuel Tank expanded, was leaking gas from the gas tank opening. The expansion of the tank caused the metal plates/panel under the back seat to popup, where my child sits. Which caused a gap in the door. ir seepage from the ba…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Fuel Tank expanded, was leaking gas from the gas tank opening. The expansion of the tank caused the metal plates/panel under the back seat to popup, where my child sits. Which caused a gap in the door. ir seepage from the back seat passenger door to where the fuel was leaking out the gas tank and also the fuel gauge on the dash was fluctuating. People on the highway was flagging me to let me know fuel was leaking. The fire department had to come and clear it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My child and I could have been seriously injured or killed. As well as people on the highway. It could have exploded. You can smell the gas in the car. The gas was coming out the gas tank on the side. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it was confirmed by Hyundai of North Charleston 8485 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston SC, 29406 and it was also checked by the insurance adjustor. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by the Insurance representatives State Farm Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No I took it into the dealer and they said it was fixed and it did not fix the gas coming out the tank. And the same issue happened again on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11627780
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
I was driving back from Atlanta, GA to Pensacola, FL when we noticed our fuel level dropping significantly. We stopped in West Point, GA to see what was going on. We turned the car off and back on after 3 minutes and car made a weird vibration. Then the fuel level was rising back to normal but my wife was in the backseat with ou…
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I was driving back from Atlanta, GA to Pensacola, FL when we noticed our fuel level dropping significantly. We stopped in West Point, GA to see what was going on. We turned the car off and back on after 3 minutes and car made a weird vibration. Then the fuel level was rising back to normal but my wife was in the backseat with our [XXX] and she noticed the seat was rising and creating a lot of heat. We pulled over again and noticed it wasn't going down. Luckily there was a mechanic at this gas station and he informed us that the fuel tank expanded and to NOT drive the vehicle. We we're driving alongside my parents so we got in their car and drove back to Pensacola to get a truck and tow attachment cause a tow truck would've costed us $2,500 to tow back to Pensacola. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11619567
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
The component that failed is the fuel tank system. While driving, the fuel tank expanded, causing significant damage to the rear section of the vehicle. This issue resulted in the rear seat rising up, and the bottom rear seat cushion detaching from its securing clamps. The check engine light came on, and gas started leaking from…
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The component that failed is the fuel tank system. While driving, the fuel tank expanded, causing significant damage to the rear section of the vehicle. This issue resulted in the rear seat rising up, and the bottom rear seat cushion detaching from its securing clamps. The check engine light came on, and gas started leaking from the fuel cap. The fuel tank has moved upward by about 3 to 5 inches, no longer resting on the factory fuel tank straps. The sheet metal underneath the rear seat was crumpled, and the fuel pump access cover bent. The vehicle is currently at College Park Hyundai and is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my children were significantly compromised. The loud popping noise startled us, and the fact that the rear seat lifted and detached posed a serious risk to the passengers in the back seat. Additionally, the gas leak created a fire and explosion hazard, putting all occupants of the vehicle and other drivers on the road at serious risk. This incident potentially violates the Fuel System Integrity (49 CFR 571.301) regulation, which ensures that a vehicle's fuel system is designed to prevent leaks and fire hazards. Moreover, the unexpected movement and detachment of the rear seat could be a breach of Occupant Protection (49 CFR 571.207 and 571.208), which govern the safety of seating systems and occupant crash protection. The issue has been confirmed by the service center at College Park Hyundai, where the vehicle is currently being inspected and evaluated. The vehicle is being inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized service center at College Park Hyundai. It has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. The check engine light came on immediately after the loud popping noise and the detachment of the rear seat cushion. Additionally, the gas gauge suddenly dropped to empty after the incident, even though the tank was not empty prior to the malfunction.
NHTSA ODI #11619292
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
Gas tank replaced three times and failed each installation (excess pressure)leaked gas with riders in car. I was a LYFT driver .YES car can be seen at MAUI HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT 260 HANA Highway. Kahului, HI. 96732 Car needs another gas tank and Manager at Service Dept tells me there is only one gas tank available, the type we in…
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Gas tank replaced three times and failed each installation (excess pressure)leaked gas with riders in car. I was a LYFT driver .YES car can be seen at MAUI HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT 260 HANA Highway. Kahului, HI. 96732 Car needs another gas tank and Manager at Service Dept tells me there is only one gas tank available, the type we installed. FARMERS INSURANCE HAS SEEN PHOTOS OF THE BAD GAS TANK. Service department was not aware of this gas tank issue...told me you must have run over some debris (not true) HYUNDAI has received my complaint but not replied yet.Engine warning light came on went off came on Took car to dealer for service
NHTSA ODI #11618701
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeats
I had the check engine light come on about 4 times in my 2020 Hyundai Sonata 1.6L this year in 2024. I took the car to a technician to get looked at each time it came on. The codes and bulletins kept pointing to fuel system issues. Each time, every service tech said it was a small issue and claimed to fix the issues. The final t…
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I had the check engine light come on about 4 times in my 2020 Hyundai Sonata 1.6L this year in 2024. I took the car to a technician to get looked at each time it came on. The codes and bulletins kept pointing to fuel system issues. Each time, every service tech said it was a small issue and claimed to fix the issues. The final time a tech seen it lifted the rear seat and found out that the gas tank expanded and the back seat buckled up. The backseat metal frame is bent and messed up. I was flagged down by several drivers ?that noticed gasoline leaking from my driverside rear. My child and I were in dang? er and had to pull on the side of a major highway and stay several hours until someone picked us up. The problem has been confirmed by the hyuandi service center. They said another vehicle experienced this same issue. I was in fear for my life and my child's life because it could have caught fire and/or exploded.
NHTSA ODI #11616071
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
There is an issue with the 2020+ Hyuandai sonatas and Kia K5 models. The valves in my gas tank had failed. Causing pressure and gas vapors to be trapped inside the tank. The pressure in my tank has swollen my gas tank to the point where it’s bent the metal frame underneath my backseat, lifting my backseat off its base. My car is…
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There is an issue with the 2020+ Hyuandai sonatas and Kia K5 models. The valves in my gas tank had failed. Causing pressure and gas vapors to be trapped inside the tank. The pressure in my tank has swollen my gas tank to the point where it’s bent the metal frame underneath my backseat, lifting my backseat off its base. My car is a literal tricking time bomb because the tank will eventually burst. There’s also a strong smell of gas coming from underneath the backseat. There’s been a new story on this issue already. Kia has acknowledged the issue and did recalls. Hyundai has not. Many owners of the Sonata are having this same exact issue according to Reddit posts. I took my vehicle to the dealer, got it diagnosed, was quoted $2900+. I was told it was an extreme safety hazard due to the pressure in the tank and the gas leak. The tank has swollen so much that it’s pressing against the exhaust. I’m out of warranty and they expect me to pay out of pocket. I have no where near $3000. I use my car for work and have no choice but to drive it. Please help.
NHTSA ODI #11612913
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System
(August 29th) My girlfriend and I were driving in my 2020 Sonata, when the check engine light turned on and my gas gauge dropped from being full to then only half way. About an hour later, driving back home we heard a loud pop as if something exploded. Next day, I took my car to the Autonation Hyundai dealership and after taking…
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(August 29th) My girlfriend and I were driving in my 2020 Sonata, when the check engine light turned on and my gas gauge dropped from being full to then only half way. About an hour later, driving back home we heard a loud pop as if something exploded. Next day, I took my car to the Autonation Hyundai dealership and after taking a look at my car they quoted me about $6,000 to get my fuel tank and charcoal canister replaced. Our safety was put at risk due to the fact that had the damage been any worse, it could have caused the car to possibly explode or give out while driving on the highway, and in turn would put many more lives at risk.
NHTSA ODI #11611960
Official recalls
4Nov 17, 2025
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.
Mar 28, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 221/010G.
Apr 9, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Nexo and Sonata vehicles. The Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) software may fail to prevent vehicle movement upon detection of an RSPA system malfunction.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RSPA software, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 191.
Feb 28, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Sonata vehicles produced between October 22, 2019 and February 13, 2020. The tire pressure label inside the driver's door and the owner's manual state an incorrect tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The incorrect tire information may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers over the tire pressure label and in the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 190.
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
1DP22003 · 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.