2014 HYUNDAI SONATA Complaints

My engine seized and I lost power. This is the second engine this has happened to. I was given a extended warranty, but Hyundai is refusing to pay for a new engine. The mechanic advised me they are replacing engines three times a week. Mine was denied even though my engine only has 76,000 miles and my warranty is still good. This engine problem should be a new recall since the same problem is still occurring. The engine light did come on blinking. When I took it to the dealer. They knew the problem before looking at my engine since so many others need to have thiers replaced. The dealership confirmed i need a new engine. They made me send in my oil changes. They were upset I didn't have any oil receipts for my previous engine even thought it was replaced at a Hyundai dealership the first time. Consumers should not have to replace two engines. This is a safety concern with it losing power so quickly.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) and Hyundai Motor America’s failure to fully correct the issue. Incident Summary: While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly displayed the following alarming warnings: “Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” “Check Charging System” Immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and shut down in the middle of the road. I had my two young children (ages XXX and XXX) in the car, making the situation extremely unsafe and traumatic. The vehicle lost all mobility and provided no opportunity to safely pull over. After contacting Hyundai Corporate multiple times, a case manager was eventually assigned to my case. At Hyundai’s request, I towed the vehicle to AutoNation Hyundai Valencia for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership diagnosed the issue as error code P0A78, indicating a transmission failure. Hyundai Corporate offered to cover 60% of the repair cost, leaving me responsible for the remaining 40%—an amount that exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This proposed resolution is not reasonable considering the severity of the safety risk and the vehicle’s low mileage. My primary concern is that this is an extremely dangerous defect, as the vehicle loses all power without warning, leaving the driver unable to move the car to a safe location. Requested Actions: A formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai’s hybrid systems, specifically in 2014 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. A determination of whether this defect qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Full compensation from Hyundai Corporate to cover 100% of the repair costs to correct this serious safety issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your prompt response and appropriate action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

Vehicle's engine seized completely at 75 MPH on the interstate. No warning lights or abnormal noises were present before catastrophic failure, and the car has been serviced recently. CEL came on at time of failure, throws code P1326. Car rapidly/dangerously decelerated, would have crashed if not driving in the Leftmost lane of travel.

Engine light is blinking and put safety of my family in danger. I called the close Huyndai dealer also I have a case number. However, it takes forever for them to answer. I only have this car. I am driver and this how I make living. I have no choice in driving this recall vehicle and kill my self and my family. No body care!

Formal Complaint – Hybrid System Failure, Safety Risk (VIN: [XXX] | Hyundai Case #[XXX]) Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai hybrid vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) and Hyundai Motor America's failure to respond meaningfully to repeated requests for assistance. Incident Summary: On [XXX], while driving with my two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ), my vehicle suddenly displayed the following critical warnings: “Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” “Check Charging System” Immediately after these messages appeared, the car lost all power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. This created an extremely hazardous and distressing situation for me and my family. Although the vehicle is a few years old, it has very low mileage (38,345 miles), and I did not expect such a catastrophic failure. I submitted a report to Hyundai Customer Support on May 30, 2025 (Case #[XXX]) and followed up on June 9, 2025, but have only received an automated acknowledgment—no response, investigation, or support to date. Attachments: A video clip showing the warning messages at the time of the incident (I cannot upload the video clip since the option is not there, but I do have it if required) Requested Actions: A formal investigation into the safety and reliability of Hyundai's hybrid systems. A determination as to whether this incident qualifies under Hyundai’s warranty or federal safety defect regulations. Immediate contact from Hyundai with the next steps regarding inspection, resolution, or compensation. I am cc’ing Hyundai Motor America to ensure this matter is escalated appropriately and receives the attention it warrants. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

the car has abruptly applied braking while driving. I took the car to get checked after that and i was told that there was nothing wrong except that the pads will need to be change sooner than later. I mechanic did tell me that it could be a safety issue because it was an uncontrollable. I than took the car to the Hyundai dealer for them to diagnose the car. They proposed that i change everything, including the brake pedal, which to me, sounded very fishy. One week ago, while driving, the car suddenly jammed on the brakes again. This particular time, it was also emitting smoke, either from the front or the bottom.

When I was trying to accelerate, my gas pedal just wasn't responding at all and the engine, oil, and battery light all came on. When that happened my car shut down and I coasted to a stop.

While driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], the engine suddenly stalled without warning. I was in motion on a public road when the vehicle lost power, forcing me to safely pull over. There were no warning lights, check engine lights, or prior signs of engine trouble before the failure occurred. I had the vehicle towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Norm Reeves Hyundai Superstore in Cerritos), where I was told the engine failed due to rod bearing failure caused by oil starvation. The dealership stated that the engine needed to be replaced. However, I have maintained the vehicle regularly, with consistent oil changes and maintenance, and I have documentation to prove this. Despite this, Hyundai has refused assistance and claims "exceptional maintenance neglect" without showing inspection photos or detailed evidence. This engine failure fits the exact pattern of a known engine defect already under recall for similar Hyundai models and engines, including issues with oil passages and rod bearings that lead to sudden engine failure. These vehicles have been involved in class-action lawsuits and recall campaigns for this reason. This sudden failure put my safety and that of others at risk, as the engine lost power in traffic without any prior warning. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this issue is part of the broader defect already under recall, and whether Hyundai is avoiding responsibility by misclassifying valid cases. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving on the highway, the engine of my 2014 Hyundai Sonata suddenly seized without any prior warning. There were no preceding symptoms such as warning lights, unusual noises, or performance issues that might have indicated an impending failure. At the time of the engine seizure, I also lost power steering and power brakes, which severely compromised my ability to control the vehicle and led to a dangerous situation in fast-moving traffic. I later discovered that vehicles equipped with the Theta II engine have experienced similar issues, suggesting a potential safety-related defect. I am reporting this incident as a serious safety concern and request that NHTSA investigate this matter further.

Car transmission replaced with only 38,000 miles. Car shutters, skip gears, loss of power. Very dangerous especially when pulling out from side road on to main road. Transmission problem starts out as intermittent at first, so you never know when it will happen next. Lots of near misses where I would have been rear ended, due to shifting problems. New Transmission is already starting to shift erratically at times with only 2,000 miles on new rebuilt trans. Cost of repair is 5 to 6,000. Also own 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with the same exact transmission problems. Transmission replaced at 67,000 and now at repair shop for replacement Trans at 124,000 miles. Vin [XXX] . Both of these cars are dangerous to drive. These problems start out intermittently, and if the dealership cannot duplicate the problem, they will not fix anything, hoping to string you along past the warranty period. I tell them to check the fault code history and they tell me that they did not find any error codes. Both these cars also have the defective engine too- but so far my engines are working correctly. Invoices can be provided if needed. Found research shows that there are transmission problems with almost all generations of the Sonata's especially my 2 years - 2012 and 2014. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)