2019 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 161 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 8 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: engine
93 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 22, 2025
Excessive oil consumption leading to no or low oil levels. Piston ring design flaw allowing oil to leak into combustion chamber, damaging the spark plugs. No warning lights until failure posing a significant crash risk for my family. Engine failure at 134K miles without warning, rings need replaced, per mechanic. I am shocked as I just paid the car off and thought Hyundai was a good brand.
Engine, Sep 18, 2025
Burning excess oil
Engine, Sep 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. In addition, while attempting to drive, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown piston and cylinder #2 failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Sep 2, 2025
I just had an Oil change twice on this car it burns oil like crazy..mine you only had car for5 months
Engine, Aug 22, 2025
I took my car to the garage after purchase around 75,000 miles due to rattling noise 8n the front and the amount of oil that my car was requiring in between oil changes, did the oil consumption test it came back on the higher range but Hyundai offered no resolution
Engine, Aug 8, 2025
Burning oil four quarts in between normal oil changes
Engine, Aug 7, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America and the Freehold Hyundai dealership located in New Jersey, regarding the ongoing engine oil consumption issues in my Hyundai Sonata. I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata and its now 90,000 miles, I began noticing extreme oil loss, far more than a quart per thousand miles, with no visible leaks, no smoke, and no warning lights. I brought the vehicle to Freehold Hyundai for an evaluation, and they performed an oil consumption test, confirming the issue. They submitted a goodwill repair request to Hyundai Corporate, which was denied solely on the basis that I am the second owner, and the powertrain warranty does not transfer. The dealership offered a $200 PCV valve replacement (a part that costs $6–$20), but even their staff said it likely won’t resolve the issue. Their proposed solution is a full engine replacement costing $8,000 or more, which I cannot afford. I believe this is part of a broader manufacturing defect, and Hyundai should take accountability for the engine failure, especially considering similar complaints from Sonata and Elantra owners nationwide. TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) have been issued on related issues. A car engine should not fail before 100,000 miles under normal use, regardless of ownership transfer. This issue has been the subject of TSB 20-01-004H, which addresses excessive oil consumption due to piston ring Hyundai’s refusal to provide any real assistance or remedy — and the dismissive conduct by dealership management — has left me feeling discriminated against, frustrated, and financially trapped. I request the BBB’s help in facilitating a fair resolution, either through: A warranty repair or subsidized engine repair Coverage under goodwill or defect-related remedy Reimbursement or alternative assistance Please find all supporting documentation attached, including my Hyundai case number dealer correspondence, and oil test results.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that within the 4-5 months of vehicle ownership, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that oil had been added to the vehicle approximately 8-9 times and an oil change had been completed twice. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
Car drinks oil and doesn’t make it to the next oil change.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding excessive engine oil consumption in my 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle, with approximately 90,000 miles, experienced a complete loss of engine oil without any visible leaks. The low oil warning light appeared intermittently and ultimately revealed the oil level had dropped to zero, posing a severe risk of engine seizure and potential accident. This issue appears to be consistent with known problems related to the 2.4L GDI engines used in Hyundai vehicles from this period. Hyundai has issued TSB 20-01-002H, acknowledging excessive oil consumption in certain models. Yet, many affected vehicles, including mine, may fall outside warranty despite being within a reasonable usage period. I am requesting that NHTSA review the extent of this issue and consider whether a formal investigation, recall, or manufacturer enforcement action is appropriate. This engine defect presents a clear safety hazard, especially if failure occurs during highway driving. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 27, 2025
Is anything being done about the known oil consumption issues with the 2019 Sonatas? My daughter bought the car used -- it currently has 70,000 -- but Hyundai won't do anything because she is the second owner and those cars don't get 100,000 protection, they only get 60,000. It just doesn't seem right.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 25, 2025
Car has 39,495 miles. First owner of vehicle. Have advised dealership since 2024 that there was a oil issue as i have only went to them for oil changes. I advised that as they can see the car is barely driven and the oil is disappearing. They claimed nothing was wrong and made me pay for a oil change again. Come this year, I advise again there is a issue, they tried to have me pay for a oil change again and I advised something else needs done. They argued I was not the first owner and the car was not in warranty however I bought the car from their lot and I am the original owner. Then they stated I had to pay for another oil change for the oil consumption. Then they claimed they would just do the oil consumption and then to drive 1,000 miles and bring it back. After the oil consumption engine light is on. I drove 1,000 miles, brought it back and the engine failed the test. The dealership changed the engine. 5 days later engine light is on, car is stalling and brake locked up, then car would not start and was smoking under the hood. Car was then towed to the dealership. They claimed nothing is wrong and they reset the code for the engine light to go away. They stated evap code was on but was not persistent so it's fine. Few days later engine light comes on again and once the car has been running, you shut it off go to start it again it won't start unless you have it sit for a while. I Take it back to the dealership they point next to the engine saying a purge valve, but the wants money for a diagnostic. They do the diagnostic and still provide maybes, as they claim the filler neck is rusted and corrosion. I take the car to another place who states the filler neck is fine.
Engine, Jun 24, 2025
I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 2 years. I have taken it to the dealership Vandergriff Hyundai in arlington, tx advising the oil light keeps coming on before oil change is due this was before my warranty had expired on my vehicle. I was told that they could not find anything wrong and a oil change was completed, but no oil consumption test was done. I asked about any recall for knock sensor and i was advised that had already been completed. I have no proof of this being completed. After researching the issue, I discovered that this is a known engine defect covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 23-EM-008H, which relates to excessive oil consumption. This condition can lead to engine failure, posing a significant safety risk if the engine fails while driving at high speeds or in traffic. This issue is part of an active class-action lawsuit and has affected numerous vehicles with the same engine type. I had my oil changed on April 26th, 2025 and as of June 24, 2025 it was 3 quartz low. this is not normal and it is dangerous.
Engine, Jun 5, 2025
Rod clearance test
Engine, Jun 1, 2025
Bought 2019 at Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake va in JUNE of 2022. Noticed that car stay burning oil in march of 2025. Took 2 oil consumption test at dealership and failed both. Hyundai knows these consume oil even with proper maintenance but will do nothing to try to make it right. Basically got turned down and service advisor ADVISED me to buy a new vehicle. The car only has 75,330 miles on it
Engine, May 5, 2025
The car stalled and came to a stop on the highway which was very dangerous. Took it to mechanic and they found the cylinder 3 and 4 misfire and suggested we take it to hyundai dealer for repair. Took it to hyundai dealer and they did a compression test and found only 40% compression in cylinder 4. All cylinders should be around 180%. Engine needs to be replaced and hyundai refuses to help.
Power train, Engine, Apr 10, 2025
I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE in December 2024. Within one month, the vehicle consumed 3.5 quarts of oil out of a 5-quart capacity. After researching the issue, I discovered that this is a known engine defect covered under Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin 23-EM-008H, which relates to excessive oil consumption. This condition can lead to engine failure, posing a significant safety risk if the engine fails while driving at high speeds or in traffic. This issue is part of an active class-action lawsuit and has affected numerous vehicles with the same engine type. I am reporting this defect so that the NHTSA can track the scope of the problem and determine whether a recall should be issued.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal knocking sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had to add oil to the engine after an oil change. The oil level had been low by one quart, three quarts, or even more on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was oil leaking from the gaskets. There was an internal leak in the engine. The dealer informed the contact about an oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact about the associated fees. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2025
I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 4 years. I started getting a "Knock Sensor" code. I replaced the knock sensor and still had problems. Hyundai had a recall and they reprogrammed my computer board. A year later I was having the same issues. My car started stalling out. Took back to the dealership they said my engine had sludge and now they're saying that there is a hole in my engine. Hyundai is saying that I don't qualify for assistance.
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
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)
Engine, Jan 19, 2025
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.
Engine, Dec 27, 2024
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 23, 2024
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
Engine, Nov 8, 2024, fire
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 6, 2024
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.