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
161 reports, newest first.
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2025
Hi. This is [XXX] My car has white paint peeling issue and complained to Hyundai but they denied my request. I saw so many white color hyundai and kia paint peeling issue. I can’t understand why they have not a recall service. This is a clearly manufacturer’s fault and responsibility. I think NHTSA should order hyundai to issue a recall immediately. Even if not a safty related issue, NHTSA must listen to the consumer’s opinion INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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)
Air bags, Feb 19, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 15 MPH in a residential area, another vehicle coming from the left side tried to pass the contact into oncoming traffic, as the contact's husband was trying to slow down to make a U-turn. As a result, the other driver's vehicle then crashed into the contact's husband. There were no warning lights illuminated. None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was idled back to a friend's place of residence. The contact's husband suffered injuries from the vehicle collision. The contact's husband went to the hospital a day after the collision and was informed he would be sore for a couple of days. A police report was filed. The vehicle has not been repaired or taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that she had notified the other vehicle's insurance and was awaiting a response. The dealer has not been made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
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.
Structure, Jan 14, 2025
The exterior paint of my white 2019 Hyundai sonata has been peeling continuously in different places since 2023 when I bought it. The Hyundai dealer is aware of this problem but refuses to recall or give compensation for this problem.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 7, 2024
Fuel pump went out
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.
Engine, Oct 19, 2024
In April of 2024 initially the car was under warranty. I took my vehicle to the Edmond Hyundai dealership to see why I kept having to put oil in the car in between oil changes. The dealership said iI needed an oil consumption test to determine if the loss of oil amount was excessive. They changed the oil and i drove it 1000 miles and returned it to the dealership. They said it was was around 1 quart low, which is acceptable and "normal". This isn't normal. I tried to get them to check the engine again and do other tests but they wouldn't. It is now October of 24' and I am still putting oil in between oil changes because the light comes on. I took the car back to the dealership on 10/19 and they said the only thing they could do is another consumption test to determine if the oil loss is excessive. I asked them to do a more thorough check of the engine and cited the previous time I brought the car in for the same issue that was not resolved. The mileage is now just over the warranty threshold, but they are still wanting me to pay for whatever service needs to be done to the vehicle, whether it's a combustion cleaning or a new engine. The safety of the car is of concern now and since this car is driven by the three drivers in the family, I do not want them put at a risk on the road if something fails because of oil loss and engine seize. Hyundai needs to be held accountable and honor warranty, safety, and service. The dealers need to help the customer and go above and beyond. The staff at Edmond Hyundai kept going back to the consumption test and all the steps they need to follow before they could send in a submission for doing a combustion cleaning when clearly there was an issue. I am beyond frustrated with the lack of concern for safety and customer satisfaction.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 1, 2024
Around the 70,000 to 80,000 mile range, I began to notice that I needed more frequent oil changes. Additionally, when making turns, the oil pressure light would illuminate. I reported these concerns to the service manager, Steve Purvis, at Noblesville Hyundai, who advised that the light simply indicated the need for an oil change. Due to the ignorance of Steve Purvis, I took my vehicle to Hyundai of Carmel, where the issue was not addressed until I reached 97,000 miles. During this time, the valve covers were replaced twice, yet there were no active leaks, and the problem persisted. Hyundai subsequently denied my request for an oil consumption test to further diagnose the issue. I then took my vehicle to a different shop, where a mini oil consumption test revealed that my car burned over 2 quarts of oil from Friday to Monday. Additionally, my start/stop system has ceased functioning, preventing me from starting the vehicle. I have also noted that there are open recalls for Hyundai vehicles, yet my VIN is not recognized under these recalls. I have incurred significant expenses related to these ongoing issues. My safety has been put to risk because the oil can burn completely out and cause the car to break down in the middle of traffic like it has before. Hyundai dealership has confirmed the car has an oil burning issue, as well as an independent shop by the name of Auto Tech in Indianapolis. Auto Tech has also confirmed that the start/stop system is causing my car to not start. The oil pressure light is not consistent when my oil gets low. Some times it comes on, other times it does not.
Engine, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle was taken for an oil change. The contact stated that the very next day he checked the dipstick and became aware that there was no oil on the dipstick. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was called, and the contact was informed that there might be an oil consumption failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil consumption test; however, the contact stated that he was not able to pay for the oil consumption test to be performed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Power train, Engine, Aug 31, 2024
Car has a rod knock, has been looked at by a private mechanic, seen online there was a recall on Hyundai Sonatas for rod knock issues.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 3, 2024
I have had to change my spark plugs 3 times since May due to the fact that I keep getting oil in them. My car also goes through an excessive amount of oil. Within 2 weeks of having my oil changed I had to start adding more oil. But it does not ever have any on the ground under my car. My piston oil rings are not keeping oil out of the area where my spark plugs are located.
Engine, Jul 16, 2024
Engine has been leaking oil for awhile. After close inspection i discovered a tiny crack in oil pan. There is no damage whatsoever to the oil pan. After much research online it appears many other hyundai owners have the same leak from a crack in oil pan in exact same spot. If left unchecked it would result in engine damage from low oil level. There is a spot weld for drain plug backing and the crack develops at this spot weld. No damage or impact has caused this crack as other owners experience same issue. Oil pan had to be replaced as leak was getting worse at crack
Seat belts, Jul 12, 2024
Drivers side seat belt strap does not retract back when removed and has faulty latch which sometimes pops out. Dealer told us that because the car had over 60,000 miles on it that we would be responsible for payment to replace the pretensions and other internal parts plus the latch. This car was bought new in 2019 and had only been involved in one accident which the seat belt was not used due to the fact that the car was parked when it was struck. Since this is a safety issue which could result in my death or serious injury in the event of a vehicle accident I am taking a chance evey time i drive this vehicle. The approximate cost according to hyundai would be around $1800.00 - $2000.00. I consider this a manufacturer defect that hyundai should replace and be responsible for the cost. They refuse to fix this issue unless I pay for the repair. I never heard of a seat belt having a mileage cut off at any amount of mileage. Please advise me if you can enforce safety defect repair to be paid for by hyundai. If you are not able to hold hyundai liable I would appreciate any entity that you may know of that can make them replace for free the defective belt and latch. I'm afraid to drive this car without a working seat belt on the drivers side nor do I have the outrageous money for it to be repaired at my expense.