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.
Air bags, Dec 12, 2022
The contact's uncle owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while his uncle was driving approximately 20 MPH and going over a speed bump, the driver's side front and side air bags deployed. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that his uncle saw the air bags warning light illuminated, but only after the air bags had deflated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who did not want to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Engine, Nov 10, 2022
4500 miles after an oil change the oil drain plug fell out and oil leaked out resulting in an engine stalling. An oil warning light came on 7 minutes before the vehicle stalled on the highway.
Engine, Oct 8, 2022
The dates are backwards because of the most serious incident which put my safety at risk. On October 3, 2022, while driving on a busy interstate, in rush hour traffic all of a sudden my car began to stall, there was a rattling/knocking sound emitting from the car, I lost power, could not accelerate and my check engine light began to flash. This leads me to believe it was an engine malfunction or failure involving the engine after viewing various ?online complaints. This was a safety risk not only to myself but to others because there is a posted speed limit that must be maintained on major highways. Other drivers began honking their horns, which added more fear to the anxiety I was already experiencing. In retrospect, had a car not realized I had slowed could have hit my car, which could have resulted in fatal injuries to my infant son and I. There was a recall service campaign update 953, which is related to the knock sensor detection system, which was performed on my car in February 2020. Furthermore, on October 1, 2022 while driving a red oil lamp began to flash on my car. I pulled over on the side of the road, called my personal mechanic who then informed me to get someone to bring oil before driving from the location. Once my friend brought the oil, it took 5 quarts before the light stopped blinking and I was able to drive home. The next day, I saw what appeared to be dark colored oil on ground where my car was parked overnight. Subsequently, I took the car to inspect the leak, because Hyundai informed me nothing would be covered because I was just outside of my 60,000 mile warranty. While at the mechanic it was found that I had an oil leak emitting from a crack in my oil pan. Again, my personal mechanic advised I take my car to the dealer, which I had the car towed on October 5, still waiting for a response on the status of my car(10/8/2022) from Hyundai while paying for a rental out of my own pocket.
Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at night at various speeds with the low beam headlights activated, there was a shadow reflecting on the roadway. The driver’s side headlight illumination was distorted. Additionally, it was difficult to keep the vehicle on the highway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 26,200.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2022
Unknown. This has happened a couple times now. I am driving and the HEV light, engine light and battery light turn on, car won’t brake properly and almost cause me to hit other cars and will shut off on its own on the highway. It will accelerate on its own even when trying to brake. Extremely dangerous.
Steering, Aug 15, 2022
In September 2021 my power steering went out at highway speed making it unsafe and difficult to steer. The power steering ECU was replaced. The same thing happen again in June 2022 this time more parts were replaced position / torque sensors and wiring harness. The same issue happened again in 8/2022 the steering wheel was jerking and trying to make corrections (I don't have lane keep assist on any type of steering assistance in my vehicle. This in an ongoing problem and I can't trust that the vehicle is sage
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 5, 2022
My vehicle was stolen from in front of my home. The "alarm" did not sound or go off at all. The area where my key should enter was removed, vandalized, and then an iphone charger was used to start my car via a USB port that is located somewhere within that area. Apparently, this is a tictok trend that has been in the works for a while and targets Hyundais.Yet, there has been no response from Hyundai to recall Sonatas or Elantras to remedy this issue. Now I am being forced to pay for repairs on a vehicle that was used for illegal activities and again have to place my family in. I do not feel safe in this situation and I am most likely privy to fall victim again until this issue is resolved.
Air bags, May 9, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 78 mph, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a concrete median. During the crash, no airbags in the vehicle were deployed and the driver sustained a concussion and neck injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Mar 8, 2022
The transmission in my vehicle makes a whine when shifting at about 35-40 miles per hour. No other car I ever drove made that noise. Hyundai has replaced the transmission 3 times and they still could not fix it. After the third replacement they said it's normal and that other Sonatas make that noise. That cannot be true. They did not replace the transmission 3 times if that noise is normal. If it IS true and other Sonatas make that noise, there may be a defect that will turn dangerous in other Sonatas. The second time the transmission was replaced, the service manager told me they found metal fragments in the transmission fluid. I don't know what problem this defect will cause later on. If you would like to inspect my car to determine if this is dangerous, I can make it available. Thanks! P.S. - Below, I have to pick a date of the incident and mileage at that time (so I chose when I first reported it to Hyundai), but this happens every time I drive the car.
Exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2021
Just purchased this vehicle yesterday 8/10/2021. Drove it home at night. there were significant blindspots, and a shadow in the headlight beam. Headlights only illuminated the bottom half of the of the beam hemispheres. This engineering defect is a danger to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as pedestrians and other vehicles. Have reported the issue to dealers sales manager. Will return to the dealership tomorrow in search of a resolution
Seat belts, Jul 27, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while she was at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the back of her vehicle however, the seat belt failed to retract, causing the contact to suffer whiplash and a bump to her knees against the dashboard behind the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence, where she noticed she had sustained injuries on her legs and her right leg was swollen, as well as multiple other injuries. The contact sought medical attention. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the driver’s side seat belt was replaced however, the seat belt was still not latching securely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to drive the vehicle up to a certain speed and step on the brake pedal to see if the seat belt would operate as needed. The contact did so, and the seat belt operated as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to mail photos of the vehicle and other documents. The contact provided the needed documentation as requested. The approximate failure mileage was 12,246.
Exterior lighting, Mar 16, 2021
I PURCHASED THIS CAR OCTOBER 2019. I NOTICED THE LED HEADLIGHTS WERE A BIT DIMMER AND NOT AS BRIGHT AS THEY WERE WITH MY PREVIOUS CAR, WHICH WAS A 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH LED HEADLIGHTS. THERE IS A PROMINENT DARK HALF MOON SHAPED SPOT IN THE SPREAD OF THE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. ALSO, I NOTICED AS TIME WENT ON THE HEADLIGHTS APPEARED TO BE SHINING CLOSER TO THE GROUND AND BARELY ILLUMINATING ROAD SIGNS COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND ALMOST HIT SOMEONE WALKING BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT DIDN'T SHINE ON THE PERSON UNTIL I WAS RATHER CLOSE AND THE LIGHT FINALLY REACHED THE REFLECTOR PART OF THE PERSONS SNEAKER; I ENDED UP HAVING HIT THE BREAKS AND SWERVE. THIS IS DEFINITELY MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHILE CARS PASS IN FRONT OF YOU. YOU CAN SEE OTHER CARS LIGHTS SHINE ONTO THE DOORS OF CARS CROSSING THE INTERSECTION. MINE BARELY GETS THE DOOR AND SEEMS TO SHINE UNDER A CAR, SAME WHEN I AM BEHIND SOMEONE THE LIGHTS SHINE VIRTUALLY BELOW THE BUMPER COMPARED TO OTHERS THAN CAN SHINE ALMOST DIRECTLY TO THE PLATE. ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE I NOTICED IS THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE HOUSE NUMBERS ON MAILBOX TUBES, COMPARED TO MY OTHER VEHICLE ILLUMINATED THESE ALONG WITH THE STREET SIGNS NO PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY LIGHTS WERE ANGLED LOW AND RAISED THEM. THIS HAS SHOWN A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THESE HEADLIGHTS AS OTHER HAVE SAID ON HERE. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI RECALL THIS MODEL BEFORE A TERRIBLE INJURY HAPPENS UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH TO THE DRIVER AND THOSE WITH THEM AND AROUND THEM ON THE ROADS. NOT ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUSLY COULD LEAD TO A LAWSUIT THAT WILL COST THEM A LOT MORE MONEY COMPARED TO FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER AND COMPARE THE LIGHTS TO OTHER CARS IN IT'S CLASS.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2020
THE LED DYNAMIC BENDING HEADLAMPS PROJECT 2 BLACK VOIDS ONTO THE ROADWAY OR STATIONARY OBJECTS IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THESE VOIDS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE AREA ON THE PAVEMENT AND ARE A DRIVING DISTRACTION. THE VOIDS CAN BE OBSERVED CONSISTENTLY DURING USE OF THE LOW BEAMS WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THESE DARK VOIDS ONLY APPEAR WITH LOW BEAM USE AND DO NOT APPEAR WHILE USING THE HIGH BEAMS. AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, OCT 21, 2019, THE SALES REP INFORMED ME THIS FLAW COULD BE FIXED BY A MERE HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT AND AFTER 3 HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENTS BY THE DEALER (ONGOING INTO FEBRUARY 2020 AND HAVING HYUNDAI DIRECTLY TELL ME TO WORK OUT ISSUE WITH DEALER) BECAUSE IT COULD NOT BE FIXED AND THERE WAS NO WAY OF CHANGING THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND A TECHNICAL BULLETIN FROM HYUNDAI ABOUT THIS ISSUE DATED DECEMBER 2018 DESCRIBING THESE VOIDS AS AN ANTI GLARE MECHANISM AND TO NOT PERFORM ANY HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENTS.
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2020
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THERE ARE 2 ROUND BLACKOUT SPOTS IN THE BEAM FROM THE HEADLIGHTS.THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AS WHILE DRIVING IT LOOKS AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS IN THE ROADWAY. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HYUNDAI DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF THE COMPLAINTS BUT CAN DO NOTHING.
Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2020
ON 7/15/2020, I PURCHASE A 2019 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED WITH 6,182 MILES. ON 7/25/20, I WAS OUT AFTER DARK AND USED MY HEADLIGHTS FOR THE FIRST TIME. I NOTICED A DARK LINE IN MY VISUAL FIELD AND 2 HALF CIRCLES PROTRUDING FROM BELOW THE DARK LINE WHILE DRIVING WITH MY LOW BEAMS ON. I HAD LIMITED VISIBILITY IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS TRYING TO LOOK UNDER THE LINE TO SEE BETTER. I WAS ALSO EXTREMELY DISTRACTED BY THE 2 NOTCHES, WITH THE DRIVER SIDE NOTCH BEING MORE PROMINENT, AS THEY MOVE AS YOU DRIVE. THIS WAS NOT AN ISSUE ONCE THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ON. THIS IS MY 3RD SONATA AND I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED THIS PREVIOUSLY IN MY OTHER 2 SONATAS. I TOOK IT OUT AGAIN LAST NIGHT AND DROVE AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO SEE IF THE NOTCHES AND LINE WERE STILL THERE AND THEY WERE. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN I TURNED THE CORNER THERE IS A BLIND SPOT CREATED BY THE NOTICES AND LOW VISUAL LINE WHICH PROHIBITED ME FROM SEEING A MAN WALKING HIS DOG. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN POTENTIALLY FATAL. HYUNDAI SONATA DEFINITELY HAS A DESIGN FLAW AND IT'S A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. I CANNOT HELP BUT WONDER IF THIS IS THE REASON THE CAR WAS ALREADY TRADED IN. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND REMEDIED YET. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS MORE DANGEROUS TO BEGIN WITH. IT IS ALARMING THAT HYUNDAI HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE A CAR WITH SUCH A HUGE ISSUE FOR A PART AS VITAL AS HEADLIGHTS AND NO ONE HAS FORCED THEM TO ADDRESS IT. I HAVE NO DOUBT THERE HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECTIVE DESIGN. DISTRACTION AND REDUCED VISIBILITY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT A DRIVER WILL GET USED TO NOR SHOULD THEY HAVE TO. NHTSA PLEASE MAKE HYUNDAI ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM!
Engine, Jul 20, 2020
EXHAUST TIP UNDER RIGHT REAR BUMPER EXTENDS PAST END OF BUMPER. A FEW WEEKS AGO SOMEONE BURNED THEIR LEG WHILE ACCESSING THE TRUNK. YESTERDAY, A SEPARATE PERSON WAS ALSO BURNED FROM SAME EXHAUST TIP FROM STANDING CLOSE TO BUMPER TO ACCESS THE TRUNK. WE HAD 2016 SONATA FOR 4 YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED BURNS FROM SIMILAR EXHAUST TIP. CAR WAS PARKED ON LEVEL DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS WARMED UP FROM RECENT DRIVE AND TURNED OFF.
Electrical system, May 1, 2020
NEWLY LEASED VEHICLE. WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS AND LESS THAN 300 MILES THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS IN THE MORNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD AND CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER MORE THAN 5 ATTEMPTS IT FINALLY STARTED. IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR 3 DAYS AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE SINCE THEY CAN'T REPLICATE IT.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2020
THE DRIVING ASSIST FEATURE WHICH INDICATED IF A VEHICLE IS IN THE NEXT LANE IS SUPPOSED TO ENGAGE BUT IT HAS STOPPED WORKING. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2020
AEB SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. WILL NOT DETECT VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME NOR DETECT A PEDESTRIAN. IT GIVES NO STAGE 1,2 OR 3 WARNINGS WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI HEADQUARTERS AND HAVE YET TO RESOLVE THIS CONCERN.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Mar 12, 2020
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS NEW CARE HAVE SPOTS WITHOUT ANY LIGHTING. THERE ARE HAVE CIRCLES WITHOUT LIGHT AND ON DISTINCT BLACK LINE. MOSTLY WITH LOW BEAM. THERE ARE VERY DANGEROUS BLIND SPOTS. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 2ND TIME TRYING TO REPAIR BUT THE SERVICE MAN STATED HE DID NOT THINK THERE WAS A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2020
HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM MAKE DARK SHADOWS ON ROAD. MAKES IT APPEAR SOMETHING IS MOVING ONTO THE ROAD FROM SIDE; SWERVED TO AVOID, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT. BLOCKS VISIBILITY OF ACTUAL LANE OF TRAVEL; COULDN'T SEE PEDESTRIAN IN CROSSWALK WHEN TURNING CORNER. SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR DEATH. IMPOSSIBLE TO CONCENTRATE ON ROADWAY WHILE DRIVING, AS EYES AUTOMATICALLY FOLLOW THE MOVING SHADOWS, CAUSING TOTAL DISTRACTION, MENTAL FATIGUE, MOTION SICKNESS. PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED. THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING...ALWAYS WHEN DRIVING AFTER DARK WITH LOW BEAMS. JUST NOW REPORTING.
Air bags, Feb 18, 2020, crash
WHILE TRAVELING IN ONE DIRECTION, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO U-TURN IN AN INTERSECTION WITH NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS. THEY HIT MY CAR IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUSING ENOUGH DAMAGE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED AWAY AND TOTALED. IN THIS CRASH THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS INDICATION THAT THE AIRBAGS WERE FAULTY, NO RECALL, AND THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AT TIME OF PURCHASE 7 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT INJURED ALTHOUGH MY HAND DID HIT THE STEERING WHEEL OR WINDOW (OR SOMETHING IN THAT VICINITY), IT WAS TOO QUICK TO REALLY REALIZE WHAT SPECIFICALLY I HIT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 25, 2020
HEADLAMPS DO DONT PROJECT CORRECTLY. THERE IS AN ISSUE WHERE THE LAMPS ARE DISTORTED FROM THE HEADLAMP DESIGN. AREAS OF THE LAMP PROJECTION ARE BLOCKED CREATING BLACKED OUT AREAS. DEALER ADVISED IT IS AN ISSUE AND TRIED TO RESOLVE BY ADJUSISTING HEADLAMPS HIGHER. THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. NOW ONCOMING DRIVERS THINK THE HIGH BEAMS ARE ON AND CONSTANTLY GET FLASHED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT APPEARS HYUNDAI IS IGNORING THE PROBLEM
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2020
TWICE WITHIN TWO MONTHS MY VEHICLE THAT I AM CURRENTLY LEASING HAS STALLED AND NOT ACCELERATED AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. BOTH TIMES WITH TAKING THE CAR TO GET LOOKED AT THE DEALERSHIP HAS PUSHED ME OUT THE DOOR WITHOUT TRULY TAKING AMPLE TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS AND MORE DISAPPOINTING AND DISTURBING THE 2ND TIME THEY ONLY SOLUTION TO ME TELLING THEM I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT WITHOUT FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE AND FIXING IT WAS FOR ME TO START AN ENTIRELY NEW 3 YEAR LEASE WITH THE SAME YEAR MODEL AND MAKE BUT UNBELIEVABLY WITH HIGHER CAR NOTES. TO ME THIS WAS A DISRESPECTFUL SLAP IN THE FACE TO SAY THE HECK WITH LIVING UP TO OUR WARRANTY STANDARDS AND INSTEAD LET'S TRY AND MAKE ANOTHER SALES DEAL. THE MOST RECENT TIME THE CAR STOPPED WORKING WHILE IN DRIVE AND LEFT ME DANGEROUSLY STRANDED IN AN INTERSECTION.
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2019
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 18 ACTUAL MILES ON THE CAR AROUND 6/14/19. DURING A CALL TO DEALERSHIP CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL I WAS ADVISED THERE WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED (SERVICE CAMPAIGN 953 - ECM & CLUSTER UPDATE-ENGINE MONITORING LOGIC PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT). SERVICE WAS COMPLETED WITHIN 4-5 DAYS BEFORE SERVICE CAMPAIGN WAS CLOSED. WITHIN ONE WEEK LATER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND BELL WENT OFF AND DISPLAYED TWO MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THREE INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE FRONTAL COLLISION AVOIDANCE, WARNING INDICATOR AND EPB INDICATOR ACTIVATED. AFTER ARRIVING AT DESTINATION I WAS GOING TO BACK VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE REAR CAMERA NOT WORKING. AFTER GETTING BACK IN CAR AND LEAVING, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND CAMERA WAS BACK TO NORMAL OPERATION. NEXT DAY RETURNING HOME FROM WORK THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURED A SECOND TIME. THIS TIME NOTICED AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND NOT TURNING VEHICLE OFF, THEN TRYING TO PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK UNTIL VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND VEHICLE WAS SHOWING SEVERAL CODES. HYUNDAI WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ADVISED TO HAVE SOFTWARE REBOOT. THIS WORKED FOR CLOSE TO A WEEK THEN HAPPENED A THIRD TIME WITHIN 403 MILES SINCE SERVICE CAMPAIGN WAS COMPLETED AT 7514 MILES.