2019 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke started coming from the hood and the vehicle was pulled over into a parking space. While opening the hood, the contact saw that fire was coming from the top of the engine. The contact stated that the fire consumed the front of the vehicle, including the windshield and the dashboard. The smoke coming from the vehicle was dark gray and turned black afterwards. The contact called 911, and the Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported. A vehicle parked next to the vehicle was damaged by the flames. The contact's vehicle was not inspected or officially deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an oil change had been performed prior to the failure. The mechanic stated that there might have been a high-pressure fuel valve on top of the engine that possibly caused a gas leak, which started the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.

NHTSA ID

11752343

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

172,000 mi

The engine is the component or system failed or malfunctioned, and it is available for inspection upon request. Sudden loss of engine power while driving, including during highway speeds or intersections, increasing the risk of a crash. Engine stalling or failure to accelerate, preventing me from safely maneuvering away from hazards. Overheating events, which resulted in complete engine seizure and an unexpected loss of vehicle control, all which can potentially causing catastrophic incident without warning. To include, the increased risk of collision, especially if the failure occurs during traffic, merging, passing, or emergency situations. It has been reported to CC Transmission Auto Repair and independent service center. It was previously inspected by Hyundai dealer. Check engine light present September 2025.

NHTSA ID

11745390

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

For the past several years, this vehicle has experienced a recurring and unresolved engine malfunction that creates a safety hazard. The problem manifests as follows: Symptoms when check engine light illuminates: • Idle RPM elevation to approximately 1500 RPM (normal idle: 800 RPM) • Sudden unintended forward acceleration when foot is removed from brake pedal • Significantly reduced acceleration performance during normal driving • Vehicle becomes difficult to control safely The malfunction occurs intermittently but follows a consistent pattern. This is not an isolated incident but a recurring defect that has persisted for years. Multiple diagnostic and repair attempts have been unsuccessful: • Coconut Creek Hyundai service center - unable to diagnose [DATE(S)] • Independent mechanics - unable to resolve [DATE(S)] • Issue remains unresolved despite multiple service visits Despite multiple attempts by qualified technicians, the root cause has not been identified and the defect has not been corrected. This malfunction creates a significant safety hazard: • Unintended acceleration increases risk of collision • Reduced acceleration capability limits ability to merge or accelerate safely • Check engine light indicates undiagnosed system failure • Problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it unsafe to drive I am concerned this may represent a defect pattern affecting multiple 2019 Sonata vehicles. NHTSA should: 1. Investigate whether this represents a defect pattern in 2019 Hyundai Sonata vehicles 2. Determine if a safety recall is warranted 3. Contact Hyundai Motor America to address this systemic issue

NHTSA ID

11738831

Incident

Mar 8, 2023

Ecm, p0303, yes, not yet, no, cel light before the car was brought to the dealership, 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, 2.4L Theta II GDI. Perryville Hyundai IL refused applicable TSB in writing 5/4/26 despite active P0303 misfire, fuel-in-oil smell, crankcase pressure. I have Photos prove falsified multi-point inspection: 1.0 inch (.0833') wheel well discrepancy, same mileage in/out. Vehicle has stall risk. Case Manager [XXX] non-responsive 2hr 45min after requesting written tow instructions on safety matter. RSPM escalated 1:00 PM CDT 5/5/26 with 3:00 PM deadline. No contact received as of 3:03 PM. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Theta II Lifetime Warranty Settlement violation. Case #XXX. Requesting federal investigation. Photo upload is not working, I'll need a email to send them in apparently INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735872

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the engine area, about 4” high. I called 911 and waited about 10 minutes for the fire department to arrive. During this time, the flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and extended vertically above the hood height. The hood eventually melted and fell back onto the engine area. The fire department came and put out the fire. The car is totaled. There were no injuries, thank God!

NHTSA ID

11732956

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

My 2019 Hyundai Sonata has been experiencing excessive oil consumption since I purchased it. The vehicle requires oil to be added approximately every two weeks, which indicates a serious internal engine issue. Recently, the check engine light turned on, and I took the vehicle to a dealership for inspection. I was told that the engine is “operating normally,” despite the ongoing oil consumption problem. I was also informed that the engine would only be replaced under warranty if it fails completely, such as through connecting rod bearing damage. This means I am expected to continue driving a vehicle that may suddenly fail without warning. I drive daily with my children, and I am concerned about the risk of sudden engine failure, loss of power, or engine seizure while driving, which could lead to a serious accident. I believe this is a known issue with these engines, and it represents a significant safety hazard that should be addressed before a catastrophic failure occurs.

NHTSA ID

11730703

Incident

Apr 5, 2026

I was driving on the interstate when my engine started shutting down on me and I’m glad I had moved to the right lane because someone would’ve hit me from the back because I never had this problem and now the mechanic telling me it jumped timing.

NHTSA ID

11729912

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

My oil pan cracked. I’ve never had any issues with oil pans until this one. Hyundai will not replace this under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11729007

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

consuming oil a quart every 2-3 weeks sonata hyundai in 2000 miles 3 quarts of oil were used. what happens when the motor locks up from be extremely low on oil. Possible accident! I cannot expect my wife to be checking the oil level every time she drives.

NHTSA ID

11725416

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (Safety Hazard) Motor/Pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.

NHTSA ID

11719616

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the failure reoccurred with the messages "Check Hybrid System” and “Turn Engine Off" being displayed. The contact immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer for assistance. A diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that there was engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer requested proof of the last two oil changes. The contact obtained a Carfax Report, which showed proof of the oil changes and maintenance records. The manufacturer denied the goodwill request after several months of negotiations. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11714435

Incident

Sep 26, 2025

Mileage

32,000 mi

I have had my car in 7 times for the same issue. Metal shavings in oil and burning excessive amounts of oil between oil changes. This is a very well known issue with 2019 Hyundai Sonata. They have done nothing but add oil and run tests which the car failed. No attempt to fix it or replace it. I have been in contact with Corporate who refused to help. My car has an extended warranty for this specific issue, but they only give me the run around.

NHTSA ID

11709374

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

The engine is burning oil around 1 quart every 700 miles. I check the car oil level around every 10 days. I have experienced when I didn't check the oil and the low oil engine light would come on in the instrument panel. Hyundai shows no recall for this 2019 Hyundai Sonata Limited edition. I believe that this type of incident occurred back around 2011 with Hyundai's models for that time

NHTSA ID

11707477

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

My vehicle has an oil consumption problem. I put in 5 quarts of oil last week after changing the oil three weeks before this. I am down today December 19, 2025 2 1/2 quarts when I put in 5 quarts last Friday. Hyundai motor Corp. says I have to pay for the $90 oil change to do the oil consumption test then I have to go back 1000 miles later and pay $600 for an oil combustion cleaning and drive it another thousand miles and come back and see the oil level to see if I need an engine. I think this is absolutely a safety hazard and needs to be taken very seriously for all customers that drive a Hyundai that are having these issues.

NHTSA ID

11706209

Incident

Aug 9, 2025

Hyundai replaced my engine under warranty due to their oil consumption in mid October. About 2 weeks later all warning lights came on and they said need new battery. They put in new battery in November. 15 miles after new battery a burning smell and smoke came from under hood with visible smoke. Took to dealer following day and no smoke. Got car back and next day it’s smoking and burning smell. Got it back to dealership and they had it a while and said no smoke and I got car back. They can’t find a reason and it’s not smoking .About a week later (tonight) burning smell and smoke from under hood at the engine.

NHTSA ID

11705709

Incident

Nov 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the vehicle required an oil change every 10 days. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after driving 1,000 miles after an oil change, and the dealer informed the contact that a combustion cleaning was needed. The dealer performed the combustion cleaning, but the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic and the dealer had diagnosed the vehicle and had determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and declined to cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11705662

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

My oil light came on after driving it about 4700 miles from purchase date. I checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick. 200 miles and 2 days later the check engine light came on and put it into limp mode. It was about a half quart low. I was put at risk for having to go slow on a main highway to get back home. I took it to a local Hyundai dealership they did a diagnostic and bearing clearance test for $572.00. They said it passed. Then I did a 1000 mile oil consumption test. They over filled my oil and it passed. The 2nd 1000 mile oil consumption test they did not over fill my oil and it failed. They told me they would submit a PA to Hyundai corporate and as long as the maintenance was done they would most likely replace the engine. He also told me my engine could blow anytime. They never called me back so when I called the dealership they said they denied it needed a new engine. They wanted me to pay another $800 to run a combustion test. I am not paying for anymore testing when they clearly have engine problems with many of their engines. I had warning signs and that’s when I called the dealership I purchased it from and went on this path. I was also told that this was covered under an extension warranty of 120, 000 miles. Only to be told by Hyundai corporate that it is not covered. This is an issue Hyundai is well aware of and they refuse to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11702005

Incident

Sep 24, 2025

Engine is burning oil at an excessive rate. Burning a liter every 1,000 miles and Hyundai refuses to do anything about it.

NHTSA ID

11694891

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

My car has been with Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake Va since September 23rd. They have advised me that I will definitely need a new engine however, Hyundai is requiring them to do 2750.00 worth of work on my engine before they can submit a claim to have my engine replaced. They explained to me that one of the piston rings in my engine needs to be replaced. The service technician reassured me “the failure was nothing that I could have caused”. I have gotten my oil change regularly, and I have paperwork that shows that. The car is five years old. I’ve only had the car for 3 years and I’m the first owner. I have never driven my car long distance. I work from home. The most I do is take my boys to and from school which is at the most 5.1 miles away from my home. The dealer recommended that I call Hyundai my self and start a case. Which I did. Two days later Hyundai Canada called to tell me their decision is final and my case was denied because the warrant is 5 years/60,000 miles I told them the car was over the 60,000 mileages when I bought it and I’m still well within the 5-yr mark. She then says, basically that the piston failure is not included in the extended warranty. However the class action suit states differently. The dealership advised me that their system shows a 99 yr warranty on the engine, which they took that to mean lifetime. They priced me a new engine at 7111.00 in addition to the 2750.00 of engine work they told me I must get done before hyundai would approve me for a new engine. I have been in contact with the lawyers handling the Hyundai/Kia 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI Engine Class Actions. They have added me to the data base and provided me some direction. which have led me to you, the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11694795

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

Problem with the valve cover gasket. Dealer said replaced. Engine oil smell has been entering into the cabin and making me ill. Causing chest pain, headache, dizziness, nausea.

NHTSA ID

11694671

Incident

Sep 20, 2025

Burning oil

NHTSA ID

11692945

Incident

Aug 1, 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.

NHTSA ID

11688992

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Burning excess oil

NHTSA ID

11688072

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11686852

Incident

Feb 15, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

I just had an Oil change twice on this car it burns oil like crazy..mine you only had car for5 months

NHTSA ID

11684358

Incident

Aug 13, 2025