2023 Hyundai Sonata Fuel system Problems

I own a 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL. Over approximately three years, the vehicle experienced four separate incidents involving sudden loss of engine power and recurring fuel injector/powertrain problems. Three of these incidents occurred while the vehicle was being driven on interstate highways, creating serious safety concerns. The first incident occurred on XXX, on [XXX] [XXX]. My daughter was driving the vehicle at the time when it suddenly lost power while traveling on the interstate. She had to maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder under unsafe traffic conditions. The second incident occurred on XXX, on [XXX] near [XXX]. I was driving the vehicle when it again experienced sudden loss of power while traveling at highway speed. The third incident occurred on XXX, in [XXX]. The vehicle experienced another significant power-loss event and required roadside assistance. The fourth incident occurred on XXX, on [XXX]. The vehicle again experienced a sudden loss of engine power while I was driving on the highway. Despite multiple repair attempts, including repairs related to the fuel injectors, the same or substantially similar power-loss problem continued to recur. Because the vehicle has repeatedly lost engine power while being driven, including multiple incidents at interstate highway speeds, I believe this recurring condition presents a serious safety risk. I am reporting these incidents so NHTSA can evaluate whether this may represent a broader safety-related defect affecting this vehicle model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755422

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-40 MPH, the vehicle was sputtering and shaking abnormally. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN was not under recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,500.

NHTSA ID

11753540

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

86,500 mi

Was driving and stopped at a stoplight. When I went to drive it started sputtering and if I wouldn’t have driven into a gas station, it would’ve given out in the middle of the road. It wouldn’t let me switch to drive or reverse , only neutral or park. It threw a code P0301, cylinder 1 misfire. Had to get it towed. Now I have to get my spark plugs and fuel injectors replaced.

NHTSA ID

11737351

Incident

May 5, 2026

Recall 286 my vehicle suffered from this causing heat module failure misfire in cylinder 2 and high pressure in gas tank. Sports Hyundai had previously done a 180 day repair under recall 9b1 for an expanded gas tank after the repair the car suffered from the updated recall 286 . I brang to the dealership 4 times with check engine and misfires and limp mode between 57k and 68k they refused to fix the car under recall 286 and cleared all the codes and continued to make me leave in a unsafe car. On February 14th it sport Hyundais negligence was the direct cause of an auto accident were the car was unable to move out the way because of lack of power /limp mode. I begged them in the final days of me having the car to fix it and saying I didn’t feel safe and they wouldn’t without an extensive amount of money I could not provide . I’m currently filing a claim with Hyundai consumer affairs and the dca in Newark and also my senators office and I have a lawyer also who might help I wish to report this to the NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11722063

Incident

Feb 14, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding Recall 25V-796 (Hyundai Recall 286). On November 27th, while driving, my vehicle made a loud popping noise twice and then began sounding muffled. About a week later, while on a long-distance drive, I attempted to refuel and the gas would not go into the tank. At another gas station I was able to fuel it, but afterward the vehicle began rapidly leaking fuel while I was driving. The fuel gauge was also malfunctioning. It showed 53 miles remaining and then suddenly jumped to 200 miles. It was not accurately reflecting the fuel level. When I stopped again for gas, the same muffled noise occurred and the fuel level rapidly dropped again. Due to safety concerns, I took the vehicle directly to the dealership.I dropped the vehicle off on December 6th and it has remained at the dealership ever since. The vehicle is currently sitting in their lot with no remedy available. I am still making monthly payments on a vehicle I cannot use. Although Hyundai provided a rental vehicle, it has now been over three months of inconvenience, including having to exchange rental vehicles for service. This has caused disruption to my daily life and financial strain. Hyundai has offered to pay off my loan and provide 8% toward the purchase of another vehicle. However, I am a single mother who is currently rebuilding financially after losing my job in prior years, and my credit score has been affected. I do not believe I should be pressured into purchasing another vehicle due to an unresolved manufacturer safety defect. I also attempted to seek guidance regarding Florida Lemon Law, but was informed that I may not qualify because the vehicle was purchased in April 2023 and the issue occurred after the two-year period. However, this is a manufacturer recall involving the fuel system, and I believe it is unfair that I am left financially responsible for a vehicle with a serious safety defect and no available remedy. I am requesting investigation

NHTSA ID

11721116

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after depressing the START/STOP button, the vehicle failed to start immediately. Additionally, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There was no warning light illuminated; however, an undisclosed message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the fuel injector; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11720359

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

56,000 mi

My Hyundai Sonata 2023 is experiencing two recall codes. The first one was 9b1 which was resolved, but the other one is indefinite which is 286. I dropped my car off on December 4 of 2025 and a month later Hyundai’s corporate team reached out to discuss the state of my car. They asked me for things such as the payoff balance of what I owe through CarMax who I’m financing the car from, they asked me the mileage on the car, the registration and the lien. They then told me they would provide me with an update by certain dates it’s been over two months and I haven’t received any updates. The car shop called me to come pick up my car because one of the issues was resolved, but after reviewing the recall code 286 and seeing that there is very much so a safety risk when driving the car, I ultimately chose to leave the car with Hyundai. Hyundai has been unsuccessful with providing me with the solution. I’ve waited two months almost 3 months and I believe that this vehicle is a lemon and I need a solution. Hyundai took back the loaner, I have nothing now and they keep telling me they’re going to follow up, but have not followed up with anything I need help. I don’t want to risk my life, driving the car and being paranoid that it could catch on fire and harm me or other people driving in it please help.

NHTSA ID

11718375

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts were still not yet available. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11712428

Incident

Jan 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the dealer reset the check engine warning light. In addition, the vehicle remained with the dealer for 32 days but was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID

11710629

Incident

Nov 19, 2024

Mileage

28,000 mi

Hello Sir/Madam, While driving on Interstate I-75 at approximately 70 mph, the yellow check engine warning light suddenly illuminated. Immediately afterward, the vehicle began to shake violently, lose engine power, and run extremely rough. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power, and pressing the accelerator pedal did not result in normal response or acceleration. The throttle input was significantly reduced, making it difficult to maintain speed and safely control the vehicle. At highway speed and in heavy highway traffic, if we had not been able to safely exit the roadway, this loss of control could have put not only the occupants of this vehicle but also other drivers at serious risk. Fortunately, we were already in the exit lane, and a McDonald’s parking lot was located immediately off the exit. This allowed us to leave the highway quickly. Otherwise, this situation could have been extremely dangerous in active, heavy highway traffic. As the vehicle continued to shake, a strong smell of gasoline and a burning odor entered the cabin, raising concerns about a possible fire hazard. We safely stopped the vehicle in the McDonald’s parking lot and then shut the engine off due to the severity of the symptoms. After shutting the vehicle off, we attempted to restart it, but the engine would not start. The vehicle had to be towed to a Hyundai service center for inspection. The Hyundai service center later confirmed that the failure was caused by a faulty fuel injector, and they have changed all 4 injectors as I attached receipt from Hyundai This failure created a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of engine power, reduced accelerator response, severe shaking at highway speed, and fuel and burning odors inside the cabin. Regards

NHTSA ID

11708428

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

I am reporting a serious coolant system defect on my 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with about 13,500 miles. The vehicle develops an internal coolant leak while driving. Coolant burns off and white steam/smoke comes out of the exhaust, especially during acceleration. When this happens, the coolant level drops quickly, the interior heater stops working, and the car soon displays an engine overheating warning, forcing me to stop driving. This has happened multiple times and makes the vehicle unsafe. When I checked under the hood, coolant was at a low/empty level after overheating events. The car becomes undriveable once the alarm appears. I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer, and even though the vehicle is only 2 years old, they told me it was “out of warranty.” I had to pay about $1,500 for repairs, and since the dealer refused a loaner, I paid $250 for a rental car. I called Hyundai USA on 9/13/2025 and opened Case Number XXX. Hyundai acknowledged they are aware of coolant issues on the Sonata Hybrid but said no recall exists. This issue appears widespread. Many other owners report the same symptoms: white exhaust steam, coolant smell, coolant loss, no interior heat, and engine overheating. Hyundai released TSB 23-EM-009H, describing a failure where coolant leaks internally in the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS), causing white smoke and overheating—matching my symptoms exactly. This defect is a safety hazard because overheating can occur suddenly while driving, risking engine damage or breakdown in traffic. I request NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential recall-level defect on the 2023 Sonata Hybrid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11700476

Incident

Sep 13, 2025

Fuel injectors cause car to lose power while driving in traffic, on the highway which can cause accidents. This event happened twice one while entering the highway and one while going past a light. Neither caused an accident at the time. The car both times were taken to the dealership and the fuel injectors had to be replaced both times. The first time was in December 2024 at 12k miles

NHTSA ID

11698142

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the fuel mileage abnormally increased from 320 to approximately 431. An unknown message was displayed, and the contact received a notification on the Mobile App about a diagnostic trouble code for the EVAP sensor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the EVAP system valve was stuck open. The dealer replaced the EVAP system, and the dealer then determined that the fuel tank was swollen due to the failure. The contact stated that the rear seat sensor was malfunctioning and was causing a warning light to illuminate erroneously, which the dealer related to the fuel tank swelling and lifting the metal underneath the seat. The dealer also replaced the fuel tank. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 73,245.

NHTSA ID

11697927

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Mileage

73,245 mi

The fuel injectors failed on my Hyundai Sonata in two instances. Once on 5/23/24 and once on 9/7/25. During the first instance, I was driving on a local road when the accelerator stopped working and the engine started sputtering. We were fortunately able to stop at a nearby parking lot before the engine completely stopped working. During the second instance, I was also driving through a local road when the accelerator stopped and the engine started sputtering again. This time, we weren't able to reach a safe stopping point and the engine died on the road. My family was with me at the time, so we had to push the car in neutral to the closest safe space. In both cases, our safety and the safety was others was put at risk as the car become unable to accelerate, and the car stops moving. We had to get out on the road and push the car with oncoming traffic. The problem was confirmed by the dealer in both cases, and they replaced the fuel injectors in both cases. So far, they've replaced 3 out of the 4 fuel injectors so I still drive in fear of another fuel injector causing a breakdown while I'm driving. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure so there was no way to know to stop driving and to stop in a safe spot. We were fortunate to be able to move the car to a safe place for both instances, but if this had happened on the highway or secluded location, our lives could've been at risk. I've requested Hyundai to replace the last fuel injector but they're refusing to do so. I only feel safe driving in local roads or short highway trips as I fear for the reliability of my car, my safety, and the safety of others.

NHTSA ID

11695686

Incident

Sep 7, 2025

While driving at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly lost power due to fuel injector failure and could not be restarted, creating a serious safety risk for myself and others in high-speed traffic. This is the second vehicle of the same year and model that I’ve owned to experience the exact same injector failure. In the first case, one injector was replaced under a Hyundai service bulletin before I sold the vehicle. This second occurrence confirms that the issue is not isolated and should be escalated to a formal safety recall. The most recent failure was diagnosed and repaired by Hyundai, confirming the problem (this time replacing all injectors). The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance, or other outside representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure—it occurred without any warning, significantly increasing the risk of a crash

NHTSA ID

11694028

Incident

Oct 13, 2025

Filled gas tank up on Friday [XXX] about 10am as leaving Boca Raton, FL to head North to New Port Richey, FL. About 30 minutes later the gas mileage said there was only 90 miles left in the tank. Stopped at the next gas station to make sure nothing was leaking, added a little more until it clicked, basically full again. Got to approximately [XXX] near Morris Bridge in Tampa area, the car started to decelerate and then all the engine lights came on and car was shutting off, was able to pull to the left side of the road and Looked into the back seat noticed the back seat was rising. Looked under the back of the car and the frame looked like it was pushing up into the backend of the car. DOT was called out to the scene as it appeared the car could have exploded. This could have killed my [XXX] daughter (which was who was driving the car) or other people on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11690061

Incident

Sep 26, 2025

I was driving my 2023 Hyundai Sonata with 22,000 miles on I-96 near Grand Rapids Michigan at or slightly below the speed limit of 70 MPH. Suddenly, with no advance warning of any kind, the engine shut down. I was able to coast and maneuver to the right shoulder of the road while avoiding traffic, including a large tractor trailer that almost hit us. The vehicle than had just enough power to get off the next exit and on a local side street. At that point the vehicle would not restart and you could smell a strong odor of fuel. I called Hyundai and they sent a tow truck to take it to the nearest dealer. (I am 700 miles from home). The dealer's service department diagnosed the problem then replaced the fuel injectors still under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11684700

Incident

Aug 12, 2025

Failed fuel injector caused 3rd cylinder misfire car only has 30,000 miles I'm the second owner I've only had it 2 weeks and this issue happened.

NHTSA ID

11672238

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

The fuel injectors failed again, leaving me stranded on a busy road. The first time this happened, I had a little over 8,000 miles on my vehicle - 5 months after purchase. That was two years ago. Now, the injectors have failed for the second time and I am having to pay just north of $1,000 to get them replaced at my Hyundai dealership. It was a terrifying thing to experience and my safety was at risk due to my vehicle decelerating on a busy street. I had to call the police to help shield my vehicle from other drivers. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer upon inspection and diagnosis, and the police officer that was at the scene also could see that my vehicle would not start. This dealer works at the company that manufactures Hyundais. Prior to the fuel injection failure, there were brief moments where the 'check engine' light would illuminate but it would never stay on long. Directly before my vehicle shut off on the road due to the failure, there were no light/lamps/or other symptoms noticeable.

NHTSA ID

11669054

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

Took my car in February 10 for a recall that pop up on the app and today is June 22 and I’m getting all the run around and different dates for my car to be ready but everything it’s time to pick up my vehicle something comes up and they told me they took my car back to the body shop for the recall issue. All the information are added on the file

NHTSA ID

11668504

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

My car stalled while driving through an intersection and nearly caused a T-Bone collision. The car would not start afterwards and towed to dealership. The car currently has 32000k miles on it. The inspection report stated leaking fuel injectors causing misfires. This was covered by warranty. The parts are currently backordered with no eta on possible repair indicating it might be a widespread issue. There were no warnings or lights prior to incident. The car had just been serviced at 30k miles by the dealership with no indication of possible failure given to me by maintenance department. The dealership is out of loan vehicles and I’ve been without a vehicle for 6 days now causing work and personal issues.

NHTSA ID

11663670

Incident

May 24, 2025

I have had this car checked out 3 times and on my way to the 4th appointment. I can be in the middle of the road or pulled up in my driveway the RPMs go crazy shuts off every light comes on then clicks and I have to waite and try to restart. This car has been a problem since we bought it brand new even the chrome has come loose on it. Took to 1 dealership they said it's not throwing a code so nothing they can do I pulled out of the dealership onto the busy highway and the rims went crazy lights came on and it died called the mechanic that said nothing was wrong he came out got it running took it back came back said nothing showing up so there was nothing he could do. I'm driving another 3 hours away hoping I make it to another dealership that said they would look at it after I sent pictures and a video to the mechanic. I will NEVER buy another hyundai again and definitely tell anyone I know not to.

NHTSA ID

11650219

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from the rear end underneath the floorboard like a part slamming on the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact stated that the fuel gauge suddenly indicated that the fuel tank was EMPTY. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the gas valve and electronic control unit (ECU) had failed. The contact stated that the gas valve was replaced, and the electronic control unit (ECU) was updated. After receiving the repair, the contact noticed that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle downshifted before shifting to the desired gear and accelerating. The failure was most persistent while driving uphill. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, All Star Hyundai (3950 Century Ct, Pittsburg, CA 94565) who was unable to diagnose the vehicle due to not having the tool necessary to detach the fuel tank. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, San Leandro Hyundai a Carnamic Car Center (1066 Marina Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577) who diagnosed that the pressure valve was swollen and the entire fuel tank and pressure valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Due to the inconsistency of diagnostic results, the contact decided to take the vehicle to another dealer, Fremont Hyundai (43690 Auto Mall Cir, Fremont, CA 94538) who diagnosed that the pressure valve was swollen but had not diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced due to not finding a failure with the fuel tank. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11641315

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

Mileage

75,000 mi

Good afternoon. My issue is related to an existing recall that Hyundai Motor sent to me back during the beginning of January 2025 for a gas valve, tank inspection (replaced if necessary.) and ECU computer update. I've been to a total of 4 Hyundai Dealers and none of them have been consistent with this recall. The first Dealer is "Future Hyundai" in Concord, California. Initially, I'd took my car there for both recall and sound coming from the gas tank and my fuel level dropping. I was told by a service advisor by the name of Hayley, that it would cost a diagnostic fee to locate the issue. I didn't have the fees. But, seeing that the gas tank was part of the equation. It was free. The gas tank inspection was never done. I was told by Hayley that the fuel valve was replaced. But they mechanics only done a quick visual. I wasn't reassured that my issue was resolved. So I'd took it to a another Hyundai Dealer. This dealer told me that part of the procedure is to take off the tank and inspect it. I didn't get that far because I was told that a tool that was used is used to take off the tank was broken. A bleeder tool. Which doesn't make sense, because the tool is used for Bleeding out air from the fuel system. "Allstar Hyundai." The last two of the 4 dealers, "San Leandro Hyundai" and "Freemont Hyundai", told me that my fuel pressure hose in my gas tank and had swelled up. San Leandro dealer told me that my gas tank expanded. But the "Freemont Dealer" only mentioned the fuel hose. But never mentioned the gas tank. But decided to add it anyways. None of these dealers have been consistent regarding the recall. "Freemont Hyundai", the last of the 4, the service man told me that my tank is available. But his story changed from the time that I can get the job done 4 times. To having to have my car for two days before they can order the part. He'd order the parts, verified to me, when I was at my appointment. But now that conversation changed.

NHTSA ID

11641209

Incident

Jan 8, 2025

I was driving into work on a major road (about 45 mph) when my 2023 Hyundai Sonata stopped accelerating and my engine gave out. Initially I thought I was accidentally pressing on my break pedal but when I realized I wasn’t pressing the break, I had just enough time to turn on my hazards and get out of traffic and onto the shoulder of the road. I was stuck between a main exit and the major road. My battery, oil, and engine lights came on (no service lights had been on prior to this incident) and my car was just very slowly rolling before it automatically engaged my parking break - which makes me fearful of what would have happened if I had still been in busy traffic. I could gotten very badly rear-ended. My car only has just over 5600 miles and I never had any issues with it before and kept up with the general maintenance. I attempted to restart my car to no avail and about 30 minutes later I was able to restart my car but there was a very strong vapor smell in the cabin of my car. I got my car towed to a dealership and was informed one of my fuel injectors was misfiring/gone bad - similar to many other incidents on this site. I asked the dealership if they were able to view the state of my other fuel injectors and was told they were unable to do that, so I am unsure if other fuel injectors will go bad in the future.

NHTSA ID

11636585

Incident

Jan 14, 2025