Hyundai Sonata Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 386 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Hyundai Sonata across 26 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (45).
- 386engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 266 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 386 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 8 an injury.
Hyundai Sonata engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Sonata | 2 | 2% | 18,500 |
| 2021 Sonata | 1 | 1% | 87,000 |
| 2019 Sonata | 8 | 5% | 81,000 |
| 2018 Sonata | 14 | 4% | 99,000 |
| 2017 Sonata | 18 | 2% | 92,379 |
| 2016 Sonata | 16 | 2% | 74,000 |
| 2015 Sonata | 21 | 2% | 97,000 |
| 2014 Sonata | 21 | 3% | 113,558 |
| 2013 Sonata | 40 | 2% | 96,000 |
| 2012 Sonata | 11 | 1% | 68,500 |
| 2011 Sonata | 45 | 1% | 6,150 |
| 2009 Sonata | 6 | 1% | 13,500 |
| 2008 Sonata | 2 | 0% | 97,568 |
| 2007 Sonata | 8 | 1% | 41,323 |
| 2006 Sonata | 30 | 3% | 41,170 |
| 2005 Sonata | 5 | 3% | 18,000 |
| 2004 Sonata | 5 | 2% | 85,000 |
| 2003 Sonata | 14 | 7% | 19,765 |
| 2002 Sonata | 16 | 5% | 55,000 |
| 2001 Sonata | 23 | 11% | 71,000 |
| 2000 Sonata | 31 | 11% | 72,950 |
| 1999 Sonata | 23 | 19% | 89,000 |
| 1998 Sonata | 4 | 8% | 40,045 |
| 1997 Sonata | 7 | 14% | 57,000 |
| 1996 Sonata | 6 | 26% | — |
| 1995 Sonata | 9 | 14% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced severe overheating and excessive oil consumption. The contact also stated that there was a misfire in the engine even though the spark plugs and ignition coils were…
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer who performed an emission software upgrade. Later, while driving, the air conditioner blew hot air, the thermostat increased to high, and an engine overheating warning message was displayed on…
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, exhaust fumes were noticed inside the cabin, and the check engine light illuminated before the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The…
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle skipped and failed to exceed 35 MPH. The contact received notification of Hyundai Service Campaign Number: 9C2 (ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THETA II EMISSIONS IMPROVEMENT), and the vehicle was towed…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Sonatas have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 386 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Hyundai Sonata. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Sonata engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other Hyundai Sonata problems
- Engine problems (4,698)
- Steering problems (2,363)
- Air Bags problems (2,044)
- Electrical System problems (1,974)
- Structure problems (1,066)
- Power Train problems (1,050)
- Exterior Lighting problems (1,013)
- Service Brakes problems (900)
See all Hyundai Sonata problems.