Problems › Hyundai › 2019 Sonata
2019 Hyundai Sonata Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~19.4 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 8 Hyundai Sonata years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
Thinking about buying a specific Hyundai Sonata?
This page shows problems reported across all 2019 Hyundai Sonatas. Before you buy that one car, enter its VIN: get a free open-recall check, then unlock the full $19 safety report: every complaint, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for that exact vehicle.
Checking a specific 2019 Hyundai Sonata? Enter its VINFree recall check · optional $19 full safety report before you buy
What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, cited in 83 of 155 filed complaints (54%).
Exterior Lighting is next (18 complaints, 12%), followed by Electrical System (12), Fuel/Propulsion System (10), Air Bags (9).
Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 6 report a fire, 6 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 2 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 155.
Engine 83 2 crash 4 fire 1 injury
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11340307, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)
“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 parke…”
NHTSA complaint #11752343, 2026 · fire
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11732956, 2026 · fire
Unknown Or Other 23 2 crash 1 fire 2 injury
“This vehicle was bought brand new from West Broad Hyundai in Richmond , VA. I was financing this vehicle had it for almost two years before it was stolen. The police said it was a couple of teenagers. I lost thousands of dollars almost 2 years worth of car payments. I think Hyundai should be accountable because they nevar notified me these vehicles were easily stolen. I lost two years of car payments. I still owe 1,000 to Capital One because my insurance company didn’t fully payoff this loan. Please help: I lost allot of money had to come up with a down payment for a 2019 Hyundai Tuc…”
NHTSA complaint #11518456, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND WHEN I MOVED THE CAR IT TOOK OF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED , FLEW PASSED 5 OTHER PARKING SPACES AND CAUSED ME TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #11207218, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The issue is UNKNOWN. On may 23,2023 I exited my car… maybe less than 10 minutes returned to car to go on with my day pressed the start button and it burst into flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11529583, 2023 · fire
Exterior Lighting 18 1 crash
“The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam’s only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is very dangerous to drive with the oil leaks that are continuously happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11585952, 2023 · crash
“There was no specific "incidence" to report. This is an on-going issue for a long time. Low beam headlights do not illuminate the road sufficiently for safe driving. Have had it to the dealer to insure the lights are adjusted to spec, but it was no better. Asked that they raise the beams; while a little better isibility, oncoming traffic was blinded and flashing me to lower the beams. Had the lights adjusted back to spec. I am now afraid to drive it at night in unlit areas - you just cannot see the road and easily outrun the reach of these poor lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11526344, 2023
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11485244, 2022
Electrical System 12 2 fire
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11732956, 2026 · fire
“The issue is UNKNOWN. On may 23,2023 I exited my car… maybe less than 10 minutes returned to car to go on with my day pressed the start button and it burst into flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11529583, 2023 · fire
“I wanted to report the failure of my rear camera and/or the electrical circuit that is tied to it. It's my understanding that Hyundai has issued multiple recalls across different years/vehicles for issues in this area. My 2019 Sonata is NOT included in those current recalls. I was without my vehicle for a week and was charged over $1600 to repair. The issue was diagnosed and repaired by an independent mechanic. When they system failed numerous error lights/warning went off and continued to cycle thru (plus beeping). I wanted to report this in hopes of continued pressure on Hyundai to add…”
NHTSA complaint #11733342, 2026
Fuel/Propulsion System 10 1 fire
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11732956, 2026 · fire
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11730703, 2026
“Is anything being done about the known oil consumption issues with the 2019 Sonatas? My daughter bought the car used -- it currently has 70,000 -- but Hyundai won't do anything because she is the second owner and those cars don't get 100,000 protection, they only get 60,000. It just doesn't seem right.”
NHTSA complaint #11669790, 2025
Air Bags 9 3 crash 2 injury
“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 t…”
NHTSA complaint #11643725, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“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 wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11463820, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“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 SPECI…”
NHTSA complaint #11309986, 2019 · crash
Power Train 8
“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 def…”
NHTSA complaint #11653821, 2025
“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 a…”
NHTSA complaint #11623798, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11611921, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling 7 1 fire
“The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, smoke was present coming from the hood and a burning oil odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Moments later while driving, flames were seen coming from under the hood before the vehicle stalled. After exiting the vehicle, the front of the vehicle burst into flames. The local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufactur…”
NHTSA complaint #11576857, 2024 · fire
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11705662, 2025
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that within the 4-5 months of vehicle ownership, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that oil had been added to the vehicle approximately 8-9 times and an oil change had been completed twice. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was no…”
NHTSA complaint #11678150, 2025
Structure 7
“I respectfully submit the following additional information.In connection with this matter, the dealer in question asserted in writing that I "should have refused to participate" in the manufacturer-authorized "Z05 Service Campaign"—a measure designed to prevent potential damage—and characterized the program as nothing more than "free paint work." Service campaigns administered by manufacturers are conducted within the framework of federal safety regulations pursuant to Title 49, Chapter 301 of the U.S. Code; they are neither optional nor merely cosmetic in nature. Rather, they constitute syste…”
NHTSA complaint #11727389, 2026
“Paint started chipping away from hood and roof 2 months after purchase I am the 2nd owner so warranty is voided”
NHTSA complaint #11598682, 2024
“Engine burns oils horribly. Cannot sell car due to oil issues. Paint is chipping on exterior of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11579568, 2024
Steering 6 1 crash
“The car was stolen, one of the vehicles that Hyundai manufactured without an Engine Immobilizer, making it very easy to steal. Consumers didn't know about this defect, because the corrupt automaker kept us in the dark. I'm fairly certain that by breaking the steering column to expose the port to start the car, that driving the speed limit or having control of the vehicle was on the thieves mind. The safety of my neighbors and anyone they were driving would have had their safety compromised. The vehicle is currently being repaired cosmetically. The Engine Immobilizer will not be installed by…”
NHTSA complaint #11498246, 2022 · crash
“after the car is driven for a while in warm weather, the steering can feel sticky after doing a slight turn doing more than 30 MPH. It takes extra force to return the steering wheel to the straight/neutral position. It acts as though the steering wheel is stuck in this slight turn position. The problem is intermittent but does create a safety hazard with the risk of the car being unable to easily remain in its correct lane position. Symptom summary: Intermittent; Worse in warm weather; happens after small steering inputs; Feels like the wheel is “hung up”.”
NHTSA complaint #11742988, 2026
“Steering wheel panel glued/tampered (Safety Hazard) Motor/Pump assembly broken. Recall couldn't be done due to tampered parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11719616, 2026
Lane Departure 5
“Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned…”
NHTSA complaint #11734528, 2026
“I respectfully submit the following additional information.In connection with this matter, the dealer in question asserted in writing that I "should have refused to participate" in the manufacturer-authorized "Z05 Service Campaign"—a measure designed to prevent potential damage—and characterized the program as nothing more than "free paint work." Service campaigns administered by manufacturers are conducted within the framework of federal safety regulations pursuant to Title 49, Chapter 301 of the U.S. Code; they are neither optional nor merely cosmetic in nature. Rather, they constitute syste…”
NHTSA complaint #11727389, 2026
“The check hybrid system malfunction light and the blind spot detection came on january 13 2024 for the forth time towed to dealship they attempted repair then again same issue for the fifth March 23 2024 and the last time was today June 7 2024 was towed in.”
NHTSA complaint #11593151, 2024
Seat Belts 5 1 crash 1 injury
“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 take…”
NHTSA complaint #11426678, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Driver's side seatbelt retraction mechanism failed without warning. Intentionally brought car to dealer ASAP since it was close to 100,000 miles pointed out. This was serious safety defect dealer refused to repair under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11750832, 2026
“Airbag light came on. Car is in otherwise perfect shape (red flag). Brought to Hyundai dealer. Was told it was a short somewhere on front passenger side. But it will cost $250 to figure out where. Then possibly over $1000 to fix it!! Upon researching it I found many complaints on same issue on otherwise normal good condition sonata’s. Clearly they used inferior components designed to fail. Similar to their stealable cars (with a USB cable) I’m sure you’re fermi liar with. They hid that until TIC TOK put out videos showing how to. They HAD TO fix it due to owners auto insurance going up (way up…”
NHTSA complaint #11583375, 2024
Service Brakes 3
“Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned…”
NHTSA complaint #11734528, 2026
“Everything was displayed in red on the front screen, it was automatically parked, and the steering wheel did not move. This happened late March/02/2024 last Saturday night, so I called AAA twice and had them toward to my house. March/04/2024 I called AAA on Monday and had my car toward to hyundai service. They gave me a $199.95 bill for finding the problem with my car. And they said they would contact me and let me know about the problem with my car in 3~4 days. I am an Uber driver, but I am currently unable to work because I don't have a car.”
NHTSA complaint #11576029, 2024
“I HAVE LEASE THIS CAR SINCE 1/16/2019 UNTIL 4/14/19 . START FIRST WITH LOWER THE SPEED AND POWER JUST A LITTLE BIT. THEN 4/14/19 THE CAR LOWER THE SPEED BY ITSELF,START SHAKING UP,LIMP,SHOWS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SPEED CONTROL LIGH IN CONJUNCTION WITH SLIPPERY CONTROL LIGH THEN STAY AT "TEMPORARY ENGINE PROTECTION MODE" LOSSING SPEED AND CANT DRIVE SAFELY. JUST PARK THE CAR AT THE SAFE PARKING LOT TO TOW AT THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER FOR INSPECTION O REPAIR. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR OTHERS DRIVERS. WHEN I GET THE REPORT OF THE ISSUE AND RECEIPT I WILL SUBMIT SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF ANY RECALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11196591, 2019
Vehicle Speed Control 3
“Starting in July 2023 I have noticed that the oil consumption for my car is racing through the engine. I barely make it 1000 miles before the oil is completely gone. After 2 local oil changes - I decided to take it to the Hyundai dealer where I purchased the car. This was in October - I have brought my car in 4 times for 1000 mile oil consumption tests. I had to add an additional visit due to the fact that Hyundai changed the testing standards. Now I have to bring it again today - Hyundai has not told me what the next step is other than I have to leave the car there all day - after they…”
NHTSA complaint #11581072, 2023
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11481071, 2022
“I HAVE LEASE THIS CAR SINCE 1/16/2019 UNTIL 4/14/19 . START FIRST WITH LOWER THE SPEED AND POWER JUST A LITTLE BIT. THEN 4/14/19 THE CAR LOWER THE SPEED BY ITSELF,START SHAKING UP,LIMP,SHOWS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SPEED CONTROL LIGH IN CONJUNCTION WITH SLIPPERY CONTROL LIGH THEN STAY AT "TEMPORARY ENGINE PROTECTION MODE" LOSSING SPEED AND CANT DRIVE SAFELY. JUST PARK THE CAR AT THE SAFE PARKING LOT TO TOW AT THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER FOR INSPECTION O REPAIR. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS FOR OTHERS DRIVERS. WHEN I GET THE REPORT OF THE ISSUE AND RECEIPT I WILL SUBMIT SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF ANY RECALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11196591, 2019
Visibility/Wiper 3
“I respectfully submit the following additional information.In connection with this matter, the dealer in question asserted in writing that I "should have refused to participate" in the manufacturer-authorized "Z05 Service Campaign"—a measure designed to prevent potential damage—and characterized the program as nothing more than "free paint work." Service campaigns administered by manufacturers are conducted within the framework of federal safety regulations pursuant to Title 49, Chapter 301 of the U.S. Code; they are neither optional nor merely cosmetic in nature. Rather, they constitute syste…”
NHTSA complaint #11727389, 2026
“Safety Concern — Damage to Windshield During Manufacturer Recall Repair (Z05) My vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership on January 14, 2026 for a manufacturer-directed paint recall repair (Campaign Z05), which required removal and reinstallation of the windshield as part of the procedure. The repair was originally expected to be completed between January 14 and January 28, 2026. However, I received no explanation for the delay during that period. On February 13, 2026 — nearly one month after check-in — I was informed for the first time that the windshield had cracked during…”
NHTSA complaint #11725388, 2026
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11317718, 2020
Back Over Prevention 1 1 crash 1 injury
“This vehicle was bought brand new from West Broad Hyundai in Richmond , VA. I was financing this vehicle had it for almost two years before it was stolen. The police said it was a couple of teenagers. I lost thousands of dollars almost 2 years worth of car payments. I think Hyundai should be accountable because they nevar notified me these vehicles were easily stolen. I lost two years of car payments. I still owe 1,000 to Capital One because my insurance company didn’t fully payoff this loan. Please help: I lost allot of money had to come up with a down payment for a 2019 Hyundai Tuc…”
NHTSA complaint #11518456, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Equipment 1
“2019 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE KEY FOB. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRONIC FOB EASILY AND UNITENTIONALLY DETACHES FROM THE EMERGENCY KEY. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11277910, 2019
Forward Collision Avoidance 1
“Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning/Blind Spot Detection Forward Collision Warning Antilock Brake System/ABS Lane Departure Warning Lane keeping Assistance I bought this vehicle last month from a dealer and two days later all the warning lights start popping up on the dashboard so I contacted the dealer and told them what was going on with the car they told me to bring it in so that the technician can check to see what’s wrong with it they told me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle so I went back home and the same day all the warning lights came back on so now I’m concerned…”
NHTSA complaint #11734528, 2026
Suspension 1
“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.…”
NHTSA complaint #11735872, 2026
Tires 1
“I own a 2019 Hyundai Sonata with an original manufacturer set of 205/65 R16 95H Kumho Solus TA31 tires on it. I noticed around a month ago that all 4 of the tires have cracks in between the treads, mostly on the outer and inner treads of the 4 tread areas. These cracks are all around and significant. I am afraid to drive on them. I have brought this defect to the attention of Kumho tires over the phone and to the dealership I bought my car from. There is approximately 34,000 miles currently on my car. These tires are supposed to rated for 60,000 miles. They are trying to tell me that th…”
NHTSA complaint #11586556, 2024
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata draws about 19.4 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 8 among the Hyundai Sonata model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
Before you buy this Hyundai Sonata
Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.
Related
Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.