Complaint volume
149 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
149 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, grouped by component category.
Buyer interpretation
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
149 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
The most common categories are engine, exterior lighting, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Enriched records include 8 crash reports, 5 fire reports, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage is available on 39 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 44,826 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
149 total complaints on record
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | Burning oil | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | Burning excess oil | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 150,000 |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | I just had an Oil change twice on this car it burns oil like crazy..mine you only had car for5 months | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | I took my car to the garage after purchase around 75,000 miles due to rattling noise 8n the front and the amount of oil that my car was requiring in between oil changes, did the oil consumption test it came back on the higher range but Hyundai offered no resolution | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | Burning oil four quarts in between normal oil changes | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America and the Freehold Hyundai dealership located in New Jersey, regarding the ongoing engine oil consumption issues in my Hyundai Sonata. I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Sonata and its now 90,000 miles, I began noticing extreme oil loss, far more than a quart per thousand miles, with no visible leaks, no smoke, and no warning lights. I brought the vehicle to Freehold Hyundai for an evaluation, and they performed an oil consumption test, confirming the issue. They submitted a goodwill repair request to Hyundai Corporate, which was denied solely on the basis that I am the second owner, and the powertrain warranty does not transfer. The dealership offered a $200 PCV valve replacement (a part that costs $6–$20), but even their staff said it likely won’t resolve the issue. Their proposed solution is a full engine replacement costing $8,000 or more, which I cannot afford. I believe this is part of a broader manufacturing defect, and Hyundai should take accountability for the engine failure, especially considering similar complaints from Sonata and Elantra owners nationwide. TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) have been issued on related issues. A car engine should not fail before 100,000 miles under normal use, regardless of ownership transfer. This issue has been the subject of TSB 20-01-004H, which addresses excessive oil consumption due to piston ring Hyundai’s refusal to provide any real assistance or remedy — and the dismissive conduct by dealership management — has left me feeling discriminated against, frustrated, and financially trapped. I request the BBB’s help in facilitating a fair resolution, either through: A warranty repair or subsidized engine repair Coverage under goodwill or defect-related remedy Reimbursement or alternative assistance Please find all supporting documentation attached, including my Hyundai case number dealer correspondence, and oil test results. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 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 not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 81,000 |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | Car drinks oil and doesn’t make it to the next oil change. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding excessive engine oil consumption in my 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The vehicle, with approximately 90,000 miles, experienced a complete loss of engine oil without any visible leaks. The low oil warning light appeared intermittently and ultimately revealed the oil level had dropped to zero, posing a severe risk of engine seizure and potential accident. This issue appears to be consistent with known problems related to the 2.4L GDI engines used in Hyundai vehicles from this period. Hyundai has issued TSB 20-01-002H, acknowledging excessive oil consumption in certain models. Yet, many affected vehicles, including mine, may fall outside warranty despite being within a reasonable usage period. I am requesting that NHTSA review the extent of this issue and consider whether a formal investigation, recall, or manufacturer enforcement action is appropriate. This engine defect presents a clear safety hazard, especially if failure occurs during highway driving. Thank you for your attention to this matter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Car has 39,495 miles. First owner of vehicle. Have advised dealership since 2024 that there was a oil issue as i have only went to them for oil changes. I advised that as they can see the car is barely driven and the oil is disappearing. They claimed nothing was wrong and made me pay for a oil change again. Come this year, I advise again there is a issue, they tried to have me pay for a oil change again and I advised something else needs done. They argued I was not the first owner and the car was not in warranty however I bought the car from their lot and I am the original owner. Then they stated I had to pay for another oil change for the oil consumption. Then they claimed they would just do the oil consumption and then to drive 1,000 miles and bring it back. After the oil consumption engine light is on. I drove 1,000 miles, brought it back and the engine failed the test. The dealership changed the engine. 5 days later engine light is on, car is stalling and brake locked up, then car would not start and was smoking under the hood. Car was then towed to the dealership. They claimed nothing is wrong and they reset the code for the engine light to go away. They stated evap code was on but was not persistent so it's fine. Few days later engine light comes on again and once the car has been running, you shut it off go to start it again it won't start unless you have it sit for a while. I Take it back to the dealership they point next to the engine saying a purge valve, but the wants money for a diagnostic. They do the diagnostic and still provide maybes, as they claim the filler neck is rusted and corrosion. I take the car to another place who states the filler neck is fine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 2 years. I have taken it to the dealership Vandergriff Hyundai in arlington, tx advising the oil light keeps coming on before oil change is due this was before my warranty had expired on my vehicle. I was told that they could not find anything wrong and a oil change was completed, but no oil consumption test was done. I asked about any recall for knock sensor and i was advised that had already been completed. I have no proof of this being completed. 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 had my oil changed on April 26th, 2025 and as of June 24, 2025 it was 3 quartz low. this is not normal and it is dangerous. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | Rod clearance test | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | ENGINE | Bought 2019 at Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake va in JUNE of 2022. Noticed that car stay burning oil in march of 2025. Took 2 oil consumption test at dealership and failed both. Hyundai knows these consume oil even with proper maintenance but will do nothing to try to make it right. Basically got turned down and service advisor ADVISED me to buy a new vehicle. The car only has 75,330 miles on it | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | The car stalled and came to a stop on the highway which was very dangerous. Took it to mechanic and they found the cylinder 3 and 4 misfire and suggested we take it to hyundai dealer for repair. Took it to hyundai dealer and they did a compression test and found only 40% compression in cylinder 4. All cylinders should be around 180%. Engine needs to be replaced and hyundai refuses to help. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 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 defect so that the NHTSA can track the scope of the problem and determine whether a recall should be issued. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was an abnormal knocking sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had to add oil to the engine after an oil change. The oil level had been low by one quart, three quarts, or even more on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was oil leaking from the gaskets. There was an internal leak in the engine. The dealer informed the contact about an oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact about the associated fees. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 89,000 |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I have had issues with oil consumption in this vehicle for about 4 years. I started getting a "Knock Sensor" code. I replaced the knock sensor and still had problems. Hyundai had a recall and they reprogrammed my computer board. A year later I was having the same issues. My car started stalling out. Took back to the dealership they said my engine had sludge and now they're saying that there is a hole in my engine. Hyundai is saying that I don't qualify for assistance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Hi. This is [XXX] My car has white paint peeling issue and complained to Hyundai but they denied my request. I saw so many white color hyundai and kia paint peeling issue. I can’t understand why they have not a recall service. This is a clearly manufacturer’s fault and responsibility. I think NHTSA should order hyundai to issue a recall immediately. Even if not a safty related issue, NHTSA must listen to the consumer’s opinion INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ENGINE | My Hyundai is having oil consumption issues, Hyundai isn't stepping up and won't pay for my consumption test saying it's out of warranty, it's a 2019 with only 69895 miles on it. We are the second owner and there's been no maintenance done on this car for the year that we've owned it. We have all the oil change records and although we didn't start until January to regularly record the oil we were needing to put in we only get about 600 miles before we need to had 3/4 to 1 full quart. I know this is an issue that's been happening to numerous Hyundai owners and I'm reaching out as I feel something more needs to be done. I have a 2013 Sonata that had a recall on it and I got a full engine replacement on that at 135,000 miles. Is NHTSA looking at recognizing this as something that Hyundai needs to take ownership of? I apologize for rambling, but this is so frustrating. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | AIR BAGS | 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 the hospital a day after the collision and was informed he would be sore for a couple of days. A police report was filed. The vehicle has not been repaired or taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that she had notified the other vehicle's insurance and was awaiting a response. The dealer has not been made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | 100,000 |
| Jan 2025 | ENGINE | Car started consuming large amount of oil at 80,000 miles, no leaks or drips under the car or on any of the under panels. I am adding a quart of oil every 1000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | STRUCTURE | The exterior paint of my white 2019 Hyundai sonata has been peeling continuously in different places since 2023 when I bought it. The Hyundai dealer is aware of this problem but refuses to recall or give compensation for this problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |