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
2019 Hyundai Sonata Complaints
149 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, grouped by component category.
149 Total complaints
8 Crash reports
5 Fire reports
6 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
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.
Severity flags
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 clue
Mileage is available on 39 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 44,826 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, exterior lighting, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2019 Hyundai Sonata
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Hyundai Sonata complaints?
8 Crash
5 Fire
6 Injury
0 Fatality
10 Towed
4 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Sonata complaint categories?
ENGINE 51
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13
AIR BAGS 6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
STRUCTURE 4
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 3
STEERING 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2
149 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Car consumes excessive oil – one quart about every 500-700 miles. This has caused sludge in the engine and the car hesitates significantly on starting from a stopped position and now hesitates even at highway speeds. This has become a definite safety issue. If the car stalls it is only a matter of time before I am hit by another driver. The dealer first stated the oil consumption was fine IF it was one quart every 1,000 miles and that no repairs would be needed. My car is consuming almost double that amount of oil. Dealership agreed to look at it; stated the car needs a new engine. Hyundai refused to even do an oil consumption test, let alone repair/replace the engine. The “sludge” in the oil that Hyundai states was present is a result of the oil consumption (even the dealer service department verbally agreed). I’m literally putting new oil in it about once a week! There is no possibility this would NOT cause sludge. In addition, dealership said to expect the engine to fail fairly soon. Hyundai claims the car was not maintained properly; however, that is untrue. I’ve submitted records to them that I had. The warranty has no requirement that the oil must be changed or maintained by a certain individual or company. Without a new engine, the car will continue to hesitate and will eventually fail. Hesitation (and especially engine failure) subjects me to a much higher possibility of a crash causing injury or death to myself or someone else. Hyunadai should absolutely recall the thousands of vehicles having this exact same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that oil was leaking onto the ground from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and stated that the drain plug needed to be replaced. The drain plug was replaced but the failure recurred almost immediately. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the oil pan was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 49,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 49,000 |
| May 2023 | ENGINE | 2019 Sonata is using/burning oil at about a quart every 600-800 miles. We are checking and adding oil constantly. Car is sluggish, especially when accelerating from a stop. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ENGINE | I noticed the problem when my change oil light started coming on several thousands miles before my oil change was due. I checked the oil and it was very very low. Much lower that it should have been at that point during the maintenance period. We added oil thinking maybe something had happened with the previous oil change. Made it to the next round of maintenance and a few thousand miles into that one, same thing. Oil light came on again. Extremely low oil levels. I called the dealership where I had purchased the car - I am the original owner - and they requested me to bring it in for an oil consumption test. It was an immediate request. No other questions were asked. After the dealership kept my car for 2 1/2 weeks we get a call that the "valve" was full of "oil sludge" and were accused of "maintenance neglect", although we can produce records, and due to that Hyundai Corporate said our warranty would not cover it and repairs will not be covered. We would be held financially responsible for a brand new engine. I declined the repair as we cannot afford the repairs at this time and told the dealership we will continue to monitor oil levels. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | A hairline crack from the engine oil drain plug causing leaking oil. This is a very common issue for this engine. Mine was present when the car was new. My local dealer claimed my car has run over something, which never happened. No dent or damages on the oil pan, just crack on the side of pan. This is very common issue for this engine. Low engine oil level will cause engine failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | 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 Tucson. This vehicle has the same problem with it can be easily stolen. My information is Mary Chanberlain 6700 Veritas Way 1-B N Chesterfield 23234 804-2411844 | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ENGINE | The engine is burning the oil faster than normal. There are no oil leaks. Called the dealership and they said it’s an oil consumption. I got an oil change March 3,2023 and my oil pressure light came on last Friday April 14,2023 as I was driving I pulled over and there was completely no oil in the car. The dealership told me to top it off until they can look it at. I topped it off Friday with two quarts of oil that I purchased from auto zone. I checked my oil again on Yesterday April 18,2023 and the two quarts of oil I put in was completely black | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | White paint bubbling up and chipping off of car. No abrasion beforehand. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE | Well below the 5000-mile mark for an oil change, multiple times between multiple oil changes my oil light would come on. I would be at a stop light and the oil light would come on as soon as I start going again. Checked the oil when I got home and there was barely any oil on the stick. Found hundreds if not thousands of complaints about the engine burning oil very fast in multiple Hyundai's and Kia's for almost a 10-year span. This has yet to be recalled by Hyundai, this is a very dangerous situation that if it continues going unnoticed, could cause death or serious injury. It is a known issue at Hyundai dealerships, and they will fix it if it's still under the 100,000-mile warranty, but only if you bring it up to them. Hyundai/Kia has yet to fix the problem or do a recall that has been across multiple models for 10 years. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ENGINE | The engine is leaking oil in my garage. The car has 50,000 miles and is constantly loosing oil. It is 100% dealer maintained, and is current on all scheduled service. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | STEERING,ENGINE | 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 the body shop. It was inspected by a certified repair shop of State Farm. No warning lights were illuminated. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | AIR BAGS | The contact's uncle owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while his uncle was driving approximately 20 MPH and going over a speed bump, the driver's side front and side air bags deployed. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that his uncle saw the air bags warning light illuminated, but only after the air bags had deflated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who did not want to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 27,000 |
| Nov 2022 | ENGINE | 4500 miles after an oil change the oil drain plug fell out and oil leaked out resulting in an engine stalling. An oil warning light came on 7 minutes before the vehicle stalled on the highway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ENGINE | The dates are backwards because of the most serious incident which put my safety at risk. On October 3, 2022, while driving on a busy interstate, in rush hour traffic all of a sudden my car began to stall, there was a rattling/knocking sound emitting from the car, I lost power, could not accelerate and my check engine light began to flash. This leads me to believe it was an engine malfunction or failure involving the engine after viewing various ?online complaints. This was a safety risk not only to myself but to others because there is a posted speed limit that must be maintained on major highways. Other drivers began honking their horns, which added more fear to the anxiety I was already experiencing. In retrospect, had a car not realized I had slowed could have hit my car, which could have resulted in fatal injuries to my infant son and I. There was a recall service campaign update 953, which is related to the knock sensor detection system, which was performed on my car in February 2020. Furthermore, on October 1, 2022 while driving a red oil lamp began to flash on my car. I pulled over on the side of the road, called my personal mechanic who then informed me to get someone to bring oil before driving from the location. Once my friend brought the oil, it took 5 quarts before the light stopped blinking and I was able to drive home. The next day, I saw what appeared to be dark colored oil on ground where my car was parked overnight. Subsequently, I took the car to inspect the leak, because Hyundai informed me nothing would be covered because I was just outside of my 60,000 mile warranty. While at the mechanic it was found that I had an oil leak emitting from a crack in my oil pan. Again, my personal mechanic advised I take my car to the dealer, which I had the car towed on October 5, still waiting for a response on the status of my car(10/8/2022) from Hyundai while paying for a rental out of my own pocket. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 26,200 |
| Aug 2022 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | STEERING | In September 2021 my power steering went out at highway speed making it unsafe and difficult to steer. The power steering ECU was replaced. The same thing happen again in June 2022 this time more parts were replaced position / torque sensors and wiring harness. The same issue happened again in 8/2022 the steering wheel was jerking and trying to make corrections (I don't have lane keep assist on any type of steering assistance in my vehicle. This in an ongoing problem and I can't trust that the vehicle is sage | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | My vehicle was stolen from in front of my home. The "alarm" did not sound or go off at all. The area where my key should enter was removed, vandalized, and then an iphone charger was used to start my car via a USB port that is located somewhere within that area. Apparently, this is a tictok trend that has been in the works for a while and targets Hyundais.Yet, there has been no response from Hyundai to recall Sonatas or Elantras to remedy this issue. Now I am being forced to pay for repairs on a vehicle that was used for illegal activities and again have to place my family in. I do not feel safe in this situation and I am most likely privy to fall victim again until this issue is resolved. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2022 | AIR BAGS | 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 was 60,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | 60,000 |
| Mar 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission in my vehicle makes a whine when shifting at about 35-40 miles per hour. No other car I ever drove made that noise. Hyundai has replaced the transmission 3 times and they still could not fix it. After the third replacement they said it's normal and that other Sonatas make that noise. That cannot be true. They did not replace the transmission 3 times if that noise is normal. If it IS true and other Sonatas make that noise, there may be a defect that will turn dangerous in other Sonatas. The second time the transmission was replaced, the service manager told me they found metal fragments in the transmission fluid. I don't know what problem this defect will cause later on. If you would like to inspect my car to determine if this is dangerous, I can make it available. Thanks! P.S. - Below, I have to pick a date of the incident and mileage at that time (so I chose when I first reported it to Hyundai), but this happens every time I drive the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2021 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Just purchased this vehicle yesterday 8/10/2021. Drove it home at night. there were significant blindspots, and a shadow in the headlight beam. Headlights only illuminated the bottom half of the of the beam hemispheres. This engineering defect is a danger to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as pedestrians and other vehicles. Have reported the issue to dealers sales manager. Will return to the dealership tomorrow in search of a resolution | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2021 | SEAT BELTS | 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 taken to the dealer and the driver’s side seat belt was replaced however, the seat belt was still not latching securely. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to drive the vehicle up to a certain speed and step on the brake pedal to see if the seat belt would operate as needed. The contact did so, and the seat belt operated as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to mail photos of the vehicle and other documents. The contact provided the needed documentation as requested. The approximate failure mileage was 12,246. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | 10,500 |
| Mar 2021 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | I PURCHASED THIS CAR OCTOBER 2019. I NOTICED THE LED HEADLIGHTS WERE A BIT DIMMER AND NOT AS BRIGHT AS THEY WERE WITH MY PREVIOUS CAR, WHICH WAS A 2017 NISSAN ALTIMA WITH LED HEADLIGHTS. THERE IS A PROMINENT DARK HALF MOON SHAPED SPOT IN THE SPREAD OF THE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. ALSO, I NOTICED AS TIME WENT ON THE HEADLIGHTS APPEARED TO BE SHINING CLOSER TO THE GROUND AND BARELY ILLUMINATING ROAD SIGNS COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND ALMOST HIT SOMEONE WALKING BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHT DIDN'T SHINE ON THE PERSON UNTIL I WAS RATHER CLOSE AND THE LIGHT FINALLY REACHED THE REFLECTOR PART OF THE PERSONS SNEAKER; I ENDED UP HAVING HIT THE BREAKS AND SWERVE. THIS IS DEFINITELY MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHILE CARS PASS IN FRONT OF YOU. YOU CAN SEE OTHER CARS LIGHTS SHINE ONTO THE DOORS OF CARS CROSSING THE INTERSECTION. MINE BARELY GETS THE DOOR AND SEEMS TO SHINE UNDER A CAR, SAME WHEN I AM BEHIND SOMEONE THE LIGHTS SHINE VIRTUALLY BELOW THE BUMPER COMPARED TO OTHERS THAN CAN SHINE ALMOST DIRECTLY TO THE PLATE. ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE I NOTICED IS THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE HOUSE NUMBERS ON MAILBOX TUBES, COMPARED TO MY OTHER VEHICLE ILLUMINATED THESE ALONG WITH THE STREET SIGNS NO PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY LIGHTS WERE ANGLED LOW AND RAISED THEM. THIS HAS SHOWN A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THESE HEADLIGHTS AS OTHER HAVE SAID ON HERE. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI RECALL THIS MODEL BEFORE A TERRIBLE INJURY HAPPENS UP TO AND INCLUDING DEATH TO THE DRIVER AND THOSE WITH THEM AND AROUND THEM ON THE ROADS. NOT ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUSLY COULD LEAD TO A LAWSUIT THAT WILL COST THEM A LOT MORE MONEY COMPARED TO FINDING A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HAVE HYUNDAI LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER AND COMPARE THE LIGHTS TO OTHER CARS IN IT'S CLASS. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |