9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$4,920
Average Mileage:
86,300 miles
Total Complaints:
46 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (35 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. trade car (1 reports)
2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Aug 182016

Sonata Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I drive 45 minutes to work every day on a open highway between Fort Collins, CO and Cheyenne, WY. The engine could have seized at 80 MPH on the highway and I could have been standed at night on the major highways of Denver. I feel very lucky that instead it died just as I exited the freeway and about a block from the local Cheyenne Hyundai dealership.

Turns out that the engine seized and the starter melted and I had to have Hyundai tow it to the dealership. However, for other reasons I am very much in need of a car and the dealership has only said "your engine could be part of the recall" and said there was a lot of paperwork to fill out and the engines are on back order as they are tied to your VIN number. They said they would see what they could do and did list in the paperwork that I need a rental car. This happened Thursday morning and it is now Monday morning and I know nothing about the car. I have no idea when I may get the car back. A week? Two weeks? A month? When might I get approval for a rental car? There are a lot of answers I don't have and I'm not happy.

- sforand, Fort Collins, CO, US

problem #25

May 152016

Sonata SE 2.0L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

I have had my 2012 Sonata 2.0L Turbo engine for 3 years now. I have kept up with all my oil changes and necessary maintenance. My last oil change was February 19, 2016. On May 16, 2016 my nephew graduated from college with his Bachelor of Arts, I am so proud of him. I digress, the morning of I went to start my car and I noticed the check engine light on which, I thought was weird. So when I started driving to the graduation I kept hearing a purring noise which was concerning. I made it to the graduation which is probably about 10 to 15 miles from my home. On the way back we started to hear a loud knocking along with that purring sound, the car also started to lose power, I was struggling to go up a small incline, which really started to scare me. I drove about another half mile down the road when the car really started stalling out and put putting luckily I was coming up on a gas station and I Pulled in. Once parked the car just shut off and it would not start again. Now I was highly irritated to put it nicely. I open the hood, and check the oil, the dip stick was bone dry. This was most surprising to me because the low oil light never once came on so I was naturally perplexed. Now I don't know much about cars but I know to keep up with oil changes, and I know that my motor sounding like the 4th of July was not a good sign and that knocking sound coupled with the stalling out and loss of power may have meant the engine was shot. The gas station attendant came over to help, I purchased 4 quarts of oil and we put it in the car. The car still did not start. Finally it started and when it did the check engine light was no longer on...hmmmm I thought. the car was purring and the knocking noise was quitter I was about 2 miles from home but I was too scared to brave it, I got a tow home, when the car was placed in my driveway, it thought let me start it and see what happens, I started it and it sounded like gun shots or something, Needless to say I was heartbroken and lost. I cried and thought and cried and thought what the hell happened to my car. How could this happen I kept up with my maintenance. I just could not fathom how this could happen so suddenly with no real warning. I started to Google which is what I do when I need answers, I was super surprise and equally angry to see that there has been a recall for this very problem. I have owned this car for 3 years, and never once did I get a notice about this. I went to Hyundai website and put my Vin number in to see my car was affected by this recall as well as 3 others. I took off the next day to call the corporate headquarters and arrange for my car to be towed to the dealer. Corporate was very nice I spoke to Matt, they opened the claim for me and instructed me to contact the closet dealership. when I gave my Vin number to Matt he said Mr. _ I said, no that is not me, well now I see why I was not contacted about the recall, but seriously what kind of practice is that?? We could have been killed in that car. I contacted the dealership set up for the car to be taken in. My own insurance company provided the tow for me. by 5/18/16 I still did not hear anything so I called the dealer. They stated they didn't have any info ion the car so they didn't look at it yet, by now I am turning red, as when I called Monday I gave all my information at that point, so I already feel like they are giving me the run around. They claim they would get back to me by the end of the day which was yesterday, I still have not heard from them, so on my break today I will contact them to se what is up. Meanwhile I am trying to find rides back and forth to work, while they act like they had no idea about whose car this was or why it was there. I will update this if I can as necessary to inform people of the outcome.

Update from Jul 15, 2016: So, the dealership did contact me the following week and they stated they would start working on the recall problem, they did set me up in a rental car. Its been since May 20th or so since they had my car, and I have not heard any news on when I am getting it back. I will keep everyone updated if anything changes.

- Malinda V., Upper Darby, PA, US

problem #24

Apr 152016

Sonata SD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles

Engine seized currently at dealer waiting diagnostics.

Update from Oct 10, 2016: Engine was replace , car now won't start

- Rachael P., Pueblo, CO, US

problem #23

Mar 032016

Sonata LTD 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,603 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

engine seized

I purchased a 2012 Sonata ltd with 22,000km on her back in March 2014 from Don Valley North Hyundai.

My wife drove this vehicle for the past 2 years. I took over in Dec, 2015.

This past Thursday my car died in the middle of the 401 express lane near Pickering with 75,000km.

It gave me NO warning and the dash lights came on and the car just shut down. I had no gas and could barely get out of the way of traffic. I was lucky enough to get over to the shoulder before narrowly being missed by a tractor trailer and almost losing my life.

I emailed Don Valley North, talked to the person on their chat and called them and have had ZERO reply back from anyone there. These people have ZERO accountability.

After getting this to another Hyundai dealership closer to me on Friday it turns out my engine seized due to a recall issue. The most ironic part is that I received the recall notice for machined pieces of metal getting stuck in the engine just this past Monday. 4 days after the engine seized on the Highway.

There are massive recalls in the USA plus lawsuits going on against Hyundai for the same 2011-12 and even up to 2015 models for the engine just dying on people.

Don't let this happen to you or your family. They want to replace the short block and give this car back to me howeverI narrowly escaped death in this vehicle and am scared to ever drive it again and on top of it all the people at Don Valley North Hyundai haven't even called to offer an apology, replacement or anything.

Stay away from these people and maybe even Hyundai all together.

Hyundai in the USA issued recalls on nearly 500,000 Sonata's in my model and earlier this past September, 2015 for the exact same engine issues.

Hyundai in Canada has only begun to issue these notices as of a few days ago.

Are the laws in Canada different? Are Canadian drivers lives less valuable then other places? Why wasn't my car recalled sooner to avoid this happening in the middle of the 401 express?

By the way finally after places this google review about the dealership they called me. Their reply on here is nothing short of terrible.

As of right now I am in contact with my lawyer in regards to this entire issue.

- brandonon, Toronto, ON, Canada

problem #22

Dec 052015

Sonata LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,400 miles

I am very annoyed with Hyundai Canada attitude, they have recall on these problem cars, safety is first issue as car stops and you can have accident. This Hyundai people have no athletics for there customers. My car has been to authorized dealer since I bought brand new and I am the only owner. It has regular maintenance record and suddenly stopped on Dec 05 night as engine got seized. It's been week and there are still investigating the problem dealer has send pictures to warranty department and no answer so far. They have asked dealer to submit case again. I am out of car and these people have no answer to my problem no rental car and as per letter by Hyundai Canada warranty has been extended on these 2011 & 2012 models now I don't understand what's the issue to replace my car and engine which is faulty and putting my family life at risk. I regret I bought this car and advise everybody not to buy again. I request all effected people we should file case against Hyundai Canada as they are not giving any attention to this problem.

Regards

Farhan

647-702-4005

- Farhan K., Brampton, ON, Canada

problem #21

Dec 012015

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,923 miles

Hyundai has new RECALL Campaign 132 on the 2011 and 2012 Sonata. I purchased my car on Nov 11, 2015 on Nov 28, 2015 823 miles later, my engine starting making a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine which increased in frequency as the engine rpm increases. My Check Engine Light came on. On my way to the Rick Case in Plantation, Florida on Dec 1, 2015 the car stalled and would not start. Had it towed in by Hyundai roadside assistance, it took 2 hours for the tow truck to arrive.

Dealer service center informed me on 12/2/2015 that they found Metal shavings and sludge in oil pan and claimed the engine is shot. They also said photos had been sent to Hyundai for review and to determine if this the recall issue. Which all of the above events indicate it is as noted on Hyundai's web site.

I was told by 2 customer service reps that a loaner would be provided, it was not. I called Hyundai Corp this morning Dec 3, 2015 for a status update and got no where. I live in South Florida without transportation and it seems a loaner it is not going to be provided.

I think Hyundai could do a better job with providing me with solid answers and a car to use while this issue is being resolved, after all they did produce a vehicle with safety and hazard issues. I was told by Rick Case service manager Colin Lord that it could be 5 to 6 weeks waiting for engine once the order goes in. Should I be without a car for that length of time when Hyundai produced a faulty unsafe product?

- richard spinelli, Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

problem #20

Jan 152015

Sonata GLS 2.4L 4cly

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,562 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I Got a 2012 Hyundai Sonata it was always a good running car until one day the engine light came on and the valves started chattering. I stopped at the first oil change place I could find. They changed the oil,30 miles later the car just died going down the interstate. That tow bill cost about 260. Finally I got it to a shop and they told me the engine had seized up. I was so pissed here I sit with a car I still owe 17,000 bucks on the car. Know my mechanics telling me he can get me a engine for $2,500 plus $700 for labor. well by the time I could get the money for the motor it was gone. So the one I ended up getting cost $3180 plus $150 for shipping. So it ended up costing a total of $4135.98.

That engine lasted two weeks before the oil pump went out of it. They replaced the oil pump on it but that only lasted another two weeks before it went out again. this one had 35,000 miles on it.

The second engine had 40,000 miles on it I think. It lasted about 2,500 miles before it left me on the side of the road once again. The oil pump went out on that one two. All this started happening in January 2015 I finally got my car back for good in March. Now the engine light came on, on this one. I went got the oil changed within 5 minutes of it coming on. Don't know what's going to happen now.

I've submitted my receipts but it said it would take up to 90 days for them to contact me.

Think that's pretty sh*tty

- Rick H., Lawrenceburg, KY, US

problem #19

Sep 082015

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,000 miles

While driving my 2012 Sonata on local highway, left lane, 70 miles per hour, went to switch lanes, foot on accelerator and nothing. All the lights on instrument panel came on; but engine shut down. Had towed to my mechanic who informed me that the engine seized. No diagnostic codes came up. My mechanic did some research and it appears that the engine in my Sonata, 2.4 has major issues with the engine seizing and that Hyundai has ignored the problem. Has to do with the rotary assembly. He also informed me that this is a class action law suit against Hyundai.

I'm having it towed to dealership as we speak. They already have informed me of the $$$$ just to look and diagnose it.

Sad part is, it is not even paid off. UGH

- Edna B., Columbia, NJ, US

problem #18

Sep 052015

Sonata ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,500 miles

Was driving on Sunday heading down a hill when the engine stopped, all dashboard lights came on and lost all power steering and brakes. I managed to pull of to a side road and called AAA that towed my car to the dealer. They told me the engine seized and needed to be replaced.

I take good car of my car making sure to change the oil every three to five thousand miles and flushing the system, checking tire pressure etc., I bought this car for the warranty and have had nothing but problems with it especially the electronics and, navigation system, radio and camera. This however takes the cake. I was told by a Hyundai dealer that the engine replacement may or may not be covered. I sent what service records I had to them to show that I take care of the car but it seems as if there is a known history of the engine seizing in 2012 Sonata's.

I am currently paying for a rental car and hope that Hyundai will make this right and replace the engine and supply me with a loaner car but as soon as this car is fixed it will be sold and I will never drive a Hyundai again.

- Brian S., RanchoPalosVerdes, US

problem #17

Sep 012015

Sonata GL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,565 miles

I cannot believe these Hyundai motherf*. The car was bought brand new in November 2011, and not even hitting 4 years old, the engine goes wacko. Mechanic tells me the engine is DONE and needs to be fully replaced. I've learned my lesson, from now on I will never buy a Hyundai again, and never finance a car again. The way everything is built nowadays is with maximum efficiency and minimum quality.We just passed the warranty by 15,000 km and they are not willing to do anything. I feel ripped off, stressed, and an idiot to think you can trust Hyunadi again.

Aside from the engine issues, the car sounds like it's a total train wreck, the suspension creaks, there's fuc rust building up on the roof of the car between the windshield and the roof. This is a flaw of design, I look at all other cars and they all have a rubber sealant in that area.

DO NOT PURCHASE HYUNDAI, THEY STILL DON'T HAVE IT TOGETHER.

- Lior K., Toroto, ON, Canada

problem #16

Jun 122015

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,544 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had a 2012 Sonata and was the second owner. I bought the car from a very reliable dealership. On 6/12/15 my adult daughter was driving the Sonata with my son and her friend from Illinois to Virginia. As they were touring through West Virginia, the engine seized up and they pulled to the side of the road. We had the car towed to a nearby reputable Hyundai dealership for diagnosis. I called each day for an update and called Hyundai America.

Since I was the second owner I had the 50,000, 5 year warranty. My vehicle was out of warranty and Hyundai of America recorded the mileage. Hyundai offered offered to pay the dealership to have my engine reviewed. The consensus from Hyundai was that there was too high of mileage and they did not repair. They knew the mileage before looking at the car. The paperwork from the dealership states: "Found engine will not start crankshaft will not turn. Hyundai corp approved tear down of engine found #2 connecting rod bearing in pieces applied request for engine replacement declined for excessive mileage."

I then started researching the Theta II 2.4 engine and found multiple issues with the rod bearing problem. I called Hyundai and asked them about this. They couldn't comment and offered me up to 55,000 miles in oil changes if I bought a new Hyundai since they denied replacing the engine. Remember, my car broke down in West Virginia and I live in Illinois. This was the frustrating part.

I owed balance on my 2012 Sonata of $11,217.15 and the dealership offered me $5,500 for the car. I had tried to trade with other dealerships in that area and even looked at towing the car back to Illinois and having our local dealership trade or fix the car.The WV dealership wanted me to pay for a used engine with 70,000 miles or $5,000 for a new one. I knew I was labeled an idiot if I put a new or used engine in this car with the past research and a 1 year warranty on the new engine. I chose to take 2 days off of work, pay for a hotel (mind you that I paid for a hotel for the kids the night the car broke down and food), go to the dealership and purchase a new 2015 Sonata (for the 10 year 100,000 warranty) that per the dealership does not have the Theta II engine. While doing all of this research I found out about the class action lawsuit that turned into Campaign 132 at Hyundai and signed up to get emails regarding the lawsuit.

Now, 4 months later, today, I get an updated email from the lawsuit that states they are recalling 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata's with a certain VIN and the owners will get an extended warranty to 10 year/120,000 miles for original owner and subsequent owners. I called Hyundai and asked if my previous VIN was one that was affected. Well, it sure was. I spoke with 5 different people, one asked me to go to the website to fill out the Campaign 132 form after I explained I no longer had the car, another said that this was a new Campaign and no decisions were made, and another told me flat out that if I wanted the car back that was between me and the dealer and they would not credit me anything for the money I was out.

Now, someone please explain to me who is getting compensated from this recall? Those who are not on the side of the road with a broken down engine? Was I supposed to keep that car, leave it in WV and still make payments on it? Was I supposed to put another FAULTY engine in this car? Hyundai knew when this situation happened to me that they were in litigation for this exact purpose and knew which plant my car was manufactured and could've pulled the records that showed the car was manufactured in the faulty plant. They could've just fixed my engine. THEY DID NOT. They chose to string me along so they could deny the repair for excessive mileage. What are the people that have already had engine failure and chose to not put another faulty engine in their car supposed to do now that there is a recall paying for these engines?

- Beth D., Champaign, IL, US

problem #15

May 292015

Sonata Turbo 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,500 miles

I brought my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Turbo in April of last year. The salesman told me that this was a great reliable car and he still have his Sonata with over 200,000 miles on it. That made me smile.

Before I purchased this vehicle, I went did some investigation about Hyundai Sonatas. I read many good comments about this make/model car. In May 2015, I was on my way to drill on the interstate when my car suddenly stopped running. I was slowing down a little to get over because my exit was coming up and there was a car on side of me. Soon as I was getting over, my oil light came on and I heard a knocking noise.

My car suddenly started to slow down and the engine light came on. I suddenly pulled over to the side of the interstate so my car wouldn't stop in the middle of speeding traffic. Once I was on side of the interstate, the car automatically cutoff. I tried starting the car three times. I checked the oil and check for oil underneath the car. Everything was good. I even checked the belts and plus I was not up for another oil change for another month.

Well, I had my car towed to the nearest Hyundai to see what was wrong with it. After one week passed, the dealership tells me my engine has seized due to a piston popping and the metal from it spread to or through the engine. I told the dealership I purchased a extended warranty for the engine and transmission, power train.

The dealership said that my car could not get fix because of poor maintenance, oil changes. I was able to provide them with oil change documents but they said they still could not help me. I wasted money on the highest warranty Hyundai had to offer, plus still paying a car note on a car that I cannot drive or afford to fix right out of pocket. They told me the estimated repair amount was around $8,000. HA!!! I was force to pay for a rental that they did not want to reimburse me for which was for $600. And also force to finance another car that I really cannot afford because I needed to get back and forth to work and handle other personal situations.

Purchasing this Sonata put me in a really awful situation financially.

- vtime9vj, New Orleans, LA, US

problem #14

Jul 102015

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,841 miles

On the way home from work, I noticed a sudden strange sound coming from the engine that I had never heard before and the car suddenly seemed to lose power. None of the warning lights were coming on so I didn't have a clue what could be happening.I was close to home so I got home and parked the car. My husband checked it the next day and the knocking and squealing noise was louder and the car had no power. The engine sounded like it was about to quit right before he turned it off and then the oil light flashed on for a second. We had it towed to the dealer because it was not driveable. In one day, I went from having a reliable car that I loved to a useless piece of metal that I have to make a monthly payment for.

At first the technician thought that our high pressure pump was bad, then after we questioned that we were told by the service writer that the engine needed replacing and that it was covered under warranty and that the Hyundai rep had approved the repair. They said they were ordering an engine that would take three days to arrive. After waiting the three days, we inquired and the story had changed and now the Hyundai rep had requested pictures and based upon the pictures, Hyundai denied the claim stating that we neglected the car maintenance.. This is simply not true. We routinely check the oil in this car and just the Sunday before, it was checked and everything was fine. In fact, I have, and pay dearly for, the Hyundai blue link system which sends me monthly vehicle reports and the day prior to the engine disaster I had received an email stating that everything was good on the car.

The dealership was very unprofessional in their dealings with us. They told us several different stories - each time we called, the story had changed.. They also ignored our phone calls and would not return messages. Because we were originally told that our repair was under warranty and would be fixed within a week, we got a rental car. However since they strung us along for two weeks before telling us that we would have to come up with the money to fix it, I had racked up nearly $400 in rental costs. We could not afford to do this so I had to return the car and find another way to get to work.

We are really surprised and saddened by Hundai's refusal to honor the warranty that was a major factor in our purchase of this car. It's apparently not worth the paper it's written on. This was our second Hundai and until now, we would have been repeat, loyal customers.

- Keith C., McDonough, GA, US

problem #13

Jan 212015

Sonata GLS 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

It was 0648am a block away from work, I stopped at a red light and the car engine just turns off and all the light in the dash board turned on in the middle of the street with out any warning. I called Hyundai Customer Care Center so they can send a tow truck to drive me to the nearest Hyundai (Hooman Hyundai). Hyundai called me and states that the car engine lock and it needs to be replaced. At first they were telling me that it was $5,000 for a new engine and that if I wasn't maintaining my oil services, it won't cover the warranty. So they open the block and my car engine was clean. I had my car for 3 years, only owner and I always maintain my cars. So now I have a new engine but the warranty for the engine will only be good until it has 100,000 miles(this sucks). I really like this car but what if it happens again and this time I have I have to pay for the engine!!!! :-(

- Christian H., Downey, CA, US

problem #12

Aug 092015

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,585 miles

Driving home alone from wonderful weekend at the coast. I told my sister and her husband to head on home, not to wait for me to finish shopping; said that I'd be fine.....what could possibly happen to me; I have a 2012, very dependable Sonata. Ha!

I pulled over a couple miles out of Lincoln City, OR (heading to Portland, OR) to format SD card. As I pulled back onto hwy, I accelerated so the oncoming vehicle would not need to slow down. As I attempted to increase my speed, I felt the pedal lose resistance. I looked down and my dashboard was lit up......my car had died. So I coasted to the side of the narrow, 2 lane hwy.

Other than the back lights of the passing vehicle and my headlights; it was pitch black and I was surrounded by forest. I turned the key to the off position and tried to restart my car. It almost turned over. Tried a second time, same thing only weaker. I turned the key 1 final time about an hour later, while waiting for roadside assistance, this time it only made a click click noise. So I sat for 2 hrs, alone, feeling scared and defenseless, on a very dark, somewhat desolate road.

Lincoln City Towing towed me all the way to Beaverton Hyundai and then dropped me right at my front door! Next day I received a call from service mgr, Dan. He said he needed my permission to drop the oil pan, because he suspects there will be sludge. If there were sludge in oil pan I would be charged $280 if no sludge, Hyundai will cover it and cover the cost of the engine replacement.

He called later and said he found sludge and can replace engine for $7,038.

- Jeanette B., Portland, OR, US

problem #11

Jun 032015

Sonata Limited 2.0L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,636 miles

Car engine suddenly stopped working while accelerating to traffic on a highway. All dash maintenance lights came on when previously there were none. Coasted to shoulder without power steering/brakes/etc.

Towed to dealership. Dealership claims was past oil change a bit and there was only a half quart of oil drained. No oil light came on, and dealer performed last oil change. They replaced engine under warranty with a long block.

After engine replacement, they said the starter had burnt out due to trying to start the car with a seized engine. They would not cover this under the standard warranty. An extended warranty with deductible did cover replacement of the starter.

- Paul H., Saint Paul, MN, US

problem #10

Jun 162015

Sonata GLS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

Bought my 2012 Sonata brand new in late 2011 after much research. It's been a good car and I maintain it very well.. Just installed top of the line tires, oil changes every 3K, $60 Bosch wiper blades. I mean who pays $60 for wiper blades on a car they don't take pristine care of?

At or around 30K I had a major transmission issue that was repaired under factory warranty. On June 16th suddenly without warning, at a stop light, the engine started losing power and making a terrible knocking sound. I was thankfully able to pull immediately into a church parking lot where I immediately shut the engine off for fear of doing more damage. Called Hyundai roadside and had it towed (after 1.5 hours of waiting) to my dealership.

Not a lot of communication between them unless I call and ask, but apparently it needs an entire new engine! How does that happen on such a new car with low miles?? My last car had 167K on it and still ran when I sold it! It's well within the factory warranty still so I'm praying it will all be covered as it should but I'm skeptical. To be continued...

Update from Aug 1, 2015: Just wanted to add that my Hyundai dealership honored the warranty, no questions asked and replaced the engine. took about 2 weeks, but I was given a loaner car.

I was surprised they didn't ask for service records (which of course I had)

Way to stand behind your product Rohrman Hyundai!

- Leann E., Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #9

Jun 082015

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,339 miles

I've only had this car for 11 months and the engine just died while driving. I am grateful that I was on a residential street and not the highway because it gave no warning it just cut off. I've always kept up on the maintenance done by the dealer. I was witnessing some stalling and jerking but I didn't think it would be the engine. Thankfully, I purchased the extended powertrain warranty and it covered the $7,000 fee with a $100 deductible but now I don't even want the car. I don't know what else may go up on this car and I really do like it.

- keishamaryland, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #8

Jun 012015

Sonata LX 2.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

I am a 64 year old business man who uses my car to visit my customers, so I bought the Sonata because of the room, comfort, gas mileage and all the positive advertising for reliability with the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. I have serviced my car religiously because it is used for business and I can't afford to let anything happen to me while I am with clients.

I never had any issue with the Sonata, except to replace the starter once and the usual tires, brakes, etc. the car ran great, and then on 5/31/15 after coming out of a parking lot I turned on to the highway and within 2 minutes the car just stopped running almost causing an accident and it scared the HELL out of me. I tried to start it a few times and all I got were clicks. Called AAA and they were there within 20 minutes because I was blocking a major intersection.

I towed to the dealer, and they called the next day and said my engine seized and it was $10,000 for a new engine, yes 10 LARGE! I hung up and had to cool off a while, then I researched it on the web and found out the truth about this Korean Auto Mfg. Hyundai. Can you imagine paying half of what you paid for the car for an engine? After 3 years of perfect maintenance. Thank God I have some great friends who work on cars so it may only cost me about $3500, but I will sell the car, never own a Hyundai again in my life and will tell everyone I know this story, Hyundai is now a 4 letter word to me.

- papavic, Whittier, CA, US

problem #7

Jan 052015

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,150 miles

Like others here - my 2012 Hyundai Sonata's engine failed. I take excellent care of my car and change the oil every 5-6k miles. One night turning down my street, I heard a ticking from the engine - actually thought I had a tree branch stuck in there. The next morning I checked the oil - all good.

I had the Sonata towed to Jenkins Hyundai in Leesburg because of an engine noise. I was told by the Service Manager that I would need a new engine and it would not be covered due to owner neglect - they showed me my oil in a pan - it was black and had metal shavings in it. I pulled out my maintenance log and showed a receipt of an oil change at Tire Kingdom less than three weeks earlier. They then shifted the blame to TK, saying they must have used the wrong filter or viscosity. I have had all my cars' oil changed at TK for years and never had an issue. I left Jenkins very upset and feeling like I was being ripped off. About a week later, I attempted to drive the car to a private mechanic to get a second opinion - only the engine died.

As with others, I had no warning when the engine went bad. I had it towed back to my house and it's been sitting since - I had to buy an older used car since I didn't know what to with the Sonata. Recently, I became aware of a class-action lawsuit due to this type of engine failure on 2011-12 Sonatas filed by the law firm of Chimicles and Tikellis, LLP in Haverford, PA. After speaking with them, they suggested giving Hyundai one more chance to step up and fix the engine. I have always heard only good things about the Holler dealership in Winter Park (I wish I had gone to Holler in the first place), so the car is there now.

If it is determined to be covered under warranty - as it should be - then I will swallow my losses and be happy to have my car back and will seriously consider staying with the Sonata once my lease is up - just not with Jenkins Hyundai. If it goes the other way, then I will have the car towed back to my home and will go to the next step. I have continued to pay my lease payments as well as insurance - all the while having to pay on a used car and additional insurance.

This has been a huge burden on me, financially and emotionally.

- Jim D., Apopka, FL, US

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