2013 Hyundai Sonata Engine

Engine Seized while driving - took to Hyundai dealership in Newport News VA and was advised it was negligence on our part. car was just inspected 2 months prior with no issues. All repairs were completed 05/23/2023 as required by Hyundai. Car does not start and they refuse to fix it. Car engine was recalled and never replaced. Information states it was but dealership refuses to provide records showing it was replaced since it was not. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Hi, I recently bought my car with a savage title, the inside of the engine in my 2013 Hyundai sonata is making a knocking noise, it has the engine light on and when I scanned it, it shows code P1326, I did some research and found out that Hyundai issued a safety recall 162 back in 2017. In the Hyundai recall webpage records it shows the recall as complete on 8/7/2020. However the engine is making the knocking noise. I took the car to the dealer (Oxmoor Hyundai in Louisville) to have it checked for that safety recall on 2/2/2026 and it was not checked until 2/12/2026 and they told me that they applied for an engine replacement that day, then on 2/18/2026 dealer reached out to me saying that my engine replacement was approved and that they were waiting for the engine to be delivered between 5 to 7 business days. Then on 2/19/2026 I received a call from the dealer and they told me that the engine replacement was not approved due to the title being savage, I asked why was that if it was a safety recall and she responded back saying that it was not a safety recall, it was just an extended warranty, I asked for more explanations on why if it was already approved why did it change the next day and they told me that I had to call the Hyundai customer service. I called the Hyundai customer service line on 2/20/2026 and they told me that they were going to reach out to the dealer about this issue. I haven't had any updates after that.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. A mechanic friend replaced the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. The contact stated that the failure persisted. When the RPM was high, the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer charged for the diagnostic test, and the contact refused to pay. The contact stated that the testing should be covered by the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer charged the contact a storage fee, and a lien was placed on the vehicle, and the vehicle might be sold to pay for the storage fee. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the diagnostic fee would be paid by the manufacturer, and the warranty was extended. The manufacturer informed the contact that a supervisor would reach out; however, the contact was still waiting to hear from the supervisor. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Recall 162 engine died no reason Hyundai refused to replace engine 2nd submission

It is a known issue on several makes and years on Hyundais. excessive oil consumption. burning a quart every 375 miles. at one point we had no oil in the car at all. causing a potential major safety issue lubricating parts of the engine. etc. we have contacted Hyundai several times and brought to Hyundai dealer who has confirmed issue through a test. no warning that oil was low!

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX] , 2.4L Theta II GDI engine) is experiencing symptoms consistent with the known Theta II engine defects covered under prior NHTSA recalls (e.g., 17V-226) and the related class action settlement for connecting rod bearing wear due to manufacturing debris restricting oil flow. The vehicle has begun exhibiting [describe your specific symptoms here, e.g.: "a loud metallic knocking/tapping noise from the engine that increases with RPM, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds; reduced engine power and hesitation; illumination of the check engine light and/or oil pressure warning light; excessive vibration; or sudden loss of power/stalling risk"]. These issues have [escalated/worsened over time or occurred suddenly while driving]. This poses a serious safety hazard because premature bearing wear can lead to complete engine seizure or stall without warning while the vehicle is in motion, potentially at highway speeds, resulting in loss of motive power, inability to maintain speed, or increased risk of collision, injury, or fatality. I have properly maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes using the recommended full synthetic oil [add if true: "and can provide service records showing no evidence of sludge or neglect"]. Despite submitting an appeal/claim under the Hyundai Theta Engine Class Action Settlement (Case Number XXX), I received confirmation on December 30, 2025, promising a decision within 14 business days, but as of January 16, 2026, there has been no response or update despite follow-up attempts. This ongoing delay prevents me from obtaining the necessary inspection, repair, or replacement under the extended warranty/safety coverage, leaving the vehicle in a potentially unsafe condition. I am requesting that NHTSA review this as part of the pattern of Theta II engine failures in 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonatas, which have led to thousands of similar complaints, recalls, and investigations into untimely INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine losing power and metal shavings in oil and engining shutting off

My engine recently seized on my vehicle and Hyundai is refusing to replace my engine. Per their website my vehicles engine has a lifetime warranty. This warranty is eligible for class vehicles who have has to campaign 953 reformed on their vehicles prior to engine failure. This was performed in n my vehicle on April 16, 2019. Per Hyundai’s website. I am being offered a settlement I did not take part in instead of my engine replacement and it should be illegal for them to go against their own word.

Burns excessive oil/excessive oil consumption

Component/System Failed - Engine – connecting rod bearing wear resulting in complete engine seizure. - Engine is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk - Engine seizure occurred while my mechanic was driving, causing a complete loss of motive power.Created immediate risk of crash due to inability to accelerate or control vehicle. Hazard to driver, passengers, and others on the road. Reproduction/Confirmation Failure matches known defect described in Recall 17V226000: premature bearing wear leading to engine seizure. Maintenance records confirm proper service; dealership denied repair citing “owner negligence,” which is inconsistent with the recall symptoms. Inspection Engine has not been repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Vehicle was inspected by dealership service tech who determined failure was caused by negligence (text denial received). Spoke with customer service and they confirmed denial. Full maintenance records available for inspection. Hyundai requested service records - we were not able to find all service records, as some have closed, and some have files for 400 days only (jiffy lube). Warning Lamps / Symptoms No warning lamps illuminated prior to failure. Engine knocking and oil pressure loss were observed immediately before seizure. Failure was sudden and catastrophic. Additional Information / Assessment Vehicle: 2013 Hyundai Sonata, VIN [XXX] . Recall 17V226000 identifies bearing wear that may result in engine seizure. Failure is consistent with the recall defect, regardless of warranty expiration. Manufacturer has refused to perform required recall inspection or repair, citing improper negligence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact's daughter replaced the battery. A mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) for which the VIN was included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Sir this is not first time to make complaint I brought my car to Hyundai company after I got an appointment and they called text emailed me and the know my car information on 10/1/2025 I brought my car but they mentioned wrong VIN NUMBER and after that I came back on 10/8/2025 but when I got there to finish my recall 953 they said your car rebuild title and now my car engine I think out I don’t know but they changed the engine before and i bought the car three months ago and now I can not drive it please help me with that the car just stopped when I was driving and 124369 miles and how the rebuild car not affected by recall

I bought the car on [XXX] used and it’s has 165000 miles drove fine for the 30 miles as I was driving At 65miles car losing power and slightly noise out the engine getting louder as I was to push the gas pedal and the engine light started flashing suddenly car has shut down as I was rolling on the road and I lost the power of breaking luckily I was going uphill on [XXX] and I parked on the side of the road. I call the Hyundai dealership of 3810 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614 and I explained what happened he asked me have the car lost power I said yes, is the check engine light flashing I said yes. and do I hear knock engine I said yes. The dealership check the vin number and said it’s been warranty And we will inspect if that’s the problem we will be no charge to you with the repairs if something else we will charge you $175. I haven’t hear back i text to see the status and he told me the did test on the car and failed the test because of the issues on the engine I said okay you going to replace it he said we need to inspect inside the engine and take a photo to send over and to proof of the damage if not proof I will be responsible for the inspection time charge of $375 and I ask me of the I want to door that way which I have no choice until the dealership send over and get the proof to see the photo. Now im waiting the answer tomorrow INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Driving at 70 mph on the highway, the engine seized without warning. The car violently shuddered and rapidly decelerated in the travel lane. A fully-loaded semi-truck was directly behind me and had to swerve violently and brake hard to avoid crushing my vehicle. This created an immediate, life-threatening risk of a catastrophic, high-speed rear-end collision. The failure is with the internal engine assembly (likely connecting rod bearings) and is available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the engine failure but denied the repair. This is a known defect. The "Engine Oil Pressure" warning light flashed and a loud engine knocking began moments before the total power loss. This is a dangerous defect that causes sudden, unpredictable stalling at highway speeds.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was restarted. The check warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall repair was denied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the waste gasket, timing belt, and battery needed to be replaced, and a coolant flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised by the local dealer that, due to the mileage and year of the vehicle; the recall repairs could not be redeemed. The contact stated that rental reimbursement was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

My 2013 Hyundai Sonata qualifies for a Lifetime Warranty engine replacement under the Theta II Class Action Settlement. The dealership is refusing coverage unless I provide maintenance records, even though the settlement prohibits denial based solely on missing records or the presence of sludge. Hyundai must prove neglect caused the failure, which has not been demonstrated. I am requesting review by the Engine Settlement Team and approval of my engine replacement.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, which grew louder. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle had a Branded Title. The contact was informed that the title was Branded because the previous owner had not provided the requested maintenance documents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with failure of the rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the title was Branded in the Manufacturer’s database. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

On freeway accelerated and it stalled the attempted to push button start all dash light were on and then it completely started smoking and that was from the starter getting to hot and died and nothing engine won't turn over so vehicle has no to started since

The car was being driven from Virginia to Austin, Texas. In Tennessee within 10 miles of Jackson, TN, on [XXX] the car suddenly lost power and the engine light started flashing and could not be driven above 60 MPH (the speed limit there was 75 and the car was being driven at the speed limit until this occurred). Even though the car lost power, the temperature remained steady and was driven to a car repair place and the next day it was towed to a nearby Hyundai dealership in Jackson, TN where they declared the engine needed to be replaced. This was also confirmed by our insurance company, Progressive. Ran the VIN and the car is an affected vehicle under Service Campaign 953 and engine should qualify for lifetime warranty but Hyundai is trying to deny the claim due to bogus claim of "Exceptional Maintenance Neglect" which is not even close to true. The car had an oil and filter change a few days prior to the start of the trip and had been well maintained prior to that as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Losing oil somewhere in the engine and the oil smells like fuel.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, occasionally while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown NHTSA Campaign because the vehicle had a Rebuilt Title. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The car engine was sputtering and the check engine light came on. I was notified by a repair shop that the problem may relate to an engine recall. I called Hyundai about the recall and they advised me to take the vehicle to Cardinale Hyundai in Corona. I did take it there. Testing showed that the issue was, in fact, the same issue that was part of the recall (I believe it is called the internal engine bearing failure). HOWEVER, the Hyundai dealer then advised that, due to owner neglect, the problem will not be fixed by Hyundai. I firmly dispute Hyundai's contention!

The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact smelled fuel and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had caught on fire. The contact stopped the vehicle, and the contact and the two passengers quickly jumped out of the vehicle. The contact stated one of the passengers sustained a minor leg injury, and medical attention was provided. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided. The origin of the fire was not yet determined. A Police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shut off with an audible warning chime and several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to restart the vehicle soon after failure. The contact stated that on another occasion, while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle, and the engine shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there was only an anti-theft recall on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and linked the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

My Hyundai vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure due to a known defect in Hyundai’s Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine. This engine issue is part of a widely documented safety concern that causes rod bearing wear, leading to stalling or catastrophic failure while driving. Despite the dealership confirming it’s consistent with the known defect, Hyundai denied assistance solely because my title is branded, even though the engine failure is unrelated to any crash or damage. Hyundai has replaced engines for others with branded titles, proving the inconsistency in their handling of a serious safety problem. This defect poses a risk of stalling in traffic, engine fires, and potential accidents. The vehicle shut down completely, and I believe this violates federal safety standards.