2014 Hyundai Sonata Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The engine failed in my 2014 Hyundai Sonata for the 2nd time while driving in evening traffic on a major interstate with my elderly father in the car with me. The engine completely shut down while in mid drive on the interstate with no power. The engine and oil lamp indicators immediately came on right before the engine lost power on the interstate. This caused my safety and the safety of my father to be put at risk by not being able to have any power while in the lane of evening traffic. My vehicle was towed to the nearby Hyundai dealership, Modern Hyundai of Concord, where their service department conducted inspection of the engine issue and where it was kept for 4 months with no repairs made per the orders of Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America refused to honor their own warranty to replace the engine (engine in need of replacement for the 2nd time).
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure and loss of power while traveling at freeway speed. Two days earlier, the vehicle had been taken to an authorized dealership for factory recall service. During that visit, concerns were raised about known engine issues associated with this model, but the vehicle was returned to service. While driving on the freeway, the engine abruptly stalled without warning, causing immediate loss of propulsion and power. This created a dangerous situation in moving traffic, requiring rapid maneuvering to avoid a collision and safely exit traffic lanes. The vehicle became inoperable and could not be restarted. The failed component appears to be the engine or related internal engine system. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership following the incident and has remained inoperable since that time. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. The failure placed the driver at significant risk due to the sudden loss of power at highway speed. No collision occurred, but the risk of serious injury or death was present. The problem has not been reproduced because the vehicle has remained disabled since the incident. The dealership and manufacturer have inspected the vehicle after the failure. The manufacturer is reviewing the incident under an internal process. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating imminent engine failure before the stall. The failure occurred suddenly and without advance notice.
This motor had a recall. Campaign t3g- sonata yfa 2.4L Theta II. 1 month after an oil change at the mechanic the car started making noises. Took it right to the mechanic who said there was no oil and that there was a recall on this motor for this reason. Immediately took it to the Hyundai dealership located in centereach NY. The employee who helped us was not a help. Took days and days to even get the paperwork In for the recall. Did not communicate with us unless we called him. Then eventually just said it was denied. Took weeks to get the proof from them. Completely frustrating. We submitted all proof of oil changes and maintenance and it was denied saying engine neglect! We are struggling to keep up with bills and now cannot get to work because of this. We have 2 toddlers and he is a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Centereach. He works full time at Stony Brook Hospital and is in school full time with rotations in the hospital for paramedic class. This is insane to be treated this way
CAR MAKING LOUD NOISE UNDER THE CAR HOOD LIKE SOMETHING FALLING APART UNDER THE HOOD, A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE ENGINE , I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS CAR ENGINE. HYUNDAI DID MY 90,000 MILE INSPECTION ON JULY 19, 2025, AT THE TIME THE WORK WAS DONE I ONLY HAD 87238.
While driving down the road the car died. Now it will not start.
My engine seized and I lost power. This is the second engine this has happened to. I was given a extended warranty, but Hyundai is refusing to pay for a new engine. The mechanic advised me they are replacing engines three times a week. Mine was denied even though my engine only has 76,000 miles and my warranty is still good. This engine problem should be a new recall since the same problem is still occurring. The engine light did come on blinking. When I took it to the dealer. They knew the problem before looking at my engine since so many others need to have thiers replaced. The dealership confirmed i need a new engine. They made me send in my oil changes. They were upset I didn't have any oil receipts for my previous engine even thought it was replaced at a Hyundai dealership the first time. Consumers should not have to replace two engines. This is a safety concern with it losing power so quickly.
My engine has a knock and the dealership told me that they would not fix it due to "lack of maintanence" but I tried explaining to them that I was unable to get proof because Oreily and auto zone were unable to get me receipts on old purchases.
Engine Failure. After taking my Hyundai listed above in for repairs to the air conditioning not working properly and while in custody of Jeff's Automotive Service, here in Sterling, IL 61081, the engine suddenly died out while they were test driving the car. They were able to jump start it once, and then it died out again while driving it. This time the car could not be restarted by all means possible. Being in the shop, other possible causes were checked and not one of them worked. The Engine is completely DEAD. After Checking for possible causes online it was found that a recall for the very same Engine Failure had been done back in 2017/2018.\n" + 'For unknown reasons, I was never notified nor did I ever received such notice. Now at this time, we have contacted a local dealer and they state that because the auto had not been taken in for the recall repairs, it no longer "qualifies" for free repairs and any repairs would have to be paid for. Upon checking the NHTSA website, it states that there are no time limits on the repairs. I was going to contact National Hyundai Corp to inquire about it, but decided instead to file a complaint with you. 'The question is: Is my car still eligible for the Recall Repairs under the Hyndai Mfg Recall #162 'of March 31, 2017? Recall Number 17V2260000??? Given the fact that i did not receive their notification if indeed, one was sent, and I was totally unaware of this Recall???. I sincerely\n' + 'believe that under the laws and procedures, I should still be eligible for this Recall Repair of\n' + 'their Faulty Engine Failure in my automobile listed above. \n' + 'Therefore I am at this time requesting an investigation and a decision before I make any attempts to contact Hyundai Mfg directly. Also as part of my inquiries I spoke to the Service Department of Schimmer Hyundai in Peru, IL the closest dealer to me, and after checking the VIN number I was to
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, and during the test drive, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Hello, I brought my 2014 Hyundai Sonata (approx. 73,000 miles) to an authorized Hyundai dealership (MotorWorld Hyundai, Wilkes-Barre, PA) on August 4, 2025, for Recall 162 (NHTSA 17V-226) due to audible engine knocking. I reported the noise when dropping off the vehicle. The dealer claimed the engine passed the inspection but did not provide any documentation confirming that the required bearing test was performed. They said the issue might be from the top of the engine (possibly the timing chain) and wanted to charge $800 to disassemble the engine, with a repair estimate of $2,900. The reason they wanted to disassemble the engine is because after an initial diagnosis for $160 they discovered the noise is not from the timing chain. Besides, it would be extremely unusual for the issue to be a timing chain at 73k. I later learned from Hyundai Customer Care that the recall still shows as “Incomplete” in their system, meaning the inspection was never properly submitted. I'm conerned that the recall was not properly performed or submitted (why does it still show "incomplete" if they insepcted it and it passed?) and that the symptoms may still indicate the exact defect covered under Recall 162 (rod bearing knock), I believe I was denied proper remedy (in a less polite way - I think they flat out lied to me about the real issue) and I was pressured toward expensive non-recall repairs without conclusive diagnosis. My understanding is that getting a diagnosis for a timing chain shouldn't cost anywhere near $800. I am requesting NHTSA review this situation to ensure Hyundai fulfills its federally mandated recall obligation. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle experienced engine stalling and rough running. We discovered it had an open engine recall related to known defects in the Theta II engine. We dropped the vehicle off at a Hyundai dealership (Hyundai Napleton) on July 1st, 2025 for recall repair, following instructions from ACV Auctions. After holding the vehicle for over three weeks, Hyundai Napleton informed us they could not perform the recall due to their internal policy against working on dealer-owned vehicles. This directly contradicts the purpose of a federally mandated safety recall, which is supposed to apply regardless of ownership. On July 23, 2025, we received a call from Hyundai Motor America, stating they would not approve the recall repair because the vehicle had been declared a total loss. This is entirely false—the vehicle has never been declared a total loss by any insurance company or official source. It appears Hyundai Motor America and the dealership are passing responsibility back and forth, providing conflicting and inaccurate information, while the vehicle sits unrepaired and inoperable. This behavior delays a federally mandated repair, puts consumers at risk, and reflects serious breakdowns in how Hyundai handles recall compliance. We need NHTSA’s help to investigate and enforce the proper handling of this safety recall. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened for repair assistance. The contact was later informed that the assistance request was denied on the grounds of poor maintenance history. The contact stated was not the owner of the vehicle during the time cited by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 136,000.
While driving my 2014 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], the engine suddenly stalled without warning. I was in motion on a public road when the vehicle lost power, forcing me to safely pull over. There were no warning lights, check engine lights, or prior signs of engine trouble before the failure occurred. I had the vehicle towed to a certified Hyundai dealership (Norm Reeves Hyundai Superstore in Cerritos), where I was told the engine failed due to rod bearing failure caused by oil starvation. The dealership stated that the engine needed to be replaced. However, I have maintained the vehicle regularly, with consistent oil changes and maintenance, and I have documentation to prove this. Despite this, Hyundai has refused assistance and claims "exceptional maintenance neglect" without showing inspection photos or detailed evidence. This engine failure fits the exact pattern of a known engine defect already under recall for similar Hyundai models and engines, including issues with oil passages and rod bearings that lead to sudden engine failure. These vehicles have been involved in class-action lawsuits and recall campaigns for this reason. This sudden failure put my safety and that of others at risk, as the engine lost power in traffic without any prior warning. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this issue is part of the broader defect already under recall, and whether Hyundai is avoiding responsibility by misclassifying valid cases. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2014 Hyundai Sonata experienced a P1326 engine fault code, which activates the knock sensor system due to engine bearing wear. This condition is directly related to Hyundai’s safety recall 17V226 (Theta II engine). The Hyundai dealership submitted my case to Hyundai corporate, and Hyundai denied the repair solely because my vehicle has over 150,000 miles. A manufacturer cannot refuse a federal recall repair due to mileage, and Hyundai’s engine recall has no mileage or time limit. The denial places me in an unsafe situation, as the recall defect can cause engine seizure or stalling while driving. I am requesting NHTSA intervention.
When I was trying to accelerate, my gas pedal just wasn't responding at all and the engine, oil, and battery light all came on. When that happened my car shut down and I coasted to a stop.
While driving on the highway, the engine of my 2014 Hyundai Sonata suddenly seized without any prior warning. There were no preceding symptoms such as warning lights, unusual noises, or performance issues that might have indicated an impending failure. At the time of the engine seizure, I also lost power steering and power brakes, which severely compromised my ability to control the vehicle and led to a dangerous situation in fast-moving traffic. I later discovered that vehicles equipped with the Theta II engine have experienced similar issues, suggesting a potential safety-related defect. I am reporting this incident as a serious safety concern and request that NHTSA investigate this matter further.
Due to a recall Hyundai promised a lifetime extended warranty on the engine of my 2014 Hyundai Sonata concerning a defect in the engine manufacturing. We're as metal shavings can cause rod bearings to wear out causing what is known as engine knocking noise. Well my engine is knocking, and I was told by a license certified mechanic that it's my rod bearings & that the engine is fixing to throw a rod. This is covered under the extended lifetime warranty. When I called Hyundai they said we aren't going to fix the issue because the vehicle has a salvaged title. I had a consumer rear ended me years ago, there insurance company totaled out my car which was not totaled. Only minor rear damage. I ended up keeping the car and it drove fine, no engine damage due to the wreck on rear end damage. This shouldn't stop my rights to a new engine which Hyundai promised during a lifetime extension of the engine. This is considered unfair Deceptive Trade Practice Act violation.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC code P1326 for the knock sensor detection system (KSDS). The dealer performed a software update, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an oil consumption test, which the vehicle failed. The contact had an independent mechanic replace the knock sensor and spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Misfiring cylinder
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the low oil pressure warning light failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle at the gas station, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact checked the oil level and became aware that there was no oil in the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was dark smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, where the contact became aware that there was no oil in the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to check the oil level daily. The dealer informed the contact that the engine replacement was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
I got a 2014 Hyundai Sonata in May of 2023. In the beginning of September 2024, I was driving down the road on a highway and a knocking sound began as well as grinding. The car then immediately lost all power which could’ve resulted in a serious accident like death or injury to me or others. I found out about the engine recall right after for the class action lawsuit for Hyundai. They told me I was good under the extended warranty. I was told that I needed to get the odometer branding fixed on the title before they would honor the recall. I did that and received the clean title in the beginning of November. The car was at a garage where they agreed that the car had premature worn engine bearings and had failed. The car went to a dealership in the beginning of November. Then I was told I needed more information like the clean title, bill of sale, and a statement. I provided all 3. After that I was told I needed to send receipts of my maintenance to the car. I also did that. I send every several documents. The dealership had told me my claim was denied due to “maintenance neglect” and “not enough maintenance documentation.” I then had the dealership reopen the claim and sent all of the prior maintenance records on the vehicle from the owner before me. I am told it is declined still for the same reason which makes no sense. I sent 35 documents to them. I was told today that they will not fix it and I was wished the best of luck. I did not have the car at the time of the recall and only had it for a year and a couple months. The car has been sitting for 4 months while I am paying insurance on it at the dealership to get the engine recall repaired.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the sound was persistent. The vehicle was driven to a local restaurant parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled several times. The contact was afraid to drive the vehicle because of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that in November 2024, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and several unknown recall repairs were performed. The contact stated that the failure began shortly after the recall repairs were performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
There was no warning, engine seized on main Hwy at night driving approximately 45mph. Couldn’t even pull off to the side. My child and I were stuck on a main road with no warning anything was wrong. Car stopped driving completely. This was my forth engine. Hyundai has always replaced it. 4 in 27k miles. This time they denied it.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The instrument panel was illuminated with several unknown warning lights. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. Three months later, on November 11th, 2024, while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with a message indicating a failure with the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid. An independent mechanic confirmed that the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid was the cause of the failure, and the contact replaced the part himself. The following day after being idle at a stop light, the contact attempted to accelerate, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was restarted; however, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact used an OBD machine to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved fault codes for an oil pressure failure which caused the engine failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,326.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed oil burning and an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V226000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
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The 2014 Hyundai Sonata has 193 Engine complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.