Hyundai Sonata / 2019
2019 Hyundai Sonata problems
Owners have filed 212 complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 40.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of exterior lighting at 8.5%.
Complaints212
Crashes11
Fires9
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 40.1% · 85
Unknown or other 10.8% · 23
Exterior lighting 8.5% · 18
Electrical system 5.7% · 12
Fuel/propulsion system 5.2% · 11
Engine and engine cooling 4.2% · 9
Air bags 4.2% · 9
Power train 3.8% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Hyundai Sonata in this data, 2019 sits 21st by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 138 in the last three years against 46 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 25,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Exhaust tip under right rear bumper extends past end of bumper. A few weeks ago someone burned their leg while accessing the trunk. Yesterday, a separate person was also burned from same exhaust tip from standing close to bumper to access the trunk. We had 2016 Sonata for 4 years and never experienced burns from similar exhaust tip. Car was parked on level driveway. Car was warmed up from recent drive and turned off. Engine · reported at 13,000 miles
Bought 2019 at Priority Hyundai in Chesapeake va in JUNE of 2022. Noticed that car stay burning oil in march of 2025. Took 2 oil consumption test at dealership and failed both. Hyundai knows these consume oil even with proper maintenance but will do nothing to try to make it right. Basically got turned down and service advisor ADVISED me to buy a new vehicle. The car only has 75,330 miles on it Engine
Excessive oil consumption leading to no or low oil levels. Piston ring design flaw allowing oil to leak into combustion chamber, damaging the spark plugs. No warning lights until failure posing a significant crash risk for my family. Engine failure at 134K miles without warning, rings need replaced, per mechanic. I am shocked as I just paid the car off and thought Hyundai was a good brand. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…