Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Hyundai Sonata engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Sonata | 68 |
| 2020 Sonata | 11 |
| 2021 Sonata | 19 |
| 2022 Sonata | 10 |
| 2023 Sonata (this page) | 13 |
When does it fail?
Of the 13 engine complaints filed for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some Sonata (DN8, DN8A) vehicles may have DTCs P218100, P2181F0, and/or P2181F1 (Cooling System Performance) set in the Engine Control Module, resulting in an illuminated Check Engine warning lamp. Follow the procedure in this TSB to replace the Integrated Thermal Management (ITM) module and update both the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) if applicable. Follow the flowchart in this TSB to update the appropriate modules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain Sonata (DN8) and Sonata (DN8A) vehicles may experience issues with the air conditioning due to damaged wiring in the engine room junction box. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the multi-fuse, reroute the damaged wiring using the blower wiring kit, and replace the fuse label.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) and/or the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for 2020-2023MY Sonata (DN8/DN8a) vehicles to improve operation of the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system. Under certain circumstances the vehicle may not restart after the ISG system has engaged and requires a manual restart due to the lack of intake manifold pressure recovery.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe sudden, complete engine power loss while driving at various speeds—intersections, highways, even at low speeds—sometimes as early as 1,949 miles. In multiple cases, the dashboard shows a warning about an engine control system problem, but dealers run diagnostics and find no codes. The vehicle shuts off, won't restart, and needs towing. Some owners have experienced this twice in four months; another had it happen three times in a week and a half.
Fuel injector failures are also common, with the accelerator stopping and the engine sputtering without prior warning. One owner had three of four injectors replaced but Hyundai refused to replace the fourth despite a second failure. One incident caused an entire tank of gasoline to leak 16 days after the repair.
On 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids, owners report internal coolant leaks in the exhaust system that burn off as white steam, especially during acceleration. Coolant level drops rapidly, the interior heater quits, and the engine overheating warning forces them to pull over. No external leaks are visible. Hyundai has issued TSB 23-EM-009H acknowledging the issue but no recall exists. Repair costs have run $1,500 and up, with dealers denying warranty coverage on vehicles barely two years old. Front collision sensors malfunctioning and causing total power loss have also been reported. One owner's vehicle remains in the dealer's hands unresolved with recall code 286 after three months.
Same Hyundai Sonata engine reports on nearby years: 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Control System Power Loss / Stalling
Vehicle loses all engine power and stalls without warning while driving, sometimes at low speeds or in traffic, with dashboard warning 'A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected.' No diagnostic codes retrieved in some cases despite repeated failures.
When: First incident at 1,949 miles; second incident at 4,177 miles; also reported at 80 miles, 22,000 miles, 60 mph, 30 mph, and recurring within days
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete power loss while driving; Engine stalls in intersection or busy traffic; Dashboard warning notification about engine control system; No restart immediately after; vehicle must be towed; Lights on dashboard flashing; No diagnostic codes retrieved despite dealer testing
Codes mentioned: Engine Control System failure notification, P2178, P0301, P0087F0
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed diagnostic tests and test drives but 'couldn't find the problem' in first cases; some replaced unspecified parts 'and hope it doesn't happen again'; fuel injectors replaced in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report Hyundai made no recalls initially; case opened with Hyundai USA; TSB 23-EM-009H referenced for coolant leak; owners state Hyundai acknowledged issues but declined recall
Fuel Injector Failure
One or more fuel injectors fail suddenly, causing accelerator to stop responding and engine sputtering or misfiring. In one case, three of four fuel injectors replaced; owner reports Hyundai refused to replace the fourth despite repeated failures.
When: 5/23/24 and 9/7/25 (same owner); at 11,000 miles; at 30,000 miles; at 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator stops working / no throttle response; Engine sputtering and loss of power; Engine dies or cannot accelerate; Check engine light and flashing warning light; Cylinder misfire; No prior warning symptoms before failure
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire code, P2178, P0301, P0087F0
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced fuel injectors; one owner had 3 of 4 injectors replaced but Hyundai refused to replace the fourth despite second failure; repair costs not stated in fuel injector cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai dealers confirmed fuel injector failures and performed replacements under warranty; one owner reports Hyundai refused to replace fourth injector after second failure
Internal Coolant Leak (Exhaust Heat Recovery System)
2023 Sonata Hybrid develops internal coolant leak; coolant burns off in exhaust producing white steam/smoke, especially during acceleration. Coolant level drops rapidly, interior heater stops working, and engine overheating warning forces driver to stop. Multiple owners report identical symptoms.
When: At 13,500 miles; also occurring at time of incident reports in other narratives
Symptoms owners cite: White steam or smoke from exhaust during acceleration; Coolant smell; Rapid coolant loss while driving; Interior heater stops working; Engine overheating warning displayed; Vehicle becomes undriveable when overheating alarm appears; Low or empty coolant reservoir after overheating events; No visible external leaks under hood or in garage
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost approximately $1,500 at dealer; owner paid $250 additional for rental car when dealer refused loaner; dealers stated vehicle 'out of warranty' despite being 2 years old
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-EM-009H describes internal coolant leak in Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS); Hyundai USA acknowledged they are aware of coolant issues on Sonata Hybrid but stated 'no recall exists'; bulletins reference part redesign and special order requirement
Fuel Leakage After Repair
After fuel injector replacement, gasoline spewed from vehicle and leaked an entire tank of gas into garage and driveway 16 days later when owner attempted to start car.
When: 16 days after fuel injector repair and return from dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline spewing from vehicle; Entire fuel tank leaked; Vehicle would not start on return attempt; Strong odor of fuel (also noted in another case)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner describes as 'very dangerous' fuel leak requiring towing back to dealership; no repair cost stated
Front Collision Sensor Malfunction Causing Power Loss
Front collision sensor malfunction or false activation causes total vehicle power loss while driving. Occurred three times within one week and a half, creating serious traffic hazard.
When: Three occurrences within one week and a half
Symptoms owners cite: Front collision sensor warning appears on dash; Vehicle loses all power; Occurs without warning while driving
Unresolved Recall Code 286 / Suspected Electrical or Fire Hazard
Vehicle has recall code 286 that remains unresolved after multiple months in dealer hands. Owner and Hyundai corporate discussed buyback but no resolution provided; owner expresses concern about fire hazard and refuses to drive vehicle due to safety risk.
When: Dropped off December 4, 2025; unresolved after two to three months
Symptoms owners cite: Recall code 286 present; Owner suspects fire risk based on recall code description
Codes mentioned: Recall code 9b1 (resolved), Recall code 286 (unresolved)
Repairs/costs cited: One issue resolved; code 286 remains unresolved; Hyundai corporate requested payoff balance, mileage, registration, and lien information suggesting possible lemon law buyback discussion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai corporate engaged to discuss resolution; promised updates 'by certain dates' but failed to follow up after two to three months; loaner vehicle recalled; no solution provided
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My car was having an issue where it was losing all the coolant, causing my engine to overheat twice while driving down the highway. Unfortunately I couldn't find a leak anywhere and there was no fluid leaking in my garage. I lost an entire reservoir of coolant overnight. After taking my car to the dealership to get repaired, I was told that it was leaking my coolant into the exhaust system and…
I am reporting a serious coolant system defect on my 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with about 13,500 miles. The vehicle develops an internal coolant leak while driving. Coolant burns off and white steam/smoke comes out of the exhaust, especially during acceleration. When this happens, the coolant level drops quickly, the interior heater stops working, and the car soon displays an engine overheating…
Vehicle’s front collision sensor popped up on dash, vehicle lost all power. Almost was hit by a group a semi trucks hauling a wide load that wouldn’t have been able to stop in time. This is the 3rd time it has happened in a week and a half.
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to shake, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off. The vehicle failed to restart on both occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector needed to…
The fuel injectors failed on my Hyundai Sonata in two instances. Once on 5/23/24 and once on 9/7/25. During the first instance, I was driving on a local road when the accelerator stopped working and the engine started sputtering. We were fortunately able to stop at a nearby parking lot before the engine completely stopped working. During the second instance, I was also driving through a local…
Had engine trouble with your 2023 Hyundai Sonata?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2023 Hyundai Sonata?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 14,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Hyundai/Sonata.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.