YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 94 of 161 total complaints (58%) for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, including 5 fires and 2 crashes. Median mileage at failure is 85,000. No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on this model year.

Engine complaints
94
58% of 161
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
85,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report smoke and open flames coming from the engine compartment while driving, idling, or refueling, sometimes reaching several feet high.
  • Some describe sudden stalling or stuttering at low RPM, with one case tied to a cylinder showing little to no compression.
  • Owners report heavy oil consumption, describing burning roughly a gallon of oil weekly along with recurring spark plug replacements and oil leaks.
  • Some report the engine shutting off unexpectedly on the highway while other warning lights (engine, battery, HEV) illuminate at the same time.
  • Owners note the vehicle can be started without a key due to a missing engine immobilizer, which they say has led to theft.

When 2019 Hyundai Sonata engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 15, 2019, latest Sep 10, 2026.

2019 Hyundai Sonata engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter102019 Q22022 Q32023 Q22024 Q12024 Q42025 Q32026 Q2
94 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q3 (10).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Sonata model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201040 (12%)
  2. 20111,078 (32%)
  3. 2012638 (41%)
  4. 2013831 (44%)
  5. 2014331 (44%)
  6. 2015666 (58%)
  7. 2016472 (65%)
  8. 2017409 (54%)
  9. 2018233 (62%)
  10. 201994 (58%)
  11. 202037 (21%)
  12. 202136 (27%)
  13. 202231 (33%)
  14. 202332 (37%)
  15. 20248 (17%)
  16. 20254 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 94 engine complaints for the 2019 Sonata, which is 58% of the 161 total complaints filed for that model year.
Are there fires linked to the 2019 Sonata engine?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 5 fires and 2 crashes among the reported engine complaints for the 2019 Sonata.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Sonata engine problems?
No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data provided for the engine component on the 2019 Sonata.
At what mileage do 2019 Sonata engine problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2019 Sonata is 85,000 miles.
How does the 2019 Sonata compare to other Sonata years for engine complaints?
The 2019 Sonata's engine share of 58% is similar to 2018 (62%) and 2015 (58%), and higher than earlier years like 2010 (12%) and later years like 2020 (21%).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.