Most common 2019 Hyundai Sonata problems
Share of the 162 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Sonata complaints by model year
Best Sonata years: 2025, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2017. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2019 Hyundai Sonata:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
What 2019 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Engine & cooling all 94 →
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke started coming from the hood and the vehicle was pulled over into a parking space. While opening the hood, the contact saw that fire was coming from the top of the engine. The contact stated that the fire consumed the front of the vehicle, including the windshield and the dashboard. The smoke coming from the vehicle was dark gray and turned black afterwards. The contact called 911, and the Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported. A vehicle parked next to the vehicle was damaged by the flames. The contact's vehicle was not inspected or officially deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where an oil change had been performed prior to the failure. …
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, smoke was present coming from the hood and a burning oil odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Moments later while driving, flames were seen coming from under the hood before the vehicle stalled. After exiting the vehicle, the front of the vehicle burst into flames. The local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. A fire report was taken at the scene. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Lights
The vehicle consumes a gallon of oil weekly. The spark plugs are having to be replaced every three months. The Low beams have been replaced and are working but the headlights are completely out and flashes on the dash board. I have Hi beam's only. There is an electrical issue with the vehicle and is very dangerous to drive with the oil leaks that are continuously happening.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were dim. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the inadequate illumination, the contact was forced to use the high beam headlights while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the halogen headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
On April 14, 2026, my 2019 Hyundai Sonata was parked at a retail store parking lot. Returning from the store, I attempted to start the car, and it did not start. I attempted to start it again, and I saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately exited the vehicle and opened the hood. I saw open flames coming out of the engine area, about 4" high. I called 911 and waited about 10 minutes for the fire department to arrive. During this time, the flames engulfed the entire engine compartment and extended vertically above the hood height. The hood eventually melted and fell back onto the engine area. The fire department came and put out the fire. The car is totaled. There were no injuries, thank God!
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Since april 2025 i've been having low oil readings in my vehicle despite regular oil changes I took it into the dealer since my vehicle was still under warranty, which they stated only one part was under warranty. I had to pay $800 after this was replaced. I started having engine light come on. This engine light when I paid a diagnostic fee I learned that the cylinder three was misfiring. It was suggested that I have an oil change and get the oil level checked again within a week. This was done and it was determined that it was burning too much oil. I submitted this to the insurance and was told that this was not covered that there must be another reason why this was not working the way it should. 3 weeks ago Then I was asked to replace the spark plugs and coils. …
2019 Hyundai Sonata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 40 / 46 / 42 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 37 / 42 / 39 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 28 / 37 / 31 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 35 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata a good car?
Based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Sonata rates better than average: 43% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sonata at the same age. It is one of the best Sonata years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?
The engine & cooling — 94 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › oil/lubrication › sump/tank. Next are the lights (18) and fuel & propulsion system (12).
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Sonata?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2019 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015 and 2017. See the full Hyundai Sonata years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Sonata problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 63% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.