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2023 Hyundai Sonata Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pump and fuel system, gasoline. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank pressure and swelling defect.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Campaign #23V526000 · Jul 27, 2023

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #25V796000 · Nov 18, 2025

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Hyundai Sonata.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank pressure and swelling defect

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the fuel mileage abnormally increased from 320 to approximately 431”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697927
“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from the rear end underneath the floorboard like a part slamming on the undercarriage of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641315
“I am filing this complaint regarding Recall 25V-796 (Hyundai Recall 286)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721116

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

EHRS coolant leak causing engine overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-11 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheated" displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737251
“My car was having an issue where it was losing all the coolant, causing my engine to overheat twice while driving down the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704347
“I am reporting a serious coolant system defect on my 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with about 13,500 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700476

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shift to neutral or park while driving

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted into neutral(N) and failed to shift into park or drive on three occasions”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11744098
“At least 8 times when driving the car the transmission switches from the drive “d” position to the park “p” position and I have to cut off the car and then restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716374
“Transmission goes into limp mode Please note this is an N line and shift points are low taking off from a light vehicle goes into limp mode in first 150' cars to the rear almost ran into the back of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546820

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel injector failure causing sudden loss of power

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

25 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554363
“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to approximately 30 MPH and stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525029
“Failed fuel injector caused 3rd cylinder misfire car only has 30,000 miles I'm the second owner I've only had it 2 weeks and this issue happened”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672238

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision warning or braking false activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2024-10

“This is the 3rd time it happened to me. I was driving on the highway at speed 60-70 and a flash came across my dash that said emergency brake warning and my car started slowing down”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574876
“During snow and icing conditions the forward collision radar in the logo gets covered up and becomes inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622850
“On a highway cruising at 70mph with the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control ) on and following distance set at max a car from another lane turned into my lane and then continued to an off ramp”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497956

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-09 → 2026-03

“My concern is a potential unintended acceleration forward as. I was. parking vechicle. Sudden burst of speed, went thru shrubbery and off a 2 foot wall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11542119
“Car was parked, full stop, doors shut, seatbelt on. Foot on brake. Car then seemed to lurch forward by itself forward hitting parking cement block”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718993
“Was at a stand still in a parking space/lot I know well. Cautious driver, watch my speed, very aware of other drivers, quick reaction time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724237

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

9 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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