# Hyundai Sonata check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 731 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (218) - **Related recalls:** 5 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 731 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Hyundai Sonata (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (218). There are **5 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Hyundai Sonata check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 218 | 1209 | 18% | | 2016 | 171 | 861 | 20% | | 2017 | 155 | 850 | 18% | | 2018 | 82 | 384 | 21% | | 2019 | 22 | 167 | 13% | | 2020 | 32 | 182 | 18% | | 2021 | 19 | 190 | 10% | | 2022 | 14 | 114 | 12% | | 2023 | 17 | 88 | 19% | | 2025 | 1 | 28 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Hyundai Sonata recalls related to the check engine light **[25V796000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V796000)** (2020-2023 models, reported 2025-11-18): A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** 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... **[23V526000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V526000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-07-27): An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. **Remedy:** 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. **[22V746000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V746000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-10-06): Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. **[21V524000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V524000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2021-07-09): A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. **[14V784000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V784000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-12-09): If the left axle shaft separates from the transaxle, the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a separated axle shaft may allow the vehicle to roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to... **Remedy:** Hyundai will notify owners, dealers will inspect and replace the axle shaft, as necessary, free of charge. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Hyundai Sonata owners report - "Prior to the fuel injection failure, there were brief moments where the 'check engine' light would illuminate but it would never stay on long. Directly before my vehicle shut off on the road due to the failure, there were no light/lamps/or other symptoms noticeable." -- owner of a 2023 Hyundai Sonata, complaint filed 2025 - "Vehicle threw a check engine light, warning lights, and overheated when accelerating getting onto the highway and accelerating to highway speeds." -- owner of a 2022 Hyundai Sonata, complaint filed 2024 - "I had check engine prior that read P049D85. It went away. The Hyundai dealer said to be the EGR valve. Nick Hayes at D'Arcy Hyundai and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) agreeing to a 75% goodwill split of cost to repair." -- owner of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Hyundai Sonata check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 5 related recalls (25V796000, 23V526000, 22V746000, 21V524000, 14V784000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Hyundai Sonata years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Sonata model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 218 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Hyundai Sonata with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Hyundai Sonata has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Hyundai dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Hyundai Sonata warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/hyundai-sonata): 42 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/hyundai-sonata): 45 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/hyundai-sonata): 31 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/hyundai-sonata): 46 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/hyundai-sonata): 76 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/hyundai-sonata): 182 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 23 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-sonata): 74 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints ## Hyundai Sonata - [Hyundai Sonata specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/hyundai-sonata) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.