2010 Hyundai Sonata: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11706241 (filed 12/20/2025): “Subject: non-collision engine compartment fire - 2010 hyundai sonata (vin: [xxx] ) "on dec 19 2025, my 2010 hyundai sonata suffered a sudden, non-collision fire that originated in the engine compartment. while there are currently no 'open' recalls on this vin, i am formally reporting this incident…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11686499 (filed 09/11/2025): “Car has had check engine light on for 3 + years. have taken it to several mechanics including a hyundai dealership and none of them can figure out what is wrong. have replaced water pump, belts x2 in a year (same belt) and thermostat x 3 again (all within 2 years). dash fuel gage and dash heating/co…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11676434 (filed 07/27/2025): “While driving 60–70 mph on [xxx] just north of sylmar, i suddenly heard a loud, deep “pop” from the lower part of the car. within seconds, the engine began steaming heavily and leaking oil everywhere. i immediately turned on my hazard lights and began maneuvering toward the right shoulder, crossing …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .