2019 Hyundai Sonata Safety Report

2019 Hyundai Sonata: Excellent crash safety, but widespread engine oil consumption issues raise long-term reliability and safety concerns.

140Complaints
0Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
4Fire Reports
6Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (49)Exterior Lighting (16)Unknown Or Other (13)Air Bags (6)Engine And Engine Cooling (6)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (5)Structure (4)Steering (3)Power Train,Engine (3)Unknown Or Other,Engine (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a solid 4-star rollover rating, its real-world reliability is significantly impacted by a prevalent engine oil consumption issue. With 140 total complaints, 8 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries reported to NHTSA, the vehicle's safety is compromised by mechanical failures, primarily related to the engine. The absence of any recalls for this model year is notable, especially given the high volume of engine-related complaints. The most common complaint pattern revolves around excessive engine oil consumption, with 49 complaints specifically citing 'ENGINE' and additional complaints under 'ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING' (6), 'ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' (5), and 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE' (2). Owners report needing to add multiple quarts of oil between scheduled changes, sometimes as frequently as every 700-1000 miles, or even every 10 days. This issue often leads to low oil levels, illuminated warning lights, and in some cases, engine damage or failure, posing a potential safety risk if the engine seizes or enters limp mode while driving. Several complaints mention metal shavings in the oil and complete engine replacements. Beyond the engine, other reported issues include exterior lighting problems (16 complaints), air bag concerns (6 complaints), and steering issues (3 complaints), with one complaint describing the steering wheel getting stuck. The high number of engine-related complaints, despite the strong crash test ratings, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its long-term operational safety is undermined by significant mechanical reliability concerns. The lack of recalls for these widespread engine issues is a point of concern for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Excessive Engine Oil Consumption
Engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate, often requiring multiple quarts between oil changes, leading to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and in some cases, engine failure. Many owners report adding oil every 700-1000 miles.		 High Common 30000-90000+ miles
Engine Failure/Knocking
Directly linked to oil consumption, some engines develop knocking sounds or fail completely, sometimes without prior warning lights, necessitating costly repairs or engine replacement.		 High Occasional 75000-134000 miles
Steering Malfunction
Steering wheel can get stuck in a turned position, requiring manual force to return to center, potentially affecting vehicle control.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Exterior Lighting Issues
Reports of various problems with exterior lighting components.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Air Bag System Concerns
Complaints related to the air bag system, though specific details are limited.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata:

Engine 35% of complaints

Predominantly excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels, engine damage, and potential failure. This accounts for 49 out of 140 complaints.

Exterior Lighting 11% of complaints

Various issues reported with the vehicle's exterior lighting system, accounting for 16 complaints.

Unknown Or Other 9% of complaints

A category for miscellaneous issues not fitting other specific components, with 13 complaints.

Air Bags 4% of complaints

Concerns related to the air bag system, with 6 complaints.

Engine And Engine Cooling 4% of complaints

Additional engine-related issues, specifically mentioning cooling, with 6 complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Hyundai Sonata

Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata received excellent crash safety ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, its safety is significantly undermined by widespread and severe engine oil consumption issues, which have led to engine failures, 8 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries reported to NHTSA. While it performs well in crashes, its operational reliability and long-term safety are compromised by these mechanical problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata are overwhelmingly related to the engine, specifically excessive oil consumption. This accounts for 49 out of 140 total complaints. Other common problems include exterior lighting issues (16 complaints) and air bag concerns (6 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata?

According to NHTSA data, there are currently no recalls issued for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. This is notable given the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning engine oil consumption.

How does the 2019 Hyundai Sonata perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for frontal crash and side crash tests, and 4 stars for the rollover resistance test.

What is the severity of the engine oil consumption issue?

The engine oil consumption issue is considered high severity. It frequently leads to low oil levels, engine damage, and in some cases, complete engine failure, which can pose a significant safety risk if the vehicle loses power or seizes while in operation. Owners report needing to add oil every 700-1000 miles, indicating a serious design flaw.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the widespread and severe engine oil consumption issues reported for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata; a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine health and oil levels is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Hyundai Sonata

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The data includes 140 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Hyundai Sonata an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.