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 as it matches the failure patterns documented in NHTSA Defect Petition DP18-003 regarding non-crash fires in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. ​Preliminary inspection of the damage shows characteristic signs of a manufacturer defect, specifically potentially related to a connecting rod bearing failure leading to an engine block puncture and oil ignition, or an electrical short in the ABS module—both of which have been subjects of major Hyundai fire investigations and class-action settlements (e.g., Engine II settlement) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11706241 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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/cooling gage are completely erratic. Cruise control does not work. Due to chronic check engine light and mechanics unable to pin point the problem, car has become hazardous to drive. With that in mind, today (9/10/2025) while exiting the high way, car stalled and behaved like it was in neutral. Steering wheel also locked up at this time. Luckily was able to stop. Had to restart car and then it occurred again while driving on a side street at 35mph. The codes that are still popping up are ones that I have spent thousands trying to fix and find the root cause of the problem. What could the issue be if no mechanic can seem to diagnose and fix the issue?

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11686499 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DIED. I RESTARTED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR JERKED A BIT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF BUT THE ESC LIGHT OFF STAYED ON. AFTER SHUTTING OFF I STARTED IT THE NEXT DAY AND THE LIGHTS WERE OFF THEN AFTER A WHILE CAME BACK ON. IT IS EXPENSIVE TO TAKE TO DEALER TO TRY SOMETHING TO SEE IF IT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. BRAKES JERKY WHEN APPLIED.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11053691 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was constantly pulling to the right. The contact had to steer to the left to keep the vehicle centered. The failure persisted even after wheel adjustments had been made. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that an alignment was needed. The wheels were aligned. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11577080 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

We were hit on the right front passenger side by a driver on a Suzuki motorcycle. The driver was ejected from the motorcycle, went thru the right passenger window, traveled across the passenger compartment. He came to rest head down on my lap. Accident was fatal for the motorcyclist who died at the site. My adult autistic son was seated in the rear seat behind the passenger seat. The side front passenger window was completely shattered and the rear right passenger window was shattered also. My son hit his head on the interior right side of the vehicle and had a TBI and serious cuts requiring surgery and ICU stay. No airbags in the car deployed including side airbags and no curtainwalls deployed on the right side or anywhere in the vehicle. Car was supposedly equipped with such. Police inspected vehicle, insurance people inspected vehicle; vehicle is available for inspection at salvage lot. Pictures have been taken by insurance company. Right side of vehicle was severely smashed. I had no previous warning of problems with safety features.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11421940 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov