The HELL You Go Through Being a Hyundai Owner

I bought a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport from Ourisman Hyundai in Laurel, MD, trusting their “10-year/100k-mile warranty.” It was fine until 2020, when I noticed the oil light coming on before scheduled oil changes. Despite repeated visits, the dealership brushed me off, performing temporary fixes and never addressing the root issue. They didn’t tell me Hyundai had known oil consumption problems that could lead to severe engine damage. In fact, there's a LOT Hyundai doesn't tell its customers.

By 2023, the problem escalated—my car started stalling at lights and stop signs, and I feared it would stop completely while driving. It even died in my garage and had to be towed. The dealership finally mentions an “oil consumption test,” requiring me to drive 3,000 miles with periodic checks every 1,000 miles. They measure the oil levels, take pictures and measurements and submit them to Hyundai Corporate. In winter 2023, they performed two engine combustion cleanings, but neither have worked. Just when it looks like we're getting closer to a solution, they have me start everything all over again...an endless hamster wheel!

Both the dealership and Hyundai Corporate refuse to take responsibility, each pointing to each other and blaming the other for not approving an engine replacement—the only likely fix. I filed a complaint with Hyundai Consumer Affairs in fall 2023, and their very first question was if I have a lawyer. That says everything! But here we are in January 2025, and nothing has changed. Hyundai Corporate hasn’t resolved the issue, and the dealership continues to brush me off with still more temporary fixes. Despite explaining numerous times that I don’t feel safe driving my car, they have done nothing meaningful to help resolve this. Calls and emails to the dealership’s general and service managers have gone unanswered, and the rare times I’ve gotten a response, they’ve made empty promises and failed to follow through. They keep me on this never ending cycle of "back and forth" no doubt hoping I'll tire out, give up, get rid of the car and just go away.

I believe they’re stalling until my car hits 100,000 miles to avoid covering repairs under warranty. Or, they're doing whatever is necessary to avoid paying for that engine replacement. A reliable source confirmed a new engine costs about $11,000. Meanwhile, I’m stuck driving an unsafe car and dealing with constant anxiety. Hyundai’s handling of these known issues, combined with the dismissive and deceptive service from both the dealership and Corporate, is totally unacceptable. There have been class action suits in other states over these issues. I couldn’t find any record of one here in Maryland. So, if anyone knows how to do that, sign me up! In the meantime, looks like I'm going to keep driving 1,000 miles to infinity and beyond until this gets resolved one way or another.

I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI. And I will never buy another car at Ourisman Hyundai.

If you value your safety, peace of mind, and well-being…or that of your loved ones, DO NOT buy a Hyundai, avoid Ourisman Hyundai, and warn everyone you know not to do so either at all costs.