2023 Hyundai Sonata engine problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2023 Hyundai Sonata — 31% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“This is an extremely common issue plaguing Hyundai & Kia vehicles with the Theta III 2.5L Turbo engine, Such as Kia K5 GT, Hyundai Sante Fe, Hyundai Santa Cruz, & Hyundai Sonata N-Line. Its a failing ITM (integrated thermal management) unit or otherwise known as an ITMS unit. There is a rod within…”
filed May 14, 2026
“Battery Management System completely exhausting the 12V battery resulting in the car acting as if it has no power. When this happens, you can't unlock the door or open the trunk. On two separate occasions, I have encountered a complete loss of power in my Sonata Hybrid, preventing me from unlocking…”
filed Mar 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some Sonata (DN8, DN8A) vehicles may have DTCs P218100, P2181F0, and/or P2181F1 (Cooling System Performance) set in the Engine Control Module, resulting in an illuminated Check Engine warning lamp. Follow the procedure…
26-EM-003H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 5, 2026
Engine problems in other Sonata years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Sonata | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 Sonata | 24 | 26% |
| 2021 Sonata | 34 | 27% |
| 2020 Sonata | 30 | 18% |
| 2019 Sonata | 83 | 53% |
| 2018 Sonata | 206 | 56% |
| 2017 Sonata | 382 | 50% |
| 2016 Sonata | 444 | 62% |
| 2015 Sonata | 614 | 54% |
| 2014 Sonata | 299 | 40% |
| 2013 Sonata | 728 | 38% |
| 2012 Sonata | 567 | 36% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2023 Hyundai Sonata
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.