Did you just see your neighbor’s new Hyundai Sonata and now you want one too? You’re impressed that J.D. Powers has awarded several Hyundai models as top of class in their category. Despite that, more than one Sonata model developed serious problems you should be aware of.
What are some common Hyundai Sonata problems?
The ones most often mentioned by owners include:
- The Theta II engine knocking and seizing
- ‘Self-healing’ paint peeling
- Seat belts detach during a crash
- Sunroofs that rattle and occasionally explode
Fortunately, we will explore all these Hyundai Sonata problems in this article. Now you can be armed with the information you need to make a wise buying decision as you explore your vehicle options.
Hyundai’s Commitment to an Unmatched Car-Owning Experience
Hyundai is known worldwide for ensuring its cars’ owners don’t experience the dreaded buyer’s remorse other manufacturers often ignore. The South Korean car manufacturer has repeatedly shown its commitment to its customers’ satisfaction, even when that came at a significant cost to the company.
Advertisements are often heavy on hype while light on offering what they promise. However, this short clip that focuses on Hyundai’s 10-year/ 100,000-mile powertrain warranty makes it plain that Hyundai is serious about its product and commitment to its customers.
2011 – The Difference a Year Can Make
It’s better to start with the worst and move on from there. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata had problems that put it in a class by itself.
The Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine used in 2011 and 2012 models made a lot of headlines and none of them good. Complaints about the Hyundai Sonata engine included issues with bearing failure, piston ring defects, metal debris riding on contaminated oil, knocking, and seizing.
Catastrophic Engine Failure Included Some Catching on Fire
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai alleged premature engine failure in certain 2011 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Owners cited engine overheating, piston ring failure and/or connecting rod knock, bearing failure, and abnormal oil consumption.
A 2o11 Sonata owner said:
“Add another one to the list! While out of town yesterday, my 2011 Hyundai Sonata just stopped running in the middle of the highway. No warning lights, nothing, engine just stops running. My oil has been changed every 3000 miles. There has been no oil leaks, nothing, and it just stops running!”
Manufacturing Problems
Much to its credit, Hyundai acknowledged its first engine to be built inside its Alabama engine factory had serious problems. The automaker said the issue resulted from the “mechanical de-burring” process designed to remove any metallic debris from the engines. Obviously, that process didn’t work.
Hyundai solved the problem by changing the process to a high pressure “wet blast” for the 2013 model year. Hyundai offered a settlement that reimbursed Sonata owners who paid for engine block repairs or replacements within 10 years and under 120,000 miles of the car’s original sale or lease.
The agreement also included expenses for towing or rental cars that were needed due to the flawed engines.
Hyundai engines had no such complaints before or after the 2011-2013 model years.
It is wise to remember that one industry hawk labeled the 2011 Hyundai Sonata “Avoid Like the Plague.”
Other Complaints
‘Self-Healing’ Paint Peeling
Hyundai’s ‘self-healing’ paint uses a chemical compound called ‘scratch recovery clear’ that mostly does what it claims to do, self-repair minor scratches and dings. However, there have been complaints from some owners that the compound allowed the paint to peel off in large sheets.
Seat Belts Detach During a Crash
The sixth-generation Sonata prompted a recall due to seat belts that detached during a crash. Despite that recall in 2017, Hyundai owners still report occasional problems in getting seat belts to fasten properly.
Sunroofs That Rattle and Occasionally Explode
Though Hyundai denies such failures occur under normal driving conditions, the manufacturer extended its sunroof warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. That includes labor, free replacement parts, and any interior damage that occurs after the sunroof breaks.
Blue Link Failure
Beginning in 2015, Hyundai started notifying owners that if they allowed their “Blue Link Telematics System” subscription to remain inactive for more than a year, it would be permanently disabled.
Models of the Sonata affected are 2011-2019.
Ready to Buy a Hyundai Sonata? Check out its History Report
Learning about the most commonplace Hyundai Sonata problems is a good starting place. However, you also will need to invest some time to find out about incidents in each vehicle’s past to prevent any unexpected issues down the road.
Fortunately, that’s easy to do. All you have to do is grab a Vehicle History report so you can dig deep into the Sonata’s past and discover any major issues that would otherwise catch you by surprise.
