Common Hyundai Sonata Faults: Problems And How Reliable Are They!

The Hyundai Sonata is one of the most reliable cars you could use when driving. Although you can run into some common Hyundai Sonata faults . Stay until the end and be sure to read this excellent guide to common failures and problems.

In addition to the Sonata having great gas mileage, it’s also reported to need fewer repairs than most makes and models, making it one of the easiest and cheapest vehicles to maintain.

How good are Hyundai Sonatas?

The Hyundai Sonata received a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, ranking it fifth out of 24 midsize cars. Compared to other makes and models, the Sonata’s annual repair and maintenance costs were below average , coming in just under $500, while its competitors’ rates averaged $600 plus costs. of manpower.

Common faults of the Hyundai Sonata

Even a vehicle as reliable as the Hyundai Sonata is bound to have its fair share of frequent problems and failures. The most reported failures for the different model years are listed below:

1- Security issues

Hyundai recalled certain Sonata models in 2017 due to the seat belt latch not being properly connected to the pretensioner. The detached linkage may not be able to restrain the passenger during a collision and other traffic accidents, increasing the risk of injury.

Hyundai recalled 2011 through 2014 Sonatas to install external wire filter kits to address this issue. In 2018, the same model years, excluding the 2014 redesign, were recalled yet again due to deactivation of the front airbags, side airbags, and seatbelt pretensioner. The automaker installed a warning label on affected vehicles to prevent future rockfalls.

2- Engine seizure

Engine failure on the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Hyundai Sonatas was a commonly reported issue as well. Many drivers complained that their engines seized up after hearing knocking noises under acceleration, which eventually led to a loss of power, brakes, and steering .

This issue led to a class action lawsuit against Hyundai in which the automaker paid an $8.5 million settlement fee in 2016. The settlement covered engine repair and replacement, towing expenses, and trucking expenses. Replacement car rental for owners of affected 2011-2014 Sonatas with 2.0 or 2.4L Theta II engines.

Hyundai also doubled warranties on new and pre-owned Sonatas from five to 10 years with 60,000 to 120,000 miles. Meanwhile, class members whose Sonatas had more than 120,000 miles on them were given three months to bring their vehicles in for any type of repair.

3- Failures when changing gears

Many 2012 Hyundai Sonata owners had trouble shifting gears due to a faulty speed sensor . This caused their vehicles to squeal, shudder, and pop when switching from parking to driving.

Some owners even reported no gear selection indication on the dash or gear stick. Fortunately, a high-quality speed sensor for a replacement is not that expensive. The part typically costs between $30 and $50, depending on the type and configuration.

4- Defective speakers

Another of the common Hyundai Sonata failures were faulty speakers. Some redesigns from 2011 to 2016 required a hard reset to fix a software glitch that prevents the CD player, radio, navigation, satellite radio, and phone calls from producing audio. It involved disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery terminal after 15 minutes.

5- Defective lights

The parking lights on some 2003-2015 Sonatas remained illuminated even when the engine was off, leading to a dead battery. Although this problem is commonly associated with a faulty fuse box , it can also be caused by a worn rubber grommet in the brake pedal that is not connected to the brake light switch.

For the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, common problems associated with your lighting system are burnt out brake lights. Many 2013 redesign owners reported having to replace the wiring harness more often than usual, as the lights burned out at an alarming rate.

Replacing your parking or brake light usually involves getting a complete taillight assembly. This typically costs anywhere from $50 to $150+, depending on factors like light sources and color or finish. This range does not include labor costs.

6- Steering problems

When it comes to common 2011 Hyundai Sonata failures, steering problems are among the most reported. The most common complaint was a steering wheel that clicked and wobbled when turning due to a faulty steering column attachment. There were also reports of the steering knuckles failing, creating excessive play in the steering wheel, even after affected vehicles were recalled to fix the problem.

7- Timing chain and timing belt tensioner failure

Older and newer models of the Sonata had similar problems with the timing chain tensioner, which made rattling noises when starting the engine . Many owners have also reported a broken timing belt, which damaged the crankshaft position sensor.

Premature timing belt failure can occur due to excessive loading, under-tensioned belt, damaged or worn pulleys, weak drive structure, or debris buildup on the timing pulley.

8- EGR valve and accelerator pedal position sensor problems

Rough idling was reported on some early model Sonatas and worsened when the air conditioning was turned on. This problem is caused by a faulty EGR valve that produces a lean fuel-air mixture.

There were also some issues with the accelerator pedal position sensor, especially on 2007 and 2009 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Some drivers reported that the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) button would automatically disconnect, causing the car to lose power or limit acceleration to less than 20 mph.

An accelerator pedal position sensor often fails due to bad wires , faulty electronic evaluation in the sensor, or insufficient voltage and ground supply. Replacing an accelerator pedal position sensor can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 plus labor costs.

9- Corroded suspension components

In 2009, Hyundai recalled certain 2001-2004 Sonatas due to corrosion of the suspension mounting points, frames, and subframes, which can cause the lower control arm to detach from the subframe. The detachment can cause the vehicle to lose power to the drive wheels and collide with the fender or wheel well.

To finish

Like other cars, there is no guarantee that your Sonata will not develop problems over the years. However, by becoming familiar with your model’s most common failures and adhering to its maintenance schedules, you can reduce the risks of damaging its components and even improve its mileage.