CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2011 Sonata has a seriously defective engine that seizes without warning. It was awarded the dubious honor of being the first CarTalk / CarComplaints Turd of the Week in late September 2015.

A class action lawsuit was filed in May 2015 against Hyundai that claims the 2.4L Sonata engine is defective. More info here.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$220
Average Mileage:
98,200 miles
Total Complaints:
31 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (18 reports)
  2. replace engine (7 reports)
  3. perform an oil consumption test (3 reports)
  4. it's fixed under extended warranty (1 reports)
  5. replace oil pan and gasket (1 reports)
  6. replace valve seals (1 reports)
2011 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #31

Oct 022024

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,375 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My Sonata has to have oil level checked every 1000 miles and is always 1-2 quarts low.

- reneel62062, Sheffield Lake, OH, US

problem #30

Jan 072021

Sonata GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,000 miles

I have had my car since 07/20 and kept up with my oil changes and once I got used to my car I noticed me having to put more oil after my oil changes and been doing and it's now 02/2023 I also changed the pcv valve and still my car is consuming oil and it's very costly and I'm scared it might break down on me cuz I've been hearing a clicking noise from my engine also overheats sometimes my car just doesn't sound right I took it to dealership in 2022 and basically told me to go back when the wheels fall off and my car was okay.

They didn't detect any problems but my car burns a lot of oil and they tell me my car is okay my car is not okay.

- Elizabeth S., Florence, AZ, US

problem #29

Jun 012021

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,000 miles

I bought this car brand new and have regularly performed required maintenance. I drove it 90k and then passed it on to my son. The car now has 148k on it. About a year ago, the oil light flashed while my son was driving it. We took it to the local Hyundai dealer and they told us about the issue with most Hyundai's consuming oil. They stated they could do a compression test (which I would have to pay for) but, basically, if the engine wasn't knocking they wouldn't do anything. We are basically in wait mode for the engine to start knocking and adding oil every 2 to 3 weeks.

- Mike J., Somewhere, US

problem #28

Jan 012015

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well lets start with the BOTS on internet that made me believe this car was all that... Then within a two week span, a recall on starter, and luckily she was near a dealership and it was fixed... And then LOTS of recalls month after month... To add insult to the problem the steering bushing that cost $$$. And they say is not a safety MATTER - anything with the steering is about safety...

SO back to this complaint about the OIL... Where is it going? Not the valve cover, not the oil pan, no leaks anywhere. JUST AFTER TWO SHORT CITY TRIPS AND A QUART IS NEEDED TO KEEP OIL AT LEVEL IN BETWEEN THE LOW AND HIGH LINE. EVERY FEW TRIPS AND NOT HARD DRIVING. REALLY STRANGE... AND HOW WERE THEY ABLE TO PRODUCE SUCH A PICE OF JUNK???

OH, THATS RIGHT, NO REGULATION AND NO ACCOUNTABILITY- and NO GOOD LAWS TO PROTECT THE CUSTOMERS...

- C. R., Aurora, CO, US

problem #27

Nov 052020

Sonata 2.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,794 miles

Our vehicle is using excessive oil. First noticed when taking vehicle into dealership to check on engine noise. The oil level was extremely low. After much aggravation and time with service department trying to determine source of engine noise, they determined low oil was the cause. After they added oil back to full level, noise was no longer noted. However, the oil consumption is unacceptable. I had to add 2 quarts of oil today. Have never owned a vehicle that used that much oil in less then 3 months.

We are familiar with the Sonata engine problems and recalls since we received a letter regarding significant engine issues a few months ago (before our noticed oil problem). We need a fix to this issue. If a new engine is the answer, then put us on the list. Constantly worrying about our oil level is disturbing to both my wife and I (especially her).

- Mickey A., Montgomery, AL, US

problem #26

Jul 012019

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,634 miles

I have to put oil in at least once a week because don't have money to fix the problem of using excessive oil.

- Sasha H., Albany, US

problem #25

Sep 042018

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had a problem with oil consumption from the very start, I also knew that the engine was prone to failure so I was doubly pissed. I took the car in for oil change and complained about the oil consumption so they did a 3 step check of the oil consumption, mine was using more than a quart of oil for every 1,000 miles, which is excessive. Apparently when you drive your car a little harder it uses even more oil. Well they put in the complaint to Hyundai and they decided to replace my engine, they did, that was a week ago, so far so good. The engine seems to run smoother and quieter, now I guess I plan to see how many miles I can get out of this car. I was afraid that I was going to be stuck with that old damn engine. Owning it while was burning oil was like owning my old VW bug that's why I got rid of the bug, burnt oil and leaked oil. But fun to drive.

- Mark L., el cajon, US

problem #24

Mar 072018

Sonata 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I FAITHFULLY CHANGE MY OIL/FILTER EVERY 5K W/SYNTHETIC AND WHEN I CHECK THE OIL IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CHANGE (apprx 1k miles) LATER, THE OIL IS BLACK AND SLUDGY! MOST RECENTLY 3/7/18 I CHECKED THE OIL BECAUSE I FELT MY CAR WAS SLUGGISH AND MOTOR SOUNDED FUNNY; IT WAS DOWN ALMOST 2 QUARTS AS WELL AS FINDING THAT THE COOLANT WAS ALMOST DRY!!! I AM NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE FOR ANOTHER 1K ! THIS IS JUST MY 1ST OF 11 MORE COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR!!! UGHHHHHH I WILL FOLLOW UP WITH MORE INFO AS SOON AS I CAN... GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND WARN EVERYONE YOU CARE ABOUT TO STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THESE CARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Tammie A., Bangor, US

problem #23

Jan 122016

Sonata GLS 2.4L Gdi 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,784 miles

Over a year later, February 8, 2018, 16,216 miles later (82,000 est)) my vehicle still has high oil consumption. Downtown Hyundai, Nashville, TN service department (Bill L) says "they" as in Hyundai Corporate say they deemed this non problematic. I have a Case Manager from Hyundai Corporate, (Amy G), who has been in contact with Hyundai Nashville service department.

Nothing has happened even going to the corporate office on their complaint sight, My case manager emailed me December 2017 said Corporate and Nashville were in agreement that .6 oil lose after 490 miles is low. Nashville replaced the valve cover prior to this and thought this was going to solve the oil consumption problem. They have never investigated the problem as in taking the engine a part. They've replaced the dip stick and topped off the oil. This is all in according to what the dealership is required to do for the campaign 132 that was sent to all Hyundai dealerships. I contacted dealership February 2018 and they still want to conduct the "replace oil and I drive 1,000 miles and bring it back in to see where oil is". I've done this at least 4 times and they still have done nothing beside replace the valve cover. I would love an attorney at this point,

Update from Feb 12, 2018: I just got it serviced again today. Extremely low oil was on my receipt. Hyundai Corporate said that was normal oil consumption after 1500 miles. They put a quart of oil in today. Now Corporate suggest do emissions tests.

Update from Jan 25, 2019: 99,100 miles and continues oil consumption. No leaks. I continue to have to add oil before my oil change.

- Teresa C., North Huntingdon , Pa, US

problem #22

May 102017

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,017 miles

Sonata handles well, good gas mileage but at about 43000 miles I need to add a qt of oil every 2000 miles. Oil is extremely dirty even right after a oil change.

- Michael W., Paducah, US

problem #21

Sep 132016

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,516 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

It all started in September of last year, when I got an oil change and over a month later, had a major oil leak and the engine went dry. Dealer said it was a plug that came off. Umm, correct me if i'm wrong but shouldn't a bolt be there and not a plug?! Anyways, so they corrected the issue and put oil and I was on my way.

Fast forward to my next oil change. I was 1,000 over what the stick recommended. So I checked my oil. The stick was dry, but no oil light ever came on. Brought it the next day, they said its normal. Fine. Fast forward to my next oil change, 3 months later at about 2,500k miles. Next one was March '17 at only 1,800 miles. Took it o to CA from AZ after that recent oil change. Got to CA, put on roughly 400 miles and it was close to Low. Got another oil change. Had to leave the car in CA since tranny and axle went at the same time, so my parents never drove it.

Fast forward to June '17 , we exchanged cars in Palm Springs. My dad said he topped off the oil for the trip. Drove back to AZ, again roughly 400 miles, was half way between L & F. Three weeks ago, I had another oil change since it got black within a week after putting on an additional 800 miles. Today as I write this, I am at the low mark with only 526 miles since the oil change. The car has been shaking when cold but is fine after being warmed up. Hyundai couldn't find the issue. I get this vehicle serviced at my nearest dealer in AZ, but I bought it in CA. The CA dealer I normally take it too told me my engine can fail at any time, but Hyundai refuses to replace the engine until it either does stall or the check engine light comes on.

Being at 84400 miles, I hope it does since it is within extended warranty. But I also hope it doesn't when I'm out on the road. I will update when it does decide to go and what the outcome is.

- Roy P., Whittier, CA, US

problem #20

Jul 202016

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Burns 1 quart per 500 miles (no leaks, smoke, etc.)

The reason is probably stuck piston oil rings, currently trying to fix with engine flush chemicals, sea foam, synthetic high mileage oil with 3000 miles change intervals. No luck yet, will update the post if any positive results.

Update from Aug 13, 2017: Forgot to mention:

Oil burning is most possibly the reason for Theta II "Engine stalling" issue, given that many people don't check the dipstick and the burn starts at ~60k miles, with my oil consumption rate the engine would run dry at 3k miles, severe damage may occur after 1k mile (spun rod bearing, etc.)

Contacted Hyundai USA regarding the problem with no outcome - "sorry, you are out of warranty because of mileage".

Update from Jun 6, 2019: Hyundai has eventually replaced the engine (long block) at 160k miles after oil consumption test. Took about 3 weeks, free rental as well. Thanks Hyundai!

- Sergey B., Irvine, CA, US

problem #19

Jul 172017

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,106 miles

Took my car at the previous service for the inspection for the "bad" engine from the Alabama plant. They gave it the all clear, saying it was within parameters. Last week my engine was sluggish and cut out on me while making a turn in traffic. The car would start immediately again, but die as soon as I give it power. I thought it was just fuel related. 10 minutes later the car started fine and I was able to drive home. The next day I drove it the oil lamp with come on slightly when pulling away from a stop. I stopped and checked the oil level and the car was completely dry!!! I had to add 3qt of oil to get it close to full. The car also had smoke coming from the oil cap when I opened it. :(

I've serviced it regularly but not at 3.5k as the vehicle was driver lightly. I serviced it at the 7k values as stated in the manual, plus the engine was given the "all clear" at the last service.

I have an appointment Wednesday for the warranty, but I'm afraid that they won't honor it. I checked the class action settlement and saw that they cannot refuse the warranty or inspection because of irregular service expect in "limited exceptional neglect circumstances". I hope it will be ok :( :(

- rbez, Danville, US

problem #18

Jun 292017

Sonata 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,952 miles

My oil light went on and when I checked the oil it was down 3 quarts. I was due for an oil change in 200 mile and my son who is a mechanic put in the 3 quarts of 5W20 oil and said we should check the oil level in 1000 miles. We checked the oil again a little before the 1000 mile mark and it was down another quart. I brought it into the dealer. They claims this is an acceptable oil consumption, but agreed to do the oil consumption test.

The dealer did an oil change an told me to come back in 500 miles and they would check the oil. When I got home at 4pm I put my car in the garage. At 10 pm when my son came home he looked at my car and checked the oil. Wow the dealer over filled the oil by 1/2 quart, there was oil al over the engine. My son being a mechanic know how service departments in dealerships love to rip off people(that why he would never work for one). I understand the dealer needs to do this test but now I have no trust in them. Are they going to over fill each time I go in for the consumption test?

Beside this oil consumption problem, I have brought this car in several times for recalls, and at or about 50k I told them about a knocking noise coming from my engine, they told me this is normal. I also have a problem with my sway bar on the left side. They quoted me a price. This time when I went in and told them about the oil consumption they did a safety (LOL) check of the car. I received a call from them and they told me both sway bars needed replacing and the good news is that they are covered under warranty. Funny because last time I was in they weren't covered under warranty and I didn't have the money to fix them and now they are covered.

What games are they playing. I get it, they are in the business to make money, but really ripping off people and putting safety last is a horrible way to make money.

- annreno7716ar, Milford, US

problem #17

Mar 112017

Sonata SE/limited 2.4L 4cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,000 miles

Went to my mechanic for transmission flush. He found my engine oil was down 3 quarts. No indicator came on for low oil. Have been checking oil every week. Had to add 1 quart after 2 weeks approx. 500 miles. Drive stop and go type traffic mainly. Car runs great no other problems noticed. Do not know if I should get another car or stay with this one.

- Joseph D., Palm Harbor, US

problem #16

Oct 052016

Sonata ES Theta Ii

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

I have been having problems with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata, I went an oil change, which I had one 6mths before this one and found out that, my oil in my car was old and bad and thick and very low, and it could cause a lot of problems, actually the mechanic at the shop said that Hyundai Sonata Theta II engine is known for this issue, and eventually I would need a knew engine, because it will blow or purchase another car, so he is having me come in every three months to change oil because the engine is consuming so much oil, and it is still thick, black, sticky, gooey, a mess, I don't want to have to purchase another car, and I'm still in a car payment agreement with this one, this is a mess, I need help.

- Karen C., Upper Darby, PA, US

problem #15

May 212016

Sonata Limited 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

Aparently the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Theta II engines were the first installed at the then new Alabama plant and a mechanical process was used to clean out the metal partical debris see notes here: http://www.hyundaiproblems.com/trends/theta-ii-engine/ not terribly effectively.

Hyundai has acknowledged responsibility for "loud engine noise" issues and offered a 120,000 mile extended warranty to all Vin number qualified vehicles. However, for those of you like me who have the same engine with excessive oil consumption the entended warranty to original and subsequent owners is not offered so no offer to help resolve the problem without a dealer led hour by hour owner paid analysis of problem.

So very disappointing since family owns 4 Hyundai bought with assumption of quality and value of the products.

Update from Dec 23, 2016: Should have added the car started buring a quart of oil at 60,000 miles. I was told by dealer there was no engine light warning when oil is low. Then this Spring at 90,000 miles noticed I was down 3 quarts, lucky the engine did not seize. Then asked local dealer to explain why so much oil lost. Three oil consumption tests later, all resulting in 1.5 to 2 quarts of oil lost in 4,000 miles the dealer informs me that Hyundai 120,000 extended warranty is for loud engine noise not excessive oil consumption so any future analysis at my $110 per hour expense. Dealer suggested I have a $189 value lifter carbon removal procedure performed to see if any improvement. I am not very optimistic that this will help anything but maybe improve gas mileage.

- John O., Stow, MA, US

problem #14

Aug 012015

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Bought the sonata brand new in 2010 changed oil regularly, after about 100,000 mile noticed excessive oil consumption, Took it in to a dealer for the engine recall they said it was OK, not sure what they did to check this. Now it is burning 1 qt every 1000 miles. Will never buy a Hyundai again.

- Daniel H., Stafford, VA, US

problem #13

Nov 252016

Sonata GLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

My 2011 Sonata GLS is burning 3 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles. At 25,000 miles, the vehicle did not burn oil. The problem has grown progressively worse and the automatic transmission sometimes shifts roughly. My feeling is that excessive oil burning can be linked to the same defect alleged in the Hyundai Sonata Engine Litigation, No. 5:15-cv-1685-BLF that can cause engine seizure, stalling, and engine noise. No noticeable engine oil leaks are visible and the engine is very clean.

- masull, Redding, CT, US

problem #12

May 012015

Sonata Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,500 miles

2011 Hyundai sonata burns nearly 3-4 quats of oil every 3000 miles.Dealer checked my car during engine recall and said,everything is fine.I called the hyundai motors and they want me to pay for even opening that engine.

I believe they are literally cheating us.They recalled 470000 sonata's,but they never done anything.The recall is all about fooling the public.

- abeyv0007, Snellville, GA, US

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