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.

6.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$270
Average Mileage:
72,700 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace turbo oil ine (2 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. replace engine (1 reports)
2011 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #4

Sep 082017

Sonata LE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

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

On top of the oil leak with only 48K miles, the Turbo sensor has gone out too.

- Dee ANN R., Oklahoma City, US

problem #3

Nov 082016

Sonata Limited 2.0L Turbo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,445 miles

HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED THIS NOT A RECALL ON ENGINE WARRANTY. REPLACED TURBO OIL FEED LINE AFTER LEAK.

- mrivas, Fairview, NJ, US

problem #2

Aug 092015

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,300 miles

A couple of weeks ago I started hearing what sounded like a loose piece of metal heat flashing making a knocking noise with the motor while accelerating. A few days later as I'm driving with my family in the car, we started losing power/torque to accelerate beyond 3500rpm, as we were driving on a highway on-ramp.

I pulled over, looked at the engine and everything seemed fine. I get back on the highway and have the same issue accelerating so I accelerate below 3k rpm. The knocking sound wasn't present at this time. As I'm getting near my house, the oil pressure indicator started to appear when I accelerated but disappeared within a few seconds. I get to my house and let the engine cool. When I check the oil, it turns out I've lost 2.4 quarts. I add oil and take the car for a short drive, only to find it wouldn't rev beyond 2800rpm without the engine clunking rather hard.

The next day I take it to my auto mechanic. He finds a crack in the upper half (2-piece) oil pan that is made of aluminum. He showed me that oil leaked on top of the plastic aerodynamic under body piece. Because my oil was leaking from this crack, the pressure was low enough to throw of 2 oil-regulators which accurately time the motor, thus likely warping the piston connecting rods.

After replacing the oil-regulators, which were damaged by the low oil pressure, the metal knocking noise didn't go away. There is likely crank shaft damage along with damage to the connecting rods. The mechanic doesn't want to rebuild half of the motor as he is certain the mechanics on the top end were slightly altered because of the damage on the bottom half.

Used motors vary in price from $2500-4500 and after labor I'm looking at roughly $4-7k total in costs. Thank God I bought an extended warranty.

After searching the internet, it looks like many many people are having the same problem I am, and at varying mileage.

- Jason F., Columbus, OH, US

problem #1

Nov 012014

Sonata SE 2.0t

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Took my car in for oil leak. Dealer replaced the oil pan gasket under warranty and said it was fixed. Noticed the oil spots still continuing on the driveway and my parking spot at work. Took back to the dealer and now they say it is the turbo oil line. A technical service bulletin was put out 10/1/10 for this issue. Not sure if my car that I purchased 12/31/10 was corrected or not. Cost of repair $150.

- stund33, Troy, TX, US

Not what you are looking for?