2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata YF common issues/Used car buyers guide!

We go over common issues and problems with the 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata!

[@williambahr6466]

Just an FYI if you are an auto tech or a DYI. Go to a KIA dealership for drivetrain & suspension parts. The KIA Optima is the twin to the Sonata, all the drivetrain & suspension parts are the same. A tie rod end from a Hyundai dealer was over $250, only $67 from the KIA dealer. The bag the part came in had a KIA sticker on one side & a Hyundai sticker on the other. Depending on which way the bag was facing, it was almost a $200 difference. Same goes for the steering coupler & AC compressor valve. I bought both for a fraction of the Hyundai price, at the KIA dealer.

[@karenjohnston5769]

That is a nice thing to know thank you for the info

[@rogerpeterson5664]

your advice to check the status of the knock sensor update and if not performed, GET IT! saved me from certain. inevitable hardship. The knowledge and familiarity you have with these cars is definitely conveyed. That you share it on the interweb, has benefited me personally in no small way. If your goal in making videos was to help someone out, buddy you helped me. Thank you. P.S. i just recently experienced a coil spring fracture, fortunately under the most preferable of conditions. But as Ghandi would often say being forewarned is like having forearms. I sure do like having forearms.

[@lklpalka]

Informative, straightforward, simple. Thanks for your content. Looking forward to a 2015-2019 edition if you can. Our 2013 has 105K, never an issue that the dealer hasn't repaired under warranty including the steering column issue which was found during a brake service. 3K oil changes by me usually, extra light bulbs always in glove box. Didn't know about GDI service, thanks. Pronto. No runarounds or warranty lies (looking at you Toyota) Other than uncomfortable seats, a great car.

[@seanr.7349]

Please do a video on the 2015-2019 sonata issues as well. Thanks so much for all the information!

[@SEsGarage]

Definitely will! Already compiling information for that video!

[@jimmyhailey4019]

I bought my 2012 used in 2019. Only 51k on it . Within a month I had the transmission harness issue. Found the TSB On it and immediately knew that was it. Cost $800.00 to fix. No problem since🤞. Great informative video!! Thank you!

[@SanG-ib2sy]

Thanks for all the info. Could you please make some videos on Genesis cars? Thanks!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Great info, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I may just buy one of those 2011-2013 Sonatas for repair video content. 👍

[@SEsGarage]

Absolutely! I went ahead and subscribed would love to see what you come up with! There’s no shortage of repairs on a used and abused YF sonata 😂

[@ozzstars_cars]

@SEsGarage lol isn't that the truth. Enjoying your content, I won't lie, I'm binge watching with a big bowl of popcorn. haha Keep up the great work! Subbed -Glen

[@jamesabarela]

So now that the engine issue is finally addressed, there is another huge huge potential problem coming to light and i have experienced this frightening malfunction myself on several ocassions, and have reached out to hyundai motor corp, as well as the dealership and they both seem to believe it is not a serious issue and that im being dramatic and over reactive. But the new problem has to do with the engine throttle control module i believe is what its called and hyundai opted to use switches instead of an actual conventional cable that controls the cruise control, throttle and the input from the driver. they tend to malfunction which causes the cruise control to act on its own, activate and set a random speed and will continue to rev the engine in attempt to reach the random speed it wants to set at and will not stop via the steering wheel button and at other times it will be opposite it wont cancel speed control via break pedal but will via steering wheel button. you can be stomping the brake to get it to stop but just revvs and speeds up until i turned the car off while going 70 mph the buttons wont work half the time i have replaced mine twice and still same issue. sudden unintended acceleration for me and uncontrollable vehicle speed is a huge safety issue for me and my hyundai sits parked and i will not drive this vehicle, which is unfortunate because i love my sonia she was fun to drive she was quick (2.0 turbo) and just fun to drive but not anymore but a recall is coming down the pike as more and more serious incidences involving this issue are coming to light

[@beccayoung7034]

Thank you so much. Excellent video. My only suggestion is to add pictures that would be helpful

[@philipev]

nice vid! i have a 2012 sonata 2.4. got the 953 recall done. but interesting enough, my car had major wire harness issues, car wouldnt go above like 10mph. they had to put two in even. otherwise, so far so good to this day...but im afraid itll be a ticking dead car soon enough. also does burn oil, only about a quarter per 1k, they said its likely the piston rings, not the pvc

[@northshorgrl]

Thank you!!

[@seanr.7349]

Thank you for all the information. I am stuck buying Hyundai Sonata 2018 out after the lease due to the expensive auto market right now. So hearing about all these issue is really helping me take care of this car in the meantime. Terrible Hyundai didn't fix these issue on the 2011-2014 models because they are nice vehicles. Please keep the content coming. Where are you based out of ?

[@SEsGarage]

Hello! A lot of these issues were covered by some sort of service bulletin, but they’re still common issues none the less. I am out of NJ

[@seanr.7349]

@@SEsGarage that’s good. I’m hoping I get a good experience with this car. It did go in to limp mode in the first year and I believe the knock senor was put on, So I should be good for the engine if it needs replacing. Just want to keep up with everything else. I’m in PA wish you were still at the dealer I would have made the trip just for you to thoroughly look over the car and give me any recommendations!

[@geriatricginger]

I just finished a clutch swap (dmfw, pp, disc, slave cyl.) in my co-worker's 2011 Sonata, using a Valeo kit. Upon reassembly, I get a weird clutch 'grind' on clutch release (doesn't do it on engagement); whether in gear or neutral. Sounds almost like the PP fingers are clacking against the throw-out bearing/slave cyl assembly. Holding the clutch in, there's a bit of vibration and noise; almost sounds like the DMFW. Additionally, holding the clutch in results in a drop in rpm (by a few hundred.) I drove it around the block, and it shifts perfectly, I just have this noise and vibration..

[@bobhooper1531]

Thank you for this informative video. As an owner of a 2011 Sonata Limited 2.4 with 197,000 miles, I can be on the lookout for these common issues. I have been super fortunate with my Sonata to not yet experience nearly all of these issues including lightbulbs. Every single one is original! However, I do have a question/issue which Hyundai has not been able to resolve. I have been experiencing “significantly” more break dust on the front passenger wheel compared to the driver side. About a year ago, Hyundai replaced the brake caliper which they said was slightly sticking. The problem has persisted. I recently brought it back and also provided to them a series of rotor temperature readings. Passenger side consistently runs about 30 degrees hotter. After 40,000 miles, mysteriously, both disc pads measure 8mm thickness. Hyundai said replacement caliper is working as designed. What do you think is creating this significant and excessive brake dust? Thanks.

[@traciboozer5764]

I have a 2013 SE @ 108k MI - haven't had to do much in the 9 yrs of owning. Would u keep as a 2nd car or sell/ trade upon getting a new one

[@OffStageRite]

Thanks!

[@RichardCregger-hb7cq]

I have a 2014 Sonata GLS. I had an issue with it starting, at first is seemed like the battery was dying. Then after a few minutes it cranked slowly but started. When I got back home I turned it off and then tried to restart it and got nothing. All the dash lights work along with all other normal things, buzzers bells horn headlights and so on. When I turn the key the lights don't dim or go out and I get nothing from the starter not even a click. I put a new battery in and it is doing the same thing. What can this be??

[@dee22212]

I recently had my fuel pump replaced at the dealer. Today my car was hesitating while driving at low speeds and jerking a bit. Do you think it's the installation of the fuel pump? faulty fuel pump? what else you think it could be?

[@michaelnewman5734]

Hi , I have recently purchased a Hyundai I45 (in Australia) . This is apparently identical to the Sonata so would you answer a question for me please. The car I purchased is the 2.4 GDI but the year is 2010. It has a stamp on the door plate ( recall Tested) so I presume it had the vulnerability that the later version has. Can you please confirm this is the case and if so what changed in 2011. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read. Cheers Mick

[@richardarotiba7499]

My 2012 Sonata will not move while driving and both park light and tail light came on. What could be the issue with my car I have 148 Kilometer on it

[@dee22212]

Do you know the part number for tranmission sensor/harness.

[@pheehzero]

The tail-light problem can be remedied by using an 1157 bulb if your sockets are still in okay shape. OEM bulbs get too hot and will even distort the copper contacts.

[@jamesabarela]

my problem was solved by using pulsating LED taillights. they are super bright and i have had no heating issues or burn outs they have actually been in now for over a year and a half and still running smoothly

[@cindylittle8434]

Have you ever seen a warranty denied if spark plugs weren't changed at 105k?

[@alh1007]

Got a question, I have a 2011 sonata when in park or neutral it runs ok, but as soon it’s put in gear it violently shakes until it dies. What could be the problem?

[@jacobscreations8848]

2013 Hyundai Sonata, flashers won't turn off and trunk opens when unlocking the car. Any idea what to look at? Car runs fine otherwise. I removed the 50 am fuse which made the flashers go off, but the car won't start without the 50 amp fuse in. After starting the car, I can remove the 50 amp fuse and the car runs fine.

[@reneephillips3728]

My 2015 sonata is loosing power when driving it, I have changed out the solenoid , mass sensor, camshaft timing valve , temperature sensor, cleaned the throttle,the car would run great for about 2 weeks and then do it again. It only happens when I’m at a full stop then take off it will acted like something is clogged but slowly catches up speed. I just can’t figure it out any suggestions

[@beelee2482]

What about airbag driver side light on. It was a recall but now it's not on recall anymore.

[@kmath50]

Has Kia and Hyundai done anything to improve the reliability of these engines? I would expect that the Theta II should at least be as reliable as the original Theta was.

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

This is a great video.My parents have a 2014 Santa and it's in perfect condition but there worried about the issues of a bad engine.There car has 106k on the milage but the engine runs fine and is quiet.There looking to sell the car but it's beautiful.Me as there som,after watching your video,I wouldn't buy that car.I do enough work on my 2002 Dodge Neon SXT but it has 264k on it.I doy own work on cars.I don't like the fuel pump on the Hyundais.The fuel line fittings are held on with external clips,I know that because I worked at a company that manufactures those fuel pumps.We got to get back to the 1960s to 1970s with cars

[@maciejrudolf]

Thanks for the great video! Could I please get your advice... We have a 2015 Sonata, 80k miles, owned it for about a year (we are the second owners). It is in great cosmetic condition. A few times we noticed the oil light flash during a hard brake. Which was weird because we just got an oil change, and it doesn't have any oil leaks. Couple weeks later it began jerking and "rattling" (knocking???) during acceleration. We check the oil, and there isn't A DROP on the dipstick. So it's burning A TON of oil. Dealership tells us there are NO recalls on the vehicle and the engine is probably the source of all issues. They suggest a combustion chamber cleaning but if that doesn't fix it we have to buy a new engine (!?) and there's nothing they can do. We call Hyundai corporate, they tell us there IS a recall on the vehicle. They schedule us an appointment at a different dealership. Prior to appointment, vehicle begins shaking while driving. Dealership completes recall 953 and says two spark plugs failed. (Probably because of oil burning?) They tell us to do an oil consumption test, but I'm not exactly sure it would even survive 1,000 miles without adding oil. We declined for now. They mention the lifetime powertrain warranty applies but ONLY for rod bearing failure (as you mentioned). But if the engine keeps burning oil, won't THAT cause the rod bearings to fail? I'm at a loss, do I keep driving it until it fails (will Hyundai even cover it if it does)? Try to save it with combustion chamber cleaning? Just get rid of it?? Currently waiting on a call back from a case manager from Hyundai (was supposed to call me four days ago). I did watch your recall timeline video from a few weeks ago and can already tell that this is becoming a nightmare and I feel like I'm driving a ticking time bomb . Any advice? Thanks again!

[@SEsGarage]

Unfortunately, the second dealership is correct. They will not replace the engine solely for oil consumption, if you’re out of base warranty. Your best bet is to continue to drive the vehicle until the rod bearings fail, at which point you would fall within the guidelines of the recall. Bear in mind that oil starvation will absolutely cause rod bearing failure.

[@maciejrudolf]

@@SEsGarage Thanks very much for your reply. Can't wait for the 2015-2019 sonata issues video. I wish I had done my research before buying this one. You are really saving a lot of people a lot of trouble.

[@natlovell122]

I have a 2017 Sonata and I feel like the thing is just a ticking time bomb. Gas pedal sensor failed (leaving me stranded on side of freeway), trunk latch stuck closed leaving me no way of accessing paperwork I needed in the trunk but the genius engineers at Hyundai only put one access to the trunk. Also, the pain is peeling off the roof , literally just peeling off as I drive down the road, i have 38k miles on this thing but I want to get rid of it

[@letsshuffle01]

Any specific issues that pertain to the hybrid variant? I know it’s 2.4 is also affected by the rod bearing defect. I’ve taken it in 3 times and they say it’s fine but I’ve never felt 100% in it after that. Would hate to stall out on the highway and get into a catastrophic accident. I do hear some sort of rattle like sound when the engine is running (not EV mode) and I’m doing around 20-25 mph. Goes away as soon as I increase speed past that or brake. Was thinking maybe a heat shield but haven’t looked around. Glad I found your channel. Thanks for the info.

[@SkylineFinesse]

The GDi pump is naturally noisy, being cam driven.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

The hybrid variants also have engine problems as well.

[@letsshuffle01]

@@atx-cvpi_99 it’s all good. Got rid of it and got me an ol reliable yota.

[@paulahg2048]

Hi there, Thanks so much for all your information, it is very valuable. I own a 2011 Sonata with over 100k miles on it, never had a problem until yesterday when engine light start flashing and p1326 code was read. My question is, if I can still get cover if something happens and I need to replace the engine? is it powertrain warranty still good if I'm over 10years and over 100k?

[@SEsGarage]

Your engine is covered for life for rod bearing failure

[@paulahg2048]

@@SEsGarage thanks so much! One more question please, what do you think about the axles parts replacement? is it safe if I purchase my own parts and bring them to the shop for replacement? there are different price ranges on the web for the same parts

[@karenjohnston5769]

Y'all are scaring me I have a 2011 Hyundai sonata that seems to be doing pretty good it has 360000 miles on it does that mean it's still and I'm the second owner maybe the second only what about warranty in this situation I need help advise Karen please

[@shelltoe_soul]

@@karenjohnston5769 if you have that many miles on your 2011 Sonata, the previous owner got the engine replaced after it blew up. Absolutely guaranteed. Now if you made a typo and you actually meant 36,000 miles instead of 360,000 then probably you should be scared and you probably would be best served by just going to your local dealership and seeing what they say is wrong with the car and what they can offer in terms of recall service/etc. I have a 2011, the engine was completely blown up at 85,000mi. I'm on 135,000 on the odometer now so like 50k on the new motor and things are starting to fall apart with the car. I've been fixing everything on my own but it's becoming a nightmare and a money pit. Kia and Hyundai make genuinely shitty cars and it definitely shows once they get some mileage. When this thing dies, I'm getting a Honda or Toyota.

[@steventurner6132]

My Hyundai Sonata 2011 is automatic but is has that manual + - ok so when I slow down and then give it gas it will go to manual 1 gear and sometimes 2 by it self is any one else having this issue

[@Anthony-dl8tx]

Any idea what could be wrong with my car? I have a video on my page it’s a 2012 sonata 2.0t seems like no turbo boost and loud engine past 3k rpm

[@SEsGarage]

Sounds like a bad charge air cooler. Behind the front bumper. Have done several. Have also seen those turbos fail all together

[@jamesabarela]

if at this point i was watching this video and thinking about buying a sonata i would just be like uhh no thanks i'm not about to check all of these possible issues lol even though i do love my sonia sonata shes a beauty and shes actually aging rather well from what other sonatas i see around.

[@williamkennedy9834]

2012 Sonata, looses power while driving. RPM's randomly drop to idle speed, as long as you maintain the same amount of pressure on the gas pedal car will coast to a stop but maintains idle. Let off gas pedal then reapply pressure car takes of again. Any thoughts. Car otherwise runs smoothly.

[@richardarotiba7499]

I experienced this same issue today please share with me how you got this fixed. That issue brought me to this video actually

[@chuck1546]

What I did was fill up with Premium gas No problem right now.

[@daydaydemego7007]

Map sensor

[@daydaydemego7007]

15$ ebay

[@jawadhamza2487]

Hi. I am looking at a 2012 Hyundai sonata hybrid. It's at 180,000 mikes right now. Is it recommended to buy it?

[@tbrwn2548]

Did you get the car?

[@atmsk8r726]

No, do not get it.

[@elliotkoziel1631]

How common is it for the reverse camera to break down if it is not a fuse issue. I have 70,000 miles on the car . 2013, 2.4 engine. Any ideas on the cost to replace? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

[@rondesforges9292]

i had that happen to me and I raised the trunk halfway up and sprayed the camera with WD40 and let it sit there for about 15 minutes. I wiped it down then did it over again and my camera is working fine..guessing a little corrosion from the salt(northern Ontario) did it

[@shelltoe_soul]

Seems pretty common, there definitely seems to be quite a bit of interest in OEM backup camera replacements for them.

[@carolynring9148]

My 2011 Sonata sometimes will not crank. Dealer has no idea what the problem is. I think it’s some kind of sensor. Any idea what the problem is? After it sits for a while, it cranks right up.

[@SEsGarage]

The next time is does this, switch the car into neutral and see if it starts. Sounds like an inhibitor switch issue possibly

[@BigWillDaBeast6483dbeievdjd8ue]

I have a 2011 Sonata Limited 2.4.. That sound my car is making sounds like rattling in the timing chain. Would the warranty cover that? 107k miles

[@munchbunni3508]

Is the car reliable ? Thinking of buying a used 2011 sonata 105k miles on it .

[@BigWillDaBeast6483dbeievdjd8ue]

@@munchbunni3508 It's like this, after my 2011 Sonata I will NEVER buy another Hyundai. Please do not waist your money!

[@bennyc.6745]

I got a 2014 sonata, engine main bearing but car still running ,engine replaced no charge, factory recall.

[@JohnWick-tc8hc]

How many miles does it have I’m thinking of buying a used 14 Sonata it just has its engine replaced but there’s a slight clunking noise when turning

[@dougwalton5414]

My family have nine Hyundai vehicles, some now approaching 200,000 miles. Other than one that had to have a new engine under warranty at 102,000 they have all been great cars. For the money they are well built IMHO and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. These vids are great but don't let them frighten you into not buying one. There are vids on just about every vehicle and they ALL have problems. These days with huge fines from the government, manufacterers now nowadays report every minor issue including when the ash tray is full! We have a 2014 Sonata which has had all service done by the dealer, mainly because we don't want to give Hyundai an 'Out' if there is a problem. From everything discussed here, the only thing we have replaced was the front wheel bearings under warranty. Enjoy your Hyundai.

[@peterkatsianis480]

Thanks. Scared the shit out of me. Just bought a 2012 Sonata 2.0T with 38k miles. Im terrified to pick it up!!!

[@dee22212]

i have a 2011 sonata gls

[@carsonkirkconnell1979]

I have a 2019 santa fe 2.4 gdi and 8 speed auto. No issues so far at 55k. Aside from oil and air filter changes, any areas I should be more diligent?

[@ronaldseale]

This is about Sonatas. Go find another video

[@barzanfg5270]

ممكن اعرف زيت سوناتا الاحسن ٢٠١١

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Dang; what ever happened to a reliable Hyundai? My 02 Elantra was rock solid.

[@josebedolla9831]

They don’t make them like they used to anymore :/

[@CJr_M]

Still are.

[@justingibson6956]

What is a 968

[@lilfur]

How much 'is' an HVAC separater repair out of warranty, by chance?

[@SEsGarage]

The part is cheap….labor is what’ll get ya

[@lilfur]

@@SEsGarage Thanks for the heads up!

[@julesmarwell8023]

between 2005 and 2010 I purchased 3 new hyundais... THEY SERVED ME VERY WELL NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM. Seems like from 2010 onwards Hyundai jumped off a steep cliff. I certainly would not buy another one. I hear...... NOW THEY ARE riddled with mechanical problems

[@danielreilly7108]

I baby my 2011 sonata and change oil every 3000 miles. Keeping my fingers crossed. 3 years haven't done anything. But I only put 4 thousand miles a year on it

[@tbrwn2548]

4k wow

[@larryt7620]

2014 Hyundai Sonata. Hubs, lights, AC, engine, etc. I call it the Cockroach. Something is wrong with it everyday.

[@paulcheek5711]

how can this be a good car with all these issues

[@josephbidon4333]

Yeah....Alabama made. Whaddayah expect?

[@ob1Katoby1]

Thanks!

[@SEsGarage]

Thank you so much!