How The 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata Scared Nissan And Honda

[@Jordi7174]

Hello, my name is Judy and I'm allergic to bacon soda but thanks for the offer. My sister Trudy thinks she's the best thing in the family because she has a 2009 Toyota Camry. She even made fun of our cousin from out if town for his 09 Malibu. When I told her I was considering a Sonata, she bragged that her car will still be on the road while I will be on my 2nd to 3rd cars after the one, I'm looking at. My sister has top credit, while mines is medicore. But that's okay because I gotta tell you, I don't want to drive around in a car that has the excitement of a pill counter. They may run forever but those Toyotas are nothing to look at! I love the "fluidic" styling of the Sonata though. It costs less than the Camry and Accord. And a mid level trim gives me a lot of the options my sister's top trim Camry has. And let's be honest, it just looks better! So this is my option. Our brother Rudy is looking at the redesigned Kia Optima. Anyway, after I get my new Sonata, I'm going for a spin and then I'm getting Rihanna's new CD. My sister won't listen to anyone else but Jennifer Hudson. Our brother is addicted to this guy called Bruno Mars. But anyway, I gotta get going. I wanna be home in time for Glee!

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Hahalol this is rich. Good one as always man! Yep, Bruno Mars was just coming out around that time.

[@leotide1990]

This was such a radical design for the time, and a beautiful one at that. Fluidic Sculpture was something to behold; the 2011 I owned made me smile every single time I walked outside and saw it. Were it not for the Theta II GDI issue, these would have trounced the Accord and Camry not only in design, but in reliability well into the future. Alas, such was not to be.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Yep, they were definitely radical when they first came out. Definitely made its rivals look stale in comparison.

[@doug6191]

That Sonata always looked like a sedan version of the 2nd-gen Solara. This generation's design was definitely worthy of the praise it got. To me, the interior and powertrains seemed to hit all the right targets.

[@doug6191]

Also worth mention was VW's Passat CC, which arrived before this Sonata.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Thanks for pointing that out. Come to think about it, yeah it actually does resemble the 2004 Solara. If Toyota collaborated on this car they could’ve kept the body and put their own reliable engine in it and named it the Solara 4-door coupe. The Camry for loyal customers and the Solara 4-door coupe for those more adventurous. Far fetched idea, but hey, anything’s possible haha.

[@jimmywalters3071]

My family have a 2012 Sonata GLS , bought new .. no problems and still runs great.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@husky6372]

my mom had a 13 and 15 limited both black with pano roofs and i loved them so much and they had really good kick to them

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Pano roofs are a great feature. Thanks for watching.

[@milesdyson]

Here in the 'burbs of Chicago, you couldn't drive 2 miles without seeing 10 of these when they came out.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Same here in Florida.

[@tomrichards1047]

Still drive a 2011- with a replacement engine, of course. The paint job wasn’t great, either, but I have maintained it. Still looks good.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Glad to hear you still got it on the road.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Excuse the thumbnail. On the run and didn’t have time to create the proper thumbnail for this series.

[@thecharger98]

Can you do a video about the Hyundai Genesis or Hyundai Equus? Or Kia K900?

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

I forgot about the K900. But yeah, we can do the original Genesis.

[@AllyMcLesbian]

Would love that! I have a 2009 Genesis, bought new at the end of 2008, that I'm still driving with 333,000 miles on it. Best car I've ever come across.

[@russyp]

My sister had one. But what really caught my eye around that time from them was the Elantra. I still think they look cool.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Agreed. They do still look cool.

[@bobhill3941]

I remember these well, thanks for the informative video. A few people at work and a friend of my brother's had one and really liked it.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Ok cool. Glad you found value in the video and thanks for watching.

[@bobhill3941]

@@MotorMaster_Stunticon Your welcome, keep up the good work.

[@maxwellclark7054]

You see these everywhere everyday. It's weird how it's taken me this long to realize they actually are pretty good looking cars.

[@LaytonKnightt]

My parents bought a 2009 manual non-turbo brand new, and a 2013 non-turbo brand new a few years later. The 2013 drove much nicer but had a cheaper interior and nothing but issues until they got rid of it in 2019. My dad still drives the 2009. It’s at 206k miles with only oil changes and a new clutch at 175k.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Thanks for sharing that info. Yep, I heard the 2009 models were more reliable.

[@datsunracer9378]

​@@MotorMaster_StunticonThe NF Sonata V6 and 4-cylinder motors were very durable.

[@TristanJones-wv7yt]

I owned a 2012 Hyundai sonata 2.0 t limited and loved this car , somewhat quick and spacious but good on fuel at the same time 😅

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

I heard the turbocharged engine was more reliable than the naturally aspirated one.

[@autochatter]

Great vid Rob! As already mentioned by many, they had issues for sure! Another gripe I have with the Sonata, is it doesnt seem to have its own identity.its like every new gen goes for a completely different look LOL. Reminds me of what Ford did with the Taurus for 96.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Exactly man. I agree, every preceding Sonata generation could pass for a completely different model. At least with the Altima, it basically retained its basic look since 2002. It just evolved with each generation, as you know.

[@AndrewFaust-x1e]

Those were also the model years that had excessive oil burning and engine failures. It also had issues with the transmission shift cable detaching from the shift lever pin, causing the car to move automatically. Other than that, they are nice-looking. Very stylish imo.

[@marcusvision]

My aunt still has the 2007 sonata with like 200k+ miles. Only recently had the manifold replaced but other than that I haven't heard any other problems.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

The 2007 model was actually quite more reliable than the 2011 according to owners.

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for the video. I was wondering what happened to you. I now know. I know someone who owns this car. I rode in it. They sold a lot of this generation. I liked the footage. I liked how you explained everything as well. I recall the redesigned 2015 that had more angular points inside and out. It sold too. I liked the fact you shared the way it was sold in other markets and the Azera. I know someone who looked at buying one of these. They still sell those outside the United States. It is interesting how Hyundai went from being this people with bad car credit brand to where it is today with Kia. They did what the Japanese did in shorter time. If GM wants to know where their buyers went and where some of the Oldsmobile and Pontiac buyers went, they just need to look at Hyundai and Kia. They did not stay with GM brands. I know why Nissan and Honda worried. Thank you again.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Thanks, everything is good on this end. More videos to come. I know you’re a GM guy, so a GM video is on the way. This Sonata looked good and was promising initially, but time showed that they wasn’t up to par with its rivals in terms of reliability.

[@OLDS98]

@@MotorMaster_Stunticon I did not want to say that about the reliability. I thought it, but you are correct. I have heard the stories about those engines among other things. I look forward to your GM video. I am Mercury and Lincoln person too. I watch the entire industry.

[@mark_u]

I think even Toyota was shaken by the YF Sonata, as evidenced by the significant refresh of the U.S. XV50 Camry for the 2015 MY.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

That’s a great point. The YF had them all shaking in their boots especially with the styling and high-content. Might not have been as reliable, but the overall value and good warranty was something to consider.

[@donaldwilson2620]

I've always liked the styling of the 2011-14 Sonata, along with the slightly less radical 2015-19 model. It's too bad that these two generations were tarnished by the problematic 2.4L Theta II engine, which had a very high failure rate, as well as numerous recalls, which also led to a class action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia from consumers. The optional 2.0L Turbo didn't have as many problems, though.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Yeah they definitely toned down the 2015 model quite a bit.

[@JoshScott-v7j]

How come most of the ones i see only have one working brake light?

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

That’s true, I’ve noticed that too.

[@zzoinks]

Melting connector

[@JoshScott-v7j]

@@zzoinks That probably plagues a lot of Hyundai/Kia products because I always see that with them

[@thevacdude]

/these were nice cars. I remember when these first came out.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Thanks for watching

[@penguinsniper155]

With what we know now though this generation (YF) sonata is one of the worst modern cars ever. Literally like every single one has had its motor replaced.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

I did some research. You’re right about this.

[@gedaman]

The motor may have needed replacing, but the paint quality was better than the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class at the time or so Hyundai claimed in their magazine advertisements at the time, haha 😂😂😂.

[@wigletron2846]

The 2.0t didn't have nearly as many issues

[@izzatfauzimustafa6535]

In the context of North American motoring history, yes it is true. It seems like Hyundai and "lemon engines" are like common occurrences in the States and Canada. Not sure why it happens, when other Hyundais sold outside of North American markets seem to do reasonably well in terms of reliability (except for those equipped with Theta and Nu engines).

[@Maximus20778]

Probably in America but here they work fine

[@jaydejj]

The fact that those who bought these cross shopped with altimas tells you all you need to know about their "reliability" if you buy these from someone who didnt drive it like a hellcat 🙋‍♂️😅 you should be fine lol.

[@Jamellii]

Only people that were scared of these cars were the insurance companies when them kia cats started stealing them with iPhone chargers 😂😂😂

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Haha, good one!

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

They never quite captured the sexy swoopiness of this one in future generations

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

The current generation is nice, but other than that, yeah I agree with you.

[@theinfiniteone6958]

Dude you should do a video on Mitsubishi Galant preferably 2006

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

2006 Galant. That sounds interesting!

[@PrydeWater901]

I had a 2011 Sonata. I got rid of it before the Theta engine recalls. It was the brake switch that failed and kept the car from starting on a couple occasions. It sucks to have your car towed away from your home with a tank full of fuel.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

So it really is true about the recalls. Thanks for sharing that.

[@datsunracer9378]

Only the EF and NF Sonata models were good.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Great point

[@joellamoureux7914]

Absolutely the WORST fuel pump replacement of my life. I WILL NEVER do another one for any amount of money. I thought being in the trunk with a hatch would be better NOT! IDK if the plastic trunk shrunk but it would not come out. It's also diagonally sprung. Yes diagonally WTF.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Dang. Thanks for sharing that info with us.

[@popsandbangs8858]

Although it’s Had the 2.4 not good engine. It still a good Sedan .

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Good point.

[@popsandbangs8858]

@@MotorMaster_Stunticon I mean many cars have bad engine models and good ones

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Agreed man. I get your point. Thanks for tuning in.

[@theroyalcrown9165]

My cousin has one of these YF Sonatas and its already had 3 engines and failing suspension and a headlight he hits to get it to work😂

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

2 engine replacements?? Dang!

[@theroyalcrown9165]

@@MotorMaster_Stunticon Yeah the original one and two more "new" engines it still is a good looking car but a piece of crap nonetheless.

[@Tedted140]

They look futuristic and modern at the time but quality wise today you can't see none of them on the road but accord and camrys from that time everywhere.

[@marwanjleid5712]

Actually the ones that were made in korea are quite popular here in libya with good overall reliability, the 2.4 engine in the us models is the reason why you don’t see them everywhere but the 2.0 versions of the korean imports is a completely different story.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Yep, I see a few here and there.

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

My favorite of all sonatas, especially the 2 liter turbo! The new sonata looks meh in comparison! I love hyundai designs of this era!

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

The early 2010s had some nice designs. Sonata, Elantra, Azera.

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

@MotorMaster_Stunticon i know! I wish i have a mini '12 azera..... in between the 3 cars, only tomica made the sonata!

[@karoltakisobie6638]

5th gen Donate was much better car in many respects, engine \transmission combo was far sturdier and less problem prone.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Agreed. I heard many say the 5th gen Sonata was a better car all-around.

[@grandiora]

The lack of basic engine engineering know how scared Nissan and Honda. Hyundai can make quality cars as long as the car needs no motor.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

This is true.

[@LorenzoMoore-zf3ni]

Not common to see the tailight out on these.

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Too bad the 2.4L Theta II was such a disaster.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Agreed

[@spencerolson1532]

Awesome video rob my uncle has one of these and its reliable and luxurious as f*ck hyundai and kia need to get less Hatred because hyndai and kia and genesis comes with a ten year hundred thousand mile Warranty and I'm actually really impressed with hyundai and kias newer Linup because hyundai and kias newer linup is actually sick as f*ck

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Thanks bro. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@spencerolson1532]

​@@MotorMaster_Stunticonnp

[@girthycucumber4274]

Crazy how this car can be so perfect in first impressions, but so awful in the real world. The engine was powerful but its so unreliable, it handled great, but its not fun to drive and the ride is terrible, the interior is nice, but it wears so easily and it was cheap but it depreciates like a Mercedes.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Thanks for pointing that out. Yep, I heard many owners mention that about the 2011 Sonata.

[@tjw8t1]

Too bad the 2.4 engine in these is the biggest piece of shit ever to be introduced to the automotive world.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

I hear ya

[@mclovin6629]

Too bad the engine on this baby sucks, Hopefully theres an ev conversion available in the future 😭

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Haha!

[@trainglen22]

These cars were garbage.

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Haha

[@popsandbangs8858]

No it was so good