What is the 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure?

The Theta II engine can seize due to metal debris blocking oil flow to connecting rod bearings. Hyundai issued recalls and extended warranties. Affected engines may need replacement. Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2017 Hyundai Sonata MDPS / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) sudden assist loss and steering lockup?

The Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit can fail, illuminating the EPS warning light and causing sudden loss of power assist or a steering wheel that becomes very tight/hard to turn - sometimes during low-speed maneuvers (parking, tight turns) and sometimes at highway speed (… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata Theta II 2.0T/2.4L GDI connecting-rod bearing failure (knock, stall, fire)?

The Theta II GDI engine (2.4L MPI/GDI and 2.0T) suffers premature connecting-rod bearing wear. NHTSA determined that metal debris left from crankshaft machining, plus uneven crankpin surface roughness, restricts oil flow to the rod bearings, raising bearing temperatures and causi… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Front Seat Belt Linkage Detaching From Anchor Pretensioner?

On YF-generation Sonatas built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, the front seat belt linkage is pressed onto the anchor pretensioner connector during assembly after the pretensioner is already bolted to the sill. If the connector did not fully latch on the line, the belt ca… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak After Theta II Engine Replacement (Recall-on-a-Recall)?

This is a failure created by the Theta II engine replacement work itself, not by the original engine defect. On Sonatas whose engines were swapped under the earlier Theta II campaigns (15V-568 and 17V-226), the high-pressure fuel pipe joining the pump outlet to the fuel rail was… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2022 Hyundai Sonata Eight-Speed Wet DCT Electric Oil Pump Failure Causing Total Loss of Drive (DN8)?

On the DN8 Sonata the electric oil pump inside the eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission can fail abruptly, collapsing internal oil pressure. The transmission's limited-mobility fail-safe mode is impaired when the failure is triggered this way, so instead of degrading to a red… Repairs typically run $0-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure?

NHTSA recall 16V-190 (Hyundai recall 143) covers certain model-year 2011 Sonata sedans. Damage to the electronic-power-steering control-unit circuit board can illuminate the EPS warning lamp and cause loss of steering assist. The filing states that the vehicle reverts to a manual… Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2015 Hyundai Sonata P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI)?

On the 2010-2015 Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, P0016 (Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor A) most often signals a stretched timing chain or a worn/failing chain tensioner, letting the intake cam fall out of sync with the crank. Poor oil flow and so… Repairs typically run $500-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata P0420 — Bank 1 Catalytic Converter Failure from Theta II 2.4L GDI Oil Consumption?

On the 2011-2019 Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1) is frequently a downstream symptom of the engine's well-documented excessive oil consumption. As worn rod bearings/rings let the engine burn oil, phosphorus and other co… Repairs typically run $900-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2021 Hyundai Sonata No Engine Immobilizer on Turn-Key Trims Enabling USB-Cable Theft?

Sonatas built without a push-button start system were sold in the US without an engine immobilizer, meaning the starter and ignition can be operated with a stripped steering column and a USB plug rather than a coded key. The technique was spread on TikTok from 2021 by the 'Kia Bo… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder/Hesitation?

Sonatas equipped with the dual-clutch transmission can experience shuddering, hesitation, and jerky engagement at low speeds. The DCT can feel rough in stop-and-go traffic. This is a characteristic of the dry-clutch DCT design. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2020 Hyundai Sonata A/C Compressor Failure?

The A/C compressor can fail, particularly on vehicles in hot climates with heavy A/C use. Internal compressor failure can contaminate the A/C system. Clutch and bearing failures are also common. Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2023 Hyundai Sonata Fuel Injector Failure Causing Misfire, Rough Running, and Check Engine Light?

Hyundai TSB 25-FL-001H covers specified production ranges of model-year 2021-2023 Sonata vehicles equipped with the 2.5-liter GDI Theta III non-turbo engine. Some affected vehicles may store one or more misfire DTCs due to GDI injectors leaking internally; the bulletin says inter… Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2010 Hyundai Sonata P0174 — Bank 2 Lean from Upper Intake Plenum Gasket Leak (V6)?

P0174 (System Too Lean, Bank 2) only applies to the V6 Sonata, since the four-cylinder has a single bank. On the 2.7L Delta (2005) and 3.3L Lambda (2006-2010) V6, this code most often appears alongside P0171 and points to a shared, centrally located vacuum leak — most commonly a… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2015-2016 Hyundai Sonata Panoramic sunroof wind-deflector detachment / glass shattering?

On Sonatas equipped with the panoramic sunroof, the wind-deflector anchor plate can be insufficiently bonded; if the deflector partially detaches while the roof is open it can interfere with the closing panel and cause the glass sunroof panel to detach from its mounting tabs and… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2020 Hyundai Sonata Theta II GDI excessive oil consumption?

Hyundai TSB 23-EM-008H provides inspection and repair guidance for gasoline-engine vehicles with oil-consumption concerns. Its engine and labor tables specifically include model-year 2011-2014 Sonata 2.4-liter GDI and 2.0-liter turbo-GDI applications and model-year 2015-2020 Sona… Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonata P0171 — Bank 1 Lean from Intake Manifold Gasket Vacuum Leak / Stuck Purge Valve?

On the Hyundai Sonata, P0171 (System Too Lean, Bank 1) is most commonly triggered by unmetered air entering downstream of the MAF sensor. The two dominant Sonata-specific sources are a leaking intake manifold gasket and a canister purge valve that sticks open. Because the MAF nev… Repairs typically run $90-$550. Severity: medium.

Hyundai · Known Issues

2001-2025 Hyundai Sonata Problems: 31 Known Issues

2001-2025 model years · 8,392+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 8,392+ owner reports, the 2001-2025 Hyundai Sonata has 31 documented known issues, with 13 rated critical. The most serious are Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure ($0-$8,000 repair), Front Radar / Forward Collision-Avoidance Warning Disabled by Sensor or Calibration Faults ($250-$2,200 repair), MDPS / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) sudden assist loss and steering lockup ($0-$1,500 repair), Theta II 2.0T/2.4L GDI connecting-rod bearing failure (knock, stall, fire) ($4,000-$8,000 repair), Front Seat Belt Linkage Detaching From Anchor Pretensioner ($0-$0 repair), High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak After Theta II Engine Replacement (Recall-on-a-Recall) ($0-$600 repair), ABS/HECU Module Internal Brake Fluid Leak Causing Electrical Short and Engine Compartment Fire ($0-$1,400 repair), Eight-Speed Wet DCT Electric Oil Pump Failure Causing Total Loss of Drive (DN8). at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Sonata problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 8,392+ owner reports, the 2001-2025 Hyundai Sonata has 31 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure, Front Radar / Forward Collision-Avoidance Warning Disabled by Sensor or Calibration Faults, MDPS / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) sudden assist loss and steering lockup. Of these, 13 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable?

The 2001-2025 Hyundai Sonata has 31 known issues documented across 8,392+ owner reports. 13 issues are rated critical: Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure and Front Radar / Forward Collision-Avoidance Warning Disabled by Sensor or Calibration Faults and MDPS / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) sudden assist loss and steering lockup and Theta II 2.0T/2.4L GDI connecting-rod bearing failure (knock, stall, fire) and Front Seat Belt Linkage Detaching From Anchor Pretensioner and High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak After Theta II Engine Replacement (Recall-on-a-Recall) and ABS/HECU Module Internal Brake Fluid Leak Causing Electrical Short and Engine Compartment Fire and Eight-Speed Wet DCT Electric Oil Pump Failure Causing Total Loss of Drive (DN8) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure and P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI) and P0420 — Bank 1 Catalytic Converter Failure from Theta II 2.4L GDI Oil Consumption and No Engine Immobilizer on Turn-Key Trims Enabling USB-Cable Theft and Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) Bearing/Pulley Failure Causing Belt Noise and No-Start. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Sonata problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Sonata issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure, typically costs $0-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Hyundai Sonata is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Hyundai Sonata. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2001-2025 Hyundai Sonata with 31 documented issues documented across 8,392+ owner reports.

All 31 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Sonata problems?

Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Sonata problems?

What year Hyundai Sonata is the most reliable?

Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure#

Theta II 2.0T/2.4L GDI connecting-rod bearing failure (knock, stall, fire)#

P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI)#

Theta II GDI excessive oil consumption#

P0011 — Intake Cam Over-Advanced from Failed Oil Control Valve (CVVT)#

Crankshaft Position Sensor Heat-Soak Failure Causing Hot Stall and Extended No-Start (EF/NF)#

Front Radar / Forward Collision-Avoidance Warning Disabled by Sensor or Calibration Faults#

Front Seat Belt Linkage Detaching From Anchor Pretensioner#

No Engine Immobilizer on Turn-Key Trims Enabling USB-Cable Theft#

High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak After Theta II Engine Replacement (Recall-on-a-Recall)#

Fuel Injector Failure Causing Misfire, Rough Running, and Check Engine Light#

P0174 — Bank 2 Lean from Upper Intake Plenum Gasket Leak (V6)#

P0171 — Bank 1 Lean from Intake Manifold Gasket Vacuum Leak / Stuck Purge Valve#

P0420 — Bank 1 Catalytic Converter Failure from Theta II 2.4L GDI Oil Consumption#

P0430 — Bank 2 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (V6)#

P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Loose/Failed Gas Cap or Stuck Purge Valve#

P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap Seal or NVLD Sensor#

Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) Bearing/Pulley Failure Causing Belt Noise and No-Start#

A/C Compressor Failure#

Infotainment System Freezing/Issues#

Parasitic Battery Drain#

Eight-Speed Wet DCT Electric Oil Pump Failure Causing Total Loss of Drive (DN8)#

Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Shudder/Hesitation#

A6MF Six-Speed Automatic Valve Body Bore Wear Causing Shift Flare and Harsh Shifts#

MDPS / Electronic Power Steering (EPS) sudden assist loss and steering lockup#

ABS/HECU Module Internal Brake Fluid Leak Causing Electrical Short and Engine Compartment Fire#

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure#

Panoramic sunroof wind-deflector detachment / glass shattering#

Trunk Latch Base Damage Disabling the Internal Trunk Release (FMVSS 401 Noncompliance)#

P0128 — Engine Not Reaching Operating Temp from Stuck-Open Thermostat#

White/Pearl Paint Delamination and Primer Peeling on Exterior Body Panels#

What is the 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure?