Latest Consumer Reports for Sonata 2.0T

[abghar]

I just got my December 2012 Consumer reports and they are reporting similar issues with the Sonata 2.0T as Car & Driver.
They have added Sonata 2.0T in the Not Recommended Category with Models with declining reliability.

Key note is previous generation Sonata had zero unscheduled visits to the dealership while the current gen Sonata on average visits the dealership more often than not.

Do forum members agree or disagree with CR?

[Dunder33]

I'd say the worst recurring problem is probably the electronic wastegate issue that seems to stem from a design flaw which causes it to get out of spec quite easily, and for some people, frequently. That causes the turbo to shutdown and the car loses a ton of power, rendering it dangerous to drive in any speed limit over 50 Km/h (30 MPH).

Apart from that, the car seems solid enough. I owned a 2003 Accord before I got my 2012 turbo, and the build quality between the two seems comparable. Notice in the Consumer Reports review that the Kia Optima turbo rated quite well. Funny how that car is identical to the Sonata Turbo, so what gives? Keep in mind, that the Consumer Reports survey is based on feedback from owners, which generally needs to be taken with a pretty big grain of salt. Check out a lot of the posts on these forums and you'll see people talking about the wastegate issue, but you'll also find a ton of people complaining about creaks and rattles. Given that, I suspect that a lot of the feedback from the customers which are slamming the Sonata Turbo yet praising the Optima Turbo just stems from the Sonata being held to a higher standard since Hyundai is considered and expected to be better than Kia. These rattle problems exist in all cars though, since companies are cutting corners where they can. Even Hondas and Toyotas are sometimes rattle traps. As many people say, just turn up the radio and enjoy your otherwise awesome car.

[bonsai]

2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS (M6) Sedan Ratings, Reviews, Pictures, Features | J.D. Power

2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS (M6) Sedan Ratings, Reviews, Pictures, Features | J.D. Power

2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS (M6) Sedan Ratings, Reviews, Pictures, Features | J.D. Power

[austex04]

Their data can be flawed, and has been proven. Next year, I'm sure the Optima will also be on that list, becouse people have not owned the cars long enough for the issues to crop up, and be pissed off by their service depts when they bring them in. Negitive dealership service experience will make it even more likely a person will report problems. A 100% satified consumer is much less likely to report any problems with their cars. Toyota and Honda have stricter customer service guidelines, which is why those brands usually fare better than others in those tests. Honda and Toyota know this, which is why they require this from their dealer networks, even though their products can be just as problematic as other brands. How many members have gripes with their dealers? This is why most of the data is flawed.

[CptCorky]

Originally Posted by Dunder33

These rattle problems exist in all cars though, since companies are cutting corners where they can. Even Hondas and Toyotas are sometimes rattle traps. As many people say, just turn up the radio and enjoy your otherwise awesome car.

My wife's $15k Honda Fit doesn't make a peep. My car sounds like a rusty old truck.

[orrider]

Originally Posted by abghar

I just got my December 2012 Consumer reports and they are reporting similar issues with the Sonata 2.0T as Car & Driver.
They have added Sonata 2.0T in the Not Recommended Category with Models with declining reliability.

Key note is previous generation Sonata had zero unscheduled visits to the dealership while the current gen Sonata on average visits the dealership more often than not.

Do forum members agree or disagree with CR?

My 2006 2.4L (now at 80k) has never been in for anything other than mandated service requirements. When I discovered that a brake service (paid for) was not performed, I stopped going to the dealer. Unless something requires expertise and tools I do not have, they'll never see me again.
What really upset me even further was a letter from the dealer urging me to come in (after 5 years) to get my timing belt changed. Really? I have a chain not a belt.

[Mattpsu]

Originally Posted by Dunder33

Apart from that, the car seems solid enough. I owned a 2003 Accord before I got my 2012 turbo, and the build quality between the two seems comparable.

I had the '04 accord as well... hopefully the transmission lasts longer than my V6 acccord, which saw it die at 85k!

Also to the point below, I felt the Honda dealer was *obnoxious*, yet the same dealer has my hyundai dealership right next door, and they've been nothing but nice to work with. The difference is surprising. The biggest difference is that, when there is an issue, the Hyundai people are up front and take care of it. The Honda people will stonewall you when they know darn well there are issues, and have an attitude that their cars are perfect and you are an idiot.

[Mattpsu]

Just for anyone who didn't read the consumer reports comparison- I can't find a link, so I typed it out.

Family Cars
Recommended
1. Camry hybrid (+75%)
2. Camry I4
3. Legacy flat 4
4. Passat I5
5. Camry V6
6. Mazda6
7. Optima turbo
8. Passat TDI
9. Optima 4cyl
10. Legacy H6
11. Sonata I4

Not recommended
12. Impala (GM only had 10 years to get this one right)
13. Chrysler 200
14. Sonata hybrid (-25%)

And all the way down here...
15. Sonata Turbo (-45%) DEAD LAST

I wish I could see the breakdown, and see where the dreaded "black dots" are.

[Zebodog]

Originally Posted by Mattpsu

Just for anyone who didn't read the consumer reports comparison- I can't find a link, so I typed it out.

Family Cars
Recommended
1. Camry hybrid (+75%)
2. Camry I4
3. Legacy flat 4
4. Passat I5
5. Camry V6
6. Mazda6
7. Optima turbo
8. Passat TDI
9. Optima 4cyl
10. Legacy H6
11. Sonata I4

Not recommended
12. Impala (GM only had 10 years to get this one right)
13. Chrysler 200
14. Sonata hybrid (-25%)

And all the way down here...
15. Sonata Turbo (-45%) DEAD LAST

I wish I could see the breakdown, and see where the dreaded "black dots" are.

Don't the Sonata Turbo and Optima Turbo share the same chassis/powertrain?

[Mattpsu]

Originally Posted by Zebodog

Don't the Sonata Turbo and Optima Turbo share the same chassis/powertrain?

Yes, which is why I suspect that the steering/alignment issues are the culprit in weighing down our reliability rating like a boat anchor.