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How Bad Is The Sonata Engine Seize Problem?

34K views 20 replies 15 participants last post by  HeretoStay2 
#1 ·
There have been quite a few postings on the internet of Sonata engines seizing (especially with the 2011 model year).

I would like to know how bad is this engine seize problem and what are the odds of it happening? This defect makes me nervous given that my car is high mileage.

In my case, the power train warranty is 60k miles/5 years in Canada. My Sonata will be over 5 years old next year but my odo has already reached 80k miles. I am a DIY oil changer but I've kept the oil filters receipt which I buy in bulk. This engine problem doesn't look good (if it ever happens to me) as I probably won't have any warranty coverage.
 
#3 ·
I read a post from a Kia tech that said some of those engines with a spun bearing had the bearings installed backwards at the factory, but I don't know how true this is. If that's the case nothing you can do will prevent it, but I'd think by 80k miles you'd know it by now.

Also, if you'll notice, in many of the seized engine reports the engine was very low on oil when it arrived at the dealer, this tells me that many people aren't checking their oil level. The oil pan seals are well known to leak, even after being repaired, so it's a good idea to check your oil once a week.

You'll find differing opinions here on oil change intervals too. Personally, I'd never go 7,500 miles like Hyundai say's in the manual (especially since most people fall in the "severe service" description). I usually go about 3,500 between changes, and I use a good synthetic and Hyundai/Kia brand filter.
 
#4 ·
I've seen several. All ran low on oil or past a sane/safe oil change interval for driving style. So, I don't see it as a real problem. Owner neglect bats 1000!

My recommendation is to use a full synthetic oil, check oil level weekly, top off as needed, and change the oil every 3750-7500 miles based on driving style. I am at a consistent 6 month 5000 mile change interval. You can convert that to Canadian time and distance :grin2:

Short tripping and excessive idling fuel dilution seems to be a problem with DI motors. I don't bother with 5w20 and simply use a 5w30 oil. That gives an extra 1-2cst more viscosity to deal with a couple percent of fuel dilution. 0w30 is another option for better cold start flow. I don't use or recommend remote starters. If its that cold, run an extension cord out to a block heater, oil pan heater, and interior heater.

Since you are in a colder Canadian climate, 5w20 should be fine. Consider a 0w20 for better cold flow during the winter. And, aftermarket oil filters can be a hit or miss proposition. I have no problem with ANY brand filter recommended for my 2.4GDI. But, the Hyundai/Kia filter is cheap peace of mind. Some generic oil filters drain empty overnight causing dry cold start noises. My Fram, Wix, and Purolators haven't given me any cold start clatter.

Keep the DI clean by using toptiergas and a bottle of FI cleaner ounce or twice a year. Amsoil, RoyalPurple, BG, Techron, Redline, Regane, Lubegard, Wynns,.... have excellent FI cleaners.
 
#5 ·
I was concerned about this as well, reading some of the threads on this forum. I used to change oil every 5k or so, but noticed at around 3500 dipstick would read low every time, along with the oil extremely dark. Now I change at 3500 to be safe. Better safe than sorry...Glad some of the members brought it to my attention with their posts.
 
#8 ·
I've had my 2011 GLS for 5 years this month. The oil does get dark quickly BUT that is not an indicator that it is no good. It MAY be a result of the DI engine. For the current OCI, I am in the 12th month and 5800 miles and will change the oil this week. I used a WIX XP filter designed for longer OCIs but will go back to OEM filter now as i will be driving more.
 
#6 · (Edited)
The Canadian power train warranty is 60k miles (aka 100,000km). The warranty in the US is better in some states at 100k miles (aka 160,000 km).

Most users who have had engine failures in this forum is still on warranty. I wonder what would happen once the warranty is over and engine seizures start appearing.
 
#12 ·
I was looking at my owners manual this morning, and in the recommended lubricants section it pretty much states... "For optimum engine protection in hot weather, higher viscosity oil may be used with somewhat reduced fuel economy". So, Hyundai is pretty much suggesting we should be using 5w-30 during the summer (5w-40 for 2.0T), they just can't outright require it because it would lower their mpg ratings.

I had my oil changed today with Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 (finally found at Pep Boys), and it may be my imagination, but there does seem to be less clatter.
 
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#13 ·
I've been watching the number engine complaints go up on this website for the last two months. The number of engine seizes goes up by about 3-4 complaints per month.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Problems, Defects & Complaints

Some comments indicate that proper oil changes were followed but the engine failed anyways. My confidence in Hyundai is less than par.
 
#14 ·
There is a major problem with the Hyundai Sonata called premature engine failure. It affects model years 2011-2015. Enough complaints have already come in that a recall has taken place for 2011 and 2012 models. For later models, Hyundai is denying warranty coverage on the basis of poor owner maintenance. I am talking about a Sonata's engine seizing at 24,000 miles and the 100,000 mile "Best Warranty in the U.S.A." is not honored. Hyundai places the blame squarely on the customer. That's right, the same person it sweet talked in the showroom the year before. Even when full maintenance records are brought in, it's still somehow the customer's fault. Quite simply, if one NEVER changed the oil, a new car should not die at 24,000 miles. What's more, the engine seizure often occurs on the freeway and is a major potential safety issue as it happens suddenly. Meanwhile, they just keep advertising "Best Warranty in the U.S.A.". I would NEVER buy a Hyundai based on the corporation's callous and total disregard for its customers asking for warranty coverage and being rejected out of hand.

The lawsuit filed by the firm alleges that Hyundai sold Sonata vehicles with defective rotating assemblies in the Theta II 2.4 L engines that cause sudden and catastrophic engine failure. When the rotating assembly fails, it does so without warning and causes the engine to abruptly seize, according to the complaint. The complaint also alleges:

Rather than addressing this safety problem by warning drivers and recalling its dangerous vehicles, Hyundai has concealed the problem from consumers and implemented a concerted practice of denying warranty coverage for failed engines. Hyundai tells Sonata owners that they must submit a complete record of the vehicle’s maintenance history before making a warranty claim—even though it knows that Sonata engines fail regardless of owner maintenance and that the faulty rotating assembly is responsible. For those warranty claims that are submitted, Hyundai’s practice is to deny them based on inadequate maintenance records or improper maintenance. Hyundai denies that engine failures are widespread in Sonata vehicles and blames its customers for the problem—forcing them to pay as much as $10,000 for an engine replacement.

The lawsuit, Graham v. Hyundai Motor America, Inc., is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
 
#15 ·
00000732

Welcome to the forums. There is more up to date info on the pending recall of 2011-2012 Sonata 2.4L and 2.0T engines at this link: http://www.hyundai-forums.com/yf-20...necting-rod-wear-may-result-engine-stall.html

Also:
Please update your profile. Easy to do. Click on "user CP" in upper right of screen (on smartphone use PC mode). That will take you to a page where, on the left side of the screen under “Your Profile” heading, click on the "Edit Your Details" link. You should update the year, model, and engine of your vehicle. Also, please include your general location city/area, state, and country. We have members all over the world. Different countries may have differences in models and laws/regulations. THANKS!!!

00000732
 
#16 ·
Hyundai Sonata 2011-2014 Class Action Settlement

An engine possibly seizing, while driving the car is a very MAJOR concern. It can be extremely dangerous! I believe that the owners of these cars should OBJECT to the class action settlement being offered them. 20,000 miles extension of power train warranty and reimbursement for repairs and car rental is a woefully inadequate settlement for this serious problem in the car. I believe these engines need to be replaced.
 
#17 ·
So, out of approximately 240,000 2011 Sonatas sold in the US and Canada, I see 183 engines seized complaints on that site. I'll even add the 311 NHSTA complaints listed as well. So that is 494 engines. Out of 240,000. That is a .002 failure rate. .2%. I am failing to see how this is a MAJOR concern. Yes it is a concern, but not one of mine.

I know there are more affecting more years, but I don't feel like doing the math for the totals. Probably going to be pretty similar though.
 
#18 ·
Most people aren't going to take the time to go online, register with a website, and write a complaint. We really don't know how many there are. What we do know is that there's enough to cause a shortage of replacement engines.
 
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