Top 5 Problems Hyundai Sonata Sedan 6th Generation 2011-14

If you're in the market for a 6th gen Hyundai Sonata, or had one for a while, here are the most common problems with the 2011 to 2014 model years that you should watch out for! Andy points out the 5 most common issues according to mechanics across the US. He offers tips and suggestions on what you can do to prevent or treat these problems to keep your Sonata in great shape for years to come!

Check out these diagnostic videos to help with problems that weren't in this video:

0:00 Top Problems Hyundai Sonata 6th Gen 2011-14
0:20 Cabin Fuse Box
0:40 Timing Chain Tensioner
1:09 Vehicle Speed Sensor
1:35 EGR Valve
2:00 Speakers

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[AndreasChannel]

Proud 11 year owner of my 13’ Sonata. I love this car! Running smooth and strong at 220, 000 miles. No issues with engine or transmission. Only 3 issues I’ve had to resolve over the past 11 years.. motor mount, steering wheel coupler and alternator these issues were resolved 2 years ago at 200k no issues since🙏

[loumoney]

Sir, the #1 problem is the brake lights continuously burning out.

[christinatayag]

I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata with 200, 078 and never had major issues with it engine runs really well.

[davidpockrass]

As a Hyundai technician, I can tell you engine rod bearing failure is BY FAR the biggest issue with this car. Probably followed by clock spring failures, & tail light wire harnesses melting. Other than that these other issues are few and far between.

[glendacarminati]

I bought a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. I was also one of the millions of owners that experienced engine failure due to the rod bearings being thrown and seizing the engine. Without going through the 4yr. nightmare, let's just say I would never, ever own another Hyundai/Kia vehicle again. I'm still fighting it out with them to reimburse me for the $10, 000+ I had to shell out for an engine replacement that took them a 1yr 1/2 to get in. And, on top of that I found out I didn't get a new engine, they simply repaired the part of the engine affected (I'm no mechanic, but have been told by those in the know that I could have gotten a new create motor). Hyundai lost a class action lawsuit in 2016 that affected over 2 million cars, and my VIN finally was added to the vehicles two months ago. All this to say, why didn't that problem make to your top 5 problems with the Sonata Sedan's Hybrid or not?

[sojodg]

I guess I got lucky because I bought a 2013 sonata when it had 30000 miles on it and just traded it in for at 108000 miles for a 2021 sonata and for those 78000 mile the biggest problem I had was replacing the alternator. Sonata is a very well made car in my opinion. I recommend it to anyone

[YlehsaMichelle]

I have a 2012 and I first experienced my back taillights going out.
Then one day I was in the freeway and I was going 70 mph. All of a sudden my car dropped down to 50mph in the fast lane. I quickly got over to the right lane and my car speed up to 70mph without me being on the gas peddle. I was scared and luckily my job was right around the corner. I had to have my car towed home. Hyundai will never have to worry about me being a customer ever again.

[isaac]

I have a 2011 Sonata GLS, currently with 198k miles on the dash. Only major problems- got an engine replacement by Hyundai under the recall at 141k miles when the original one locked up. Then had a transmission slipping at 160k(got it rebuilt). Mine was a used 3 owner car and had not been taken care of before I bought it. It’s been a solid vehicle and comparable to a typical Accord/Camry of the time. I’d recommend one despite of how people are trash talking Hyundai/KIA brand which has come a long way especially since 2011’s redesign.

I’ve been to 6 different states on road trips without a single problem and my Sonata had 106k miles when I bought it so I’ve put almost 100k on it already since 2015.

[jessevelasquez]

I have a 2018 Sonata with 50, 000 miles so far. Bought new. So far excellent vehicle. No problems, only regular maintenance. Hope it continues like this.

[deuce]

Are you even talking about the 2011-14 YF?
-Engine crank bearing failure
-Steering Coupler failure
-AC Compressor premature wear
-Lighting short bulb life issues
-Airbag Clockspring

These would have been my Top 5 for this

[Pfsif]

I had none of those problems with my 2011 Sonata w/ 168000 miles. I did however replace 5 neutral safety sensors, rubber steering wheel gasket and one starter. The starter had a plastic part that should have been metal and it just snapped over time. I love this car, I hope hyundai tries to improve instead of profit, profit, profit like American card do.

[sanityone]

I have a 2014 Sonata…two bad driver side seat switches, one steering box star grommet, which I replaced for $7…and one engine replacement due to a seized crank…covered under warranty/factory recall at no cost. 140K miles and I’ll also be replacing at least one of the front axles…bad CVS joint. I’ll do it myself so price wise, not too bad. I’m also on my second set of brakes/rotors all around. We purchased our Sonata in 2013, so it’ll be on the road 9 years this November. All in all, not bad maintenance wise.

If you drive your car….parts will wear out…don’t expect it to be maintenance free over it’s lifetime.

[CRxLH]

Thanks a lot for posting this video. My speakers stopped working and after watching 4 videos without luck I came across your video and got my speakers working again!

[brettmills]

Brake pedal stopper!! I didn’t even realize my brake lights were starting to stay on till saw it with my own eyes, but noticed the hesitation on acceleration, would just drop to like idle at full throttle no check engine lights… was that black plastic plug on brake pedal had worn a little hole allowing to switch to extend out, fixed it back to normal 5 mins flat, pack of them for 5 bucks… 😎👍🏻

[clarkleyland]

I would stay away from 11+12s lots of problems 2.4 engines may be a safer buy an if your tail lights keep going out switch to led bulbs . Always super lube the engine with a dura lube or motor kote for protection an less wear on the dryer parts of the engine. Motor kote can also go in transmission and power steering fluid it’s a great product keep you on the road with cooler operating which is less resistance on your cars day to day operations.Also go with a premium battery for less electrical issues.Hope this helps someone.

[chadcaughmann]

I had a 2011 I drove to 150k+ miles and never had any notable problems. I traded it for a 2014 Sonata that I STILL drive with 260k+ miles on it. And it wasn’t until the past 5-10k miles that I experienced anything notable on it. I had to replace the neutral safety switch, and as of about 250k miles, it has been going through oil pretty quickly (and no, not due to a leak).

Basically, the cars have been VERY good for my traveling job, and I definitely got my money’s worth out of them.

[MrJamespeyton]

I have a 2015 Sonota hybrid and have not had any problems in over 6 years of ownership. 80k miles and still looks and runs like new.

[hiroyui]

I was thinking of buying a 2014 Sonata, but after listening to all these stories and this video, hard pass. Thank you all for your troubling information about this car.

[eyesofnova]

2014 Hyundai Sonata. I bought the extended warranty in 2019 and I was glad I did. The CV Joint went bad and the AC compressor died. Those combined would have cost around $6k+ at the dealership. I paid $2k to the extended warranty company. Unfortunately my driver side and rear passenger side lock has gone out and now the damn turn signal rod is going out and causing my lights to flicker. First Hyundai I've ever owned, and probably my last.