KNOWN FAULTS · Hyundai

Known faults for the Hyundai Sonata.

2000–2010 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Engines: 2.0 / 2.4 / 3.3 (Petrol)

Applies if: Only the 2.4 Theta II (from 2009); confirm by VIN.

Connecting-rod bearings on the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 petrol enginesEngine

Engine / equipment: 2.0 and 2.4 Theta II (MPI and GDI): Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe and ix35; Kia Sorento, Sportage and Optima
Period mentioned: 2009–2019
Symptoms: Metallic engine knock that rises with revs, oil-pressure warning, loss of power and, in the worst case, a broken connecting rod with an oil leak and fire risk.
Possible cause described: The connecting-rod bearings wear prematurely (in the first cases because of crankshaft machining debris). In the US there were recalls and a settlement that fits the KSDS system free of charge; it monitors vibration and puts the engine into protection mode. In Germany (KBA 013054) Kia recalled the Sorento 2.4 MPI built from 11/1/2011 to 17/6/2015 and the Optima 2.0 GDI hybrid.
Check for the garage: Ask Hyundai or Kia by VIN about a campaign or KSDS update; with knocking or the oil warning, stop and do not keep driving; check the oil level often.
Cost cited in the source: Inspection and, if damaged, a new engine free of charge under the campaigns.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 2.0 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Same 2.0 CRDi (D4EA) as the Santa Fe I and Sportage II; the turbo part only applies to variable-geometry (VGT) versions.

Variable-geometry turbo and glow plugs on the 2.0 CRDi (D4EA)Injection / turbo

Engine / equipment: 2.0 CRDi (D4EA): Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson, Trajet, Elantra and Sonata; Kia Sportage, Carens and Magentis
Period mentioned: Approx. 2001–2010
Symptoms: A big loss of power and weak pulling away (seized variable-geometry turbo); when cold, several attempts to start and rough running (glow plugs).
Possible cause described: On VGT versions the turbo’s variable-vane mechanism seizes and sometimes the turbo must be replaced (documented on the Santa Fe I). Faulty glow plugs cause poor cold starting (documented on the Sportage II). The timing belt must be changed after 6 years or 90,000–120,000 km depending on the model.
Check for the garage: Test the turbo under load and read boost codes; measure the glow plugs; check when the belt was changed.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.