Which Year's Sonata 8 is Prone to Cylinder Scoring?
4 Answers
2013 Sonata 8 models are prone to cylinder scoring. Here is more information about the Sonata 8: 1. The Hyundai Sonata is positioned as a mid-size sedan, ranking 4th in the popular comparison car series reputation ranking with a score of 4.51, offering the highest cost-performance ratio. 2. The new car features a brand-new hexagonal "Bottle Gourd" front grille, with a length of 4955mm, a wheelbase of 2890mm, and a minimum ground clearance of 110mm. It uses 92-octane gasoline, front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension, 215/55R17 tires, a non-full-size spare tire, and a trunk capacity of 500 liters.
I've been driving a Sonata and bought a used 2012 model last year, but soon encountered cylinder scoring issues. Later, I found out that the 2011-2013 models are particularly prone to this problem, mainly due to a design flaw in the engine bearings that causes severe cylinder wear when lubrication is insufficient—the sound alone is nerve-wracking. Hyundai even issued a large-scale recall in 2015 targeting these model years. I recommend buyers check the VIN against the recall list before purchasing to avoid trouble. For maintenance, pay attention to the oil grade—using full synthetic oil and changing it more frequently can reduce the risk. I learned this the hard way by not being careful. Now, I get it checked every 5,000 kilometers, which makes driving much more reassuring.
I've been repairing cars for nearly a decade and have handled numerous cases of cylinder scoring in the eighth-generation Sonata, particularly the 2011-2013 models. The reason is straightforward: their 2.4L engines had manufacturing defects, with oil pumps prone to failure, leading to insufficient lubrication and cylinder wear. Owners often experience abnormal noises or misfires after a few years, so preventive measures are crucial. I recommend frequent oil changes and avoiding prolonged high-speed driving to avoid costly repairs and downtime. Hyundai improved the design post-2014, so when buying used, prioritize newer models for safety.
My neighbor bought a 2013 Sonata two years ago, and it suffered from cylinder seizure and broke down in less than three years. I heard that models produced between 2011 and 2013 are at higher risk due to engine defects. If you're considering buying a used car, be cautious with these model years, and checking the maintenance records is crucial.
