The Hyundai Sonata is a popular daily driver. This post reviews the top 5 Hyundai Sonata problems owners have run into with the 6th generation, years 2011 to 2014.
Top 5 Issues with the 6th Gen Hyundai Sonata (2011 to 2014)
1. Malfunctioning Cabin Fuse Box
Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Cabin Fuse Box
- The parking lights don’t shut off when turned off
Causes of a Malfunctioning Cabin Fuse Box
An internal malfunction in the fuse box will cause the parking lights to not shut off.
How to Fix a Malfunctioning Cabin Fuse Box
The cabin fuse box is located to the left of the steering wheel. Replace the cabin fuse box.
2. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Timing Chain Tensioner
- A lot of engine noise when starting up, such as rattling
Causes of a Bad Timing Chain Tensioner
The timing chain is located inside the engine and connects the top of the engine to the bottom of the engine. When the timing chain fails, it can make loud noises like rattling when starting the car.
How to Fix a Timing Chain Tensioner
Replace the timing chain tensioner. Hyundai has updated the tensioner to prevent this problem from reoccurring.
3. Vehicle Speed Sensor
Symptoms of a Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Check engine light
- Transmission problems like slipping, jerking, or hard shifting
Causes of a Vehicle Speed Sensor
If there are performance problems with the transmission, it’s likely the vehicle speed sensor on the 6th gen Hyundai Sonata.
How to Fix a Vehicle Speed Sensor
The vehicle speed sensor is located inside the transmission. Replace the speed sensor.
4. EGR Valve
Symptoms of a Bad EGR Valve
- Rough running idle
- Rough running engine while driving
- Symptoms may be intermittent
Causes of a Bad EGR Valve
This is a common problem on the 2.6L V6 engine and the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
How to Fix a Bad EGR Valve
Replace the EGR valve.
5. Speaker and Sound Problems
Symptoms of Speaker and Sound Problems on the 6th Gen Hyundai Sonata
- No sound coming from the speakers
Causes of Speaker and Sound Problems
This problem does not apply to the hybrid models, but for the other 6th gen Sonatas there could be a glitch in the stereo system that’s causing no sound from the speakers.
How to Fix Speaker and Sound Problems
Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Wait 15 minutes. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. This should restart the system and fix the sound problem.