I’ve been browsing different car brands, and I really like the options that new Hyundai Sonatas have. I’ve heard about engine problems that older Sonatas have, but how are the newer cars? How are the 2021-present cars’ reliability?
My 2017 2.4L w/ 80k miles has been through 3 accidents and not 1 problem starting up ever 
Honestly, it’s too soon to know but I see very few complaints thus far. The new engine series is called Smartstream. We can only hope corporate has righted the major wrongs as this will be their engine for the next decade.
The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine seems like a reliable choice, port and DI injection, low stress, should negate carbon buildup on the valves. The 2.5T has a lot of power if that’s for you.
Whatever you buy, Hyundai or Toyota or otherwise, stick with 5k mile (8k km) oil changes max. All manufacturers are threading the engineering needle to gain fuel economy, they cannot be abused like a 1990 Honda Civic only making 92hp in days of old.
@Haru
fwiw, I change the oil on my 2009 Elantra with synthetic every 10k miles, and I tow with it (4x8 trailer, 16’ fishing boat) - no problems as of 174k miles.
Shane said:
@Haru
fwiw, I change the oil on my 2009 Elantra with synthetic every 10k miles, and I tow with it (4x8 trailer, 16’ fishing boat) - no problems as of 174k miles.
2009… that’s why. Post 2010s, car manufacturers started seriously experimenting with ‘doodads’ to save fuel to meet CAFE standards. There were good and bad implementations (insert… Nissan CVT as example).
Shane said:
@Haru
fwiw, I change the oil on my 2009 Elantra with synthetic every 10k miles, and I tow with it (4x8 trailer, 16’ fishing boat) - no problems as of 174k miles.
Wow at 10k miles! Mobil 1 oil? Hyundai is putting Quaker State as their oil. Not sure I trust that, would rather use Castrol or Mobil 1.
@Chen
Yep, still going strong, still towing regularly. Just replaced the timing belt and put on new PowerStop brakes.
Shane said:
@Haru
fwiw, I change the oil on my 2009 Elantra with synthetic every 10k miles, and I tow with it (4x8 trailer, 16’ fishing boat) - no problems as of 174k miles.
My 2009 Elantra is going strong. 106k miles with no mechanical problems.
@Haru
My dealer sent me away when I wanted to change mine at 3500 intervals. Said Hyundai was not warranting engine failures due to too frequent oil changes. Completely nuts.
Reed said:
@Haru
My dealer sent me away when I wanted to change mine at 3500 intervals. Said Hyundai was not warranting engine failures due to too frequent oil changes. Completely nuts.
I’ve worked as a tech for Hyundai for over a decade and am a shop foreman and have never seen or heard of this before. Sounds like bullshit.
@Kiernan
I wish I would have recorded his explanation. Service manager said that changing oil too often on these newer engines causes it to ‘wash out’ the inside of the motor leading to damage. He said, ‘I’d cancel my appointment for today if I were you and stop while you’re ahead. Hyundai won’t cover engine damage if you change the oil so often.’ I’m going to the management of the dealership here soon and letting them know I’ve called every other Hyundai dealer in the surrounding area and everyone had the same response that what he said doesn’t make sense.
@Kiernan
Might have been for the complimentary ‘free’ service? I would pay out of pocket if the case, save the free one for the next service. That’s my guess.
Haru said:
@Kiernan
Might have been for the complimentary ‘free’ service? I would pay out of pocket if the case, save the free one for the next service. That’s my guess.
Maybe, but we certainly don’t deny warranty for people doing more frequent maintenance.
@Kiernan
I got turned away at 5,000 and 6,000 for the complimentary service as well and was told I was only allowed to come once my odometer was past 7,000 at the earliest here in CA. But definitely wasn’t advised to not do it on my own like you said for fear of voiding warranty.
@Val
… because Hyundai is paying for it as part of the sales agreement (contract). Open your wallet, pay the $70 to protect that $8000 engine on the $50k vehicle you just bought. Use the complimentary one on the next one. Easy.
@Haru
Nah like I said they didn’t tell me not to do it, but more so agreeing with the other commenter that they definitely won’t do it until those set intervals. Like you said I get it done much more regularly than what Hyundai covers in the complimentary oil changes.
@Val
Got it. Unfortunately I think many people wait, hoping for that ‘free’ oil change, as it’s free. For low mileage drivers, or true severe-service drivers, they can be waiting a long time, too long… to their detriment.
@Val
Get an independent mechanic to change it at 3500 and go to Hyundai at 7000. More peace of mind is worth it.
@Kiernan
Yes, ass backwards… more to the story IMO.
Haru said:
@Kiernan
Might have been for the complimentary ‘free’ service? I would pay out of pocket if the case, save the free one for the next service. That’s my guess.
They sold an oil change package that the new service manager didn’t want available anymore because they weren’t making money on it. So this oil change was going to be one of the ones from the oil change package. I think it was like 3 oil changes for $150 or $180 or something.