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Reports show that 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years of Hyundai Sonata host major engine and steering issues.

The Hyundai Sonata is one of the market's most popular midsize vehicles and one of the more affordable sedans available. Elite performance, fashionable and premium interior design, and other reliable attributes make this sedan a fan favorite among those who want to buy a used top-notch vehicle.

However, just like any other vehicle, the Sonata also has its bad and troublesome years. Therefore, it’s logical to investigate properly and know everything there is to know about this vehicle line before attempting to buy a used one. So, let’s get more detailed and see what the worst years of Hyundai Sonata are, how reliable it is, how long it can last, and how much it takes to maintain it.

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According to the CarComplaints website, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata has the highest number of overall complaints and is also dubbed the worst model year factoring in criteria like repair cost and average mileage when the issues present themselves.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata suffers from major engine issues. There are a plethora of complaints stating that the engine of this model year tends to seize without any warning. “This was the third engine failure for this vehicle and the last. I am not going to go through this again and will slowly drive the vehicle to an auto-wrecking site and give it to them.

The same problem as the previous two times, a knocking noise with no warning, and the car is ready to throw a rod again. I had had it and only decided to complain when I started checking into the issue and discovered that it was an ongoing and fairly frequent issue with this particular vehicle.” Stated one Sonata owner on CarComplaints. This is a very severe problem and costs accordingly. The typical solution is replacing the engine, which normally costs around $5150.

This model year also hosts a couple of steering problems, such as clicking noises when turning or shakes and wobbles when doing so. This fairly significant problem seems to be solved by replacing the steering coupling.

Unsurprisingly, the 2012 model year also suffers from the engine and steering issues present in the previous model year. Aside from the engine seizure and steering troubles, the 2012 model has several interior and electrical problems.

Dashboard cracking, radio dying out, and cruise control difficulties are some interior issues regarding this model. These might be more minor, yet they can make quite the hassle. On the electrical side, this model’s battery tends to die. This might not be a costly issue, but it happens on low mileages, which can be a downer.

By now, it's old news that these models all suffer from the same engine problem, and the 2013 model is no exception. But this model year also suffers from issues like excessive oil consumption and lack of acceleration in the engine department.

A considerable number of owners have reported cases of cruise control malfunctioning and constant brake lights blowing as more minor yet trouble-making issues regarding the 2013 model.

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Hyundai Sonata is a reliable and enduring vehicle and typically lasts somewhere between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. With the average driver cruising around 15,000 miles a year, that’s about 13 to 14 years’ worth of driving. There have been reports of Sonatas going above the 300,000 and even higher than 350,000. This demonstrates the importance of proper care-taking and maintenance of the vehicle.

It is of the most significance to keep up with the suggested routine provided by the manufacturer to get the most out of your vehicle. Here are some of the most crucial steps in maintaining your Hyundai Sonata:

The average annual cost for maintaining a Hyundai Sonata is $458, 68 bucks lower than the average for midsize cars at $526. Additionally, the chances of a repair being severe is %11 for the Hyundai Sonata, which is lower than the %12 for the midsize car average.

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Hyundai Sonata is a well-built sedan with great offerings and reliable attributes and is in the conversation of being the best midsize sedan on the market. However, the build quality should not be a reason for you not maintaining it properly. Perform the recommended procedures religiously to get the most out of your Sonata.

Beware of 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years and avoid buying them as much as possible as they host many engine and steering issues. Also, make sure to inspect your vehicle of interest with the help of a trusted technician to avoid potential problems.

Hamed is a literature student, writer, musician, and car enthusiast. His favorite topics to write about are cars, tech, and gaming. When he's not writing, he's either playing music or listening to it.