Hyundai Sonata EF
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
165–175 PS
2.7L V6 (Delta) Benzin
Family sedan, mile-eater
Decent165–175 PS
2.7L V6 (Delta) Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Hyundai Sonata EF is available with 2 engine variants — from 131 to 175 hp.
The Hyundai 2.0L MPI (Sirius II) (Benziner, 131–136 PS) has the G4JS (2.0L MPI (Sirius II)) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.4L (Sirius II) (Benziner, 143 PS) has the G4JP (2.4L (Sirius II)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: front subframe rusts through Hyundai recalled approximately 608,000 Sonata EF (2001–2004) due to perforation of the front subframe. Rust caused by inadequate drainage holes; control arms can detach — acute accident risk. Symptoms: Fist-sized rust pockets on subframe, unstable chassis, wheel detaches if control arm breaks from 130,000 km | Low | |
| Recall: fuel tank leakage fire risk 2004 recall for 263,968 vehicles: fuel tank mounting defective, fuel can escape and ignite at ignition sources. Fire risk. Symptoms: Fuel smell, visible leak under the tank | Low | |
| Recall: loss of drive force — accident risk Recall April 2009 for 188,282 vehicles: vehicle can lose driving force at the wheels, front wheel can contact fender. Increased accident risk. Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive, grinding noise from front | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Sonata EF (1998–2004) — 19 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G6BA (2.7L V6 (Delta)). Typical issues affect Other, Body, Electronics, Rust.
Sonata (G4JS, 1998–2001) — Be Careful: Sirius timing belt — critical maintenance interval, Timing belt failure with valve damage, Oil seal ageing leaks. Power: 131–136 PS.
Sonata (G4JP, 1998–2001) — Be Careful: Timing belt 2.4 Sirius — interference engine, Oil seal ageing leaks, Oil consumption piston rings 2.4 Sirius. Power: 143 PS.
Sonata (G6BA, 2001–2004) — Stay Away!: Timing Belt Failure — Interference Engine, Water Pump Belt Drive Leaks, Timing Belt Fails Prematurely. Power: 173 PS.
What to watch out for with the Hyundai Sonata? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee