Hyundai Sonata NF
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
232–250 PS
3.3L V6 (Lambda) Benzin
Family sedan, mile-eater
Decent162–192 PS
2.4L GDi (Theta II) Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Hyundai Sonata NF is available with 4 engine variants — from 113 to 250 hp.
The Hyundai 2.0L CRDi (Diesel, 136–140 PS) has the D4EA (2.0L CRDi) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.0L (Theta) (Benziner, 144 PS) has the G4KA (2.0L (Theta)) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 2.4L GDi (Theta II) (Benziner, 162 PS) has the G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Hyundai 3.3L V6 (Lambda) (Benziner, 232–235 PS) has the G6DB (3.3L V6 (Lambda)) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi automatic transmission: reverse gear failure The Mitsubishi F4A42 automatic transmission in the Sonata NF is known for reverse gear failures. Clutch packs and solenoids wear, requiring a full transmission overhaul. Cost: 2,500–3,000 euros. Symptoms: Reverse gear difficult or impossible to engage; transmission jerks when selecting 'R'; burnt smell from transmission fluid; metal particles in oil from 120,000 km | High | |
| Transmission problems with continuous city driving Transmission shows problems with continuous city driving without fluid changes. Regular transmission fluid changes are explicitly recommended as a preventive measure. Symptoms: Harsh gear changes, transmission jerks on shift, poor warm shift behaviour from 100,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Sonata NF (2004–2008) — 24 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4KJ (2.4L GDi (Theta II)). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Rust, Suspension.
Sonata (D4EA, 2006–2008) — Be Careful: Common-rail injector wear, Turbocharger failure, Head gasket failure. Power: 136–140 PS.
Sonata (G4KA, 2004–2008) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches — valve collision risk, Oil sludge buildup from overextended change interval, Timing belt failure with engine damage. Power: 144 PS.
Sonata (G4KJ, 2005–2008) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Damage from Metal Swarf (Recall), Theta-II Recall: Connecting Rod Bearing Damage 2.4 GDi, Timing Chain Slack with Risk of Valve Contact. Power: 162 PS.
Sonata (G6DB, 2005–2008) — Be Careful: Water Pump Leak, Timing belt failure — engine damage, Oil Consumption and Camshaft Wear. Power: 232–235 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
What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Sonata NF have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee