My 2017 Sonata Sport is burning oil! It’s got around 80k miles. No leaks underneath or in the undercarriage. I change the oil regularly, and it doesn’t run rough. I mostly drive in a 30-40 mph zone with temperatures constantly in the 90s. I don’t drive much—just short trips and I take it easy.
However, I’m topping off the oil about every 2 months, adding a quart or so. I’ve never owned a Hyundai or a turbo/sport car before… what do I do? Anyone with advice?
What’s worse… the check engine and low oil lights don’t come on .
EliTurner said:
What’s worse… the check engine and low oil lights don’t come on!
This is a known issue with these engines. You’ll have to keep an eye on the dipstick. If the oil light does come on, you’re probably already down by 2 quarts. Eventually, the engine might blow. There’s a problem with metal shavings in these engines that leads to rod bearing failures. If that happens and it’s before 100k miles, it may be covered under warranty. There’s also a big class action lawsuit, so Hyundai’s already paying a lot for this.
@StephieStephie
Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening? Could anything be replaced to help stop the issue? I’m not too familiar with engine designs.
EliTurner said:
@StephieStephie
Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening? Could anything be replaced to help stop the issue? I’m not too familiar with engine designs.
I’m not sure if there’s a way to prevent this problem. Most people with these issues kept up with oil changes. The issue likely started during the engine’s assembly, where metal shavings were left in there. If the oil level gets too low, it just worsens the problem. GDI engines have been around for a while, but it seems Hyundai and Kia’s engines are the ones facing the most serious issues and recalls. You might want to try a fuel system cleaner or visit a shop to have it checked.
EliTurner said:
What’s worse… the check engine and low oil lights don’t come on!
My 2016 Sonata does the same! I keep extra oil in the trunk and check it weekly.
I’ve had two Sonatas and both did the same thing.
WayneSonataTalk said:
I’ve had two Sonatas and both did the same thing.
Yikes! I’m lucky I’ve been keeping an eye on it. If not, the engine would’ve seized.
I’ve mentioned before that the 2017 Sonatas have this issue with burning oil. They’ll replace the engine if they can prove it’s excessive. I had the same issue, and they replaced my engine at no cost. They also gave me a rental car while they worked on it. The car is great other than the engine problem.
@QuantumQuest
How did the process go for you? I’m the third owner of mine.
EliTurner said:
@QuantumQuest
How did the process go for you? I’m the third owner of mine.
Go to the dealership and mention the excessive oil burning. They’ll change the oil, top it off, and you’ll need to drive it for 1,000 miles. Then they’ll check the oil and if it’s below a certain amount, they’ll decide if the engine is defective. I was the original owner and had a good maintenance record, so that may have helped my case.
@QuantumQuest
The issue is I’m outside the US on a base until 2026. Who should I contact to start the process and get the documentation going?
EliTurner said:
@QuantumQuest
How did the process go for you? I’m the third owner of mine.
You should still be under the original engine warranty with around 80k miles. I had the engine replaced when it had about the same mileage, 4 years ago.
@QuantumQuest
That’s not the case. OP mentioned being the 3rd owner. The 10-year, 100k-mile powertrain warranty only applies to the original owner or vehicles purchased as CPO from Hyundai dealers. Otherwise, it’s a 5-year, 60k-mile warranty, which has already expired. Though this car is part of the class action settlement, that only covers engine failures due to faulty rod bearings, not excessive oil consumption. Oil consumption could eventually lead to rod bearing failure. Right now, OP just has to monitor the oil level and add oil when needed.
Sounds like the engine’s on its way out. I was adding oil every week and a half before mine threw its rods. The second engine has been fine so far, but I’m worried about the burnt oil residue in the catalytic converter from the first engine. I was the second owner and kept receipts for my oil changes. The dealer saw I had oil in my trunk for emergency fill-ups. I got mine replaced under the recall warranty at 175k kilometers (110k miles). It’s been okay since.
@GermanicExpert
110k miles for an engine replacement is crazy. Everything is built to fail these days, I swear.
I’m going through the exact same thing with my Sonata. The dealer said burning 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles is normal, but I burn closer to 3 quarts. They did an oil change and I have to go back after 1,000 miles. If it burns more than a quart, they’ll send the info to Hyundai for approval for valve cleaning. If that doesn’t work (the dealer says it never does), they’ll authorize the engine replacement. Hyundai and Kia are aware of the issue and there are lawsuits about it. If you don’t have your oil change receipts, they charge around $400 to open the engine, take photos, and send them to Hyundai for approval.
@Steve
Is there a specific department I should contact? I’m stuck in GTMO until 2026, and I’m worried I’ll miss an opportunity. I’ve always taken good care of my car, but I want to start building a record if they do repairs.
Side note… I’ve got the white paint of doom. lol
Thanks so much for the feedback! But what’s the science behind this? How do metal shavings, bearings, rods, and who knows what else make the oil disappear into thin air? I’m really puzzled.
My 2016 burns so much oil I have to top it off every week. I go through 3 quarts every 1,000 miles.