No offense to anyone who loves Hyundai but are Hyundais really reliable? I currently own a 2013 Hyundai Elantra since a couple years and it’s engine blew a couple months ago on 223k kms. I got the engine replaced (because my warranty was covering about 70%) but still paid about a couple grand.
I’m planning to get a new car soon in about a year or so and I really love the way Hyundais look and especially the features and interior electronics they offer. But I’ve heard a lot of people saying that Kia/Hyundai are not really as reliable as a Toyota/Honda. So need honest opinion. Please share your experience if you own the vehicle and also the after sale service/responsibility of the company. I’d also appreciate any suggestions on what engines within Hyundai are reliable. I heard the 2.0L engines have issues.
Their engines are notorious for burning oil, leading to frequent breakdowns. If you absolutely must have one (which you don’t), make it a habit to check the oil level constantly. If you feel like you’re checking too often, that’s probably the right frequency. Additionally, always carry plenty of spare oil with you wherever you go.
As a former Hyundai owner who regularly deals with a Hyundai dealership for parts and service, I wouldn’t suggest getting another one. While Hyundai and Kia excel in design, their mechanical issues are overwhelming. The service and parts departments are also frustrating to deal with; it’s hard to reach them, and they often shift blame to the last technician or the customer when something goes wrong. I went through two engines in my 2012 Sonata, which only lasted 181,000 km. Customers frequently complain about engine and transmission problems. Despite being stylish, comfortable, and user-friendly, these vehicles are not mechanically reliable. For example, I saw a customer get an oil change at 7,900 km, only to have their engine fail later that night. Kia did cover it as a manufacturer defect, but it’s not worth investing in a vehicle that spends more time in the shop than on the road. I’d highly recommend Mazda, Honda, or Toyota instead.
Look up “Theta 2 engine failures” on Google, my friend.
While they offer a 100k mile warranty, they often try to deny claims if you don’t have thorough records of engine maintenance. They’ll use the lack of documentation (among other things) to refuse coverage. Even if you do qualify for coverage, you might have to wait a while for a replacement, as many others are in the same situation.
They’re likely the worst in terms of engine reliability among sub-$100k car manufacturers.
Nearly every Hyundai-Kia vehicle is notorious for severe engine problems, with many requiring multiple complete engine replacements over their lifespan.
That’s not true. I have 130,000 km on my Theta II engine, and I’m experiencing significant issues despite doing frequent oil changes and mostly light highway driving.