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Hyundai · Known Issues

2010 Hyundai Sonata Problems: 6 Known Issues

2010 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata has 6 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI) ($500-$2,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $90 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Sonata Engine3
  • Sonata Fuel System2
  • Sonata Emissions1
  • Recalls12
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine3
  • Fuel System2
  • Emissions1
  • Recalls12
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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On the 2010-2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Theta II GDI I4, on the 2010-2015 Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, P0016 (Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor A) most often signals a stretched timing chain or a worn/failing chain tensioner, letting the intake cam fall out of sync with the crank. Poor oil flow and soot/metal debris in these GDI engines accelerate chain stretch and guide wear — the same oil-starvation environment behind the engine's bearing-failure lawsuit. A faulty intake Oil Control Valve (OCV) can also set it. Left unaddressed, the chain can jump time and cause valve-to-piston contact and severe engine damage.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Elantra

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rattle/whine from front of engine at startup
  • Rough running or misfire
  • Loss of power
  • Hard starting
  • Potential engine damage if ignored

How to Fix

Inspect the timing chain, guides, and tensioner; replace the chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides) if stretched. Verify oil level/quality and correct any oil-consumption problem feeding the wear. Test the intake OCV and replace if faulty. Check for open Theta II recalls/warranty extensions, as related engine repairs may be covered.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Cloyes complete timing-chain kit
    OEMCloyes 9-0976SX

    timing and oil-pump chain-system replacement after measured correlation/mechanical inspection confirms chain-system wear Fitment/availability: Cloyes 9-0976SX is cataloged by Cloyes for 2011-2015 Hyundai/Kia 2.4L applications including S…

    AutoZone

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $2,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2001-2010 Hyundai Sonata, on the EF and NF Sonata the crankshaft position sensor degrades thermally: the car starts and runs fine cold, then stalls once the engine reaches full operating temperature and refuses to restart for five to fifteen minutes until the sensor cools, after which the cycle repeats and eventually becomes a permanent no-start. It is one of the most repeated complaints on the EF and NF sub-forums. A closely related contributor on these cars is the engine wiring harness that runs from the firewall over the valve cover and down behind the power steering pump bracket - the insulation is well known for embrittling and falling away, so a car that keeps failing after a new sensor usually has a chafed sensor circuit rather than a bad sensor. This is a Sirius/Delta and Theta I era failure and should not be confused with the later Theta II GDI stall-from-rod-knock pattern, which is accompanied by knocking and metal in the oil.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Entourage, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls once warmed up
  • Cranks but will not start until it cools for 5-15 minutes
  • Intermittent stalling while driving
  • Restarts and runs briefly then dies again
  • Eventually a permanent no-start
  • Poor fuel economy before failure

How to Fix

Replace the crankshaft position sensor (typically $30-90 for the part; on the 2.7L V6 access is behind the timing cover area and labor is higher than on the 4-cylinder). Before condemning the sensor a second time, unwrap and inspect the harness section over the valve cover and behind the power steering pump bracket for cracked or missing insulation and repair the sensor circuit. Confirm with a scan tool that the crank signal drops out at the moment of stall - a camshaft position sensor or failing ignition-side component produces similar symptoms. No recall exists; this is normal-wear replacement.

Typical repair cost:$90 - $450

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2007-2019 Hyundai Sonata, on the Sonata, P0011 (Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced, Bank 1) is set when the CVVT phasing runs further advanced than commanded. The most common Sonata cause is a failed/clogged intake Oil Control Valve (OCV/VVT solenoid) — the CVVT system uses oil pressure metered by the OCV to phase the cam, so a sticking solenoid or contaminated oil passages drive the cam over-advanced. Low oil level, wrong viscosity, or dirty oil commonly cause or worsen it; a displaced timing chain is a more severe possibility. A useful field test is swapping the intake and exhaust OCVs (identical, one bolt each): if the code migrates to P0014, the moved OCV is the faulty part.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Palisade

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough idle
  • Loss of acceleration/power
  • Hesitation or stalling at idle
  • Reduced fuel economy

How to Fix

Verify oil level, condition, and correct viscosity first — top up/change oil if degraded. Test the intake OCV (coil resistance ~6.8-8.0 ohms at 68°F) and swap intake/exhaust OCVs to confirm; replace the failed OCV. Clean the OCV oil-feed screen/passages. If timing components are displaced, inspect and correct the timing chain.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Hyundai intake oil-flow control valve
    OEMHyundai 24355-2G500

    intake camshaft oil-control valve after circuit, oil and mechanical timing diagnosis confirms the valve branch Fitment/availability: Hyundai catalog branch for 2009-2014 Sonata GDI/TCI-GDI applications. Confirm VIN, engine, production da…

    HyundaiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Hyundai intake oil-control valve assembly
    OEMHyundai 24355-2B700

    intake camshaft oil-control valve after circuit, oil and mechanical timing diagnosis confirms the valve branch Fitment/availability: 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata turbo-GDI catalog branch. Confirm VIN, engine and original part number.

    HyundaiPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$120 - $450

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2005-2010 Hyundai Sonata, p0174 (System Too Lean, Bank 2) only applies to the V6 Sonata, since the four-cylinder has a single bank. On the 2.7L Delta (2005) and 3.3L Lambda (2006-2010) V6, this code most often appears alongside P0171 and points to a shared, centrally located vacuum leak — most commonly a failed upper intake manifold (plenum) gasket. When both banks read lean together, the fault is something that affects the whole engine equally: the plenum gasket, a dirty/failing MAF, a cracked PCV hose, or low fuel pressure. A leak isolated to one bank is rarer than the whole-engine plenum leak.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Excel, Hyundai Scoupe, Hyundai Tiburon

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough idle
  • Hesitation and reduced power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Both P0171 and P0174 set together

How to Fix

Smoke-test the intake to confirm the plenum gasket leak and replace the upper intake manifold gasket. Simultaneously address any common contributors: clean/replace the MAF, replace cracked PCV hoses, and verify fuel pressure. Reset trims and road-test to confirm both bank trims normalize.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Hyundai surge-tank/plenum gasket
    OEMHyundai 29215-37100

    upper plenum gasket after a smoke test confirms leakage at the surge-tank joint Fitment/availability: Hyundai 29215-37100, cataloged for 1998-2005 Sonata and identified for the 2.5L/2.7L design. Use here only for 2005 Sonata 2.7L after V…

    HyundaiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Hyundai surge-tank/plenum gasket
    OEMHyundai 29215-3C100

    upper plenum gasket after a smoke test confirms leakage at the surge-tank joint Fitment/availability: Hyundai 29215-3C100, cataloged for 2005-2007 Sonata MPI and specifically identified as the early 3.3L upper-plenum gasket; catalog quan…

    HyundaiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Hyundai surge-tank/plenum gasket
    OEMHyundai 29215-3C200

    upper plenum gasket after a smoke test confirms leakage at the surge-tank joint Fitment/availability: Hyundai 29215-3C200, cataloged for 2007-2010 Sonata MPI and the later 3.3L plenum design; catalog quantity is three. Confirm VIN and pr…

    HyundaiPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $650

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonata, on the Hyundai Sonata, P0171 (System Too Lean, Bank 1) is most commonly triggered by unmetered air entering downstream of the MAF sensor. The two dominant Sonata-specific sources are a leaking intake manifold gasket and a canister purge valve that sticks open. Because the MAF never counts this extra air, the ECM under-fuels and long-term fuel trims climb past the lean threshold. A dirty MAF hot-wire element is the third common contributor. On V6 Sonatas the upper intake plenum gasket is a known leak point; on the 2.4L four-cylinder a cracked PCV hose or brittle intake gasket is typical.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Excel, Hyundai Scoupe, Hyundai Elantra

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Hesitation on acceleration
  • Slight loss of power
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Occasional lean-related surge

How to Fix

Perform a smoke test of the intake to pinpoint the leak. Replace the intake manifold/plenum gasket if leaking; replace a stuck-open canister purge (solenoid) valve; clean or replace the MAF sensor; inspect and replace cracked PCV hoses. Clear codes and confirm fuel trims return to near zero after the repair.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Hyundai canister purge valve
    OEMHyundai 28910-25100

    purge solenoid replacement after isolation testing confirms it leaks when commanded closed Fitment/availability: Hyundai 28910-25100, cataloged for 2005-2014 Sonata GDI/MPI/TCI-GDI applications. Use here only for the issue's 2006-2014 br…

    HyundaiPartsDeal
  • Genuine Hyundai canister purge valve
    OEMHyundai 28910-3C200

    purge solenoid replacement after isolation testing confirms it leaks when commanded closed Fitment/availability: Hyundai 28910-3C200, cataloged for 2015-2019 Sonata GDI/TCI-GDI. Use here for the issue's 2015 branch after VIN and original…

    HyundaiPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$90 - $550

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2006-2010 Hyundai Sonata 3.3L Lambda V6, p0430 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 2) applies only to the V6 Sonata, which has two catalyst banks. On the 2006-2010 Sonata 3.3L Lambda V6 the bank 2 warm-up catalytic converter degrades so the downstream O2 sensor tracks the upstream sensor too closely, indicating the cat can no longer store/convert oxygen efficiently. Age, high mileage, or upstream causes (an exhaust leak or a lazy/failing O2 sensor) accelerate it.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Failed emissions/smog test
  • Slight loss of fuel economy
  • Rotten-egg exhaust smell
  • Usually no drivability change

How to Fix

Verify there is no exhaust leak and that both bank 2 O2 sensors are healthy (a failing rear sensor can mimic P0430). If the converter is confirmed inefficient, replace the bank 2 catalytic converter — replacing the O2 sensor alone sometimes clears it but usually the cat must be replaced.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $2,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls12 recalls

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Campaign #21V61900006/08/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

Campaign #16V95600030/12/2016

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

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Other Hyundai Models

Hyundai Elantra42Hyundai Tucson23Hyundai Veloster22Hyundai Palisade19Hyundai Santa Cruz17Hyundai Santa Fe17

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Hyundai Sonata problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI), Crankshaft Position Sensor Heat-Soak Failure Causing Hot Stall and Extended No-Start (EF/NF), P0430 — Bank 2 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (V6). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable?

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Hyundai Sonata problems?

Repair costs for known Hyundai Sonata issues range from $90 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI), typically costs $500-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2015 Hyundai Sonata P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain (Theta II 2.4L GDI)?

On the 2010-2015 Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, P0016 (Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation, Bank 1 Sensor A) most often signals a stretched timing chain or a worn/failing chain tensioner, letting the intake cam fall out of sync with the crank. Poor oil flow and so… Repairs typically run $500-$2,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2001-2010 Hyundai Sonata Crankshaft Position Sensor Heat-Soak Failure Causing Hot Stall and Extended No-Start (EF/NF)?

On the EF and NF Sonata the crankshaft position sensor degrades thermally: the car starts and runs fine cold, then stalls once the engine reaches full operating temperature and refuses to restart for five to fifteen minutes until the sensor cools, after which the cycle repeats an… Repairs typically run $90-$450. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #21V74900024/09/2021

PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.

Campaign #17V35900005/06/2017

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option. Due to a bonding issue with the sunroof wind deflector, the sunroof panel on the affected vehicles may detach while driving.

Campaign #16V72600011/10/2016

+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2006-2010 Hyundai Sonata P0430 — Bank 2 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (V6)?

P0430 (Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 2) applies only to the V6 Sonata, which has two catalyst banks. On the 2006-2010 Sonata 3.3L Lambda V6 the bank 2 warm-up catalytic converter degrades so the downstream O2 sensor tracks the upstream sensor too closely, indicating t… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2010 Hyundai Sonata P0174 — Bank 2 Lean from Upper Intake Plenum Gasket Leak (V6)?

P0174 (System Too Lean, Bank 2) only applies to the V6 Sonata, since the four-cylinder has a single bank. On the 2.7L Delta (2005) and 3.3L Lambda (2006-2010) V6, this code most often appears alongside P0171 and points to a shared, centrally located vacuum leak — most commonly a… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonata P0171 — Bank 1 Lean from Intake Manifold Gasket Vacuum Leak / Stuck Purge Valve?

On the Hyundai Sonata, P0171 (System Too Lean, Bank 1) is most commonly triggered by unmetered air entering downstream of the MAF sensor. The two dominant Sonata-specific sources are a leaking intake manifold gasket and a canister purge valve that sticks open. Because the MAF nev… Repairs typically run $90-$550. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2019 Hyundai Sonata P0011 — Intake Cam Over-Advanced from Failed Oil Control Valve (CVVT)?

On the Sonata, P0011 (Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced, Bank 1) is set when the CVVT phasing runs further advanced than commanded. The most common Sonata cause is a failed/clogged intake Oil Control Valve (OCV/VVT solenoid) — the CVVT system uses oil pressure metered by the O… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.