Hyundai Sonata Generation 3 (2011–2019)

Hyundai Sonata Generation 3 (2011–2019) — production years, market prices by model year, NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, and live listings for sale on VehiSales.

Hyundai Sonata — body generations

Generation Produced Facelift
Generation 3 2011–2019 —
Generation 4 2020–present —

Vehicles within one generation share the same platform and body style.

Engines used in the Sonata

Engine families this model shipped with, by NHTSA VIN build data — each links to every model that shares it.

Engine Years in this model Also used in VIN builds ⓘ
Hyundai 2.0L 4-cylinder 1997–2019 13 models 27

About this generation

Hyundai commenced development of the YF Sonata in 2005, with a development cost of ₩450 billion (US$372 million). In the Australian, New Zealand, Singapore, and Colombian markets, the YF is retailed under the name Hyundai i45, following the alphanumeric i-series nomenclature established by Hyundai in these markets. The vehicle was badged as a "Sonata" in Eastern Europe, just as in North America and South Korea. Sales of the YF Sonata in South Korea began on 2 September 2009, before the production vehicle's South Korean launch.

The US version of the sixth generation Sonata was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales beginning in 2010 for the 2011 model year. The Sonata was the second vehicle, after the Tucson, to carry Hyundai's then-radical "Fluidic Sculpture" design language. For the US market, the sixth generation Sonata boasted a direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This new engine improves fuel economy and produces a maximum of at 6300 rpm and at 4250 rpm.

It is part of the Theta II engine lineup. Furthermore, a timing chain was introduced along with a new six-speed automatic transmission. This Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel. In South Korea, the YF Sonata is delivered with a 2.0-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output , Max torque of 20.2 kg·m). Its fuel economy has improved 11%. A direct-injection 2.4-liter four cylinder engine and a 2.0 turbocharged engine was available.

Exclusive options for the Korean model includes a three-piece panoramic moonroof, electroluminescent instrumentation, fender-mounted turn signals, and a special Premier Beige model. Upgraded audio uses a JBL system, and certain navigation packages come with a telecommunications system with Hyundai's Mozen system. For the North American model, GLS, SE, and Limited trims were offered. A six-speed manual transmission came standard on the GLS, and a six-speed automatic is available.

Differences with the Korean model include differences with the GLS model, which features a body-colored grille and door handles, and different steel wheel covers. Limited models and optional stereos on the GLS and SE now have "Dimension" audio systems, and the Limited trim has an optional Infinity stereo. Limited models have standard front and rear heated seats, the first such offering in this segment. Additional differences include different cupholders, a redesigned straight leather shifter as rather than the gated one on Korean models, and an additional exterior color choice, Indigo Blue Pearl.

The 6th generation Sonata was awarded Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States. The Sonata 2.0T was released in December 2010. For the 2012 model year, Hyundai's new Blue Link system was offered as standard equipment, and the Limited model included a new standard three-piece panoramic sunroof. SE models had an optional backup camera included with navigation packages, and navigation systems included a new 7-inch display from the previous 6.5-inch.

For 2013, the list of standard features was changed slightly, including heated front seats on SE models, and heated rear seats on Limited models. An automatic transmission also came standard on GLS models, the manual was no longer offered. The GLS Popular Equipment Package now included fog lights and heated front seats. The Limited trims now no longer included the panoramic sunroof, but instead included a standard size sunroof.

A panoramic sunroof offered on the Limited Premium Package. In January 2013 the i45 was discontinued in Australia following slow sales and limited supplies. In turn, the expanded i40 range filled the gap left by the i45. The i45 has also been discontinued in Colombia, and replaced with the smaller i40 sedan, leaving Singapore and New Zealand as the only two markets still selling the vehicle under the i45 name at that time.

Source: Wikipedia — Hyundai Sonata — Sixth generation (YF; 2009), CC BY-SA.

Market by model year

Year Units for sale Median price Vs newest Avg mileage
2015 661 $9,995 70% 106,925 mi
2016 600 $9,995 70% 100,109 mi
2017 486 $11,627 81% 97,115 mi
2018 946 $13,288 93% 80,148 mi
2019 673 $14,268 100% 72,834 mi

Inventory and price data refreshed daily; last updated .

Recalls & complaints by year (NHTSA)

Year Recalls Complaints Most reported
2011 14 3,463 Steering, Engine, Electrical System
2012 8 1,704 Engine, Steering, Electrical System
2014 7 769 Engine, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting
2015 9 1,170 Engine, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
2016 6 1,000 Engine, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other
2017 3 868 Engine, Steering, Unknown Or Other
2018 1 9 Engine, Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance
2019 0 159 Engine, Unknown Or Other, Exterior Lighting

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

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