2011–2014 YF (6th generation)
2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata Oil Type and Capacity
The 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata takes 5W-20 engine oil, 4.8 quarts with a filter change by engine. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L 4-cylinder (Theta II GDI) oil
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Owner's-manual alternate for warmer climates); 10W-30 (Acceptable only where ambient temperature stays above freezing) |
| Oil standard | API SM or later |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.8 qt / 4.5 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi / 3 months (severe service) |
Aftermarket capacity guides disagree (4.6–5.1 qt); owner-manual figures cited by owners range 4.86–5.07 qt with filter. Confirm the exact number in your VIN's manual before topping off.
2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (Theta II Turbo GDI) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-40 (Reported acceptable alternate in some fitment guides. Confirm in manual) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.9 qt / 4.6 L |
| Synthetic required | Yes |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service) |
The turbocharged Theta II is more prone to oil dilution and wear than the naturally aspirated 2.4L, on-time changes with full synthetic matter more here.
2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Hybrid (Nu 2.4L GDI + electric motor) oil
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.8 qt / 4.5 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe) |
Capacity assumed equal to the non-hybrid 2.4L (same Nu/Theta-family block); not independently confirmed as a hybrid-specific figure this session, verify on the dipstick.
Which Hyundai Sonata model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Hyundai Sonata built from 2011 through 2014 — the YF (6th generation), mid-size sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata
- 2011Generation launch (US sales began in 2010 for MY2011); Sonata Hybrid joins the lineup
- 2012–2014Mid-cycle facelift, Korean-built cars refreshed in 2012, North American-built cars in late 2013 for MY2014
- 2013Minor feature reshuffling among trims; the base GLS model's manual transmission is discontinued
- 2014North American-built Sonatas receive the mid-cycle refresh previewed on Korean-built cars in 2012 (new grille, LED-accented lighting, revised wheels); first US-built model year with the facelifted styling
2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.4L 4-cylinder (Theta II GDI) takes 4.8 quarts; The 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder (Theta II Turbo GDI) takes 4.9 quarts; The 2.4L Hybrid (Nu 2.4L GDI + electric motor) takes 4.8 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata take?
- 5W-20 meeting API SM or later. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata?
- The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (Owner's-manual alternate for warmer climates), 10W-30 (Acceptable only where ambient temperature stays above freezing). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.
How often does a 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata need an oil change?
- 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi / 3 months (severe service). Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.
Sources
- NHTSA, 15V-568 recall report (Theta II connecting rod bearing)
- NHTSA, 17V-226 recall notice (expanded Theta II campaign)
- NHTSA, Hyundai consent order, Nov. 2020 (Theta II engine warranty extension)
- NHTSA press release, consent orders with Hyundai and Kia over Theta II recalls
- Hyundai, Campaign 966 (Knock Sensor Detection System / powertrain extended warranty)
- NHTSA, 23V-651 recall report (ABS module fire risk, Sonata Hybrid)
- NHTSA press release, Kia and Hyundai 'park outside' fire-risk recall
- AMSoil lookup, 2013 Sonata 2.0T oil viscosity/capacity
- Goodyear, 2013 Sonata factory tire fitments by trim
- US News, 2012 Sonata 2.4L Limited specs (fuel tank, EPA mpg)