---
title: "2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata Oil Type: 5W-20, 4.8 qt"
description: "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."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/oil"
updated: "2026-08-21"
---

# 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.

**Quick answer**: The 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata (2.4L 4-cylinder (Theta II GDI)) takes 5W-20 engine oil, 4.8 quarts with a filter change. Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 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) |

Note: 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) |

Note: 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) |

Note: 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.

- [2011 Sonata](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011)
- [2012 Sonata](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2012)
- [2013 Sonata](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2013)
- [2014 Sonata](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2014)

## What changed during the 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2011 | Generation launch (US sales began in 2010 for MY2011); Sonata Hybrid joins the lineup |
| 2012-2014 | Mid-cycle facelift, Korean-built cars refreshed in 2012, North American-built cars in late 2013 for MY2014 |
| 2013 | Minor feature reshuffling among trims; the base GLS model's manual transmission is discontinued |
| 2014 | North 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)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCLRPT-15V568-9490.PDF)
- [NHTSA, 17V-226 recall notice (expanded Theta II campaign)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCONL-17V226-5273.pdf)
- [NHTSA, Hyundai consent order, Nov. 2020 (Theta II engine warranty extension)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/document/hyundaiconsentorder11272020)
- [NHTSA press release, consent orders with Hyundai and Kia over Theta II recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-announces-consent-orders-hyundai-and-kia-over-theta-ii-recall)
- [Hyundai, Campaign 966 (Knock Sensor Detection System / powertrain extended warranty)](https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/campaign966)
- [NHTSA, 23V-651 recall report (ABS module fire risk, Sonata Hybrid)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2023/RCLRPT-23V651-6950.PDF)
- [NHTSA press release, Kia and Hyundai 'park outside' fire-risk recall](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/consumer-alert-kia-and-hyundai-park-outside)
- [AMSoil lookup, 2013 Sonata 2.0T oil viscosity/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2013/hyundai/sonata/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-b-1-turbo/)
- [Goodyear, 2013 Sonata factory tire fitments by trim](https://www.goodyear.com/en-us/vehicles/Hyundai/Sonata/2013)
- [US News, 2012 Sonata 2.4L Limited specs (fuel tank, EPA mpg)](https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/hyundai/sonata/2012/specs/sonata-4dr-sdn-2-4-auto-ltd-336320)

## Other Hyundai Sonata generations

- [2020-2025 Hyundai Sonata oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2020-2025/oil)
- [2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2015-2019/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/oil).

## More for the 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/sonata/2011-2014/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.