Sonata Quality Issues Drag Down Hyundai, R&D President Returns
Just as J.D. Power ranks Hyundai fifth from dead last over quality issues regarding the 2011 Sonata, the automaker’s research and development president, Kwon Moon-sik, returns to the fold three months after quitting over a number of quality issues within the product line.
Automotive News and Reuters report Hyundai holds 27th overall on J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, with 169 problems per 100 vehicles surveyed. Though nothing was specified for the 2011 Sonata or the 2011 Elantra — the other car from 2011 that brought down Hyundai’s rank — the industry overall developed issues with engines and transmissions tied to advanced fuel-efficiency technologies, including turbocharging. The sedan’s issues are magnified due to its groundbreaking design and said technologies, shaking up the otherwise conservative midsize sedan segment on its way to becoming Hyundai’s top-selling vehicle.
Meanwhile, Hyundai chairman Chung Mong-koo has rehired R&D president Kwon Moon-sik to help right the ship as the next generation Sonata prepares to make its debut in South Korea next month, as the automaker said in a statement:
Given his expertise, experience and leadership skills, we reinstated president Kwon to enhance quality and R&D capability from scratch.
Hyundai also said they expect their dependability ratings to improve next year when the 2012 models are evaluated, though it was “very disappointed” the results of this year’s study, and is “examining every component of the score to determine root-cause solutions” for improving their product line and services.
Kwon, along with two other R&D executives, quit three months earlier over quality issues — such as those affecting the 2011 models — that led to massive recalls in the United States, South Korea and other market. He was also one of the top aides to Chung’s son, Chung Eui-sun. His replacement, Kim Hae-jin, will return to heading powertrain development.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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I owned a 2012 sonata Se 2.0 for 25,000 miles. The car was very reliable and built to a much higher standard than my 2013 escape titanium 4wd. Things like paint quality, interior fit and finish and overall feeling of Asian quality were soooo much better in the sonata. Yet the sonata never steered right down the road, it would always wander to the left or right on any road and any weather condition. After it got $6000.00 in hail damage I traded it in on the escape (resale was good). I hated the sonata over steering issues the dealer could never fix. I love my escape, and even with 4wd I get similar mpg.
We have a 2013 Sonata and the steering is fine, it goes straight down the road and rides well. The 2.4 engine and 6 speed trans work so well together, quick downshifts and good power. The GLS with thicker tires rides better than the more expensive models with the skinny tires. I have never had a "foreign" car before. We love this car and will likely get another one when the lease is up.