My dealer has repeatedly indicated on my service invoices that they are putting 5W-20 oil in my 2012 turbo. When I've told the service reps that the manual does not call for 5W-20, I've received different explanations, which I won't go into at this time.
The last time this happened (5/30/2013) I contacted Hyundai, explaining that the manual calls for 5W-30 or 5W-40. I received this response:
"Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the recommend oils required for your 2012 Sonata Turbo.
We would like to clarify that depending on your region certain oils will very. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM /ILSAC GF-4) which is stated in your Owner's Manual in section 8 page 5.
We like to assure you that [removed] has factory-trained Hyundai technicians that will provide the best service to protect your investment."
I responded:
"Thank you for your prompt response.
I dont interpret the Owners Manual as you do. All the notations in my manual (Section 8, page 5) regarding 5W-20 oil are associated with the normally aspirated 2.4L engine. 5W-20 oil is not listed as an option for the turbo engine in the table, as it is with the 2.4L engine. Footnote *1 regarding 5W-20 oil and fuel economy is specifically associated with the 2.4L engine. There is a '*1' directly to the right of 'Engine Oil (2.4 GDI)' which associates that engine with the comment below regarding 5W-20 engine oil and fuel economy. There is no corresponding '*1' next to 'Engine Oil (2.0 TGDI)'. Footnote *1 below the chart is not a general comment pertaining to both engines. It is specifically associated with the normally aspirated engine. My cars engine is the 2.0L turbo."
I didn't send a copy of the pertinent manual page as I thought Hyundai's email system might reject my email with an attachment. However, it's clear that 5W-20 is not an option listed for the turbo in section 8, page 5 of the 2012 manual.
Hyundai responded:
"Thank you for your most recent response.
As we are the Customer Service aspect of Hyundai. We defer to the expertise of the technicians at our dealerships in all technical and mechanical matters. If you would like further clarification on the type of engine oil that is best for your Sonata, we would like to advise to speak to the Service Manager of your preferred Hyundai dealership.
To locate an authorized Hyundai dealership, the following options are available:
- Website: http://www.HyundaiUSA.com (click on "Find a Dealer" in the upper right corner, enter your zip code and click on "Locate")
- Call: (866) 400-0384 (enter zip code for automated assistance)
If you are in need of further assistance, you can reach us by calling our toll-free customer service number at (800) 633-5151. Our hours of operation are 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time Saturday and Sunday.
When contacting us, please reference your case number xxx and any Case Manager can assist you.
Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America and thank you for being part of our growing family!"
Any comments on Hyundai's response?
The last time this happened (5/30/2013) I contacted Hyundai, explaining that the manual calls for 5W-30 or 5W-40. I received this response:
"Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the recommend oils required for your 2012 Sonata Turbo.
We would like to clarify that depending on your region certain oils will very. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-20 (API SM /ILSAC GF-4) which is stated in your Owner's Manual in section 8 page 5.
We like to assure you that [removed] has factory-trained Hyundai technicians that will provide the best service to protect your investment."
I responded:
"Thank you for your prompt response.
I dont interpret the Owners Manual as you do. All the notations in my manual (Section 8, page 5) regarding 5W-20 oil are associated with the normally aspirated 2.4L engine. 5W-20 oil is not listed as an option for the turbo engine in the table, as it is with the 2.4L engine. Footnote *1 regarding 5W-20 oil and fuel economy is specifically associated with the 2.4L engine. There is a '*1' directly to the right of 'Engine Oil (2.4 GDI)' which associates that engine with the comment below regarding 5W-20 engine oil and fuel economy. There is no corresponding '*1' next to 'Engine Oil (2.0 TGDI)'. Footnote *1 below the chart is not a general comment pertaining to both engines. It is specifically associated with the normally aspirated engine. My cars engine is the 2.0L turbo."
I didn't send a copy of the pertinent manual page as I thought Hyundai's email system might reject my email with an attachment. However, it's clear that 5W-20 is not an option listed for the turbo in section 8, page 5 of the 2012 manual.
Hyundai responded:
"Thank you for your most recent response.
As we are the Customer Service aspect of Hyundai. We defer to the expertise of the technicians at our dealerships in all technical and mechanical matters. If you would like further clarification on the type of engine oil that is best for your Sonata, we would like to advise to speak to the Service Manager of your preferred Hyundai dealership.
To locate an authorized Hyundai dealership, the following options are available:
- Website: http://www.HyundaiUSA.com (click on "Find a Dealer" in the upper right corner, enter your zip code and click on "Locate")
- Call: (866) 400-0384 (enter zip code for automated assistance)
If you are in need of further assistance, you can reach us by calling our toll-free customer service number at (800) 633-5151. Our hours of operation are 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time Saturday and Sunday.
When contacting us, please reference your case number xxx and any Case Manager can assist you.
Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America and thank you for being part of our growing family!"
Any comments on Hyundai's response?