Segment:
Mid-size sedan, family car, commuter vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata.
Styling:
Sleek, modern, European-inspired design influenced by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer.
Value Proposition:
Offers a compelling blend of style, features, and performance for its price point.
Safety Focus:
Equipped with a range of standard and available safety features.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, assembly, and overhaul for all applicable engine variants.
Engine Performance:
Troubleshooting and diagnosis of engine performance issues, including fuel delivery, ignition, and emissions.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and maintenance procedures for the manual transmission, including clutch system and gear selection.
Transmission Automatic:
Comprehensive repair, diagnosis, and overhaul procedures for the automatic transmission, including torque converter and valve body.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle and driveshaft assembly, including CV joints and boots.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, and wheel bearings.
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, including diagnosis, adjustments, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS, EBD, and TCS diagnostics and repair. Includes brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan operation, and coolant specifications.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipe replacement and repair.
Electrical System:
12V battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, and fuse/relay locations.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and bulb replacement procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, and component replacement.
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and trim.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, carpeting, and interior trim panel removal and installation.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seatbelt mechanisms.
Infotainment System:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), and display unit troubleshooting.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and component inspections.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major vehicle systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, assembly, and reinstallation.
Component Replacement:
Specific guidance for replacing wear items such as brake pads, spark plugs, belts, and filters.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, circuit descriptions, and diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models with specific safety equipment)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific equipment)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System standard
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution standard
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control standard
TCS:
Traction Control System standard
Vdc:
Vehicle Dynamic Control standard
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Dual front seat-mounted side airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 12,000 miles (19,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum: 105,000 miles (169,000 km). Iridium: 105,000 miles (169,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km); replace approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal driving conditions, more frequently under severe conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5)
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Antifreeze Coolant (Green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 2.4L Theta II GDI engines (though MPI is primary for 2012) have been subject to oil consumption issues. The 2012 MPI is generally more robust, but vigilance is recommended.
Steering Noise:
Reports of popping or clicking noises from the steering column or electric power steering system, often related to the intermediate shaft or rack.
Battery Drain:
Occasional reports of parasitic battery drain, potentially related to control modules or aftermarket accessories.