2011 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 3,376 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 116 involved a crash and 112 involved a fire. 85 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemApr 5, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
Campaign 16V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchNov 16, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Campaign 15V759000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsOct 7, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
Campaign 15V629000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineSep 10, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Campaign 15V568000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.
If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.
Campaign 14V433000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorOct 1, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.
Campaign 10V457000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorSep 20, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V426000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchMar 2, 2010
HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.
THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V070000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
443 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP BRAKE LAMP AND THE STARTER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2015
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA DEFECT IN THE LIGHT STEM SWITCH THAT CAUSES HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS TO FLICKER *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE OCCASIONAL EPISODES OF FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAM. *JB
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2014
OIL LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF TWICE. CAR WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. STOPPED TO CHECK OIL; ABSOLUTELY NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. NO SIGN OF LEAK; NO SMOKING; NO OTHER INDICATION OF PROBLEM. PUT 3 QUARTS OF OIL IN THE CAR. KNOCKING SOUND WAS WORSE. DROVE CAR HOME AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT SINCE. THIS IS ONE OF MANY PROBLEMS I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR. I GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES. I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT YET DUE TO COST AND OUT OF WARRANTY. I'VE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF LOSS OF OIL RESULTING IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO INDICATION THAT THE OIL WAS EVEN LOW WHICH I ATTRIBUTE TO THE FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SINCE I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT AS WELL. IT'S MY OPINION THAT THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE READ THIS YEAR MODEL HAS OVER 900 PROBLEMS WHILE OTHER YEAR MODELS HAVE AVERAGE OF 230 SOMETHING PROBLEMS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS CAR SHOULD BE COMPLETELY RECALLED AND REPLACED BY HYUNDAI DEALER. *JS
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2014
PUSH TO START DOES START WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE CAR MANUALLY SINCE THE CAR WON'T EVEN OPEN WITH THE REMOTE. I THEN HAVE TO STRUGGLE WHILE IN THE CAR TRYING TO PUSH THE START BUTTON AND STEP ON THE BRAKE. SOMETIMES IT TURNS ON, OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T. ITS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST YEAR. AND ALREADY HAPPENED TWICE THIS WEEK. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 28, 2014
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OCCURRENCES WHERE IT FEELS AS IF MY CAR IS GOING TO STALL. I ATTEMPTED TO START MY CAR THIS MORNING WHERE IT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED IN 2012, THE BATTERY REPLACED 2013 AND NOW HYUNDAI CLAIMS IT IS MY STARTER LEVER THAT ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (2014). I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER HYUNDAI OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUE. NOW, I HAVE TO PAY OVER $300 TO HAVE THE STARTER LEVER REPLACED WHICH WILL NOW BE MY 3RD ISSUE SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR. ALSO, I DID SUFFER FROM THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE THAT WAS RECENTLY RECALLED AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BACK LIGHT SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE RECALL WAS INITIATED. DUE TO MY CONTINUATION OF BRAKE LIGHT ISSUES POST RECALL CHANGE, I AM TOLD THAT THE LAMP HAS MELTED DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE BULB OVERHEATING THE LAMP. I DO NOT SEE HOW ANY OF THESE ISSUES ARE MY FAULT AND BELIEVE THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD RECALL, AND REPLACE ALL OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2014
PUSH START BUTTON FAILED TO WORK. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2014
MY 2011 SONATA WAS PURCHASE BRAND NEW. AFTER JUST HAVING THE VEHICLE 2 1/2 YEARS I NOTICED THAT I HAD ALREADY ACCUMULATED 48000 MILES. I HAVE NOT WORKED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE NOT TRAVELED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FURTHEST ONE WAY THAT I MAY GO IS 10 MILES TO SHOP. I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR 15 DAYS EACH MONTH. I HAVE NOW HAD MY CAR 3 YRS AND 4 MONTHS AND I ALREADY HAVE 69,000 MILES ON IT. WHICH MEANS THAT BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2013 AND TODAY, I HAVE PUT 21000 MILES ON THE CAR. THAT IS FAR FROM RIGHT. I HAVE ONLY PUT ABOUT 5000 - 8000 ON THE VEHICLE, IF THAT MANY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED A CAMERA TO PROVE ANY MECHANICAL ERROR SINCE THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS IS AFFECTING MY WARRANTY SINCE I HAVE GONE OVER 60000 AND A LOT OF MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WILL NO LONGER BE COVERED. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2014
MY WIFE AND I CAME OUT OF THE STORE, UNLOCKED THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. NO LIGHTS, NO NOISE, NO CRANK, ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE TO TURNING THE KEY. I THEN REMOVED THE KEY, PUT IT BACK IN, AND AGAIN NOTHING. I THEN PULLED KEYS, GOT OUT, LOCKED THE AND THEN UNLOCKED THE CAR AND THEN SUCCESSFULLY GOT THE CAR ON. TODAY, SEPT. 3, MY WIFE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN, BUT IT TOOK MUCH LONGER UNTIL SHE COULD GET IT TO GO. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2014
AFTER STOPPING AND PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOES NOT TURN OFF. I GET A MESSAGE SAYING PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AT TURNING ENGINE ON AND OFF, CAR SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF. THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR. AT FIRST IT SEEMED TO BE CAUSED BY SOMETHING RESTING AGAINST THE TRANSMISSION LEVER (E.G. A PIECE OF PAPER OF A DVD). NOW, IT SEEMS TO BE INDEPENDENT OF ANY OBJECT RESTING AGAINST IT. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 30, 2014
HELLO, I'M NOT SURE IF THIS QUALIFIES, BUT THIS VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THE COMPRESSOR KICKING ON FOR AIR CONDITIONING (PER MY OWN EXPERIENCE AND EXAMINING FORUMS OF OTHER USERS). THE A/C DOES NOT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR HASN'T BEEN TURNED ON FOR 3 OR 4 HOURS. THIS CAN BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN WARM AREAS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2014
IN FEBRUARY 2014 WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING AT ALL. WE WOULD PUT OUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PRESS THE BUTTON AND IT JUST SITS THERE. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT MANY LOCATIONS UNTIL IT DECIDED TO CRANK. I CALLED RICK CASE IN ROSWELL GA AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN IF IT DOES IT AGAIN. NOW THE NEXT THING THAT STARTED TO HAPPEN WAS THE TRANSMISSION LIGHTS P, R, N AND D WOULD START FLASHING AND GO BLANK AS WE WERE DRIVING THEN YOU COULD FEEL THE CAR LOOSE POWER. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR SO THIS WENT ON FOR A BIT UNTIL IT FINALLY QUIT STARTING AND SAT IN THE GARAGE FOR THE TOW TRUCK WHO HAD TO USE A SCREW DRIVER AND IT SLIPPED INTO R EASILY BECAUSE IT WONT START. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT GET IT STARTED AND KEPT IT FOR MANY DAYS SAYING EVERYTHING IS FINE WE THINK THE STARTER WAS GOING AND WE HAD BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD US IT DOES NOT COVER THAT SO WE HAD TO COME UP WITH $552,77. I AM NOT WORKING NOW DUE TO CUSHING DISEASE SO WE ARE DOWN TO ONE CAR. MY HUSBAND HAD TO GET RIDES TO WORK DAILY. I ALSO FOUND IT VERY ODD THAT THE MANAGER MADE US SIGN A FORM STATING WE WOULD NOT BRING THIS CAR BACK WITH THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. THE CAR IS STILL ACTING UP SO WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. WE DO LIKE THE CAR AND WOULD TRADE IT IN BUT WE ARE UPSIDE DOWN AND THE PAYMENTS WOULD BE SO MUCH. WE FEEL WE DO NEED TO GET OUR MONEY BACK BECAUSE I TRULY BELIEVE IT WAS NOT THE STARTER.PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO WITH A CAR WE ARE NOW SCARED TO DRIVE. MY SON IS 16 AND THIS WOULD BE HIS CAR BUT NOT KNOW. THANK YOU THEY GAVE ME CASE#[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 31, 2014
WHEN DRIVING 45 MILES PER HOUR OR 25 MPH, THE CARS RPM'S REV REALLY HIGH AND THE CAR GETS STUCK, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY, THE RPM"S REVVED REALLY HIGH AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MOVE. THEN THE D ON THE DASHBOARD DROPPED FROM D TO 4 TO 3 TO 2...... I HAD TO WAIT FOR IT TO SHIFT BACK INTO GEAR ON ITS OWN AND THEN IT WENT BACK INTO DRIVE AND I COULD MOVE. HOWEVER IT CONTINUED TO DO THAT 4 TIMES LATER IN THE SAME DAY. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY KEEP SAYING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE 3 SMALL CHILDREN SO I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS IT IS CONTINUING TO DO IT. GETTING STUCK IN GEAR IS NOT SAFE NOR IS HAVING THE RPM'S REV THAT HIGH AND BEING STUCK ON A HIGHWAY! *TR
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE IGNITION SWITCH HOWEVER THE FAILURE DID NOT DUPLICATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 12/4/2014*JS
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S CAR HOME FROM WORK AND STOPPED BY A GAS STATION FOR A DRINK. I CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND STARTED IT UP. AS I WAS ENGAGING IN GEAR, I NOTICED THE SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE SHIFTER WAS MISSING. I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK, KILLED THE MOTOR AND RESTARTED. IT REAPPEARED, BUT BRIEFLY. AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE, I FELT A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION FROM THE GEARBOX; THEN THE DREADED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REARED ITS UGLY HEAD. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE A GUY PULL THE CODE(S) FOR ME. IT WAS A FAILING PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) THAT WAS GIVING ME DRIVETRAIN ISSUES. IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL, WHENEVER MY WIFE (OR ANYONE ELSE) RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN ON WHENEVER I MAKE HARD LEFT TURNS. INTERESTING :-/. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Jul 15, 2014, crash
INCIDENT DETAILS: ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH, AROUND 7:15 A.M., I WAS IN MY CAR WITH MY 18 MONTH OLD SON GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY GARAGE. I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE; HOWEVER, I NOTICED THE GEAR READOUT ON THE DASHBOARD WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I DECIDED I SHOULD RUN INTO THE HOUSE AND GET MY HUSBAND TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR BACK INTO PARK, TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND TURNED TO TELL MY SON I WOULD BE RIGHT BACK. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STARTED STEP OUT OF THE CAR. I FELT THE CAR JERK VIOLENTLY AND THEN IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. I WAS KNOCKED OFF MY FEET AND DRAGGED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY UNTIL MY CAR HIT MY NEIGHBOR'S TREE (APPROX.. 70? FROM WHERE THE CAR STARTED INSIDE THE GARAGE), WHERE IT STOPPED. THE EVENT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF MY NEIGHBOR WHO RAN OVER TO MY HOUSE TO ALERT MY HUSBAND. HE RAN OUT TO THE CAR, WHICH WAS RESTED AGAINST THE TREE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN ?PARK?, HOWEVER THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN ITS ABSOLUTE FORWARD POSITION. HE THEN PULLED THE GEAR SELECTOR BACK INTO THE DRIVE POSITION (GEAR INDICATORS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL) AND THE CAR MADE AN AUDIBLE ?SNAP? AND LURCHED FORWARD. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR APPROX. 20? WHERE HE PARKED IT. MY HUSBAND, MADE A PHONE CALL TO THE GURNEE, IL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, THEY ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER (1-800-633-5151). HE WAS CONNECTED WITH A CASE MANAGER BY THE NAME OF MERRIETA. SHE TOOK NOTES OF THE INCIDENT AND ADVISED HIM TO HAVE THE CAR SENT TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR AN INVESTIGATION. THE CAR WAS PICKED UP BY TOW TRUCK JUNE 27TH AROUND 11AM AND DELIVERED TO THE GURNEE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2014, fire
WHILE DRIVING AROUND 10 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH TRAFFIC ALL THE LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD LIT UP AND THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO SAFETY PULL CAR OVER TO THE RIGHT AND THEN A STRONG ODOR OF FIRE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. NO FLAMES JUST SMOKE. WHAT'S EXTREMELY DISTURBING IS I JUST GOT AND OIL CHANGE FROM THE DEALERSHIP 3 DAYS PRIOR, I REQUESTED A CHECK OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT OFF 3 TIMES ONE WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY CHECK THE ENGINE AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE AND CAR WAS OK TO DRIVE. THIS CAR HAS HAD ISSUES FROM THE VERY FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASING. AND WHAT MAKES ME VERY UPSET AT THE TIME OF THIS ALMOST CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT IS MY WIFE AND 10 MONTH OLD CHILD WERE IN THE CAR DURING THIS INCIDENT. THIS CAR IS ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. AND IT'S UNBELIEVABLE TO ME HOW THESE ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. RECALLING ONLY SEEMS TO PUT A BAND AID ON THE PROBLEM. WHAT'S NEEDED IS FULL CASH REFUNDS TO ALL OWNERS OF 2011 SONATAS. I BELIEVE THE 2011 SONATA MUST HOLD THE RECORD IN A VEHICLES WITH MOST PROBLEMS EVER RECORDED. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2014
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, MY CAR WOULD NOT START WITH THE KEYLESS KEY FOB. THE CAR STATED THEY KEY WAS NOT DETECTED ALTHOUGH THE KEY WAS IN THE CAR. I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE CAR, COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK OR USE THE BUTTONS ON THE KEY FOB IN ANY WAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED INCREASINGLY IN THE PAST MONTH. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Mar 6, 2014, crash
WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPOT TO A DINER, THE CAR UNINTENDED ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF THE DINER. MINOR DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF THE DINER AS I WAS NO MORE THAN 3 FEET FROM THE BLDG. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS ACCELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS ENTERING THE PARKING SPOT AT NO MORE THAN 5 MPH PLANNING TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND EXIT FOR LUNCH. MY LEG HIT THE HOOD LATCH AND I OBTAINED A NASTY CUT ON MY SHIN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED, SUCH AS THE TIRES AND TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, WHEN SHE TURNED THE IGNITION, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE AND RUBBER BURNING. UPDATED 11/16/15. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2014
I HAVE PURCHASE MY VEHICLE IN MARCH-2011 AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS I HAVE ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASED, BUT I WILL STICK WITH A RECURRING ISSUE. 4/11/12 I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN BECAUSE A BLOWN PASSENGER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. THEY DETERMINED THAT UPON INSPECTION FOUND AN OPEN CIRCUIT DUE TO BLOWN RIGHT FRONT BULB. IT WAS "CORRECTED." 06/07/12 TOOK MY VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. INSTALLED BULB 5/2/13 TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR A BLOWN PASSENGER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. "UNDETERMINED." 2/5/14 TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR A BLOWN PASSENGER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. "UNDETERMINED UPDATED 04/17/14*LJ *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 10, 2014
THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT LIGHTS CAME ON (EMERGENCY LIGHTS BLINKING, TURN INDICATORS, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, BATTERY LIGHT INDICATOR, ETC.). THE HORN WAS BLARING ALSO AND THE KEY WAS IN MY POCKET. I THOUGHT I HIT THE EMERGENCY BUTTON BY ACCIDENT SO I PULLED OUT THE KEY AND HIT THE BUTTON OFF. IT WOULD NOT STOP. I TRIED STARTING THE CAR, BUT IT WOULD NOT. IT WENT OFF FINALLY. SO, I TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND ALL THE STUFF STARTED AGAIN. SO, I CAME HOME WHILE I COULD. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2013
HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 PUSH BUTTON START. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. YESTERDAY I WENT INTO MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO START MY CAR. I HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON THREE TIMES BEFORE IT ACTUALLY STARTED UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 2 HOURS. 5 DAYS PRIOR MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL ON THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THEY, THE DEALERSHIP,PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND REPLACED THE STOPLAMP SWITCH. AS RESULT MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT WITH THE PUSH-BUTTON START. THIS IS CRAZY. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK MY INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGES STARTED FLASHING, MY SPEEDOMETER AND RPM ODOMETER WOULD "JUMP" FROM 0 RPM AND 0 MPH TO 2500 RPM AND 70 MPH "BOUNCING" BETWEEN THOSE READINGS. THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE STOP LAMP SO I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET THIS REPLACED EXPLAINING WHAT MY CAR AS DOING. THE HYUNDAI DEALER "CONFIRMED" THAT THIS ISSUE WAS THE CAUSE. AFTER HAVING THE STOP LAMP REPLACED IT DID NOT DO IT AGAIN FOR A FEW MONTHS. ON 10/29/2013, 10/30/2013 AND 11/01/2013 IT BEGAN TO DO THE EXACT SAME THING. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK IN THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC COSTING ME $100 DOLLARS, WHICH THEY THEN "INFORMED" ME THAT IT WAS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SO I SPENT $1377 TO REPLACE IT (OF COURSE I WAS 2,000 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY AT THIS POINT AS MY HUSBAND DID NOT THINK IT NECESSARY TO GET THE EXTENDED ONE WHEN WE PURCHASED IT), I FINALLY GOT MY CAR BACK ON WEDNESDAY 11/13/2013 AND IT SEEMED FINE UNTIL TODAY 11/17/2013 WHEN IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. NOT ONLY DID I HAVE TO DEAL WITH A COMPLETE LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM FROM THE DEALERSHIP BUT MY CAR IS STILL NOT FIXED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Oct 28, 2013
COMPLAINTANT WALKED OUT OF HOME TO VEHICLE. UPON APPROACHING VEHICLE, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING (DRIVER'S SIDE) WAS DETACHED, AND STICKING OUT ABOUT 1 INCH FROM THE VEHICLE. COMPLAINTANT CAREFULLY SLID THE HOUSING BACK INTO ITS CAVITY, WHERE IT STAYED. COMPLAINTANT THEN DEPARTED. ABOUT 3 DAYS LATER, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED THAT THE HOUSING WAS AGAIN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, AND AGAIN SLID IT BACK INTO PLACE. OVER TIME, THE COMPLAINTANT REPEATED RETURNING THE HOUSING INTO THE CAVITY THREE (3) ADDITIONAL TIMES. WHEN THE COMPLAINTANT WAS CONFRONTED WITH A 5TH EVENT OF THE HOUSING DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE, COMPLAINTANT SHINED A FLASHLIGHT DOWN INTO THE CAVITY, AND SAW THAT THE HOUSING MOUNTING SOCKETS WERE FRACTURED/SHATTERED, AND NONE OF THE SEVERAL MOUNTING STUDS/BOLTS WERE ATTACHED. BUT, THE STUDS/BOLTS WERE STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE SHELL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY ONTO THE CAR, WERE THE WIRES TO THE BRAKE LIGHT, BACK-UP LIGHT, AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHT. NO SURFACE SCRATCHES, NOR BODY DAMAGE EXPERIENCED. AFTER INSPECTING THE DEFECTIVE HOUSING, COMPLAINTANT SURMISED THAT HYUNDAI TAIL LIGHT HOUSING IS MADE OF HARD, BRITTLE PLASTIC, WHICH SHATTERS WHEN OVERLY TIGHTENED AT FACTORY, OR DUE TO THE VIBRATION OF THIS OVERLY HARD RIDING VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FLUSH WITH THE REAR TRUNK GATE, AND WAS EXTENDED OUTWARD ABOUT 1/4 INCH. THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT/PASSENGER SIDE WAS FLUSH WITH THE TRUNK GATE, AND HAS NOT PRODUCED A SIMILAR ISSUE, YET. COMPLAINTANT SECURED HOUSING TO THE VEHICLE CAVITY BY USING DUCT TAPE. COMPLAINTANT SCHEDULED VEHICLE REPAIR WITH HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR TOMORROW. UPDATE TO FOLLOW. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2013
LAST NIGHT, I WAS TOLD, I HAD LEFT A DOME LIGHT ON. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TRYING TO GET IT OFF. THOUGHT I HAD IT OFF, LOCKED CAR ALL LIGHTS WERE OFF WHEN I LEFT IT. COME OUT THIS MORNING TO HEAD TO WORK AND IT WOULD NOT START. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST INCIDENT. IF I LEAVE THE KEYS IN THE CAR IT KILLS IT? I USE TO DO THIS WITH MY BMW AND NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. WHY DOES IT SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF MY BATTERY? THIS MORNING, THO I DONT UNDERSTAND. I HAD ALL THE LIGHTS OFF,,,I THOUGHT. DO NOT KNOW WHAT DRAINED IT. IS THE BATTERY A CHEAP BATTERY? DO I NEED TO CHANGE IT OUT? ITS JUST A 2011, THOUGHT SHOULD LAST LONGER. ANY OTHER ISSUES WITH DEAD BATTERY?
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP IN TRAFFIC. WE HAD TO MOVE TO A SAFE POINT. CAR EVENTUALLY WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THEY PINPOINTED THE PROBLEM AS THE FUEL PUMP. TOLD US NO GAS IN THE CAR, NOT SO, GAS WAS NEARLY FULL. CALLED AND TOLD US CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WENT TO DEALER, TOLD TO PUT GAS IN CAR. NOTICE FUEL GUAGE NOT WORKING AND FULL PANEL WAS BLINKING. DROVED ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO CLOSEST GAS STATION, GOT GAS, HEADED BACK TO GET RENTAL CAR AT DEALER, CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR NEARLY A MONTHLY. FINALLY HAD CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND BEHOLD, THIS TIME, SAID, IT WAS AN ELETRICAL PROBLEM AND WANTED $2600 TO REPAIR, SAID NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. MANUFACTURER GOT INVOLVED AND AGREED TO REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSES. TALKED WITH ANOTHER OWNER OF SAME MODEL AND YEAR, SHE TOO IS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN STOPS. MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEMS, AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, AND THIS TIME MAKING SURE THAT SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION FOR RENTAL IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.