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, Sep 3, 2013
STARTED ENGINE IN ORDER TO PULL OUT OF PARKING SPACE. ALL RED LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD LIT UP, AC FAILED TO START BLOWING COLD AIR, "PARK (P)" LIT ALTHOUGH GEAR WAS IN "DRIVE (D)" MODE. IMMEDIATELY TURNED ENGINE OFF. REPEATED PROCEDURE FOR TWO MORE TIMES. EVENTUALLY AC KICKED IN, "D" LIT UP AND ALL BUT AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF. PASSENGERS SEAT BELT LIGHT KEPT AND KEEPS FLASHING CONTINUOUSLY AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. CALLED DEALER FROM WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD REPAIR SHOULD FALL UNDER WARRANTY AND ANY DEALER CAN TAKE CARE OF MY ISSUE. STOPPED BY AT DEALERSHIP CLOSE TO HOME AND WAS TOLD THAT DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE IF THIS REPAIR WILL FALL UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND DEALERSHIP REQUESTED THAT I LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM AN ENTIRE DAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT $90 (+) IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE OR NOT. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER PRESSING THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A DEFECT WITH THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 25, 2013
THE CONSTANT RECURRING PROBLEM IS MY CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE EACH ONE DOCUMENTED. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AND THE BRAKES ARE UNABLE TO PRESS. I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY REGARDING THE LEMON LAW AND SHE HAS NOTIFIED THE HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP AGAIN AND THIS HAS GONE ON FOR THE 2 1/2 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT. THERE ARE OVER 598,000 COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS MODEL OF CAR AND THE PROBLEMS ARE VERY SERIOUS AND CAN CAUSE DEADLY ACCIDENTS. MY CAR WILL NOT CLICK OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE SO I CANNOT USE THAT FEATURE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK AND I HAVE BEEN STOPPED BY CARS BEHIND ME TO TELL ME I HAVE NO LIGHTS AND THEY ALMOST HIT ME. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THIS MODEL OF CAR RECALLED BEFORE MANY DEATHS OCCUR. THE INTERNET HAS THIS PROBLEM DOCUMENTED AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED TO REPLACE THAT SWITCH. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR REPLACED TWICE AND IT STILL OCCURS. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PAY PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR WHILE I DRIVE A RENTAL CAR. I BASICALLY DO NOT HAVE A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE SO I CAN'T GO ANYWHERE IN FEAR OF BEING STRANDED. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND SAFE LIVES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE? *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 21, 2013
THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. REPLACED SHIFTER ASSEMBLY THEN REPLACED LOCK CYLINDER. TODAY, 7/21/13 I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Wheels, Jul 15, 2013
MY CAR COMES WITH A TPMS SYSTEM TO MONITOR THE AIR PRESSURE IN EACH TIRE. INTERMITTENTLY THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE TIRES COMES ON. A CHECK WITH A PRESSURE GAUGE OF EACH TIRE ALWAYS INDICATES A FALSE ALARM. TALKING WITH OTHER SONATA OWNERS I HAVE ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. WHEN BRINGING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIX IT BECAUSE THERE'S NO ISSUE WHEN THE CAR IS AT THEIR GARAGE. THIS CAN BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS - 1. THE FALSE ALARM IS DISTRACTING, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS CAN CAUSE THE OPERATOR TO THINK THEY SHOULD PULL OVER IN A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT TO AVOID HAVING A BIGGER PROBLEM. 2. AFTER IT HAPPENS A COUPLE OF TIMES THE OPERATOR MIGHT IGNORE A REAL PROBLEM. YET THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 12, 2013
AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT: "DURING THE AFFECTED MODELS' PRODUCTION PERIODS, SOME VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLIES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT. THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE, INTERMITTENT ABILITY TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE'S SHIFTER FROM THE PARK POSITION, ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC' (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) INDICATOR LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INTERMITTENT INTERFERENCE WITH OPERATION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE, OR INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE STOP LAMPS." ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN MY VEHICLE, YET THIS VIN IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 8, 2013
WHEN DRIVING TO WORK I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON HIGHWAY WHEN I FELT A THUD AND TRANSMISSION JERKED. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT I HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD BUT HADN'T. I NOTICED MY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 55MPH AND THE RPM,S INCREASED TO 3500 FROM THE PREVIOUS 2000 RPM.I HAD HAD THIS PROBLEM TWICE NOW AND READ ONLINE THAT BY PULLING OVER TO A STOP AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONTROLS.I WITHOUT DOING THIS THE TRANS. WILL REMAIN IN WHATS CALLED LIMP GEAR(4TH) AND WILL REMAIN IN THAT GEAR AT ALL SPEEDS UNTILL YOU SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND IT WILL THEN RESET HOPEFULLY.I AM SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE DEALER LOOK INTO THIS AND HOPEFULLY CAN COME UP WITH A FIX, AS THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT DIAGONALIZING THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE FACT THAT NO CHECK ENGINE CODE LIGHT IS ON THE DASH AND I WAS TOLD THE FIRST TIME THAT WITHOUT THIS AND THE FACT THAT BY DRIVING IT AND DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FIX.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2013
I PURCHASED/ PICKED UP MY CERTIFIED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON 4/4/13. ON 4/10 THE PUSH START FAILED. I HAD TO CALL THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS WALKED THRU THE OVER RIDE PROCESS TO GET THE CAR STARTED. IMMEDIATELY MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR THIS ISSUE AND TOOK IT IN ON 4/13. ON THIS DAY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE THERMOSTAT AND THEY NEEDED TO CORRECT IT, I AUTHORIZED IT AND IT WAS ALL COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THERE WAS NO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. I PICKED MY CAR UP THAT SAME EVENING AND DROVE IT HOME AND NO WHERE ELSE FOR THE REST OF THE WEEKEND. 4/18 ABOUT 22 MILES DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. 4/19 TOOK IT IN, I WAS TOLD THE THERMOSTAT PART THAT WAS INSTALLED WAS OBSOLETE AND THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 6 DAYS WAITING ON THE NEW PART AND DOING INSTALLATION. I WAS PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR AT $60+ OUT OF POCKET COST FOR INSURANCE. PICKED UP MY CAR 4/25 AND DROVE IT ABOUT 175 MILES ( IT IS 126 MILES ROUND TRIP FROM HOME TO WORK) AND 4/26 THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I SIT HERE NOW WITH NO HYUNDAI BECAUSE IT IS AT THE DEALERS GETTING REPAIRS AGAIN!!! AGAIN!!! OPTED NOT TO USE THE RENTAL CAR SERVICE THIS TIME AS IT WOULD COST MORE THAN $50 PER DAY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET FOR AN UNCERTAINED AMOUNT OF TIME. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND I HAVENT EVEN MADE MY FIRST CAR PAYMENT YET. AND ON 4/24 THE DAY BEFORE I PICK MY CAR UP FOR THE SECOND TIME, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS...REALLY HYUNDAI??? REALLY??? WHAT MAKES THIS CAR CERTIFIED? WHAT WAS THE INSPECTION EXACTLY THAT OCCURED TO CERTIFY THIS VEHICLE?? *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Wheels, Engine, Apr 19, 2013
I BOUGHT A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IN MARCH OF 2010 BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER YEAR TWO, AND WHEN THEY WERE BEING REPLACED THEY SAID THAT THE AIR VALVE ON THE TIRE WAS CORRODED WHEN I WENT TO HYUNDAI TO GET THE PART REPLACED THEY SAID THAT IT WASN'T CORRODED IT WAS BROKE OFF BECAUSE THERE WAN'T A CAP ON IT AND IT GOT WET. SO, THEY SAID THAT I HAD TO BUY A NEW ONE, AND THEY WOULD SEND IT UP UNDER THE WARRANTY AND I WOULD BE REFUNDED THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. AFTER THAT MY PUSH START WOULD NOT START WHEN I PUSHED IT. I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH IT ABOUT THREE TIMES AND THEN IT WOULD FINALLY START. I TOOK IT TO HYUNDAI, AND HAD IT REPLACED NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY MORE IS WHAT THEY TOLD ME. SO I PAID THE 287.00 FOR IT. AFTER I GOT IT HOME AND WENT INTO GRAB SOMETHING CAME BACK OUT AND IT DID IT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO GATEWAY HYUNDAI IN RICHMOND TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NOTHER STARTER. I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PART BUT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. NOPE DIDN'T GET IT FIXED. I WOULD JUST START IT THREE TIMES INSTEAD. THEN I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES LAST YEAR 2012 BECAUSE IT WORE ONLY ON ONE SIDE, AND NOW THE ENGINE BLEW A ROD. THEY CLAIMED THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING ENOUGH OIL IN IT, BUT THEN TOLD ME I HAD A QUART TO MUCH OF OIL. NOW REALLY DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE? THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. THEN THEY TOLD ME I COULD TRADE IT IN FOR A NEW HYUNDAI BUT WOULD HAVE TO PUT $5000.00 DOWN ON IT WHICH IS CONVIENANTLY THE AMOUNT THEY QUOTED ME TO HAVE MY ENGINE FIXED BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I HADN'T KEPT ALL MY RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PROXIMITY KEY SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START EVEN WITH THE KEY IN THE VEHICLE, WE TIRED TO USE BOTH KEYS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE EITHER KEY. LIGHTS ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH, ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT (CAR NOT RUNNING) OTHER LIGHTS LIT IN GEAR SHIFTER AND STILL NO CONNECTION. WE COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK THERE IS NO KEY SLOT AND THE KEY FOB TRUNK BUTTON WOULD NOT UNLOCK TRUNK. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME OUR VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. JANUARY 2013 SAME PROBLEM WHERE WE NEEDED A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. SAME PROBLEM 4 MONTHS APART. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2013
THE PUSH TO START BUTTON DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY FOB WHILE DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALLY DISABLED. I WAS UNABLE TO BYPASS THE PUSH BUTTON SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR 2011 SONATA'S.SO FAR, THE HYUNDAI CORP. HAS NOT RESPONDED TO NUMEROUS OWNER COMPLAINTS. THE DEALERSHIPS JUST REPLACE WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS A FAULTY BRAKE/IGNITION SWITCH, EVEN THOUGH SOME VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SWITCHES REPLACED MORE THAN ONCE. I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY RECALL INFORMATION AS OF YET. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 31, 2013
BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR FAILURE RESULTED IN A CAR THAT WOULDN'T START. THE KEY-LESS ENTRY DEPENDS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, OTHERWISE THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OVER. UNDER NORMAL OPERATION WHEN THE DRIVER IS TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE KEY MUST BE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER MUST DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN PRESS THE IGNITION BUTTON. THE CAR NORMALLY TURNS OVER. IN THIS SITUATION ALL SYSTEMS FUNCTION AS IF THE CAR DOES NOT KNOW THE BRAKE PEDDLE IS BEING DEPRESSED. THE BATTERY HAS FULL CHARGE, ALL ACCESSORIES FUNCTION NORMALLY, BUT THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OVER. BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY TO MANUALLY START THE CAR, THE CAR IS RENDERED COMPLETELY USELESS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 14, 2013, fire
I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TWO YEARS AND ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS (PURCHASED BRAND NEW) -- I'VE HAD TO GET A NEW MOTOR (ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE (ELECTRICAL/SMOKING) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE BELTWAY), REPLACED TIRE ROD, NEED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM (THE BLOWER DOES NOT WORK FOR AIR POINTED IN THE FLOOR DIRECTION), STRONG SMELL OF GAS FUMES INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS MILEAGE GAUGE IS INACCURATE -- I GET NO WHERE NEAR THE HIGHWAY NOR CITY MILES. THE GAS METER IS NOT REGISTERING. PARTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY REPLACED. I HAVE HAD ALL SCHEDULE SERVICES ON MY VEHICLE AS WELL AS EXTRAS SUCH AS SPECIAL REPLACEMENT FILTERS, ETC. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE I'VE PURCHASED A COMPLETE LEMON. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 27700 MILES. THERE IS NO WAY I SHOULD BE HAVING THIS MANY PROBLEMS AS FREQUENTLY AS I HAVE BEEN HAVING. THE CAR'S STEERING PULLS TO THE LEFT AS WELL. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES ONLY AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING AFTER PUTTING NITROGEN AS ADVISED. I'VE NOTICED A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING TO THE LEFT AS WELL AS IF THE LEFT TIRE ROD OR AXLE WANTS TO BREAK -- WEIRD FEELING TURN THE CAR. THE ALARM SYSTEM IS FAILING TO LOCK ALL OF THE DOORS -- ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR. -- DEALERS SOLUTION...PURCHASE A NEW ONE ??? REALLY? *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Jan 20, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AT THE FREEWAY SPEED LIMIT, I DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING WHEN IT HAPPENED BUT I KNOW THAT IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. I PULLED OVER TO GET SOME GAS, LOOKED BACK NEAR THE GAS CAP AND SAW THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES ONTO MY BUMPER. WHEN IT FELL OUT, IT BOUNCED AND PLACED SEVERAL DINGS AND CHIPS IN THE PLASTIC BUMPER. I NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS(COGS) INSIDE THE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. I HAD TO TAKE THE LIGHT OUT AND PLACE IT IN MY TRUNK AND DRIVE THE REST OF THE TWO HUNDRED MILES WITH NO LEFT TAIL LIGHT OR TURN SIGNAL. IF IT HAD FALLEN INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, I AM SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE TO WRITE ABOUT AND NONE OF IT GOOD! *TR
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2012
TRY TO START VEHICLE, DEPRESS BRAKE AND PUSH IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE KEYFOB BEING IN CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES IN THE ONE WEEK I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS CAR WILL RESPOND. BUT ON ONE OCCASION DID NOT START FOR OVER 4 HOURS. EVENTUALLY HAD TO GET A JUMP AND CAR STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 27, 2012, crash
I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION THAT HAD A RED LIGHT AND STOPPED VEHICLES. I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 10 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT COME TO A STOP. I HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD AND IT DID NOT STOP. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 BRAKE PROBLEMS AND GOT 598,000 RESULTS. IN A BRIEF SCAN THROUGH THOSE RESULTS I FOUND 7 OTHER REPORTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS DEMANDS SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS NOW! I COPIED THOSE WEB POSTING IF YOU WANT THEM LET ME KNOW! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
I HAVE HAD RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE KEYLESS IGNITION. THE CAR FREQUENTLY DOES NOT START OR WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED THREE TIMES. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS WITH ALL 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS AND I SHOULD JUST GET A NEW CAR. I AM FILING A COMPLAINT WITH BBB AUTOLINE (CALL 800-633-5151) AND MY STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. I AM ALSO THINKING OF TAKING THEM TO COURT (MY FAMILY MEMBER IS AN ATTORNEY). IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE FILE COMPLAINTS EVERYWHERE YOU CAN. START BY OPENING A CASE WITH HYUNDAI (CALL 800-633-5151). THEN FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB. THEN FILE A COMPLAINT HERE AND WITH YOUR STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY. JUST BECAUSE IT IS NOT CAUSING INJURY DOES NOT MEAN IT DOES NOT MERIT A RECALL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, SHE PRESSED THE KEY LESS IGNITION BUTTON TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SENSOR SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TWO MORE TIMES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSOR SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2012
I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, IT WOULD NOT START. THE FIRST 3 TIMES A SENSOR SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FOURTH TIME I WAS TOLD MY BATTERY WAS THE ISSUE SO I GOT A NEW BATTERY. TODAY WAS THE FIFTH TIME AND THE SERVICE DEPT INDICATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT THEY WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THE SENSOR SWITCH AGAIN. I AM NOT HAPPY, I FEEL THAT I CANNOT DEPEND ON MY VEHICLE. I AM PLANNING AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP FOR THANKSGIVING AND HAVE RESORTED TO RENTING A VEHICLE BECAUSE I AM PARANOID ABOUT BEING STRANDED ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THIS JUST IS NOT RIGHT. I AM CONSIDERING TRADING IT IN FOR A VEHICLE THAT STARTS THE TRADITIONAL WAY (WITH A KEY). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 13, 2012
DIFFICULTY DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO START ENGINE...THIRD TIME ...DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH OTHER TWO TIMES. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 5, 2012
ELEC STABILITY CONTROL LITE ON AFTER STARTING CAR. FAILED TO START ONE TIME. DEALER INVESTIGATED. FOUND PART # 93810-3S000 (SWITCH ASSM STOP LAMP) DEFECTIVE. REPLACED SWITCH. I CHECKED THE INTERNET FOR THIS PART NUMBER AND FOUND A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF FAILURES OF THIS SWITCH. THIS SWITCH CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND OTHER SYMPTOMS. I SENT THIS SAME MESSAGE TO HYUNDAI CONSUMERS AFFAIRS. THIS SWITCH MUST BE MARGINALLY FUNCTIONAL FOR IT'S PURPOSE DUE THE NUMBER OF FAILURES NOTED ON THE INTERNET. HOPEFULLY, HYUNDAI WILL TAKE ACTION ON THIS SWITCH. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2012
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT I HAVE GONE TO START THE CAR AND IT FAILED TO START BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW. THE SECOND INCIDENT DID NOT LEAVE ANY CODES FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND A PROBLEM DUE TO THE BATTERY BEING DISCONNECTED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2012
MY SKID LIGHT WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. THEY SAID A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WAS PULLING A FAULT CODE, SO THEY REPLACED IT. NINE MONTHS LATER MY SKID LIGHT WARNING WAS RANDOMLY COMING ON AGAIN. THEY RAN A TEST AGAIN SAYING IT WAS A FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AGAIN. BEFORE I COULD GET IT IN FOR REPAIRS THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR MALFUNCTION ON AUG 14 2012. PICKED UP MY CAR AGAIN AND THE SKID TRACTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN THIS TIME THE TCS LIGHT WAS ON AND THE SHIFTER WAS NOT RELEASING.THEY TESTED THE BRAKE SWITCH CIRCUIT AND FOUND NO POWER TO THE BRAKE SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE BOX AND HARNESS CABLE. I HAVE CALLED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY ALL SAY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CAUSING THE TCS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. IF IT IS EFFECTING OTHER CARS THERE MOST BE A NATIONAL PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND HAD IT IN FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OVER EIGHT TIMES. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2012
VEHICLE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, WAITING FOR LINE TO MOVE. ENGINE (PUSH BUTTON START) WOULD NOT ENGAGE, THUS CAUSING MAJOR TRAFFIC ISSUES. EVERYTHING DONE ACCORDING TO MANUAL TRYING TO GET STARTER TO ENGAGE. ENGINE STARTER FINALLY ENGAGED AFTER SETTING FOR SOMETIME. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. SUSPECT LINKAGE BETWEEN BRAKE SENSOR AND START BUTTON. COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR