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, Aug 10, 2012
CAR WILL NOT START! HYUNDAI REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES PER WEEK. THIS WILL BE MY SECOND VISIT TO HYUNDAI. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL! WE COULD BE WITHOUT NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2012
THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE START PEDAL, IT LOCKS UP AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY FOB IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED IN JUNE 2011 AND NOW AGAIN IN JULY 2012. IT LOOKS AS IF I WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT IN EVERY YEAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ESC ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON ALSO DURING THIS ISSUE PERHAPS THE 2 GO HAND IN HAND. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AFTER I PAID 25K FOR THIS VEHICLE. NO MORE HYUNDAIS FOR ME AT LEAST NOT IN MY LIFETIME!! *TR
Electrical system, Jul 17, 2012, fire
AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE IDLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTE WITH MY FAMILY INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE LEFT FRONT SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DAMAGED TO THE LEFT SIDE FOG LIGHT, ENGINE AREA. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI SERVICES STATION IN NEW YORK (BRONX SERVICES STATION), AND THEM THE NIGHTMARE STARTED. AFTER 14 DAYS AND MULTIPLE CALLS / VISITS TO THE SERVICES STATION, I WAS NOT GIVING A REASON FOR THE INCIDENT. ALL HYUNDAI DID FOR ME WAS WASTE MY TIME AND EFFORT, THEY DO NOT BACK THAT SO CALL BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. PS HUYNDAI VEH ENGINEER THAT LOOK AT MY CAR WAS A JOKE, ALL HE DID WAS LOOK AT THE CAR AND STATED "ITS MISSING SOMETHING".HE ALSO REFUSED TO ID HIMSELF... CORPORATE OFFICE WOULD NOT GIVE ANY SOLUTION EXCEPT FOR MY TO GO THRU MY INSURANCE.....DONT BOTHER COMPLAINING JUST GO TO THE MEDIA WITH YOUR ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT BOTH ILLUMINATED. THE AIR CONDITIONER ALSO WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE WAS INSTALLED INTO THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURES BEGAN TO OCCUR AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Jul 9, 2012
3X THE DRIVER WINDOW BUTTON IS INOPERABLE. WOULD TURN OFF CAR AND THEN IT WOULD AGAIN WORK. THE WORST ISSUE IS THIS: STARTED UP CAR THIS MORNING 7-9-12 (THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE) AND THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK, THEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT GOES ABOUT 2 FEET AND IT APPLIES THE BRAKES. I NOTICED EACH TIME THE GEAR CONSOLE DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THE CAR ACTUALLY DOES NOT GO INTO GEAR. EACH TIME I HAVE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKS FINE. IT'S GOING TO THE SHOP FOR THE 30K CHECK UP AND THIS WILL BE BROUGHT UP. THE DRIVERS WINDOW HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP AND THE DEALER HAS SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WRONG. THERE IS WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK. I HAD ONE OF THESE IN 2001 AND IT TOO HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY NEIGHBOR JUST SOLD THEIR 05 SONATA DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2012
CAR WON'T START. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 6, 2012
CAR WOULD NOT START.. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH. *TR
Electrical system, Seat belts, Jun 29, 2012
WHILE GOING DOWN THE HILL, THE CAR DASH BOARD SUDDENLY POP UP THE MESSAGE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM WITH A LOUD NOISE. AFTER GET OFF ON THE FIRST RAM, TURN THE CAR OFF THEN ON AGAIN THE MESSAGE GO AWAY, ABLE TO RUN AGAIN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. FOR THE SEAT BELT, THE ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SOMETIME IT'S HARD TO PULL OUT SPECIALLY IN THE MORNING. IT'S ALSO WORN OUT AFTER 5000 MILE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2012
CAR WILL RANDOMLY NOT START AFTER PARKING IT. DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL THROUGH THE FLOOR, PRESS START BUTTON, YET IT SAYS "PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL TO START". THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN THREE WEEKS. THE FIRST TIME I GOT IT STARTED AFTER ~30 MINUTES. SECOND TIME, WITHIN ~ 5 - 10 MINUTES. THIS THIRD TIME, I COULDN'T GET IT STARTED. HAD TO CALL FOR A RIDE. WENT BACK NEXT DAY, TRIED AGAIN UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR ~ 30 MINUTES. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY NEVER CAME. AFTER ~1:45 MINUTES, I TRIED ONE MORE TIME AND GOT IT TO START. EACH TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT AND IT FELT LOCKED. EACH TIME I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO YANK THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO RELEASE. FELT LIKE THE HYDRAULICS KICKED IN. THEN, IT WOULD START EACH TIME. THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN THE FIRST TIME I MESSED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL ....BUT EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY MAKE IT DO IT. UNTIL THEN, IT HAD THAT LOCKED FEELING OF NO HYDRAULICS. OTHER THAN THIS, NO BRAKE ISSUES, NO STEERING ISSUES, NO LIGHTS ON DASH, ETC. ONE EXCEPTION, FIRST TIME COMING DOWN A HILL, I HAD THE ESC (BRAKE) LIGHT COME ON BRIEFLY. VERY SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2012
AFTER GETTING TO WORK AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RETRIEVE THE KEY, THE KEY WOULD ONLY GO TO OFF AND WOULD NOT GO TO LOCK OR LET ME PULL THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. *TT
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2012
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO START OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED LESS THAN 1 YEAR AGO AND WAS DETERMINED BY OUR LOCAL HYUDNAI DEALER TO BE A FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. THE PART WAS REPLACED AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OTHER 2011 SONATAS, WHICH IS WHY THE PART IS IN STOCK. THE NEW PART WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO CAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM TO REOCCUR-BUT IT HAS! THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER AS I FILE THIS COMPLAINT AND THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS AGAIN AT FAULT. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON LINE BY OTHER OWNERS THAT HAD AND ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS SEEM TO BE A WIDESPREAD DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY! THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND WE ARE VERY CONCERNED WITH HER SAFETY AND THE VEHICLE'S QUESTIONABLE RELIABILITY! *TT
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE FAILURE WAS SPORADIC BUT BECAME WORSE AS TIME PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Electrical system, May 31, 2012
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND WON'T COME OUT. THE CAR IS IN PARK, BUT THE KEY WON'T TURN COMPLETELY OFF OR COME OUT. *TR
Electrical system, May 14, 2012
DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND LOST POWER. CAR CAME TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY RESTARTED. CONTINUED ABOUT A BLOCK THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. GOT IT STARTED, DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. GOT THE CAR HOME AND CALLED HYUNDAI SERVICE TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALER. *JS
Power train, Electrical system, May 9, 2012
THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE START PEDAL, IT WOULD "LOCK" UP AND NOT RECOGNIZE THE AUTOMATIC KEY IN THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO SAID THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED REPLACING. NOW, AT THE END OF APRIL, AGAIN, IT IS HAPPENING. IT IS GOING IN AGAIN THIS WEEK FOR THE SAME SITUATION. ALSO AT THE SAME TIME THE ESC ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT GOES ON RANDOMLY AND STAYS ON UNTIL THE ENGINE IS RESTARTED. I USED THE OVERRIDE PROCEDURE SOMEONE ELSE MENTIONED TO GET THE CAR GOING -- DEPRESS AND HOLD THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR 30 SECONDS. EVEN ONCE THE ENGINE STARTED, THE GEAR SHIFT REMAINED STUCK IN PARK AND TOOK AWHILE TO TAKE IT OUT OF THIS POSITION. WHEN I WAS IDLING IN PARK TODAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHICH TOLD ME THE SITUATION WAS GETTING WORSE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
THE 2011 SONATA IS UNABLE TO START BY PRESSING DOWN ON BOTH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND START BUTTON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS ABOUT 1-2 TIMES A WEEK. ONCE FAILED TO START, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP WHILE THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY STILL SAYS "PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL TO START." WITH REPEATED TRIES TO START THE CAR, IT SOMETIMES STARTED AFTER 5-10 MINUTES, BUT SOMETIMES IT TOOK OVER 1 HOURS TO START THE ENGINE. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SAID THEY CANNOT HELP BECAUSE THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WHEN THEY SERVICE THE CAR. IT IS A RATHER NEW CAR BUT VERY UNRELIABLE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 28, 2012
FROM: CONSUMERAFFAIRS@HMAUSA.COM SUBJECT: RE: HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 DATE: TUE, 6 MAR 2012 18:01:34 -0700 DEAR JAVIER RIVERA: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASSIST YOU, BUT WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT PROMPTED YOUR CONTACT. WE WOULD LIKE TO REFER YOU TO YOUR SERVICING DEALERSHIP FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF YOUR BATTERY CONCERN PRIOR TO ANY DECISIONS BEING MADE ABOUT A BUYBACK SITUATION. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE YOU BUT WE NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SITUATION TO REVIEW YOUR CASE FURTHER. ONCE YOU HAVE CONTACTED YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT US WITH THE DEALERSHIP CONTACT INFORMATION THAT INCLUDES WHO IS WORKING WITH YOU AND WHAT THEY ARE OFFERING TO DO TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS. WE HAVE DOCUMENTED YOUR COMMENTS. YOUR CASE NUMBER 4751061 CAN BE REFERENCED IF WE CAN PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. TO: CONSUMERAFFAIRS@HMAUSA.COM SENT: MON, 05 MAR 2012 20:55:27 -0700 SUBJECT: HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM THE OWNER OF A HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID 2011. I RECENTLY BOUGHT THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2011. I WAS VERY EXCITED OF BUYING MY FIRST HYBRID AND THE SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS IN GAS. I HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH THE CAR, ALTHOUGH I HAVE REALIZED THAT THE SAVINGS IN GAS WERE GOOD IN THE BEGINNING, BUT HAVE DRAMATICALLY DECREASE LATELY. I THOUGHT IT WAS OUR DRIVING AND HAD NOT PAID TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO THIS UNTIL YESTERDAY WHEN THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT OCCURRED. YESTERDAY, SUNDAY MARCH 4, 2012, AROUND 9:00 AM ON OUR WAY TO CHURCH WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY, WHILE MY SON, 15 YEARS OLD WITH A LEARNERS PERMIT. OUT OF THE BLUE THE CAR JERKED, STALLED AND COMPLETELY LOST POWER ON SOUTHWEST PARKWAY. MY SON, AN INEXPERIENCE DRIVER, TOTALLY PANIC AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO A PASSING CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, ROUND ROCK HYUNDAI IN TX. TODAY THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO GIVE ADDITIONAL IN
Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Mar 26, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SENSOR. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO START ON ONE OCCASION AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE GROUND CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE GROUND CABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPEN AND COULD NOT BE CLOSED. THE WINDOW FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2012
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH CAR WON'T START WITH PUSH BUTTON START ON MY SE. I JUMPED THE CAR GOT IT STARTED TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO TAKE IT BACK AGAIN AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR I HAVE DELT WITH FOR 6 YEARS WAS THERE SHE TOLD ME THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACING THESE SWITCHES AND IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN JUST HOLD DOWN THE PUSH BUTTON START FOR 30 SECONDS AND IT WILL OVER RIDE THE SWITCH AND START. WELL SHE WAS RIGHT IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HELD IN THE PUSH BUTTON AND IT STARTED AFTER ABOUT 20 SECONDS. I TAKE IT IN TOMORROW TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2012
THE OEM HORN IS NOT EFFECTIVE, I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED BY THE DEALER WHEN IT WAS INTERMITANT BUT T NO ONE CAN HEAR THE NEW ONE. I HAVE BEEN CUT OFF NUMERIOUS TIMES HIT THE HORN AND NO ONE REACTS, IT IS AS IF THEY DON'T KNOW I EXIST. I TESTED IT ON MY FAMILY AND THEY JUST LAUGHED, CALLING IT A BICKCYCLE'S HORN. SOMEONE WILL GET HURT/KILLED. I WOULD THINK THESE THINGS MUST BE AT LEAST A MINIUM OF "X" DECIBLES, IT THIS HORN MEETS STANDARDS THAN THE STANDARD MUST BE CHANGED.THIS IS A SAFTEY HARZARD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 22, 2012
ADD ON TO ODI # 10440320 I WAS DRIVING AND TWICE WHEN I TRIED TO STOP TO MAKE A TURN THE ENGINE KEPT OVERRIDING THE BRAKE AND THE CAR KEPT LURCHING AHEAD. I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. WHEN I RELEASED THE BREAK PEDDLE, THE CAR STARTED ACTING NORMAL AGAIN. BY THIS TIME I WAS WAY OVER THE CENTER LINE OF THE ROAD AND IF THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER CAR AT THE INTERSECTION I WOULD HAVE CERTAINTY HIT THEM. THIS IS THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED. IF I WAS PULLING UP BEHIND ANOTHER CAR AT A STOP SIGN AND THIS HAPPENED I WOULD REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT. IF I WAS STOPPING AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND THIS HAPPENED I COULD RUN SOMEONE OVER AND KILL THEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2012
AFTER HAVING 3 OF 5 RECALL FIXES PERFORMED, BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT AND SOUNDS ACTIVATED. CAR LOST POWER AT LOW REVS. REQUIRED GIVING FULL THROTTLE TO ENABLE GAS ENGINE TO KICK IN AND GAIN ENOUGH SPEED TO SAFELY STAY WITH TRAFFIC. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING ENGINE OFF/ON, PROBLEM SEEMED TO RESOLVE ITSELF. HAPPENED AGAIN IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC WHILE ENTERING EXIT RAMP RESULTING IN A DANGEROUS LOSS OF POWER. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THAT THEY KNEW WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND THAT IT WOULD BE REPAIRED. 2 DAYS LATER ISSUE HAPPENED 3 TIMES. EACH TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 65MPH WITH NOWHERE SAFE TO CONVENIENTLY PULL OVER.
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2011
I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM 3 TIMES, MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED FAILED TO START. I LIKE MANY OTHERS HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HIT THE START BUTTON AS I USUALLY DO AND NOTHING HAPPENED BUT THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR KEPT READING "PRESS ON BRAKE PEDAL AND PUSH BUTTON TO START" I REPEATEDLY TRIED OVER AND OVER. AFTER 15-20 FAILED ATTEMPTS I PULLED OUT MY MANUAL, NO WORK AROUND. I THEN CALLED THE DEALER, WHO TOLD ME TO STOMP ON THE BRAKE HARD. I DID AND AFTER THREE CYCLES IT STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2011
THE "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" LIGHT APPEARED THE 1ST WEEK THAT WE HAD THIS NEW( HYUNDAI 2011 SONATA HYBRID) CAR WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. SHE LOST POWER TO THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO STOP AND RESTART. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER THAT AFTERNOON AND THEY STATED THAT THE BATTERY TERMINAL WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 200+ MILES ON IT. TODAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2011, I WAS WITH MY WIFE AND SHE WAS DRIVING AND THE " CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM' LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON WITH AN AUDIBLE ALARM. ( ABOUT 400+ MILES). WE LOST POWER AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HAD TO STOP AND THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. AFTER CHECKING THE HYUNDAI FORUMS, THIS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE WITH NUMEROUS DRIVERS AROUND THE COUNTRY. MANY REGISTERED FORUM USERS ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I AM TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY MORNING AND WANTED TO HAVE THIS DOCUMENTED. MY WIFE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE ( AND NEITHER DO I AT THIS TIME). *TR
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 SONATA THAT FAILED TO START ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST WAS ABOUT 8000 MILES THE SECOND WAS AT 10800 MILES AND THE THIRD WAS THE NEXT DAY FROM THE SECOND OCCASION. THIS CAR IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD. AS I WENT TO START THE CAR AS I NORMALLY DO THE "PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO START" WOULD FLASH EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FIRST TWO TIMES I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO START BY REPEATEDLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESSING THE PUSH BUTTON START MORE THAN 10 TIMES. THE THIRD TIME I HAD NO SUCH LUCK AND CALLED THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. I NOTICED THAT ON ALL 3 OCCASIONS THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD MORE THAN NORMAL PRESSURE AND WOULD NOT DEPRESS AT ALL. I ASSUME THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF SWITCH THAT TELLS THE CAR THAT YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE BEFORE THE PUSH BUTTON START WILL START THE CAR. WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT MOVING AT ALL THIS SWITCH IS PROBABLY NOT BEING ACTIVATED SO THE CAR DOES NOT START. *TT