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
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 2010. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY RECORDED THE CODE AND THEN SAID IT WAS THE AC. I WAS ASKED TO WAIT 15 SECONDS BEFORE TURNING THE AC ON AFTER STARTING CAR. SO I DID THAT. ABOUT A WEEK OR SO LATER, THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. TAKE IT BACK TWICE AFTER THIS, THEY RECORD THE CODE AND THEN THE SWITCH IS REPLACED. I MAINTAIN MY CAR WITH ALL MAINTENANCE REQUESTED AND I DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD THE TIRE LIGHT COME ON A FEW MONTHS LATER - WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TEMPERATURE. THAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF. NEXT WAS THE ENGINE LIGHT YET AGAIN. THIS TIME IT OCCURRED AFTER I TOOK THE CAR IN ON JUNE 17TH FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY TOLD ME A RECALL WAS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY DID THE RECALL UPDATE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS UPDATE, THE CAR DROVE TERRIBLY. VERY LOUD, VERY ROUGH. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THIS UPDATE, THE CAR BREAKS DOWN IN THE PARKING LOT. IT HAS DONE THIS NOW ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES SINCE JUNE (TODAY IS JULY 20TH). I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD I NEED THE ENGINE LIGHT ON IN ORDER TO REPAIR. THE LIGHT NEEDS TO COME ON TWO OR THREE TIMES BEFORE HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE. THE ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON, SOMETIMES DOES NOT, BUT IT IS GUARANTEED TO BREAK DOWN. IT IS MOST DEFINITELY THE TRANSMISSION AS IT WILL STALL AND THEN HESITATE. THE LIGHTS ON THE GEAR SHAFT GO AWAY COMPLETELY AND THE DASH LIGHTS GO AWAY SO YOU HAVE NO IDEA IF YOU ARE IN PARK, REVERSE, ETC. LAST TIME MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IT WENT BACK OFF THAT NIGHT. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND HYUNDAI CAN'T SEEM TO FIX. I READ ONLINE FROM A GENERAL SEARCH ON THIS CAR THAT THIS IS A RESOUNDING ISSUE ACROSS THE BOARD WITH OTHERS AS WELL. I AM FRUSTRATED AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. I CALLED CORPORATE AND GOT NOWHERE. I CONTINUE TO GET THE RUNAROUND. THEY SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM THEIR TRANSMISSION ISSUE/LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF THEIR DRIVERS. *KB
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE HORN BUT IT WOULD NOT SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2011
THE HORN SUPPLIED WITH THIS VEHICLE IS SO LOW IT CAN NOT BE HEARD BY OTHER DRIVERS. *KB
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2011
I INITIALLY UNLOCK THE VEHICLE BY EITHER DEPRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB OR PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. ONCE UNLOCKED, I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND ATTACH THE SEAT BELT. I PLACE THE KEY FOB ON THE DASHBOARD, DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESS THE ENGINE START BUTTON. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL CYCLE THROUGH ACC AND ON MODE BUT THE CAR WILL NOT START. A CHECK OF THE BATTERY SYSTEM SHOW THAT THE CAR BATTERY IS AT FULL POWER. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE ONLY RELIABLE SOLUTION FOR STARTING THE CAR IS TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESS THE ENGINE START BUTTON FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 SECONDS. I'VE PLACED THE KEY FOB IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN THE CAR (DASHBOARD, CUP HOLDER, SMART KEY HOLDER) WITH NO REPEATABLE SUCCESS. AFTER A VISIT TO A DEALERSHIP, THEY CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS SEVERAL THERE OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2011
MY 2011 SONATA HAS FAILED TO START 3 TIMES THIS PAST MONTH. THE BRAKE WILL NOT DEPRESS AND IT APPEARS THAT IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT I HAVE THE KEY. IT HAS A PUSH BUTTON START AND THE KEY DOES NOT GO IN THE IGNITION. AFTER A FEW HOURS IT STARTS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN THE DARK AND THIS MADE IT A SAFETY ISSUE ON A PERSONAL BASIS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 5, 2011
ONE MORNING WHEN GETTING READY TO GO TO WORK, I TRIED TO START MY 2011 SONATA. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH WAS VERY HARD, PUSHED THE BUTTON BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE LIGHTS, RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONER WOULD ALL COME ON BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT COULD NOT BE MOVED. I ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE NEXT 10 MINUTES TO START THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE. MY HUSBAND TRIED PUTTING JUMPER CABLES ON THE BATTERY TO SEE IF THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT IT DID NOT START. I WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND TRIED AGAIN BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START. FINALLY AFTER ALMOST 20 MINUTES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EASY TO PUSH ON AND THE VEHICLE STARTED. IT CAUSED ME TO BE LATE TO WORK BUT I DID NOT HAVE ANOTHER OCCURRENCE UNTIL ABOUT A WEEK LATER WHEN I HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR SOME TIME AND STOPPED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND ONCE AGAIN THE BRAKE WAS VERY HARD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE NEXT 10 MINUTES, IT FINALLY STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 29, 2011
ENGINE STALLED AT HIGHWAY CRUISING SPEED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE ENGINE LOST MOST OF ITS POWER. CHECK ENGINE AND ESC (TRACTION CONTROL) LIGHT WERE ON. RESTART THE ENGINE APPEARED TO RESOLVE THE LOST POWER PROBLEM BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE STILL ON. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN THREE WEEKS WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND WAS QUITE DANGEROUS. DEALER WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL MODULE.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED TO START. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE KEY LIGHT WAS LIT ON THE DASH PANEL. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND PRESS BRAKE PEDAL WAS SCREAMING AT ME AS I PRESSED THE DARN THING. TRIED THE KEY BOB IN THE SLOT IN THE STORAGE AREA AND SAME RESULT. GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CLOSED AND LOCKED THE DOORS. BACK IN AND TRIED AGAIN WITH THE SAME RESULTS. CALLED MY NEXT CUSTOMER AND TOLD THEM I WOULD BE LATE AS MY CAR WOULD NOT START. FINALLY AFTER 20 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED WITH THE BOB IN THE STORAGE AREA. WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER -THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2011
A FEW TIMES I HAVE NEARLY HAD ACCIDENTS, INVOLVING BOTH CARS AND PEOPLE BECAUSE THE HORN CANNOT BE HEARD! I THINK A HORN IS A SAFETY DEVICE, TO WARN OTHERS, BUT THIS ONE CANNOT. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS FROM A MOTOR SCOOTER. UNFORTUNATELY, SOMEONE WILL PROBABLY END UP BEING HIT, INJURED OR EVEN KILLED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. I HAVE HEARD THAT HYUNDAI, IN EFFECT, ADMITTED THE PROBLEM BY RE-DESIGNING THE HORN ON LATER 2011 MODEL YEAR CARS. ALL CARS SHOULD GET THE NEW HORN. THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT HAPPENS EVERYTIME SOMEONE PULLS OR WALKS OUT IN FRONT OF ME AT THE LAST SECOND, AND I AM UNABLE TO PROPERLY WARN THEM WITH THE HORN. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Apr 14, 2011
2011 SONATA SE. WILL NOT START. WARNING LIGHT INDICATES KEY NOT PRESENT OR PRESS BRAKE TO START. WHEN PRESSING BRAKE, PEDAL IS "STIFF". TRIED EMERGENCY KEY RESET PROCEDURE PER OWNER'S MANUAL. NO LUCK. WAIT 30 MINUTES, HEARD RELAY IN DASH CLICK, AND CAR RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. 3RD TIME OCCURRED. NOTICED I HAD PULLED INTO PARKING SPACE BY TRUNING HARD RIGHT PRIOR TO SHUT OFF. ALSO, MY WIFE HAD OPENED THE PASSENGER DOOR AND CLIMBED IN PRIOR TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR BEING OPENED (POSSIBLE ALARM SYSTEM PROBLEM?) NO WARNING. DEALER IS STUMPED. MANY OTHERS HAVE SAME EXACT ISSUE. SUSPECT EITHER COMPUTER OR SENSOR PROBLEM. OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE, ISSUE WITH THE ALARM SYSTEM WHEN TEH PASSENGER DOOR IS OPENED WHILE CAR IS LOCKED. CAR WAITS UNTIL AFTER A TIME RESET TO INITIALIZE THE RELAY AGAIN.... MILAGE 13,600. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2011
MY NEW HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2011 FAIL TO START OR TO TURN OFF ( I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR IN ORDER TO DO IT). BESIDES THAT ONCE IN A WHILE THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR DOES NOT SHOW ANY LETTER ON (R OR D OR P OR N).AGAIN,I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR THEN IT GOES ON NORMALLY.WHEN DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS ABNORMALLY. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Apr 5, 2011
THE HORN ON THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IS SO WEAK IT IS INAUDIBLE WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE DEALER ORDERED A NEW ONE BUT TO NO AVAIL. MY SONATA WAS BUILT PRIOR TO THE SEPT. 2010 SWITCH TO A DUAL HORN. THE OLD HORN IS A HAZARD AND OFFER NO PROTECTION TO ALERT DRIVERS AS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS. THERE SHOULD BE A FIX BUT DEALER ADVISES THERE IS NONE THUS FAR. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2011
THE HORN ON MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IS NOT LOUD AT ALL. I HONK AT PEOPLE AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA I AM HONKING AT THEM. ITS VERY QUIET AND HIGH PITCH. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE HORN WAS SERIOUSLY NEEDED ON A HIGHWAY OR SOMETHING. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2011
PICKED UP NEW SONATA GL WITH 58KM ON IT NOW HAS 96KM INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND CLICK ON AND OF BRIGHTLY. HEAD LIGHTS ALSO FLASH AT SAME TIME. CAR IS UNDER 3 HOURS OLD. ALREADY CALLED DEALER AND THERE FIRST THING IN THE AM. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 8, 2011, crash
IT HAPPENED IN ONE AFTERNOON IN A COMPANY PARKING LOT WHEN ALL THE EMPLOYEES WERE LEAVING FOR THE WEEKEND. THE EXIT LINE WAS BACKED UP AND WHILE WAITING IN LINE FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR, ANOTHER EMPLOYEE BACKED UP HER CAR FROM THE PARKING SPACE. ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS MOVING SLOWLY, THE DRIVER WAS PAYING ATTENTION TO THE OTHER CARS PARKED ON SIDES BUT FAILING TO ASSURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE BEHIND. IMMEDIATLY I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A COLLISION AND I ACTIVATED THE HORN FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS. UNFORTUNATLY THE HORN WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH FOR THE OTHER DRIVER TO HEAR IT (BY HER OWN ADMISSION THE HORN WAS INNAUDIABLE) AND THE COLISION COULD NOT BE AVOIDED. AS A RESULT THE CARS FRONT RIGHT FENDER WAS SLIGHTLY BENDED. THE DAMAGED RESULTED WAS VALUED AT $708. NEVERTHELESS, SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR THERE WERE AT LEAST FIVE OTHER INCIDENTS IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE HORN WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2011, fire
MY CAR WAS WARMING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I WENT OUTSIDE AND IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE IS ONLY ONE RECALL FOR THIS AND IT WAS MECHANICAL RELATED TO THE STEEERING COLUMN. THE FIRE WAS A DIFINITIVE SMELL OF ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2011
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A KEY FOB IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO SHUT OFF ONCE THE KEY FOB WAS WITHIN A SPECIFIED DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY REMAIN IN THE ON POSITION WHEN THE KEY FOB WAS BEYOND THE ALLOTTED DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH FORCED THE DRIVER TO MANUALLY TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. HE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR DALLAS FREEWAY WHEN A TRUCK STARTED CHANGING LANES WITHOUT VISIBLY SEEING ME. I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE HORN ONLY TO DISCOVER IT DID NOT WORK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER FOUR HOURS WAS TOLD THEY WILL NEED TO ORDER ONE. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE WHEN NAVIGATING EXTREMELY OVER UTILIZED FREEWAYS. BASED ON READ FORUMS, THE HORN ON THIS CAR APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL FIX MY HORN. I WAS ONLY TOLD THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE HORN COMES IN. THIS IS EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CARE WHEN A PRODUCT, WITH KNOWN ISSUES, IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS, IN HOUSE, IN EFFORT TO MINIMIZE DANGER TO THE END USER AND CUSTOMER. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL TO START INTERMITTENTLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES, A PROBLEM THAT WOULD OCCUR SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED BUT DID NOT GENERATE ANY FAILURE CODES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO RECEIVE A JUMP IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 958.
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2011
FOR THE THIRD TIME I HAVE GOTTEN IN MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE AND IT WILL NOT START (PUSH TO START). THE SCREEN WILL EITHER SAY THE KEY IS NOT IN THE VEHICLE OR IT WILL SAY PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO START (THE KEY IS CERTAINLY IN THE VEHICLE, HOW ELSE DID I GET IN WITH IT LOCKED). AFTER REPEATEDLY GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE CAR, LOCKING AND UNLOCKING PRESSING THE BREAK PADS, TRYING EVERYTHING AND THEN SOME FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR THE VEHICLE STILL WILL NOT START. THIS IS THE FOURTH HYUNDAI I HAVE PURCHASED, SECOND BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS BEFORE BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING EVEN THOUGH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR IT ONLINE (WHAT SOURCES ARE THEY USING, GOOGLE TURNS UP PLENTY OF INFORMATION). THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN A DARK, POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AREA UNABLE TO START MY BRAND NEW CAR THAT HAS ALREADY HAD A RECALL. I EXPECT MORE THAN THIS.I WILL DROP IT OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND AFTER THAT I AM GOING TO INVOKE THE LEMON LAW. ONE RECALL IS BAD ENOUGH I WOULD AT LEAST LIKE TO BE ABLE TO START MY VEHICLE. THE BATTERY IS FINE BOTH IN THE CAR AND THE REMOTE. AT 8,000 I SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS NOT LOUD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT INSTALL A DUAL HORN WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BEAUSE ANOTHER DRIVE MIGHT NOT HEAR THE HORN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 700.
Electrical system, Oct 18, 2010
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE HORN IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD. YOU CAN HARDLY HEAR IT INSIDE THE CAR, AND IN TRAFFIC, OTHER CARS CAN NOT HEAR IT WITH ALL THE ROAD NOISE.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2010
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS BEEN FAILING TO START OVER THE PAST 2 DAYS. THE PROBLEM IS INCONSISTENT, IT AT TIMES TAKES 5 MINUTES TO START AND AT OTHERS IT TAKES 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR TURNS ON. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR, A DISPLAY MESSAGE APPEARS NEAR THE ODOMETER STATING THAT YOU MUST PRESS BRAKE TO TURN VEHICLE ON (THIS MODEL USES A PUSH START BUTTON). THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKS IN PLACE AND CANNOT BE PRESSED DOWN. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE HORN BUT IT COULD BARELY BE HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE HORN WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,242.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2010
THE HORN IN A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IS VERY WEAK. ON A HIGHWAY WITH ALL THE ROAD NOISE CARS CANNOT HEAR THE HORN. WHEN THE HORN IS USED IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS IN THE DISTANCE AND NOT WARNING THE CAR NEAR YOU. THE HORN SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH A LOUDER AUDIBLE HORN. *TR