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: engine
1,011 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Engine, Nov 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65 TO 75 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST AT LEAST A QUART OF OIL AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND THE DEALER (BUTLER HYUNDAI, 5000 CRATER LAKE AVE, MEDFORD, OR 97504, (541) 245-5335). THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE OIL MAY HAVE BEEN OVERFILLED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS STATED THAT THE OIL LEAK COULD BE DUE TO AN INTERNAL LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,015.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Engine, Nov 7, 2018
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TURNED OFF AND STARTED TO SMELL LIKE BURNED PLASTIC. THE CAR DID NOT TURNED BACK ON AND HAD IT TOWED BACK TO MY HOUSE.
Engine, Nov 7, 2018
MY ENGINE COMPLETELY SEIZED WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO OIL LIGHT. NOTHING
Engine, Nov 7, 2018
MY CAR GOES THROUGH AT LEAST 5 QUARTS OF OIL A MONTH . WHEN I GET AN OIL CHANGE IT TURNS DARK RIGHT AWAY. THERE IS NO VISUAL LEAK SEEN ON GROUND FROM VEHICAL.
Engine, Nov 4, 2018
MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE , WHEN ACCELERATING, GOING UP HILLS, OR SPEED LIMIT GOING UP. MAKES KNOCKING ANYTIME FOOT IS ON THE GAS PEDAL. I SEE THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THIS ISSUE. BUT ACCORDING TO RECORDS THE ISSUE WAS ONLY INSPECTED. I HAVE LOSS OF POWER WHEN GOING UPHILL. MY CAR HESITATES TO START. I HAVE COMPLAINED NUMEROUS TIMES OF THIS KNOCKING ISSUE. BUT THEY SAID THEY COULDNT FIND IT. IT STARTED GETTING REALLY BAD 2 DAYS AGO, SO I STOPPED AT A MECHANIC WHO SAID ITS DEFINITELY THE ENGINE KNOCKING. AND IF IT WAS ONLY INSPECTED AT THE RECALL, IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BY HYUNDAI. BECAUSE IT MAY CAUSE SERIOUS ISSUES. AND THAT HYUNDAI IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE ENGINE. WHEN IT CLEARLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. EVEN THOUGH IT MAY HAVE SEEMED OK WHEN THEY " INSPECTED " IT. I HAVE 2 CHILDREN . AND EXPECT THIS TO BE RECTIFIED. AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FIRST PLACE. NOT JUST LOOKED AT AND BEING LIED TO. I ALSO SEE THERE IS A LAWSUIT AGAINST HYUNDAI FOR NOT WANTED TO REPLACE THE ENGINES, KNOWING THEY WERE BAD. THE NOISE HAPPENS ON HIGHWAYS AND STREETS. IT DOESNT STOP. THE ORIGINAL RECALL WAS #132.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 30, 2018, fire
OUR CAR WAS IN THE NUMBER 2 LANE OF A 5 LANE FREEWAY WHEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST POWER AND THE GAS PEDAL DIDN'T WORK AND THEN A VERY SUDDEN, HARD JOLT IN THE CAR. I WANTED TO DOWNSHIFT, BUT THE SHIFT LEVER WENT TO PARK WITH NO EFFECT. I TURNED ON MY TURN SIGNAL TO GET TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT. I LET THE WHEELS DRAG ALONG THE ASPHALT CURB OF THE SHOULDER UNTIL I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, BY THEN, THE SMOKE WAS FILLING THE CABIN COMING THROUGH ALL OF THE AIR VENTS AND MY WIFE AND I GOT OUT AS QUICKLY AS WE COULD. IT WASN'T UNTIL THEN THAT I FOUND THAT WE HAD BEEN FOLLOWED BY A TOW TRUCK WITH ITS EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON AND BLOCKED THE SLOW LANE OF TRAFFIC FOR US AND WHO HAD HIS DISPATCHER CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE ENGINE IN THIS CAR HAD BEEN REPLACED IN MARCH, 2018 UNDER A RECALL FOR ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TRIED HIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER, BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT AND HE STATED IT WOULD NOT WORK BECAUSE IT WAS A GASOLINE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE NEW ENGINE THEY HAVE TO BEND THE FUEL LINES OUT OF THE WAY AND A FUEL LINE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED, OR WAS NEVER INSTALLED PROPERLY. NO ONE HAD DONE ANY WORK ON THE ENGINE SINCE IT WAS INSTALLED BY THE HYUNDAI DEALER. I HAVE A FIRE REPORT, BUT IT IS 8 PAGES. HIGHWAY PATROL WAS PRESENT, BUT THEY DO NOT MAKE A REPORT WHEN ONLY 1 CAR IS INVOLVED.
Engine, Oct 27, 2018, fire
CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES AS I DROVE HOME FROM WORK LAST NIGHT. FIRST THE BRAKES WENT OUT, SMOKE THEN FLAMES. MY ENGINE WAS NEW. INSTALLED DUE TO RECALL IN 2017
Engine, Oct 18, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS HESITANT AND THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE DEALER (CIOCCA HYUNDAI, 550 S WEST END BLVD, QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951, (215) 536-2700) INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN THAT THE OEM DEFECTIVE PART WAS REPLACED WITH THE NEW ENGINE ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AGAIN BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Engine, Oct 16, 2018
ANNOUNCEMENT: THE CAR BOOK 2018 IS NOW ONLINE! RATINGS ON OVER 1,000 NEW & USED MODELS GOING BACK 5 YEARS, FROM THE CENTER FROM AUTO SAFETY. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAR BOOK 2018 HERE. LATEST NEWS OCT 16: FORD F-250 AND F-350 TAILGATES OPENING WITHOUT WARNING OCT 14: HYUNDAI KIA FIRE RECALL NEEDED YOU ARE LOGGED IN. MY ACCOUNT |LOGOUT SHOW THE: WORST VEHICLES UPDATE A CAR COMPLAINT STEP 2 OF 3 -- EDIT YOUR COMPLAINT YOU WROTE... ADD ANOTHER ONE TO YOUR LIST OF COMPLAINTS I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE COMPLETELY SEIZED. I LOST POWER, BRAKES, AND STEERING. THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE LEFT TURNING LANE OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN SLAMMED INTO FROM BEHIND AND PROBABLY WOULD NOT BE HERE TO TELL ABOUT IT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THESE CARS HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN OFF THE ROAD BY THE NHTSB.WHEN WE CALLED HYUNDAI TO TELL THEM WHAT HAPPENED THEIR SERVICE ADVISOR SAID "OH YEAH THAT IS TYPICAL FOR THOSE ENGINES". SO, A CAR WITH KNOWN ENGINES PROBLEMS AND SEIZING AND KNOWN FIRES IS STILL ALLOWED TO BE ON THE ROAD? WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAR HAS AN ONGOING RECALL FOR NO AIRBAGS WITH NO SOLUTION TO THAT PROBLEM. SO IF I HAD BEEN RAN OFF THE ROAD WITH NO BRAJES, POWER OR STEERING, THE AIRBAGS PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED EITHER. TGE WORST PART IS I TOOK THE CAR TO HYUNDAI 8 MONTHS AGO AND WAS TOLD THAT NONE OF THE SYMPTOMS THAT MY CAR HAD, WHICH MATCHED THE RECALL EXACTLY, WERE PART OF THE ENGINE ISSUE. SERIOUSLY? I AM THINKING, THEY WERE WRONG. AND ON TOP IF THAT. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME TO LOOK AT IT FOR THEIR RECALL! AFTER ENGINE SEIZING, RHEY REPLACEF ENGINE... RHREE DAYS LATER, MY ENGINE SEIZED. UN -FREAKIN'-BELIEVABLE!
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 16, 2018
I HAVE HAD ISSUE AFTER ISSUE WITH MY 2011 SONATA. IN JUST A YEAR AND A HALF I HAVE HAD 5 THINGS FIXED OR REPLACED 2 OF THEM MAJOR. I'VE HAD THE WHOLE BREAK ASSEMBLY FIXED FOR MY BREAK LIGHTS NOT WORKING. MOST RECENTLY I HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED DUE TO IT SEIZING UP WITH JUST BARELY OVER 100K MILES. THEN 3 MONTHS AFTER THAT I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CRUISE RANDOMLY TURNING OFF, THE BREAK LIGHTS NOT WORKING. ALSO THE GEAR SHIFTER WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR AT TIMES. ONE OF THE MAJOR ISSUES IVE HAD IS THE ENGINE RANDOMLY STALLING OR THE ACCELERATOR NOR WORKING AT ALL. THE ISSUE IVE HAD WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL RANDOMLY HAPPEN WHETHER I'M MOVING OR IN PARK AND DURING THIS IS ALSO EFFECTS THE STABILITY CONTROL AS WELL AND IT WILL TURN ITS SELF OFF. WITH THE CAR STALLING, IT RANDOMLY HAPPENS WHETHER I'M AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT TRYING TO ACCELERATE OR WHILE I'M DRIVING.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 16, 2018
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA I HAD PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE HYUNDAI AUTO DECIDED NOT TO FIX IT I HAVE PROBLEM WITH MY STARTER HYUNDAI AUTO DECIDED NOT TO FIX IT I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR BOTH ENGINE INSTALL [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
Engine, Oct 14, 2018
NHTSA IN DECEMBER 2015 THE ENGINE ON OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED WHILE ACCELERATING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON A VERY BUSY HWY 101 IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA. WE BROUGHT OUR VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE HAD PURCHASED IT IN MAY 2011. THE FOLLOWING MORNING WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE ENGINE HAD FAILED AND THAT HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICAN HAS AUTHORIZED THEM TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT NO COST TO US. AFTERWARDS, WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK COMPLAINING OF 1. A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND 2. A TOXIC SMELL INVADING THE PASSENGER CABIN SEEMINGLY COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS WITH THEM. AFTER SEVERAL RETURN VISITS WE WERE TOLD THAT THE SOUND AND SMELL WERE DUE TO A FAILED 'MOTOR ASSEMBLY' NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. WE WERE CHARGED APPROXIMATELY $575 DESPITE OUR OBJECTIVES ASSERTING THAT THE FAILED MOTOR ASSEMBLY WAS THE RESULT OF FAULTY WORK WHEN THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED LEST THE OTHER 3 MOTOR ASSEMBLIES WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE WERE EVENTUALLY REIMBURSED BUT NOT MY THE DEALERSHIP BUT RATHER BY HYUNDAI N.A.. WE AGAIN MENTIONED OUR COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FREQUENT TOXIC SMELL TO HYUNDAI N.A. REQUESTING THAT THEY BUY THE VEHICLE BACK FROM US BASED ON THE AFOREMENTIONED CONDITIONS. WE WERE ADVISED THAT OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR BUY BACK, RATHER HYUNDAI N.A. OFFERED A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR $2,000. WE RELUCTANTLY ACCEPTED THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND SIGNED THE RELEASE BELIEVING THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER FORUM FOR US TO SEEK REMEDIES EXCEPT THROUGH THE COSTLY COURT SYSTEM. WE REGRET HAVING ACCEPTED THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT EACH TIME THE TOXIC SMELL INVADES THE PASSENGER CABIN. AFTER THE RECENT NEWS REPORTS WE ARE NOW FEARFUL THAT OUR 2011 SONATA WILL BURST INTO FLAMES.
Engine, Oct 11, 2018
BOUGHT CAR 4/2017 5 DAYS LATER ENGINE LOCKED 4/2017 REPLACED BY HYUNDAI UNDER WARRANTY AND RECEIVED BACK 5/2017. WAS DRIVING STARTED SMELLING ANTIFREEZE, CAR NEVER SHOWED OVERHEAT, PULLED OVER, IT BLEW RADIATOR CAP OFF, BOUGHT NEW CAP, WENT BACK TO CAR, ADDED FLUID AND CAP, DRIVE 1/10 OF A MILE AND CAR CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START BACK. MY MECHANIC PICKED UP AND REPORTS WATER IN ENGINE AND METAL IN OIL. SAME AS FIRST ENGINE. HYUNDAI CLAIMS NO WARRANTY ON THIS NEW ENGINE. THIS ENGINE HAS METAL IN OIL THE SAME AS THEIR RECALL.
Engine, Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE) AND SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PRIDE HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 777 LYNNWAY, LYNN, MA 01905, (781) 592-3800) AND REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INDEPENDENT ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Engine, Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.
Engine, Oct 4, 2018
A MOTOR OIL BURNING SMELL FILLS THE INTERIOR CABIN OF CAR. OVER YEARS DEALERS SAY NO LEAKS TOP OR BOTTOM BUT BURNING MORE THEN A QUART OF OIL BETWEEN 3,000 OIL CHANGES. IT'S A BURNING FUMES SMELL LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING ABNORMALLY IN THE ENGINE. IF IT'S NOT LEAKING OIL THEN ITS AN ENGINE INTERNAL ISSUE POSSIBLY PRONE TO FIRE STARTING. I FIND THE DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO KNOWLEDGE THE 2011 SONATA 2.4 THETA ENGINES ARE RATED FOR FAILURE EXTREMELY POORLY.THESE ENGINES ARE KNOWN TO SEIZE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Engine, Oct 4, 2018
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BEING UNAWARE OF ENGINE RECALL AND REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FROM COMPANY. *AS *TR
Engine, Oct 2, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED AND STOPPED. ENGINE LIGHTS WENT ON. THE CAR STARTED AFTER 15 MINUTES
Engine, Oct 1, 2018
SAT EVENING DRIVING THRU DOWNTOWN DALLAS CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST POWER AND REFUSED TO START AGAIN. LUCKILY ABLE TO COAST TO EXIT RAMP. TOW BILL OF $300 TO GET OFF ROADWAY. MONDAY MORNING ANOTHER $110 TO TOW TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC SAYS ENGINE IS GONE, BUT CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY. IT SIMPLY SEIZED UP. NEW ENGINE REQUIRED.
Engine, Sep 26, 2018, fire
CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY WHILE 120 MILES FROM HOME. ENGINE, OIL, BATTERY AND EPS LIGHTS ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND CAR SLOWED DOWN UNTIL IT STOPPED. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MOVE IT FROM THE MIDDLE LANE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. MY CAR WAS STILL OVER THE WHITE LINE AND IT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. CAR WAS SMOKING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. TOWED TO NEARBY MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT CAR HAD NO OIL. I JUST RECEIVED AN OIL CHANGE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS PRIOR AND HAD 2500 MILES LEFT BEFORE I NEEDED ANOTHER ONE. MECHANIC STATED THAT I NEED A NEW ENGINE. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR IN FEB 2018. WARRANTY IS FIGHTING ME ON FIXING IT SO NOW I HAVE PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT DOESNT WORK AND ITS STILL 120 MILES AWAY. I HAD TO GET A RENTAL JUST TO GET MY FAMILY HOME SAFELY. THIS VEHICLE IS CLEARLY HAVING ENGINE ISSUES THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT BUT MY FAMILY WAS IN EXTREME DANGER AND NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT THAT.
Engine, Sep 22, 2018
INTERNAL ENGINE NOISE AND UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF OIL CONSUMPTION , APPROXIMATELY 1 QT. PER 500 MILES . FOUND USA TODAY DATED 09/25/2015 STATING POSTED BY THE NHTSA THAT HYUNDAI ANNOUNCED A RECALL OF MY VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY THIS SAFETY RECALL.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 20, 2018
ENGINE STALLS AT HIGH SPEEDS AND SLOW DOWN DRAMATICALLY. HAVE TAKEN TO HYUDAI TWICE, THEY SAY THE ENGINE RECALL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH STALLING ONLY KNOCKING AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $104 DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE WHEN CLEARLY ALL THE NEWSPAPER SAY THAT IT POSSIBLY HAS DEBRIS WHICH CAN CLOG FUEL LINES AND CAUSE STALLING, THEY SAID THIS IN NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR RECALL. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, BUT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. LAST TIME IS LISTED BELOW
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 12, 2018
CAR JUST WON'T START AT ALL IT HAS OIL AND STUFF IN IT AND IT WON'T START IT'S A PUSH START I GOT IT FROM CAR MAX ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO.
Engine, Sep 8, 2018
THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING IS PLASTIC MOLDED OVER A STEEL (METAL) CORE. WHERE THE HOUSING IS BOLTED TO THE ENGINE OVER THE INPUT AND OUTPUT COOLANT ORIFICES AN INTERNAL PIECE OF PLASTIC FLAKED OFF THE STEEL CORE BEHIND THE GASKET SURROUNDING THE INPUT ORIFICE. AT REST NO COOLANT LEAKED OUT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM. HOWEVER, AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE, THE COOLANT SPRAYED OUT OF THE ENGINE IN A FINE MIST/SPRAY. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS AN ODOR OF COOLANT WHILE DRIVING, ALL SEARCHES AROUND THE HEATER CORE, UNDER VEHICLE RESULTED IN NO EVIDENCE OF COOLANT LEAK. ON AN EXTENDED TRIP AT 103,000 MILES ENOUGH COOLANT EVACUATED THE COOLING SYSTEM TO FACILITATE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. YET THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING OVERHEATING. THE BLOWN GASKET WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THERE WAS A SOUND OF GURGLING LIQUIDS ORIGINATING FROM THE COOLANT RESERVOIR WHEN WE REACHED OUR DESTINATION, A THICK SLUDGE OF COOLANT AND OIL PERMEATED THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE, HEATER CORE, THROTTLE BODY AND RADIATOR. IT WAS DURING REPAIRS THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE INTERIOR DAMAGE. IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING 30 MILES FURTHER THAN WE DID, THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE SEIZED AT HIGHWAY SPEED, UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THANK GOD WE STOPPED WHEN WE DID.