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
Engine, Sep 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO OIL AND THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED, EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,683.
Engine, Sep 23, 2015
THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A NOISE, WE CHANGED OIL AS RECOMMENDED BUT NOISE WAS STILL PREVALENT. CAR WAS TAKEN IN, ENGINE FAILURE. ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. THE CALLED IT A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND THEY SENT THE HEAD OUT TO GET ASSEMBLED. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE BAND NEW ENGINES AVAILABLE SO THEY MUST REBUILD THE DAMAGED UNITS & SEND THEM OUT OR THE DEALER IS TOLD TO REBUILD. WE HAVE NO CAUSE THE DEALER & HYUNDAI WILL NOT TELL US THE TRUTH. SO WE HAVE OUR CAR BACK WITH A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE IN IT NOT A BRAND NEW ENGINE AS PROMISED.
Engine, Sep 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Engine, Sep 16, 2015
MY CAR IS A PRE-OWNED CAR WITH CURRENTLY A LITTLE OVER 76,000 MILES. I HAD THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YRS, AND MY ENGINE HAS DIED. I KEEP UP WITH MY OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES. BECAUSE I'M THE SECOND OWNER THE WARRANTY IS UP TO 60,000 MILES. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WOULD MY ENGINE FALL ON AN 2011 SONATA. HYUNDAI SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Sep 11, 2015
MY FIANCE' WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST STARTED TO PUTTER AND STARTED TO MAKE KNOCKING NOISES AND COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE (ON MY RELATIVELY NEW CARE THAT I, THE ORIGINAL OWNER HAD FOR JUST OVER 2 YEARS). THEY CLAIMED THAT MY ENGINE WAS DIRTY AND NON-LUBRICATED. I KEPT UP WITH MY OIL CHANGES AND AS A MATTER OF FACT, JUST HAD THE OIL CHANGED (NOT BY HYUNDAI) ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. SINCE I HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A USED ENGINE (ABOUT $5500), THE CAR HAS SEIZED ON ME THREE OTHER TIMES. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT BECAUSE I HAD A USED ENGINE PUT IN BY A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, I AM NOT COVERED UNDER THE 10 YR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A TOTAL NIGHTMARE, REPAIR AFTER REPAIR FOR WHICH I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR. HYUNDAI HAS "BRANDED" MY CAR, WHICH IS A REAL CRACK UP CONSIDERING ITS A FAULTY CAR THAT THEY SOLD ME.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC MY 2011 SONATA COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE ENGINE TOTALLY SEIZED UP ENDANGERING MY ENTIRE FAMILY. THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL ENGINE SOUND PRIOR TO IT STOPPING AND NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. WE HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AVOIDING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AS IT ENDANGERED 5 LIVES. THANK GOODNESS WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE ARE TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE TOTALLY REPLACED AT A MIN. ENGINE COST OF $5800 NOT INCLUDING LABOR OR OTHER PARTS. IN ESTIMATING COSTS, PROBABLY $8000 OR MORE. IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE ROTATING ASSEMBLY THAT CAUSES SUDDEN AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO PREVENT IT. NOW I HAVE NO CAR TO DRIVE, AND MUST SOMEHOW COME UP WITH THE ABOVE COSTS OR RENT A CAR. THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT WAS WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
Engine, Sep 2, 2015
I WAS TRAVELING IN PA. ON ROUTE 879 AND 153, AT A RATE OF ABOUT 60 MPH MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED WORKING, I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO GET OFF THE ROAD WHILE THE MERGE LANE WAS ENDING. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED. I AM BEING TOLD BY THE MECHANICS THAT I NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. THE MECHANIC DOESN'T SEE WHY THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. I UNDERSTAND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, THANKFUL NO ONE WAS HURT. OPENED A CASE WITH HYUNDAI (C8187494). THE OPERATOR AT HYUNDAI THAT TOOK MY INFORMATION STATED THAT SHE NEW OF THE LAWSUIT AND THAT HYUNDAI WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING. SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Engine, Sep 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE HOME AND CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Engine, Aug 19, 2015
HYUNDAI IS GOING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE UNDER WARRANTEE, HOWEVER THEY ONLY WARRANTEE THIS BRAND NEW LONG BLOCK (ENGINE) FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES INSTEAD OF WARRANTING THE ENGINE FOR AN ORIGINAL 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM IS CAN THIS NEW ENGINE BE TRUSTED SINCE WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE ENGINE WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT. HYUNDAI REQUIRES THAT ALL OIL CHANGE RECORDS BE GIVEN TO DEALERSHIP.
Engine, Aug 17, 2015
WE BEGAN HEARING SOME NOISES FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE AND AN OIL CHANGE ON WEDNESDAY OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK (8/18/2015 WAS OUR APPOINTMENT). ON 8/17/15 THE CAR STARTED LIKE NORMAL, WE GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, AND MY HUSBAND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. IT ACCELERATED TO 15MPH, THEN STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CAR HAD SHUT OFF. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES CEASED TO WORK, AND WE BARELY MADE IT OFF THE ROAD. WE PUT IT IN PARK, TOOK THE KEY OUT, WAITED FOR A MINUTE, AND TRIED RESTARTING IT. IT WOULD CLICK ONCE, THEN NOTHING. WE TRIED JUMPING IT, NOTHING. WE WERE TOLD IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ALTERNATOR, SO HAD IT TOWED TO A NEARBY AAA SHOP. THE FOLLOWING DAY (MONDAY, 8/17/15) WE RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. AND UPON CALLING THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM, FOUND OUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED, HAD JUST EXPIRED AT 109K MILES AND WE WERE AT 130K MILES. WE ASKED THE AAA AND THE DEALERSHIP TO CALL AROUND TO GET PRICING ON HOW MUCH AN ENGINE WOULD BE. THEY WERE SHOCKED TO LEARN THAT THE ENGINE FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IS UNAVAILABLE NATIONWIDE, INDEFINITELY. THIS IS UNHEARD OF AND IS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO SEARCH ONLINE TO CHECK IF A SEIZED ENGINE WAS ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS/RECALLS/MISTAKES MADE WITH THIS CAR, AND SURPRISINGLY, IT WAS! I TRULY HOPE THE NHTSA WILL INVESTIGATE AT THE VERY LEAST! AND RECALL THIS CAR!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 15, 2015
ON A COUPLE OF SEPARATE INCIDENTS, THE GEAR DISAPPEAR. I WAS DRIVING ON D, THE GEAR WAS ON D, BUT AFTER SEVERAL MILES THE GEAR DISAPPEAR. I PULLED OVER TO PARK THE CAR, I PUT THE CAR ON REVERSE, BUT THE GEAR WAS NOT VISIBLE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON, I COULD SEE THE GEAR THEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER THIS HAPPENED, THE CAR DID NOT START AT ALL. THE CAR ENDED UP STARTING AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. APART FROM THIS ISSUE I'VE BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. STARTER, AXLES, THE KEY IGNITION SWITCH, SENSORS, ETC. IT'S BEEN VERY TIME CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE.
Engine, Aug 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
48 HOURS AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED TWO SELENODES AND WIRING HARNESS (STATING IT COULD BE MY DRIVING HABITS, BUT WOULD FILE IT UNDER THE WARRANTY) - THE VEHICLE STARTING SHIFTING EVEN HARDER THAN IT PREVIOUSLY HAD AND THEN SUDDENLY WOULD NOT GO OVER 25MPH AND THE RPMS WERE 5-6. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER) - AND WAS TOLD IT NOW NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAD ZERO ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE TILL IT HIT APPROXIMATELY 75,000 MILES. I HAVE FILED TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE REGARDING THE OTHER TWO INCIDENTS THAT I'VE HAD WARRANTY WORK DONE ON IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. I EXPECT THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY FALL APART BY THE TIME I HIT 100K AND THERE IS NO LONGER A WARRANTY. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT HAVE MY 3 KIDS WITH ME THIS LAST TIME.
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
VEHICLE STARTING SHIFTING HARD, THEN WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CAR FELL OUT OF GEAR INTO "NEUTRAL". PULLED OVER. VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK. VEHICLE THEN CONTINUED TO SHIFT HARD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WAS TOLD IT WAS TWO SELENODES AND WIRING HARNESS. THIS REPAIR LASTED 48 HOURS. WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THEY SAID IT COULD BE MY DRIVING HABITS.
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BLOCK AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO LOW OIL IN THE CAR. AFTER ARGUING FOR 2 WEEKS WITH DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER) AND THE ONLY DEALER THAT HAS EVER SERVICED THE VEHICLE, THEY REPLACED THE SMALL ENGINE BLOCK, UNDER WARRANTY. TOOK 1 MONTH.
Engine, Aug 8, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK CONNECTING FROM ROUTE 80 TO ROUTE 206 THEN CAR JUST CUTS OFF, NO LIGHTS , NO NOISE JUST DIE'S OUT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THAT ENGINE SEIZED, I ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND PUT MY WIFE'S LIFE IN DANGER THAT A CAR CAN JUST SHUT DOWN WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS. DEALER TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO TAKE APART ENGINE TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ENGINE EVEN THOUGH I MAINTENANCE THIS CAR APPROXIMATELY EVERY 2 MONTHS AND THE CAR HAD HIGHWAY MILES. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT OTHER CUSTOMERS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAY IT'S A ENGINE DEFECT AND HYUNDAI WILL NOT PAY TO FIX.
Engine, Jul 29, 2015
ON JULY 26, 2015 THE MOTOR OF MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA STARTED TO MAKE A LOT OF NOICE. I WAS ON COUNTRY ROADS AND TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME AND THE ENGINE SIEZED UP A FEW MILES LATER. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT SOMETHING HAD "LET LOOSE IN THE MOTOR" CAUSING TO HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MOTOR. HE SAID THE MOTOR WAS SEIZED UP AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Engine, Jul 27, 2015
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT - MIDDLE LANE OF 3 LANES. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART - REPAIR SHOP SAID ENGINE SEIZED - WHICH SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. CALLED ONE SALVAGE YARD THAT LISTED 4 IN STOCK - THEY WERE ALL SOLD. I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC UNTIL A POLICE CAR STOPPED BEHIND ME AND TURNED ON HIS LIGHTS. I AM NOT UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO BEING THE 2ND OWNER (WARRANTY IS HALF - 50,000 MILES). I STILL OWE AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST 4000.00 TO HAVE A USED ENGINE INSTALLED (WHICH APPEARS WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM EVENTUALLY). ...UPDATED 09/28/15 *BF UPDATED 12/08/2017*CN
Engine, Jul 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Jul 22, 2015
MY FATHER IN LAW WHO IS A MECHANIC CHANGED MY OIL ON SUNDAY. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE ONE CAR SO I LEFT VEHICLE HOME SO IT COULD GET CHANGED. MONDAY 7/14/15 I DROVE CAR TO WORK WHICH IS 10 MINS FROM HOME. I DROVE CAR HOME FROM WORK CAR WAS FINE. WHEN MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR BACK FROM THE STORE AND HE SAID THAT HE WENT TO ACCELERATE THE CAR DID NOTHING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING. MY HUSBAND HAD TO COAST ALL THE WAY INTO DRIVEWAY. IN OCTOBER OF 2014 I HAD THE STARTER REPLACED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTEE AND 6 RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF. DURING THAT TIME THEY HAD BROKEN THE WHOLE FRAME OF THE CAR AND I WAS WITH RENTAL FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. SO AT THIS TIME I THOUGHT THAT THE STARTER WENT AGAIN. I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE SHOP SINCE I WAS 484 MILES OVER WARRANTY AND HAD TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC. LEFT CAR AT DEALERSHIP AT 8:30AM. THEY HAD NOT GOTTEN BACK TO ME UNTIL MONDAY 20, 2015. THE CALLED TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS THE STARTER WHICH WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND OH YEAH YOU'RE ENGINE HAS SEIZED, AND OH YEAH YOU'RE CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL PROFUSELY. I EXPLAINED THAT THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN LEAKING THE ENTIRE TIME IT HAD BEEN SITTING IN MY GARAGE NOR DID IT LEAK ON THE TOW TRUCK. AND THEN I ASKED HOW CAN AN ENGINE SEIZE AT 60000 MILES. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 8000 FOR STARTER AND REMODED ENGINE AND 6000 FOR NEW ENGINE AND STARTER. I AM NOT REPLACING ENGINE WITH ANOTHER FAILED ENGINE. I AM GOING TO SEEK ADVICE FROM LAWYER. THANK HEAVENS MY HUSBAND WAS NOT DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE CUT OUT. COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS. HAD SALESMAN TOLD ME ABOUT THESE ISSUES WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH OF 2014, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASE THE CAR. I THINK IT IS A LACK OF ETHICS.
Engine, Jul 15, 2015
7/7/2015 MALFUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 6 PM WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. 7/8/2015 MALFUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHT TURNED OFF ITSELF. 7/9/2015 DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS STATED NEEDED A NEW OIL FLOW VALVE AND STRONGLY RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY EVEN THOUGH OIL CHANGE WAS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER 2 MO / 2500 MI. ALL WORK COMPLETED SAME DAY AT A COST OF $379.33 EXCLUDING TAX. 7/10/2015 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. HAD AAA TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED BAD STARTER LEVER. REPLACED STARTER LEVER SAME DAY FOR TOTAL COST OF $239.09. 7/11/2015 DROVE 0.5 MILES FROM HOME. WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD, A POP SOUND OCCURRED, ENGINE SEIZED, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON, NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ENGINE WAS SMOKING. AAA TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.
Engine, Jul 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER TO THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2015
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE CAR SEIZED AND INITIALLY APPEARED TO LOSE POWER. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT OCCURRING AND THERE WERE NO OTHER INDICATORS OF ANY PROBLEMS SUCH AS SMOKE, A SMELL, OR ANY LEAKS ON THE GROUND WHEN DRIVING OR PARKED. AFTER PULLING THE CAR OVER AND OPENING THE HOOD EVERYTHING APPEARED TO BE FINE. WE WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE NEXT DAY THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED AND STATED THERE APPEARED TO BE SOME SORT OF UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO COMPLETELY DRAIN OF OIL. OIL COVERED THE ENTIRE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDERNEATH THE CASING. THE MECHANICS AT THE SHOP WERE UNABLE TO GET THE ENGINE TO TURN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE JUST HAD A FULL SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 4/24/2015 INCLUDING: OIL & FILTER CHANGE, FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE, REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, ROTATE TIRES, CHECK BRAKES, CHECK EXHAUST, SUSPENSION, BELTS, AND HOSES, TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS, AND MULTI-POINT INSPECTION. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOTED IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION AND NO ISSUES WERE ANNOTATED. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR THE ENGINE IS BETWEEN $9,000 AND $10,000, BUT THE REPAIR SHOP HASN'T FULLY ASSESSED THE DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS SHOULD BE UNDER THE EXTENDED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, BUT I'M CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH THE CLAIMS PROCESS TO TRY AND RESOLVE THIS. A QUICK SEARCH BRINGS UP A MULTITUDE OF SIMILAR CASES FOR HYUNDAI SONATAS REFERRING TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WITH NEAR IDENTICAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED.
Engine, Jun 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARINGS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.