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, Jun 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARINGS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH SLUDGE AND NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,500.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 23, 2015
IN THE EVENING OF THE 22ND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO AWAY WHEN I PRESSED THE BUTTON ALSO THE CAR WOULD HAVE A LONG LAG BETWEEN PRESSING OR RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR RESPONDING. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I BEGAN DRIVING AGAIN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT DID NOT COME UP BUT WHEN I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND GOT TO 20MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCERATING AND THE ENGINE WENT IDLE UNTIL I RELEASED MY FOOT FROM THE PEDLE AND REAPPLIED IT WHEN IT WOULD GO AGAIN WITH NO ADDITIONAL ISSUES. THIS PATTERN REPEATED ITSELF EACH TIME THE CAR DROPPED BELOW 20 MPH.
Engine, Jun 15, 2015
MY ENGINE SEIZED WHICH SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM. I HAVE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE VERY WELL. ...UPDATED 07/30/15 *BF UPDATED 10/20/2017*CN
Steering, Engine, Jun 11, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING A STRANDE GRINDING TYPE OF NOISE. THIS IS HEARD WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE COUPLING, THE STEERING GEAR SYSTEM WAS BAD AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER WANTS $1400. THIS IS LUDICROUS! THE COUPLING IS ONLY $8-10. WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON WITH HYUNDAI? I JUST RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT JUST SHUT DOWN WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THIS IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH 2011 SONATA!!!!
Engine, Jun 4, 2015
ON 6/3/15, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THANKFULLY, WE WERE IN THE RIGHT LANE AND MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO GET OFF ON TO SHOULDER. TOWED INTO HYUNDAI WHO STATED ENGINE HAD SEIZED.TOLD BY DOT IF WE WERE IN FAR LANE WE WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD AND THE SHOULDER WE WERE ON WAS ACTUALLY A LANE THAT WAS IN USE FROM 7 TO 10 A.M AND IT WAS 10:15. TO NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR $10,000 BILL WE TRADED CARE IN FOR ANOTHER HYUNDAI MODEL. SONATA WAS 3 YEARS 10 MONTHS OLD AND MILEAGE WAS 41567.
Engine, Jun 1, 2015
2.0 TURBO ENGINE. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT FLASHING ANY WARNING LIGHTS. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND CHECKED ALL FLUIDS, NONE WERE BELOW MINIMUM LEVEL. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER ON THE SAME DAY, DEALER CALLED ME TWO DAYS LATER TO SAY THAT ENGINE IS SEIZED AND IT WILL BE $8900 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Engine, May 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
Engine, May 27, 2015
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I HEARD AND FELT A FAINT PUDDERING. I LOOKED DOWN AND MY OIL LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY EXIT. AS I WAS GOING ON THE OFF RAMP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO BARELY PULL INTO A PARK AND RIDE. 20 MINUTES LATER OIL WAS EVERYWHERE. THE CAR NEVER OVERHEATED, AND THERE WAS A TRAIL OF OIL FROM THE ROAD TO MY CAR. SINCE I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE GET THE OIL CHANGED JUST ON THE 5TH OF MAY, JUST 10 DAYS EARLIER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THAT FACILITY. THE PISTON INTERNALLY SLAMMED THROUGH THE ENGINE PUNCHING A HOLE IN THE ENGINE WALL, AND LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE DID NOT CEASE. PIECES AND PARTS OF BOLTS AND SIDE WALL WERE FOUND BY THE MECHANIC.
Engine, May 21, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR JUST STOPPED AND SHUT OFF. BEFORE SHUTTING OFF IT WAS LIKE THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WHAT I MEAN IS THAT THE EVEN THOUGH THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR ON SIDE OF A VERY DARK AND DANGEROUS ROAD. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO RETRIEVE MY CAR. I SAW OIL SPOTS ON THE GROUND WHERE I HAD PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND UNDER THE HOOD. AGAIN, MY CAR WOULD NOT START, SO I HAD TO TOW IT HOME. I CALLED TUSCALOOSA HYUNDAI AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS PAST THE MILEAGE WARRANTY THAT THE COST WOULD BE ON ME AND THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW MOTOR. I INFORMED THE MECHANIC ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS ON THE 2011 MODEL AND I WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES BEFORE MY CAR STOPPED. JOHN TOLD ME THAT, I JUST CANT BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT I READ. I'M VERY UNSATISFIED WITH HIS COMMENT. HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD JUST NEED A NEW ENGINE. I CAN NOT AFFORD THIS. I KNOW THAT I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF MY CAR AND FOR HYUNDAI TO SAT THIS IS MY FAULT IS GARBAGE. THEY KNOW THAT THEY HAVE MESSED UP AND ARE REFUSING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST HYUNDAI FOR PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. I JUST DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 6 MONTHS NOW AND I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY WHERE. I STILL HAVE A CAR NOTE AND INSURANCE.
Engine, May 21, 2015
WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DURING RUSH HOUR WHEN THE CAR JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. COULDN'T START IT UP, THEN IT STARTING TO SMELL LIKE FIRE AND A LOT OF SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. HAD TO JUMP OUT OF CAR AND GET IT TOWED TO DEALER. THIS WAS AFTER A SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED A WEEK BEFORE ON MY WAY TO WORK WHERE THE CAR JUST STALLED OUT AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. BROUGHT IT INTO HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID I HAD A "SLUDGE" PROBLEM. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST, BUT NOTHING CAME BACK. TOLD ME TO TAKE TO A REPUTABLE CAR REPAIR PLACE AND GET THE OIL CHANGED BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T WANT TO BE LIABLE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE, THE GUY THERE TOLD ME IT WASN'T A SLUDGE PROBLEM AND THE OIL WASN'T AS BAD AS HYUNDAI MADE IT OUT TO BE. HE CHANGED THE OIL THERE, THEN A WEEK LATER THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAIN ROAD AND STARTED SMOKING. I LOOKED IT UP AND SAW NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH 2011 SONATAS. THEY ARE TRYING TO TELL ME IT'S MY FAULT AND WILL PROBABLY NOT BE COVERED AND WILL COST ME ABOUT $6,000 TO FIX THE ENGINE. IF SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, THEN IT IS NOT MY FAULT, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL (A DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING ONE) FROM HYUNDAI AS THE CAR CAN JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY! MY DAUGHTER REFUSES TO GET IN THE CAR AGAIN. WAITING TO HEAR WHAT THEY SAY, BUT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAULTY ENGINE PROBLEM THAT HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF.
Service brakes, Engine, May 18, 2015
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING AT 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. I WAS INFORMED LATER BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. I WAS LUCKY AND ABLE TO COAST TO THE NEXT EXIT, THE STOP LIGHT WAS GREEN AND I COULD MAKE IT TO SAFE LOCATION. HAD THE ENGINE FAILED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY TRYING TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER. OR TRYING TO STOP AT A LIGHT WITH NO BRAKES.
Engine, May 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT MERGED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.
Engine, May 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A PISTON ROD WAS FRACTURED AND THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT IT WOULD BE WITH A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION, WHO PROVIDED THE SAME DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Engine, May 13, 2015
I PURCHASED THE 2011 SONATA CERTIFIED USED, PLUS I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR JUST DIED, NO SOUNDS, NO WARNING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, NOTHING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A GAS STATION AND I NOTICED A LITTLE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY CALLED & TOLD ME THE ENGINE SEIZED, BUT THE OIL WAS ONLY ABOUT HALF A QUART LOW. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T HONOR THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY SAID IT'S LIMITED TO 60K MILES (I'M THE 2ND OWNER & MY CAR HAD 66K MILES). I FILED A CLAIM WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY SERVICE AND THEY SENT OUT AN INSPECTOR. HIS FINDING WAS IT WAS 2-3 QUARTS LOW, THERE WAS "SLUDGE AND METAL BITS" IN THE OIL AND WE'D NEED A NEW ENGINE. BECAUSE I COULDN'T PRODUCE THE RECEIPT FROM MY LAST OIL CHANGE, THEY CITED OWNER NEGLECT AND DENIED THE CLAIM. I USED ROYAL PURPLE SYNTHETIC OIL (AND HAVE USED THIS SAME OIL FOR THE PAST 15 YRS IN ALL MY VEHICLES). I CHANGED MY OWN OIL IN JULY, APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS PRIOR. NOTE: THERE WAS NEVER ANY OIL LEAKS OR STAINS ON THE DRIVEWAY, NO LOW OIL/ENGINE LIGHT AT ALL. TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, IT WAS GOING TO COST AROUND $6000.00. I COULDN'T AFFORD THAT, SO I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET ANOTHER CAR. WHICH SUCKS BECAUSE NOW I AM PAYING 2 CAR NOTES, ON 2 CARS, BUT I AM ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE ONE. I DON'T WANT TO MESS MY CREDIT UP BY LETTING IT GO BACK, SO I'M REALLY TRYING TO HOLD ON TO IT AS LONG AS I CAN, BUT I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHEN I'M GOING TO HAVE THE EXTRA $$ TO GET A NEW ENGINE PUT IN.
Engine, May 13, 2015
I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 10/22/13 AND I HAVE KEPT THE MAINTENANCE UP ON THE CAR. THEN ON 2/13/15 (NOT TO MENTION THAT IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY) AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE CAR CUT OFF ON ME. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTOR WAS BLOWN UP. NOW HERE I WAS THINKING THAT I KEPT VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND THAT A CAR WITH ONLY 63K MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS! NOW HERE IT IS ALMOST 3 MONTHS LATER I STILL HAVE TO MAKE CAR PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT I CAN NOT DRIVE.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 12, 2015
VEHICLE STOPPED FUNCTIONING AT 60 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE ON A FRIDAY NIGHT. HAD TO COAST TO SIDE OF ROAD DODGING OTHER CARS. TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE WITH NO LUCK. ELECTRICAL STARTED GOING HAYWIRE. INTERIOR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AS WELL AS DASHBOARD LIGHTS. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM HOOD OF CAR. WITHIN 20 MINUTES A ROAD RANGER CHECKED THE STATUS OF THE CAR AND SAID ALL FLUIDS LOOKED GOOD. BATTERY TESTED GOOD. BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET VEHICLE TO START. TWO HOURS LATER IT WAS TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD IT APPEARS TO BE THE ENGINE BUT WAS TOLD THEY REPLACED THE STARTER FIRST BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THAT. FINALLY, TOLD IT WAS THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THANKFULLY IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IT'S LAST SERVICE WAS THE MIDDLE OF APRIL. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING IS POSSIBLY GOING ON IT. THEY REPORTED A KNOCKING NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO STEERING AS OF YET BUT NOW THAT THEY WILL HAVE CAR FOR UP TO 3 WEEKS WILL PROBABLY HAVE THEM CHECK THAT TOO ESPECIALLY AFTER READING MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND OTHER WEBSITES.
Engine, May 6, 2015
THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY SON. HE SAID THE CAR STARTED MAKING A FUNNY NOISE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HE SWITCHED CARS WITH HIS MOTHER. SHE COULD HEAR A RATTLE IN THE ENGINE AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED THE NEXT DAY. ON THE WAY HOME, THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN AND INSPECTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD THROWN A ROD AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine, May 6, 2015
WHILE DRIVING FOR APPROX 20MINS ON HWY AT 60MPH, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BEGAN TO KNOCK, APPROX 3 MINS LATER A LOUD EXPLODING SOUND ACCOMPANIED WITH WHITE SMOKE AND LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED. OIL WAS CHANGED YESTERDAY BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED AND THE OIL WAS CHECKED WITH NO OIL REGISTERING ON THE DIPSTICK. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED UNDER THE HOOD INSPECTION NOTED NO OIL ON TOP OF ENGINE OR ON UNDERSIDE OF HOOD, NEW OIL FILTER STILL IN PLACE AND SNUG, OIL PAN DRAIN BOLT STILL IN PLACE. OIL USED WAS 5QTS OF 5W-20 QUAKER STATE PER MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATION. *TR
Engine, May 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 52 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Engine, May 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,678.
Power train, Engine, May 1, 2015
CAR BEGAN MAKING A LOUD NOISE TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS ENGINE FAILURE - WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE ENGINE AT A COST OF $7,000. TOWED IT TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION WHO SAID - MAY BE ABLE TO JUST REPAIR PISTON AND NOT ENTIRE MOTOR - COST COULD BE UP TO $3-4000. VEHICLE NOW SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY - UNUSABLE - CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED - STILL PAYING ON LOAN. *TR
Engine, Apr 29, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY ENGINE SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF. I HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER, AND THEY NOTIFIED ME AFTER 78000 MILES MY ENGINE HAS SEIZED. I JUST HAD A OIL CHANGE ABOUT 30 DAYS PRIOR. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I AM DISCUSSED. *TR
Engine, Apr 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED A MONTH AFTER GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, THE OIL WAS LOW AND SHE HAD TO ADD MORE OIL. UPDATED 06/11/15*JB
Engine, Apr 18, 2015
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA,MY FIRST CAR I PURCHASE IT ALMOST 4 MONTHS AGO I'LL HAD 2 OIL CHANGES INCLUDING THE ONE THE DEALER DID BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I WAS SIMPLY DRIVING HOME & HEARD A WEIRD NOISE SO I PULLED OVER MY BATTERY DIED AND CAR ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE I WAS GIVING NO WARNING SIGN OR INDICATOR TO CHECK MY OIL OR ANYTHING. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO SUNTRUP HYUNDAI WERE I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE WAS SEIZED AND WOULD COST ME FROM 5,000-9,000 FOR A NEW OR USED. HOW DOES A WELL-MAINTAINED CAR GO FROM NORMAL TO A TOTAL LOST? I'LL DONE MY RESEARCH SO MY QUESTION FOR YOU IS WHEN WILL YOU RECALL THIS ENTIRE CAR? WILL INDEED BE JOINING THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST HYUNDAI. I HAVE NO WARRANTY & DON'T EVEN WANT THE CAR WITH A NEW ENGINE. I JUST WANT HYUNDAI TO BUY THE CAR BACK IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK I'LL STICK WITH AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES. *TR