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: exterior lighting
248 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2012
I OPENED MY TRUNK AND THE PASSENGERS SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS BROKEN LOOSE, AND ONLY BEING HELD IN PLACE BY THE WIRES. ALL THE BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE PLASTIC TAIL LIGHT TO THE VEHICLE WERE BROKEN OFF. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE OR IMPACT TO THE LIGHT OR VEHICLE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2012
AFTER DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I PULLED UP AT MY HOTEL TO VALET MY CAR. WHEN I WALKED TO THE BACK OF MY CAR I REALIZED THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT ALL OF THE PLASTIC MOUNTING TABS WERE BROKEN. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THEY HAD SEEN THIS SAME PROBLEM BEFORE, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE MINE BECAUSE THE MILEAGE WAS OVER 60K. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM IN MY OPINION CONSIDERING BRAKE LIGHTS/ TAIL LIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT TO HAVE! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 6, 2012
CAR WOULD NOT START.. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2012
I GOT IN MY CAR AFTER WORK AND DROVE TO A RESTAURANT. WHEN I GOT OUT, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT HAD SLID OUT OF PLACE AND WAS HANGING BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT, EVER. MY CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THE PARTS ASSOCIATE INFORMED ME THAT ALL THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT HOLD THE SCREWS WERE BROKEN. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS LOOSE. ONE OF THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT HOLD A SCREW WAS BROKEN ON THAT TAIL LIGHT. HE ORDERED TWO TAIL LIGHTS FOR ME. THE PARTS MANAGER DOESN'T THINK THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE PLASTIC PIECES ARE BROKEN. BUT, THEY HAVE TO BE DEFECTIVE, BECAUSE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED TO MY CAR. *JS
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2012
FOR 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR MY SONATA WOULD NOT START BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIMIT SWITCH. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF THESE PROBLEMS ON THIS CAR AND HYUNDAI SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS OUT OF TOWN AND THEY WANTED TO TOW IT 50 MILES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO MY HOME. NO OFFER OF A LOANER TO GET ME HOME. PERHAPS ALL SONATA OWNERS SHOULD JUST TAKE THEIR CARS IN EVERY 6 MONTHS TO GET THE SWITCH REPLACED SO WE DO NOT END UP STRANDED SOMEWHERE WITH LIMITED HELP. I GUESS THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AS SERIOUS AS THOSE REPORTING SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN THEY PUSH THE BRAKE. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT STUD WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE REAR TAIL LIGHT TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2012
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH CAR WON'T START WITH PUSH BUTTON START ON MY SE. I JUMPED THE CAR GOT IT STARTED TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO TAKE IT BACK AGAIN AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR I HAVE DELT WITH FOR 6 YEARS WAS THERE SHE TOLD ME THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACING THESE SWITCHES AND IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN JUST HOLD DOWN THE PUSH BUTTON START FOR 30 SECONDS AND IT WILL OVER RIDE THE SWITCH AND START. WELL SHE WAS RIGHT IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HELD IN THE PUSH BUTTON AND IT STARTED AFTER ABOUT 20 SECONDS. I TAKE IT IN TOMORROW TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Feb 14, 2012
WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK TODAY I NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS LOOSE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE ASSEMBLY IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND HAVE GOTTEN THE RUN AROUND ABOUT WHAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. I HAVEN'T BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT AND THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. CURRENTLY, STILL TRYING TO GET IT FIXED BUT THE DEALER DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY HELP. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 6, 2011
I WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A CLUNK. THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD FALLEN OUT. IT WAS STILL HELD ON BY IT'S WIRES. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF MY CAR OR TO THE LENS OF THE ASSEMBLY. THE INTERIOR RETAINING NUTS HAD ALL BEEN BROKE. HYUNDAI WILL NOT GIVE ME ANY ANSWERS HOW THIS HAS HAPPENED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Dec 2, 2011
WHILE WALKING UP TO MY WIFE'S 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IN A PARKING LOT, WE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS DISLODGED FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE STILL ATTACHED TO THE TAIL LIGHT, BUT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE BACK OF THE CAR OR THE TAIL LIGHT ITSELF. HOWEVER, WE DID SEE THE FOUR BOLT HOLDERS THAT ATTACH THE TAIL LIGHT TO THE BODY OF THE CAR HAD RUPTURED AND BROKE APART. WITHIN AN HOUR WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A DEFECT LIKE THIS. THEY INSISTED THAT THIS MUST HAVE BEEN DUE TO AN IMPACT, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO THE TAIL LIGHT, THE BACK OF THE CAR OR ANY SIGNS OF VANDALISM. SINCE THEY FELT IT WAS DUE TO AN IMPACT (NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY), WE HAD TO PAY NEARLY $300 FOR THE TAIL LIGHT TO BE REPLACED. LATER THAT DAY, I NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS BECOMING LOOSE TO THE TOUCH AS WELL. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE CALLED THE CORPORATE LINE FOR HYUNDAI TO REPORT THIS TAIL LIGHT DEFECT AND REPORT THE DEALERSHIP WE WENT TO AS WELL. WITHIN 2 DAYS THE DEALERSHIP CALLED US BACK AND SAID THIS IS DEFINITELY SOME KIND OF DEFECT AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY OUR WARRANTY. THEY REFUNDED OUR MONEY AND ALSO REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT AT NO CHARGE. EVERY SONATA SHOULD HAVE THEIR TAIL LIGHTS CHECKED AND RECALLED (AT NO CHARGE) IF THESE DEFECTIVE BOLT HOLDERS CONTINUE TO BE FOUND AS BRITTLE AND FLIMSY AS OURS WERE. THANKFULLY THE TAIL LIGHT DID NOT FALL OFF OUR CAR WHILE WE WERE DRIVING OR IT WOULD HAVE BECOME A SERIOUS ROAD HAZARD. PLEASE BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL SONATA OWNERS IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 11, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA AND IT IS A VERY NICE CAR EXCEPT THAT THERE IS A VERY REAL AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE WITH RESPECT TO THE VISIBILITY PROVIDED BY THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THIS AS WELL BECAUSE IT MAKES THE CAR VERY CHALLENGING TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT AND HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM AS YOU LOOK THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD THERE IS A VERY DISTINCT BOUNDARY ABOUT MIDWAY UP THE WINDSHIELD AND EVERYTHING ABOVE THAT BOUNDARY LINE IS COMPLETELY DARK. IT NOT ONLY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE DISTANCE THAT YOU TYPICALLY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE IN FRONT OF YOU BUT IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY DISCONCERTING BECAUSE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP CAUSES THE LINE AND YOUR VISIBILITY TO BE BOUNCING UP AND DOWN. THE OTHER NIGHT I NEARLY HIT A PERSON WALKING ALONG THE ROAD EVEN THOUGH I WAS ONLY DRIVING 35 MILES PER HOUR BECAUSE I WAS ALMOST ON TOP OF THEM BEFORE THEY WERE VISIBLE IN THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR MANY YEARS AND THAT HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE WITH ANY OTHER CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Visibility, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS PRODUCED A SHADOW ON THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE CLEARLY WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE HEADLIGHTS MET SAFETY STANDARDS. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO UPGRADE THE HEADLIGHTS AT HER EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,500. UPDATED 09/21/11 *BF UPDATED 09/28/11
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 18, 2011
"ESC" LIGHT ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY OVER PAST FOUR DAYS. SUDDENLY BRAKE SWITCH FAILED, RESULTING IN BRAKE LIGHTS FAILING COMPLETELY. UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE (SINCE THAT REQUIRES BRAKE PEDAL TO BE PRESSED, AND BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE MEANS CAR DOESN'T KNOW PEDAL IS DEPRESSED), AND UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS AT ALL FOR SAME REASON. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE HYUNDAI SONATAS I HAVE OWNED (A 2006 AND NOW A 2011) MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS IN THIS VEHICLE, 28 DAYS AGO. THIS FAILURE IS KNOWN BY HYUNDAI, BUT STILL REQUIRES A TIME AND MONEY INVESTMENT TO FIX, I HAVE LOST HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF MY TIME TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN MITIGATED. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL BRAKE SWITCH REPLACEMENTS, THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN COVERED BY THE DEALER. HYUNDAI SAYS THEY HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW BRAKE SWITCH WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO LAST LONGER, BUT THE FAILURES PERSIST. *KB
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2011
UNABLE TO SEE OBJECTS IN THE ROAD AT NIGHT WHEN USING LOW [NORMAL] BEAMS FOR HEADLIGHTS. HIT "ROAD GATORS" 2 TIMES CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAR BOTH TIMES. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED. NOW I DRIVE AROUND WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON. HAVE NO MORE "ROAD GATORS." *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2011
I HAVE OWNED MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR ONE YEAR. ON JULY 15, 2011, I WENT TO START THE CAR AND I COULD NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE OR START THE CAR. THE ACC STUFF WOULD COME ON BUT NO IGNITION TO THE MOTOR. I TRIED AND TRIED TO START IT AND ENDED UP CALLING THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD TO "KICK" THE BRAKE PEDAL "HARD" SEVERAL TIMES; WHICH I DID. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD "BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH" REPLACED. LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND DROVE TO MY OFFICE AND WHEN I WENT TO TRIED TO START THE CAR TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULD NOT START, BUT THIS TIME I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AGAIN. NOW THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. WHEN I DID GET IT TO START THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR; IT JUST WAS LOCKED IN PARK. WELL, YESTERDAY, JULY 20, 2011 THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AGAIN BECAUSE OF ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS. SO, THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WITHIN THE PAST FIVE DAYS; TWO OF WHICH THE CAR WAS TOWED. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE BRAKES HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAGS NOT TO MENTION THE UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *KB
Exterior lighting, Jul 18, 2011
HAVE OWNED THIS 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS NOW. FOR THE FIRST TIME, I OPERATED THE CAR AT NIGHT. I WAS NOT AWARE OF AN OBVIOUS AND CONSEQUENTIAL DEFECT WITH THE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM AIMING ON THIS AUTOMOBILE. WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AFTER DARK, THERE IS A SHARP BOUNDARY BETWEEN HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE LOWER AREA AND DARKNESS ABOVE. ON ALL BUT LEVEL ROADWAY, THIS HAZARDOUS DEFECT IS APPARENT. MANY ROADS WHERE I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA ARE TWISTING AND HILLY. TRAVERSING THOSE ROADS WITH THIS SONATA USING THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS IS UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS. WHEN THE FRONT OF THE CAR DIPS INTO EVEN A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, ROAD AHEAD IS ILLUMINATED TO ABOUT 40 FEET IN FRONT OF CAR. LINE OF SIGHT THROUGH WINDSHIELD HAS AT LEAST HALF THE VIEW ABOVE UNLIT. SEEMS THAT THE VIEW ZONE BRIGHTLY ILLUMINATED BELOW, THE EYES TRY TO COMPENSATE FOR CONTRAST. CONSEQUENTLY, THE TOP HALF SEEN THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD APPEARS TO BE IN COMPLETE BLACKNESS. ASIDE FROM THE IMPAIRED ROAD ILLUMINATION, WHILE DRIVING ON CURVING ROADS, THERE IS AN ANNOYING HYPNOTIC EFFECT CAUSED. DUE TO THE HARSH LIGHT AND DARK CONTRAST, I FIND IT CONFUSING TO NAVIGATE BETWEEN THE PAINTED LINES DUE TO THE LOW BEAM PROBLEM. LAST NIGHT WHILE ON THE WAY HOME OVER ONE OF THE WINDING ROADS, I NEARLY HIT A DEER. THE ANIMAL WAS STANDING IN THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT SEE IT. BECAUSE OF THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON MY SONATA, I NEARLY CRASHED. FORTUNATELY, THE DEER JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY IN THE LAST SECONDS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE CAR. TO ME, THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHT PROBLEM IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION. UNTIL THERE IS A SOLUTION, FOR MY OWN PROTECTION, I NOW DRIVE ON THOSE ROADS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS, AT NIGHT, ALL THE TIME. I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A SERIOUS AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO LIFE AND SAFETY. *KB
Exterior lighting, Jul 1, 2011
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON LOW BEAM, YOU CAN DEFINITELY SEE A HORIZONTAL LINE. I NOTICED THIS WHEN DRIVING ON BACKROADS. AT SOME POINTS I CANNOT SEE MORE THAN A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF THERE WAS SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN THE ROAD AHEAD. NO VISIBILITY AT ALL. I TURNED ON MY LIGHTS IN MY GARAGE AND YOU COULD DEFINITELY SEE THE FLAT LINE ON THE GARAGE WALL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY ON BACKROADS WHICH I HAVE TO DO OFTEN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2011
I HAVE A NEW 2011 SONATA. I BEEN HAVING EVERY PROBLEM YOU CAN IMAGINE WITH MY CAR. THIS TIME IT'S MY LEFT TAIL LIGHT, IT WAS LITERALLY HANGING ON BECAUSE OF MY TRUNK. I LOOKED INSIDE WHERE THE LIGHT USE TO BE ATTACHED AND ALL THE PLASTIC CRUMBLED APART. I CALLED HYUNDAI ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THEY HAD A NEW TAIL LIGHT TO REPLACE MINE WITH AND WHEN I GOT THERE FOUND OUT IT WAS BROKEN, SO THEY TOOK A TAIL LIGHT OFF ANOTHER SONATA AND PUT IT ON MINE UNTIL THEY ORDER ANOTHER ONE. MY ORIGINAL TAIL LIGHT SCRATCHED AND CRAVED THE PAINT ON MY CAR IN AND AROUND THAT AREA. IT COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IF I HAD NOT BEEN SO CAUTIOUS DRIVING AFTER SEEING IT HANGING ON BY MY TRUNK. ONE OF THE SERVICE GUYS TOLD ME THIS WAS THE 4TH TIME HE SEEN THIS! *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 9, 2011
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA CAST A HORIZONTAL SHADOW APPROX 100FT IN FRONT OF THE CAR ON LEVEL PAVEMENT. EVERYTHING ABOVE THIS LINE IS COMPLETELY UNILLUMINATED. WHEN YOU TRAVEL UP AND DOWN HILLS AND MINOR ROAD GRADE IMPERFECTIONS, THIS BLACK SHADOW COMES DOWN AND COMPLETELY BLOCKS HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION TO JUST A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND DISCONCERTING WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN FLAW IN THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM OF THIS CAR, AND HYUNDAI SHOULD RE-DESIGN THE HEADLIGHTS ON A RE-CALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2011
I JUST PURCHASED A 2011 SONATA TURBO AND AM EXPERIENCING STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR WHEN GOING AT SLOW SPEEDS. I ALSO NOTICE IT PULLING TO THE LEFT. CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 10, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 SONATA. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH IT EXCEPT FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN ON LOWBEAM THERE IS A DEFINITE HORIZONTAL LINE JUST A FEW FEET OFF THE GROUND. ANYTHING ABOVE THAT LINE IS NOT ILLUMINATED BY ANY LIGHT. WHEN APPROACHING A SMALL HILL OR WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS, YOUR VISIBILITY IS WAY TOO SHORT - JUST A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO "SPLASH" OF DIMMER LIGHT ABOVE THIS HORIZONTAL LINE - THERE IS NO LIGHT AT ALL! (I HAVE A PHOTO THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEND.) I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER (HYUNDAI OF GREER) AND THEY CLAIM THE LIGHTS ARE PROPERLY ADJUSTED. IF THIS IS SO, THEN YOU HAVE A DESIGN DEFECT. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AWAIT YOUR REPLY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 6, 2011
HIGH BEAMS ON THE CAR ARE JUST ANOTHER STANDARD HEADLIGHT BULB. THE AIMING IS HIGHER TO CREATE A PERCEPTION OF GETTER VISIBILITY. HIGH BEAMS ARE NOT EFFECTIVE AT LIGHTING DARK COUNTRY ROADS. DEALER NOTIFIED ON 11/15/10 AND THEY SAID THEY AGREE WITH MY ASSESSMENT, BUT THERE IS NO REMEDY FROM HYUNDAI. WAITING ON A REPLY FROM HYUNDAI. *TR
Steering, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, EXHIBITING AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS IN WHICH THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V426000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) YET THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, WHICH WAS THE REMEDY STATED IN THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000. UPDTATED 2/17/11 *CN UPDATED 05/06/11