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, Nov 3, 2013
IN APRIL 2013 I DROVE FROM SUFFERN,NY TO BRIDGEWATER,NJ;I SET THE ALARM AND WENT INSIDE. TWENTY MINUTES LATER, I WENT BACK OUTSIDE ONLY TO DISCOVER THE TAILLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HANGING OUT BY THE WIRES. NOONE WAS HOME IN AREA AND THERE WERE NO MARKS ON THE CAR- MY ALARM NEVER WENT OFF A YEAR PRIOR (NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATE) IN A PARKING LOT =WHEN I WENT INTO A BUILDING TO PLAY BINGO, THE TAILLIGHT WAS FINE WHEN I RETURNED TO THE CAR A FEW HOURS LATER THE TAILLIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS HANGING OUT (AGAIN HANGING BY THE WIRES) BOTH TIMES I BROUGHT MY CAR TO HYUNDAI BECAUSE I FELT IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE CAR BUT THEY INSISTED IT WAS VANDALISM AND MADE ME PAY APPROX. $300 TO GET A NEW ONE. THERE IS NO WAY SOMEONE COULD TAKE THIS TAILLIGHT OUT WITH NOT ONE MARK ON THE CAR AND IT NEVER CAUSED MY ALARM TO GO OFF. HYUNDAI INSISTED BECAUSE INSIDE THE SCREWS WERE BROKEN TO HOLD IT IN,' THAT IT HAD TO BE VANDALISM AND REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME=I EVEN CALLED THE CORPORATE OFFICE.' IF YOU DO A SEARCH OF HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 HANGING TAILLIGHTS, LOTS OF SITES WITH COMPLAINTS.THIS IS A DEFECT IN THIS MODEL OF THE CAR AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AND RECALLED.IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, MINE FELL OUT WHILE PARKED BUT MANY OTHERS FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SEEDS AND COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE ACCIDENTS.I CANT AFFORD TO FIX THE 2ND SIDE AND HAVE IT TAPED INTO PLACE- I SHOULD GET REFUNDED FOR WHAT I PAID FOR THE FIRST SIDE.HERE ARE LINKS TO SITES WITH OTHER COMPLAINTS. HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/HYUNDAI/SONATA/2011/TAIL-LIGHT-SWITCH-PROBLEMS.PHP HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/HYUNDAI/SONATA/2011/LIGHTS/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING.SHTML HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2011/HYUNDAI/SONATA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS, TONS OF COMPLAINTS AND NOT OUR FAULT BUT THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. OTHER THINGS WRONG WITH CAR BUT THIS IS WORST. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 31, 2013
THE PASSENGER REAR TAIL LIGHT FELL OUT OF THE HOUSING UNIT. THERE WAS NO NOISE OR ISSUE BEFORE HAND & IT WASN'T NOTICED UNTIL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT MY DESTINATION WHERE I SAW IT HANGING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE CAR. I PUSHED IT BACK INFO THE HOUSING UNIT AS FIRMLY AS I COULD AND CONTINUED INTO MY APPOINTMENT. UPON LEAVING, I INSTINCTIVELY LOWERED MY SPEED TO 45-50 MPH WHEN I HEARD A THUD ABOUT 20 MILES FROM WHERE I FIRST NOTICED IT HAD FALLEN OUT. THE TOTAL UNIT HAD THEN BROKE LOOSE FROM THE HOUSING, THE WIRING CAME UNDONE & THE LIGHT FIXTURE CRASHED INTO THE HIGHWAY (60 MPH SPEED LIMIT) WHERE THE AUTOMOBILE BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID THE FIXTURE HITTING HIS VEHICLE, AS IT BOUNCED AROUND ON THE PAVEMENT BECAUSE OF THE DROPPING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Oct 28, 2013
COMPLAINTANT WALKED OUT OF HOME TO VEHICLE. UPON APPROACHING VEHICLE, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING (DRIVER'S SIDE) WAS DETACHED, AND STICKING OUT ABOUT 1 INCH FROM THE VEHICLE. COMPLAINTANT CAREFULLY SLID THE HOUSING BACK INTO ITS CAVITY, WHERE IT STAYED. COMPLAINTANT THEN DEPARTED. ABOUT 3 DAYS LATER, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED THAT THE HOUSING WAS AGAIN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, AND AGAIN SLID IT BACK INTO PLACE. OVER TIME, THE COMPLAINTANT REPEATED RETURNING THE HOUSING INTO THE CAVITY THREE (3) ADDITIONAL TIMES. WHEN THE COMPLAINTANT WAS CONFRONTED WITH A 5TH EVENT OF THE HOUSING DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE, COMPLAINTANT SHINED A FLASHLIGHT DOWN INTO THE CAVITY, AND SAW THAT THE HOUSING MOUNTING SOCKETS WERE FRACTURED/SHATTERED, AND NONE OF THE SEVERAL MOUNTING STUDS/BOLTS WERE ATTACHED. BUT, THE STUDS/BOLTS WERE STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE SHELL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY ONTO THE CAR, WERE THE WIRES TO THE BRAKE LIGHT, BACK-UP LIGHT, AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHT. NO SURFACE SCRATCHES, NOR BODY DAMAGE EXPERIENCED. AFTER INSPECTING THE DEFECTIVE HOUSING, COMPLAINTANT SURMISED THAT HYUNDAI TAIL LIGHT HOUSING IS MADE OF HARD, BRITTLE PLASTIC, WHICH SHATTERS WHEN OVERLY TIGHTENED AT FACTORY, OR DUE TO THE VIBRATION OF THIS OVERLY HARD RIDING VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FLUSH WITH THE REAR TRUNK GATE, AND WAS EXTENDED OUTWARD ABOUT 1/4 INCH. THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT/PASSENGER SIDE WAS FLUSH WITH THE TRUNK GATE, AND HAS NOT PRODUCED A SIMILAR ISSUE, YET. COMPLAINTANT SECURED HOUSING TO THE VEHICLE CAVITY BY USING DUCT TAPE. COMPLAINTANT SCHEDULED VEHICLE REPAIR WITH HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR TOMORROW. UPDATE TO FOLLOW. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLAMP WAS LOWER THAN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS NOT TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION AT A GREATER DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADJUSTED THE HEADLAMPS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. ..UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTS WERE ADJUSTED AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE, WHICH HELPED THE LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Sep 6, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA (APPROX 45,000 MILES) DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT POPPED OFF AND WAS HANGING. AFTER LOOKING IN THE TRUNK AT THE INSIDE TAIL LIGHT AREA, I SAW PLASTIC PIECES AROUND THE SCREWS THAT WERE CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF; THUS CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHT TO POP OFF AND HANG. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THE TAIL LIGHT DID NOT FALL OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I THEN DICOVERED THAT THE LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT STUDS WERE BEGINNING TO BREAK OFF TOO AND DO THE SAME THING. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY CLAIMED THE CLIPS BROKE BUT IT LOOKED FORCED AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. UNDERSTAND THIS CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND I AM A STAY AT HOME MOM WHO HAS A GARAGE FOR THE CAR. I WAS SIMPLYING DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE TAIL LIGHT POPPED OFF. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND OTHERS.
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2013
I ENJOY THE CAR BUT THE LOW HEAD LIGHT BEAMS ARE DANGEROUSLY POOR. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AND HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP RAISE THEM TO THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL. THEY STILL DO NOT REACH OUT 10 FEET PAST THE HOOD AND AS SPEED INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT BECOMES LESS. I MAINLY HAVE TO DRIVE ON HIGH BEAMS OR TAKE ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN WE GO OUT AT NIGHT. IS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY BLOGS ON THIS AND WE NEED HELP FROM THIS AGENCY TO PREVENT HYUNDAI FROM SELLING MORE CARS WITH INFERIOR LIGHTING. *TT
Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2013
REAR TAIL LIGHT ON DRIVERS SIDE FOR NO REASON BROKE OFF FROM THE CAR. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT , NO DAMAGE OR EVIDENCE OF SOMEONE HITTING IT. LOOKS LIKE THE PART OF THE LIGHT HOLDING IT TO THE CAR JUST BROKE OFF FOR NO REASON. DEALER SAID NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TT
Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2013
IN A PARKING LOT I FOUND MY 2011 SONATA WITH THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKEN AND HANGING BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE THREADED PORTION OF THE ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN OFF AND WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE ASSEMBLY TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE A WARRANTY REPAIR. I RECIEVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAYING THAT BOTH TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE BROKEN. SHE BELIEVED THAT SOMEONE ATTEMPTED TO STEAL THE ASSSEMBLYS. SHE SAID THERE IS A SMALL MARK NEAR ONE OF THE LENS. THIS IS SOMETHING I FAILED TO NOTICE AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE CLOSELY. I HAD THEM PUT BOTH LENSES ON BECAUSE THE CAR WAS DUE FOR A STATE INSPECTION. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SHOWED ME THE MARKS SHE BELIEVED WERE CAUSED BY SOMEONE ATTEMPTING TO PRY THE LENSES OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE TWO SMALL HAIR LINE SCRATCHES ON THE PAINT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BROKEN OFF BOLTS. I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT SCRATCHES WERE MOST LIKELY CAUSED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BACK INTO PLACE. I TOLD HER THAT THE FORCE NEEDED TO BREAK THE FOUR BOLTS OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY WOULD CAUSE MUCH MORE DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THAN TWO SMALL HAIR LINE SCRATCHES ON THE PAINT. ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO STEAL A TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THIS MANNER KNOWS IT WOULD RENDER THE PART UNUSABLE. THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE FACTORY OR THE PART ITSELF IS DEFECTIVE. I NOTICED FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT I AM THE 14TH PERSON TO DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS I OWN TWO OF THESE CARS AND IF THE SAME THING HAPPENS WITH THE SECOND SONATA THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY COULD BREAK OFF AND HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2013
I TOOK ONE OF MY TWO 2011 SONATAS TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN WOODBRIDGE VIRGINIA BECAUSE THE RIGHT TAIL LENS WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND HANGING OFF THE CAR. THE BOLTS HOLDING THE TAIL LENS TO THE BODY WERE STILL IN THE BODY WITH THE PLASTIC THREAD PORTION OF THE LENS. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE WARRANTY BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF MARKS ON THE CAR THAT WOULD INDICATE THE FORCE REQUIRED TO BREAK A TAIL LENS. I BELIEVE THE LENS WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AND THE STRESS FINALLY CAUSED THE PLASTIC TO BREAK. TO MY SURPRISE I GOT A CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAYING THE LEFT LENS WAS BROKEN AS WELL. SHE SAID THEY BELIEVE SOMEONE ATTEMPTED TO STEAL THE LENS. SHE SAID THERE IS A SMALL MARK NEAR ONE OF THE LENS. I DID NOT NOTICE THE MARK WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. HOWEVER, IF IT WAS SO SMALL FOR ME TO NOTICE THERE IS NO WAY SOMEONE COULD HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PRY OFF THE LENS WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO BEAK 4 LARGE BOLTS WITHOUT LEAVING A HIGHLY NOTICEABLE MARK (S) ON THE CAR. THE MARKS SHE IS REFERRING COULD HAVE BEEN FROM MY ATTEMPT TO PUSH THE LENS BACK INTO THE HOUSING SO THAT I COULD DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED I AM THE 14TH PERSON TO REPORT THIS TO YOUR AGENCY. MY CONCERNS ARE: 1. I PAID OVER 400.00 TO REPAIR WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WARRANTY REPAIR AND 2. I HAVE ANOTHER 2011 SONATA AND I HAVE LIABILITY CONCERNS SHOULD THE SECOND CAR EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. IF A TAIL LENS WEIGHING A POUND OR TWO FLIES OFF INTO A CAR FOLLOWING ME AT 50 OR 60 MILES AN HOUR AND THE DRIVER BEHIND ME REACTS HE OR SHE COULD END UP GETTING HURT OR KILLED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. I KEPT ALL THE PARTS I HAVE PICTURES OF THE NEW LENS INSTALLED AND THE OLD LENS THAT ARE BROKEN. I WILL EVEN MAIL ONE OF THE DAMAGE ONES TO YOU TO INSPECT AT MY COST. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE TAIL LIGHT FLEW OFF THE CAR AND INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE TAILLIGHT AND THE PLASTIC HOLDING ALL 4 BOLTS IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I READ ONLINE AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS SO I FEEL I NEEDED TO REPORT IT TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 12, 2013
AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT: "DURING THE AFFECTED MODELS' PRODUCTION PERIODS, SOME VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLIES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT. THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE, INTERMITTENT ABILITY TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE'S SHIFTER FROM THE PARK POSITION, ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC' (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) INDICATOR LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INTERMITTENT INTERFERENCE WITH OPERATION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE, OR INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE STOP LAMPS." ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN MY VEHICLE, YET THIS VIN IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2013
I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR WHILE DRIVING AND SAW SOMETHING HANGING FROM CAR. ALL OF THE PLASTIC BRACKETS INSIDE MY LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT HAD BROKEN AND MY LIGHT WAS HANGING ON BY THE WIRES. TWO MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT - ALL OF THE INSIDE BRACKETS BROKE AND IT WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT EITHER TIME TO TRIGGER THIS. BOTH LIGHTS WERE STILL WORKING BUT WERE NO LONGER ABLE TO BE HELD.
Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2013
LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY POPPED OUT. IT APPEARS THAT THE BOLT MOUNTS HAVE BROKEN DUE TO A DEFECT. I AM ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUNK RELEASING WITHOUT INTENTIONALLY OPENING. SEVERAL TIMES, I HAVE FOUND THE TRUNK OPEN IN THE MORNING OR WHEN I RETURN TO THE CAR AFTER WORK, OR SHOPPING. HYUNDAI SERVICE SAYS THAT I ACCIDENTALLY PUSH THE RELEASE BUTTON SOMEHOW. THIS IS NOT THE CASE AS I PURPOSELY PLACE THE KEY FOB WHERE IT CANNOT BE ACTIVATED AND STILL HAVE THAT PROBLEM. ALSO, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. THE ONLY CAST A BEAM ABOUT 50 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITH A DISTINCT LINE OF LIGHT ABOUT 5 FEET ABOVE THE ROAD. WHILE THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM ON STRAIGHT ROADS, IT IS A HAZARD WHEN DRIVING ON HILLY ROADS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2013
I CLOSED THE TRUNK AND THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING UNIT PULLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. I OPENED THE TRUNK AGAIN TO LOOK FROM INSIDE AND NOTICED THE FOUR SCREWS HOLDING THE UNIT IN PLACE WERE TOTALLY BROKEN OFF. THE PLASTIC HOLDING THE SCREWS TO THE MAIN HOUSING UNIT CRUMBLED INTO LITTLE PIECES. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Jan 20, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AT THE FREEWAY SPEED LIMIT, I DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING WHEN IT HAPPENED BUT I KNOW THAT IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. I PULLED OVER TO GET SOME GAS, LOOKED BACK NEAR THE GAS CAP AND SAW THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES ONTO MY BUMPER. WHEN IT FELL OUT, IT BOUNCED AND PLACED SEVERAL DINGS AND CHIPS IN THE PLASTIC BUMPER. I NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS(COGS) INSIDE THE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. I HAD TO TAKE THE LIGHT OUT AND PLACE IT IN MY TRUNK AND DRIVE THE REST OF THE TWO HUNDRED MILES WITH NO LEFT TAIL LIGHT OR TURN SIGNAL. IF IT HAD FALLEN INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, I AM SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE TO WRITE ABOUT AND NONE OF IT GOOD! *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 29, 2012
UPON ARRIVING AT MY DESTINATION, I NOTICED THAT MY DRIVER-SIDE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS DANGLING OUT OF THE FENDER BY IT'S WIRING HARNESS. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THAT THE POSTS THAT THE BOLTS SECURE INTO HAD FAILED, CAUSING THE LAMP ASSEMBLY TO FALL OUT OF THE FENDER. WHEN I INQUIRED WITH A HYUNDAI SERVICE AND PARTS ASSOCIATE AT A SERVICE CENTER, THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE MODEL AND THE COMPONENT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 10, 2012
LEFT REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY FELL OFF, HANGING BY WIRING. FOUR PLASTIC MOUNTING BOSSES AT MOUNTING STUDS HAVE BROKEN. NOT THE RESULT OF ANY IMPACT OR CRASH. I WAS ALERTED TO IT BY ANOTHER DRIVER BESIDE ME WHO BEEPED. THE TAILLIGHT HAS NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE FAILED MOUNTS. DEALER SAID IT WILL BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 10, 2012
MANY OTHER BUYERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE COMPLAINED SAME ISSUE. TAILS LIGHTS ARE FALLING OUT ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. IT SEEMS THAT PLASTIC STUDS HOLDING LIGHTS IN PLACE ARE CRACKING OFF. THERE ARE FOUR STUDS THAT METAL SCREWS ARE HOLDING LIGHT ON BY. HYUNDAI IS NOT HONORING THIS AS A WARRANTY, THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE ONE DRIVER HAD HIS LIGHT POP OUT DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 31, 2012
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAD MY BRAKE PEDAL STOPLIGHT SWITCH REPLACED A FEW DAYS AGO BY A HYUNDAI DEALER, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IN DOING RESEARCH ON THIS REPLACEMENT, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM OF HYUNDAI SONATA OWNERS AND IT WOULD SEEM THAT HYUNDAI HAS NOT CORRECTED THIS ISSUE OTHER THEN TO REPLACE THE OEM SWITCH WHEN IT FAILS. BASED UPON WHAT I HAVE READ, I THEREFORE EXPECT THAT THIS REPLACEMENT WILL FAIL AGAIN SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE AND PROBABLY AT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME. SINCE IT TAKES ONLY A FEW MOMENTS TO REPLACE THE SWITCH, SOME HYUNDAI OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD MULTIPLE FAILURES HAVE GONE AS FAR AS CARRYING A SPARE SWITCH IN THEIR GLOVE COMPARTMENT IN CASE THE SWITCH FAILS AGAIN AND THEY ARE EITHER OUT OF WARRANTY OR NOT NEAR A DEALER. THE SAFETY ISSUE REVOLVES AROUND THE FAILURE OF THIS SWITCH WHICH RESULTS IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT BEING OPERABLE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF OTHER SAFETY SYSTEMS BEING AFFECTED TOO, I.E. TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS. IF THIS SWITCH FAILURE OCCURS WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE GEARSHIFT LEVER CANNOT BE MOVED. IF THIS FAILURE WAS A "ONCE IN A LIFETIME" FAILURE, IT WOULD NOT BE THAT MUCH OF AN ISSUE. BUT AGAIN, THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THE CASE AND RESEARCH OF HYUNDAI'S REPAIR RECORDS OR STATEMENTS MADE BY OWNERS OF THESE CARS SHOULD BARE THAT OUT. THE ORIGINAL OEM SWITCH PART IS #93810-3S000. AN ALLEGED UPDATE MAY BE PART # 93810-3K000 BUT THIS PART CAN NOT BE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLES HAVING THE ORIGINAL PART AND HYUNDAI HAS NOT MADE A RETRO INSTALLATION POSSIBLE IF THIS "K" SWITCH IS INDEED AN UPDATED REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND PRODUCE A RETRO FIT FOR THIS SAFETY RELATED BRAKE SWITCH SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A CONSTANT ISSUE THAT NEEDS ATTENTION DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE SWITCH WHICH THEN CAUSES, AT THE VERY LEAST, INOPERABLE BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2012
MY SKID LIGHT WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. THEY SAID A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WAS PULLING A FAULT CODE, SO THEY REPLACED IT. NINE MONTHS LATER MY SKID LIGHT WARNING WAS RANDOMLY COMING ON AGAIN. THEY RAN A TEST AGAIN SAYING IT WAS A FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AGAIN. BEFORE I COULD GET IT IN FOR REPAIRS THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR MALFUNCTION ON AUG 14 2012. PICKED UP MY CAR AGAIN AND THE SKID TRACTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN THIS TIME THE TCS LIGHT WAS ON AND THE SHIFTER WAS NOT RELEASING.THEY TESTED THE BRAKE SWITCH CIRCUIT AND FOUND NO POWER TO THE BRAKE SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE BOX AND HARNESS CABLE. I HAVE CALLED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY ALL SAY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CAUSING THE TCS WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. IF IT IS EFFECTING OTHER CARS THERE MOST BE A NATIONAL PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND HAD IT IN FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OVER EIGHT TIMES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT UNIT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT UNIT WAS ALSO LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE ENTIRE LIGHT FIXTURE WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2012
CAR WILL NOT START! HYUNDAI REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES PER WEEK. THIS WILL BE MY SECOND VISIT TO HYUNDAI. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL! WE COULD BE WITHOUT NECESSARY TRANSPORTATION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2012
I WAS DRIVING OVER THE BRIDGE WHEN I HEARD NOISES FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR . THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS HONKING. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER I SAW MY TAILLIGHT WAS HANGING ON BY WIRES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED POOR ILLUMINATION OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO ACTIVATE THE FOG LIGHTS, WHICH SHOULD ASSIST WITH ILLUMINATING THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.