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: power train
173 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jan 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY AND THE GEAR MESSAGE BOARD DIMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FIFTEEN TIMES WHERE THE FAILURES WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Jan 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,400. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Power train, Jan 12, 2015
I PURCHASED A USED 2011 SONATA ON 3/19/14. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I REACHED 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SINCE I WORK ONLY 6 MI. FROM HOME AND I HARDLY EVER DROVE 70 MPH, AND THE DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT AN HOUR'S DRIVE FROM HOME, IT WAS NOT UNTIL 5/19 THAT I HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE. I PAID $58.40 FOR THE WORK, ON THE WAY HOME I FOUND THAT IT STILL VIBRATED AT 70 MPH. DUE TO HAVING RECENTLY SPENT SO MUCH TO BUY THE CAR, I COULDN'T AFFORD TO SPEND ANY MORE ON IT THEN AND DECIDED TO KEEP MY SPEED UNDER 70 UNTIL I HAD MORE MONEY. ON ABOUT 9/8, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING PLACE. ON 9/10 I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN WHO SUGGESTED I TAKE MY CAR SOMEWHERE CLOSER TO HOME. I TOOK MY CAR TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COMPANY, WHO WAS RECOMMENDED BY SEVERAL FRIENDS. HE REMOVED THE DRIVESHAFT AND SAID THE COUPLING WAS "DUST" AND IT WAS METAL AGAINST METAL. HE THEN SAID THERE WAS A SAFETY NOTICE BUT NOT A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. FROM THAT DAY FORWARD I HAVE HAD NO VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. I WOULD ALSO LIKE MY $421.40 REIMBURSED. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2014
IN MAY 2014, WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, MAYBE 1200 RPM, MY ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 4500-5000 RPM, WITHOUT A SIMULTANEOUS RISE IN SPEED. A WEEK OR TWO LATER, THE CAR DID THE SAME, UNDER ABOUT THE SAME CONDITIONS. THE DEALER COULD FIND NO FAULTS OR CODES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE; NOT SURPRISING SINCE IT WAS SPORADIC. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, WITH CONSIDERABLY MORE FREQUENCY; ALMOST DAILY. AGAIN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN LATE JULY (MCCAFFERTY HYUNDAI, LANGHORNE, PA), AND WHILE A TECHNICIAN WAS DRIVING WITH ME, THE ENGINE RACED AGAIN. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A TECH BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM, AND THEY WOULD REPAIR THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS IN A MODULE AND NEEDED RECODING. AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT THEY SAID. THAT REPAIR SEEMED TO CURE THE PROBLEM, UNTIL SEPTEMBER, WHEN A SINGLE OCCURRENCE HAPPENED. I THOUGH THIS WAS MAYBE A FLUKE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS. TODAY, 11/4/14, AFTER SEVERAL DAYS IN THE DEALER'S SHOP, AN INSURANCE SERVICE TECH SAID HE COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WHILE THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE, MAYBE IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME WHEN THE RACING ENGINE WILL CAUSE SEVERE ACCELERATION AND A SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2014
I RECEIVED A FACEBOOK MESSAGE FROM HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA THAT MY 2011 SONATA HAD BEEN RECALLED UNDER HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 123/NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V-434 FOR A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CABLE CONNECTING THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TO THE SHIFT LEVER PIN. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH RED MCCOMBS HYUNDAI NORTHWEST IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. WHEN I BROUGHT MY SONATA IN FOR SERVICE, THE SERVICE ADVISER, [XXX] , INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. LATER, IN THE MAIL, I RECEIVED AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V-434. SO NOW I AM UNSURE WHETHER OR NOT MY HYUNDAI SONATA IS UNDER RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Aug 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR REVERSING, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT GEAR POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Steering, Power train, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Service brakes, Aug 26, 2014
THE GEAR SHIFT GOT STUCK AND MOVE OUT OF PARK.BRAKE LIGHTS DOES NOT WORK WHEN PRESSING BREAK PEDDLE, WHICH RESENTLY ACCURED,THAT IS TO IT BRAKE LIGHTS.ALSO FOUR MONTHS AGO I BEGIN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES. *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2014
I WENT TO PLACE THE CAR IN REVERSE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER SAID R BUT THE DASH BOARD HAD A 0 . THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE PLACED ON THE BRAKES PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE DISPLAY ON THE DASH STILL SHOWED 0. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND RE-STARTED THE MOTOR AND THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I THEN WENT ON LINE AND SAW THERE WAS A RECALL JUST ISSUED FOR THIS. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI. *TR
Power train, Aug 8, 2014
I WAS BACKING MY CAR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED (AS IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING) JERKING THE CAR AND CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL / ENGINE TO DIE. I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT BLANK AND THEN A FEW LIGHTS CAME ON; BUT THE LIGHTS FOR THE LETTERS ON THE GEAR SHIFT WAS BLANK. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE PLACED IN PARK AND AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES THE CAR STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. I NOTICED A SIMILAR COMPLAINT FROM JULY 16,2011. FROM SUGARLOAF, PA. THIS IS ALMOST WORD FOR WORD EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR! *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ UPDATED 3/16/2015*JS
Power train, Aug 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S CAR HOME FROM WORK AND STOPPED BY A GAS STATION FOR A DRINK. I CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND STARTED IT UP. AS I WAS ENGAGING IN GEAR, I NOTICED THE SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE SHIFTER WAS MISSING. I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK, KILLED THE MOTOR AND RESTARTED. IT REAPPEARED, BUT BRIEFLY. AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE, I FELT A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION FROM THE GEARBOX; THEN THE DREADED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REARED ITS UGLY HEAD. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE A GUY PULL THE CODE(S) FOR ME. IT WAS A FAILING PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) THAT WAS GIVING ME DRIVETRAIN ISSUES. IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL, WHENEVER MY WIFE (OR ANYONE ELSE) RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN ON WHENEVER I MAKE HARD LEFT TURNS. INTERESTING :-/. *JS
Power train, Jul 20, 2014
PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. I TRIED PUTTING IT IN DRIVE AND BACK TO REVERSE BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED. THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE THIS TIME BUT WHEN I PUT THE GEAR IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE BANGED INTO GEAR AN JOLTED AHEAD. THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WASN'T SHIFTING UP TO THE LIGHT ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AGAIN AND WHILE I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN TO DRIVE. IT BANGED INTO DRIVE AND JOLTED AHEAD AGAIN. THE SAME SCENARIO HAPPENED AGAIN HAPPENED THE NEXT DAY AS I WAS COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Jul 15, 2014, crash
INCIDENT DETAILS: ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH, AROUND 7:15 A.M., I WAS IN MY CAR WITH MY 18 MONTH OLD SON GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY GARAGE. I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE; HOWEVER, I NOTICED THE GEAR READOUT ON THE DASHBOARD WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I DECIDED I SHOULD RUN INTO THE HOUSE AND GET MY HUSBAND TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR BACK INTO PARK, TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND TURNED TO TELL MY SON I WOULD BE RIGHT BACK. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STARTED STEP OUT OF THE CAR. I FELT THE CAR JERK VIOLENTLY AND THEN IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. I WAS KNOCKED OFF MY FEET AND DRAGGED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY UNTIL MY CAR HIT MY NEIGHBOR'S TREE (APPROX.. 70? FROM WHERE THE CAR STARTED INSIDE THE GARAGE), WHERE IT STOPPED. THE EVENT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF MY NEIGHBOR WHO RAN OVER TO MY HOUSE TO ALERT MY HUSBAND. HE RAN OUT TO THE CAR, WHICH WAS RESTED AGAINST THE TREE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN ?PARK?, HOWEVER THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN ITS ABSOLUTE FORWARD POSITION. HE THEN PULLED THE GEAR SELECTOR BACK INTO THE DRIVE POSITION (GEAR INDICATORS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL) AND THE CAR MADE AN AUDIBLE ?SNAP? AND LURCHED FORWARD. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR APPROX. 20? WHERE HE PARKED IT. MY HUSBAND, MADE A PHONE CALL TO THE GURNEE, IL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, THEY ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER (1-800-633-5151). HE WAS CONNECTED WITH A CASE MANAGER BY THE NAME OF MERRIETA. SHE TOOK NOTES OF THE INCIDENT AND ADVISED HIM TO HAVE THE CAR SENT TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR AN INVESTIGATION. THE CAR WAS PICKED UP BY TOW TRUCK JUNE 27TH AROUND 11AM AND DELIVERED TO THE GURNEE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Power train, Structure, Jul 8, 2014
WHEN I PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND START TO DRIVE OFF IT COMES COMPLETELY OUT OF GEAR, I THEN HAVE TO POWER OFF CAR AND THEN RESTART AND IT MAY WORK OR I MAY HAVE SAME ISSUE A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT GOES IN GEAR. THIS HAS CAUSE MY CAR TO STALL, JERK WHEN IT DOES GO IN GEAR, STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN DRIVING, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. SEPARATE ISSUE IS THE FRONT BUMPER IS POORLY MADE IF YOU BARELY TAP ANYTHING WHEN PARKING THE CLAMPS BREAK AND BUMPER STARTS TO COME APART. *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jun 5, 2014
THE CAR WAS PARKED. STARTED AND BACKED UP I PROCEEDED FORWARD AT 10-15 MPH IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR JUST DIED WOULD NOT START I HAD PLENTY OF POWER LIGHTS ETC BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. A CAR ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BIZ IF WE HAD RODE IN THE CAR FOR 10 MINUTES AND IT STALLED WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A VERY DANGEROUS SECTION OF A HIGHWAY THAT WOULD MOST CERTAINLY ENDED WITH AN ACCIDENT AND EVEN A WORSE SCENARIO . FOR YOU TO HAVE NO WARNING A SIGNAL OR A BELL BUT FOR IT TO JUST SHUT OFF. I HAVE ENJOYED THE CAR FOR THE MOST PART BUT BETWEEN A OIL SENSOR GOING A FEW YEAR AGO AND THE CAR DIED THE SAME WAY IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR GOING DEAD AGAIN IN THE COURSE OF THE VEHICLE MOVING I SERIOUSLY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND OR CONSIDER BUYING A SONATA AGAIN I HOPE THIS NOTE HAS SOME EFFECT ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM BEFORE FATALITIES OCCUR. (NOW I ALSO HAVE A HUGE REPAIR BILL FOR A PROBLEM THAT SO OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY PART. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, May 20, 2014
ON 5 OCCASIONS MY CAR HAS TEMPORARILY STALLED/LOST POWER FOR AN INSTANT, ALWAYS AT FREEWAY SPEED WITHIN 10 MILES OF MY HOME. THE SENSATION IS AS IF THE CAR HAD RUN INTO SOMETHING HEAVY ON THE PAVEMENT. IT VIOLENTLY PITCHED MY WIFE AND I FORWARD AND I EXPECT THAT WE WOULD HAVE HIT THE DASH HAD WE NOT BEEN WEARING SEATBELTS. AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY IN ALL CASES, THE CAR HAD BARELY ENOUGH ACCELERATION TO DRIVE MORE THAN 25 MPH FOR THE COUPLE OF MILES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THEY CANNOT REPAIR A PROBLEM WHICH THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE. I UNDERSTAND THIS BUT FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT HYUNDAI HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I AM ONLY 30,000 MILES INTO A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Mar 6, 2014, crash
WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPOT TO A DINER, THE CAR UNINTENDED ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF THE DINER. MINOR DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF THE DINER AS I WAS NO MORE THAN 3 FEET FROM THE BLDG. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS ACCELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS ENTERING THE PARKING SPOT AT NO MORE THAN 5 MPH PLANNING TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND EXIT FOR LUNCH. MY LEG HIT THE HOOD LATCH AND I OBTAINED A NASTY CUT ON MY SHIN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED, SUCH AS THE TIRES AND TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, WHEN SHE TURNED THE IGNITION, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE AND RUBBER BURNING. UPDATED 11/16/15. *JB
Power train, Feb 22, 2014
MANUAL TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY JERKY. TRANSMISSION SMELLS REALLY BAD AFTER EVERY DRIVE. AFTER CLUTCH IS RELEASED THERE IS A BLIP CAUSING A DELAY IN ACCELERATION, MAKING THE CAR VERY UNPREDICTABLE. STALLS ALMOST EVERY TIME GOING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM A STOPLIGHT. CAR HAS STALLED AT INTERSECTION MULTIPLE TIMES. NEW MANUAL DRIVERS ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE IT IS SO DANGEROUS. DRIVER IS 15 YEAR VETERAN OF MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS. *TR
Power train, Nov 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND EXHIBIT A LOUD BANGING NOISE WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH A REFURBISH TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 22, 2013
THE CAR RANDOMLY STALLED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR ABOUT TEN TIMES NOW THROUGHOUT MY 3.5 YEARS' OWNERSHIP. I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MARCH 2010. WITHIN ONE MONTH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN BRAKING TO A FULL STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE DEALER COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ONE MONTH LATER, MY CAR CUT OFF AGAIN WHILE SITTING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. ANOTHER ONE OR TWO MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED THE THIRD TIME. THE DEALER KEPT MY TOWED CAR FOR TWO WEEKS BUT HAD NO CLUE. FROM THEN ON, I JUST GAVE UP. ONE DAY, WHEN IT SAT AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR SHOOK A LITTLE LIKE SOMEONE HIT ME. THE OTHER DAY, THIS HIT-LIKE SHAKE HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS TIME, THE CAR EVEN SHOOK SEVERAL TIMES DURING DRIVING AFTER LEAVING THAT TRAFFIC LIGHT, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SHAKE. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, MY CAR FINALLY STALLED AGAIN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. EXCEPT THE FIRST ONE, ALL OTHER OCCURRENCES HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR SAT AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. AFTER I RESTARTED THE CAR, IT COULD RUN SMOOTHLY FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH. GIVEN THE OCCURRENCE FREQUENCY, THE CHANCE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP IS ALMOST ZERO. AND THEY REFUSED TO LEND ME THEIR COMPUTER THAT I COULD HOOK UP TO THE CAR TO RECORD DRIVING DATA. I HAD ALSO CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER AFFAIRS. ALL THEY CAN DO WAS JUST SEND ME TO THE DEALER AND CLOSE THE TICKET. RECENTLY, THE CAR STALLED AGAIN DURING A LOW-SPEED DRIVING. THE CAR LOST DRIVING POWER COMPLETELY WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED AND HURRIEDLY STEPPED THE BRAKE, SWITCHED THE GEAR TO PARK, AND RESTARTED THE CAR. FORTUNATELY, NO CAR WAS AROUND. THIS IS REALLY TERRIFYING AND I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED AND EMBARRASSED. *TR
Power train, Sep 19, 2013
THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR (AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRELESS HARNESS) FAILED. WE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO TWO 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS IN A 4-WEEK SPAN (THIS ONE A 6-CYLINDER, THE OTHER A 4-CYLINDER WITH 15,500 MILES ON IT). THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION, PROMPTED US TO REPORT IT. THIS ONE MIMICKED A HESITATE & SURGE. THE OTHER ONE DID THAT, THEN BECAME UNDRIVABLE. DEALERS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN BOTH CASES. *TR
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Sep 15, 2013
MY CAR WAS JUST SERVICED FOR EXCESSIVE NOISE OCCURRING WHEN I WOULD MAKE TURNS AS IF THE CAR COULD NOT GRIP THE ROAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEAL AS WAS TOLD THE ALIGNMENT MUST BE OFF, ONLY TO FIND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WAS NEVER TOLD OF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE CAR AND A NEW ALIGNMENT PART THEIR "TP3 RECALL" BUT WHEN DRIVING HOME THE CAR DID NOT MAKE NOISES WHEN MAKING THE TURNS ON THE ON/OFF RAMPS BUT RATHER WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND/OR WHEN CHANGING LANES. DEALER DUE TO BEING A SUNDAY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BEING CLOSED AS ME TO CALL THEM BACK. THIS WILL BE THE 3RD TIME I HAVE HAD TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH EACH TIME THE STEERING COLUMN BEING LOOSE AND A NATURAL PULL TO THE DRIVER SIDE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 21, 2013
THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. REPLACED SHIFTER ASSEMBLY THEN REPLACED LOCK CYLINDER. TODAY, 7/21/13 I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 8, 2013
WHEN DRIVING TO WORK I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON HIGHWAY WHEN I FELT A THUD AND TRANSMISSION JERKED. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT I HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD BUT HADN'T. I NOTICED MY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 55MPH AND THE RPM,S INCREASED TO 3500 FROM THE PREVIOUS 2000 RPM.I HAD HAD THIS PROBLEM TWICE NOW AND READ ONLINE THAT BY PULLING OVER TO A STOP AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONTROLS.I WITHOUT DOING THIS THE TRANS. WILL REMAIN IN WHATS CALLED LIMP GEAR(4TH) AND WILL REMAIN IN THAT GEAR AT ALL SPEEDS UNTILL YOU SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND IT WILL THEN RESET HOPEFULLY.I AM SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE DEALER LOOK INTO THIS AND HOPEFULLY CAN COME UP WITH A FIX, AS THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT DIAGONALIZING THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE FACT THAT NO CHECK ENGINE CODE LIGHT IS ON THE DASH AND I WAS TOLD THE FIRST TIME THAT WITHOUT THIS AND THE FACT THAT BY DRIVING IT AND DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FIX.