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: service brakes
174 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2013
1) WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF BUYING THIS CAR, STARTING ISSUES BEGAN. GENERALLY ON THE SECOND START OF THE DAY. FIRST START OF THE DAY USUALLY INVOLVES HIGH ENGINE REVVING SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 2,500 RPM. AFTER A SHORT TRIP, IGNITION WILL NO CLICK OVER ATTEMPT TO RESTART. USUALLY SECOND OR THIRD TRY RESULT IN A START. DESPITE DEALER REPLACEMENT OF STARTER, FUEL PUMP AND BATTERY, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES PERIODICALLY. 2) REAR BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT 24K MILES. WEAR WAS UNEVEN: LEFT BRAKE WAS GRINDING INTO ROTOR AND RIGHT BRAKE WAS ONLY ABOUT 50 PERCENT WORN. HAD DEALERSHIP CHECK FOR POSSIBLE FAULTY CALIPERS, BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY FOUND NO ISSUES AND WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. IN CONTRAST, THE CAR STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKES. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 27, 2012, crash
I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION THAT HAD A RED LIGHT AND STOPPED VEHICLES. I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 10 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT COME TO A STOP. I HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD AND IT DID NOT STOP. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 BRAKE PROBLEMS AND GOT 598,000 RESULTS. IN A BRIEF SCAN THROUGH THOSE RESULTS I FOUND 7 OTHER REPORTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS DEMANDS SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS NOW! I COPIED THOSE WEB POSTING IF YOU WANT THEM LET ME KNOW! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 13, 2012
DIFFICULTY DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO START ENGINE...THIRD TIME ...DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH OTHER TWO TIMES. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
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
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2012
CAR WILL RANDOMLY NOT START AFTER PARKING IT. DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL THROUGH THE FLOOR, PRESS START BUTTON, YET IT SAYS "PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL TO START". THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN THREE WEEKS. THE FIRST TIME I GOT IT STARTED AFTER ~30 MINUTES. SECOND TIME, WITHIN ~ 5 - 10 MINUTES. THIS THIRD TIME, I COULDN'T GET IT STARTED. HAD TO CALL FOR A RIDE. WENT BACK NEXT DAY, TRIED AGAIN UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR ~ 30 MINUTES. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY NEVER CAME. AFTER ~1:45 MINUTES, I TRIED ONE MORE TIME AND GOT IT TO START. EACH TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT AND IT FELT LOCKED. EACH TIME I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO YANK THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO RELEASE. FELT LIKE THE HYDRAULICS KICKED IN. THEN, IT WOULD START EACH TIME. THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN THE FIRST TIME I MESSED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL ....BUT EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY MAKE IT DO IT. UNTIL THEN, IT HAD THAT LOCKED FEELING OF NO HYDRAULICS. OTHER THAN THIS, NO BRAKE ISSUES, NO STEERING ISSUES, NO LIGHTS ON DASH, ETC. ONE EXCEPTION, FIRST TIME COMING DOWN A HILL, I HAD THE ESC (BRAKE) LIGHT COME ON BRIEFLY. VERY SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,500.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
THE 2011 SONATA IS UNABLE TO START BY PRESSING DOWN ON BOTH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND START BUTTON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS ABOUT 1-2 TIMES A WEEK. ONCE FAILED TO START, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP WHILE THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY STILL SAYS "PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL TO START." WITH REPEATED TRIES TO START THE CAR, IT SOMETIMES STARTED AFTER 5-10 MINUTES, BUT SOMETIMES IT TOOK OVER 1 HOURS TO START THE ENGINE. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SAID THEY CANNOT HELP BECAUSE THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WHEN THEY SERVICE THE CAR. IT IS A RATHER NEW CAR BUT VERY UNRELIABLE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 25, 2012
IN THE LAST MONTH OF MARCH 2012, WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ESC LIGHT WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON IN PERFECT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THEN WHEN I STOP SOMEWHERE E.G. TO LET MY CHILD OUT IN THE SCHOOL LINE, I WILL PUT MY CAR IN PARK, IF THIS IS AN OCCASION THAT MY ESC LIGHT HAS COME ON IT WILL NOT LET ME TAKE MY CAR OUT OF PARK, UNLESS I TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES, ALSO WHEN THE ESC LIGHT COMES ON THERE IS A PRETTY BIG DELAY IN MY BRAKES AND ACCELERATIONS. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY WHILE IN MY CAR BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE IF ONE DAY IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BUT I HAVE SEARCHED EVERY WHERE AND CAN NOT FIND A RECALL ON THIS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD, GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL AND THAT ALL BRAKES ON NEW VEHICLES WOULD EXHIBIT THE NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,560.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 22, 2012
ADD ON TO ODI # 10440320 I WAS DRIVING AND TWICE WHEN I TRIED TO STOP TO MAKE A TURN THE ENGINE KEPT OVERRIDING THE BRAKE AND THE CAR KEPT LURCHING AHEAD. I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. WHEN I RELEASED THE BREAK PEDDLE, THE CAR STARTED ACTING NORMAL AGAIN. BY THIS TIME I WAS WAY OVER THE CENTER LINE OF THE ROAD AND IF THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER CAR AT THE INTERSECTION I WOULD HAVE CERTAINTY HIT THEM. THIS IS THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD BEFORE SOMEONE GET KILLED. IF I WAS PULLING UP BEHIND ANOTHER CAR AT A STOP SIGN AND THIS HAPPENED I WOULD REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT. IF I WAS STOPPING AT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND THIS HAPPENED I COULD RUN SOMEONE OVER AND KILL THEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Dec 18, 2011, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, CAR WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY STOPPED, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 8 FEET, THE BRAKE DIDN'T STOP THE CAR. I HIT THE BRICK WALL OF A BUSY CONVENIENCE GAS STATION STORE, THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS COMING OUT THE DOOR AT THE TIME. MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS THE FLOOR MAT HAD INTERFERED WITH THE GAS PEDAL, BUT AM SURE NOW THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. WHEN A REPRESENTATIVE OF MY INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED ME, HE STATED THAT HE HEARD THAT I HAD STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE, THIS IS NOT TRUE, I AM 100 PERCENT SURE. MY HUSBAND WAS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR AND AFTER WE HAD CALMED DONE, WE DISCUSSED WHAT HAD HAPPENED, HE STATED TO ME THAT THE CAR WAS ALMOST STOPPED AND THEN JUST SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD ROARING SOUND AND ACCELERATED. OUR CAR WAS TOWED TO A HYUNDAI REPAIR STATION AND WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR HOW MUCH THE DAMAGES ARE. JUST THE THOUGHT OF HAVING TO DRIVE THAT CAR AGAIN SCARES ME, IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE, AS IT HAPPENED SO FAST AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STOPPING THE CAR, OTHER THAN MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THAT DIDN'T STOP THE ACCELERATION. MY HOPE IS THAT THIS IS INVESTIGATED BEFORE ANY SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATHS OCCUR. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2011
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE STEERING WHEEL/CAR SUDDENLY STARTING SHAKING EXTREMELY VIOLENTLY AND IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO MAINTAIN CONTROL LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER AND STOP/INSPECT THE VEHICLE. IT WAS REMARKABLE AN ACCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR AND IF MY CHILD, A NEW DRIVER, HAD BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL, I AM CERTAIN AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKED. THE SENSATION I EXPERIENCED WAS VERY MUCH LIKE THAT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 10V426000. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ULTIMATELY CONCLUDED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A BRAKE SWITCH WHICH CAUSED POWER STEERING TO STOP WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH, CONCLUDING THAT MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, MANUFACTURED ON 3/11/11, WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL INVOLVING STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING THE CAR, ALTHOUGH I DO SO RELUCTANTLY, PARTICULARLY WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE I DO NOT KNOW IF THESE SITUATIONS ARE RELATED, ON 9/11/11 MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE STARTER WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. AT THAT TIME A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER, BUT REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT MY VEHICLE AND THIS SITUATION HAPPENING TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY AS I WAS. I REMAIN HOPEFUL HYUNDAI WILL BE AGGRESSIVE AND PROACTIVE IN THIS PROCESS, BUT IT SCARED AND CONCERNED ME ENOUGH I FELT IT WAS NECESSARY TO PURSUE THIS SITUATION WITH A REGULATORY BODY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PUSH TO START BUTTON SWITCH FAILED. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AND TRYING TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BRAKE SWITCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MERGING INTO ANOTHER LANE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE TRUNK WOULD ALSO OPEN INADVERTENTLY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE BY REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER AND MODULE FOR THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO OPEN THE TRUNK MANUALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND FILED A REPORT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Traction control system, Aug 22, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 SONATA LIMITED. EARLIER THIS YEAR I BEGAN HAVING A STARTING ISSUE WHERE THE CAR WOULD SAY "APPLY BRAKE PEDAL TO START" EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY PLANTED ON THE BRAKE. TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE SO I JUST KEPT ON WORKING AROUND IT. IN JUNE, IT GOT WORSE SO I TOOK IT BACK, SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ORDERED A BRAKE SWITCH AND NEW PUSH BUTTON IGNITION ON JUNE 20TH OR THEREABOUTS. THE PARTS FINALLY ARRIVED ON AUGUST 17TH..YES..IT TOOK THAT LONG APPARENTLY. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF THAT MORNING AND WENT BACK THAT AFTERNOON AROUND 5. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAD REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH AND PUSH BUTTON BUT WHEN THEY WENT TO TEST DRIVE, THEY LOST STEERING CONTROL AND THE EPS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THEY TOOK A PART OFF A NEW SONATA IN THEIR LOT AND PUT IT ON MY CAR BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AFTER 2 DAYS OF TROUBLESHOOTING THEY MANAGED TO CORRECT THAT ISSUE BUT AS SOON AS THEY DID, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND IT STATED THE ABS SYSTEM HAD FAILED TOO. I AM NOW WAITING ON A PART FOR THE ABS AS OF 8/22. NONE OF THESE SYSTEMS HAD ISSUES PRIOR TO THE DROP OFF DATE. THIS CONCERNS ME THAT THERE MAY BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WE WILL SEE WHEN THEY REPLACE THE ABS MODULE IF SOMETHING ELSE GOES WRONG. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jul 25, 2011, crash
TONIGHT I WAS REAR ENDED BY A WOMAN IN AN SUV, WHO'S BRAKES DID NOT WORK IN HER DURANGO, SHE SAID. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS INDICATING AN ATTEMPTED STOP. HER IMPACT ON MY VEHICLE WAS SEVERE. POLICE OFFICER GUESSED SHE WAS GOING 40 MPH WHEN SHE HIT MY CAR. MY CAR WAS SHOVED FORWARD INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF MINE, THAT CAR THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THERE WERE 3 CARS, MINE LAST IN LINE, SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. WE WERE ALL STOPPED. THEN THERE WAS A 4TH CAR THAT HIT MINE FROM BEHIND. THE MATTER IM REPORTING IS THAT THE AIRBAGS IN MY HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2011 CAR DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN I THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE IMPACT WAS GREAT ENOUGH TO CAUSE THAT CAR TO THEN HIT ANOTHER CAR AND THAT CAUSED A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF MINE. ALSO, AFTER I HIT THAT CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I THEN BOUNCED BACK ABOUT 10 FEET. MORE EVIDENCE OF IMPACT. WHY NO AIRBAGS? I DID NOT SEE VERY MUCH DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR NOR THE BACK OF THE CAR THAT WAS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE, WHILE THE BACK OF MY CAR WAS BAD ENOUGH THAT I EXPECT TO BE TOLD IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE.. IM REPORTING JUST IN CASE YOU RECEIVE ANY OTHER REPORTS INDICATING THERE IS SOMETHING FAULTY CONCERNING AIRBAGS IN THE HYUNDAI. I KNOW AIRBAGS ARE NOT TO DEPLOY IN REAR END COLLISION BUT SINCE I THEN HIT ANOTHER CAR FRONTALLY, I WOULD THINK THE AIRBAGS WOULD DEPLOY. MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER, FRONT SEAT AND IN ORDER TO BRACE HIMSELF, HE PUT HIS HAND UP AT THE WINDSHIELD. THE GLASS WAS BROKEN IN AN AREA THE SIZE OF A CANTALOUPE FROM THE IMPACT AGAINST HIS HAND. IM THINKING THE IMPACT MUST HAVE BEEN MODERATE TO SEVERE. ON THE UP SIDE, MY SONATA TOOK THAT HIT AND SUSTAINED THE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE AND UP INTO THE AIR AT THE TRUNK RATHER THAN INTO THE CAB OF THE CAR. MY FATHER AND SON WERE IN THE BACKSEAT AND WERE NOT KILLED, I THINK BECAUSE THE CAR IS A GOOD, SAFE VEHICLE IN A CRASH. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 24, 2011
FAILED COMPONENTS: BRAKES & SHIFT GEAR THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT WORKING MOST OF THE TIME WHEN SHIFTING THE GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE MODE (FOLLOWED BY REVERSE MODE) I NEED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL VERY HARD UP TO SEVERAL TIMES TO SHIFT THE GEAR. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IT WORKS FINE FOR TWO DAYS. IT STARTED HAPPENING AFTER TWO FIRST SERVICES TO THE VEHICLE BY DEALER. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE AGAIN TO DEALER AFTER 1 WEEK AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AGAIN. THEY DID SOME TROUBLESHOOTING AGAIN, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM THIS TIME. I SPOKE WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND THEY DIRECTED ME TO ANOTHER DEALER AND ASKED ME TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND SUGGESTED THAT I UNLOCK THE "SHIFT LOCK" IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES! I TOLD THEM THAT SHIFT LOCK IS ONLY USEFUL IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES. BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT RELEASING THE GEAR MOST OF THE TIME WHICH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THERE IS NO ANSWER FROM THE DEALER. TRYING TO CONTACT HYUNDAI OFFICIAL SUPPORT BUT NOTHING HEARD BACK FROM THEM AT (AFTER 2 WEEKS.) STATUS UPDATE 02/23/12
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Tires, Service brakes, Electric, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Feb 11, 2011
VIBRATION IN STEERING, GRINDING NOISE IN TRANSAXE, LOW TIRE PRESSURE (BY DEALER), REFUSAL TO PERFORM 3,750 MILE MAINTINCE SECDULE (DEALER REFUSED). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2011
COMING OUT OF SIDE STREET, GOING ABOUT 5-10 MPH. DEPRESSED BRAKE TO STOP/SLOWDOWN AND CAR (2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY 2010) JUST KEPT ON GOING INTO INTERSECTION AND UP THE ROAD. KEPT PRESSING PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND CAR STILL KEPT GOING UNTIL IT GLIDED TO A STOPPED. TRAVELED ABOUT 100-150 FEET WITH NO BRAKES AND HAD USE HORN A FEW TIMES TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS. AFTER THIS I MOVED AGAIN AND BRAKES WORKED FINE. VERY SCARY... WENT OUT INTO A VERY,VERY BUSY STREET. FORTUNATELY I HIT NO ONE AND NO OTHER CARS HIT ME. WILL CALL DEALER TO REPORT IT AND ASK FOR FURTHER ADVICE. PERHAPS ICE, SNOW, SAND, ETC. GOT INTO PADS/CYLINDERS AND TEMPORARILY SEIZED THE BRAKES? DON'T HAVE VIN WITH ME WILL REPORT IT LATER. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jan 5, 2011, crash
I PURCHASED THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA JUNE 2010. I WAS REALLY ENJOYING THE NEW SLEEK LOOK OF THE SONATA. I HAVE NEVER OWNED ANY TYPE OF HYUNDAI VEHICLE BEFORE. WELL AS I BEGAN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE - I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A BIT TOO MUCH SKIDDING ON WATER OR DURING RAIN FALL. THIS WAS DURING A SIMPLE TAKE OFF FROM A STOP. JANUARY 2011 I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR LIGHT SNOW WAS FALLING BUT THE ROADS WERE CLEAR. AS I WAS APPROACHING TRAFFIC AHEAD THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND TRAFFIC BEGAN TO MOVE. I NOTICED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME NOT QUITE TAKING OFF WITH TRAFFIC SO I BEGAN TO BRAKE. TO MY SURPRISE - GUESS WHAT - THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. MY NICE PICTURE OF THE SKIDDING CAR LITE UP AND THE VIBRATION UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL STARTED. SO I LET OFF AND PRESSED AGAIN AND THERE WAS STILL NO STOPPING. I BEGAN TO BLOW MY HORN IN A PANIC TO WARN THE DRIVER AHEAD I WAS COMING. (WELL AS YOU ALL MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW - THE HORN IS PRETTY LOUSY AND ACCORDING TO THE OTHER DRIVER - AFTER I HIT HIM - HE DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS MY CAR UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE.) I LITERALLY HAD MY FOOT PRESSED TO THE FLOOR BLOWING THE HORN AND TRYING TO STOP THIS CAR BUT TO NO AVAIL IT DID NOT UNTIL WE COLLIDED. THANK GOD THERE WAS ONLY CRACKED BUMPERS INVOLVED BUT IT TRULY COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE. I AM TRULY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS NOW BECAUSE I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AND THE NEXT TIME WILL I BE ALIVE TO TELL ANOTHER STORY. PRETTY SCARY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 30, 2010
2011 SONATA 2.0T. NO BRAKING PRESSURE WHEN COLD, SLOW TO STOP UNTIL CAR WARMS UP, NOISE IS HEARD FROM WHAT SOUNDS LIKE THE ABS PUMP OR POWER BRAKE ASSIST PUMP. TOOK TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE NOISE IS A STRUT TOWER BAR AND MOTORWORLD GROUP IN WILKES-BARRE REFUSES TO LOOK ANY FATHER ON THIS ISSUE UNLESS I PAY TO HAVE THE TOWER BAR REMOVED AND RECHECKED. I HAVE 1500 MILES ON THE CAR AND DEALER IS REFUSING TO CORRECTLY DIAGNOSE ISSUES UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. THIS IS A 2011 SONATA 2.0T SE. THE SOUND IS DEFINITELY NOT THE TOWER BAR AS I CAN REMAKE THE SOUND ON OTHER CARS AFTER USING BRAKES VERY HARD. THESE BRAKES ARE VERY SOFT AND THE NOISE IS EASY HEARD AND SOUNDS LIKE A PUMP AND A VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Seat belts, Oct 14, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED HER TO COLLIDE INTO TWO WOODEN POSTS AND SIGNS IN A GRASSY AREA. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE; A HOLE IN THE GROUND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN TO SECURE HER DURING THE INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PREVIOUSLY HAD THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR RECALL 10V426000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 4,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 2, 2010, crash
BRAKES FAILED WHEN TRYING TO STOP AT RED LIGHT AT EXIT TO PARKING LOT DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MILES PER HR. PRESSED ON BRAKE - DID NOT GO DOWN. NO RESPONSE - CAR KEPT MOVING UNTIL I PUT GEAR IN PARK AND HIT THE TRUCK STOPPED AT THE LIGHT. DRIVING A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PURCHASED ON 5/31/10. *TR