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: steering
1,171 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Sep 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND ESC WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
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
Steering, Wheels, Aug 19, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY PULLING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION. IT IS ALMOST AS IF STEERING WHEEL HAS NOT BEEN CENTERED. I THOUGHT THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WITH MY VEHICLE, BUT AFTER DRIVING MY FRIENDS BRAND NEW SONATA I CONCLUDED THAT THIS IS THE HYUNDAI PROBLEM. DEALER IS DENYING THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR; HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 25, 2013
THE CONSTANT RECURRING PROBLEM IS MY CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE EACH ONE DOCUMENTED. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AND THE BRAKES ARE UNABLE TO PRESS. I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY REGARDING THE LEMON LAW AND SHE HAS NOTIFIED THE HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP AGAIN AND THIS HAS GONE ON FOR THE 2 1/2 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT. THERE ARE OVER 598,000 COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS MODEL OF CAR AND THE PROBLEMS ARE VERY SERIOUS AND CAN CAUSE DEADLY ACCIDENTS. MY CAR WILL NOT CLICK OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE SO I CANNOT USE THAT FEATURE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK AND I HAVE BEEN STOPPED BY CARS BEHIND ME TO TELL ME I HAVE NO LIGHTS AND THEY ALMOST HIT ME. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THIS MODEL OF CAR RECALLED BEFORE MANY DEATHS OCCUR. THE INTERNET HAS THIS PROBLEM DOCUMENTED AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED TO REPLACE THAT SWITCH. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR REPLACED TWICE AND IT STILL OCCURS. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PAY PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR WHILE I DRIVE A RENTAL CAR. I BASICALLY DO NOT HAVE A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE SO I CAN'T GO ANYWHERE IN FEAR OF BEING STRANDED. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND SAFE LIVES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS, AXLE AND STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. ...UPDATED 08-08-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BEARING IN THE FRONT WHEEL, JOINT ASSEMBLY, BEARING BRACKET, ARM CONTROL UNIT AND KNUCKLE TO THE FRONT AXLE, WERE ALL REPLACED.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 12, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING IN PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL EVERYTIME WHEN TURNED OR ROCKED IN A RIGHT TO LEFT MOTION, A CLUNKING LOOSE SOUND WILL BE FELT AND HEARD. *TR
Steering, May 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. *TR
Steering, May 20, 2013
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, FIRST TWO BY PEPBOYS AND LAST TWO FROM HYUNDAI BUT THE CAR CONTINUES TO PULL TO THE LEFT ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS AN ISSUE REPORTED WITH THE 2011 SONATA. HYUNDAI HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. LAST WEEK MY WIFE ALMOST HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISION WHEN HER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. YOU CAN SIMPLY GOOGLE " SONATA PULLING" AND YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF RESULTS ON THIS ISSUE. HTTP://MONEY.CNN.COM/2011/08/15/AUTOS/HYUNDAI_STEERING_FIX/INDEX.HTM I TOOK MY CAR TO HOLLER HYUNDAI ORLANDO HTTP://WWW.HOLLERHYUNDAI.COM/INDEX.HTM. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE CAUSE FOR FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Steering, Suspension, May 4, 2013
I OWN A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE BACK TO HYUNDAI IN KILLEEN TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT REPAIRED TWO TIMES. WHEN I INITIALLY RECEIVED THE CAR IT PULL VERY HARD TO THE LEFT, THEN ONCE THEY "FIXED IT" IT STILL PULLED. I PAID INITIALLY TO HAVE THE CAR CERTIFIED AND ALIGNMENT IT PART OF IT. *TR
Steering, Apr 29, 2013
THIS IS MY FOURTH TIME COMPLAINING ABOUT MY VEHICLE PULLING. I JUST BOUGHT A NEW SET OF TIRES, BECAUSE MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS WORN DOWN TO THE METAL. THE NEW TIRES WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED AND BALANCED BY DISCOUNT TIRE, BUT MY VEHICLE STILLS TRACKS TO THE RIGHT. I CANNOT LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A SECOND WITHOUT IT WANTING TO CHANGE LANES WHEN I AM GOING STRAIGHT. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES ALREADY AND HAD THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN PERFORMED. THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE, AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD TIME AND TIME AGAIN. I HAVE ALSO FOUND REPORTS OF THIS TRACKING ISSUE ONLINE. THE CAR IS STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT 60 - 70 PERCENT OF THE TIME, AND IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE TO CONTROL. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT WHEN I AM TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 45MPH, OR HIGHER. IF I HIT THE SLIGHTEST IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD; THE CAR WILL BOUNCE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT STILL SEEMS TO BE TRACKING PRIMARILY TO THE RIGHT, BUT THE TRACKING OF THIS CAR IS SO ERRATIC. I HAVE INCLUDED SEVERAL RELIABLE SOURCES BELOW, WHICH FURTHER EXPLAIN THE ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 25, 2013
THE VEHICLE PULLS STRONGLY TO THE LEFT. A VERY WELL DOCUMENTED CASE OF A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE CAR IS A LEASE AND I CANNOT GET RID OF IT AND CONTINUE TO PAY FOR A CAR WHICH, IF I DON'T HOLD THE WHEEL WITH THE FORCE OF GOD, WILL SPEAR OFF TO THE LEFT AND POSSIBLY INTO A TREE. *TR
Steering, Engine, Apr 21, 2013
I LEASED THIS HYUNDAI SONATA IN 2011 BRAND NEW AND AFTER 3000 MILES BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING BY USING THE START BUTTON. THE WORKAROUND WAS TO PLACE YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HOLD DOWN THE PUSH BUTTON START FOR 1 MINUTE AND THE ENGINE WOULD START. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT. IT WOULD HAPPEN FREQUENTLY AND THEN SUDDENLY BE BETTER FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. FINALLY AT 18000 MILES WENT TO START THE CAR AND EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. IT DROVE OK THE DAY BEFORE (NOT LIKE A CAR WHO'S BATTERY WAS BAD). THE CAR IS BEING TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAPPENED TO PURCHASE IT. IN ADDITION TO THE START ISSUE AND THE COMPLETELY DYING PART (AND IT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE CHARGED BY ORDINARY MEANS) THE CAR ALSO HAS A LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING THAT STAYS ON REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH OR HOW LITTLE AIR IS IN THE TIRE. THAT REMAINED FOR 4 MONTHS AND NOW SEEMS TO BE STAYING OFF. THE CAR ALSO DRIFTS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVEN (IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I PURCHASED IT). I HAD SEVERAL RECALLS FIXED EARLY ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE DRIFTING ISSUE. THERE IS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE DASH WHICH BEGAN AT 16,000 MILES. THE BACK DOOR HANDLE (BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT) HANDLE WAS STUCK IN AN OUTWARD POSITION AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. IT FINALLY OPENED ONE DAY AND NOW THE HANDLE IS BACK IN PLACE, BUT A SMALL BLACK PIECE HANGS DOWN FROM THE HANDLE. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT ARE THE SAME OR SIMILAR AS ALL OF MY ISSUES. *TR
Steering, Mar 15, 2013
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WHERE WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. IT FIRST HAPPENED IN OCTOBER 2011, WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR, AND IT WAS FIXED. NOW THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, MAKING STARTER NOISES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME, PLAYED WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER, AND GOT THE CAR TO START. IT HAS PUSHBUTTON START. YESTERDAY, 3/14/13, THE CAR WAS LOADED UP FOR A WEEKEND TRIP, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN MADE THE SAME NOISE, HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO LOCK, AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION. THEY HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BY FLATBED. I AM AFRAID THE VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT DURING DRIVING, AND SINCE THE POWERSTEERING DOESN'T WORK OR LOCK APPROPRIATELY, AND THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE CHANGED, IT'S A SEVERE SAFETY THREAT. WHAT DOES ONE DO TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION OR STEER THE VEHICLE WHEN THERE IS NO KEY, BUT A PUSHBUTTON START? MANY PROBLEMS NOTED OF THIS TYPE ON THE INTERNET: SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED: HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/SEARCH?SOURCEID=NAVCLIENT&IE=UTF-8&RLZ=1T4SKPT_ENUS424US424&Q=2011+HYUNDAI+SONATA+PUSH+BUTTON+START+PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 14, 2013, fire
I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TWO YEARS AND ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS (PURCHASED BRAND NEW) -- I'VE HAD TO GET A NEW MOTOR (ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE (ELECTRICAL/SMOKING) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE BELTWAY), REPLACED TIRE ROD, NEED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM (THE BLOWER DOES NOT WORK FOR AIR POINTED IN THE FLOOR DIRECTION), STRONG SMELL OF GAS FUMES INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS MILEAGE GAUGE IS INACCURATE -- I GET NO WHERE NEAR THE HIGHWAY NOR CITY MILES. THE GAS METER IS NOT REGISTERING. PARTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY REPLACED. I HAVE HAD ALL SCHEDULE SERVICES ON MY VEHICLE AS WELL AS EXTRAS SUCH AS SPECIAL REPLACEMENT FILTERS, ETC. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE I'VE PURCHASED A COMPLETE LEMON. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 27700 MILES. THERE IS NO WAY I SHOULD BE HAVING THIS MANY PROBLEMS AS FREQUENTLY AS I HAVE BEEN HAVING. THE CAR'S STEERING PULLS TO THE LEFT AS WELL. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES ONLY AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING AFTER PUTTING NITROGEN AS ADVISED. I'VE NOTICED A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING TO THE LEFT AS WELL AS IF THE LEFT TIRE ROD OR AXLE WANTS TO BREAK -- WEIRD FEELING TURN THE CAR. THE ALARM SYSTEM IS FAILING TO LOCK ALL OF THE DOORS -- ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR. -- DEALERS SOLUTION...PURCHASE A NEW ONE ??? REALLY? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 8, 2013
I JUST BOUGHT A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED. PRETTY MUCH SINCE THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR WANTS TO DRIFT, MAINLY TO THE LEFT BUT SOMETIMES TO THE RIGHT. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE WEB. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY LOOKED AT IT. THEY SAID THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS THE PROBLEM. IT IS LESS PRONOUNCED PULLING TO THE LEFT BUT NOW ITS ALL OVER THE PLACE. THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT AND THAT IS A DANGEROUS THING IMO. I DO A LOT OF INTERSTATE DRIVING. *TR
Steering, Jan 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. AFTER THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Dec 18, 2012, crash
THE CAR IS A YEAR OLD. AS THE PASSENGER WAS TURNING LEFT TRAVELING APPROX 25-30MPH THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THEN THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY FAILED ALLOWING THE WHOLE WHEEL/DRIVE ASSEMBLY TO COME OFF SLAMMING THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR DOWN, YANKING THE CAR TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 17, 2012
I HAD THIS CAR FROM FEB 2011 TO PRESENT, AND THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY DRIFTING LEFT. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I SWITCHED OUT MY TIRES (DUE TO OUTER WEAR) AND HAD 2 ALIGNMENTS PERFORMED BY LICENSED TECHNICIANS. THE CAR STILL DRIFTS LEFT. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE LOOKED AT BY A BODY REPAIR SHOP. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 8, 2012
VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT SIDE ALL THE TIME BROUGHT TO DEALER DID RECALL FOR PULLING FRONT STRUTS WHEEL ALIGNMENT REPLACED L/FRONT STRUT AGAIN AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT CAR STILL PULLS TO RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Seats, Aug 23, 2012
THE PASSAGE SEAT SHAKES WHEN THE CAR REACHES 70MPH. SINCE BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER IN MAY IT HAS BEEN THERE 2 MORE TIMES, THE SECOND TIME THEY ACTUALLY SAW WHAT THEY CALL A VIBRATION. NOW THE PASSENGER SEAT, DRIVERS SEAT, STEERING WHEEL, AND CONSOLE ALL SHAKE, NOT VIBRATE AT 40MPH. HYUNDAI HAS HAD MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND EVERY TIME I CALL FOR A STATUS CHECK THEY HAVE SOME EXCUSE. THIS IS WHY I DID NOT LIST THE VIN NUMBER BECAUSE THE CAR IS NOT IN MY POSSESSION. JUST AN FYI: THERE IS NO PROBLEM MECHANICALLY WITH THE WHEELS, TIRE ROD, ETC. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CHECKED BUT THE CAR STILL SHAKES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 1, 2012
FROM THE INITIAL TEST DRIVE I NOTICED A PULL IN THE STEERING. IT WAS MENTIONED AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A SIMPLE ALIGNMENT ISSUE. AFTER PURCHASED I ASKED ABOUT THE STEERING. UNFORTUNATELY, (I WAS TOLD) THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE THE ROAD FORCE BALANCE MACHINE FOR THEM TO PROPERLY TEST THE ALIGNMENT. I WAITED TILL NOVEMBER BEFORE THIS WAS AVAILABLE. THE 2011 SONATA WANDERED THE ROAD AND PULLED CONSTANTLY TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER (WITH NO RHYME OR REASON). AT ONE POINT IT WOULD PULL SO HARD THE VEHICLE WOULD "V-LINE" OFF ROAD ONCE LETTING GO OF STEERING WHEEL. AFTER SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS (REPLACED STRUTS, CAMBER BOLT KITS, FRONT TIRES AND SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS) THE PULL WAS STILL THERE. THERE WAS NOTHING MORE HYUNDAI CAN DO AND I WAS TOLD "THAT'S JUST HOW THE CAR IS". I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO ARBITRATION HEARINGS WITH THE BBB AND HYUNDAI STILL CONTINUES TO SAY "THERE'S NOTHING MORE WE CAN DO, THE CAR IS PERFORMING AS IT IS INTENDED TO". NEGATIVE HYUNDAI!!! THE CAR STILL PULLS AND WANDERS AS IT PLEASES AND I HAVE HAD SWAY BAR LINKS BREAK DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. HYUNDAI IS SAYING I HAVE HIT AN "ANIMAL" AND THE IMPACT HAS BENT BOTH OF THE SWAY BAR LINKS AND BROKE ONE ON THE RIGHT FRONT. ALL THOUGH THERE IS NO BODY DAMAGE FROM THIS ANIMAL AND NO SCRAPES ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I NEVER HIT ANYTHING IN THE CAR AND FEEL THIS BREAKAGE IS DUE TO ADDED PRESSURE ON SUSPENSION/STEERING PARTS FROM ADJUSTMENT MADE BY HYUNDAI TO "TRY" AND GET CAR TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. MY WARRANTY HAS BEEN DENIED AND HYUNDAI REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIRS. SO DON'T LET THE 10 YEAR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY LET YOU MAKE THE DECISION WHEN BUYING, WHEN THEY CAN DENY YOUR WARRANTY ANYTIME THEY WANT WITH ANY MADE UP EXCUSE. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR WELL OVER 8 MONTHS FOR A REFUND ON THIS CAR AND I'M STILL FIGHTING!! *TR
Steering, Jun 4, 2012
CAR HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT SINCE IT WAS FIRST BOUGHT. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS, EPS REPROGRAMMING, AND SINGLE STRUT REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIRS HAVE MADE THE PROBLEM LESS SEVERE, BUT THE CAR MUST BE DRIVEN VIGILANTLY OR IT WILL PULL OUT OF THE LANE. DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IS FATIGUING DUE TO CONSTANT COURSE CORRECTION. WHILE PRIMARILY A LEFT PULL ISSUE, THE CAR'S STEERING IS IMPRECISE AND WANDERS, SOMETIMES EVEN TO THE RIGHT. HYUNDAI REALLY GOT THIS WRONG AND HAS A CORPORATE WALL OF SILENCE AROUND THE ISSUE, REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. MY LATEST COMMUNICATION FROM THEM AFTER AN "ENGINEER" DROVE THE CAR READS, "THE DISTRACT PARTS SERVICE MANAGER [DPSM] IS HIGHLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED WITH HYUNDAI VEHICLES. THE DPSM'S DECISION IS FINAL AND WE ARE UNABLE TO GIVE THIS MATTER FURTHER CONSIDERATION." VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ACTIVITY AROUND THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, May 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE TOOK ONE HAND OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGIN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALLOWED ANOTHER DRIVER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A ALIGNMENT AND THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Steering, Apr 16, 2012
THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLING TO THE RIGHT FROM DAY 1 AND STILL IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE AT 8,000 MILES AND ANOTHER AT APPROX 21,000 MILES. DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THE CAR IS TRACKING STRAIGHT, HOWEVER WHEN I DRIVE AT ANY SPEED THE CAR PULLS TO RIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT TO COMPENSATE. THE TECH AT THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT EVERY 12,000 MILES. I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH THE OWNERS MANUAL NO RECOMMENDATION FOUND. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI WITH NO SATISFACTION OTHER THEN TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER. GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED. THE COMPANY KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE KEEPS GIVING THE RUN AROUND. *JS