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 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING SOUND WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A TIRE ROTATION, A FRONT AND REAR END ALIGNMENT, APPLIED A LUBRICANT TO THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION, AND TIGHTENED THE FRAME BOLTS BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300.
Steering, Sep 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TOWARDS THE LEFT DESPITE THE CONTACT MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,600.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Seats, Sep 19, 2011
PURCHASED CAR ON MAY 10, 2011 AT LOCAL DEALERSHIP. DIDN'T HAVE NEW CAR WINDOW STICKER IN CAR OR AT DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD I WASN'T LOOKING HARD ENOUGH FOR IT. DEALERSHIP GOT ME ONE IN JULY. I HAVE PICTURES OF TEST DRIVE WITH NO WINDOW STICKER. FOUND HAIL DAMAGE ON CAR AFTER THE PAPERWORK WHILE STILL AT DEALERSHIP--FINALLY FIXED IN JULY. FOUND OUT WHILE DOING PAPERWORK THE CAR HAD 1500 MILES ON IT--DIDN'T KNOW THAT UNTIL THEN--SHOULD HAVE STOPPED THEN---IN MY BOOK NOT NEW!!!! CAR PULLED TO LEFT REAL HARD ON WAY HOME FROM DEALERSHIP--REALIGNED FRONT END--STILL PULLING LEFT. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. ADMITS TO RECALL AND DOESN'T HAVE EQUIPMENT/TOOLS TO REPAIR. THE CAR HAD DEEP SCRATCHES ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AT DELIVERY--FINALLY FIXED SOMEWHAT--YOU CAN STILL FEEL AND SEE THE SCRATCHES IF LOOKING FOR THEM. DRIVERS SEAT FRAYING APART AT MATERIAL AT 2900 MILES. TRIM DAMAGED BY HAIL REPAIR PERSON--STILL WAITING ON THAT REPAIR. JUST LEFT DEALER COMPLAINING TO MANAGER ABOUT EVERYTHING AND FOUND PAINT FLAKING OFF OF REAR DRIVERS WHEEL. STRONG SMELL OF BURNT CHARCOAL COMING FROM TRUNK AREA---MANAGER IN SERVICE DEPT. SAID THAT'S A NORMAL SMELL. I HAVE PURCHASED 5 NEW FROM SAME DEALERSHIP AND NONE OF THE OTHERS HAVE HAD THAT SMELL. I PURCHASED A 2011 TUCSAN THE SAME DAY--NO PROBLEMS. OWNER OF DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO SELL NEW CARS WITHOUT "NEW CAR WINDOW STICKERS", I LOOKED IT UP--IT'S ILLEGAL. ALSO TOLD THERE WAS COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS ABOUT THE SALE OF MY CAR---NOT TELLING ME EVERYTHING--LIKE THE SCRATCHES, HAIL DAMAGE, REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. THE MANAGER TODAY SAID HE DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE SONATA'S PULLING TO THE LEFT---I TOLD HIM TO GOOGLE IT. I HAVE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS ON A NEW CAR OR EVEN A USED ONE. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 3100 MILES. JUST DID A CARFAX AND FOUND NO REPAIRS FROM DEALER? I GUESS THEY ARE BEYOND THE LAW OF REPORTING IT. *KB
Steering, Sep 9, 2011
ALTHOUGH MY 2011 SONATA LIMITED, IS IN EFFECT AN EXCELLENT VEHICLE, IT IS CAUSING ME A GREAT DEAL DISCOMFORT. IT IS BEING LET DOWN WITH THE WORST STEERING TRACKING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. THE CAR CONSTANTLY NEEDS TO BE EASED BACK AND FORTH TO MAKE IT STAY STRAIGHT. OVER A LONG RIDE THIS IS VERY FATIGUING, THE SLIGHTEST LAPSE IN STEERING CONTROL TO MADE AN IN CAR ADJUSTMENT OF THE RADIO FOR EXAMPLE, OR TO ADJUST THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, CAN SEND YOU TOWARDS THE GUARDRAIL. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO MAKE MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT, I HAVE NEVER FELT SO INSECURE IN CHARGE OF A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. FOR ALL THE GREAT SAFETY MEASURES BUILT INTO THIS CAR, FOR A FUNDAMENTAL SUCH AS THE STEERING, WELL. YOU KIND OF EXPECT IT TO WORK. AS LONG AS THERE IS TENSION ON THE STEERING WHEEL, LIKE IN A CURVE OR A TURN, THE STEERING RESPONDS FAST AND ACCURATE. THE SECOND YOU ARE ON THE STRAIGHT ROAD, THE STEERING WANDERS. I REALLY FEEL UNSAFE, THE PLEASURE I SHOULD BE HAVING WITH THIS CAR HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH TRYING TO STAY STRAIGHT IN MY LANE. MY WORK INVOLVES ME FLYING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY SO I DRIVE COUNTLESS RENTAL CARS, NONE HAVE ANYWHERE NEAR THE BAD STEERING TRACKING I'M EXPERIENCING. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE IT BACK, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM, THEIR STATIC TESTS SHOW THE ALIGNMENT SPOT ON, AND I WAS RECOMMENDED TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW THOUSAND MILES AND I'LL GET USED TO IT. AND THE DEALER'S TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE SONATA ALWAYS FOLLOWS THE CREST OF THE ROAD. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. I WAS SO CONCERNED I WENT TO SAFERCAR.GOV TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND FOUND LITERALLY DOZENS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT. *TR
Steering, Sep 5, 2011
PURCHASED 2011 SONATA GLS ON 6/20/11. DRIVING HOME I HAD TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND HOLD TIGHTER ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT. AS I RELEASED MY GRIP FROM THE STEERING WHEEL I NOTICED THE CAR PULLING/DRIFTING ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT AS FAR AS SPACE WOULD ALLOW. NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY, HAD CAR SERVICED 4 TIMES IN TWO MONTHS. HYUNDAI ADJUSTED TIRE PRESSURE, DID ALIGNMENT, ROAD FORCE BALANCE TEST AND ROTATED TIRES, DID ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. THIS HAS LESSENED THE PULLING/DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT (SOME PULLING/DRIFTING STILL REMAINS) AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN, DURING NORMAL MAINTENANCE, I ROTATE THE TIRES BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL POSITION? WILL THIS TERRIBLE PULLING/DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT BEGIN ALL OVER AGAIN? THE PROBLEM REMAINS THAT WHEN YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO EITHER STAY IN YOUR LANE, CHANGE LANES TO THE RIGHT, OR MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, AFTER YOU COME BACK TO CENTER, THE CAR DRIFTS BACK TO THE RIGHT. AT FIRST HYUNDAI WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM. THEY NOW SAY THAT THIS IS NORMAL. HOW IS IT NORMAL WHEN IT DOES NOT DO IT TO THE LEFT? HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGERS SAY THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON ALL 2011 SONATA'S FROM MINOR TO MAJOR PULLING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT ON EACH VEHICLE. HYUNDAI HAS REFUSED TO CONTINUE TO TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER AND HAVE CONTACTED MY STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. I WILL BE CONTACTING HYUNDAI AGAIN BY CERTIFIED LETTER REQUESTING THAT THEY TELL ME WHAT THEY INTEND TO DO TO FIX MY BRAND NEW CAR. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR PEOPLE IN MY SITUATION? WHY IS HYUNDAI NOT HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AND BE MADE TO FIX MY BRAND NEW CAR? AS CONSUMERS WE PAY A LOT OF MONEY FOR THESE CARS. THEY ASK US TO BE HONEST WITH THEM ON THEIR TV COMMERCIAL, BUT WHEN I DID THEY DID NOT LIKE IT.
Steering, Sep 2, 2011
CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT MOST OF THE TIME, SOMETIMES FORCEFULLY. OCCASSIONALLY PULLS TO THE LEFT. VIBRATES AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS. SPENT FOUR VISITS TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR SERVICE THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2011
OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A PULL TO THE LEFT. WE NOTICED IT IMMEDIATELY ON THE DAY WE TOOK DELIVERY AND HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE DEALERSHIP ON AT LEAST THREE OCCASIONS, BUT IT STILL PULLS. WE HAVE HAD THREE ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACED ONE TIRE....NO HELP. *TR
Steering, Sep 1, 2011
PURCHASED A 2011 SONATA HYBRID (PREMIUM PACKAGE). SINCE DRIVING OFF THE LOT THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT AND VIBRATES BETWEEN 65-75MPH. BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY PERFORMED A COMPUTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND STRAIGHT TRAK. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS ALL THE TIME. FROM LOOKING AT THE LISTING, THERE ARE OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ON THIS THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS. NHTSA, PLEASE HELP THE CONSUMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. EVEN WHEN CALLING THE HYUNDAI TOLL FREE NUMBER, THEY ACT LIKE IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Aug 30, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, HAS BEEN RETURNED TO DEALER SIX TIMES SINCE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2010. DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND KEEP ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT, ODI # 10380197. HYUNDAI STATES THE "CAR DRIVES AS DESIGNED". HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ADMIT THEIR IS A PROBLEM. SOFTWARE UPDATE ORDERED BY NHTSA DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FACTORY REP HAS REFUSED TO AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIRS. 13200 MILES ON CAR NOW. ORIGINAL INCIDENT DATE 8/23/2010. CANNOT DRIVE ON ANY LONG ROAD TRIPS WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Steering, Aug 29, 2011
I PURCHASED A HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2.0 TURBO AND TOOK DELIVERY ON MAY 27, 2011. DURING THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, I NOTICED IT HAS A DISCERNIBLE PULLING-LEFT STEERING DEFECT AT ALL TIMES, WHICH BECOMES DRAMATICALLY MORE NOTICEABLE, AND DANGEROUS, AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT ON JUNE 6, 2011 WITHOUT SUCCESS. A SECOND ATTEMPT BY THE DEALER TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT DURING THE WEEK OF JUNE 17-24, 2011 WAS ALSO UNSUCCESSFUL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME ON FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011 AT THE REQUEST OF THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE DROVE THE CAR AND PRONOUNCED THAT THE DEALER HAD MADE ALL THE FACTORY ADJUSTMENTS IT CAN MAKE, THE CAR NOW MEETS ALL FACTORY SPECS, THIS MODEL HAS ?SENSITIVE? STEERING AND OUR CAR WILL NOT DRIVE DIFFERENTLY. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AT 800-633-5151 ON MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011. I SPOKE WITH AN EMPLOYEE WHO ASSIGNED ME CASE # 4472765 AND ADVISED I WOULD BE CONTACTED BY A SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE. THE REPRESENTATIVE CALLED, CONFIRMED ALL FACTS OF THE DEFECT AND SAID THE DEALER WILL CONTACT YOU FOR FURTHER ACTION. I RECEIVED NO CONTACT FROM THE DEALER OR THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE. THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO RETURN OUR CALLS ON 8/8/2011 AND 8/15/2011, SO I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS (AGAIN) AT 800-633-5151 ON WED, AUG 17, 2011. I SPOKE WITH AN EMPLOYEE ABOUT CASE # 4472765. HE ADVISED THAT AS OF AUGUST 15, 2011, HYUNDAI HAD ISSUED A SONATA SERVICE CAMPAIGN (RECALL) # 927, AND I SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO REPAIR THE STEERING PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS CONNECTED TO A SERVICE ADVISER, WHO LOOKED FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN #927. IT WAS NOT IN HER SYSTEM YET FOR OUR VEHICLE VIN#, BUT SHE FOUND INFORMATION IN HER SYSTEM THAT DESCRIBED 927. SHE SAID SHE WOULD CHECK HER SYSTEM DAILY FOR UPDATES AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS AVAILABLE. 8/29/2011: I'VE RECEIVED NO RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO ACT UNTIL HYUNDAI AUTHORIZES ACTION. *TR
Steering, Aug 29, 2011
BOUGHT A 2011 SONATA SE 2010 AND HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM DAY ONE. PULL IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER 8 DIFFERENT TIMES (ALIGNMENTS,TIRE ROTATION ETC.). LAST TIME HYUNDAI TECH DROVE IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. IT'S NOT FINE! I AM TURNING IN AS A LEMON. *TR
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
Steering, Aug 21, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T PULLS TO LEFT AT NORMAL SPEEDS DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THIS IS NOT A "TORQUE-STEER" ISSUE (THE TENDENCY OF FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE CARS TO VEER UNDER ACCELERATION DUE TO UNEVEN TORQUE TO THE FRONT WHEELS). EVEN ON CRUISE CONTROL, IF YOU DON'T APPLY CONSTANT "RIGHT" CORRECTION, THE CAR WILL VEER LEFT. THE CROWN OF THE ROAD DOES NOT STOP THIS, NOR IS IT A WIND ISSUE. IF YOU LET THE WHEEL GO, THE CAR WILL CHANGE LANES TO THE LEFT (OR VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC!) WITHIN 10 SECONDS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES AND WHILE THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE ISSUE, HAVE NO SOLUTION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD. PLEASE INITIATE A FORMAL INQUIRY. SAME ISSUES AS OTHER COMPLAINTS, ENGINEERS (2 OF THEM) SAID CAR IS IN SPEC AND FINE, PULLING GETTING WORSE WITH MILES, 4400., THEY ACT LIKE I AM MAKING THIS UP EVERY TIME, DEALER THAT I GOT VEHICLE FROM GAVE UP, AND WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE ANYMORE. *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2011
NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PURCHASED 5-20-2011. SAFETY ISSUE IS ERRATIC UNDEPENDABLE STEERING. CURRENT MILEAGE AS OF 8-18-2011 IS 3020, 800 MILES OF WHICH HAVE BEEN FOR 4 VISITS TO DEALER(S) TO TRY TO FIX WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESULT. ORIGINALLY THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. ON 4TH VISIT HYUNDAI FACTORY FIELD ENGINEER MOVED TIRES AROUND WHICH REDUCED THE RIGHT PULL. NOW CAR PULLS ERRATICALLY SOMETIMES LEFT, SOMETIMES RIGHT BUT REQUIRES CONSTANT FORCE ON STEERING WHEEL TO HOLD CAR STRAIGHT. THIS IS MORE SERIOUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ONLY A SHORT DRIVE CAUSES FATIGUE. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2011
HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 NEW STEERING PROBLEM , ALIGNMENT PROBLEM THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT LEAVING THE LANE ON HIGH WAY WITH STRONG RESIST FROM THE STEERING POWER ASSIST TO RETURN TO THE LANE WRONG ALIGNMENT NOT ADJUSTABLE BY THE DEALER WHO DID IT 4 TIMES THE LAST ONE THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE ASK FOR NON STANDARD PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH BIGGER SIZES IN BRAKING ON HIGH SPEED 100 KM THE CAR TURN TO THE RIGHT AND WAS STOPPED AWAY FROM THE NEXT LANE CARS BY 5 CM THIS PULLING IS ALL THE TIME AND IN CORNERS TURN THE CAR MOVES IN ZIGZAG THE POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPPED ASSISTING OVER 40 KM SPEED AND THE FORCE FROM THE MOVING WHEELS IS VERY HIGH YOU HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS STRONGLY ALL THE WAY OF THE TRIP TO KEEP THE CAR IN TRACK BY SHIFTING THE WHEEL 3 DEGREE TO THE LIFT IF YOU ARE LUCKY AND NO STRONG BREAKS NEED IT MAY YOU WILL BE SAFE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 18, 2011
MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO WITH 4500 MILES THAT PULLS TO THE LEFT AT ALL SPEEDS AND IS MUCH WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS REQUIRING CONSTANT PRESSURE TO KEEP THE CAR GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. A RECENT TRIP OF 2500 MILES MOSTLY ON INTERSTATE 95 BECAME VERY TIRING AFTER HOURS OF CONSTANT STEERING WHEEL CORRECTION. THE CAR HAS BEEN INTO THE SELLING DEALER THREE TIMES {ALIGNMENT TWICE AND SUBFRAME ADJUSTMENT} TO CORRECT THE ISSUE BUT CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS CONDITION IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH MY WIFE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. I AM BRINGING THE CAR INTO THE DEALER NEXT WEEK AGAIN AND AM TOLD THERE ARE MANY CARS WITH THIS SAME DEFECT AND HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A CAMPAIGN CODE 927 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *KB
Steering, Aug 18, 2011
BOUGHT A 2011 SONATA LIMITED WITH 17 INCH WHEELS IN JANUARY AND HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM DAY ONE. PULL IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER 9 DIFFERENT TIMES (ALIGNMENTS,TIRE ROTATION ETC.). LAST TIME HYUNDAI ENGINEER DROVE IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. HE DROVE IT 6 MILES OF WHICH 2 OF THOSE ARE TO AND FROM GETTING ON HIGHWAY. MADE IT SOUND LIKE IT WAS MY FAULT AND THAT I DID NOT KNOW HOW NEW CARS DRIVE. I AM TURNING IN AS A LEMON. *KB
Steering, Aug 18, 2011
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR, IT HAS AN ANNOYING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PULL TO THE LEFT. SOMETIMES IT PULLS MORE THAN OTHERS BUT IT'S ALWAYS PRESENT TO SOME EXTENT. *KB
Steering, Aug 17, 2011
VEHICLE TRACKS--POORLY PULLS TO LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER FOR FIX , ALIGNMENT PERFORMED SEVERAL TIMES. REQUIRES MUCH MORE EFFORT TO HOLD STEERING, AND CREATES FATIGUE AFTER HOURS OF DRIVING. I CONSIDER THIS A HAZZARD CONDITION
Steering, Aug 16, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SE 2.0T STEERING PULLS LEFT AND DOES NOT CENTER DESPITE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATIONS. DELIVERY WAS 16 MAY 2011. ABOVE ACTIONS IMPROVE PERFORMANCE BRIEFLY, BUT DO NOT CURE PROBLEM. *KB
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2011 SONATA 2.0T 2 WEEKS AGO. I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR PULLING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS VEHICLE HAS 17 INCH WHEELS. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
PULLED LEFT IMMEDIATELY UPON DELIVERY. RETURNED TO DEALER. THEY SAID THEY SWITCHED THE TWO FRONT TIRES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO RADIAL PULL. THIS BEGS THE QUESTION "WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I REPLACE OR ROTATE TIRES?" I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ROOT CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. IT HAS NOT PULLED SINCE THEY SWITCHED THE FRONT TIRES. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
LEASED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON 6/21/11. ON 6/25 WITH 140 MILES ON THE ODOMETER I NOTICED A STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT AT ABOUT 35 MPH. NEEDED TO ACTIVELY CORRECT STEERING TO KEEP CAR IN A STRAIGHT TRAJECTORY. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE LOOKED UNDER THE CAR FOR ANYTHING OBVIOUS BUT FOUND NOTHING. DID NOT DRIVE ON HIGH SPEED ROADWAY UNTIL MANY DAYS LATER AND FOUND THAT AT 65 MPH THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME. AFTER JULY 4TH HOLIDAY I TELEPHONED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD THAT BEFORE.I DID NOT GO TO THE DEALERSHIP THRU TODAY 8/15/11. I HAVE HOWEVER SEEN THE NUMEROUS SAME COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2011 SONATA. I WANTED TO MAKE MY OWN SELF HEARD AS TO THIS PROBLEM. IT CONTINUES TODAY AND I AM GOING TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT EXPECT THE SAME STONEWALLING I HAVE READ ABOUT. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT. THERE WAS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V457000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) RECALL THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF FINDING OUT IF HIS VIN WAS A PART OF THE RECALL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STRUT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Steering, Aug 12, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T PULLS TO THE LEFT VERY HARD. IT OCCURS AT JUST ABOUT ANY SPEED, BUT IS WORSE WITH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IN LESS THAN1.5 SECONDS MY CAR WOULD BE 1 LANE OVER IF MY HANDS ARE NOT ON THE WHEEL. I HAVE TO HOLD THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT JUST TO GO STRAIGHT. I HAVE HAD THIS ADDRESSED TWICE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *TR