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, Apr 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALIGNED AND THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Steering, Apr 20, 2011
CAR PULLS LEFT FROM MOMENT DRIVEN OFF LOT. WHEN RELEASE STEERING WHEELS IT MOVES FROM CENTER TO LEFT AND THEN CAR RAPIDLY MOVES LEFT. CONSTANT PRESSURE IS REQUIRED ON RIGHT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE MOVEMENT NOT AS BAD WHEN PASSENGER IN CAR. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER FOR ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING. WHEN THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM A COMPANY ENGINEER CAME TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE WHO DROVE IT AND PRONOUNCED IT FIXED. NOTHING HAD CHANGED IT STILL PULLED AS HARD LEFT AS BEFORE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TEST DROVE IT WITH THE MECHANIC WHO HAD WORKED ON THE CAR. WITH ME IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE CAR DRIFTED RIGHT (I OUTWEIGH THE MECHANIC BY 100 POUNDS). MECHANIC TOLD ME HE WAS FRUSTRATED BY THESE CARS, ALL THE TURBOS WITH 18 INCH WHEELS PULL LEFT. HE THINKS IT IS EITHER THE WHEELS SIZE SINCE SONATA'S EQUIPPED WITH SMALLER WHEELS DON'T PULL OR THE POWER STEERING ASSIST NEEDS ADJUSTING. HYUNDAI IS DENYING PROBLEM EXISTS. *TR
Steering, Apr 19, 2011
NEW, 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T. CARS CONSISTENTLY PULLS LEFT AT ALL SPEEDS GREATER THAN 30 MPH AND IN ALL LANES OF TRAVEL. *TR
Steering, Apr 19, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE. THIS VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. I CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE IN ALL TIRES AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT FOR ABOUT 16 HOURS AND TIRE PRESSURE WAS THE SAME IN EACH TIRE AND AT THE CORRECT PRESSURE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE IS IN SPEC AND NO ISSUE FOUND. HOWEVER, IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. THIS PULL IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60MPH. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, IN ORDER TO DRIVE STRAIGHT THE DRIVER MUST TURN THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO RIGHT. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS VEHICLES AND THIS IS NOT NORMAL. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 SONATA SE WHICH I'VE TAKEN TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR STEERING ISSUES. THE CAR PULLS TO LEFT AND I MUST APPLY PRESSURE AT ALL TIMES TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM VEERING OFF THE ROAD. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM AND THE DEALER IS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND AND TELLING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT DUE TO THIS ISSUE UNLESS SOMEONE GETS THE PROBLEM RECTIFIED. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T CONSTANTLY PULLS LEFT WHILE UNDER VERY MILD ACCELERATION AND CRUISING SPEEDS. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER FOR THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID IT WAS TORQUE-STEER AND THAT IT HAPPENS ON ALL FWD VEHICLES. I'VE HAD MY FAIR SHARE OF FWD VEHICLES AND I'VE EXPERIENCED NOTHING LIKE THIS. IT PULLS UNDER THE LIGHTEST ACCELERATION. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2011
NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA STEERING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE FEELS VERY UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DRIVER MUST CONSTANTLY FIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN LANE. AT A MINIMUM IT IS DISTRACTING. WORST CASE THIS CAR COULD DRIFT INTO ANOTHER LANE. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG THIS ELECTRONIC STEERING. DEALER TELLS ME ITS FINE. *TR
Steering, Apr 16, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA STEERING PROBLEM - CAR CONSTANTLY PULLS LEFT - DEALER DID REALIGNMENT - NOT EFFECTIVE. *TR
Steering, Apr 15, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LEFT PULL ISSUE. I MUST APPLY A PRESSURE TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT ON A FLAT/STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. THIS YOUTUBE CLIP IS AN EXCELLENT DESCRIPTION OF WHAT I SEE. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EDDYZWOGOZU ALSO I FOUND ANOTHER SITE W/ A SIMILAR LISTING: HTTP://WWW.HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM/T56918-OFFICIAL-2011-SONATA-LEFT-PULL-POLL.HTM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2011
CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT SINCE BRAND NEW. VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED FOR A LENGTH OF TIME. CONSTANT RIGHT PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED ON STEERING WHEEL TO PREVENT CAR FROM MOVING TO THE LEFT. AT A SLOW SPEED ON BACK ROADS THE PULL IS NOT THAT NOTICEABLE. FOR SOME REASON, WHEN TAKING A RIGHT TURN OFF A HIGHWAY RAMP, THE LEFT PULL INCREASES, WHICH REQUIRES INCREASED RIGHT PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. HAVE HAD CAR CHECKED AT DEALER, ALIGNMENT WAS CHECKED, AND TOLD EVERYTHING IS FINE. RESEARCHING THE HYUNDAI FORUMS, IT APPEARS MY SONATA IS NOT THE ONLY CAR EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, AND AS OF THIS DATE, HYUNDAI/KIA HAVE NO FIX, OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR IS A PROBLEM.
Steering, Apr 4, 2011
I PURCHASED A NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE TURBO. IT PULLS BADLY TO THE LEFT. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT CONCENTRATION OR YOU WILL BE IN THE ONCOMING LANE. DANGEROUS! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 4, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ABNORMALLY PULL TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THEY STATED THAT THE NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE STRUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WERE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,350 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,400. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRUT WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. UPDATED 05/31/11
Steering, Apr 4, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PULLS LEFT SHARPLY WHEN WHEN I LET GO OF THE WHEEL. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON AND MAJOR PROBLEM. ALIGNMENT DOESN'T HELP AND THE DEALERSHIP WON'T FIX IT. *TR
Steering, Apr 2, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO ON FEBRUARY 19, 2011 AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THIS VEHICLE PULLS VERY HARD TO THE LEFT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE RIGHT ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THIS CAR ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP (GLASSMAN HYUNDAI, SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN) FOR A FRONT-END ALIGNMENT ON 2 OCCASIONS. THIS HELPS FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 DAYS AND THE PROBLEM RETURNS. I'VE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE NO MENTION OF THIS WAS MADE BY THE SALESPERSON. *TR
Steering, Mar 29, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PULLS HEAVY TO THE LEFT. THIS HAS NOT CREATED AN INJURY TO DATE BUT IT PULLS SO MUCH TO THE LEFT I HAVE TO BE SURE TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE RIGHT TO COUNTER-ACT THE PULL INTO THE LANE TO MY LEFT. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND AFTER DOING EVERYTHING THEY SAY THEY CAN DO (ALIGNMENT, ETC.) IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. I HAVE 16K MILES ON THE CARE AND IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I FIRST HAD IT. DEALERSHIP (SUNTRUP HYUNDAI, ST. LOUIS MO) SAYS THEY HAVE DONE EVERYTHING THEY CAN DO. *TR
Steering, Mar 29, 2011
2011 SONATA 2.0T SE LEFT PULL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
Steering, Mar 28, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO IN DECEMBER 2010 AND FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT PULLED TO THE LEFT ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAITED TO SEE IF IT WOULD WORK ITSELF OUT BUT IT DID NOT. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY ROTATED THE TIRES AND PERFORMED A FULL ALIGNMENT. THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. NOW AFTER READING 100'S OF SIMILAR CLAIMS I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO HOLD THE MANUFACTURER ACCOUNTABLE. I AM ENCOURAGED THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE STEPPED FORWARD, THIS WILL SAVE ME FROM REPEATED VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT ALIGNMENTS, STRUT REPLACEMENT AND TIRE ROTATIONS ARE NOT GOING TO BLANKET THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP A BRAND NEW 2011 CAR ON THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Mar 28, 2011
OFF THE LOT OUR NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED TURBO CONSTANTLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. WORSE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE DEALER ORIGINALLY REPORTED A "BULLETIN" ON THE FRONT STRUTS AND REPLACED THE LEFT ONE. AFTER THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AN "ALL-WHEEL-ALIGNMENT". NO BETTER. THE DEALER SUGGESTED DRIVING FOR 1K MILES TO SEE IF IT RESOLVED ITSELF----THAT DIDN'T WORK EITHER. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT FOR THE SECOND TIME ON 3/17/2011 AND RE-OPENED THE "CASE NUMBER". THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP CONSULTED WITH HYUNDAI'S REGIONAL ENGINEERS AND SUBSEQUENTLY PERFORMED A RECALIBRATING OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MODULE ON 3/24/2011. THE CAR NOW DRIVES PERFECTLY. NO MORE PULLING TO THE LEFT. HALLELUJAH!! THANKS TO GOOD FOLKS AT HYUNDAI, LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY. *TR
Steering, Mar 26, 2011
THE VEHICLE IS A 2011 SONATA TURBO LIMITED. THE VEHICLE HAS A STEADY PULL TO THE LEFT DURING ACCELERATION WHICH AFFECTS THE VEHICLES ABILITY TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE ON THE ROADWAY. AT HIGHER SPEEDS IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE AND IN MY OPINION A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE VEHICLES QUICK JERKY MOTION AND STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT IF YOU SHOULD LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS NOT AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE AS THE VEHICLE DRIVES STRAIGHT WHEN YOU ARE NOT ACCELERATING . IT'S CONSTANT FATIGUE ON THE DRIVER'S ARMS MAINTAINING PROPER STEERING AS A RESULT OF THE PULL.
Steering, Mar 26, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED PULLS LEFT. PULL OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS AND ROAD TYPES, BUT IS STRONGEST AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN MIDDLE OR LEFT LANES. RIGHT LANE HAS A SLIGHT DRIFT RIGHT, WHICH FEELS NORMAL DUE TO CROWN OF ROAD. BUT WITH CROWN ON RIGHT, THERE IS HARD PULL TO LEFT. VEHICLE WILL PULL SHARPLY TO THE LEFT AND CHANGE LANES IN APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS OR LESS. VEHICLE NEEDS A CONSTANT AND FORCEFUL PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT OF CENTER TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT TRACK AND NOT VEER LEFT. THIS PULL WAS EVIDENT IMMEDIATELY. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW WITH APPROXIMATELY 200 MILES ON IT, AND PULL WAS EVIDENT IMMEDIATELY. AS OF THIS TIME, REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN ATTEMPTED. *TR
Steering, Mar 24, 2011
THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY PULLS TO THE LEFT FROM SPEEDS OF 40 MPH TO 80 MPH. DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIGURE HOW TO FIX ISSUE. YOU NEED TO CONSTANTLY HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AT 20 DEGREES OFF CENTER IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT LINE. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE AND HYUNDAI IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLES POWER STEERING! *TR
Steering, Mar 23, 2011
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO LIMITED WITH 6 MILES ON IT. AS SOON AS I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, IT PULLED TO THE LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I'VE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE. FIRST THEY REPLACED A FRONT STRUT SO NOW I HAVE MISMATCHED STRUTS, THEN ALIGNED IT SO THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS SET AT A CAMBER OF -0.8 DEGREES WHILE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS SET AT -0.2 DEGREES. AFTER ALL THESE BANDAIDS, THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT, ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI KEEP TELLING ME THE CAR IS IN SPEC AND DRIVES STRAIGHT. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2011
STEERING COMPONENT- ON 2/17/2011 I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T LIMITED TURBO. SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASE, WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT, EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON COMPLETELY LEVEL AND FLAT ROAD SURFACES. I SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHO ADVISED ME THAT HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE A DEFINITE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON ONE. HE SAID THAT IN THE INTERIM THERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS THEY CAN PERFORM IN AN EFFORT TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE WOULD BE NO GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUE EITHER COMPLETELY OR EVEN NOMINALLY. THE WAY I LEFT IT WITH HIM WAS THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THEIR REGIONAL HYUNDAI SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TO SEE WHAT STEPS THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE, AS HE HAD DONE WITH NUMEROUS OTHER CUSTOMERS ALREADY AND GET BACK TO ME TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO BEGIN A REGIMEN OF REPAIRS THAT WOULD HOPEFULLY AT THE VERY LEAST IMPROVE IT SOMEWHAT, BUT "AGAIN" POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NOT A DEFINITE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE TO DATE, LEAVING ME TOTALLY AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE EVENT I (EVEN FOR A SECOND) DON'T TOTALLY CONCENTRATE ON HOLDING THE STEERING WHERE IN A METHOD THAT WOULD KEEP THE CAR FROM VEERING TO THE LEFT INTO ANOTHER LANE POTENTIALLY CAUSING WHAT COULD EASILY BECOME A SERIOUS AND EVEN FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA (NEW IN NOVEMBER 2010), FROM DAY ONE EXCESSIVE DRIFTING TO THE LEFT THAT IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT 60 MPH OR HIGHER, BUT OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP HAS ALIGNED IT 3 TIMES AND ROTATED WHEELS TO NO BENEFIT. THEY CLAIM IT IS NORMAL. I HAVE FILED THIS SAFETY CONCERN AND DEFECT WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER RELATIONS ON 03-16-11. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS, WHICH HAS TO BE A TOTAL LIE BECAUSE OF THE MANY FORUMS ON THE INTERNET SQUAWKING ABOUT THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUE. THERE VIDEOS NOW POSTED OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED BY 03-22-11. THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AS YOU NEED ONLY REMOVE YOUR HAND FROM THE WHEEL FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND THE LANE DRIFTING STARTS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TAKE LEFT HANDED HIGHWAY EXITS WITHOUT HAVING MY HANDS ON THE WHEEL AN PLEASE NOTE-THESE ARE NOT GRADUAL SWEEPERS BUT 30 TO 40MPH RAMPS!. MY RECENTLY LICENSED 17YR OLD DRIFTED SLIGHTLY AND STARTED TO CROSS INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TRAVELING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION THAT WAS RIDING CLOSE TO THE CENTER LINE. THANK GOD MY WIFE WAS WITH HER TO PROVIDE CORRECTIVE DIRECTIONS. HOPEFULLY NO ONE AS BEEN INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THIS DEFECT! HELP! *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2011
I BOUGHT A SONATA LIMITED TURBO IN DECEMBER, 2010. RIGHT FROM THE START IT PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT AND SAID THEY WANTED IT BACK TO REPLACE A CAMBER BOLT. ALSO THEY SAID THAT HYUNDAI WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. BEFORE THE BOLT CAME IN, THEY TOLD ME THAT HYUNDAI WAS NOT RECOMMENDING THE CAMBER BOLT ANY MORE, BUT THE LATEST VERSION OF THE LEFT FRONT STRUT. THEY REPLACED THE STRUT BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I FINALLY CAME TO THE OPINION THE PROBLEM IS NOT IN THE SUSPENSION AT ALL. IT IS CLEAR MORE POWER IS BEING SENT TO THE LEFT WHEEL. THIS IS CLEAR UNDER SEVERAL CONDITIONS: ON ACCELERATION IT WILL BE PULLING HARD BUT IF THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED THE CAR STRAIGHTENS OUT. WHEN BRAKING AND THUS LITTLE OR NO POWER IS BEING APPLIED TO THE WHEELS, THERE IS NO NOTICEABLE PULL. WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND GOING DOWNHILL ' COASTING, BASICALLY ' THE PULL IS LIGHT, BUT AS THE ROAD CHANGES AND STARTS TO GO BACK UPHILL, IT PULLS HARDER AND HARDER, VARYING IN RELATION TO HOW HARD THE CAR IS WORKING TO GET UP THE HILL. THE WORST IS WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT PULLS SO HARD THAT IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED, IT LITERALLY 'SNAPS' FIVE TO TEN DEGREES TO THE LEFT AND THE CAR IS ON THE SHOULDER IN TWO SECONDS. THE STEERING WHEEL IN THIS CAR IS VERY 'DRY' AND IT IS EASY TO LOSE GRIP. ONE HAS TO GRIP SO TIGHTLY THAT IT IS QUITE FATIGUING TO DRIVE THIS CAR. IF A PERSON LOST GRIP OF THE WHEEL THEY COULD EASILY BE IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THEY RECOVERED, OR EVEN DUE TO THE RECOVERY, AS IT WOULD BE VERY EASY TO OVER-RECOVER AND GO TOO FAR RIGHT. THE TIRES ARE WEARING ABNORMALLY WITH ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON THEM. ONE DAY, A TIRE IS GOING TO BURST AND THERE IS GOING TO BE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AS IS, AND HYUNDAI NEEDS TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION. IF THAT MEANS THEY NEED TO BE FORCED INTO IT BY NHTSA, THEN NHTSA, PLEASE GET TO WORK ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR