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, Dec 11, 2010
CAR HAS A CONSISTENT PULL TO THE LEFT THAT IS ALWAYS PRESENT. THE DEGREE OF THE LEFT PULL VARIES AND IS MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN CRUISING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. THE MOMENT YOU ARE NO LONGER PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR WANDERS LEFT IMMEDIATELY. LEAVE PRESSURE OFF FOR ABOUT 5-7 SECONDS AND THE CAR HAS ALREADY DRIFTED AN ENTIRE LANE TO THE LEFT. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF ROAD BED YOU ARE ON, NOR DOES IT SEEM TO MATTER HOW MUCH OF A CROWN THE ROAD HAS. THE CAR PULLS LEFT UNDER ALL CONDITIONS(KEEPING STEADY RATE OF SPEED WITH ACCELERATOR, KEEPING STEADY RATE OF SPEED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, CAR IN NEUTRAL ROLLING ALONG, ACCELERATING). A FULL VEHICLE ALIGNMENT HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. EVERY SIMILAR CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MINE FROM EXHIBITED THIS SAME BEHAVIOR. *TR
Steering, Dec 10, 2010
THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT 100% OF THE TIME LIKE IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED A LITTLE TO THE RIGHT TO COMPENSATE ON DRIVING STRAIGHT. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND DID NOT HIT ANY CURB OR POT HOLES. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT IMMEDIATELY AS THIS IS AFFECTING MANY PEOPLE WHO OWNS THIS CAR. A RECALL FOR THIS NEEDS TO BE INITIATED. *TR
Steering, Dec 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE MADE A LEFT TURN, HE FELT THE VEHICLE SCRAPED CURB. HE BACKED UP AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME. THE NEXT DAY, HE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL POINTED RIGHTWARD, WHEN THE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE REPAIR, HE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO THE CENTER POISTION. THE CONATCT WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND WAS INFORMED A RECALL FOR THE STEERING HAD BEEN ISSUED. THE CONTACT THE STEERING PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. UPDATED 01/31/11/ *BF UPDATED 04/21/11
Steering, Dec 7, 2010
VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT NO MATTER WHAT IS DONE. CAR IS BRAND NEW AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE AFFECTING MOST NEW SONATA SE'S AND SONATA SE 2.0T'S. THE DEALERSHIPS DENY THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND OFFER NO FIX AT THE MOMENT. *TR
Steering, Dec 7, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH ON ANY ROAD SURFACE. CAR PULLS IMMEDIATELY LEFT IF PRESSURE IS LET OFF STEERING WHEEL. CAR WILL CHANGE LANES LEFT IN 2-4 SECONDS AND IS DANGEROUS TO OCCUPANTS AND OTHERS. DEALER HELPFUL BUT WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT. STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY COULD DO AFTER ALIGNMENT TO "SPECS". *TR
Steering, Dec 7, 2010
SIGNIFICANT PULL TO THE LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHILE IN SLOW LANE ON HIGHWAY, IF I LET GO OF THE WHEEL, VEHICLE WILL CROSS INTO MIDDLE LANE IN ONE SECOND. MORE THAN ANNOYANCE, COULD BE DANGEROUS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. *TR
Steering, Dec 6, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2.0 TURBO CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT EVEN AFTER TIRE ROTATION, ALIGNMENT, AND ESP RECALIBRATION. DEALER HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL BUT SO FAR UNABLE TO ELIMINATE PULLING. MUST PAY STRICT ATTENTION OR RISK SUDDEN LANE CHANGE TO THE LEFT. *TR
Steering, Dec 4, 2010
CONSTANT TO PULL THE LEFT, CAR WAS ALIGNED, TIRES ROTATED AND COMPUTER FOR ELECTRIC STEERING REPROGRAM/CHECKED. *TR
Steering, Dec 3, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO 2.0T VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AT VARYING SPEEDS FROM 30MPH UP TO AND INCLUDING HIGHWAYS SPEEDS. FROM A TWO LANE ROAD, OR A FOUR LAND HIGHWAY FROM THE RIGHT LANE THE VEHICLE WILL ABRUPTLY CROSS INTO ANOTHER LANE IN FIVE SECONDS OR UNDER WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. NOTED THIS DEFECT UPON INITIAL TEST DRIVE, DEALER CLAIMED OVER PRESSURIZED TIRE WAS THE CAUSE, AFTER PROPERLY PRESSURIZED TIRES,HOWEVER, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PULL LEFT. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK, DEALER INSPECTED CLAIMED THIS TIME THERE WAS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, READJUSTED ALIGNMENT, HOWEVER, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO PULL LEFT. BROUGHT VEHICLE BACK TO SAME DEALER FOR A THIRD TIME, DEALER CONFIRMED VEHICLE WAS IN ALIGNMENT PER THEIR PREVIOUS WORK AND CLAIMED THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. 4 DAYS LATER TAKE TO A SECOND HYUNDAI DEALER WHO CLAIMS ONE OF THE REAR TIRES WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT, READJUST ALIGNMENT, HOWEVER, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO PULL OFF CENTER. IT'S A NEAR CONSTANT STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED IN THE LANE YOU ARE TRAVELING IN. HAVE CONDUCTED MY OWN TESTS ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS, COUNTY ROADS AND HIGHWAYS IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS OVER THE SAME STRETCH OF ROAD AND THE CAR CONTINUES NOT TO TRACK STRAIGHT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Steering, Nov 29, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2.0T WITH BUILD DATE 10/22/10. AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PULL TO THE LEFT. ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN CHECKED AND IS WITHIN SPEC. TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED. AT LOWER SPEEDS THERE IS NO PULL. THIS OCCURS NO MATTER IF UNDER POWER OR NOT SO IT IS NOT TORQUE STEER. THIS IS REPEATABLE 100% OF THE TIME ON ANY FLAT ROAD GOING OVER 45 MPH. *TR
Steering, Nov 28, 2010
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T LIMITED PULLS TO THE LEFT AT ALMOST ANY SPEED IN 99% OF SCENARIOS. IT'S AS IF THE STEERING, WHEN AUTOMATICALLY CENTERING ITSELF, CENTERS ITSELF OFF TO THE LEFT. THE CAR ONLY HAS 200 MILES AND WAS IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THE CAR FEELS EXACTLY THE SAME. IF YOU ARE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WITHIN A SECOND OR TWO OF LETTING GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL THE CAR VEERS INTO THE NEXT LANE. IT'S QUITE ABRUPT AND COULD BE DANGEROUS. IT COULD ALSO BE HURTING FUEL MILEAGE AND CAUSING PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. *TR
Steering, Nov 18, 2010
I BOUGHT A NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. FROM THE FIRST DAY HAD IT I NOTICED A HARD PULLING TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH. THE FASTER I GO, THE MORE DRAMATIC THE DRIFT. IT'S EXTREMELY HARD FOR ME TO COMFORTABLY DRIVE THIS CAR ON THE EXPRESSWAY DUE TO THE CONSTANT STRUGGLING TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. ONE SCARY INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS GETTING ONTO AN EXIT RAMP AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS JERKING THE CAR TO THE LEFT TOWARD A 10 FOOT DITCH. ALSO, WHILE STATIONARY, IF I PULL THE STEERING WHEEL TO 90 DEGREES TO THE LEFT AND LET GO, IT SNAPS BACK TO APPROXIMATELY 60-70 DEGREES LEFT OF CENTER. IF I PULL THE WHEEL 90 DEGREES RTO THE RIGHT, IT AGAIN SNAPS BACK 60-70 DEGREES LEFT OF CENTER. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE AND WHEN BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THAT CHECKING AIR PRESSURE AND TEST DRIVING IT SHOWED NO PROBLEMS. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED AS IT'S A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Nov 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO MAKE A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COLUMN HAD BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY; THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A THIRD DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE THIRD DEALER WHERE THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/08/11*LJ UPDATED 11/29/2011 *LN
Steering, Suspension, Nov 5, 2010
VEHICLE PULLS HARD LEFT WHEN ACCELERATOR IS APPLIED. SEEMS TO GO STRAIGHT WHEN NO GAS PEDAL APPLIED. WHEN APPLYING MORE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE MORE THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT. VERY HARD TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT. DEALER SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR MY CAR DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A TURBO LIMITED WITH A LOT OF TORQUE. I TEST DROVE ANOTHER LIMITED SONATA TURBO AT ANOTHER DEALER THE WEEK PRIOR TO BUYING MY CAR AT THIS DEALER AND IT DID NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT WENT STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW NO MATTER HOW MUCH ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I TOOK THE CAR OFF THE LOT. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT AS THE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR A TURBO VEHICLE. AGAIN, THE VEHICLE I TEST DROVE AT ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS THE SAME TURBO MODEL AND IT DROVE STRAIGHT AS AN ARROW. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 24, 2010
THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WITH A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED: 6 MONTHS OF PERFECT OPERATION AND APPROX. 11000 MILES. VIOLENT SHAKING OF STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING COLUMN AFTER ACCELERATION ONTO AN ON RAMP. IMMEDIATE AND ENTIRE FAILURE OF STEERING WITH VIOLENT AND EXTREMELY LOUD SHAKING AND VIBRATING OF STEERING WHEEL. SHAKING CONTINUED EVEN AFTER IGNITION SHUT OFF. OCCURRED FOR 20+ MINUTES. DISABLED ONLY BY DISCONNECTING BATTERY. BLISTERS ON HAND FROM HANGING ON TO STEERING WHEEL. NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO STEER, OPERATE, OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHIN SECONDS. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. KEPT FOR 3 DAYS. COULD NOT REPLICATE. STEERING COLUMN RECALL PERFORMED WITH STEERING SOFTWARE UPDATE, ESC REFLASHED, REPROGRAMMED EPS. HYUNDAI WAS EXCELLENT IN THEIR RESPONSE - BOTH DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI USA. HYUNDAI USA ENGINEERS AND TECH'S WERE INVOLVED WITH RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS INCIDENT AND POSSIBLY LIFE THREATENING. WHETHER REPAIR ATTEMPT WILL RESOLVE ONLY TIME WILL TELL. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Seat belts, Oct 14, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED HER TO COLLIDE INTO TWO WOODEN POSTS AND SIGNS IN A GRASSY AREA. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE; A HOLE IN THE GROUND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN TO SECURE HER DURING THE INCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PREVIOUSLY HAD THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR RECALL 10V426000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) ON OCTOBER 8, 2010. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 4,000.
Steering, Oct 13, 2010
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. I WAS DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING AND SHUDDERING VIOLENTLY. MY HANDS COULD NOT STOP OR STEADY THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS SOMEHOW ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SWITCH THE ENGINE OFF, AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER FOR FIVE MINUTES FOLLOWING. THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS FRIGHTENING AND HAS REALLY SHAKEN UP MY CONFIDENCE WITH THE SONATA. THANKS GOODNESS I WAS NOT TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. I STRONGLY URGE OTHER 2011 SONATA OWNERS TO GET THEIR VEHICLES TO THE DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS HYUNDAI HAS NOW ISSUED A RECALL ON THE STEERING. *TR
Steering, Oct 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55-70 MPH DURING A WINDY WEATHER WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ABNORMALLY SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,400.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, EXHIBITING AN ABNORMALLY LOUD NOISE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS IN WHICH THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V426000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) YET THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, WHICH WAS THE REMEDY STATED IN THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000. UPDTATED 2/17/11 *CN UPDATED 05/06/11
Steering, Oct 2, 2010
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING AND JERKING OUT OF CONTROL. I COULD BARELY CONTROL THE CAR TO GET IT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. EVEN AFTER I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF IT, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STILL MOVING. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT STOPPED AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULDN'T MOVE. *TR
Steering, Sep 29, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN ALTHOUGH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS TOTALED. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL BUT WAS RELEASED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER LEFT THE CONTACT A MESSAGE INFORMING HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 10V426000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT YET SPOKEN WITH THEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 1,400.
Steering, Sep 27, 2010
WE RENTED A NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IN JUNE THROUGH BUDGET IN MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN. WE DROVE IT APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES, PULLED INTO OUR HOTEL TO REGISTER, AND WHEN WE WENT TO MOVE INTO THE PARKING LOT SOMETHING POPPED AND THE STEERING COLUMN COMPLETELY DISENGAGED FROM THE CONTROL ARM (I THINK), THE STEERING WHEEL SIMPLY SPUN UNDER OUR HANDS. BUDGET REPLACED THE CAR FOR US BUT THE HYUNDAI CLAIM THAT ALL CARS MADE IT BACK TO THE DEALER BEFORE PROBLEMS GOT SERIOUS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. *TR
Steering, Sep 23, 2010
THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING FURIOUSLY & I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE IT STOP EVEN WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I HAD TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN SO I COULD GET OUT OF WAY OF TRAFFIC. IT WAS REVVING UP THE ENGINE TO ABOUT 90 RPMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. *TR
Steering, Sep 20, 2010
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30MPH, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED, AND DID NOT FAIL OVER TO MANUAL STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING LEFT TO RIGHT AND MY WIFE WAS JUST BARELY ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE MEDIAN, GETTING A BLISTER ON HER HAND IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO CONTROL THE WHEEL, WHERE SHE HAD IT TOWED HOME AND EVENTUALLY TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP PULLED DTCS C1259, C1616, C1603, STEERING ANGLE SENSOR - ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION, CAN BUS OFF AND DERATING (EPS THERMAL PROTECTION). THE MDPS (ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE) WAS REPLACED, BUT I AM STILL VERY LEERY THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AND AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS, WHERE THE VEHICLE MIGHT NOT BE CONTROLLABLE, AS IT WAS BARELY BROUGHT TO THE MEDIAN AT LOWER SPEEDS. *TR