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 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 GYRATED TO AN EXTREME LEVEL 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
Steering, Sep 16, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED AT ABOUT 30 MPH (ACCELERATING AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT). THE CAR WAS JUST TURNING OVER 3000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ALL AT ONCE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN VIBRATING VIOLENTLY AND I COULD NOT KEEP THE CAR IN MY LANE. I TRIED TO STEER BUT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT. THE VIBRATION STOPPED AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES. I WAS IN A BAD PART OF TOWN AND WAS AFRAID TO STOP SO I DROVE IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE WITH FLASHERS ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. THE EPS LIGHT AND AN ANOTHER INDICATOR WERE ILLUMINATED. I REALIZED THAT I COULD STEER BUT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY SO I DROVE THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALER THAT WAS ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY VIA BACK ROADS. THEY WERE CLOSED BUT I LEFT MY CAR OVERNIGHT TO BE CHECKED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO GO INSIDE. WHEN I CAME OUT TO GET MY ODOMETER READING, I HAD TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON. WHEN I DID, EVERYTHING HAD RESET TO NORMAL. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. HE TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR BACK IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE INCIDENT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING AND I AM CONCERNED WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF IT OCCURS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT WOULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO ADJUST THE VEHICLE FROM DRIFTING BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE WIND OR THE HIGHWAY HE WAS DRIVING ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SINCE PURCHASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,500.
Steering, Sep 10, 2010
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND STARTED SHAKING FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AS IF IT WERE POSSESSED. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL OVER BECAUSE OF THE STRENGTH OF THE WHEEL SHAKING. AFTER THAT INCIDENT, IT SEEMED TO BE FIXED ON ITS OWN. BUT, LATER THAT DAY VISITING FAMILY MEMBERS AS I GOT INTO THE CAR TO GO HOME I STARTED THE CAR UP AND IMMEDIATELY THE EPS LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED GOING CRAZY AGAIN, SO I TOOK THE KEYS OUT THE IGNITION FOR IT TO STOP BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK. AT THAT POINT I DECIDED TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK TO HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THE CAR. THAT WAS A WEEK AGO. I GUESS THEY ARE STILL WAITING ON A PART TO COME, BUT AFTER ALL THIS I WON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WHEN I GET IT BACK WITH MY DAUGHTER IN IT. UPDATED IVOQ 11/05/10 *TR
Steering, Sep 8, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. POWER STEERING PROBLEM. VEHICLE DRIFTS OFF TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT AND WILL NOT STAY ON LINE. THIS CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME BUT SEEMS TO BE MORE FREQUENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OVER 40MPH CREATING AN UNSAFE CONDITION. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE 1728 MILES SOMETHING IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BECOME LOOSE. IT DEVELOPED A VERY NOTICEABLE RATTLE WHICH I STARTED TO NOTICE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THE ISSUE STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. HYUNDAI ENGINEERING IS NOW RECOMMENDING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. AT THIS POINT IN TIME, I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY STEERING FAILURE. I NOTICED AN AP NEWS CLIP THAT YOU ARE LOOKING INTO A PROBLEM SIMILAR TO THIS. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2010
MY COMPLAINT APPEARS TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS ODI ID NUMBER : 10335343 I PURCHASE A NEW 2011 SONATA LIMITED WHICH NOW HAS 3300 MILES ON IT. IT IS A GREAT CAR EXCEPT FOR ONE MAJOR ISSUE. ON FLAT ROADS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE CAR DRIFTS ALL OVER THE ROAD! IF YOU DO NOT MAKE A CORRECTION FOR 5 SECONDS THEN YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF IN EITHER THE LANE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT OF YOU. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY EXHAUSTING TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE. I NOTICED THIS ISSUE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. THE DAY AFTER WE TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR WE DROVE ABOUT 4 HOURS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT'S BEING PUSHED SIDE TO SIDE BY THE WIND, BUT THE WIND WASN'T BLOWING. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND, THE CAR WILL DRIFT TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER AS IF WE ARE BEING PASSED BY A SEMI TRUCK WHO IS DISRUPTING THE AIR FLOW AROUND OUR CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER YESTERDAY. THE MECHANIC DROVE THE CAR AND SAID HE DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING. HE CONTACTED HYUNDAI TECH SUPPORT (I THINK THAT'S WHAT THEY CALLED IT) AND THEN FOLLOWED THE STEPS THEY TOLD HIM TO CHECK EVERYTHING WITH THE STEERING. EVERYTHING CAME BACK WITHIN SPECS. I HOWEVER WOULD PROPOSE THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS TOO MUCH PLAY IN THE WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND/OR CAUSES THE DRIVE MOTOR TO OVER-CORRECT OR OVER-EXAGGERATE THE STEERING INPUT FROM THE DRIVER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2010
COULD NOT STEER VEHICLE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RAIN STORM AT 60 MPH. VEHICLE DOES NOT STEER WELL AT HIGHWAY SPEED, DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN THE LANE -- FEELS LIKE A GO-CART. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA STEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 1, 2010
MY CAR HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT SINE I GOT IT, HYUNDAI HAS CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT AND "CROSS ROTATED" THE TIRES, HIS SEEMED TO HELP A LITTLE, BUT THE STEERING IS STILL PULLING INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Steering, Aug 27, 2010
MY 2011 SONATA SE HAS PULLING TO THE LEFT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGH IT. I HAVE ABOVE 270 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE DEALER TRIED WHEEL ALIGNMENT/ TIRE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT BUT THAT DID NOT HELP. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO COUNTERACT THE STEERING TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE CAR IN STRAIGHT LINE DIRECTION. AT SPEEDS OVER 60MPH, IT GETS WORSE. ITS REALLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE SUCH CAR ON THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AND ESC SERVICE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WITHIN SECONDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,800.
Steering, Aug 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL FOR ELECTRONIC STEERING AND DID NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE FAILURE BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY OR IT WOULD INDEPENDENTLY VEER TO THE RIGHT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Steering, Aug 2, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE,S HE NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO THE CONTACT. THE DEALER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY RELEASE THE VEHICLE IF SHE WOULD SIGN A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT AND A LIABILITY WAIVER. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 3,800.
Steering, Aug 1, 2010
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE FOLLOWING DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON: A RED LIGHT ESP AND A AMBER LIGHT ANTI-SLIP. THE FAILURE WILL RESETS IT SELF BY RESTARTING THE ENGINE. SEVERAL REPORTS OF SIMILAR FAILURES OF THE POWER STEERING HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE. *TR
Steering, Jul 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT HE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT AND WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND A CLAIM WAS FILE AND CLOSED IMMEDIATELY SINCE THE FAILURE WAS A NON ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,700.
Steering, Jun 18, 2010
TRAVELING AT AROUND 5MPH AFTER LEAVING A STOP SIGN, I PRESSED GAS PEDAL, TO MY SURPRISE NOTICED CAR WAS NOT REALLY GAINING ANY SPEED BUT INSTEAD, STEERING WHEEL STARTED MOVING, VIOLENTLY, WITH SUCH POWER, I COULD NOT EVEN PULL CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PUT THE CAR IN PARKING AND THE VIOLENT STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT CONTINUED. I THEN PROCEEDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF, TERRIFIED SOMETHING ELSE WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BUT NOTHING CHANGED: VIOLENT MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL CONTINUE FROM SIDE TO SIDE FOR A TOTAL OF 25 MINUTES. THIS IS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE THAT I LEASED JUST A MONTH AGO. I WAS CONTACTED TODAY BY HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS FIXED AND READY TO BE PICKED UP. AS I ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT THEY ANSWERED "A DEFECTIVE MECHANISM WAS FOUND AND THEY HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN". I SERIOUSLY WISH I DON'T HAVE TO GET THAT CAR BACK; AM STILL TERRIFIED BY THE HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE. EVEN THOUGH HYUNDAI BELIEVE THIS A ISOLATED ISSUE, I WANTED TO PUT IT OUT THERE IN CASE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
THE CAR WILL NOT HOLD A STRAIGHT LINE ON A FLAT, STRAIGHT, HIGHWAY: AFTER CENTERING THE CAR IN IT'S LANE, THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY AND RANDOMLY: 1.DRIFTS AWAY FROM THE CENTER LINE, TOWARD ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER; 2.THE DIRECTION OF THE DRIFT APPEARS TO BE RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE; 3.THE AMPLITUDE (AMOUNT / SEVERITY) OF THE DRIFT IS RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE, BUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A CRASH WOULD BE GUARANTEED WITHOUT DRIVER INTERVENTION WITHIN 3 TO 5 SECONDS; 4.THE TIMING OF THE DRIFT PATTERN IS CONSTANT: IT NEVER FOLLOWS A STRAIGHT LINE FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS BEFORE STARTING TO WANDER AGAIN. TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO CONSTANTLY ATTEMPT TO CORRECT FOR THIS DEVIATION, BUT THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THE DRIFT PATTERN RESULTS IN A DANGEROUSLY UNSTABLE OSCILLATION AS THE CAR WANDERS BACK AND FORTH CONTINUOUSLY. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, EVEN A MOMENTARY LAPSE IN THE TOTAL CONCENTRATION REQUIRED TO CORRECT FOR THIS CONSTANT STEERING DRIFT COULD EASILY RESULT IN A FATAL CRASH. THE DEALER HAS TEST-DRIVEN THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS EASILY DUPLICATED, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A FIX FOR IT. THEY SAY THAT THIS KIND OF STEERING DRIFT IS NORMAL AND EXPECTED IN AN ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM. THAT KIND OF REASONING WOULD BE LAUGHABLE IF IT WASN'T FOR THE POTENTIAL FATALITY INHERENT IN THE DESIGN. *TR
Steering, Jun 2, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I RECENTLY PURCHASED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE. VERY GREAT LOOKING CAR BUT ONLY AFTER COUPLE OF DAYS OWNING IT IT BECAME OBVIOUS THAT IS HAS SAFETY PROBLEMS. STEERING SYSTEM IS SIGNIFICANTLY PULLING THE CAR TO THE LEFT. I TOOK IT TO HYUNDAI SERVICE TWICE ALREADY. THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. OVER THE LAST WEEKEND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND OUR 4 MONTHS OLD BABY. TASKS AS SIMPLE AS CHANGING AC TEMPERATURE BECAME DANGEROUS ON INTERSTATE. DUE TO THIS STEERING PROBLEM DRIVER CANNOT AFFORD EVEN SPLIT SECOND TO LOOK AT THE MID PANEL WHERE ALL THE CONTROLS ARE. I REALLY HAVE TO FIGHT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. AFTER 45 MINUTES OF DRIVING ON INTERSTATE MY ARMS WERE SORE FROM FIGHTING THE STEERING WHEEL. IS THIS NORMAL? ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI REP IT IS COMMON TO 2011 SONATA. I AM SUPPOSE TO JUST GET USED TO IT. THIS ONE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT EVERY OTHER SONATA OWNERS COME COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. YET SUPPOSEDLY IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. IT IS SIMPLY THE NATURE OF THE CAR. I DRIVEN MANY DIFFERENT MAKES AND MODELS. I NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH A STRONG PULL. AND IF THERE WAS ANY PULL THEN IT WAS SIMPLE ALIGNMENT ISSUE THAT CAN BE FIXED PROMPTLY. NOT WITH SONATA!!! 2011 SONATA COULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT CAR. BUT IT HAS A DRAMATIC FLAW IN THE STEERING SYSTEM THAT NOONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX SO THEY BLAME IT ON "NATURE OF THE CAR". IT IS INTERESTING THAT BOTH MY COMPLAINT AND ANOTHER COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE, STATES THE SAME PHRASE FROM 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS "NATURE OF THE BEAST/CAR". COULD IT BE THAT HYUNDAI ALREADY ADVISED ITS MECHANICS HOW TO COVER FOR THE BRAND? BOTTOM LINE, THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE! I ALMOST RAN INTO A PASSING CAR ON THE INTERSTATE BECAUSE OF THIS STEERING ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. [XXX] *TR
Steering, May 17, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE - CONSTANT STEERING PROBLEM I HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN IDENTIFIED CONTINUOUS DRIFT OR PULL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR TWO WEEKS, AND COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED ALL THEIR KNOWN AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE FIXES PER HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SUPPORT. HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SUPPORT RECOMMEND THAT THE DEALERSHIP TO SUBMIT FOR A HYUNDAI ENGINEER TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SUBMITTED FOR A HYUNDAI ENGINEER TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. UPON RECEIVING AN APPROVED SERVICE NUMBER FOR THIS TO OCCUR THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER CONFIRMED AND IDENTIFIED THE DRIFT/PULL OF THE VEHICLE. THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER ATTEMPTED SEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE ALIGNMENT, SUB FRAME AND COMPUTER SYSTEM. NOTHING FIXED THE IDENTIFIED DRIFT/PULL ISSUE. THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER, DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER AND DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN ALL DROVE ANOTHER VEHICLE OFF THE LOT FROM THE UNSOLD DEALERSHIP INVENTORY AND IDENTIFIED THE SAME DRIFT/PULL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM IN THAT VEHICLE TOO. THEY NOTED THAT MY VEHICLE DRIFTED/PULLED LESS THAN THE OTHER VEHICLE THEY DROVE FROM DEALERSHIP INVENTORY. UNABLE TO FIX THE CONSTANT DRIFTING/PULLING OF THE VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER CERTIFIED THE CONSTANT DRIFT/PULL AS A "NATURAL" DESIGN EFFECT OF THE VEHICLE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THIS PROBLEM ISN'T A SLIGHT DRIFT/PULL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT A CONSTANT DRIFT/PULL PITTING THE DRIVER AGAINST THE STEERING SYSTEM. TAKE YOUR HAND OFF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A SLIGHT MOMENT AND THE VEHICLE VEERS OFF CENTER TO THE LEFT. THIS IN MY OPINION SHOULD NOT BE A "NATURAL" OCCURRENCE OF ANY VEHICLE. ACTUALLY, EDMUNDS.COM NOTED THIS EXACT OCCURRENCE IN TWO SEPARATE INSIDE LANE REVIEWS OF THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THIS IS NOT A ONE VEHICLE INCIDENT, BUT A MANUFACTURER DESIGN FLAW OF THE NEW ELECTRONIC POWERED STEERING SYSTEM. THE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS AT THIS TIME TO ADDRESS THIS CONSTANT DRIFT/PULL OF THE VEHICLE. THUS, LEAVING ME NO RECOURSE. *TR
Steering, Mar 29, 2010
I OWNED THE CAR FOR A WEEK. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL WHIPPED TO THE LEFT AND PULLED ME INTO THE OTHER LANE. THE WHEEL WAS SHAKING AND DIDN'T WANT TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. I HAD TO FIGHT TO BRING IT BACK OVER, AND HAD TO USE ALL OF MY STRENGTH TO KEEP IT OVER. THANK GOD THERE WEREN'T ANY ONCOMING VEHICLES. THEN THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I USED MY CELL PHONE TO VIDEO THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING AND JERKING TO THE LEFT WHILE IN PARK. IT WAS SUNDAY, SO THE DEALER TOLD ME TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I HAD TO CALL MY SON TO PICK US UP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THEM THAT I AM SCARED TO DEATH OF THE CAR AND DON'T WANT IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT AND THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM AND EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE. I DON'T WANT TO KILL ANYONE WITH THIS CAR, AND I DON'T WANT THE CAR TO KILL ME AND MY FAMILY EITHER. I DON'T WANT THE CAR BACK! UPDATE 8/24/2010 VIDEO CW