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
3,376 reports, newest first.
Engine, Apr 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED A MONTH AFTER GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, THE OIL WAS LOW AND SHE HAD TO ADD MORE OIL. UPDATED 06/11/15*JB
Steering, Apr 20, 2015
STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING POPPING AND CLICKING SOUNDS. FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL. CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID PROBLEM WAS FIXED IN 2010. THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE TIME FRAME OF THE RECALL. WAS TOLD THAT IT COULDN'T BE FIXED UNDER CAMPAIGN OR WARRANTY AS I WAS SECOND OWNER. MY CHILDREN DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND I AM CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY. DEALER LOOKED AT IT AT MY EXPENSE AND SAID NOTHING WRONG. THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR IS STEERED, HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD, OR EVEN TURNING. LOUD CLICKING SOUNDS LIKE STEERTING COLUMN IS FALLING APART. *TR
Engine, Apr 18, 2015
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA,MY FIRST CAR I PURCHASE IT ALMOST 4 MONTHS AGO I'LL HAD 2 OIL CHANGES INCLUDING THE ONE THE DEALER DID BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. I WAS SIMPLY DRIVING HOME & HEARD A WEIRD NOISE SO I PULLED OVER MY BATTERY DIED AND CAR ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE I WAS GIVING NO WARNING SIGN OR INDICATOR TO CHECK MY OIL OR ANYTHING. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO SUNTRUP HYUNDAI WERE I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE WAS SEIZED AND WOULD COST ME FROM 5,000-9,000 FOR A NEW OR USED. HOW DOES A WELL-MAINTAINED CAR GO FROM NORMAL TO A TOTAL LOST? I'LL DONE MY RESEARCH SO MY QUESTION FOR YOU IS WHEN WILL YOU RECALL THIS ENTIRE CAR? WILL INDEED BE JOINING THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST HYUNDAI. I HAVE NO WARRANTY & DON'T EVEN WANT THE CAR WITH A NEW ENGINE. I JUST WANT HYUNDAI TO BUY THE CAR BACK IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK I'LL STICK WITH AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES. *TR
Engine, Apr 16, 2015
THE ENGINE IS KNOCKING WHEN I START TO DRIVE AND THE KNOCKING SOUND HAS GRADUALLY INCREASED. I HAVE TO PUT 1-2QTS OF ADDITIONAL OIL INTO THE CAR IN BETWEEN SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 15, 2015
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR NOT WANTING TO ACCELERATE SOMETIMES, I TYPICALLY NOTICE THIS WHEN I AM ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND WHEN I TRY TO GO PAST THAT IT WILL SEEM TO NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE AND THEN JERK AND THEN GO ACCELERATE FASTER. LATELY I HAVE ALSO NOTICE THIS WHEN GOING NORMAL SPEEDS IT SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL. *TR
Service brakes, Apr 15, 2015
I PARKED MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT OUT I NOTICE MY BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF. I HAD TO GET BACK IN THE CAR PUMP THE BRAKES A FEW TIMES AND THEY FINALLY WENT OUT. THE NEXT DAY AT WORK I DIDN'T PAY ATTENTION AND WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR FOR LUNCH THE CAR WOULD NOT START I HAD TO GET A JUMP AND I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I ADVISED DEALER OF WHAT HAPPENED THEY CHECKED MY BATTERY AND IT WAS FINE HE SAYS MY BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT PAD WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO REPLACED. THIS WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIX IN 2014 AFTER THE RECALL BUT THIS CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM AND MY DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME FOR THE REPAIRS THIS TIME, PER HYUNDAI THEY ONLY FIX THIS FOR FREE ONE TIME. *TR
Engine, Apr 11, 2015
WENT TO TAKE OFF FROM A STOP SIGN AND NOTICED I DID NOT HAVE THE POWER IT USUALLY DOES. DROVE APPR 3 MILES, CAME TO A STOP LIGHT. THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STALLED. STARTED THE VEHICLE BACK UP, DROVE APPR 3/4 MILE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION WITH FLASHERS ON AND <20 MILES PER HOUR, ALL THE WHILE THE CAR WAS HESITATING AND KNOCKING/TAPPING. I CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO CAME TO GET ME. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS BARELY REGISTERING OIL. WE PURCHASED 2 QUARTS AND DROVE THE CAR APPR 2.5-3 MILES HOME. THE NEXT DAY MY HUSBAND DROVE IT DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT A MILE. IT WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH WITH KNOCKING/TAPPING AND HESITATION. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HE CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER AND HAD IT TOWED AS WE WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS NO OIL, LACK OF MAINTENANCE YET THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK OR BURNING OF OIL. SINCE THIS IS "OUR FAULT" ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WE NEED A NEW ENGINE AT $6,000+. WE HAVE DONE REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON IT SINCE WE PURCHASED IT SEPT 2014 - 2 OIL CHANGES IN 7 MONTHS, THE LAST CHANGE BEING THE 1ST WEEK OF JANUARY. MY HUSBAND DOES OUR OIL CHANGES (HE USED TO WORK AT GOODYEAR AND HAS DONE OIL CHANGES SINCE HE WAS A TEENAGER) SO WE HAVE NO RECEIPTS FROM OIL PURCHASES AT WALMART. *TR
Engine, Apr 8, 2015
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (295 SOUTH TOWARDS WASHINGTON DC) AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, NOTHING HAPPENED. WHEN I EXAMINED THE DASHBOARD, ALL OF THE LIGHTS WERE ON. AS A PRECAUTION, I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD I DISCOVERED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT TO NO AVAIL. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THE CAR WAS TOWED BACK TO POHANKA HYUNDAI IN CAPITAL HEIGHTS MD. AFTER AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NO OIL WAS FOUND ON THE DIP STICK AND THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP! AS I PULLED UP MY LAST OIL CHANGE RECORD IT SHOWED I RECEIVED 5 QTS OF 5W20 SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL AT 110,641 MILES. I TOLD THE TECHNICIAN THAT I NEVER HAD ANY LEAKS OR KNOCKING SOUNDS. ALSO I NEVER HAD MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATE. IT AMAZED ME HOW AFTER 5000 MILES NO OIL WAS IN ENGINE AND I HAD NO APPARENT AND VISIBLE LEAKS. *TR
Engine, Apr 7, 2015
THE CARS IGNITION KEY DOES NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION FOR UP TO 6 HOURS. THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS CHANGED BY HYUNDAI BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO HAPPEN EVEN WITH THE CHANGE OF THE KEYS AND THE CYLINDER. ALSO, THE ENGINE SEIZES WHEN I TOOK MY SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND TO THE AIRPORT. HYUNDAI DID NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY AND CHARGED ME $3600.00 FOR A NEW ENGINE. THEIR 10 YEAR WARRANTY IS A FRAUD. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE KEY CHANGE WHICH DID NOT WORK. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLIES FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLIES, BUT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Steering, Apr 4, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL /COLUMN CLICKS WHEN TURNING. TODAY, MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP VERIFIED MY CONCERN AND STATED "NOISE IS COMING FROM INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT $278 MAY NEED STEERING RACK AS WELL $1018.45...". THERE IS A RECALL ON 2011 SONATAS FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE (RECALL # 10V46000) FOR THOSE BUILT BETWEEN DECEMBER 11, 2009 AND SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. MINE WAS MANUFACTURED ON OCTOBER 22, 2010.... WHICH IS ONLY 6 WEEKS LATER. I AM HAVING THIS RELATIVELY UNCOMMON ISSUE ON A CAR THAT IS < 5 YEARS OLD AND < 62K MILES. HOW IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE THAT MY CAR HAS HAD TWO STEERING COLUMN ISSUES IN ~ 4 MONTHS? THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! I ALSO WANT TO ADD THAT AT 59K, I HAD MY STEERING COLUMN REPAIRED (REPLACE WORN COUPLER IN STEERING COLUMN). LUCKILY IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE 60K WARRANTY. THIS NEW ISSUE IS VERY SIMILAR TO THAT ONE, EXCEPT I'M NOW >60K MILES --- OUT OF WARRANTY). AS A MATTER-OF-FACT, MY INITIAL COMPLAINT TODAY WAS THAT THE OLD PROBLEM RESURFACED. AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE DEALERSHIP 1 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY, SINCE IT OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT INSPECTED/REPAIRED COMPLETELY. MORE IMPORTANTLY, ON A HIGHER LEVEL, WHY IS THIS EVEN HAPPENING, ESPECIALLY SINCE I AM ONLY OUT OF THE RECALL RANGE BY 6 WEEKS? THE MANUFACTURING DATES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED INTO FURTHERIFURTHER. I FEEL THESE TWO ISSUES ARE RELATED AND SHOULD COVER MORE MANUFACTURE DATES. *TR
Engine, Apr 1, 2015
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED. I COULD NOT RESTART IT AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED. THERE WAS NEVER ANY OIL OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CAME ON. THE OIL WAS CHANGED WHEN IT SHOULD BE.THERE WAS OIL IN THE ENGINE. SINCE THE WARRANTY WAS UP I HAD TO COME OUT OF POCKET FOR AN ENGINE. . *TR
Engine, Mar 31, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR THAN ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE THOUGHT SHE HEARD A MUFFLER SOUND LIKE A RATTLING SOUND. SHE CHECKED THE MUFFLER BUT THE MUFFLER WAS INTACT. THAN AS SHE WAS DRIVING THE CAR IDLED LOW AS IF IT WANTED TO DIE. THAN SHE GOT OUT AT A PARKING TO INVESTIGATE THE SOUNDS TURNS OUT THE ENGINE IS KNOCKING BAD. I CALL TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO HYUNDAI. BEFORE THEY RECEIVED THE VEHICLE A SERVICE EMPLOYEE TRIED TO TELL ME THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE IS DETERMINED ALSO BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND HOW WELL HE MAINTAINED IT IN ORDER FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE VALID (MY VEHICLE IS PRECERTIFIED IT HAS 44487 MILES AND OIL CHANGE IS DUE AT 44906) AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE LOOKED AT FOR A WEEK. I CALLED ANOTHER DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I KNEW THE EMPLOYEE WAS LYING TO ME AND THE OTHER EMPLOYEE AT THE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THAT THE WARRANTY STARTS WITH ME AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. SO I AM WAITING TO HEAR BACK TO SEE WHAT THEY WILL DO REGARDING THE WARRANTY. I KNOW A KNOCKING ENGINE IS A SEVERE MATTER AND THE FACT THEY LIED TO ME BEFORE LOOKING AT THE CAR ALREADY SEEMS AS IF THINGS ARE TO JUST GET WORST IN REGARDING WITH DEALING WITH THEM. *TR
Engine, Mar 24, 2015
DRIVING DOWN HWY @65MPH. CAR LOST POWER. WAS ABLE TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD. CAR SMELLED AND SMOKING. CHECKED OIL...2 LITERS LOW. HAD OIL CHANGED 1000 MILES AGO. NO OIL LIGHT CAME ON. HAVE BEEN ROUTINELY CHECKING MY OIL BECAUSE 2 WEEKS AFTER OIL CHANGED HAD CAR SERVICED FOR BRAKES AND MECHANIC CHECKED OIL AND WAS LOW. HE PUT OIL IN. NO OIL LEAKS ANYWHERE. NOW I HAVE TO PAY 4500 FOR ANOTHER 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ENGINE WHICH I REALLY DON'T WANT TO PUT IT BECAUSE THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE AND REPLACING WITH THE SAME I WILL END UP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 21, 2015
WHEN DRIVING CAR THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL SOUNDS LIKE IT IS RUBBING I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS MODEL IS KNOWN TO MAKE THE SOUND THEY STATED THAT THEY CHANGED OUT PARTS AND IT WILL KEEP MAKE THAT SOUND WHEN GOING OVER A INCLINE OR PULLING UP A HILL OR INTO A PARKING AREA. *TR
Steering, Mar 20, 2015
I BOUGHT MY SONATA NEW IN 2010 & HAVE JUST NOW IN 2015 PUT 56,000 MILES ON IT. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS DRIVING & NOTICED A POPPING & GRINDING NOISE ANYTIME THE ROAD WASN'T SMOOTH & WHEN I WOULD TURN THE WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO BE CHECKED OUT & WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL. WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THE RECALL I WAS INFORMED THAT EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS EXHIBITING EVERY SIGN OF THE STEERING COUPLING RECALL I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED BECAUSE MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE MANUFACTURING DATES. MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON 10/01/2010 & THE RECALL STOPPED ON 09/10/2010. I ASKED HOW THEY COULD BE SURE THAT EVERY CAR MANUFACTURED AFTER 09/10/2010 COULD HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY WHEN THEY WERE STILL INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE ON THE DAY MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. NOW I WILL HAVE TO SPEND $300 FOR A REPAIR HYUNDAI SHOULD BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR. I USE TO RECOMMEND HYUNDAI TO EVERYONE, I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND IT AGAIN OR PURCHASE ANOTHER HYUNDAI AGAIN. I WILL BE LOOKING INTO TRADING MY SONATA IN AFTER I HAVE THE STEERING COUPLING REPAIRED. *TR
Engine, Mar 20, 2015
WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN I NOTICED SOME "CLICKING" NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN EXPERIENCING SEVERE ENGINE POWER LOSS AND, AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER WAS NEARBY, I WENT THERE. UPON ARRIVAL, I ADVISED THE SERVICE PERSON OF THE SYMPTOMS I'D EXPERIENCED. AFTER A CALL FROM THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY, I WAS ADVISED THAT HYUNDAI WANTED THEM (THE DEALER) TO COMPLETELY TEAR THE ENGINE DOWN TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE INTERNALS TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE. THE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE OIL WAS EXTREMELY LOW ON THE DIPSTICK, SO LOW THAT IT DIDN'T EVEN REGISTER. NOTE: THE CAR WAS NEXT SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE AN OIL CHANGE AT 57,600 MILES, AND THIS OCCURRED AT 56,000. A FEW DAYS LATER, I HEAR BACK THAT "HYUNDAI" HAD DECLINED THE WARRANTY COVERAGE, SO I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND THEY STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS THE ONE WHO HAD IN FACT DENIED THE WARRANTY COVERAGE, AND WOULD BE CONTACTING THEM TO UNDERSTAND THE REASON(S) FOR THE DENIAL. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUES, I'VE FOUND A LAWYER OPENING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, AS OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME ISSUE. LAWYER: HTTP://WWW.CHIMICLES.COM/2011-HYUNDAI-SONATA-ENGINE-FAILURE-CLASS-ACTION-LAWSUIT?POST-SUBSCRIPTIONS-STATUS=SUBSCRIBE COMPLAINTS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/HYUNDAI/SONATA/2011/ENGINE/ENGINE_SEIZED.SHTML. *TR
Structure, Mar 19, 2015
SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL ON THE BOTTOM IS VERY LOOSE. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Mar 16, 2015
I JUST PURCHASE THIS CAR AND MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BAD. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI PLACE IN ALBANY GA AND THEY STATED IT WAS THE COUPLER. I HAVE READ A LOT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PART AND MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT WASN'T A RECALL CAUSE YOU CAN LOOSE YOUR LIFE WITH YOUR STEERING WHEEL NOT ASSEMBLED CORRECTLY OR A BETTER PART. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING IT'S PLASTIC AND PLASTIC DO NOT LAST LONG. *TR
Air bags, Seats, Mar 14, 2015
SENSORS CAUSE AIR SYSTEM LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE RESET AT DEALERSHIP TO CLEAR. TECHNICIAN SAID AIRBAG WON'T DEPLOY WHILE THIS FAULT OCCURS. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE 4OR 5 TIMES. WHEN I GOOGLE HYUNDAI SONATA AIRBAG ISSUES I SEE MANY SIMILAR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHER PEOPLE. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS TOLD IT WAS CAUSED BY A SEAT SENSOR. YET UNDER WARRANTY THEY DID NOT REPLACE. NO CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Steering, Mar 12, 2015
AFTER 70,000 MILES MY SONATA SUDDENLY BEGAN TO PULL HARD TO THE LEFT. I HAD THE CAR ALIGNED TWICE THEREAFTER AND IT DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. MY MECHANIC SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING BENT. IN A CALL TO A HYUNDAI MECHANIC FRIEND OF HIS, HE WAS ALERTED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MODULE. ISEARCHED THE WEB AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR BUT AS OF THIS DATE NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT! IT IS QUITE A STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE CAR IN LANE PARTICULARLY ON THE HIGHWAY. IF I WERE TO LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL, I WOULD BE IN THE ON-COMING LANE IN A MATTER OF A FEW FEET. *TR
Steering, Mar 11, 2015
I WAS HEARING A CLUNKING SOUND AND MY STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING ALOT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT MY INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS BAD AND THAT IT IS DANGEROUS . HE SAID THE CONNECTION COULD BREAK AND I COULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THERE WERE RECALLS ON THE 2011, BUT MY VIN # IS NOT ONE OF THE CARS. MY VIN# MAY NOT BE ONE OF THE CARS IN THE BATCH RECALLED BUT I HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO REPAIR A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR? *TR
Steering, Mar 8, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A SLIGHT CATCH WHEN TURNING. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY COULD FIX IT BUT IT WAS GOING TO COST ME. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY MILES SO THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANY REASON TO HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS. I HAD THE FRONT STABILIZER ARM FIXED TWICE DUE TO NOISE ON THE FRONT END, WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THEY SAID I RAN OVER SOMETHING, WHICH I DID NOT. THEY DIDN'T FIX RIGHT THE FIRST TIME SO HAD TO PAY AGAIN TO GET THE OTHER SIDE FIXED. *TR