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, Jan 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO PARK AND REINSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Engine, Jan 22, 2015
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WHILE WE WERE LOOKING FOR A GAS STATION TO PULL OVER, THE CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON, ALL WITHIN A MATTER OF MINUTES. WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE OIL ONLY TO FIND THAT NO OIL WAS REGISTERING ON THE DIP STICK. WE FOUND THAT ODD AS WE HAD OUR OIL CHANGE JUST A COUPLE MONTHS AGO. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND WE NEEDED TO REPLACE IT. THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WAS $6100. FURTHERMORE, THE DEALERSHIP WENT ON AND CHANGED THEIR STORY 5 TIMES AS TO WHILE THE ENGINE FAILED. THEY ASKED US TO PROVIDE THEM WITH OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS, WHICH WE DID YET THEY STILL DENIED OUR CLAIM. OUR CAR HAD THE OIL CHANGES DONE PROPERLY AND WITHIN THE TIME SCHEDULED. OUR CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY YET THEY DENIED OUR CLAIM WE HAVE FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI. *TR
Steering, Jan 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Jan 22, 2015
WHEN FIRST PURCHASED IN MARCH OF 2014 NOTICED A LITTLE CLICKING IN STEERING WHEN TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. NOW ITS GOTTEN WORST! EVEN WHEN PARKED IT CLICKS. WHEN WE HIT THE SMALLEST BUMP ON THE ROAD IT CLICKS AND SHAKES BAD. I'M TO THE POINT OF SCARED TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR. I'M SCARED I WOULD HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING ONE DAY. I CAN NOT DRIVE THIS CAR WITH MY 3 KIDS IN IT. I THOUGHT I BOUGHT ME A SAFE FAMILY CAR. I WAS WRONG. I'M DOING MY RESEARCH RIGHT NOW AND SEE LOT OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. MY HYUNDAI DEALER SAYS IT'S THE COUPLING. HE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT PROBLEM I WAS HAVING. LIKE IT ISN'T NEWS TO HIM. IT'LL GONNA COST ME $349 TO GET THIS FIXED?!?!? *TR
Engine, Jan 21, 2015
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. NO LESS THAN 30 SECONDS LATER DID THE CAR'S ENGINE MAKE A LARGE BAG NOISE AND I RAN OVER WHAT FELT LIKE PARTS. I COASTED A WHILE DOWN THE ROAD AND FINALLY PULLED THE CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON OPENING THE HOOD I DISCOVERED OIL ALL OVER THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AS WELL AS THE RADIATOR. I CALLED HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO FAULKNER HYUNDAI IN HARRISBURG PA ON 1/19/14. THEY PROVIDED A SERVICE LOANER AND SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME WITH AN UPDATE ON THE CAR. I WAITED UNTIL WEDNESDAY THE 21ST BEFORE CALLING THEM, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND THEY HAD ALREADY TAKEN PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE AND SENT THEM TO THE HYUNDAI PEOPLE TO SEEK WARRANTY COVERAGE. THEY ALSO ASKED ME FOR MAINTENANCE RECORDS ON THE CAR. I CHANGE THE OIL MYSELF AND ALWAYS PUT IN FULL SYNTHETIC, SO THEY HAD ME SUBMIT RECEIPTS FROM THE AUTO PARTS STORE PROVING I BOUGHT OIL AND FILTERS OR THE SONATA. I AM NOW AWAITING RESOLUTION FROM HYUNDAI. WILL UPDATE ONCE I HAVE AN ANSWER FROM HYUNDAI. THIS IS A PRETTY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, THE ENGINE LET GO AT 60+MPH WITHOUT WARNING, WHEN IT LET GO IT BLEW OIL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I'M SURE ON THE ROAD AS WELL. LUCKY I WAS DRIVING EARLY IN THE MORNING AND THEIR WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2015
GO TO UNLOCK CAR WITH KEY FOB OR PUSH BUTTON ENTRY SWITCH, IT DOES NO WORK, UNLOCK CAR MANUALLY WITH KEY AND THEN TRY TO START THE CAR AND DASH INDICATES KEY NOT DETECTED. THE CAR IS NOT DETECTING MY KEY FOB, WHETHER IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TO MANUALLY START THE CAR BY INSERTING FOB INSIDE THE MIDDLE CONSOLE. *TR
Steering, Jan 14, 2015
THE CAR MAKE A LOUD THUMP AND THE STEERING IS LOOSE WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE HAD IT CHECK OUT AND STATED IT MIGHT BE THE BEARINGS. *TR
Power train, Jan 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,400. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jan 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE ALARM WOULD SOUND, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, AND THE ANTI-THEFT MODE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Steering, Power train, Jan 12, 2015
I PURCHASED A USED 2011 SONATA ON 3/19/14. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I REACHED 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SINCE I WORK ONLY 6 MI. FROM HOME AND I HARDLY EVER DROVE 70 MPH, AND THE DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT AN HOUR'S DRIVE FROM HOME, IT WAS NOT UNTIL 5/19 THAT I HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE. I PAID $58.40 FOR THE WORK, ON THE WAY HOME I FOUND THAT IT STILL VIBRATED AT 70 MPH. DUE TO HAVING RECENTLY SPENT SO MUCH TO BUY THE CAR, I COULDN'T AFFORD TO SPEND ANY MORE ON IT THEN AND DECIDED TO KEEP MY SPEED UNDER 70 UNTIL I HAD MORE MONEY. ON ABOUT 9/8, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING MAKING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING PLACE. ON 9/10 I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN WHO SUGGESTED I TAKE MY CAR SOMEWHERE CLOSER TO HOME. I TOOK MY CAR TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR COMPANY, WHO WAS RECOMMENDED BY SEVERAL FRIENDS. HE REMOVED THE DRIVESHAFT AND SAID THE COUPLING WAS "DUST" AND IT WAS METAL AGAINST METAL. HE THEN SAID THERE WAS A SAFETY NOTICE BUT NOT A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. FROM THAT DAY FORWARD I HAVE HAD NO VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. I WOULD ALSO LIKE MY $421.40 REIMBURSED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 12, 2015
TWO ISSUES: 1. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN DECEMBER 2012. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED A LEFT PULL, SO THE DEALERSHIP AGREED TO ALIGN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO US DRIVING OFF THE LOT. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN PROPERLY ALIGNED WITH THE DEALERSHIP CONSISTENTLY STATING "YOU MUST BE HITTING TOO MANY POTHOLES". I DRIVE A SONATA, NOT AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE. ABSOLUTE BOLOGNA! I'VE GONE THROUGH 2 NEW TIRES AND THREE ALIGNMENTS SINCE WITH THE LEFT PULL STILL OCCURRING. FINALLY, I DECIDED TO GIVE UP ON THE DEALER AND TAKE IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO INFORMED ME I'LL NEED TO INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET CAMBER BOLT KIT AND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN SONATAS. I'M HOPING THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT IT SEEMS UTTERLY RIDICULOUS THAT NONE OF THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS WOULD ANTE UP AND TAKE THE BLAME FOR THIS AND CONSISTENTLY TOOK MY MONEY FOR AN ALIGNMENT THAT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. 2. LOUD CLICKING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY SPEED WHICH IS GETTING SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE. THE CLICKING WAS MILD WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND HAS SINCE GOTTEN SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS, THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME ANOTHER $200+ TO FIX. **NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A SONATA AGAIN. THEY DON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYTHING. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP BRAKE LAMP AND THE STARTER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 9, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE SEAT BELT BECAME UNLATCHED. THE AIR BAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 3/13/15*CN UPDATED 03/26/15*JB
Steering, Jan 8, 2015
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS ON 12-26-14 WITH 97,300 MILES. THE CAR ONLY CAME WITH ONE KEY SO I DECIDED TO GET ANOTHER KEY FROM LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. WHILE THERE I DECIDED TO CHECK ON ANY RECALLS THE CAR MAY OF HAD AND NOT YET DONE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT PULLED UP 4 TOTAL RECALLS WHICH HASN'T BEEN TAKEN CARE OF YET. I TOLD THEM ABOUT A CLUNKING FEEL IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I TURNED IT TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THEY SAID IT WAS THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING........A ROUND THICK RUBBER PART THAT LOOKS LIKE A GEAR. RUBBER.....REALLY......IN THE STEERING GEAR SYSTEM?????? THE TECHNICIAN SAID THIS PART IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND WEARS OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS TO THE POINT YOU COULD LOOSE TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING. COME TO FIND OUT THAT PART WAS REPLACED AROUND 26,000 MILES. THEY SAID IT WASN'T A RECALL ITEM AND THE REPLACED PART WAS ONLY WARRANTIED 12 MONTHS/12,000 MILES. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I SHOULD GET IT REPLACED ASAP! THE TOTAL COST IS $250.......$8 FOR PART AND THE REST IS LABOR. NOT A BIG SURPRISE.......LABOR'S ALWAYS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE PART! I DIDN'T DO A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE CAR BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. SHAME ON ME!!!! WITHIN AN HOUR ON THE INTERNET I LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ON THE UNBELIEVABLE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY HYUNDAI HASN'T RECALLED THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING? I'M GOING TO DIG A LITTLE DEEPER TO SEE HOW MANY ACCIDENTS/DEATHS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART. I'D LOVE TO KNOW IF THERE'S A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST HYUNDAI ON THIS PART? HYUNDAI YOU ARE PUTTING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PEOPLES LIVES IN RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT RECALL A PART WHICH IS LESS THAN $10!!!!! OH, HOW ABOUT REDESIGNING THE PART WHICH IS RUBBER AND MAKING IT OUT OF SOMETHING MORE DURABLE!!!!! SELLING THIS DEATHTRAP ASAP AND GETTING A HONDA OR TOYOTA!!!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!....UPDATED 01/23/15 *BF *TR UPDATED 9/12/2017*CN
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2015
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA DEFECT IN THE LIGHT STEM SWITCH THAT CAUSES HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS TO FLICKER *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE OCCASIONAL EPISODES OF FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAM. *JB
Engine, Jan 6, 2015
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING. I WAS STILL MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO COAST TO A CLOSE BY SIDE ROAD. I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AND THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER, AND THEY TELL ME THE ENGINE IS SHOT. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE, AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS "WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT." AFTER MORE RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS ENGINE FAILURE. IF THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, I FEEL HYUNDAI SHOULD DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED WHEN THIS HAPPENS. PLEASE NOTE I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR. THE MILEAGE AT JUST OVER 85,000 IS MAINLY HIGHWAY MILES, AND THE CAR IS SERVICED REGULARLY.
Steering, Jan 5, 2015
STEERING MAKES A CLICKING OR KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING LEFT, RIGHT, AND EVEN WHEN IN PARK. DRIVING ON UNEVEN ROADS MAKES THE CLICKING NOISE AS WELL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT STEERING RECALLS. THEY CLAIMED ONE HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED AND THIS SOUNDED LIKE A COUPLING PROBLEM.I TOOK IT IN FOR AM OVERVIEW AND THEY CONFIRMED IT IS THE COUPLING. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH EVEN WORSE RESULTS. THE PART ITSELF IS CHEAP TO REPLACE ONLINE...BUT LABOR IS OVER 250 DOLLARS AT THE LOCAL DEALER. I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ANY MORE STEERING ISSUES TAKE PLACE OR BEFORE FATAL ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! I HAVE TRIED CONTACT MANY, AND NOT ONE HAS TAKEN MY CONCERN SERIOUSLY. *TR
Steering, Jan 5, 2015
THE STEERING OF MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IN PARKED. THE NOISE IS PRESENT WHEN I'M DRIVING AT OR AROUND 70MPH. I FEAR THAT IT MAY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Steering, Dec 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2014
OIL LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF TWICE. CAR WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. STOPPED TO CHECK OIL; ABSOLUTELY NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. NO SIGN OF LEAK; NO SMOKING; NO OTHER INDICATION OF PROBLEM. PUT 3 QUARTS OF OIL IN THE CAR. KNOCKING SOUND WAS WORSE. DROVE CAR HOME AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT SINCE. THIS IS ONE OF MANY PROBLEMS I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR. I GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES. I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT YET DUE TO COST AND OUT OF WARRANTY. I'VE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF LOSS OF OIL RESULTING IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO INDICATION THAT THE OIL WAS EVEN LOW WHICH I ATTRIBUTE TO THE FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SINCE I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THAT AS WELL. IT'S MY OPINION THAT THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE READ THIS YEAR MODEL HAS OVER 900 PROBLEMS WHILE OTHER YEAR MODELS HAVE AVERAGE OF 230 SOMETHING PROBLEMS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS CAR SHOULD BE COMPLETELY RECALLED AND REPLACED BY HYUNDAI DEALER. *JS
Steering, Dec 29, 2014
STEERING WHEEL COUPLER HAS BROKEN. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! THIS PART IF FAILING ON MANY SONATAS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Steering, Dec 28, 2014
STEERING MAKES A CLICKING OR KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. CALLED DEALERSHIP ABOUT STEERING RECALLS. THEY CLAIMED ONE HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED AND THIS SOUNDED LIKE A COUPLING PROBLEM. I HAVE READ OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. PART IS LESS THAN 2 DOLLARS...LABOR IS OVER 200 DOLLARS. I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED IF OTHERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING. *TR
Steering, Dec 24, 2014
THE STEERING OF MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT IN PARKED. ALSO WHEN I DRIVE ON A BAD/UNEVEN ROAD, THERE IS NOISE FORM THE STEERING COLUMN AS IF SOMETHING INSIDE IS LOOSE. I FEAR THAT IT MAY A SAFETY ISSUE. I SEE THAT MANY OTHER SONATA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. CAN THIS BE INVESTIGATED FOR A RECALL? THANKS! *TR
Steering, Dec 22, 2014
THE STEERING COLUMN HAS A LOUD RATTLE AND A `CATCH' THAT MAKES THE CAR DIFFICULT TO STEER. *TR