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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 22, 2014
THE FUEL PUMP MODULE HAS HIGH RESISTANCE AT THE CONNECTOR AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH IT. *THE CONNECTOR BURNED* THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN EXPLOSION OR A FIRE TO START...THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD....THE PART WAS MANUFACTURED WRONG AND SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN OUT. WE ARE THANKFUL THAT WE ARE STILL ALIVE. *TR
Steering, Dec 22, 2014
VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT ON HIGHWAY. THE HIGHER SPEEDS CAUSE CAR TO PULL EVEN MORE AND AFTER A WHILE START TO HURT ARM. CAR WAS BUILT IN APRIL 13TH 2011. *TR
Air bags, Dec 21, 2014
AIRBAG SENSOR HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED STATING THAT THERE IS AN ERROR WITH THE AIRBAGS. CONCERNED THAT AIRBAG WONT FUNCTION IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine, Dec 14, 2014
TELL US WHAT HAPPENED: BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW AND REGULARLY HAD SERVICED BY DEALER. VEHICLE DIED WITHOUT ANY WARNING COMING OFF HIGHWAY AND I HAD TO TURN FLASHERS ON AND PLACE IN PARK TO RESTART. ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING WITH NO WARNING AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. HAD TOWED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD ENGINE HAD NO OIL AND REQUIRES AN ENGINE CHANGE. WHERE DID IT GO? THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY SIGNS OF SMOKE, BURNING SMELL OR LEAKS ANYWHERE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER GIVING INDICATION OF A LOW OIL OR LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATION NOR ANY OTHER ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. NOW DEALER SAYS WE HAVE TO CONVINCE REGIONAL MANAGER THAT THIS WAS NOT NEGLECT ON OUR PART TO HAVE COVERED UNDER THE 100,000 MILE POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY. *TR
Engine, Dec 12, 2014
I AM A LOYAL HYUNDAI CUSTOMER WHO HAS OWNED 4 OF THEIR VEHICLES. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO SUPERIOR HYUNDAI NORTH TO HAVE A COUPLE SAFETY RECALL ITEMS TAKEN CARE OF. I ALSO WOULD HEAR A WIND TYPE SOUND SOMETIMES (WITHIN A WEEK PRIOR TO TAKING IT IN) WHEN I WOULD START DRIVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT. THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD BAD NEWS. MY ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT. I ASKED THEM HOW IT COULD BE EMPTY AS MY CAR HAS NEVER LEAKED, NEVER SMOKED, NEVER SMELLED LIKE OIL BURNING, HAD ONLY APPROX. 48,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAD BEEN SERVICED. THEY HAD TO TAKE SOME OF THE ENGINE APART AND SAID SINCE THEY FOUND NO SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE, IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. PROBLEM I HAVE IS THEY ARE REPLACING MY ENGINE WITH A REBUILT ONE. THEY SAID HYUNDAI WON'T APPROVE THEM TO PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT. I HAVE NO WAY OF FINDING OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REBUILT ENGINE THEY ARE PUTTING IN MY CAR AND THEY CAN'T TELL ME HOW MANY MILES WAS ON IT ORIGINALLY. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS ONE MORE CAR LIKE MINE THERE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THEY ALSO TRIED TO TELL ME IT WOULDN'T HURT MY TRADE-IN VALUE. THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO DISCLOSE THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ONE, THAT'S NOT A MORAL AND DECEITFUL PROBLEM THAT I WOULD NEVER DO AND TWO, I BELIEVE IT'S THE LAW THAT I WOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE IT. I SPOKE TO ONE OF THE SALESMEN ABOUT BUYING THE LOANER CAR I'M DRIVING WITH THE TRADE OF MY CAR AND THE FIRST THING HE TOLD ME WAS THE PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE WOULD CAUSE THE TRADE-IN VALUE TO BE LESS. HMMM...JUST AS I THOUGHT!! THEY NEED TO EITHER PUT A NEW ENGINE IN MY CAR OR GIVE ME THE TOP VALUE OF MY CAR WITH A GOOD DISCOUNT AND PRICE ON A NEW ONE OR THEY WILL LOSE A VERY LOYAL CUSTOMER! *TR
Engine, Dec 10, 2014
WHILE DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE OF A 3 LANE FREEWAY ON A STEEP UPGRADE, THE CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST A HUGE AMOUNT OF ENGINE POWER. THE EFFECT WAS SIMILAR TO NO LONGER PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS CAUSED THE CARS IN BACK OF ME TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES AS WELL AS SCARING ME AS I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE SO FAR. HYUNDAI AMERICA (HA) IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND FROM WHAT I HAVE DISCOVERED AFTER VIEWING HA FORUMS, THIS PROBLEM IS SPECIFIC TO THE SONATA'S WITH THE 2.0 TURBOCHARGED ENGINES INCLUDING MODEL YEARS 2011 - 2014. NOT ONLY IS THE PROBLEM A RESULT OF A POORLY DESIGNED WASTE GATE CONTROL ROD, IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS AS WELL AS EXPERIENCED DRIVERS ARE GOING TO BE HARMED. HA IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS DECIDED NOT TO COVER THE REPAIR EXPENSE AFTER 60,000 MILES. APPARENTLY, A FUNCTIONING TURBOCHARGER IS NOT PART OF THE ENGINE! PLEASE INSURE THE HA NOT ONLY FIXES THIS SAFETY HAZARD BUT ALSO REIMBURSES OWNERS FOR PREVIOUSLY CHARGED REPAIR EXPENSE. MY CAR WAS REPAIRED AROUND 56,000 MILES ANDAT 67,000 MILES, THE PROBLEM IS BACK. THANK YOU *TR
Air bags, Dec 9, 2014
THIS VEHICLE HAS A MANUFACTURED DEFECT AND HAS BEEN REJECTED BY A STATE CERTIFIED STATE INSPECTOR. IT WAS FAILED DUE TO THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO SHOW ON THE DASH BOARD. THE STATE INSPECTOR INDICATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION UNTIL THE AIR BAG SITUATION HAS BEEN RESOLVED. I AM NOT CONCERNED IF OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES ARE RECALLED OR NOT. MY PRIMARY CONCERN AT THIS PRESENT TIME IS MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED IS TAKEN CARE OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT. I HAVE ASKED HYUNDAI TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. I INDICATED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURED DEFECT AND SHOULD RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Engine, Dec 4, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON INTERSTATE 95 , THE CAR ABRUPTLY STALLED OUT DOING 60 MPG , THE FLASHERS WOULD NOT WORK. I SHIFTED IT IN NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS. WE PROCEEDED TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE ONTO ANOTHER FOUR LANE HIGHWAY. ABOUT A HALF A MILE DOWN THE ROAD, IT STALLED AGAIN. AFTER TWO MORE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE, IT DID RESTART AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. THREE MORE MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR STALLED OUT AGAIN AND THEN STARTED SMOKING. WE COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR AND THE FLASHERS INITIALLY WOULD NOT WORK AGAIN. AFTER TEN SECONDS, THE FLASHERS STARTED TO WORK AND THEN WE PROCEEDED TO PUSH THE CAR ACROSS THE HIGHWAY INTO A 7-11. THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER. AFTER CALLING THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY, I FOUND OUT THAT FOUR CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WERE WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER IS NOW PUTTING A NEW ENGINE IN THE CAR SINCE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS THEY ARE PUTTING A NEW ENGINE IN THE CAR WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THE INITIAL PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID THIS SAME EXACT INCIDENT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND I WILL NOT BE AS LUCKY. THEY ARE PUTTING MY LIFE AND MY FAMILIES' LIFE IN JEOPARDY. I WANT THEM TO BUY BACK THE CAR, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND AN UP-TO-DATE CAR SERVICE RECORD. *TR
Engine, Dec 3, 2014
IN THE SPAN 2 MONTHS, THERE WERE 2 OCCASIONS WHERE MY CAR WOULD NOT START. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND HAD SOMEONE JUMP ME AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. HOWEVER, AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES, CAR WOULD FINALLY START. ONE OTHER TIME I PULLED INTO A STORE AND WHEN I CAME OUT, MY CAR WOULDN'T START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, IT FINALLY STARTED. THEN ON NOVEMBER 28TH, 2014, MY BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING. I HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. I DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING OR INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG. TODAY I HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL LET ME KNOW THE EXACT PROBLEM AND IF IT IS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. *JS
Steering, Nov 30, 2014
WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY IN (I.E. WHEN PARALLEL PARKING), THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT. THE EPS LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DASHBOARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL JUMPS ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE CENTER POSITION. STEERING IS COMPLETELY GONE. WHEN I THEN TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND TURN IT BACK ON, THE STEERING IS WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN. *TR
Engine, Nov 24, 2014
ENGINE SEIZED. *TR
Steering, Nov 22, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE CAR MADE AN ELECTRICAL NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I FOUGHT THE SHAKING WHEEL TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND TURNED IT OFF. THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. IT WAS EXACTLY LIKE THIS VIDEO: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KZABDAMQAPS I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AS PART OF A RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN WHICH IS OVER $1,500 DOLLARS AS IT WAS "NOT ASSOCIATED" WITH THE RECALL AND WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Engine, Nov 20, 2014
AS I BEGAN DRIVING MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT MORNING I HEARD A RATTLE WHENEVER MY RPM WOULD REACH BETWEEN 2-3K. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT. TODAY 11/20/14I WAS TOLD THAT MY ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY IN THE DEALERSHIP LATE SEPTEMBER 2014FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ALSO DUE TO A SMALL KNOCK/BANG AS I ACCELERATED. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THE KNOCK TO BE A SUPPORT HITTING AGAINST THE FIREWALL. UPON TIGHTENING SAID SUPPORT THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. THE CAR WAS REPORTEDLY TEAT DRIVEN BY THE TECHNICIAN NUMEROUS TIMES TO CONCLUDE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. OIL CHANGE WAS DONE AS USUAL AND MY CAR WAS GIVEN A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH (ONLY A RECOMMENDATION OF BRAKES GETTING LOW). *TR
Steering, Nov 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, A CLICKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE MAKING THE STEERING UNSTABLE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 10V457000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Engine, Nov 18, 2014
CAR STARTED MAKING KNOCKING NOISES WHILE DRIVING UP HILL, LOSING POWER. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE IT HOME. CHECKED OIL AND APPEARED COMPLETELY DRY. NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN DRIVEN. NO OIL LEAKS SEEN. ADDED OIL AND THEN DROVE TO DEALERSHIP, WHERE THEY STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. REGULARLY SERVICED CAR WITH OIL CHANGES, 120K MILES WITH ALMOST ALL FREEWAY COMMUTE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2014
PUSH TO START DOES START WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE CAR MANUALLY SINCE THE CAR WON'T EVEN OPEN WITH THE REMOTE. I THEN HAVE TO STRUGGLE WHILE IN THE CAR TRYING TO PUSH THE START BUTTON AND STEP ON THE BRAKE. SOMETIMES IT TURNS ON, OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T. ITS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE LAST YEAR. AND ALREADY HAPPENED TWICE THIS WEEK. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Nov 16, 2014
I PURCHASED MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON DEC 15,2013 FROM A HYUNDAI DEALER. IN APRIL I NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF THEM CORRECTING THE ISSUE THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY REPLACED A SENSOR AND TOLD ME IT WAS DONE. AGAIN MY CAR WILL NOT STAY IN THE LANE. IT PULLS SO MUCH TO THE RIGHT AND IS VERY UNSAFE. I TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND THEY ARE TELLING ME IT IS JUST THE ALIGNMENT. THEY EVEN STATED THAT SOMEONE ELSE IN MY HOUSE HIT SOMETHING. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF CARS PULLING TO LEFT OR RIGHT. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 927 BUT THEY ONLY DID AN ALIGNMENT ON DECEMBER 23,2011 AND NOTHING ELSE WAS DONE BUT THEN IT WAS CLOSED, INDICATING THAT IT HAD BEEN FIXED. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT AND TOLD ME MY TIRES ARE BAD BECAUSE OF HOW IT DRIVES. HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THE ISSUES AND GIVES ME THE RUN AROUND. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2014
I FILLED UP MY CAR ON THURSDAY AFTER FILLING IT UP THE FIRST TIME I STARTED THE CAR THE GAUGE READ FULL, LATER ON WHILE DRIVE THE FUEL GAUGE SAID 3/4 FULL EVEN THOUGH I HAD DRIVEN A FEW MILES. THE NEXT DAY AFTER TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL I STOPPED TO RUN AN ERRAND. I GET BACK IN MY CAR TO START IT UP AND THE GAS LIGHT IS ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE SAYS EMPTY. AFTER DRIVING A FEW MILES THE GAS GAUGES WENT UP TO 1/4 THEN EVENTUALLY 1/2 TANK. THE GAUGE HAD BEEN SHOWING 3/4 FULL A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS AFTER FILLING UP BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT'S SHOWN AS EMPTY. *TR
Visibility, Nov 12, 2014
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE FOR APPROX 1 HOUR, WHEN SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARDS, NO ROAD DEBRIS HIT THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE EXPLODING SUNROOF, IT WAS NOT AN EXTREME TEMPERATURE CHANGE. SOUND WAS LIKE A GUNSHOT INSIDE THE CAR, AND THANKFUL THAT THE MOONROOF COVER WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME SO THAT GLASS DID NOT SHOWER INTO THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. VERY FRIGHTENING AND COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED ACCIDENT. GOING ROUNDS WITH HYUNDAI RIGHT NOW TO GET REPAIRED. DEALERSHIP STATING THAT HYUNDAI WILL NOT COVER THE PART. DEALERSHIP SUGGESTING I FILE WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY, HOWEVER THIS WAS A FAULT ISSUE WITH PRODUCT, NOT INSURANCE RELATED. VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY AND STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Nov 11, 2014
THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKING. IT CAN ALSO BE HERD AND FELT WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN SURFACES. THERE'S A LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING THAT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE STEERING FLEX COUPLING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT IT'S NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALLS. DURING MY RESEARCH OF THIS ISSUE I DISCOVERED AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WHICH TELLS ME THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL ON THESE STEERING FLEX COUPLINGS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THE PROOF NEEDED TO AVOID TRAGEDY IS JUST AN INTERNET SEARCH AWAY. *TR
Engine, Nov 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 6, 2014
ON OCTOBER 3, 2014, I HAD MY CAR SERVICED FOR TWO SONATA RECALLS, ONE REGARDING THE SHIFT CABLE AND THE OTHER REGARDING THE BRAKES. THAT SAME AFTERNOON, MY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASH. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND COULD NOT REMEMBER IT DOING THAT EVER BEFORE. PRESSING THE STABILITY CONTROL BUTTON DID NOTHING TO CHANGE THE LIGHT (IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF). THE NEXT DAY, WHILE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, I NOTICED A FAILURE TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES SINCE, AT VARYING SPEEDS, AND WHILE THE CAR WAS BOTH COLD AND WARM. IT ALWAYS LASTS SEVERAL SECONDS AND THEN I CAN ACCELERATE AGAIN. DURING ONE OF THESE EPISODES, I CAN PRESS THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD AND GET NO ACCELERATION. THIS IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DANGEROUS. I'VE BEEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DENIED ANY CONNECTION TO THE RECALL WORK, DESPITE THIS PROBLEM PRESENTING IMMEDIATELY UPON LEAVING. THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH AND THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE CHARGED ME FOR THAT, BUT THEY DID NOT. I GOT NO PAPERWORK SHOWING THAT THEY ACTUALLY REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH. AFTER THAT VISIT, THE TRACTION LIGHT WAS OFF FOR A DAY BEFORE THIS PROBLEM REOCCURRED. I AM TERRIFIED DRIVING THIS CAR TO AND FROM WORK BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE ACCELERATION WILL FAIL. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE CHANGING LANES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND ALSO ON THE RAMPS IN MY OFFICE PARKING GARAGE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2014
IN MAY 2014, WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, MAYBE 1200 RPM, MY ENGINE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 4500-5000 RPM, WITHOUT A SIMULTANEOUS RISE IN SPEED. A WEEK OR TWO LATER, THE CAR DID THE SAME, UNDER ABOUT THE SAME CONDITIONS. THE DEALER COULD FIND NO FAULTS OR CODES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE; NOT SURPRISING SINCE IT WAS SPORADIC. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, WITH CONSIDERABLY MORE FREQUENCY; ALMOST DAILY. AGAIN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN LATE JULY (MCCAFFERTY HYUNDAI, LANGHORNE, PA), AND WHILE A TECHNICIAN WAS DRIVING WITH ME, THE ENGINE RACED AGAIN. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A TECH BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM, AND THEY WOULD REPAIR THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS IN A MODULE AND NEEDED RECODING. AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT THEY SAID. THAT REPAIR SEEMED TO CURE THE PROBLEM, UNTIL SEPTEMBER, WHEN A SINGLE OCCURRENCE HAPPENED. I THOUGH THIS WAS MAYBE A FLUKE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS. TODAY, 11/4/14, AFTER SEVERAL DAYS IN THE DEALER'S SHOP, AN INSURANCE SERVICE TECH SAID HE COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. WHILE THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE, MAYBE IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME WHEN THE RACING ENGINE WILL CAUSE SEVERE ACCELERATION AND A SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Engine, Nov 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V426000 (STEERING) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.