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.
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2014
IN FEBRUARY 2014 WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING AT ALL. WE WOULD PUT OUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PRESS THE BUTTON AND IT JUST SITS THERE. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT MANY LOCATIONS UNTIL IT DECIDED TO CRANK. I CALLED RICK CASE IN ROSWELL GA AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN IF IT DOES IT AGAIN. NOW THE NEXT THING THAT STARTED TO HAPPEN WAS THE TRANSMISSION LIGHTS P, R, N AND D WOULD START FLASHING AND GO BLANK AS WE WERE DRIVING THEN YOU COULD FEEL THE CAR LOOSE POWER. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR SO THIS WENT ON FOR A BIT UNTIL IT FINALLY QUIT STARTING AND SAT IN THE GARAGE FOR THE TOW TRUCK WHO HAD TO USE A SCREW DRIVER AND IT SLIPPED INTO R EASILY BECAUSE IT WONT START. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT GET IT STARTED AND KEPT IT FOR MANY DAYS SAYING EVERYTHING IS FINE WE THINK THE STARTER WAS GOING AND WE HAD BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD US IT DOES NOT COVER THAT SO WE HAD TO COME UP WITH $552,77. I AM NOT WORKING NOW DUE TO CUSHING DISEASE SO WE ARE DOWN TO ONE CAR. MY HUSBAND HAD TO GET RIDES TO WORK DAILY. I ALSO FOUND IT VERY ODD THAT THE MANAGER MADE US SIGN A FORM STATING WE WOULD NOT BRING THIS CAR BACK WITH THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. THE CAR IS STILL ACTING UP SO WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. WE DO LIKE THE CAR AND WOULD TRADE IT IN BUT WE ARE UPSIDE DOWN AND THE PAYMENTS WOULD BE SO MUCH. WE FEEL WE DO NEED TO GET OUR MONEY BACK BECAUSE I TRULY BELIEVE IT WAS NOT THE STARTER.PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO WITH A CAR WE ARE NOW SCARED TO DRIVE. MY SON IS 16 AND THIS WOULD BE HIS CAR BUT NOT KNOW. THANK YOU THEY GAVE ME CASE#[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Aug 10, 2014
I WENT TO PLACE THE CAR IN REVERSE AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER SAID R BUT THE DASH BOARD HAD A 0 . THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE PLACED ON THE BRAKES PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE DISPLAY ON THE DASH STILL SHOWED 0. I SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND RE-STARTED THE MOTOR AND THE DASH INDICATED THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I THEN WENT ON LINE AND SAW THERE WAS A RECALL JUST ISSUED FOR THIS. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 9, 2014
REGARDING RECALL CAMPAIGN IS096 HYUNDAI/SONATA PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK SWITCH IS OUT. DOOR WON'T OPEN WITH DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. DOOR SWUNG OPEN WHEN CAR WAS TURNING. DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY . HYUNDI MOTOR AMERICA CONFIRMS RECALL OF 2011 HYUNDI SONATA'S BUT ONLY FOR CARS PRODUCED THROUGH 2/15/2010. MY HUSBAND'S CAR WAS PRODUCED 4/20/2011 OUTSIDE PRODUCTION DATE THEY SAY PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS TEAM SUPERSTORES AS A ONE TIME GOODWILL ADJUSTMENT TO PAY FOR PART ONLY. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE HIS CAR WAS DOING SAME THING AS RECALL . WE HAD TO PAY $240.00 FOR LABOR, HYUNDI SHOULD REIMBURSE FOR THIS FEE AS IT IS THE EXACT PROBLEM AND THE SAME YEAR. I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR
Engine, Aug 8, 2014
OIL CHANGED 1-1.5 MONTHS AGO. ON 8/5/14 WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR STARTED HAVING A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR AND THE OIL LIGHT QUICKLY FLASHED BUT THEN WENT AWAY. MADE A RIGHT TURN AND THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BOOM. CAR THEN BEGAN TO HAVE A CLUNK COMING FROM THE MOTOR AND WOULD STUTTER LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO STALL OUT. CHECKED THE OIL AND THERE WAS NOT MUCH IN THE MOTOR. NO OIL LEAKS. CAR IS PARKED AT THE SAME PLACE ALL THE TIME WHILE AT WORK AND HOME, NO OIL MARKS LEFT WHERE CAR IS PARKED. 2 QUARTS OF BRAND NEW OIL PUT INTO CAR (CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN AFTER THIS HAPPENED-BROUGHT OIL TO THE LOW OIL MARK ON THE DIP STICK) THE NEXT DAY AND CAR WAS TOWED TO FAULKNER HYUNDAI (PAXTON ST, HARRISBURG PA). CAR WAS RECEIVED AT DEALERSHIP BY 9:30 AM ON 8/7/14 BUT WAS NEVER LOOKED AT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. RECEIVED CALL FROM DEALERSHIP STATING THE NOISE WAS FROM COMING FROM THE BOTTOM PART OF THE MOTOR AND QUESTIONED WHEN MY LAST OIL CHANGE WAS STATING "THERE WAS VERY LITTLE OIL IN THE CAR AND IT WAS VERY DIRTY." FIRST RED FLAG CONSIDERING THAT WAS BRAND NEW OIL. HYUNDAI IS NOW TRYING TO NOT COVER THIS UNDER THE WARRANTY. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO BE COMMON ON THIS VEHICLE FROM ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE AND SHOULD PROBABLY BE RECALLED. HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A JOKE AS WELL AS THEIR VEHICLES. AND THEIR "AMERICA'S BEST WARRANTY" IS A GIMMICK TO GET PEOPLE TO BUY THESE POLISHED PIECES OF CRAP AND MORE THAN LIKELY WILL NOT BE HONORED. STILL WAITING TO HEAR FROM HYUNDAI ON A QUOTE FOR THE REPAIRS AND IF THE WARRANTY WILL COVER IT. *TR
Power train, Aug 8, 2014
I WAS BACKING MY CAR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED (AS IF I HAD HIT SOMETHING) JERKING THE CAR AND CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL / ENGINE TO DIE. I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT BLANK AND THEN A FEW LIGHTS CAME ON; BUT THE LIGHTS FOR THE LETTERS ON THE GEAR SHIFT WAS BLANK. THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE PLACED IN PARK AND AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES THE CAR STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. I NOTICED A SIMILAR COMPLAINT FROM JULY 16,2011. FROM SUGARLOAF, PA. THIS IS ALMOST WORD FOR WORD EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR! *TR
Suspension, Power train, Aug 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING NOISE UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ UPDATED 3/16/2015*JS
Structure, Aug 6, 2014
THE DOORS ON THIS SONATA DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THEY DO NOT STAY OPEN WHILE RIDERS EXIT THE VEHICLE, AND SWING BACK AND CLOSE, EASILY AND FORCEFULLY, OF THEIR OWN ACCORD. THIS IS NOT A RARE OCCURRENCE. IT HAPPENS OFTEN. WE HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF THREE CHILDREN, AGES 11-15, HAVE THEIR FINGERS SMASHED IN THE DOORS A TOTAL OF FIVE TIMES SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE IN 2011. TWO OF THOSE SMASHED FINGERS RESULTED IN OPEN BREAKS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Tires, Aug 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H431 TIRES, SIZE 225/45R18V. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL AND PART OF THE TREAD OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT HE DID NOT RECEIVE A RETURN PHONE CALL. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2014
MY 2011 SONATA JUST STOPPED ONE DAY, WITH NO WARNING. NO LIGHTS CAME ON, I CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, KEY HYUNDAI IN MILFORD, CT TOOK 3 DAYS TO GET BACK TO ME, AND TOLD ME THAT MY ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO LACK OF OIL. I HAD OIL IN MY CAR, THEY SAID THAT SLUDGE IS IN THE ENGINE BECAUSE I DID NOT KEEP MY REGULAR SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE WITH THEM. I CHECK MY OIL! BUT WHY DIDN'T THE CAR ALERT ME? WHY DIDN'T THE OIL LIGHT COME ONE AND TELL ME SOMETHING WAS WRONG? FACTORY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THE CAR EVEN THOUGH I SHOWN PROOF OF DOING OIL CHANGE ELSE WHERE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 5 MILES, HOW CAN A NEW CAR ENGINE JUST SEIZE! *TR
Power train, Aug 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Steering, Aug 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V457000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 10/7/14*CN
Vehicle speed control, Aug 4, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 10/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED 3 TIMES BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. UPDATED 3/5/2015 *JS
Structure, Jul 31, 2014
I NOTICED A SOUND AS IF MY FENDER WAS RATTLING AS I DROVE ON THE HWY, UPON REACHING HOME I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE CLIPS ATTACHING THE BUMPER TO THE FENDER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD FAILED. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF HYUNDAI. I FEEL IF IT HAPPENS ON THE OTHER SIDE THE COMPLETE BUMPER WILL COME OFF AS I DRIVE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 31, 2014
WHEN DRIVING 45 MILES PER HOUR OR 25 MPH, THE CARS RPM'S REV REALLY HIGH AND THE CAR GETS STUCK, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY, THE RPM"S REVVED REALLY HIGH AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE OR MOVE. THEN THE D ON THE DASHBOARD DROPPED FROM D TO 4 TO 3 TO 2...... I HAD TO WAIT FOR IT TO SHIFT BACK INTO GEAR ON ITS OWN AND THEN IT WENT BACK INTO DRIVE AND I COULD MOVE. HOWEVER IT CONTINUED TO DO THAT 4 TIMES LATER IN THE SAME DAY. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY KEEP SAYING THERE ISN'T ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE 3 SMALL CHILDREN SO I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS IT IS CONTINUING TO DO IT. GETTING STUCK IN GEAR IS NOT SAFE NOR IS HAVING THE RPM'S REV THAT HIGH AND BEING STUCK ON A HIGHWAY! *TR
Steering, Jul 30, 2014
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, THERE IS A CLICKING/RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ANY BUMPS OR SHAKING TO THE CAR CAUSES THE NOISE. *TR
Engine, Jul 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT A BAD BATCH OF OIL WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. ..UPDATED 08-26-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED 09/2/2014 *JS
Steering, Jul 29, 2014
LOOSE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT DETECTED BY CLUNKING WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS. NOTIFIED THAT THERE IS AN EXISTING RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 11 DEC 2009 AND 10 SEP 2010. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 12 OCT 2010. *JS
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE IGNITION SWITCH HOWEVER THE FAILURE DID NOT DUPLICATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 12/4/2014*JS
Steering, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S CAR HOME FROM WORK AND STOPPED BY A GAS STATION FOR A DRINK. I CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND STARTED IT UP. AS I WAS ENGAGING IN GEAR, I NOTICED THE SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE SHIFTER WAS MISSING. I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK, KILLED THE MOTOR AND RESTARTED. IT REAPPEARED, BUT BRIEFLY. AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE, I FELT A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION FROM THE GEARBOX; THEN THE DREADED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REARED ITS UGLY HEAD. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST AUTO PARTS STORE TO HAVE A GUY PULL THE CODE(S) FOR ME. IT WAS A FAILING PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) THAT WAS GIVING ME DRIVETRAIN ISSUES. IN REGARDS TO ELECTRICAL, WHENEVER MY WIFE (OR ANYONE ELSE) RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURN ON WHENEVER I MAKE HARD LEFT TURNS. INTERESTING :-/. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Jul 22, 2014
VERY LOAD CLICKING SOUND WHEN MOVING STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT. SEE VIDEO HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=M0LTCKLJVJ4 I KNOW THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION. IT WAS RECALL SERVICED BUT THIS HAS JUST GOTTEN WORSE. THE SOUND IS PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER. *TR
Power train, Jul 20, 2014
PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. I TRIED PUTTING IT IN DRIVE AND BACK TO REVERSE BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED. THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE THIS TIME BUT WHEN I PUT THE GEAR IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE BANGED INTO GEAR AN JOLTED AHEAD. THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WASN'T SHIFTING UP TO THE LIGHT ABOUT 1/4 MILE AWAY. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AGAIN AND WHILE I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN TO DRIVE. IT BANGED INTO DRIVE AND JOLTED AHEAD AGAIN. THE SAME SCENARIO HAPPENED AGAIN HAPPENED THE NEXT DAY AS I WAS COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Jul 15, 2014, crash
INCIDENT DETAILS: ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH, AROUND 7:15 A.M., I WAS IN MY CAR WITH MY 18 MONTH OLD SON GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY GARAGE. I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE; HOWEVER, I NOTICED THE GEAR READOUT ON THE DASHBOARD WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE GEAR SHIFT AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ALSO NON-FUNCTIONAL. I DECIDED I SHOULD RUN INTO THE HOUSE AND GET MY HUSBAND TO HAVE HIM LOOK AT THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR BACK INTO PARK, TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, AND TURNED TO TELL MY SON I WOULD BE RIGHT BACK. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STARTED STEP OUT OF THE CAR. I FELT THE CAR JERK VIOLENTLY AND THEN IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. I WAS KNOCKED OFF MY FEET AND DRAGGED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY UNTIL MY CAR HIT MY NEIGHBOR'S TREE (APPROX.. 70? FROM WHERE THE CAR STARTED INSIDE THE GARAGE), WHERE IT STOPPED. THE EVENT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF MY NEIGHBOR WHO RAN OVER TO MY HOUSE TO ALERT MY HUSBAND. HE RAN OUT TO THE CAR, WHICH WAS RESTED AGAINST THE TREE. HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE CAR IN ?PARK?, HOWEVER THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN ITS ABSOLUTE FORWARD POSITION. HE THEN PULLED THE GEAR SELECTOR BACK INTO THE DRIVE POSITION (GEAR INDICATORS STILL NON-FUNCTIONAL) AND THE CAR MADE AN AUDIBLE ?SNAP? AND LURCHED FORWARD. MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR APPROX. 20? WHERE HE PARKED IT. MY HUSBAND, MADE A PHONE CALL TO THE GURNEE, IL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, THEY ADVISED HIM TO CALL THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE NUMBER (1-800-633-5151). HE WAS CONNECTED WITH A CASE MANAGER BY THE NAME OF MERRIETA. SHE TOOK NOTES OF THE INCIDENT AND ADVISED HIM TO HAVE THE CAR SENT TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR AN INVESTIGATION. THE CAR WAS PICKED UP BY TOW TRUCK JUNE 27TH AROUND 11AM AND DELIVERED TO THE GURNEE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Jul 15, 2014
I AM STILL NOTICING ISSUES WITH STEERING I HEAR KNOCKING IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING AND SOMETIMES IT SHAKES AS IF IT IS LOOSE. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO HAVE IT FIXED PER RECALL, BUT THERE STILL APPEARS TO BE ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2014, fire
WHILE DRIVING AROUND 10 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH TRAFFIC ALL THE LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD LIT UP AND THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO SAFETY PULL CAR OVER TO THE RIGHT AND THEN A STRONG ODOR OF FIRE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD. NO FLAMES JUST SMOKE. WHAT'S EXTREMELY DISTURBING IS I JUST GOT AND OIL CHANGE FROM THE DEALERSHIP 3 DAYS PRIOR, I REQUESTED A CHECK OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT OFF 3 TIMES ONE WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY CHECK THE ENGINE AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE AND CAR WAS OK TO DRIVE. THIS CAR HAS HAD ISSUES FROM THE VERY FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASING. AND WHAT MAKES ME VERY UPSET AT THE TIME OF THIS ALMOST CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT IS MY WIFE AND 10 MONTH OLD CHILD WERE IN THE CAR DURING THIS INCIDENT. THIS CAR IS ABSOLUTELY THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. AND IT'S UNBELIEVABLE TO ME HOW THESE ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. RECALLING ONLY SEEMS TO PUT A BAND AID ON THE PROBLEM. WHAT'S NEEDED IS FULL CASH REFUNDS TO ALL OWNERS OF 2011 SONATAS. I BELIEVE THE 2011 SONATA MUST HOLD THE RECORD IN A VEHICLES WITH MOST PROBLEMS EVER RECORDED. *TR