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.
Steering, Power train, Structure, Jul 8, 2014
WHEN I PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND START TO DRIVE OFF IT COMES COMPLETELY OUT OF GEAR, I THEN HAVE TO POWER OFF CAR AND THEN RESTART AND IT MAY WORK OR I MAY HAVE SAME ISSUE A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT GOES IN GEAR. THIS HAS CAUSE MY CAR TO STALL, JERK WHEN IT DOES GO IN GEAR, STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN DRIVING, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. SEPARATE ISSUE IS THE FRONT BUMPER IS POORLY MADE IF YOU BARELY TAP ANYTHING WHEN PARKING THE CLAMPS BREAK AND BUMPER STARTS TO COME APART. *JS
Steering, Jul 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING COLUMN SHOOK AND MADE A RATTLING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,900. UPDATED 8/28/14*CN UPDATED 09/16/2014 *JS
Exterior lighting, Jun 28, 2014
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE COMPLETE LEFT REAR TAILLIGHT FELL OFF AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE, DANGLING ONLY BY THE LIGHT BULB WIRING HARNESS. ANOTHER DRIVER HAD TO FLAG DOWN MY WIFE DOWN TO GET HER ATTENTION THAT THE LIGHT HAD FALLEN OUT. ALL 4 BOLT HOUSING PIECES HAD CRUMBLE APART INTERNALLY CAUSING THIS. *TR
Tires, Jun 22, 2014
WAS LEAVING A LAKEFRONT BEACH ON A DUSTY DIRT ROAD GOING VERY SLOW BECAUSE OF ALL THE CARS PARKED AROUND ON A ONE LANE ROAD LEAVING THE BEACH. HAD NOT GONE MORE THAN 50 FT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT SOUNDED LIKE WE RAN OVER SOMETHING THAT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE UNDERNEATH. STOPPED GOT OUT AND LOOKED BEHIND ME AND 2-3 EMBEDDED ROCKS WERE IN THE ROAD, NOT LOOSE ROCKS, I DO NOT KNOW IF ANY DAMAGE WAS CAUSED AS TODAY IS SUNDAY AND NOTHING IS OPEN. WHAT IS THE DISTANCE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR TO THE GROUND? IT HAS TO BE LOWER THAN ALL OTHER CARS AS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CARS TRAVELING OVER THIS AREA ANNUALLY AND IF CARS WERE HITTING THEM I WOULD ASSUME THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN REMOVED? ALSO WE HAD NEW TIRES INSTALLED THE DAY BEFORE SIZE P205R60-16. WERE THESE PROPER SIZE? *TR
Engine, Jun 19, 2014
I'M HEARING CRACKLING NOISES FROM THE ENGINE BAY, I SUSPECTED IT WAS THE TURBO. BUT AFTER RESEARCHING AND CHECKING FORUMS MANY PEOPLE ARE HEARING THE SAME NOISE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Jun 17, 2014
FOUND LEFT REAR FENDER TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY NO LONGER MOUNTED. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND ALL FOUR MOUNT STUD PLASTIC MOLDING BROKEN AWAY, LIGHT ASSEMBLY BEING SUPPORTED BY SINGLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT SURPRISED AND STATED THEY HAVE SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE, MOST LIKELY OVER TORQUED DURING MANUFACTURE. NOW, 6/17/2014, AT 68111 ODOMETER, THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY, P/N 92402-3Q000, HAD THE SAME PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL FAILURE. THIS POSES A SERIOUS THREAT NOT ONLY TO OTHER VEHICLES INABILITY TO DETERMINE WHAT MY VEHICLE IS DOING BUT AS A FOREIGN OBJECT THREAT TO OTHER VEHICLES AS 5 POUND, TWO FOOT LONG PROJECTILE. *TR
Engine, Jun 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE 40MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AND IMMEDIATELLY THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTART IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,435.
Steering, Jun 16, 2014
POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND BACKING UP. NOISE IS BEEN HEARD AFTER YOU PARK AND THEN START UP AGAIN WHEN BACKING UP. ALSO WHEN TURN IN MY YARD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM. I HAVE CARRIED IT BACK FOR THE SAME REASON SEVERAL TIMES AND IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 16, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD WHICH IS ONLY 25 MPH IN MY PARENTS NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN I TURNED AROUND TO HEAD BACK ONCE I GOT OUT THE CAR I NOTICED THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE TAILLIGHT WAS HANGING OUT BY THE WIRES. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TAILLIGHT OR ON THE CAR, THE INSIDE PLASTIC PIECES WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE CAR WERE BROKEN. GOING TO TRY CALLING HYUNDAI TOMORROW AS IT JUST HAPPENED TONIGHT. BUT AFTER READING ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THEY WILL DO NOTHING. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Steering, Jun 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO TRAVEL OUT OF LANE INDEPENDENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,570.
Engine, Jun 9, 2014
I STARTED THE CAR AND IT SHOOK SOME AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED OIL AND IT WAS 2.5 QUARTS LOW. FILLED THE CAR WITH OIL. DROVE IT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE A OIL CHANGE DONE ON IT. THE SHOP CHANGED THE OIL AND I DROVE THE CAR HOME. AS I WAS DRIVING IT HOME THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND CLATTERING. THE CAR STALLED. TOWED TO SHOP WHERE MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY CHECKED OIL. IT WAS FULL OF OIL. THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE SENSORS. AFTER CHANGING THE SENSORS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF BUT THE MOTOR IS STILL KNOCKING. THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THE ENGINE HAS BEEN SEIZED. THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT THE 2011 ENGINE IS KNOWN TO HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jun 5, 2014
THE CAR WAS PARKED. STARTED AND BACKED UP I PROCEEDED FORWARD AT 10-15 MPH IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR JUST DIED WOULD NOT START I HAD PLENTY OF POWER LIGHTS ETC BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. A CAR ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BIZ IF WE HAD RODE IN THE CAR FOR 10 MINUTES AND IT STALLED WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A VERY DANGEROUS SECTION OF A HIGHWAY THAT WOULD MOST CERTAINLY ENDED WITH AN ACCIDENT AND EVEN A WORSE SCENARIO . FOR YOU TO HAVE NO WARNING A SIGNAL OR A BELL BUT FOR IT TO JUST SHUT OFF. I HAVE ENJOYED THE CAR FOR THE MOST PART BUT BETWEEN A OIL SENSOR GOING A FEW YEAR AGO AND THE CAR DIED THE SAME WAY IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR GOING DEAD AGAIN IN THE COURSE OF THE VEHICLE MOVING I SERIOUSLY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND OR CONSIDER BUYING A SONATA AGAIN I HOPE THIS NOTE HAS SOME EFFECT ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM BEFORE FATALITIES OCCUR. (NOW I ALSO HAVE A HUGE REPAIR BILL FOR A PROBLEM THAT SO OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY PART. *TR
Steering, Jun 3, 2014
STEERING RATTLE OVER BUMPS AND WASHBOARD TYPE SURFACES. VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE A STEERING COMPONENT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN IS BROKEN. HYUNDAI ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO COVER REPAIRS UNDER FACTORY OR AFTERMARKET WARRANTY WHICH THEY ALSO SOLD ME. *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 30, 2014
I OWN A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS IT BEGAN TO RAIN VERY HARD, WHEN I TURNED THE SWITCH ON FOR WIPERS THEY WOULD NOT WORK. I WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK, AND PULLED UNDER A BRIDGE, AND WAITED FOR THE STORM TO BLOW OVER WHICH LASTED A LOT LONGER THAN I EXPECTED. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY USELESS UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE WIPER MOTOR WENT BAD. WITH A PRETTY HEFTY COST TO REPAIR IT. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE MOTOR YET, AND I AM UPSET THAT A CAR ONLY 3 YRS. OLD WOULD HAVE A WIPER MOTOR GOING OUT ALREADY . I READ ON THE WEB OF MANY OTHERS WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM SO GLAD I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DOWNPOUR WITH RAIN. IT VERY WELL COULD HAVE CAUSED AND ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 22, 2014
DEAR SIR/MADAM, I'M CONTACTING YOU TO REPORT WHAT I STRONGLY BELIEVE IS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING UNIT OF HYUNDAI SONATA, 2011. IN AN ARTICLE THAT WAS PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2010 AT YAHOO NEWS, A RECALL PROBLEM OF THE SONATA WAS REPORTED AFTER "COMPLAINTS HAVE COME IN ABOUT FEELING LOOSENESS WHILE DRIVING OR ABNORMAL SOUNDS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMNS." (HTTP://VOICES.YAHOO.COM/HYUNDAI-RECALL-2011-HYUNDAI-SONATA-SEDANS-STEERING-6864748.HTML) MY PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI MATCHES THE DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINTS, WITH MORE COMPLICATION: 1) WHEN I START THE CAR, WITHOUT DRIVING, IF I STEER THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT, I COULD HEAR AN OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD NOISE IN THE FORM OF "CLICKING." ONE CONSUMER VIDEOTAPES THIS PROBLEM IN THIS VIDEO HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=OTKCP-8XHSW 2) WHEN I DRIVE ON A ROAD THAT IS LESS THAN PERFECTLY SMOOTH, I CAN HEAR A LOUD RATTLING NOISE, A NOISE THAT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM LOOSE PARTS IN THE COLUMN. THE NOISE BECOMES MOST OBVIOUS AND LOUDEST WHEN I DRIVE SLOWLY ON BRICK ROADS. 3) THE PROBLEM BECOMES MOST DANGEROUS WHEN I DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY. AS I SLOW DOWN TO TAKE AN EXIT, THE STEERING WHEEL GOES VICIOUSLY VIBRATING, MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL OR KEEP STABLE. THIS VIBRATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER AND TALKED TO HYUNDAI USA, BOTH PARTIES DISTANCED THE PROBLEM FROM CAMPAIGN 97 (A STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT RECALL). THE DEALER SAYS THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ON MY EXPENSES. IF THE DEALER IS RIGHT THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL, THEN IT IS A NEW PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND INVESTIGATED. PLEASE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE SAFETY OF HYUNDAI SONATA DRIVERS COULD BE ENDANGERED BY THIS PROBLEM IF NOT FIXED. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON REGARDING THIS MATTER. *TR
Tires, May 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK, TIRE LINE: OPTIMO H431, AND TIRE SIZE: 225/45R 18V TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BUBBLE ON THE TIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO A PREVIOUS FAILURE WITH THE ORIGINAL TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,005. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AND A NEW HANKOOK. UPDATED 08/13/2014 *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, May 20, 2014
ON 5 OCCASIONS MY CAR HAS TEMPORARILY STALLED/LOST POWER FOR AN INSTANT, ALWAYS AT FREEWAY SPEED WITHIN 10 MILES OF MY HOME. THE SENSATION IS AS IF THE CAR HAD RUN INTO SOMETHING HEAVY ON THE PAVEMENT. IT VIOLENTLY PITCHED MY WIFE AND I FORWARD AND I EXPECT THAT WE WOULD HAVE HIT THE DASH HAD WE NOT BEEN WEARING SEATBELTS. AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY IN ALL CASES, THE CAR HAD BARELY ENOUGH ACCELERATION TO DRIVE MORE THAN 25 MPH FOR THE COUPLE OF MILES TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THEY CANNOT REPAIR A PROBLEM WHICH THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE. I UNDERSTAND THIS BUT FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT HYUNDAI HAS NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I AM ONLY 30,000 MILES INTO A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. *TR
Engine, May 16, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE GRAND CENTRAL PARKWAY GOING 50 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND STALLED. THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED DUE TO LOSS OF OIL. THERE HAD BEEN NO OIL WARNING LIGHT. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY SINCE PURCHASE. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER INFORMED US THAT SHORT BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED & WORK WAS DONE. WE HAVE TRIED TO FIND AN OIL WARNING LIGHT ON THE A INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK SO WE ARE NOT CONFIDENT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN, CREATING ANOTHER UNSAFE SITUATION THE CAR DID NOT FEEL RIGHT WHILE WE DROVE IT. AT ONE POINT, ABOUT A MONTH OR SO LATER, IT STALLED OUT. WE CALLED HYUNDAI FOR A TOW BUT THE CAR EVENTUALLY STARTED. A WEEK LATER THE CAR OVERHEATED AND WE BROUGHT IT TO A SERVICE STATION & CHECKED THE COOLANT. IT WAS LOW & SO WE ADDED COOLANT. WE ALSO CHECKED THE OIL & FOUND IT DOWN BY ONE QUART. (THIS WAS ABOUT 2 THOUSAND MILES AFTER THE SHORT BLOCK WAS REPLACED). CAR CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT IN TRAFFIC. WE TOOK THE CAR TO HYUNDAI FOR SERVICE WHERE THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE FAN WAS NOT WORKING. WE ASKED IF IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE CAR TO STALL WHILE ON THE ROAD IF IT OVERHEATS, & WE'RE TOLD YES IT WAS NORMAL. WE CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. WE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT AND RECEIVED AN INCIDENT NUMBER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE FROM CORPORATE. WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR OR TRANSPORTING OUR GRANDCHILDREN OR ANYONE ELSE. PLEASE CONTACT US A.S.A.P. THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY TO OUR CONCERNS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, May 3, 2014
STEERING COLUMN MAKES CLUNK/RATTLE NOISE DRIVING DOWN ROUGH ROAD, BUMPS, AND SMALL POTHOLES AT HIGH AND LOW SPEED, IT MORE NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEED. WHILE AT STANDING IT MAKES NO NOISE. *TR
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2014
STEERING TOO TIGHT, WRIST AND HANDS GET VERY STRESSED IN SHORT TIME, KEEPS PULLING TO A SIDE, NEED TO PUT FORCE ON STEERING TO STAY IN LANE, VERY STRESSFUL TO MAKE TURNS AT ALL SPEEDS, STEERING SET TO LOW STIFFNESS BY DEALER, YET VERY PAINFUL, NO FIX FROM DEALER, SAYS THATS HOW IT IS SINCE ITS ELECTRONIC STEERING. I SEE SEVERAL BLOGS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE, SURPRISING THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY. TURBO FAILED TWICE BEFORE 50K. *JS
Exterior lighting, Apr 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Apr 23, 2014
ON GOING STEERING DRIFT ISSUES. HYUNDAI DID A SERVICE BULLETIN 927. CAR STILL WANTS TO VEER MOSTLY LEFT. WRIST FATIGUED HOLD CAR IN A LINE. DEALER BLEW ME OFF WHEN I CAME IN WITH CONCERNS. HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/CRO/NEWS/2011/03/2011-HYUNDAI-SONATA-STEERING-UPDATE-NEW-STRUT-SIMILAR-ALIGNMENT-ISSUE/INDEX.HTM. *TR
Steering, Apr 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COUPLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ALREADY UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V426000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,450.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2014, crash
ON THURSDAY, FEB 6, 2014 APPROXIMATELY AT 2PM ON A BUSY STREET. I WAS APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT AND AS I WAS APPROACHING STOP LIGHT AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT ON BRAKES TO STOP. INSTEAD OF STOPPING THE CAR THE CAR SPED UP AND DIDN'T STOP UNTIL I SMASHED INTO HIM. CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL COLLISION OCCURRED UPON IMPACT. I HAD NO BRAKES!!!!! I SMASHED HIS REAR BUMPER AND CRACKED HIS LICENSE PLATE WINDOW. ON SATURDAY, FEB 8TH 2014 I TOOK CAR INTO HYUNDAI DEALER THEY INSISTED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. I WAS ASKED IF BY HYUNDAI DEALER IF STREET WAS ICY AND THE STREETS WERE COMPLETELY DRY. I CALLED INSURANCE REPORTED INCIDENT, AND WITH THIS COLLISION THERE WAS 1300.00 DAMAGE TO HIS VEHICLE. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO INJURY THIS TIME. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2014, crash
ON MARCH 11, 2014 APPROXIMATELY AT 3:30 PM I WENT TO MY CAR IN AN UNDERGROUND GARAGE. I ENTERED THE CAR, PUT MY SEAT BELT ON, AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. THEN WHEN PUTTING CAR IN DRIVE, THE STEERING WOULDN'T MOVE AND WITHOUT ACCELERATION THE CAR TOOK OFF. .MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR TOOK OFF. AT THAT TIME, I TRIED TO BRAKE AND HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKES. WHEN THAT HAPPENED WITH THE CAR ACCELERATING, I HAD NO BRAKES OR STEERING. I CRASHED INTO MY HUSBANDS CAR THAT WAS PARKED IN SPOT NEXT TO ME. I SMASHED HIS REAR RIGHT PANEL. THE CAR WAS GOING AT SUCH A SPEED MY HUSBAND'S CAR WAS PUSHED A COUPLE OF FEET OVER. IF HIS CAR WAS NOT THERE, I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT WALL. AS FOR MY CAR, I SMASHED THE LEFT FRONT FENDER, HEAD LIGHT AND LOWER PANEL ON THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT DEAD. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND PROCEEDED TO CALL HYUNDAI. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE AUTO BODY SHOP FOR REPAIRS CAUSED BY ACCIDENT. AFTER THE BODY SHOP REPAIRS WERE FINISHED, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO HYUNDAI. THIS AUTO BODY SHOP HAD THE CAR FOR 2-3 WEEKS. HYUNDAI TECHNICIANS WERE CALLED IN TO CHECK. HYUNDAI'S FINAL OUTCOME/DECISION WAS THAT THERE WERE NO FINDINGS AND THEY FEEL THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I WAS THEN CALLED TO PICK THE CAR UP THE MANAGER. HE CLAIMED TO HAVE PHONED ME NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIMES, BUT THIS IS FALSE. I ONLY RECEIVED ONE CALL FROM HIM. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE SINCE THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM THE CAR WAS TOWED FROM HYUNDAI BACK TO MY RESIDENCE AND PARKED IN THE UNDERGROUND GARAGE. I FIND THIS COMPLETELY APPALLING AND VERY UPSETTING THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. THIS IS NOT THE RESPONSE OR SERVICE I EXPECTED TO RECEIVE FROM A SO CALLED REPUTABLE COMPANY. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY OR FATALITIES. I FEEL HYUNDAI IS TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SITUATION. THEY ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS.