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, Apr 19, 2014
VEHICLE DRIFTS TO LEFT AND STEERING WHEELS REQUIRES EXTRA/UNNECESSARY FORCE TO CORRECT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 19, 2014
AT VARIOUS TIMES, WHEN FILLING THE CAR WITH GAS, A VERY STRONG GAS SMELL IS IN THE CAR CABIN. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE ANY COMMON PRECIPITATING FACTORS. HAPPENS SPORADICALLY WHEN ADDING VARIOUS AMOUNTS OF GAS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE ACTIVE AIR FLAP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACTIVE AIR FLAP SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2014
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, MY CAR WOULD NOT START WITH THE KEYLESS KEY FOB. THE CAR STATED THEY KEY WAS NOT DETECTED ALTHOUGH THE KEY WAS IN THE CAR. I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE CAR, COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK OR USE THE BUTTONS ON THE KEY FOB IN ANY WAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED INCREASINGLY IN THE PAST MONTH. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Mar 26, 2014, crash
MY VEHICLE HYNDAI SONATA 2011, CRASHED INTO A PARKED CONSTRUCTION IN A PARKING LOT AT THE SPEEDS OF UP TO 30 MPH. THE CRASH DAMAGED BASICALLY THE WHOLE FRONT SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE AND DAMAGED THE FRONT TWO WHEELS. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED AS WELL WITH CRACKS ON THE SHIELD AND IT ALSO KNOCKED OUT THE REARVIEW MIRRORS. I WAS IN THE DRIVER SEAT WHEN THE CRASH HAPPENED AND MY HEAD CRASHED UP AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH LEFT A LITTLE SORENESS. WHAT I WAS WONDERING IS WITH SUCH AN IMPACT AND SUCH DAMAGE, HOW DID THE AIRBAGS NOT GO OFF?. MY HEAD SLAMMED PRETTY GOOD UP AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND A LITTLE MORE IMPACT I COULD'VE BEEN SEVERELY HURT. SO I JUST WANT TO ASK WHY DID THE AIRBAGS NOT WORK? *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 19, 2014
IN DECEMBER, AS I WAS WALKING TO MY CAR IN THE MORNING TO GO TO WORK, I NOTICED MY BRAKE LIGHT HANGING OUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. THE WHOLE LIGHTING FIXTURE WAS REMOVED FROM THE PLASTIC AND NOT CONNECTED TO THE HINGES ANYMORE. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT AT THE TIME SO I RIGGED IT SO IT WOULD STAY IN PLACE TEMPORARILY. ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER, THE LEFT SIDE DID THE SAME THING. THE ENTIRE LAMP LIGHT WAS HANGING OUT OF THE SOCKETS AGAIN! I BECAME ENRAGED BECAUSE BOTH TIMES THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID IT WAS VANDALISM AND SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FULL PRICE FOR BOTH LIGHTS. AFTER I DID SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND LOTS AND LOTS OF POSTS WITH THE SAME THING OCCURRING TO THEM. THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS AS THIS IS NOT SAFE. I AM SCARED TO WASH MY CAR DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT MAY BE GET SHORTED. I AM GOING TO TRY MY BEST TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS IN MANY PLATFORMS AS I CAN UNTIL THIS IS DEEMED FAIR AND ADDRESSED BY THE PROPER AUTHORITIES. I WAS ACTUALLY PRAISING HYUNDAI FOR THE EXPERIENCE UP UNTIL THIS POINT. NOW, I FEEL ROBBED AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR DUE TO THE INJUSTICE EXPERIENCE. IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO YOU, PLEASE REPORT IT. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 13, 2014
CAR STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, CAUSING DRIVER UNNECESSARY STRESS THAT SHE WOULD BE INVOLVED IN DEADLY ACCIDENT. HAD TO MOVE TO SHOULDER AREA DURING RUSHHOUR TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES, IN THE DC AREA. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET ISSUES ADDRESSED WITH DEALERSHIPS IN DC/MD. TOLD MANY REASONS WHY THE SUDDEN STOPS. HAD TO PAY OFF OF POCKET FOR RENTAL, NEVER ADDRESSED TO SATISFACTION OF OWNER. MAJOR, MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN STOPS WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. *TR
Visibility, Mar 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE GLASS SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED AND SHATTERED CAUSING A VERY LOUD BOOMING SOUND. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED DURING THE INCIDENT AND NOTHING MADE CONTACT WITH THE GLASS TO CAUSE THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. ..UPDATED 04-24-14*BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AT THEIR EXPENSE. UPDATED 05/14/14 *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 11, 2014
ADD ME TO THE GROWING LIST OF TAIL LIGHT ISSUES. MY TAILLIGHT WAS FOUND HANGING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENT, PICTURES WERE TAKEN AND FORWARDED TO THEIR REP AS THE DEALER HAD NOT SEEN THIS ISSUE BEFORE AND THEY WERE LOOKING FOR AUTHORIZATION. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE TAILLLIGHT, THE INSIDE PLASTIC WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE CAR WAS ALL BROKEN UP. A DETERMINATION WAS MADE BY SOMEONE WHO HAD NOT EVEN SEEN THE VEHICLE TO DENY WARRANTY WORK DUE TO DAMAGE. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO MY CAR! THE DEALER OFFERED TO INSTALL THE TAILLIGHT AT NO CHARGE IF I WOULD BUY THE PART. I DIDN'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD PAY $182 FOR A NEW TAILLIGHT AND THEY OFFERED TO FIND ME ONE USED. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU? I WAS ABLE TO FIND AN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FOR $61 AND THEY WILL INSTALL FOR FREE. HOW FOOLISH OF HYUNDAI TO LOSE A CUSTOMER FOR A CHEAP REPAIR. WHAT GOOD IS THEIR WARRANTY IF THEY DON'T HONOR IT? AND, BY THE WAY, THEY DON'T RECOGNIZE YOUR WEBSITE WITH ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE ISSUES.
Steering, Mar 7, 2014
STEERING WHEEL WILL MAKE LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AS U TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT FEELS AS IF ITS LOOSE, OR THE STEERING COLUMN ABOUT TO COM A PART, I CONTACTED HYUNDAI THE MANUFACTURE ASKED ME TO DROP THE CAR AT LOCAL DEALER FOR INSPECTION, LOCAL DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE, 2 WEEKS OF COUNT LESS HOURS ON THE PHONE WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT RESULTED IN I MUST PAY INSPECTION & REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Mar 6, 2014, crash
WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPOT TO A DINER, THE CAR UNINTENDED ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF THE DINER. MINOR DAMAGE TO THE SIDE OF THE DINER AS I WAS NO MORE THAN 3 FEET FROM THE BLDG. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS ACCELERATION OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS ENTERING THE PARKING SPOT AT NO MORE THAN 5 MPH PLANNING TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND EXIT FOR LUNCH. MY LEG HIT THE HOOD LATCH AND I OBTAINED A NASTY CUT ON MY SHIN. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED, SUCH AS THE TIRES AND TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, WHEN SHE TURNED THE IGNITION, THERE WAS AN ODOR OF SMOKE AND RUBBER BURNING. UPDATED 11/16/15. *JB
Service brakes, Mar 3, 2014
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR THIS MORNING AS I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT I APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR CONTINUED MOVING FORWARD AND LUCKILY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION HAD THERE BEEN A CAR MOVING I COULD HAVE CRASHED INTO IT AS THE CAR COULD NOT STOP - THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS JUST VIBRATING HOWEVER HARD I PUSHED IT - THERE WAS ALSO SNOW ON THE PAVEMENT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 3, 2014, crash, fire
FATAL ACCIDENT, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE HITTING A TREE HEAD ON. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. STEERING COLUMN AIR BAG AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS INTACT. NOTIFIED HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 49995 MILES, 2ND OWNER NO PREVIOUS INCIDENTS TO THE VEHICLE , HAD APPROX 80000 MILES AT TIME OF CRASH. *TR
Steering, Mar 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH OVER A POT HOLE, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE A SECOND TIME AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,025. *TR
Structure, Mar 3, 2014
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED, INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE CHROME PEELING AND CAUSED MINOR LACERATION TO HAND. *TR
Steering, Feb 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BUSHING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V457000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Service brakes, Feb 26, 2014
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CALIPER LOCKED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED A SECOND TIME ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN SNOWY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LINES WHEN THE RUBBER WORE PREMATURELY AND PREVENTED THE BRAKE FLUID TO FLOW TO THE CALIPERS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. RK
Power train, Feb 22, 2014
MANUAL TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY JERKY. TRANSMISSION SMELLS REALLY BAD AFTER EVERY DRIVE. AFTER CLUTCH IS RELEASED THERE IS A BLIP CAUSING A DELAY IN ACCELERATION, MAKING THE CAR VERY UNPREDICTABLE. STALLS ALMOST EVERY TIME GOING INTO FIRST GEAR FROM A STOPLIGHT. CAR HAS STALLED AT INTERSECTION MULTIPLE TIMES. NEW MANUAL DRIVERS ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE IT IS SO DANGEROUS. DRIVER IS 15 YEAR VETERAN OF MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS. *TR
Engine, Feb 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED WHEN IT BECAME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,405. UPDATED 04/04/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN HALF OF A MILE THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE LOCKED UP DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY REPAIRED. UPDATED 04/14/2014 *JS
Visibility/wiper, Feb 8, 2014
PREMATURE SCRATCHING OF WINDSHIELD GLASS. *TR
Engine, Feb 8, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 SONATA ON I-95 NORTH IN MD NEAR BALTIMORE. I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT 8:20AM, WHEN WITH OUT ANY WARNING, MY CAR SHUT OFF . I LOOKED DOWN AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH WERE ON. I COASTED TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND I TRIED TO RESTART IT AND IT WOULDN'T. I WAITED FOR 30- 40 MINUTES IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON THE LEFT SHOULDER OF 95 FOR SOMEONE TO COME AND JUMP START MY CAR. IT STARTED IMMEDIATELY WHEN IT WAS JUMPED, WITH NO PROBLEMS, WITH NO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING ANY PROBLEMS. I WAS ABOUT 1/4 MILE FROM WORK. ONCE BACK IN TRAFFIC, MY CAR TURNED OFF A SECOND TIME. AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED WITH A JUMP WITH NO PROBLEM. WHEN IT STARTED THE SECOND TIME WE HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE AND DROVE IT 3 BLOCKS TO MY OFFICE. NO DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I CONTACTED MY DEALER, ANNAPOLIS HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED IN. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI'S ROAD SIDE SERVICE AND THEY TOWED IT AT NO COST TO ME. I WAS ASKED FOR RECEIPTS AND SERVICE INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY BEFORE MY CAR WAS LOOKED AT. AFTER 6 DAYS AND CONTINUAL CALLS, THEY ADVISED I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. AS MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND THE ENGINE IS UNDER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY( IT HAS APPROX. 64,000 MILES ON IT), THEY ADVISED THEY WOULD HAVE TO SEND DOCUMENTS IN TO HYUNDAI AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO APPROVE. MY CAR HAS BEEN THERE FOR 16 DAYS AND I HAVE BEEN REFUSED A LOANER CAR UNTIL HYUNDAI HONORS THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY CAR HAD ORIGINALLY BEEN SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE ON 1/27 AS I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS AND IT NEEDED TO BE JUMPED STARTED(WITH 2 TIMES BY GEICO). DURING THIS TIME, THERE WAS NEVER ANY INDICATION THERE WAS A PROBLEM AS NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON MY CAR. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THE ENGINE. A CAR SHOULD NEVER STOP RUNNING WHILE IT IS IN DRIVE ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2014
I HAVE PURCHASE MY VEHICLE IN MARCH-2011 AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS I HAVE ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASED, BUT I WILL STICK WITH A RECURRING ISSUE. 4/11/12 I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN BECAUSE A BLOWN PASSENGER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. THEY DETERMINED THAT UPON INSPECTION FOUND AN OPEN CIRCUIT DUE TO BLOWN RIGHT FRONT BULB. IT WAS "CORRECTED." 06/07/12 TOOK MY VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. INSTALLED BULB 5/2/13 TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR A BLOWN PASSENGER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. "UNDETERMINED." 2/5/14 TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR A BLOWN PASSENGER LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT THAT WENT OUT. "UNDETERMINED UPDATED 04/17/14*LJ *TR
Steering, Feb 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BEGIN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE BUSHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Tires, Feb 2, 2014
THIS IS ABOUT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. WHEN IT GETS ABOUT 20 DEGREES F OR COLDER, THE INDICATOR STATES LOW TIRE PRESSURE. CHECKING THE TIRE PRESSURE REVEALS ALL PRESSURES ARE EQUAL AND NORMAL. WHEN THE WEATHER WARMS UP, THE INDICATOR TURNS ITSELF OFF. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 1, 2014
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN SEPTEMBER 2013, IT IS CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED AND CAME WITH THE ORIGINAL 100,000 MILE/10 YEAR WARRANTY, I PURCHASED THE EXTRA ELECTRICAL WARRANTY. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION WASN'T SWITCHING GEARS WHEN I WAS ACCELERATING AND IF I TOOK MY FOOT OF OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR WANTED TO STOP, MY BRAKES WERE LOCKING UP. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND A LOUD NOISE. I PULLED OVER, SHUT OFF THE CAR AND WAITED ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES UNTIL THE SMOKING STOPPED AND I TURNED THE CAR ON AND BEGAN TO DRIVE HOME. I WAS ONLY ABOUT 3 MINUTES FROM MY HOME AT THAT TIME. THE TRANSMISSION WAS CONTINUING TO DEMONSTRATE PROBLEMS AND THE BRAKES TO MAKE A LOW RUMBLING NOISE. I CALLED HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE RIGHT AWAY TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE EVALUATED AND FIXED. I CALLED AT 3PM AND THEY DID NOT PICK UP MY CAR UNTIL 9:30 PM. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE AND THEY WERE GOING TO CHECK SEVERAL OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE CAR TO CONFIRM EVERYTHING WAS IN WORKING ORDER. A FEW HOURS LATER I CALLED TO GET A STATUS UPDATE ON MY VEHICLE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DISCOVERED SOMETHING WRONG, THEY HAD CONDUCTED A TEST DRIVE FOR THE SECOND TIME AND DISCOVERED ALL OF THE PROBLEMS I WAS INITIALLY REPORTING ABOUT THE CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN TOLD ME HE WAS NOT SURE OF THE CAUSE AND THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CHECK SEVERAL OTHER THINGS AND I WOULD NEED A RENTAL CAR BECAUSE HE DID NOT KNOW HOW LONG THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE. I GOT THE RENTAL CAR AT ABOUT 2 IN THE AFTERNOON AND WAS CALLED AT 5:30 AND TOLD ME CAR WAS READY FOR PICK-UP AND THAT THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I WENT THE NEXT MORNING TO PICK UP MY CAR AND DROP OFF MY RENTAL AT ABOUT 10AM. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE FINE, BUT AT ABOUT 3PM HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. *TR