2011 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 3,376 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 116 involved a crash and 112 involved a fire. 85 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemApr 5, 2016
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
Campaign 16V190000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchNov 16, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
Campaign 15V759000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsOct 7, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
Campaign 15V629000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineSep 10, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
Campaign 15V568000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.
If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.
Campaign 14V433000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorOct 1, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.
Campaign 10V457000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorSep 20, 2010
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V426000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchMar 2, 2010
HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.
THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 10V070000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
3,376 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO OIL SLUDGE . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Oct 28, 2013
COMPLAINTANT WALKED OUT OF HOME TO VEHICLE. UPON APPROACHING VEHICLE, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING (DRIVER'S SIDE) WAS DETACHED, AND STICKING OUT ABOUT 1 INCH FROM THE VEHICLE. COMPLAINTANT CAREFULLY SLID THE HOUSING BACK INTO ITS CAVITY, WHERE IT STAYED. COMPLAINTANT THEN DEPARTED. ABOUT 3 DAYS LATER, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED THAT THE HOUSING WAS AGAIN DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE, AND AGAIN SLID IT BACK INTO PLACE. OVER TIME, THE COMPLAINTANT REPEATED RETURNING THE HOUSING INTO THE CAVITY THREE (3) ADDITIONAL TIMES. WHEN THE COMPLAINTANT WAS CONFRONTED WITH A 5TH EVENT OF THE HOUSING DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE, COMPLAINTANT SHINED A FLASHLIGHT DOWN INTO THE CAVITY, AND SAW THAT THE HOUSING MOUNTING SOCKETS WERE FRACTURED/SHATTERED, AND NONE OF THE SEVERAL MOUNTING STUDS/BOLTS WERE ATTACHED. BUT, THE STUDS/BOLTS WERE STILL ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE SHELL. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY ONTO THE CAR, WERE THE WIRES TO THE BRAKE LIGHT, BACK-UP LIGHT, AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHT. NO SURFACE SCRATCHES, NOR BODY DAMAGE EXPERIENCED. AFTER INSPECTING THE DEFECTIVE HOUSING, COMPLAINTANT SURMISED THAT HYUNDAI TAIL LIGHT HOUSING IS MADE OF HARD, BRITTLE PLASTIC, WHICH SHATTERS WHEN OVERLY TIGHTENED AT FACTORY, OR DUE TO THE VIBRATION OF THIS OVERLY HARD RIDING VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, COMPLAINTANT NOTICED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FLUSH WITH THE REAR TRUNK GATE, AND WAS EXTENDED OUTWARD ABOUT 1/4 INCH. THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT/PASSENGER SIDE WAS FLUSH WITH THE TRUNK GATE, AND HAS NOT PRODUCED A SIMILAR ISSUE, YET. COMPLAINTANT SECURED HOUSING TO THE VEHICLE CAVITY BY USING DUCT TAPE. COMPLAINTANT SCHEDULED VEHICLE REPAIR WITH HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR TOMORROW. UPDATE TO FOLLOW. *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2013
UNINTENTIONAL AUTOMATIC DOWN SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO FIRST GEAR WHEN SHIFT LEVER IS FIRMLY IN DRIVE POSITION. 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED TURBO 2.0T - VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY (ON ITS OWN) SHIFT GEARS FROM "DRIVE" WHILE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE "DRIVE" POSITION DOWN TO 1ST GEAR TYPICALLY WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, OCCASIONALLY SOMETIMES AT SLIGHTLY HIGHER SPEEDS. THE ONLY REMEDY I HAVE FOUND IS TO TAP THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE LEFT AND USE THE SHIFTRONIC SHIFTING TO MANUALLY SHIFT FROM FIRST GEAR BACK UP TO DRIVE. HAVE EXPLAINED TO TWO SEPARATE CAR DEALERSHIPS WHO HAVE MERELY DISMISSED IT AS A POSSIBLE SOFTWARE GLITCH, NOT EVEN ALLOWING ME TO ATTEMPT TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM, NOR EVEN ATTEMPTING TO TEST DRIVE IT TO SEE IF THEY CAN OBSERVE THE UNINTENTIONAL UNINTENDED AUTOMATIC DOWN SHIFT PROBLEM FROM "D" DRIVE TO "1ST" FIRST GEAR THEMSELVES.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 10V426000 (STEERING) AND 10V457000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,382. UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 22, 2013
THE CAR RANDOMLY STALLED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR ABOUT TEN TIMES NOW THROUGHOUT MY 3.5 YEARS' OWNERSHIP. I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MARCH 2010. WITHIN ONE MONTH, THE ENGINE STALLED WHEN BRAKING TO A FULL STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE DEALER COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ONE MONTH LATER, MY CAR CUT OFF AGAIN WHILE SITTING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. ANOTHER ONE OR TWO MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED THE THIRD TIME. THE DEALER KEPT MY TOWED CAR FOR TWO WEEKS BUT HAD NO CLUE. FROM THEN ON, I JUST GAVE UP. ONE DAY, WHEN IT SAT AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR SHOOK A LITTLE LIKE SOMEONE HIT ME. THE OTHER DAY, THIS HIT-LIKE SHAKE HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS TIME, THE CAR EVEN SHOOK SEVERAL TIMES DURING DRIVING AFTER LEAVING THAT TRAFFIC LIGHT, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SHAKE. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, MY CAR FINALLY STALLED AGAIN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. EXCEPT THE FIRST ONE, ALL OTHER OCCURRENCES HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR SAT AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. AFTER I RESTARTED THE CAR, IT COULD RUN SMOOTHLY FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH. GIVEN THE OCCURRENCE FREQUENCY, THE CHANCE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP IS ALMOST ZERO. AND THEY REFUSED TO LEND ME THEIR COMPUTER THAT I COULD HOOK UP TO THE CAR TO RECORD DRIVING DATA. I HAD ALSO CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER AFFAIRS. ALL THEY CAN DO WAS JUST SEND ME TO THE DEALER AND CLOSE THE TICKET. RECENTLY, THE CAR STALLED AGAIN DURING A LOW-SPEED DRIVING. THE CAR LOST DRIVING POWER COMPLETELY WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED AND HURRIEDLY STEPPED THE BRAKE, SWITCHED THE GEAR TO PARK, AND RESTARTED THE CAR. FORTUNATELY, NO CAR WAS AROUND. THIS IS REALLY TERRIFYING AND I AM REALLY DISAPPOINTED AND EMBARRASSED. *TR
Engine, Oct 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE, WHICH DID NOT REMEDY THE STALLING FAILURE AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM AND TIGHTENED THE OIL PAN HOWEVER, THE REPAIR ALSO DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT DETECT A CODE REGARDING THE STALLING FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO SENT A TECHNICIAN FROM THE REGIONAL OFFICE BUT THE TECHNICIAN ALSO COULD NOT DETERMINE A DEFECT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 14 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Structure, Oct 16, 2013
SCRAPPED A CURB PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. BUMPER CLIPS BROKE. ELECTRICAL TAPE INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL IS HOLDING IT TOGETHER JUST AS GOOD AS THE CLIP...REALLY TAPE. READ SO MANY ONLINE REVIEWS ABOUT PEOPLE NOT HITTING ANYTHING OR TRAFFIC CONES AND THEY BREAK. IMAGINE IF YOU ACTUALLY NEEDED THE BUMPER TO PROTECT YOU. I PURCHASED THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS SAFE.....REALLY CONCERNED IF IT IS NOW. AS THE GOVERNING BODY YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVED. HYUNDAI KNOWS ITS A PROBLEM, BUT THEY ARE NOT RECALLING IT. THIS IS A CONCERN AND WITH SO MANY OF THE ROAD THERE ARE A LOT OF LIVES AT RISK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 9, 2013, crash
THE AUTO ON SEVERAL, SPORADIC OCCASIONS HAD AN ACCELERATION PROBLEM, WHILE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC. WHILE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC, THE RPMS WOULD START TO INCREASE, GOING TO 6000 RPMS BEFORE I GEARED IT BACK DOWN AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. I TOOK IT TOO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THEY KEPT IT COUPLE OF DAYS EACH TIME, THEY TOLD ME, THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG, AND GO AHEAD AND DRIVE IT, IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN, BRING IT BACK, SENDING ME AWAY IN A UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE LAST TIME, DATE MENTIONED ABOVE, A SERVICE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE MY CAR, THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM OCCURRED, AND HE TOTALED OUT MY VEHICLE. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED UNTIL 2 DAYS LATER THAT MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN A ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD, IT HAPPENED THE NIGHT BEFORE, I WAS NOTIFIED ON SEPT 13, 2013, THAT WOULD HAVE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRING ON SEPT.12,2013, WHEN IN FACT IT OCCURRED ON SEPT. 11, 2013. I HAVE SEARCHED AND FOUND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT THIS VEHICLE, DID INDEED, HAVE ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, WHICH THE DEALER HAD INFORMED ME, HAD NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THE VEHICLE, SHOULD HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THE PROBLEM FIXED, THE FIRST TIME, INSTEAD OF THE DEALERSHIP, SENDING ME AWAY EACH TIME IN A UNSAFE VEHICLE. VERY UNETHICAL OF THE DEALER, FOR TELLING LIES ABOUT THE CAR,AND, THE CORRECT DATE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, NOT NOTIFYING ME FOR 2 DAYS, THAT IT OCCURRED, AND.NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM, AS SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXPECTED OF THEM, THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED, AND SENDING ME AWAY EACH TIME IN A UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 8, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE WANTED TO LUNGE FORWARD EVERY TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN BY A TECHNICIAN. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE BEING TEST DRIVEN AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED UP AN EMBANKMENT, CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THEN ROLLED OVER. THE TECHNICIAN SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,500.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Oct 4, 2013, fire
I AM REPORTING A SECOND INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST INCIDENT I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED IN MY EARLIER COMPLAINT. AS NOTED IN MY EARLIER COMPLAINT, THE CAR HAD EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN FOR REPAIR TO THE HYUNDAI LICENSED DEALER AND AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVICE CENTER OPERATED BY HYUNDAI BURLINGAME (1025 ROLLINS ROAD, BURLINGAME, CA 94010). THE REPAIR CENTER EXPLAINED THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AND SO WOULD THE FUEL INTAKE VALVE. A NEW ENGINE AND INTAKE VALVE WERE INSTALLED IN THE CAR. ON 10/2/2013, THE REPAIR WORK WAS COMPLETED AND MY SPOUSE PICKED UP THE CAR AND RETURNED TO OUR RESIDENCE. ON 10/3/2013, MY SPOUSE WAS DRIVING THE REPAIRED CAR TO WORK DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE ON SOUTHBOUND I-280 IN THE BAY AREA WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD CLANGING NOISES AND VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER. MY SPOUSE WAS ABLE TO PULL OF THE HIGHWAY JUST AS THE CAR AGAIN EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN RELEASING VERY HEAVY DARK SMOKE. AS THE ENGINE FAILED, THE POWER TO THE STEERING WENT OUT AND THIS MADE THE CAR DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI DEALER AND SERVICE REPAIR CENTER, STEVENS CREEK HYUNDAI (4425 STEVEN CREEK BLVD., SANTA CLARA, CA 95051). STEVENS CREEK HYUNDAI OPENED THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND EXAMINED THE ENGINE. STEVEN CREEK HYUNDAI TOLD MY SPOUSE THERE WAS A HIGH PRESSURE GASOLINE LEAK AND GASOLINE HAD BEEN SPURTING ON THE HOT ENGINE AND ALSO THAT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 1, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10MPH I HEARD A RATTLE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I SUSPECTED IT WAS SUSPENSION RELATED BUT THEN NOTICED THERE WAS SOME PLAY IN THE STEERING. TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT JUST SLIGHTLY CAUSES THE SOUND TO OCCUR. ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR STEERING ISSUES FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL CAR. I TOOK IT TO KEY HYUNDAI IN JACKSONVILLE AND THEY VERIFIED THE STEERING COLUMN AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WERE THE SOURCE. MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE EXACT ISSUE. THE DEALER WANTS $1310.75 TO REPAIR MY 2 YEAR OLD CAR. *TR
Engine, Sep 25, 2013
MY SPOUSE WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 280 SOUTHBOUND IN THE BAY AREA DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE WHEN AN ENGINE ROD CAME LOOSE AND PUNCTURED A WHOLE IN THE ENGINE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE ENGINE FAILURE LED TO LOSS OF POWER TO THE STEERING AND BRAKES AND THE CAR COASTED OFF THE INTERSTATE EXIT RAMP AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO A STOP AFTER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE CAR HAS CONSISTENTLY RECEIVED REGULAR MAINTENANCE FROM THE LOCAL AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI DEALER AND CAR SERVICE PROVIDER. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING BEFORE THE ENGINE FLEW APART. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE LED TO THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER, ANY PASSENGERS, AND OTHER DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS OF NEARBY CARS. *JS
Steering, Sep 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLUCKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME ROUGH TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,142.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2013
LAST NIGHT, I WAS TOLD, I HAD LEFT A DOME LIGHT ON. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TRYING TO GET IT OFF. THOUGHT I HAD IT OFF, LOCKED CAR ALL LIGHTS WERE OFF WHEN I LEFT IT. COME OUT THIS MORNING TO HEAD TO WORK AND IT WOULD NOT START. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST INCIDENT. IF I LEAVE THE KEYS IN THE CAR IT KILLS IT? I USE TO DO THIS WITH MY BMW AND NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. WHY DOES IT SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF MY BATTERY? THIS MORNING, THO I DONT UNDERSTAND. I HAD ALL THE LIGHTS OFF,,,I THOUGHT. DO NOT KNOW WHAT DRAINED IT. IS THE BATTERY A CHEAP BATTERY? DO I NEED TO CHANGE IT OUT? ITS JUST A 2011, THOUGHT SHOULD LAST LONGER. ANY OTHER ISSUES WITH DEAD BATTERY?
Steering, Sep 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING AND ESC WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLAMP WAS LOWER THAN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP, CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS NOT TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION AT A GREATER DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO ADJUSTED THE HEADLAMPS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000. ..UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTS WERE ADJUSTED AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE, WHICH HELPED THE LIGHTING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
Power train, Sep 19, 2013
THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR (AND/OR ASSOCIATED WIRELESS HARNESS) FAILED. WE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO TWO 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS IN A 4-WEEK SPAN (THIS ONE A 6-CYLINDER, THE OTHER A 4-CYLINDER WITH 15,500 MILES ON IT). THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION, PROMPTED US TO REPORT IT. THIS ONE MIMICKED A HESITATE & SURGE. THE OTHER ONE DID THAT, THEN BECAME UNDRIVABLE. DEALERS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY IN BOTH CASES. *TR
Seat belts, Sep 16, 2013, crash
ON 9/3/2013 MY CAR WAS HIT IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DISCONNECTED FROM THE DOOR PANEL WHICH LEFT ME UNPROTECTED. I EXPERIENCED SHOULDER PAIN AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR XRAYS NOTHING WAS BROKEN BUT IT TOOK ME A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO BE RELIEVED OF THE PAIN. *TR
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Sep 15, 2013
MY CAR WAS JUST SERVICED FOR EXCESSIVE NOISE OCCURRING WHEN I WOULD MAKE TURNS AS IF THE CAR COULD NOT GRIP THE ROAD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEAL AS WAS TOLD THE ALIGNMENT MUST BE OFF, ONLY TO FIND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WAS NEVER TOLD OF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE CAR AND A NEW ALIGNMENT PART THEIR "TP3 RECALL" BUT WHEN DRIVING HOME THE CAR DID NOT MAKE NOISES WHEN MAKING THE TURNS ON THE ON/OFF RAMPS BUT RATHER WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND/OR WHEN CHANGING LANES. DEALER DUE TO BEING A SUNDAY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BEING CLOSED AS ME TO CALL THEM BACK. THIS WILL BE THE 3RD TIME I HAVE HAD TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH EACH TIME THE STEERING COLUMN BEING LOOSE AND A NATURAL PULL TO THE DRIVER SIDE. *TR
Structure, Sep 11, 2013
TRUNK OPENS ON ITS OWN. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY 2013. FINALLY BROUGHT IT IN TO DEALER TODAY, SEPT. 11, 2013. THOUGHT I MIGHT HAVE HIT BOTTOM ACCIDENTALLY; BUT KEYS WERE IN MY PURSE AND IT COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR 04/01/2021: ODI # CHANGED FROM 10543023 TO 10543707 AS PART OF ROUTINE DATA CLEANUP.
Structure, Sep 11, 2013
TRUNK OPENS ON ITS OWN. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY 2013. FINALLY BROUGHT IT IN TO DEALER TODAY, SEPT. 11, 2013. THOUGHT I MIGHT HAVE HIT BOTTOM ACCIDENTALLY; BUT KEYS WERE IN MY PURSE AND IT COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Sep 6, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA (APPROX 45,000 MILES) DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT POPPED OFF AND WAS HANGING. AFTER LOOKING IN THE TRUNK AT THE INSIDE TAIL LIGHT AREA, I SAW PLASTIC PIECES AROUND THE SCREWS THAT WERE CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF; THUS CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHT TO POP OFF AND HANG. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT THE TAIL LIGHT DID NOT FALL OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I THEN DICOVERED THAT THE LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT STUDS WERE BEGINNING TO BREAK OFF TOO AND DO THE SAME THING. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY CLAIMED THE CLIPS BROKE BUT IT LOOKED FORCED AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. UNDERSTAND THIS CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND I AM A STAY AT HOME MOM WHO HAS A GARAGE FOR THE CAR. I WAS SIMPLYING DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE TAIL LIGHT POPPED OFF. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND OTHERS.
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING, THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP IN TRAFFIC. WE HAD TO MOVE TO A SAFE POINT. CAR EVENTUALLY WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THEY PINPOINTED THE PROBLEM AS THE FUEL PUMP. TOLD US NO GAS IN THE CAR, NOT SO, GAS WAS NEARLY FULL. CALLED AND TOLD US CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WENT TO DEALER, TOLD TO PUT GAS IN CAR. NOTICE FUEL GUAGE NOT WORKING AND FULL PANEL WAS BLINKING. DROVED ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO CLOSEST GAS STATION, GOT GAS, HEADED BACK TO GET RENTAL CAR AT DEALER, CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR NEARLY A MONTHLY. FINALLY HAD CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND BEHOLD, THIS TIME, SAID, IT WAS AN ELETRICAL PROBLEM AND WANTED $2600 TO REPAIR, SAID NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. MANUFACTURER GOT INVOLVED AND AGREED TO REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSES. TALKED WITH ANOTHER OWNER OF SAME MODEL AND YEAR, SHE TOO IS EXPERIENCING SUDDEN STOPS. MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEMS, AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, AND THIS TIME MAKING SURE THAT SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION FOR RENTAL IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2013
STARTED ENGINE IN ORDER TO PULL OUT OF PARKING SPACE. ALL RED LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD LIT UP, AC FAILED TO START BLOWING COLD AIR, "PARK (P)" LIT ALTHOUGH GEAR WAS IN "DRIVE (D)" MODE. IMMEDIATELY TURNED ENGINE OFF. REPEATED PROCEDURE FOR TWO MORE TIMES. EVENTUALLY AC KICKED IN, "D" LIT UP AND ALL BUT AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF. PASSENGERS SEAT BELT LIGHT KEPT AND KEEPS FLASHING CONTINUOUSLY AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. CALLED DEALER FROM WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD REPAIR SHOULD FALL UNDER WARRANTY AND ANY DEALER CAN TAKE CARE OF MY ISSUE. STOPPED BY AT DEALERSHIP CLOSE TO HOME AND WAS TOLD THAT DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE IF THIS REPAIR WILL FALL UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND DEALERSHIP REQUESTED THAT I LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM AN ENTIRE DAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT $90 (+) IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE OR NOT. *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2013
I ENJOY THE CAR BUT THE LOW HEAD LIGHT BEAMS ARE DANGEROUSLY POOR. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AND HAVE HAD THE DEALERSHIP RAISE THEM TO THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL. THEY STILL DO NOT REACH OUT 10 FEET PAST THE HOOD AND AS SPEED INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT BECOMES LESS. I MAINLY HAVE TO DRIVE ON HIGH BEAMS OR TAKE ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN WE GO OUT AT NIGHT. IS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY BLOGS ON THIS AND WE NEED HELP FROM THIS AGENCY TO PREVENT HYUNDAI FROM SELLING MORE CARS WITH INFERIOR LIGHTING. *TT