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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2013
I GOT INTO VEHICLE TO GO TO WORK & IT FAILED TO START. ILLUMINATION LIGHT KEPT BLINKING TELLING ME TO PUSH IN BRAKES, BUT I WAS PUSHING IN BRAKE PEDDLE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR USED, 35 DAYS AGO, HAVE NOT HAD ANY ISSUES UNTIL TODAY. CONTACTED HYUNDAI DEALER TO FIND OUT THAT I AM NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BECAUSE I AM NOT HE ORIGINAL OWNER. WHICH I WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNTIL 100,000 MILES FROM USED DEALER. HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET VEHICLE INSPECTED & KEEPING FINGERS CROSSED THAT THE ISSUE HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH ONE OF THE MANY RECENT RECALLS. *TT
Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2013
REAR TAIL LIGHT ON DRIVERS SIDE FOR NO REASON BROKE OFF FROM THE CAR. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT , NO DAMAGE OR EVIDENCE OF SOMEONE HITTING IT. LOOKS LIKE THE PART OF THE LIGHT HOLDING IT TO THE CAR JUST BROKE OFF FOR NO REASON. DEALER SAID NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 21, 2013
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED APPROXIMATELY 15 TIMES DURING THE 24 MONTHS HIS WIFE OWNED THE LEASED VEHICLE, WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES, MOSTLY AT LOW SPEEDS AND ONCE IN REVERSE, SHE EXPERIENCED A FIRM PEDAL RESISTANCE, BUT NO FUNCTIONAL BRAKING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS.
Steering, Wheels, Aug 19, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. VEHICLE IS CONSTANTLY PULLING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION. IT IS ALMOST AS IF STEERING WHEEL HAS NOT BEEN CENTERED. I THOUGHT THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WITH MY VEHICLE, BUT AFTER DRIVING MY FRIENDS BRAND NEW SONATA I CONCLUDED THAT THIS IS THE HYUNDAI PROBLEM. DEALER IS DENYING THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR; HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER PRESSING THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A DEFECT WITH THE IGNITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Engine, Aug 6, 2013
CAR WOULD NOT START WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE AND START BUTTON. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND NOTHING. BRAKE WAS VERY HARD AND AFTER 10 MINUTES I GAVE UP AND DROVE MY TRUCK. THIS IS ABOUT THE 4TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I WILL TAKE TO DEALER. FROM READING THE BLOGS SOUNDS LIKE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 25, 2013
THE CONSTANT RECURRING PROBLEM IS MY CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE EACH ONE DOCUMENTED. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AND THE BRAKES ARE UNABLE TO PRESS. I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY REGARDING THE LEMON LAW AND SHE HAS NOTIFIED THE HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE REPAIR SHOP AGAIN AND THIS HAS GONE ON FOR THE 2 1/2 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT. THERE ARE OVER 598,000 COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS MODEL OF CAR AND THE PROBLEMS ARE VERY SERIOUS AND CAN CAUSE DEADLY ACCIDENTS. MY CAR WILL NOT CLICK OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE SO I CANNOT USE THAT FEATURE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK AND I HAVE BEEN STOPPED BY CARS BEHIND ME TO TELL ME I HAVE NO LIGHTS AND THEY ALMOST HIT ME. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THIS MODEL OF CAR RECALLED BEFORE MANY DEATHS OCCUR. THE INTERNET HAS THIS PROBLEM DOCUMENTED AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED TO REPLACE THAT SWITCH. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR REPLACED TWICE AND IT STILL OCCURS. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PAY PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR WHILE I DRIVE A RENTAL CAR. I BASICALLY DO NOT HAVE A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE SO I CAN'T GO ANYWHERE IN FEAR OF BEING STRANDED. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND SAFE LIVES BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE? *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2013
IN A PARKING LOT I FOUND MY 2011 SONATA WITH THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKEN AND HANGING BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE THREADED PORTION OF THE ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN OFF AND WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE ASSEMBLY TO THE BODY OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE A WARRANTY REPAIR. I RECIEVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAYING THAT BOTH TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE BROKEN. SHE BELIEVED THAT SOMEONE ATTEMPTED TO STEAL THE ASSSEMBLYS. SHE SAID THERE IS A SMALL MARK NEAR ONE OF THE LENS. THIS IS SOMETHING I FAILED TO NOTICE AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE CLOSELY. I HAD THEM PUT BOTH LENSES ON BECAUSE THE CAR WAS DUE FOR A STATE INSPECTION. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SHOWED ME THE MARKS SHE BELIEVED WERE CAUSED BY SOMEONE ATTEMPTING TO PRY THE LENSES OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE TWO SMALL HAIR LINE SCRATCHES ON THE PAINT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BROKEN OFF BOLTS. I TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT SCRATCHES WERE MOST LIKELY CAUSED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BACK INTO PLACE. I TOLD HER THAT THE FORCE NEEDED TO BREAK THE FOUR BOLTS OUT OF THE ASSEMBLY WOULD CAUSE MUCH MORE DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THAN TWO SMALL HAIR LINE SCRATCHES ON THE PAINT. ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO STEAL A TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THIS MANNER KNOWS IT WOULD RENDER THE PART UNUSABLE. THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE FACTORY OR THE PART ITSELF IS DEFECTIVE. I NOTICED FROM THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT I AM THE 14TH PERSON TO DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS I OWN TWO OF THESE CARS AND IF THE SAME THING HAPPENS WITH THE SECOND SONATA THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY COULD BREAK OFF AND HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2013
I TOOK ONE OF MY TWO 2011 SONATAS TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN WOODBRIDGE VIRGINIA BECAUSE THE RIGHT TAIL LENS WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN AND HANGING OFF THE CAR. THE BOLTS HOLDING THE TAIL LENS TO THE BODY WERE STILL IN THE BODY WITH THE PLASTIC THREAD PORTION OF THE LENS. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE WARRANTY BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF MARKS ON THE CAR THAT WOULD INDICATE THE FORCE REQUIRED TO BREAK A TAIL LENS. I BELIEVE THE LENS WERE INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AND THE STRESS FINALLY CAUSED THE PLASTIC TO BREAK. TO MY SURPRISE I GOT A CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAYING THE LEFT LENS WAS BROKEN AS WELL. SHE SAID THEY BELIEVE SOMEONE ATTEMPTED TO STEAL THE LENS. SHE SAID THERE IS A SMALL MARK NEAR ONE OF THE LENS. I DID NOT NOTICE THE MARK WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. HOWEVER, IF IT WAS SO SMALL FOR ME TO NOTICE THERE IS NO WAY SOMEONE COULD HAVE ATTEMPTED TO PRY OFF THE LENS WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO BEAK 4 LARGE BOLTS WITHOUT LEAVING A HIGHLY NOTICEABLE MARK (S) ON THE CAR. THE MARKS SHE IS REFERRING COULD HAVE BEEN FROM MY ATTEMPT TO PUSH THE LENS BACK INTO THE HOUSING SO THAT I COULD DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED I AM THE 14TH PERSON TO REPORT THIS TO YOUR AGENCY. MY CONCERNS ARE: 1. I PAID OVER 400.00 TO REPAIR WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WARRANTY REPAIR AND 2. I HAVE ANOTHER 2011 SONATA AND I HAVE LIABILITY CONCERNS SHOULD THE SECOND CAR EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE. IF A TAIL LENS WEIGHING A POUND OR TWO FLIES OFF INTO A CAR FOLLOWING ME AT 50 OR 60 MILES AN HOUR AND THE DRIVER BEHIND ME REACTS HE OR SHE COULD END UP GETTING HURT OR KILLED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. I KEPT ALL THE PARTS I HAVE PICTURES OF THE NEW LENS INSTALLED AND THE OLD LENS THAT ARE BROKEN. I WILL EVEN MAIL ONE OF THE DAMAGE ONES TO YOU TO INSPECT AT MY COST. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 21, 2013
THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. REPLACED SHIFTER ASSEMBLY THEN REPLACED LOCK CYLINDER. TODAY, 7/21/13 I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS, AXLE AND STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. ...UPDATED 08-08-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BEARING IN THE FRONT WHEEL, JOINT ASSEMBLY, BEARING BRACKET, ARM CONTROL UNIT AND KNUCKLE TO THE FRONT AXLE, WERE ALL REPLACED.
Suspension, Jul 17, 2013
WHY DIDN'T HYUNDAI ALERT THE NTHSB OF A NEW RECALL REGARDING LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY FOR 2011 SONATA LTD? *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Wheels, Jul 15, 2013
MY CAR COMES WITH A TPMS SYSTEM TO MONITOR THE AIR PRESSURE IN EACH TIRE. INTERMITTENTLY THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THE TIRES COMES ON. A CHECK WITH A PRESSURE GAUGE OF EACH TIRE ALWAYS INDICATES A FALSE ALARM. TALKING WITH OTHER SONATA OWNERS I HAVE ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. WHEN BRINGING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIX IT BECAUSE THERE'S NO ISSUE WHEN THE CAR IS AT THEIR GARAGE. THIS CAN BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS - 1. THE FALSE ALARM IS DISTRACTING, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS CAN CAUSE THE OPERATOR TO THINK THEY SHOULD PULL OVER IN A DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT TO AVOID HAVING A BIGGER PROBLEM. 2. AFTER IT HAPPENS A COUPLE OF TIMES THE OPERATOR MIGHT IGNORE A REAL PROBLEM. YET THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 11, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE TAIL LIGHT FLEW OFF THE CAR AND INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE TAILLIGHT AND THE PLASTIC HOLDING ALL 4 BOLTS IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I READ ONLINE AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS SO I FEEL I NEEDED TO REPORT IT TO PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 5, 2013
I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN @ SLOW SPEED, & PUT ON BRAKES TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN/CROSS WALK. I BEGAN TO BRAKE A CAR & HALF LENGTH FROM THE CROSS WALK. THE CAR DID NOT STOP & I FELT IT PULL FORWARD, FELT A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PEDDLE & HEAR THE MOTOR MAKING A LOW REVVING OR WHINING SOUND. THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE CROSS WALK & INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. AT THAT POINT I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE & DROVE ON UNTIL I FOUND A PLACE TO PULL OVER. THE BRAKES WERE FINE WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR AT THE PARKING SPOT. I LEFT THE CAR RUNNING & CALLED MY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM & EXPLAINED THAT I WAS ALARMED BY THIS. THE GUY TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY MY ABS BRAKES KICKING IN AS IT WAS RAINING. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS FOR YEARS WITH ABS BRAKES & HAD THEM KICK IN & THIS DID NOT FEEL THE SAME. THIS FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS PULLING FORWARD RATHER THAN ABS BRAKES ACTIVATING. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 5 MONTHS. BUT I DON'T HAVE THE DATE OF THAT INCIDENT. BOTH TIMES I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD TO KEEP DRIVING THE CAR TODAY & IF IT DOES IT AGAIN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AS THEY HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS BRAKES. I AM GOING ON VACATION IN A COUPLE OF DAYS & THE DEALERSHIP IS 50 MILES AWAY, SO I CAN'T JUST STOP BY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. MY CONCERN, WHICH I EXPRESSED TO THE DEALERSHIP, IS THAT IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN THE CROSS WALK I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM AS I HAD NO WAY TO STOP THE CAR AND IT WAS PULLING FORWARD. OR IF I CAR HAD BEEN COMING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FAULT. I AM LESS THAN 3000 FROM MY WARRANTY BEING UP AND TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO MAKE A NOTE OF THIS AS A PROBLEM AT THIS POINT. I SEE WHERE THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 21, 2013
3 TIMES ON JANUARY 22, MY BRAKES SCREAMED AND FAILED, ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH. SINCE THEN, ONCE IN THE RAIN, AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE REVVED VERY NOISILY AND THE BRAKES FAILED, AGAIN NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. NOW, EVERY TIME I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND/OR APPLY THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE REVS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HYUNDAI HAS TOLD ME THIS INCIDENT IS NOT COVERED BY THEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 17, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL INTO THE KITCHEN OF HIS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jun 12, 2013
WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING IN PARK, THE STEERING WHEEL EVERYTIME WHEN TURNED OR ROCKED IN A RIGHT TO LEFT MOTION, A CLUNKING LOOSE SOUND WILL BE FELT AND HEARD. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 12, 2013
AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT: "DURING THE AFFECTED MODELS' PRODUCTION PERIODS, SOME VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLIES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT. THIS CONDITION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE, INTERMITTENT ABILITY TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE'S SHIFTER FROM THE PARK POSITION, ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC' (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) INDICATOR LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, INTERMITTENT INTERFERENCE WITH OPERATION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE, OR INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE STOP LAMPS." ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN MY VEHICLE, YET THIS VIN IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. *TR
Tires, Jun 9, 2013
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT HAS COME ON EVERY TIME WE TRAVEL OVER 300 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN INTO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS COMMON. I THINK IT IS SAFETY CONCERNED. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A LOW TIRE OR NOT WHEN I'VE CHECK THEN AND EVERYTHING IS OK. *TR
Engine, May 28, 2013
ON 4/14/2013 AND AGAIN THIS MORNING 05/28/2013, MY VEHICLE FAILS TO START. THE ENGINE DOES TURN OVER SO THIS IS NOT COMPLETELY DEAD LIKE OTHER REPORTS. BOTH LAST TIME AND THIS TIME THE SITUATION IS THE SAME: 1 TAKE THE CAR FOR A SHORT DRIVE (~1 MILE) 2 PARK ON AN INCLINE IN MY DRIVEWAY. 3 A FEW HOURS LATER, GET IN CAR, PUSH THE START AND THE ENGINE JUST TURNS OVER - DOES NOT START. THE FIRST TIME, I TRIED TO START THE CAR UNTIL THE BATTERY DIED - I THEN CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY SENT A ROADSIDE SERVICE PERSON. HE JUMPED THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. VERY FRUSTRATING. I ASSUMED IT WAS BAD GAS AND THAT MY TANK WAS VERY LOW (RED LAMP WAS ON FOR LOW FUEL) ALSO NOTE: CAR WAS ON A FLAT SERVICE AT THIS POINT. SO TODAY: I CALLED HYUNDAI DEALER 45 MINUTES AGO, AND AM WAITING ON A CALLBACK FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. IM SURE JUST TO HAVE ME GET ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AGAIN. *TR
Steering, May 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. *TR
Steering, May 20, 2013
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, FIRST TWO BY PEPBOYS AND LAST TWO FROM HYUNDAI BUT THE CAR CONTINUES TO PULL TO THE LEFT ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS AN ISSUE REPORTED WITH THE 2011 SONATA. HYUNDAI HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. LAST WEEK MY WIFE ALMOST HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISION WHEN HER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THERE ARE SEVERAL REPORTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. YOU CAN SIMPLY GOOGLE " SONATA PULLING" AND YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF RESULTS ON THIS ISSUE. HTTP://MONEY.CNN.COM/2011/08/15/AUTOS/HYUNDAI_STEERING_FIX/INDEX.HTM I TOOK MY CAR TO HOLLER HYUNDAI ORLANDO HTTP://WWW.HOLLERHYUNDAI.COM/INDEX.HTM. *TR
Steering, May 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE CAUSE FOR FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.