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.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2013
WHEN FILLING THE CAR, GAS SPILLS OUT OF THE NECK FILLER. THE ISSUE WITH THIS S THAT IS VIRALLY ALWAYS RESULTS IN SPOILED GAS AND GAS BEING PLACED ON USERS CLOTHES AND/OR SHOES - CAUSING A POTENTIALLY SEVER FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 8, 2013
WHEN DRIVING TO WORK I HAD JUST GOTTEN ON HIGHWAY WHEN I FELT A THUD AND TRANSMISSION JERKED. I FIRST THOUGHT THAT I HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD BUT HADN'T. I NOTICED MY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 55MPH AND THE RPM,S INCREASED TO 3500 FROM THE PREVIOUS 2000 RPM.I HAD HAD THIS PROBLEM TWICE NOW AND READ ONLINE THAT BY PULLING OVER TO A STOP AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION WILL RESET THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRICAL CONTROLS.I WITHOUT DOING THIS THE TRANS. WILL REMAIN IN WHATS CALLED LIMP GEAR(4TH) AND WILL REMAIN IN THAT GEAR AT ALL SPEEDS UNTILL YOU SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND IT WILL THEN RESET HOPEFULLY.I AM SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE DEALER LOOK INTO THIS AND HOPEFULLY CAN COME UP WITH A FIX, AS THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I WILL HAVE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT DIAGONALIZING THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THE FACT THAT NO CHECK ENGINE CODE LIGHT IS ON THE DASH AND I WAS TOLD THE FIRST TIME THAT WITHOUT THIS AND THE FACT THAT BY DRIVING IT AND DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FIX.
Steering, Suspension, May 4, 2013
I OWN A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE BACK TO HYUNDAI IN KILLEEN TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT REPAIRED TWO TIMES. WHEN I INITIALLY RECEIVED THE CAR IT PULL VERY HARD TO THE LEFT, THEN ONCE THEY "FIXED IT" IT STILL PULLED. I PAID INITIALLY TO HAVE THE CAR CERTIFIED AND ALIGNMENT IT PART OF IT. *TR
Power train, May 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE SUDDENLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2013
I PURCHASED/ PICKED UP MY CERTIFIED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON 4/4/13. ON 4/10 THE PUSH START FAILED. I HAD TO CALL THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS WALKED THRU THE OVER RIDE PROCESS TO GET THE CAR STARTED. IMMEDIATELY MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR THIS ISSUE AND TOOK IT IN ON 4/13. ON THIS DAY IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE THERMOSTAT AND THEY NEEDED TO CORRECT IT, I AUTHORIZED IT AND IT WAS ALL COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THERE WAS NO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE. I PICKED MY CAR UP THAT SAME EVENING AND DROVE IT HOME AND NO WHERE ELSE FOR THE REST OF THE WEEKEND. 4/18 ABOUT 22 MILES DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. 4/19 TOOK IT IN, I WAS TOLD THE THERMOSTAT PART THAT WAS INSTALLED WAS OBSOLETE AND THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 6 DAYS WAITING ON THE NEW PART AND DOING INSTALLATION. I WAS PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR AT $60+ OUT OF POCKET COST FOR INSURANCE. PICKED UP MY CAR 4/25 AND DROVE IT ABOUT 175 MILES ( IT IS 126 MILES ROUND TRIP FROM HOME TO WORK) AND 4/26 THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. I SIT HERE NOW WITH NO HYUNDAI BECAUSE IT IS AT THE DEALERS GETTING REPAIRS AGAIN!!! AGAIN!!! OPTED NOT TO USE THE RENTAL CAR SERVICE THIS TIME AS IT WOULD COST MORE THAN $50 PER DAY OUT OF MY OWN POCKET FOR AN UNCERTAINED AMOUNT OF TIME. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND I HAVENT EVEN MADE MY FIRST CAR PAYMENT YET. AND ON 4/24 THE DAY BEFORE I PICK MY CAR UP FOR THE SECOND TIME, A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS...REALLY HYUNDAI??? REALLY??? WHAT MAKES THIS CAR CERTIFIED? WHAT WAS THE INSPECTION EXACTLY THAT OCCURED TO CERTIFY THIS VEHICLE?? *TR
Steering, Apr 29, 2013
THIS IS MY FOURTH TIME COMPLAINING ABOUT MY VEHICLE PULLING. I JUST BOUGHT A NEW SET OF TIRES, BECAUSE MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS WORN DOWN TO THE METAL. THE NEW TIRES WERE PROPERLY INSTALLED AND BALANCED BY DISCOUNT TIRE, BUT MY VEHICLE STILLS TRACKS TO THE RIGHT. I CANNOT LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A SECOND WITHOUT IT WANTING TO CHANGE LANES WHEN I AM GOING STRAIGHT. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES ALREADY AND HAD THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN PERFORMED. THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE, AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD TIME AND TIME AGAIN. I HAVE ALSO FOUND REPORTS OF THIS TRACKING ISSUE ONLINE. THE CAR IS STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT 60 - 70 PERCENT OF THE TIME, AND IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE TO CONTROL. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT WHEN I AM TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 45MPH, OR HIGHER. IF I HIT THE SLIGHTEST IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD; THE CAR WILL BOUNCE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT STILL SEEMS TO BE TRACKING PRIMARILY TO THE RIGHT, BUT THE TRACKING OF THIS CAR IS SO ERRATIC. I HAVE INCLUDED SEVERAL RELIABLE SOURCES BELOW, WHICH FURTHER EXPLAIN THE ISSUE I AM EXPERIENCING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 25, 2013
THE VEHICLE PULLS STRONGLY TO THE LEFT. A VERY WELL DOCUMENTED CASE OF A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE CAR IS A LEASE AND I CANNOT GET RID OF IT AND CONTINUE TO PAY FOR A CAR WHICH, IF I DON'T HOLD THE WHEEL WITH THE FORCE OF GOD, WILL SPEAR OFF TO THE LEFT AND POSSIBLY INTO A TREE. *TR
Seats, Apr 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADRESTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HEADREST COULD ONLY BE SET TO THE HIGHEST POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST SETTING MADE IT UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 22, 2013
I LOOKED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR WHILE DRIVING AND SAW SOMETHING HANGING FROM CAR. ALL OF THE PLASTIC BRACKETS INSIDE MY LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT HAD BROKEN AND MY LIGHT WAS HANGING ON BY THE WIRES. TWO MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH MY RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT - ALL OF THE INSIDE BRACKETS BROKE AND IT WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT EITHER TIME TO TRIGGER THIS. BOTH LIGHTS WERE STILL WORKING BUT WERE NO LONGER ABLE TO BE HELD.
Steering, Engine, Apr 21, 2013
I LEASED THIS HYUNDAI SONATA IN 2011 BRAND NEW AND AFTER 3000 MILES BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING BY USING THE START BUTTON. THE WORKAROUND WAS TO PLACE YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HOLD DOWN THE PUSH BUTTON START FOR 1 MINUTE AND THE ENGINE WOULD START. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT. IT WOULD HAPPEN FREQUENTLY AND THEN SUDDENLY BE BETTER FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. FINALLY AT 18000 MILES WENT TO START THE CAR AND EVERYTHING WAS DEAD. IT DROVE OK THE DAY BEFORE (NOT LIKE A CAR WHO'S BATTERY WAS BAD). THE CAR IS BEING TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAPPENED TO PURCHASE IT. IN ADDITION TO THE START ISSUE AND THE COMPLETELY DYING PART (AND IT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE CHARGED BY ORDINARY MEANS) THE CAR ALSO HAS A LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING THAT STAYS ON REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH OR HOW LITTLE AIR IS IN THE TIRE. THAT REMAINED FOR 4 MONTHS AND NOW SEEMS TO BE STAYING OFF. THE CAR ALSO DRIFTS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVEN (IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I PURCHASED IT). I HAD SEVERAL RECALLS FIXED EARLY ON AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE DRIFTING ISSUE. THERE IS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE DASH WHICH BEGAN AT 16,000 MILES. THE BACK DOOR HANDLE (BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT) HANDLE WAS STUCK IN AN OUTWARD POSITION AND THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. IT FINALLY OPENED ONE DAY AND NOW THE HANDLE IS BACK IN PLACE, BUT A SMALL BLACK PIECE HANGS DOWN FROM THE HANDLE. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT ARE THE SAME OR SIMILAR AS ALL OF MY ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Tires, Wheels, Engine, Apr 19, 2013
I BOUGHT A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IN MARCH OF 2010 BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER YEAR TWO, AND WHEN THEY WERE BEING REPLACED THEY SAID THAT THE AIR VALVE ON THE TIRE WAS CORRODED WHEN I WENT TO HYUNDAI TO GET THE PART REPLACED THEY SAID THAT IT WASN'T CORRODED IT WAS BROKE OFF BECAUSE THERE WAN'T A CAP ON IT AND IT GOT WET. SO, THEY SAID THAT I HAD TO BUY A NEW ONE, AND THEY WOULD SEND IT UP UNDER THE WARRANTY AND I WOULD BE REFUNDED THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. AFTER THAT MY PUSH START WOULD NOT START WHEN I PUSHED IT. I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH IT ABOUT THREE TIMES AND THEN IT WOULD FINALLY START. I TOOK IT TO HYUNDAI, AND HAD IT REPLACED NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY MORE IS WHAT THEY TOLD ME. SO I PAID THE 287.00 FOR IT. AFTER I GOT IT HOME AND WENT INTO GRAB SOMETHING CAME BACK OUT AND IT DID IT AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO GATEWAY HYUNDAI IN RICHMOND TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NOTHER STARTER. I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PART BUT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. NOPE DIDN'T GET IT FIXED. I WOULD JUST START IT THREE TIMES INSTEAD. THEN I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES LAST YEAR 2012 BECAUSE IT WORE ONLY ON ONE SIDE, AND NOW THE ENGINE BLEW A ROD. THEY CLAIMED THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING ENOUGH OIL IN IT, BUT THEN TOLD ME I HAD A QUART TO MUCH OF OIL. NOW REALLY DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE? THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. THEN THEY TOLD ME I COULD TRADE IT IN FOR A NEW HYUNDAI BUT WOULD HAVE TO PUT $5000.00 DOWN ON IT WHICH IS CONVIENANTLY THE AMOUNT THEY QUOTED ME TO HAVE MY ENGINE FIXED BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I HADN'T KEPT ALL MY RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2013
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH PROXIMITY KEY SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START EVEN WITH THE KEY IN THE VEHICLE, WE TIRED TO USE BOTH KEYS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE EITHER KEY. LIGHTS ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH, ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT (CAR NOT RUNNING) OTHER LIGHTS LIT IN GEAR SHIFTER AND STILL NO CONNECTION. WE COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK THERE IS NO KEY SLOT AND THE KEY FOB TRUNK BUTTON WOULD NOT UNLOCK TRUNK. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND TIME OUR VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. JANUARY 2013 SAME PROBLEM WHERE WE NEEDED A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. SAME PROBLEM 4 MONTHS APART. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2013
THE PUSH TO START BUTTON DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY FOB WHILE DEPRESSING THE BREAK PEDAL. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALLY DISABLED. I WAS UNABLE TO BYPASS THE PUSH BUTTON SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR 2011 SONATA'S.SO FAR, THE HYUNDAI CORP. HAS NOT RESPONDED TO NUMEROUS OWNER COMPLAINTS. THE DEALERSHIPS JUST REPLACE WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS A FAULTY BRAKE/IGNITION SWITCH, EVEN THOUGH SOME VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SWITCHES REPLACED MORE THAN ONCE. I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY RECALL INFORMATION AS OF YET. *TR
Service brakes, Apr 6, 2013, crash
BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY INTO THE STREET, BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND ACCELERATED. I DAMAGED THE BACK OF MY CAR AND DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. HIT NEIGHBORS MAILBOX. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 2, 2013
LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY POPPED OUT. IT APPEARS THAT THE BOLT MOUNTS HAVE BROKEN DUE TO A DEFECT. I AM ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUNK RELEASING WITHOUT INTENTIONALLY OPENING. SEVERAL TIMES, I HAVE FOUND THE TRUNK OPEN IN THE MORNING OR WHEN I RETURN TO THE CAR AFTER WORK, OR SHOPPING. HYUNDAI SERVICE SAYS THAT I ACCIDENTALLY PUSH THE RELEASE BUTTON SOMEHOW. THIS IS NOT THE CASE AS I PURPOSELY PLACE THE KEY FOB WHERE IT CANNOT BE ACTIVATED AND STILL HAVE THAT PROBLEM. ALSO, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT. THE ONLY CAST A BEAM ABOUT 50 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITH A DISTINCT LINE OF LIGHT ABOUT 5 FEET ABOVE THE ROAD. WHILE THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM ON STRAIGHT ROADS, IT IS A HAZARD WHEN DRIVING ON HILLY ROADS. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 31, 2013
BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR FAILURE RESULTED IN A CAR THAT WOULDN'T START. THE KEY-LESS ENTRY DEPENDS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, OTHERWISE THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OVER. UNDER NORMAL OPERATION WHEN THE DRIVER IS TRYING TO START THE CAR, THE KEY MUST BE INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER MUST DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN PRESS THE IGNITION BUTTON. THE CAR NORMALLY TURNS OVER. IN THIS SITUATION ALL SYSTEMS FUNCTION AS IF THE CAR DOES NOT KNOW THE BRAKE PEDDLE IS BEING DEPRESSED. THE BATTERY HAS FULL CHARGE, ALL ACCESSORIES FUNCTION NORMALLY, BUT THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OVER. BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY TO MANUALLY START THE CAR, THE CAR IS RENDERED COMPLETELY USELESS. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 21, 2013
THE BRAKE DOES NOT RELEASE. AS YOU DRIVE THE BRAKE SMOKES AND RUBS CAUSING YOU TO STEP HARDER ON THE GAS TO MOVE FORWARD. EVENTUALLY YOU HEAR THE BRAKE RELEASE AND IT DRIVES NORMALLY. I HAD A NEW CALIPER , ROTOR AND BRAKE PAD PUT ON 2 WEEKS AGO FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Mar 15, 2013
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WHERE WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. IT FIRST HAPPENED IN OCTOBER 2011, WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR, AND IT WAS FIXED. NOW THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, MAKING STARTER NOISES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME, PLAYED WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER, AND GOT THE CAR TO START. IT HAS PUSHBUTTON START. YESTERDAY, 3/14/13, THE CAR WAS LOADED UP FOR A WEEKEND TRIP, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN MADE THE SAME NOISE, HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO LOCK, AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION. THEY HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP BY FLATBED. I AM AFRAID THE VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT DURING DRIVING, AND SINCE THE POWERSTEERING DOESN'T WORK OR LOCK APPROPRIATELY, AND THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE CHANGED, IT'S A SEVERE SAFETY THREAT. WHAT DOES ONE DO TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION OR STEER THE VEHICLE WHEN THERE IS NO KEY, BUT A PUSHBUTTON START? MANY PROBLEMS NOTED OF THIS TYPE ON THE INTERNET: SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED: HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/SEARCH?SOURCEID=NAVCLIENT&IE=UTF-8&RLZ=1T4SKPT_ENUS424US424&Q=2011+HYUNDAI+SONATA+PUSH+BUTTON+START+PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 14, 2013, fire
I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TWO YEARS AND ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS (PURCHASED BRAND NEW) -- I'VE HAD TO GET A NEW MOTOR (ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE (ELECTRICAL/SMOKING) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE BELTWAY), REPLACED TIRE ROD, NEED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH COOLING/HEATING SYSTEM (THE BLOWER DOES NOT WORK FOR AIR POINTED IN THE FLOOR DIRECTION), STRONG SMELL OF GAS FUMES INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE GAS MILEAGE GAUGE IS INACCURATE -- I GET NO WHERE NEAR THE HIGHWAY NOR CITY MILES. THE GAS METER IS NOT REGISTERING. PARTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY REPLACED. I HAVE HAD ALL SCHEDULE SERVICES ON MY VEHICLE AS WELL AS EXTRAS SUCH AS SPECIAL REPLACEMENT FILTERS, ETC. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. I BELIEVE I'VE PURCHASED A COMPLETE LEMON. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS 27700 MILES. THERE IS NO WAY I SHOULD BE HAVING THIS MANY PROBLEMS AS FREQUENTLY AS I HAVE BEEN HAVING. THE CAR'S STEERING PULLS TO THE LEFT AS WELL. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE TIRES ONLY AFTER TWO YEARS OF DRIVING AFTER PUTTING NITROGEN AS ADVISED. I'VE NOTICED A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING TO THE LEFT AS WELL AS IF THE LEFT TIRE ROD OR AXLE WANTS TO BREAK -- WEIRD FEELING TURN THE CAR. THE ALARM SYSTEM IS FAILING TO LOCK ALL OF THE DOORS -- ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR. -- DEALERS SOLUTION...PURCHASE A NEW ONE ??? REALLY? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 8, 2013
I JUST BOUGHT A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED. PRETTY MUCH SINCE THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR WANTS TO DRIFT, MAINLY TO THE LEFT BUT SOMETIMES TO THE RIGHT. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE WEB. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY LOOKED AT IT. THEY SAID THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS THE PROBLEM. IT IS LESS PRONOUNCED PULLING TO THE LEFT BUT NOW ITS ALL OVER THE PLACE. THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT AND THAT IS A DANGEROUS THING IMO. I DO A LOT OF INTERSTATE DRIVING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO QUICKLY SHIFT INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
Structure, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FOUND EXTENSIVE RUST ALONG THE FIREWALL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS DISMISSED BY THE DEALER AND ASSURED THE RUST WAS NORMAL. A REGIONAL DIRECTOR WAS SENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE RUST WAS CLEANED AND THE SPOTS WERE LUBED. THE CORROSION CONTINUED TO PLAGUE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,203. UPDATED 10/29/13*CN
Tires, Feb 12, 2013
I PURCHASED MY CAR USED IN JUNE 2012 WITH ONLY 17000 MILES ON IT. CURRENTLY IT HAS LESS THAN 36000 MILES ON IT. DURING A RECENT ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION, I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT I WOULD NEED TIRES SOON. LOOKING AT THE TIRES, I SAW HE WAS RIGHT. I DID NOT FEEL THAT MY CAR SHOULD NEED TIRES WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I LOOKED AT THE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY HANKOOK ON THEIR WEBSITE. THE WARRANTY SITE CONFIRMED THAT I SHOULD NOT NEED TIRES UNTIL AFTER 50,000 MILES AS THAT IS WHAT THEIR MILEAGE WARRANTY COVERS. WHEN I CALLED HANKOOK TO INQUIRE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY DID NOT APPLY TO ME SINCE THEY WERE FACTORY TIRES. I ASKED IF THE SAME TIRES WERE COVERED IF PURCHASED AFTERMARKET. I WAS TOLD YES THEY WERE COVERED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY HANKOOK WILL NOT COVER THE WARRANTY ON THEIR TIRES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY SHOULD STILL HAVE OVER 20,000 OF NORMAL WEAR LEFT. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE TIRES SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THEY HAVE. I SHOULD ALSO MENTION THAT MY DRIVING HABITS ARE VERY NORMAL AND IN NORMAL CONDITIONS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2013
SINCE JULY 2010 THIS CAR CONTINUALLY GETS AN ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER AND EACH TIME I AM THERE THEY REPORT THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. WHEN THIS SMELL GETS BAD IT GIVES ME HEADACHES. THIS IS BOTH A HEALTH ISSUE AND POTENTIALLY A FIRE HAZARD. JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO I ONCE AGAIN CALLED THE DEALER, CONICELLI HYUNDAI OF CONSHOCKEN PA, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO SOLUTION YET. I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF OTHERS HAVE NOT COMPLAINED TO YOU AS THERE ARE MANY COMMENTS ON-LINE ABOUT THIS SITUATION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 2, 2013
I CLOSED THE TRUNK AND THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING UNIT PULLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. I OPENED THE TRUNK AGAIN TO LOOK FROM INSIDE AND NOTICED THE FOUR SCREWS HOLDING THE UNIT IN PLACE WERE TOTALLY BROKEN OFF. THE PLASTIC HOLDING THE SCREWS TO THE MAIN HOUSING UNIT CRUMBLED INTO LITTLE PIECES. *TR