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.
Wheels, Jan 31, 2013
1) TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIGHT INDICATES LOW TIRE PRESSURE. 2) DRONING NOISE COMING FROM REAR TIRES. THE TIRE PRESSURE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 2-WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED A COUPLE MORE TIMES AND WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. WHEN DRIVEN LOCALLY, THE PROBLEM OCCURS ABOUT EVERY 2-TO-3 WEEKS (APPROXIMATELY 200 MILES). WHEN I DRIVE ON OUT-OF-TOWN TRIPS, THE TROUBLE OCCURRENCE VARIES FROM ABOUT EVERY 150 TO 700 MILES. I CHECKED THE TIRES WITH A TIRE GAUGE AND IT INDICATES THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONT TIRE (SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY TIRE HAVING THE PROBLEM) HAS ONLY 25 PSI OF PRESSURE. I INFLATED THE TIRE TO 35 PSI AND CONTINUED MY TRIP. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON A COUPLE MORE TIMES DURING THIS PARTICULAR TRIP. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS FOUR NEW TIRES, AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS, HOWEVER IT HAS MOVED TO THE DRIVER-SIDE REAR TIRE (THIS MAY BE THE RIM THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONT. THE DEALER HAS CHECKED THE TIRE AND RIM AND HAS NOT FOUND ANY PROBLEMS. I HAD THE ISSUED CHECKED DURING A RECENT TRIP BY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND THEY DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE OR RIM. THEY ALSO HAD TO PUT AIR IN THE TIRE AND SPECULATE THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE TPMS SINCE THE TIRE IS ACTUALLY LOOSING AIR WHEN IT HEATS UP. PLEASE NOTE NITROGEN IS USED IN THE TIRES. MY SON NOTICED THE DRONING NOISE ON A PARTICULAR OUT-OF-TOWN TRIP. THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME IN THE VEHICLE, AND HE NOTED THE NOISE RIGHT AWAY. THE TIRES HAD PLENTY OF TREAD AND DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS. THE ISSUE WAS FIXED BY REPLACING THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT WERE ON THE VEHICLE (I BELIEVE THEY WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES).
Engine, Jan 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, WARNING CHIMES WERE HEARD, WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF WHICH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 10,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2013
1) WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF BUYING THIS CAR, STARTING ISSUES BEGAN. GENERALLY ON THE SECOND START OF THE DAY. FIRST START OF THE DAY USUALLY INVOLVES HIGH ENGINE REVVING SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 2,500 RPM. AFTER A SHORT TRIP, IGNITION WILL NO CLICK OVER ATTEMPT TO RESTART. USUALLY SECOND OR THIRD TRY RESULT IN A START. DESPITE DEALER REPLACEMENT OF STARTER, FUEL PUMP AND BATTERY, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES PERIODICALLY. 2) REAR BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT 24K MILES. WEAR WAS UNEVEN: LEFT BRAKE WAS GRINDING INTO ROTOR AND RIGHT BRAKE WAS ONLY ABOUT 50 PERCENT WORN. HAD DEALERSHIP CHECK FOR POSSIBLE FAULTY CALIPERS, BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY FOUND NO ISSUES AND WOULD NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. IN CONTRAST, THE CAR STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKES. *TR
Tires, Jan 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO SOLUS KH25 TIRES, SIZE: P205/65/R16 (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HE APPROACHED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE FLAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES EXHIBITED TWO BUBBLES ON THE INNER PART OF THE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF BOTH THE TIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS 23,800. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Jan 20, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AT THE FREEWAY SPEED LIMIT, I DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING WHEN IT HAPPENED BUT I KNOW THAT IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. I PULLED OVER TO GET SOME GAS, LOOKED BACK NEAR THE GAS CAP AND SAW THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS HANGING BY THE WIRES ONTO MY BUMPER. WHEN IT FELL OUT, IT BOUNCED AND PLACED SEVERAL DINGS AND CHIPS IN THE PLASTIC BUMPER. I NOTICED THAT THE WHEELS(COGS) INSIDE THE TAILIGHT ASSEMBLY WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF. I HAD TO TAKE THE LIGHT OUT AND PLACE IT IN MY TRUNK AND DRIVE THE REST OF THE TWO HUNDRED MILES WITH NO LEFT TAIL LIGHT OR TURN SIGNAL. IF IT HAD FALLEN INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, I AM SURE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE TO WRITE ABOUT AND NONE OF IT GOOD! *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 16, 2013
BEGINNING OF OCTOBER 2012 I KEPT HEARING RATTLING, CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOOK THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE I LIVE OCTOBER 26, 2012 . THEY CHECKED OUT THE CAR AND TOLD ME BECAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT DIDN'T COME ON, THEY COULDN'T FIND A CODE TO FIX THE CAR AND TO BRING THE CAR IN WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I KEPT DRIVING THE CAR AND HEARING THE SAME NOISE. I TOOK IT TO MEINEKE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE NOVEMBER 14, 2012. DROVE THE CAR APPROXIMATELY 3 WEEKS AND STILL HEARD THE NOISE. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER HYUNDAI DEALER . THEY SAID THE CAR DIDN'T HAVE ANY OIL AND MEINKE FORGOT TO PUT THE DRAIN PLUG BACK IN, THEREFORE IT MESSED UP THE ENGINE, AND THAT'S WHY I HEARD THE NOISE. I KEPT TELLING THEM, I HEARD THE NOISE BEFORE THE OIL CHANGE. I TOOK IT BACK TO MEINKE AND SHOWED THEM THE PAPER HYUNDAI GAVE ME, THEY GAVE ME MY MONEY BACK AND APOLOGIZED. STILL HEARING THE NOISE, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE FIRST HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS ENGINE PROBLEMS AND I HAD TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WAS VOIDED DUE TO MEINEKE. I REFUSED TO PAY THE FEE BECAUSE MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ME MY CAR BACK UNTIL I PAID, WE ARGUED BACK AND FORTH AND I CALLED THE POLICE AND THEY GAVE ME MY CAR BACK, BUT TOLD ME NOT TO COME BACK ON THEIR PROPERTY. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND SAME THING. THEY SAID TO TRY A GAS ADDITIVE 3 TIMES, IF THAT DOESN'T WORK, GET AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST IN MY AREA WHERE I LIVE. I NEED MY CAR FIXED AND NO ONE WILL FIX IT. HYUNDAI BLAMES MEINEKE AND MEINEKE BLAMES HYUNDAI. THEY'RE SAYING BECAUSE OF NO ENGINE LIGHT ON, THEY CAN'T SEE THE PROBLEMS, BUT ONE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE ANOTHER SAYING GAS PROBLEMS. BOTTOM LINE, IF THE FIRST HYUNDAI DEALER HAD KEPT MY CAR, I WOULDN'T BE GOING THROUGH THIS. HOW CAN I RESOLVE THIS? *TR
Equipment, Jan 16, 2013
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TIRES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE WAS JACKING UP THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE THE RIGHT TIRE, THE MOMENT THE WHEEL LEFT THE GROUND, THE STEEL IN THE JACK HEAD COLLAPSED CAUSING THE JACK TO PART FROM THE VEHICLE, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE STEEL WAS OF POOR QUALITY, WHICH COULD NOT SUPPORT THE PARTIAL WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Jan 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT PERFORMED. AFTER THE ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Structure, Jan 1, 2013
I WAS GETTING THINGS OUT OF THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, WITH THE LID FULLY UP. THE TRUNK LID SPONTANEOUSLY TRIED TO CLOSE, AND WAS STOPPED BY MY FACE, CAUSING LACERATIONS. *TR
Engine, Dec 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER 10 MINUTES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE AIR FILTERS WERE CLOGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIR FILTERS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ONE WEEK LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VALVES FROM THE FUEL TANK FAILED AND WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VALVES WERE REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WOULD PROVIDE AN ERRONEOUS READING OF EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Tires, Wheels, Dec 25, 2012
THE CAR WAS EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES AND IN 23,000 MILES THEY HAD CUPPED. THE DEALER TOLD ME I HAD FAILED TO KEEP THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF AIR IN THE TIRES AND DID NOT KEEP IT ALIGNED. I PURCHASED A NEW SET OF TIRES AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. I WENT BACK TO THE PLACE I PURCHASED THE TIRES FROM AND THEY TOLD ME MAYBE THE CAR IS OUT OF LINE AND LINED IT UP. WELL SINCE THEN THE TIRES HAVE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE. THIS IS 2 SETS OF TIRES IN LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT TIRES COST ME $600.00. I DO NOT LIKE BEING TOLD IT IS MY FAULT WHEN I HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED EVERY 5000 MILES. I WENT ON LINE TO SEE IF I WAS THE ONLY ONE AND LEARNED THERE WERE OTHERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. HELP US . *TR
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Dec 18, 2012, crash
THE CAR IS A YEAR OLD. AS THE PASSENGER WAS TURNING LEFT TRAVELING APPROX 25-30MPH THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THEN THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY FAILED ALLOWING THE WHOLE WHEEL/DRIVE ASSEMBLY TO COME OFF SLAMMING THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR DOWN, YANKING THE CAR TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Structure, Dec 13, 2012
WHEN PARKING THE FRONT END RUBBED UP AGAINST A CURB AND DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE, WHEN PULLING OUT IT ALMOST PULLED OFF THE FRONT BUMPER COMPLETELY OFF THE CAR. THE FRONT CLIPS THAT HOLD THE FRONT BUMPER ON HAD BROKEN AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACING THE ENTIRE FRONT BUMPER AND AFTER READING MORE REVIEWS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CLIP BREAKING ARE BEING MADE. THIS BUMPER IS WAY TO EXPENSIVE FOR SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A CHEAP CLIP THAT HOLDS THE BUMPER ON. THIS IS A VERY POOR DESIGN AND I WARN ANYONE BUYING THIS CAR DO NOT PULL UP ON THE CURB I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH THE CLIPS ON THE BUMPER CANNOT HANDLE IT. I LOVE MY CAR OTHER THEN THIS AND SO FAR UNFORTUNATELY THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HONOR UNDER WARRANTY BUT GOING TO CONTACT HYUNDAI DIRECTLY, BUT NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2012
TRY TO START VEHICLE, DEPRESS BRAKE AND PUSH IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE KEYFOB BEING IN CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES IN THE ONE WEEK I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS CAR WILL RESPOND. BUT ON ONE OCCASION DID NOT START FOR OVER 4 HOURS. EVENTUALLY HAD TO GET A JUMP AND CAR STARTED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 29, 2012
UPON ARRIVING AT MY DESTINATION, I NOTICED THAT MY DRIVER-SIDE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS DANGLING OUT OF THE FENDER BY IT'S WIRING HARNESS. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED THAT THE POSTS THAT THE BOLTS SECURE INTO HAD FAILED, CAUSING THE LAMP ASSEMBLY TO FALL OUT OF THE FENDER. WHEN I INQUIRED WITH A HYUNDAI SERVICE AND PARTS ASSOCIATE AT A SERVICE CENTER, THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE MODEL AND THE COMPONENT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 27, 2012, crash
I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION THAT HAD A RED LIGHT AND STOPPED VEHICLES. I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 10 MPH. THE CAR WOULD NOT COME TO A STOP. I HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD AND IT DID NOT STOP. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH ON HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 BRAKE PROBLEMS AND GOT 598,000 RESULTS. IN A BRIEF SCAN THROUGH THOSE RESULTS I FOUND 7 OTHER REPORTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS DEMANDS SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS NOW! I COPIED THOSE WEB POSTING IF YOU WANT THEM LET ME KNOW! *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
I HAVE HAD RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE KEYLESS IGNITION. THE CAR FREQUENTLY DOES NOT START OR WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED THREE TIMES. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS WITH ALL 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS AND I SHOULD JUST GET A NEW CAR. I AM FILING A COMPLAINT WITH BBB AUTOLINE (CALL 800-633-5151) AND MY STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. I AM ALSO THINKING OF TAKING THEM TO COURT (MY FAMILY MEMBER IS AN ATTORNEY). IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE FILE COMPLAINTS EVERYWHERE YOU CAN. START BY OPENING A CASE WITH HYUNDAI (CALL 800-633-5151). THEN FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB. THEN FILE A COMPLAINT HERE AND WITH YOUR STATE CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY. JUST BECAUSE IT IS NOT CAUSING INJURY DOES NOT MEAN IT DOES NOT MERIT A RECALL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, SHE PRESSED THE KEY LESS IGNITION BUTTON TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SENSOR SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE FAILURE CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TWO MORE TIMES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SENSOR SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 17, 2012
I HAD THIS CAR FROM FEB 2011 TO PRESENT, AND THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY DRIFTING LEFT. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I SWITCHED OUT MY TIRES (DUE TO OUTER WEAR) AND HAD 2 ALIGNMENTS PERFORMED BY LICENSED TECHNICIANS. THE CAR STILL DRIFTS LEFT. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE LOOKED AT BY A BODY REPAIR SHOP. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2012
I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE, IT WOULD NOT START. THE FIRST 3 TIMES A SENSOR SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FOURTH TIME I WAS TOLD MY BATTERY WAS THE ISSUE SO I GOT A NEW BATTERY. TODAY WAS THE FIFTH TIME AND THE SERVICE DEPT INDICATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT THEY WENT AHEAD AND REPLACED THE SENSOR SWITCH AGAIN. I AM NOT HAPPY, I FEEL THAT I CANNOT DEPEND ON MY VEHICLE. I AM PLANNING AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP FOR THANKSGIVING AND HAVE RESORTED TO RENTING A VEHICLE BECAUSE I AM PARANOID ABOUT BEING STRANDED ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ISSUE. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THIS JUST IS NOT RIGHT. I AM CONSIDERING TRADING IT IN FOR A VEHICLE THAT STARTS THE TRADITIONAL WAY (WITH A KEY). *TR
Engine, Oct 21, 2012
WASTE GATE ACTUATOR FAILS (REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES UNDER WARRANTY ALREADY) LEAVING THE CAR WITH ALMOST NO POWER TO ACCELERATE OR PASS, UNFORTUNATELY THIS USUALLY APPEARS WHEN YOU TRY AND CROSS A ROAD/INTERSECTION AND WHAT SHOULD TAKE 5 OR 6 SECONDS TO MAKE A SAFE CROSSING TAKES MUCH LONGER AND IT COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED. THIS FAILURE HAS NOW ALMOST ENDED UP IN TWO ACCIDENTS FIRST WHEN PASSING A VEHICLE AND SECOND CROSSING A 2 WAY STOP AND ALMOST BEING T BONED IN WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN EASY, SAFE CROSSING. *TR
Visibility, Oct 16, 2012
TODAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT A NORMAL SPEED WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. IT WAS SO FRIGHTENING I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN SHOT. I WAS STARRING STRAIGHT AHEAD. THERE WAS NO TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ON A TWO LANE ROAD DIVIDED WITH A GRASS MEDIUM WITH STEEL GRIDS SEPARATING THE SIDES. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR TO FIND OUT THAT THE GLASS OF THE MOON ROOF HAD SHATTERED AND HAD COMPLETELY COME OUT LEAVING A HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THE ROOF. FORTUNATELY, MY INSIDE VISOR WAS CLOSED AND THE GLASS DID NOT ENTER THE CAR. THE TEMPERATURE HAD GONE DOWN TO A CHILLY 60 DEGREES THAT NIGHT AND WARMED UP DURING THE DAY. I SEARCHED THE AREA AND FOUND NOTHING TO INDICATE A ROCK OR AN OBJECT HAVING HIT THE GLASS. THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOF. I CALLED INSURANCE AND HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. IMMEDIATELY THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE SAID SOMETHING HIT THE CAR POINTING TO A SPOT THAT HAD RESIDUE WAX FROM A RECENT WAXING STATING THIS IS WHERE THE HIT HAD COME FROM. I DISAGREED AND INSURANCE IS NOW SENDING AN ADJUSTOR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 13, 2012
DIFFICULTY DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO START ENGINE...THIRD TIME ...DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH OTHER TWO TIMES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 10, 2012
LEFT REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY FELL OFF, HANGING BY WIRING. FOUR PLASTIC MOUNTING BOSSES AT MOUNTING STUDS HAVE BROKEN. NOT THE RESULT OF ANY IMPACT OR CRASH. I WAS ALERTED TO IT BY ANOTHER DRIVER BESIDE ME WHO BEEPED. THE TAILLIGHT HAS NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE FAILED MOUNTS. DEALER SAID IT WILL BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 5, 2012
ELEC STABILITY CONTROL LITE ON AFTER STARTING CAR. FAILED TO START ONE TIME. DEALER INVESTIGATED. FOUND PART # 93810-3S000 (SWITCH ASSM STOP LAMP) DEFECTIVE. REPLACED SWITCH. I CHECKED THE INTERNET FOR THIS PART NUMBER AND FOUND A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF FAILURES OF THIS SWITCH. THIS SWITCH CAN FAIL AT ANYTIME, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER AND OTHER SYMPTOMS. I SENT THIS SAME MESSAGE TO HYUNDAI CONSUMERS AFFAIRS. THIS SWITCH MUST BE MARGINALLY FUNCTIONAL FOR IT'S PURPOSE DUE THE NUMBER OF FAILURES NOTED ON THE INTERNET. HOPEFULLY, HYUNDAI WILL TAKE ACTION ON THIS SWITCH. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR