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.
Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Jul 9, 2012
3X THE DRIVER WINDOW BUTTON IS INOPERABLE. WOULD TURN OFF CAR AND THEN IT WOULD AGAIN WORK. THE WORST ISSUE IS THIS: STARTED UP CAR THIS MORNING 7-9-12 (THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE) AND THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK, THEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT GOES ABOUT 2 FEET AND IT APPLIES THE BRAKES. I NOTICED EACH TIME THE GEAR CONSOLE DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THE CAR ACTUALLY DOES NOT GO INTO GEAR. EACH TIME I HAVE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKS FINE. IT'S GOING TO THE SHOP FOR THE 30K CHECK UP AND THIS WILL BE BROUGHT UP. THE DRIVERS WINDOW HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP AND THE DEALER HAS SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WRONG. THERE IS WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK. I HAD ONE OF THESE IN 2001 AND IT TOO HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY NEIGHBOR JUST SOLD THEIR 05 SONATA DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 6, 2012
CAR WON'T START. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 6, 2012
CAR WOULD NOT START.. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SWITCH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 3, 2012
I GOT IN MY CAR AFTER WORK AND DROVE TO A RESTAURANT. WHEN I GOT OUT, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT HAD SLID OUT OF PLACE AND WAS HANGING BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT, EVER. MY CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THE PARTS ASSOCIATE INFORMED ME THAT ALL THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT HOLD THE SCREWS WERE BROKEN. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS LOOSE. ONE OF THE PLASTIC PIECES THAT HOLD A SCREW WAS BROKEN ON THAT TAIL LIGHT. HE ORDERED TWO TAIL LIGHTS FOR ME. THE PARTS MANAGER DOESN'T THINK THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE PLASTIC PIECES ARE BROKEN. BUT, THEY HAVE TO BE DEFECTIVE, BECAUSE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED TO MY CAR. *JS
Electrical system, Seat belts, Jun 29, 2012
WHILE GOING DOWN THE HILL, THE CAR DASH BOARD SUDDENLY POP UP THE MESSAGE CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM WITH A LOUD NOISE. AFTER GET OFF ON THE FIRST RAM, TURN THE CAR OFF THEN ON AGAIN THE MESSAGE GO AWAY, ABLE TO RUN AGAIN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. FOR THE SEAT BELT, THE ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SOMETIME IT'S HARD TO PULL OUT SPECIALLY IN THE MORNING. IT'S ALSO WORN OUT AFTER 5000 MILE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2012
FOR 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR MY SONATA WOULD NOT START BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIMIT SWITCH. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF THESE PROBLEMS ON THIS CAR AND HYUNDAI SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THE 1ST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS OUT OF TOWN AND THEY WANTED TO TOW IT 50 MILES IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO MY HOME. NO OFFER OF A LOANER TO GET ME HOME. PERHAPS ALL SONATA OWNERS SHOULD JUST TAKE THEIR CARS IN EVERY 6 MONTHS TO GET THE SWITCH REPLACED SO WE DO NOT END UP STRANDED SOMEWHERE WITH LIMITED HELP. I GUESS THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AS SERIOUS AS THOSE REPORTING SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN THEY PUSH THE BRAKE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2012
CAR WILL RANDOMLY NOT START AFTER PARKING IT. DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL THROUGH THE FLOOR, PRESS START BUTTON, YET IT SAYS "PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL TO START". THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN THREE WEEKS. THE FIRST TIME I GOT IT STARTED AFTER ~30 MINUTES. SECOND TIME, WITHIN ~ 5 - 10 MINUTES. THIS THIRD TIME, I COULDN'T GET IT STARTED. HAD TO CALL FOR A RIDE. WENT BACK NEXT DAY, TRIED AGAIN UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR ~ 30 MINUTES. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THEY NEVER CAME. AFTER ~1:45 MINUTES, I TRIED ONE MORE TIME AND GOT IT TO START. EACH TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT AND IT FELT LOCKED. EACH TIME I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO YANK THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO RELEASE. FELT LIKE THE HYDRAULICS KICKED IN. THEN, IT WOULD START EACH TIME. THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN THE FIRST TIME I MESSED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL ....BUT EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY MAKE IT DO IT. UNTIL THEN, IT HAD THAT LOCKED FEELING OF NO HYDRAULICS. OTHER THAN THIS, NO BRAKE ISSUES, NO STEERING ISSUES, NO LIGHTS ON DASH, ETC. ONE EXCEPTION, FIRST TIME COMING DOWN A HILL, I HAD THE ESC (BRAKE) LIGHT COME ON BRIEFLY. VERY SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2012
AFTER GETTING TO WORK AND PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND RETRIEVE THE KEY, THE KEY WOULD ONLY GO TO OFF AND WOULD NOT GO TO LOCK OR LET ME PULL THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. *TT
Electrical system, Jun 21, 2012
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO START OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED LESS THAN 1 YEAR AGO AND WAS DETERMINED BY OUR LOCAL HYUDNAI DEALER TO BE A FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. THE PART WAS REPLACED AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OTHER 2011 SONATAS, WHICH IS WHY THE PART IS IN STOCK. THE NEW PART WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO CAUSE THE SAME PROBLEM TO REOCCUR-BUT IT HAS! THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER AS I FILE THIS COMPLAINT AND THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS AGAIN AT FAULT. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON LINE BY OTHER OWNERS THAT HAD AND ARE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS SEEM TO BE A WIDESPREAD DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY! THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND WE ARE VERY CONCERNED WITH HER SAFETY AND THE VEHICLE'S QUESTIONABLE RELIABILITY! *TT
Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,594.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE FAILURE WAS SPORADIC BUT BECAME WORSE AS TIME PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Steering, Jun 4, 2012
CAR HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT SINCE IT WAS FIRST BOUGHT. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS, EPS REPROGRAMMING, AND SINGLE STRUT REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIRS HAVE MADE THE PROBLEM LESS SEVERE, BUT THE CAR MUST BE DRIVEN VIGILANTLY OR IT WILL PULL OUT OF THE LANE. DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IS FATIGUING DUE TO CONSTANT COURSE CORRECTION. WHILE PRIMARILY A LEFT PULL ISSUE, THE CAR'S STEERING IS IMPRECISE AND WANDERS, SOMETIMES EVEN TO THE RIGHT. HYUNDAI REALLY GOT THIS WRONG AND HAS A CORPORATE WALL OF SILENCE AROUND THE ISSUE, REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. MY LATEST COMMUNICATION FROM THEM AFTER AN "ENGINEER" DROVE THE CAR READS, "THE DISTRACT PARTS SERVICE MANAGER [DPSM] IS HIGHLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED WITH HYUNDAI VEHICLES. THE DPSM'S DECISION IS FINAL AND WE ARE UNABLE TO GIVE THIS MATTER FURTHER CONSIDERATION." VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ACTIVITY AROUND THIS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, May 31, 2012
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND WON'T COME OUT. THE CAR IS IN PARK, BUT THE KEY WON'T TURN COMPLETELY OFF OR COME OUT. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT STUD WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE REAR TAIL LIGHT TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Steering, May 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE TOOK ONE HAND OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGIN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALLOWED ANOTHER DRIVER TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A ALIGNMENT AND THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 21, 2012
I NOTICED THAT THE ESC LIGHT WAS ON. I PULLED OVER AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WHEN READING WHAT ESC LIGHT WAS I KNEW I COULD PROCEED WITHOUTH DANGER. I THEN TRIED TO SHIFT AND I COULDN'T. I HAD TO KEEP TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF UNTIL I COULD. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLES TIMES. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY FIXED IN. SUPPOSEDLY WAS A BRAKE SENSOR ISSUE. *TT
Electrical system, May 14, 2012
DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND LOST POWER. CAR CAME TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF ROAD AND "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY RESTARTED. CONTINUED ABOUT A BLOCK THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. GOT IT STARTED, DROVE A LITTLE FURTHER AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. GOT THE CAR HOME AND CALLED HYUNDAI SERVICE TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO DEALER. *JS
Power train, May 10, 2012
MY BRAND NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.4L GLS ENGINE BLEW UP AT 18,000 MILES ON I-10, 670 MILES FROM OUR HOME. WE HAD THE CAR FULLY SERVICED PRIOR TO OUR TRIP, 10 DAYS TO BE EXACT. THIS WAS THE SECOND LONG DISTANT ROAD TRIP, WITH THIS NEW CAR. WE ALMOST LOST OUR LIFE. WHAT SAVED US WAS AN EXIT WE WERE APPROACHING AT THE TIME, AND EXPERIENCE DRIVING. IT SOUNDED LIKE PARTS WAS FLYING IN EVERY DIRECTION. THIS STORY WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN OUT IF WE WERE DEAD. BUT, WE ARE ALIVE AND WELL AND READY TO TELL THE WORLD OUR STORY. UP SET AND CONFUSED AT THAT MOMENT THE CAR STOPPED, WE JUST COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT A BRAND NEW CAR WOULD BLOW AN ENGINE. THE TOW TRUCK TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP CLOSE BY 15 MILES AWAY. THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER LOOKED AT THE CAR AND DETERMINES THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACE. HE CALLED TO ORDER A NEW ENGINE. THE ENGINE FOR 2011 SONATA 2.4L GLS WAS SECOND OR THIRD IN LINE ON THE BACK ORDER LIST. I WAS SO VERY WRONG ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTORS INC. AFTER THE DEALERSHIP GOT US BACK ON THE ROAD WE WERE FORGOTTEN. ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS I FOUND ON THE INTERNET MADE ME ANGRY THAT ALL THIS INFORMATION WAS NOT IN THE MEDIA SOONER TO ALERT PEOPLE BEFORE THEY TOOK A BITE OF THAT ROTTEN PRETTY SHINY APPLE LIKE ME AND MY WIFE.MY OPINION, OF AN OLD MECHANIC, THIS ENGINE IS A TIME BOMB. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 9, 2012
THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE START PEDAL, IT WOULD "LOCK" UP AND NOT RECOGNIZE THE AUTOMATIC KEY IN THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO SAID THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED REPLACING. NOW, AT THE END OF APRIL, AGAIN, IT IS HAPPENING. IT IS GOING IN AGAIN THIS WEEK FOR THE SAME SITUATION. ALSO AT THE SAME TIME THE ESC ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT GOES ON RANDOMLY AND STAYS ON UNTIL THE ENGINE IS RESTARTED. I USED THE OVERRIDE PROCEDURE SOMEONE ELSE MENTIONED TO GET THE CAR GOING -- DEPRESS AND HOLD THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR 30 SECONDS. EVEN ONCE THE ENGINE STARTED, THE GEAR SHIFT REMAINED STUCK IN PARK AND TOOK AWHILE TO TAKE IT OUT OF THIS POSITION. WHEN I WAS IDLING IN PARK TODAY, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHICH TOLD ME THE SITUATION WAS GETTING WORSE. *TR
Air bags, May 9, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. FOUR PASSENGERS WERE INJURED IN THE CRASH. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 700.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 6, 2012
THERE IS A SMELL OF GAS/ENGINE FUMES NOTABLE IN THE VEHICLE ON OCCASION. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN CONSISTENTLY, HOWEVER THERE ARE SOME COMMON FACTORS TO WHEN THE SMELL IN NOTICEABLE. THESE FACTORS INCLUDE: 1) THE ENGINE MUST BE HOT, GENERALLY HAVING BEEN DRIVEN FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES OR MORE. THE SMELL IS NEVER NOTICEABLE WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, SUCH AS AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. 2) THE VEHICLE MUST BE EITHER MOVING AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS OF <25 M.P.H., OR SITTING STILL. EXAMPLES WOULD INCLUDE DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOTS, SITTING AT AN IDLE FOR A LONG PERIOD AT A STOP LIGHT, WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER SITTING IN A PARKING LOT FOR AWHILE, ETC. 3) WHEN THE GAS / FUME SMELL IS NOTABLE WITH GREATEST INTENSITY, IT SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER A HOT ENGINE SOAK OF 15~45 MINUTES AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OF 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR ABOVE AND IN CONDITIONS OF MODERATE- TO HIGH-HUMIDITY. EXAMPLES INCLUDE DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY FOG, RAINY DAYS, SNOWSTORMS, ETC. ON OCCASION, THE SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH THAT IT IS NO LONGER COMFORTABLE TO REMAIN IN THE VEHICLE. ROLLING DOWN A WINDOW AT SPEEDS >25 M.P.H. TO CLEAR OUT THE CABIN AIR, FOLLOWED BY ACTIVATING THE HVAC RECIRCULATION BUTTON WILL LESSENS IMMEDIATE RECURRENCE THE SMELL TO SOME EXTENT. FINDING WAYS TO "MASK" THE SMELL ARE OF LESSER CONCERN THAN DETERMINING WHY THE SMELL EXISTS IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR THIS CONCERN TWICE, WITH NEITHER TRIP TO THE SERVICE BAY HAVING RESOLVED THE CONCERN. WHILE IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN ISSUE CAUSING IMMEDIATE DANGER (NO NOTICEABLE FUEL LEAKS OR SIGNS OF FIRE), THE SMELL OF GAS AND ENGINE FUMES ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN IS A BIT CONCERNING, BOTH FROM A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IN THE FUTURE, AND/OR EXPOSURE TO CARBON DIOXIDE AND OTHER NOXIOUS FUMES WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I WILL RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR A THIRD VISIT TO RESOLVE THIS CONCERN. *TR
Power train, Apr 26, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CROSSED INTO ANOTHER LANE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000.
Power train, Apr 25, 2012
PURCHASED BRAND NEW ON JUNE 18, 2010 FOR MY WIFE... HYUNDAI SONATA GS. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, WE BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR JERKING/BUCKING/SLIPPING IN ALL GEARS AT ALL SPEEDS (RANDOM OCCURRENCE) EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AT A STEADY SPEED WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN DOUGLASVILLE, GA SIX TIMES FOR REPAIR WHICH HAS INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION, REPROGRAMMING OF THE PCM, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TCM. NONE OF THESE ATTEMPTS AT REPAIR HAVE FIXED THE ISSUE. MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAS COME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO BEING INVOLVED IN CRASHES AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM AS THE CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THESE INCIDENTS OCCUR. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AS SHE HAS ATTEMPTED TO MERGE ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY'S HERE IN METRO ATLANTA (#2 IN THE NATION FOR TRAFFIC). PLEASE NHTSA... THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE POWERTRAIN IN THESE VEHICLES AND HYUNDAI NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS AND GET IT FIXED! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE OIL EXPERIENCED A BLOCK THAT CAUSED THE OIL NOT TO CIRCULATE AND THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Suspension, Apr 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES EMITTED A LOUD ROARING NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO EMIT A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE DEALER REPLACED TWO TIRES, CV JOINTS, AND CV AXLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.