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.
Steering, Apr 16, 2012
THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLING TO THE RIGHT FROM DAY 1 AND STILL IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I HAD A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE AT 8,000 MILES AND ANOTHER AT APPROX 21,000 MILES. DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THE CAR IS TRACKING STRAIGHT, HOWEVER WHEN I DRIVE AT ANY SPEED THE CAR PULLS TO RIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT TO COMPENSATE. THE TECH AT THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT HYUNDAI RECOMMENDS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT EVERY 12,000 MILES. I HAVE LOOKED THROUGH THE OWNERS MANUAL NO RECOMMENDATION FOUND. I HAVE CALLED HYUNDAI WITH NO SATISFACTION OTHER THEN TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER. GETTING VERY FRUSTRATED. THE COMPANY KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE KEEPS GIVING THE RUN AROUND. *JS
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2012
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR A "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" DISPLAY APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR TURNED OFF AS I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AND I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER. IT LATER STARTED AGAIN BUT SHUT DOWN AFTER SLOWING DOWN FOR TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RESTART THE CAR IT WOULD JERK UNTIL REACHING SPEEDS ABOVE 30-40 MPH. *JS
Structure, Apr 6, 2012
TRUNK LID WILL OPEN WHEN VEHICLE IS SITTING IN STILL AND THE KEYS ARE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE AND ARE LAYING STATIONARY. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MY VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, SHE ENGAGED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,500.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
THE 2011 SONATA IS UNABLE TO START BY PRESSING DOWN ON BOTH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND START BUTTON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS ABOUT 1-2 TIMES A WEEK. ONCE FAILED TO START, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP WHILE THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY STILL SAYS "PRESS DOWN BRAKE PEDAL TO START." WITH REPEATED TRIES TO START THE CAR, IT SOMETIMES STARTED AFTER 5-10 MINUTES, BUT SOMETIMES IT TOOK OVER 1 HOURS TO START THE ENGINE. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SAID THEY CANNOT HELP BECAUSE THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WHEN THEY SERVICE THE CAR. IT IS A RATHER NEW CAR BUT VERY UNRELIABLE. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 63 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. UPON APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE HE APPLIED THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE CRASH SITE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED; HOWEVER, NO ONE INVESTIGATED THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000. UPDATED 06/05/12 *BF
Power train, Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 28, 2012
FROM: CONSUMERAFFAIRS@HMAUSA.COM SUBJECT: RE: HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 DATE: TUE, 6 MAR 2012 18:01:34 -0700 DEAR JAVIER RIVERA: THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASSIST YOU, BUT WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT PROMPTED YOUR CONTACT. WE WOULD LIKE TO REFER YOU TO YOUR SERVICING DEALERSHIP FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF YOUR BATTERY CONCERN PRIOR TO ANY DECISIONS BEING MADE ABOUT A BUYBACK SITUATION. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE YOU BUT WE NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SITUATION TO REVIEW YOUR CASE FURTHER. ONCE YOU HAVE CONTACTED YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIR DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT US WITH THE DEALERSHIP CONTACT INFORMATION THAT INCLUDES WHO IS WORKING WITH YOU AND WHAT THEY ARE OFFERING TO DO TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS. WE HAVE DOCUMENTED YOUR COMMENTS. YOUR CASE NUMBER 4751061 CAN BE REFERENCED IF WE CAN PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. TO: CONSUMERAFFAIRS@HMAUSA.COM SENT: MON, 05 MAR 2012 20:55:27 -0700 SUBJECT: HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM THE OWNER OF A HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID 2011. I RECENTLY BOUGHT THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2011. I WAS VERY EXCITED OF BUYING MY FIRST HYBRID AND THE SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS IN GAS. I HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH THE CAR, ALTHOUGH I HAVE REALIZED THAT THE SAVINGS IN GAS WERE GOOD IN THE BEGINNING, BUT HAVE DRAMATICALLY DECREASE LATELY. I THOUGHT IT WAS OUR DRIVING AND HAD NOT PAID TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO THIS UNTIL YESTERDAY WHEN THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT OCCURRED. YESTERDAY, SUNDAY MARCH 4, 2012, AROUND 9:00 AM ON OUR WAY TO CHURCH WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY, WHILE MY SON, 15 YEARS OLD WITH A LEARNERS PERMIT. OUT OF THE BLUE THE CAR JERKED, STALLED AND COMPLETELY LOST POWER ON SOUTHWEST PARKWAY. MY SON, AN INEXPERIENCE DRIVER, TOTALLY PANIC AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO A PASSING CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, ROUND ROCK HYUNDAI IN TX. TODAY THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO GIVE ADDITIONAL IN
Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Mar 26, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SENSOR. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO START ON ONE OCCASION AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE GROUND CABLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE GROUND CABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPEN AND COULD NOT BE CLOSED. THE WINDOW FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 25, 2012
IN THE LAST MONTH OF MARCH 2012, WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY, MY ESC LIGHT WILL COME ON FOR NO REASON IN PERFECT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THEN WHEN I STOP SOMEWHERE E.G. TO LET MY CHILD OUT IN THE SCHOOL LINE, I WILL PUT MY CAR IN PARK, IF THIS IS AN OCCASION THAT MY ESC LIGHT HAS COME ON IT WILL NOT LET ME TAKE MY CAR OUT OF PARK, UNLESS I TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES, ALSO WHEN THE ESC LIGHT COMES ON THERE IS A PRETTY BIG DELAY IN MY BRAKES AND ACCELERATIONS. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY WHILE IN MY CAR BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE IF ONE DAY IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BUT I HAVE SEARCHED EVERY WHERE AND CAN NOT FIND A RECALL ON THIS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 23, 2012, crash
I WAS DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT AND CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED A CURB WHICH WAS FIVE INCHES HIGH AND FIVE INCHES WIDE, SMASHED INTO A FENCE AND CAME TO REST ON A SCATTERED PILE OF BRICKS. I HURT MY KNEE WHICH HIT THE DASHBOARD. THIS INJURY DID NOT REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION ALTHOUGH I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK.THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WHICH IS NOW IN THE BODY SHOP. IT WILL TAKE THREE WEEKS AT LEAST TO REPAIR THE CAR. IN THE MEANTIME I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR. I BELIEVE THIS COULD BE A CASE OF UNINTENDED SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED BY AN ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION. I THINK THIS ACCIDENT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED THOROUGHLY. *TR
Visibility, Mar 18, 2012
AFTER SCRAPING SOME ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD WITH A STANDARD PLASTIC SCRAPER, THE WINDSHIELD WAS COVERED WITH SCRATCHES. THE SAME SCRAPER WAS USED ON THE OTHER WINDOWS OF THIS CAR, AND ON THE WINDSHIELD OF ANOTHER CAR WITH NO SCRATCHING. TESTED ON ANOTHER DAY WITH A NEW SCRAPER, AND ADDITIONAL SCRATCHES WERE CAUSED. THE RESULT IS REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO THE SCRATCHES, AND AN INABILITY TO PHYSICALLY CLEAR ICE FROM THE WINDSHIELD IN ORDER TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL SCRATCHING. VISIBILITY IS ESPECIALLY IMPACTED WHEN DRIVING TOWARD THE SUN. THE HYUNDAI DEALER AND HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE REFUSED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Mar 10, 2012
DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION THE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT WARNING GOES BACK INTO A LOWER GEAR ( 1ST GEAR ). MY FIRST REACTION IS TO LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR DUE TO HIGH RPM. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE CAR BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR ENDED ME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER ONCE ALREADY AND I AM TAKING IT BACK AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE JAN 2012. MY MAIN CONCERN IS SOMETIMES WE HAVE ARE GRANDDAUGHTER WITH US AND AM AFRAID THAT THIS COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE WOULD EXHIBIT A LOUD, GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO RECREATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL AND THAT ALL BRAKES ON NEW VEHICLES WOULD EXHIBIT THE NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,560.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 8 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 27, 2012
UNABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO DRIVE FROM PARK. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIFT THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS. HAD TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF. WHEN CAR WAS STARTED AGAIN IT FAILED TO BE PLACED INTO DRIVE. HAD TO KEEP RESTARTING CAR TO GET IT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. ESC LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND SAFETY ON EVEN AFTER ABLE TO SHIFT INTO PARK. ESC DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN THIS OCCURS. CAR DOES NOT HANDLE PROPERLY WHILE ON ICE, SNOW OR WET GROUND. *TR
Power train, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Feb 23, 2012
AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW, I CONTINUALLY COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS THAT THE DRIVERS FLOORMAT WAS NOT REMAINING SECURE AND WOULD SLIDE UP ONTO THE ACCELERATOR. MOST DEALERSHIPS SIMPLY REATTACHED THE MAT TO THE TETHER ATTACHED TO THE CARPET. I CONTINUALLY COMPLAINED THAT THIS WAS NOT SUFFICIENT BECAUSE UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE THE MAT SLID OFF THE TETHER AND WOULD BEGIN ITS JOURNEY FORWARD. WHILE DRIVING, AT VARIOUS TIMES, MOVING ONES FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO THE ACCELERATOR WOULD THEN CREATE PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION. FINALLY, A DEALER IN SCRANTON PA., DICKSON CITY HYUNDAI DECIDED TO ORDER NEW FLOOR TETHERS. AFTER MONTHS - I RETURNED TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY ADVISED THE TETHERS WERE NOT THERE .. AGAIN, AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF OVER THREE WEEKS OF MY CAR LEFT AT THE DEALERSHIP AS IT WAS A HAZARD TO DRIVE, THEY REPLACED THE CARPET AND TETHERS THAT ATTACH TO IT. THREE WEEKS THIS CAR SAT AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR TETHERS. DURING THIS PERIOD, I INVESTIGATED THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE ON THE INTERNET. LOW AND BEHOLD, THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. THAT IS: THE FRONT DRIVER FLOOR MAT DOES NOT STAY ATTACHED TO THE TETHERS AND SLIDES UP ONTO THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. MOST MEMBERS WRITING THE COMPLAINT SAID HYUNDAI DID NOT WANT TO MAKE THE REPAIR. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Feb 22, 2012
THREE MONTHS AGO MY FIRST TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR BROKE. I WAS PARKED IN AN INDOOR PARKING GARAGE AND FOUND MY CAR WITH A FLAT DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. I PUT ON THE SPARE AND DROVE TO A TIRE CENTER WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR HAD BROKEN. I HAD A RUBBER VALVE INSTALLED AND THEN LATER THAT WEEK BROUGHT THE CAR TO A DEALER AND HAD THE TPS REPLACED. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND MY TIRE PRESSURE ALARM LIT ON MY DASHBOARD. I PULLED INTO A SERVICE STATION AND ATTEMPTED TO PUT AIR IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. AS I STARTED TO PLACE THE AIR PUMP ONTO THE VALVE HE TIP OF THE TPS BROKE OFF IN MY HAND, CAUSING THE ENTIRE TIRE TO FLATTEN INSTANTLY. AGAIN, I HAD TO PUT THE SPARE ON AND DRIVE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE A RUBBER VALVE PUT IN. TODAY (ONE WEEK LATER), A THIRD TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAILED, THIS TIME THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE THIS ONE HAPPEN IN MY DRIVEWAY INSTEAD OF ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE TIRES INSTANTLY FLATTEN, AND CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 16, 2012
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH CAR WON'T START WITH PUSH BUTTON START ON MY SE. I JUMPED THE CAR GOT IT STARTED TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO TAKE IT BACK AGAIN AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR I HAVE DELT WITH FOR 6 YEARS WAS THERE SHE TOLD ME THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACING THESE SWITCHES AND IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN JUST HOLD DOWN THE PUSH BUTTON START FOR 30 SECONDS AND IT WILL OVER RIDE THE SWITCH AND START. WELL SHE WAS RIGHT IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HELD IN THE PUSH BUTTON AND IT STARTED AFTER ABOUT 20 SECONDS. I TAKE IT IN TOMORROW TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Structure, Feb 14, 2012
WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK TODAY I NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS LOOSE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE ASSEMBLY IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND HAVE GOTTEN THE RUN AROUND ABOUT WHAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. I HAVEN'T BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT AND THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. CURRENTLY, STILL TRYING TO GET IT FIXED BUT THE DEALER DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY HELP. *TR
Steering, Feb 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OR MORE. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE HELD WITH FORCE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Equipment, Feb 10, 2012
BLUETOOTH NEVER INITIALIZES WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD. MUST WARM UP (30 MINUTES) IN ORDER FOR IT TO INITIALIZE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2012
THE OEM HORN IS NOT EFFECTIVE, I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED BY THE DEALER WHEN IT WAS INTERMITANT BUT T NO ONE CAN HEAR THE NEW ONE. I HAVE BEEN CUT OFF NUMERIOUS TIMES HIT THE HORN AND NO ONE REACTS, IT IS AS IF THEY DON'T KNOW I EXIST. I TESTED IT ON MY FAMILY AND THEY JUST LAUGHED, CALLING IT A BICKCYCLE'S HORN. SOMEONE WILL GET HURT/KILLED. I WOULD THINK THESE THINGS MUST BE AT LEAST A MINIUM OF "X" DECIBLES, IT THIS HORN MEETS STANDARDS THAN THE STANDARD MUST BE CHANGED.THIS IS A SAFTEY HARZARD. *TR
Suspension, Feb 2, 2012
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SOUND HEARD WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE NEEDED A LEFT CONTROL ARM AND CROSS MEMBER ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING AN ALIGNMENT. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD BOTTOMED OUT CAUSED BY DRIVING. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Jan 31, 2012
SERVICE CAMPAIGN 927 CONFIRMED LEFT PULL COMPLETED STRAIGHT TRAK INSTALLED STRUTS. ALIGNMENT. UPDATE EPS. STILL PULLS LEFT ON CROWNED ROADS. STEERING LIGHT AND WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD "IT IS IN SPEC AND TO CONTACT HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS". THEY WILL NOT FIX. IT IS NOW WORSE THAN BEFORE THEY TRIED TO FIX. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS TWO TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. *TR
Steering, Jan 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY PULLED INTO THE LEFT DIRECTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVEN DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A FILED SERVICE ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES AS A GOODWILL. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35.