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, Nov 18, 2011
PULLS VIOLENTLY TO LEFT..DANGEROUS CAR TO DRIVE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 11, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA AND IT IS A VERY NICE CAR EXCEPT THAT THERE IS A VERY REAL AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE WITH RESPECT TO THE VISIBILITY PROVIDED BY THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THIS AS WELL BECAUSE IT MAKES THE CAR VERY CHALLENGING TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT AND HAVE THE HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM AS YOU LOOK THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD THERE IS A VERY DISTINCT BOUNDARY ABOUT MIDWAY UP THE WINDSHIELD AND EVERYTHING ABOVE THAT BOUNDARY LINE IS COMPLETELY DARK. IT NOT ONLY SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE DISTANCE THAT YOU TYPICALLY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE IN FRONT OF YOU BUT IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY DISCONCERTING BECAUSE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP CAUSES THE LINE AND YOUR VISIBILITY TO BE BOUNCING UP AND DOWN. THE OTHER NIGHT I NEARLY HIT A PERSON WALKING ALONG THE ROAD EVEN THOUGH I WAS ONLY DRIVING 35 MILES PER HOUR BECAUSE I WAS ALMOST ON TOP OF THEM BEFORE THEY WERE VISIBLE IN THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR MANY YEARS AND THAT HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE WITH ANY OTHER CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Nov 9, 2011
I BOUGHT THE SONATA 2011 TURBO IN 7/15/2011 THE FIRST DAY I TEST DROVE THE CAR I ASKED THE SALES MAN IF THEY ALIGNED THE CAR AND HE SAID IT WAS DONE ALREADY. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER I CALLED THEM AND SAID THE CAR IS OUT OF CONTROL THE STEERING KEEPS TO THE RIGHT AND I AM TIRED OF PULLING IT TO THE LEFT. ALSO THE SPEED IS UNCONTROLLABLE I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OF THE ACCELERATOR IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN OTHER WISE I WOULD BE GOING 80MPH ON THE FWY. IT IS VERY HARD TO KEEP CONSISTENCY OF THE SPEED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON OCTOBER 21 THE FIRST TIME AND THEY TOLD ME ITS NORMAL. I WAS UPSET AND TOLD THEM THAT MY 17 YEAR OLD ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AT A TURN. THEY IGNORED ME AND STILL INSIST THAT THE CAR WAS NORMAL. I WENT BACK YESTERDAY FOR THE SECOND TIME AND TEST DROVE THE CAR WITH THEIR MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT THE CAR WAS FINE AND ITS ALL NORMAL. I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR. I ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS TODAY WHEN I WENT BACK TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER FOR THE THIRD TIME IS WHEN THEY TOLD ME THAT ALL THE SONATA 2011 HAVE A PULLING PROBLEMS AND IT HAS NO RETURN MEMORY AFTER ITS DONE PULLING SO I HAVE TO GET USED TO THIS CAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY ALL DO. I AM NOW VERY UPSET THAT I FOUND THIS OUT ON MY OWN AND THAT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME ABOUT THE RECALL AND THAT ME AND MY DAUGHTER ARE AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I HAD OVER 25 CARS IN THE PAST AND I KNOW THAT THIS CAR IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IF NOTHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS SOMEONE WILL GET HURT. I OPENED UP A CLAIM WITH SONATA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I HOPE THIS WILL BE TAKEN CARE OFF RIGHT A WAY. *TR
Steering, Nov 8, 2011
AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL ON TRACKING ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL NEITHER THIS ATTEMPT AT FIXING THE PROBLEM NOR THE OTHER PREVIOUS TWO ATTEMPTS HAS FIXED THE TRACKING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IN THE LEFT LANE AT HIGHWAY SPEED IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TURNS ABRUPTLY LEFT AND MUST BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT IT LEAVING THE LANE AND THEN THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE CAR IS WITHIN SPECS BUT THAT IS ONLY WHEN THEY TAKE IT TO A CERTAIN SECTION OF A LOCAL HIGHWAY WHERE THERE IS NO CROWN. WHEN THIS CAR IS IN THE LEFT LANE WHERE THERE IS ANY TYPE OF CROWN IT WILL ABRUPTLY MOVE LEFT THE INSTANT THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED IN 98 PERCENT OF THE TIMES I'VE TRIED IT. THIS CAR COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU AREN'T ALERT AT ALL TIMES BECAUSE OF THE RATE OF DRIFT. THE NHTSA SHOULD FORCE A RECALL THAT FIXES THIS PROBLEM, HYUNDAI SEEMS TO BE WHITEWASHING THIS WITH CLAIMS THAT UNDER PERFECT CONDITIONS THE CAR IS IN SPEC. THE DEALER MUST DRIVE THE CAR TO A STRETCH OF HIGHWAY ABOUT 5 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND THIS PERFECT STRIP OF HIGHWAY TO TEST THE CARS IN ORDER TO CLAIM THEY ARE IN SPEC. AMAZING! *TR
Seat belts, Nov 8, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEAT BELT PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND AND AN EXTENSION IS NEEDED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER AN EXTENSION DOES NOT EXIST. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2011
THE "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" LIGHT APPEARED THE 1ST WEEK THAT WE HAD THIS NEW( HYUNDAI 2011 SONATA HYBRID) CAR WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR. SHE LOST POWER TO THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO STOP AND RESTART. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER THAT AFTERNOON AND THEY STATED THAT THE BATTERY TERMINAL WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 200+ MILES ON IT. TODAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2011, I WAS WITH MY WIFE AND SHE WAS DRIVING AND THE " CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM' LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON WITH AN AUDIBLE ALARM. ( ABOUT 400+ MILES). WE LOST POWER AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HAD TO STOP AND THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO RESTART. AFTER CHECKING THE HYUNDAI FORUMS, THIS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE WITH NUMEROUS DRIVERS AROUND THE COUNTRY. MANY REGISTERED FORUM USERS ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I AM TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON MONDAY MORNING AND WANTED TO HAVE THIS DOCUMENTED. MY WIFE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE ( AND NEITHER DO I AT THIS TIME). *TR
Steering, Wheels, Nov 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FEEL LOOSE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL METAL SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN WHICH THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING CLOCK SPRING AND ADVISED THAT THE NOISE IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL DESIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FRONT AND REAR END CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND THE STEERING WHEEL STILL FELT EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 659 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,811.
Steering, Nov 1, 2011
VEHICLE STEERING PULLS TO LEFT. CHECKED AIR PRESSURE (COLD) OF TIRES AND ALL WERE WITHIN SPECIFIED PRESSURES (30 P.S.I.). JUST RECEIVED MFR NOTICE ADVISING ME MY HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED MAY HAVE A "CURRENT OPEN RECALL CAMPAIGN". NOTE: THE NOTICE WAS ALLEGEDLY FROM MFR., BUT DIRECTED ME TO CONTACT A HYUNDAI DEALER OTHER THAN THE DEALER WHICH SOLD ME THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN OPERATION, BUT I HAVE RECEIVED NO SUCH RECALL ADVISEMENT THEM. THE NOTICE STATES, "THIS CAMPAIGN MAY BE A SAFETY RELATED REPAIR AND WILL BE PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE TO YOU". STRANGE...VERY STRANGE. *TR
Structure, Tires, Oct 27, 2011
THE CAR HAS BEEN NOISY SINCE DAY 1. DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT ABNORMAL. TIRE DEALER SAID THEY SAW NO PROBLEM, EXCEPT IT APPEARED THAT THE TIRES WERE FEATHERING. ON CERTAIN TYPE ROADS, THE CAR IS JUST DARNED TOO NOISY. I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE KUMHO, 17" TIRES THAT THE LIMITED MODEL COMES EQUIPPED WITH. I HAVE ALMOST 8,000 MILES ON IT, NOW, SINCE BOUGHT NEW IN APRIL, AND IT IS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER, ONLY WORSE. UNENDURABLE, ACTUALLY. *TT
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 SONATA THAT FAILED TO START ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST WAS ABOUT 8000 MILES THE SECOND WAS AT 10800 MILES AND THE THIRD WAS THE NEXT DAY FROM THE SECOND OCCASION. THIS CAR IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD. AS I WENT TO START THE CAR AS I NORMALLY DO THE "PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO START" WOULD FLASH EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE FIRST TWO TIMES I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO START BY REPEATEDLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESSING THE PUSH BUTTON START MORE THAN 10 TIMES. THE THIRD TIME I HAD NO SUCH LUCK AND CALLED THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. I NOTICED THAT ON ALL 3 OCCASIONS THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD MORE THAN NORMAL PRESSURE AND WOULD NOT DEPRESS AT ALL. I ASSUME THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF SWITCH THAT TELLS THE CAR THAT YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE BEFORE THE PUSH BUTTON START WILL START THE CAR. WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT MOVING AT ALL THIS SWITCH IS PROBABLY NOT BEING ACTIVATED SO THE CAR DOES NOT START. *TT
Steering, Oct 20, 2011
FOLLOW UP ON MY EARLIER STEERING PROBLEM WITH THE 2011 LIMITED TURBO. ODI ID NUMBER : 10427654 DEALERSHIP INSTALLED NEW STRUTS, ALIGNED CAR AND DID A SELECTIVE TIRE ROTATION. CAR STILL PULLED LEFT IN LEFT LANE AND WANDERED LEFT AND RIGHT EVERY 4-7 SECONDS IN RIGHT LANE OF HIGHWAY. TOOK CAR BACK INTO DEALERSHIP 10/6/2011 AND THEY AGAIN ALIGNED AND DID ANOTHER SELECTIVE ROTATION. CAR STILL PULLS AND WANDERS. CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEIR REPLY WAS AS FOLLOWS: "THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. WE APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR DISSATISFACTION WITH OUR PREVIOUS RESPONSE REGARDING THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE TRACKING IN YOUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T. WE CONTACTED BUERKLE HYUNDAI TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR YOUR VEHICLE. WE WERE INFORMED THE VEHICLE IS REQUIRED TO TRACK STRAIGHT FOR 9 SECONDS OR LESS AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. THEY INFORMED US THAT FOR EVERY 10 MILES PER HOUR THAT YOUR VEHICLE ACCELERATES OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR, THE REQUIREMENT DROPS BY 2 SECONDS. IF YOUR VEHICLE IS GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR, THE REQUIRED SECONDS THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO TRACK STRAIGHT IS 3 SECONDS. IF YOUR VEHICLE DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT FOR 3 SECONDS AT 70 MILES PER HOUR, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF BUERKLE HYUNDAI FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE DEALERSHIP WILL ADDRESS ALL OF YOUR CONCERNS AND PROVIDE YOU WITH EXPERT ADVICE. YOU CAN REACH BUERKLE HYUNDAI BY CALLING *** *** ****. " THEY TELL ME THAT THIS WAS A DEALER'S DECISION AND THAT IF THE HYUNDAI CAN TRAVEL 300-500 FEET WITHOUT A STEERING CORRECTION THAN THE CAR IS WITHIN SPEC'S. THIS IS A STEERING CORRECTION EVERY 4 SEC. AT 70MPH. WHY ISN'T NHTSA DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 18, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I EXPERIENCED A LARGE JOLT WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNEXPECTED SHIFT IN THE TRANSMISSION GEAR WHERE MY SPEED OF APPROX. 65 MPH AT 2000 RPM DROPPED TO 45 MPH AT APPROX 3800 RPM. HAD THE FREEWAY TRAFFIC NOT BEEN LIGHT AT THE TIME, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ALTHOUGH THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR SHOWED IT WAS IN "D", THE GEAR WAS PROBABLY CLOSER TO 2ND GEAR. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND SHIFTED FROM D TO R TO N TO P, HOWEVER IT SEEMED THAT IT WAS LOCKED IN 2ND GEAR. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT IN THAT GEAR TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER. HOWEVER ONCE THE ENGINE WAS SHUTOFF AND RESTARTED, THE TRANSMISSION WAS BACK IN ITS NORMAL GEAR AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THAT EVENT. IN ADDITION, ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, THE COMPUTER SHOWED NO PROBLEMS. AFTER DOING A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2011
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE STEERING WHEEL/CAR SUDDENLY STARTING SHAKING EXTREMELY VIOLENTLY AND IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO MAINTAIN CONTROL LONG ENOUGH TO PULL OVER AND STOP/INSPECT THE VEHICLE. IT WAS REMARKABLE AN ACCIDENT DID NOT OCCUR AND IF MY CHILD, A NEW DRIVER, HAD BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL, I AM CERTAIN AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKED. THE SENSATION I EXPERIENCED WAS VERY MUCH LIKE THAT DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 10V426000. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ULTIMATELY CONCLUDED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A BRAKE SWITCH WHICH CAUSED POWER STEERING TO STOP WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH, CONCLUDING THAT MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, MANUFACTURED ON 3/11/11, WAS NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL INVOLVING STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING THE CAR, ALTHOUGH I DO SO RELUCTANTLY, PARTICULARLY WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE I DO NOT KNOW IF THESE SITUATIONS ARE RELATED, ON 9/11/11 MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE STARTER WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. AT THAT TIME A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE MANAGER, BUT REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT MY VEHICLE AND THIS SITUATION HAPPENING TO OTHER DRIVERS WHO MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY AS I WAS. I REMAIN HOPEFUL HYUNDAI WILL BE AGGRESSIVE AND PROACTIVE IN THIS PROCESS, BUT IT SCARED AND CONCERNED ME ENOUGH I FELT IT WAS NECESSARY TO PURSUE THIS SITUATION WITH A REGULATORY BODY. *TR
Tires, Oct 14, 2011
DEFECTIVE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM. DURING A 5 MONTH CYCLE WITH A DISTANCE DRIVEN OF 4500 MILES, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED 7 SEPARATE TIMES DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. CHECKS WITH A PRESSURE GAUGE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING ACTIVATION SHOWED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS WITHIN 1 PSI OF THE RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE. ON EACH OCCASION THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT RESET WITHOUT ANY MANUAL INTERVENTION. IT WOULD TAKE FROM 20 MILES OF DRIVING UP TO 200 MILES OF DRIVING TO RESET. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD INSPECTED THE SYSTEM FOLLOWING THE INITIAL ACTIVATION AND SUSPECTED RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE AS BEING THE CAUSE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2011
6,500 MILES INTO VEHICLE USE, VEHICLE FAILED TO START UP WHILE PARKED. UPON ENTERING VEHICLE, PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL, AND PUSHING START ON PUSH-BUTTON START, SCREEN WOULD DISPLAY "PUSH BRAKE PEDAL TO START VEHICLE." THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING PRESSED. AFTER 5 MINUTES OF CONTINUOUSLY PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AND SIMULTANEOUSLY PRESSING START BUTTON, VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STARTED. APPROXIMATELY 5 ADDITIONAL FAILURES TO START OCCURRED BEFORE I BROUGHT VEHICLE IN TO SELLING DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM, WHICH MY RECEIPT LISTS AS A FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. TECHNICIAN REMOVED AND REPLACED BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AFTER VEHICLE WAS "FIXED," THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START IN THE SAME FASHION AS HAD PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED. I HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP AGAIN DIAGNOSED SAME PROBLEM AND REPLACED SAME PART (BRAKE LAMP SWITCH) AS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE FOR THREE DAYS SINCE LAST (SECOND) REPAIR. I WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR AND REPORT IF ISSUE APPEARS AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 12, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2.0T HAS BEEN TRACKING AND PULLING TO THE LEFT AND HAS A SIDE TO SIDE MOTION THAT HAS CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO BECOME NAUSEOUS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW ON AUGUST 1, 2011. I WENT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. BOTH DEALERSHIPS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT PULLS TO THE LEFT AND THE SIDE TO SIDE MOTION. BOTH HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS. HYUNDAI HAS DONE A VOLUNTARY TSB CAMPAIGN (#927) TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT SO FAR THE ALL THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE DONE IS BALANCE THE TIRES AND ALIGN THEM AND THAT HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE CAR FEELS UNSAFE BUT HYUNDAI DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. I TRIED CALLING THEIR HYUNDAI USA TOLL FREE NUMBER BUT HAVE NOT HAD ANY HELP FROM HYUNDAI USA. I THINK THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A FULL RECALL TO HAVE HYUNDAI CORRECTLY ADDRESS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I'VE SPENT ALMOST TWO MONTHS AND THREE TRIPS TO DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE THEM MICKEY MOUSE AROUND AND TELL ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A "SIMPLE BALANCE PROBLEM" OR A "SIMPLE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM" WHEN CLEARLY THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT AND MOVES SIDE TO SIDE. IT SEEMS TO BE THAT HYUNDAI DID NOT DO PROPER ENGINEERING BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS ONLY WITH THE 18" WHEEL AND TIRE PACKAGE. *KB
Steering, Oct 8, 2011
VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO ONE SIDE WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT, SMOOTH SURFACE. *TR
Steering, Oct 6, 2011, crash
LOOK AT THE PROBLEM IN THIS VIDEO. SERIOUS STEERING MALFUNCTION. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=PJ9OD6OYDVY. *TR
Steering, Structure, Oct 5, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLINER IN THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT VERY HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILUER AFTER TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE ROOF SEAM IS LEAKING WHICH HAS STAINED THE HEADLINER. ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING, GEARSHIFT, AND SUBWOOFERS. UPDATED 11/09/2011 *LN *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 4, 2011
ON THE WAY TO WORK THIS MORNING, MY SONATA HYBRID STARTED BEEPING AND "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTED LOSING ENGINE POWER TO THE POINT WHERE MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AFTER THE STOP LIGHT TURNED GREEN, LEAVING ME STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A HUGE INTERSECTION WITH PEOPLE ALMOST HITTING ME. AFTER RESTARTING MY CAR, IT FINALLY STARTED TO MOVE, BUT REPEATED THE SAME INSTANCE AT THE NEXT STOP LIGHT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS NOT GOING TO RISK MY SAFETY AND LIFE. PEOPLE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF OTHER VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, SOMEONE COULD GET INTO A SERIOUS CAR WRECK WHICH COULD BE POTENTIALLY FATAL, IF HAPPENED ON A FREEWAY. *TR
Steering, Oct 4, 2011
TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR FRONT END NOISE AND "POPPING" DURING TURNS. DEALER STATES THE STEERING RACK IS FAULTY AND NEEDS REPLACED. STEERING RACK IS ON ORDER AS OF 09/30/2011 AND WON'T BE IN UNTIL 10/05/2011. KEITH HAWTHORNE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPT. CLAIMS VEHICLE IS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL PART COMES IN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2011
POWER TO THE ENGINE COMPLETELY CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING. ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND A LARGE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED: CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. I COASTED TO THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS PROVIDING POWER TO THE ACCESSORIES ONLY (RADIO, AIR) BUT IT WAS STUCK IN THIS MODE. WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL I DEPRESSED THE START/STOP BUTTON FOR APPROX 5 SECONDS. EVENTUALLY THE CAR POWERED ON AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE LAST 48 HOURS. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. READING THROUGH NHTSA REPORTS, IT APPEARS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER SONATA HYBRID CUSTOMERS. IT SEEMS THERE IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 3, 2011
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 6400 MILES. I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND ALARM SOUNDED. "CHECK CHARGIN SYSTEM" LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER TO DRIVE, GAS ENGINE AND HYBRID ENGINE SHUT-OFF IN MIDDLE OF FREEWAY. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT OFF FREEWAY. LET CAR COME TO REST AND RESTARTED CAR. EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL, DROVE IN PARKING LOT AND WAS CLOSE TO HOME. TAKING TO DEALERSHIP WHO HAS NOT HEARD OF ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Sep 27, 2011
VEHICLE HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT SINCE NEW. AT APPROX. 7000 MILES THE LEFT HAND PULL CHANGED TO PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT AND WOULD REQUIRE A STEERING CORRECTION EVERY 4 SEC WHEN TRAVELING AT 70MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. THAT'S 900 CORRECTIONS PER HOUR FOR A LONGER TRIP. TALK ABOUT WORK! TALKED TO THE SERVICE TECH AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND HE SAID THAT HYUNDAI REALLY DIDN'T HAVE A FIX FOR THE SONATA AT THIS TIME--8 MONTHS LATER. NOW HAVE 10,000 MILES ON CAR AND ROTATED TIRES AND NOW IT'S BACK TO THE LEFT PULL. TALK ABOUT AN UNSAFE CAR. *TT
Steering, Sep 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING SOUND WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A TIRE ROTATION, A FRONT AND REAR END ALIGNMENT, APPLIED A LUBRICANT TO THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION, AND TIGHTENED THE FRAME BOLTS BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300.