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.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 2, 2011
SONATA HYBRID. DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL. EXIT RAMP WITH CRUISE CONTROL OFF AND CAR GLIDING TO STOP LIGHT IN EV MODE. STOPPED AT RED LIGHT FOR 3-5 SECONDS. THEN PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR ... THE CAR LOST POWER, WOULD NOT MOVE, INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED, AUDIBLE DING WARNING SOUNDED. DISPLAY SCREEN SHOWED "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" THEN SCREEN SHOWED TO PUT CAR IN PARK. I THEN PLACED CAR IN PARK AND PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON AND CAR HAD POWER TO DRIVE OFF THE STREET AND OUT OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I THEN LOOKED OVER THE CAR, NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS. I TEST DROVE IT IN A PARKING LOT TO MAKE SURE IT WOULD NOT STOP AGAIN. CONDITIONS AT TIME OF EVENT: BLUE DRIVING MODE, GAS TANK LEVEL AT 1/2, HYBRID BATTERY CHARGE AT 1/2 RADIO ON, HEADLIGHTS ON, AIR CONDITIONER OFF, AND THE OUTSIDE TEMP. ABOUT 77F. I'M NOT SURE WHICH COMPONENT FAILED. ELECTRICAL, ENGINE OR THE HYBRID POWER CONTROL UNIT. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2011
CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT MOST OF THE TIME, SOMETIMES FORCEFULLY. OCCASSIONALLY PULLS TO THE LEFT. VIBRATES AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS. SPENT FOUR VISITS TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR SERVICE THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2011
OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A PULL TO THE LEFT. WE NOTICED IT IMMEDIATELY ON THE DAY WE TOOK DELIVERY AND HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE DEALERSHIP ON AT LEAST THREE OCCASIONS, BUT IT STILL PULLS. WE HAVE HAD THREE ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACED ONE TIRE....NO HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 1, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID STOPS LOSES POWER COMES TO COMPLETE STOP - FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THE SERVICE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I NOTICED THIS TIME THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING THE CAR APPEARS TO BE RUNNING JUST OFF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR AND THE BATTERY. THE CAR WENT FOR ABOUT 2 MILES AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. I HAD TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT BEFORE IT WOULD MOVE AGAIN. *TR
Hybrid propulsion system, Sep 1, 2011
DRIVING ON THE FREEWAYS AT ROUGHLY 45MPH WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON WITHOUT HARD ACCELERATION. VEHICLE HAD ROUGHLY 7300MI. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DECELERATED, CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT TURNS ON, SEVERAL LIGHTS WERE FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WAS BEEPING. I DROVE ON TO THE SHOULDER AND CAME TO A STOP. I TOOK A SHORT VIDEO OF THE DASH BEFORE TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURNING IT BACK ON. IT OPERATES FINE AFTER THIS INCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED TWICE, THE SECOND TIME MORE ERROR LIGHTS WERE SHOWN BUT OTHERWISE IDENTICAL TO ABOVE, TRAVELING ROUGHLY 65MPH ON A HIGHWAY WITH AIR CONDITIONING OFF IT OCCURRED AT ROUGHLY 7700 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 1, 2011
STARTED WITH 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT. DEALER TELLING US THERE ARE NO ISSUES DRIVING THIS CAR BECAUSE THERE ARE NO CURRENT RESOLUTION FOR THIS 'ENGINE LIGHT'. THEN 'CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM' LIGHT WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN AT THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. HAD TO GET IT TOLLED TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. *TR
Steering, Sep 1, 2011
PURCHASED A 2011 SONATA HYBRID (PREMIUM PACKAGE). SINCE DRIVING OFF THE LOT THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT AND VIBRATES BETWEEN 65-75MPH. BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THEY PERFORMED A COMPUTER WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND STRAIGHT TRAK. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS ALL THE TIME. FROM LOOKING AT THE LISTING, THERE ARE OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ON THIS THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS. NHTSA, PLEASE HELP THE CONSUMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. EVEN WHEN CALLING THE HYUNDAI TOLL FREE NUMBER, THEY ACT LIKE IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 30, 2011
THE VEHICLE (2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T) LEAKS GAS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER FILL UP. THIS CAN CONTINUE AFTER 2 BARS REMOVED OFF FROM FUEL GAUGE. IT HAS LEAKED IN THE GARAGE, WHICH INTURN HAS GOT GAS FUMES IN THE HOUSE. THERE IS ALSO AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF GAS IN THE CABIN. WE HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN TO CLEAR THE FUMES. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IS NOT TAKING SERIOUS. WILL IT TAKE AN EXPLOSION FOR SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR ISSUES. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS EVERY TIME THAT WE FILL UP THE CAR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
Steering, Aug 30, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, HAS BEEN RETURNED TO DEALER SIX TIMES SINCE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2010. DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND KEEP ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT, ODI # 10380197. HYUNDAI STATES THE "CAR DRIVES AS DESIGNED". HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ADMIT THEIR IS A PROBLEM. SOFTWARE UPDATE ORDERED BY NHTSA DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FACTORY REP HAS REFUSED TO AUTHORIZE ANY REPAIRS. 13200 MILES ON CAR NOW. ORIGINAL INCIDENT DATE 8/23/2010. CANNOT DRIVE ON ANY LONG ROAD TRIPS WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED WITH PUSH BUTTON START. PURCHASED THE CAR IN MAY 2011. AT 1600 MILES, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. BRAKE WILL NOT DEPRESS IN ORDER TO START CAR. DEALERSHIP REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR PART #93810-3S000. AT 3200 MILES, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, SINCE THEY CAN NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM.. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS RECURRING ISSUE WHICH HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE AND FIND A DEFINITE REPAIR. MOST CONSUMERS DO NOT HAVE THE FREE TIME TO WAIT NUMEROUS HOURS FOR SERVICE HELP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START A NEW CAR THAT SHOULD START WITHOUT FLAW. DO NOT PURCHASE A NEW HYUNDAI SONATA. IT MAY LOOK LIKE A LUXURY CAR - REMEMBER, LOOKS ARE DECEIVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 29, 2011
2011 SONATA LIMITED WITH SMART KEY FOB HAS FAILED TO START A MINIMUM OF 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 60 DAYS.IT APPEARS THAT SOMETIMES THE CAR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE SMART KEY AND THIS DOESN'T CHANGE IF THE SMART KEY IS INSERTED INTO THE CENTER CONSOLE SMART KEY HOLDER. THE BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE KEY FOB AND THIS DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE CAR THE COMPUTER SIMPLY STATES TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PUSH THE START BUTTON, WHICH I'VE BEEN DOING. THE BRAKE PEDAL OFTEN FEELS HARD AS A ROCK ALMOST LIKE IT'S LOCKED.THE NORMAL DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS AND FUEL GUAGE DOES OPERATE BUT THE CAR DOESN'T START. I'VE WAITED AS LONG AS 1/2 HOUR ATTEMPTING AND RE-ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. AFTER IT STARTS, THE CAR MAY WORK PERFECTLY FINE FOR THE NEXT FEW TRIPS UNTIL THE PROBLEM REAPPEARS. THIS IS A WORRISOME OCCURENCE SINCE THERE IS NO WAY TO OVERRIDE THE SMART KEY FOB BY INSERTING AN ACTUAL KEY TO START THE VEHICLE. DRIVERS MAY BECOME STUCK AT ANY TIME.
Steering, Aug 29, 2011
I PURCHASED A HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2.0 TURBO AND TOOK DELIVERY ON MAY 27, 2011. DURING THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, I NOTICED IT HAS A DISCERNIBLE PULLING-LEFT STEERING DEFECT AT ALL TIMES, WHICH BECOMES DRAMATICALLY MORE NOTICEABLE, AND DANGEROUS, AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT ON JUNE 6, 2011 WITHOUT SUCCESS. A SECOND ATTEMPT BY THE DEALER TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT DURING THE WEEK OF JUNE 17-24, 2011 WAS ALSO UNSUCCESSFUL. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME ON FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011 AT THE REQUEST OF THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE DROVE THE CAR AND PRONOUNCED THAT THE DEALER HAD MADE ALL THE FACTORY ADJUSTMENTS IT CAN MAKE, THE CAR NOW MEETS ALL FACTORY SPECS, THIS MODEL HAS ?SENSITIVE? STEERING AND OUR CAR WILL NOT DRIVE DIFFERENTLY. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AT 800-633-5151 ON MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011. I SPOKE WITH AN EMPLOYEE WHO ASSIGNED ME CASE # 4472765 AND ADVISED I WOULD BE CONTACTED BY A SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE. THE REPRESENTATIVE CALLED, CONFIRMED ALL FACTS OF THE DEFECT AND SAID THE DEALER WILL CONTACT YOU FOR FURTHER ACTION. I RECEIVED NO CONTACT FROM THE DEALER OR THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE. THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO RETURN OUR CALLS ON 8/8/2011 AND 8/15/2011, SO I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS (AGAIN) AT 800-633-5151 ON WED, AUG 17, 2011. I SPOKE WITH AN EMPLOYEE ABOUT CASE # 4472765. HE ADVISED THAT AS OF AUGUST 15, 2011, HYUNDAI HAD ISSUED A SONATA SERVICE CAMPAIGN (RECALL) # 927, AND I SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO REPAIR THE STEERING PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS CONNECTED TO A SERVICE ADVISER, WHO LOOKED FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN #927. IT WAS NOT IN HER SYSTEM YET FOR OUR VEHICLE VIN#, BUT SHE FOUND INFORMATION IN HER SYSTEM THAT DESCRIBED 927. SHE SAID SHE WOULD CHECK HER SYSTEM DAILY FOR UPDATES AND CALL ME WHEN IT WAS AVAILABLE. 8/29/2011: I'VE RECEIVED NO RECALL LETTER FROM HYUNDAI AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO ACT UNTIL HYUNDAI AUTHORIZES ACTION. *TR
Steering, Aug 29, 2011
BOUGHT A 2011 SONATA SE 2010 AND HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM DAY ONE. PULL IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER 8 DIFFERENT TIMES (ALIGNMENTS,TIRE ROTATION ETC.). LAST TIME HYUNDAI TECH DROVE IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. IT'S NOT FINE! I AM TURNING IN AS A LEMON. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Aug 29, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED AS HE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE AND HE THEN INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. BOTH THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR OPENED SIMULTANEOUSLY. NO ONE FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE SINCE THEY BOTH WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THREE PEOPLE WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL WITH HEAD, CHEST AND BACK INJURIES, THEY WERE TREATED AND RELEASED. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTIONED. THE POLICE WAS NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,550. UPDATED 09/27/11*LJ UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2011
THE CAR DOES NOT START. I ENTER THE VEHICLE, PUT ON MY SEATBELT, THEN DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND THE IGNITION BUTTON. THE CONSOLE WILL STATE "PRESS BRAKE TO START ENGINE". MY FOOT IS VERY FIRMLY PLACED ON THE BRAKE. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY BUT NOW OCCURS 50% OF THE TIME. *TT
Power train, Aug 27, 2011
2011 SONATA SE DROPPED TO 4TH GEAR AT 70 MPH WITH LOUD BANG HAPPENED ONCE AND PUT IN SHOP COMPUTER HAD CODE TO REPLACE MODULE AND SOMETHING ELSE PARTS ON ORDER SHIFT SOLENOID *TT
Electrical system, Aug 27, 2011
2011 SONATA PUSH BUTTON ENGINE START PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE AND THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. NOTHING HAPPENS. REATTEMPTED 3 TIME NOTHING, 4TH TIME STARTED. TOOK TO DEALER THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH WORKED FINE FOR 2 DAYS FOLLOWING THEN SAMETHING HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME IN THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS. HAVE NOT TAKEN BACK TO DEALER YET, NEED TO AS "NEW" CAR IS NOT RELIABLE. NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO STOP STARTING AND HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. *TT
Structure, Aug 22, 2011
TWICE THE FRONT BUMPER HAS SEPARATED FROM BODY ON MY DAUGHTERS 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER STATED SHE MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING BUT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE EVEN THOUGH THE DEALER INSISTED ON PUTTING THE CAR UP ON A LIFT TO INSPECT FOR DAMAGE, THE CAR WAS ONLY ON THE ROAD FOR 3 DAYS OR LESS. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER NO CHARGE. NOW THE CAR IS 3 MONTHS OLD AND THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. THE BUMPER IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE BODY PROPERLY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS, AND WHATEVER CLIPS THEY USE RELEASE THE BUMPER WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN. SOONER OR LATER THE BUMPER WILL FLY OFF THIS CAR AND EITHER BLIND THE DRIVER WHEN IT DAMAGES THE WINDSHIELD OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN A DRIVER BEHIND THE BUMPERLESS CAR AVOIDS THE DEBRIS OF THE BUMPER. THIS CAR SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. DEFECTIVE ATTACHMENT OF BUMPER TO BODY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Traction control system, Aug 22, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 SONATA LIMITED. EARLIER THIS YEAR I BEGAN HAVING A STARTING ISSUE WHERE THE CAR WOULD SAY "APPLY BRAKE PEDAL TO START" EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY PLANTED ON THE BRAKE. TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE SO I JUST KEPT ON WORKING AROUND IT. IN JUNE, IT GOT WORSE SO I TOOK IT BACK, SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ORDERED A BRAKE SWITCH AND NEW PUSH BUTTON IGNITION ON JUNE 20TH OR THEREABOUTS. THE PARTS FINALLY ARRIVED ON AUGUST 17TH..YES..IT TOOK THAT LONG APPARENTLY. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF THAT MORNING AND WENT BACK THAT AFTERNOON AROUND 5. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAD REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH AND PUSH BUTTON BUT WHEN THEY WENT TO TEST DRIVE, THEY LOST STEERING CONTROL AND THE EPS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM HAD FAILED. THEY TOOK A PART OFF A NEW SONATA IN THEIR LOT AND PUT IT ON MY CAR BUT THAT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AFTER 2 DAYS OF TROUBLESHOOTING THEY MANAGED TO CORRECT THAT ISSUE BUT AS SOON AS THEY DID, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND IT STATED THE ABS SYSTEM HAD FAILED TOO. I AM NOW WAITING ON A PART FOR THE ABS AS OF 8/22. NONE OF THESE SYSTEMS HAD ISSUES PRIOR TO THE DROP OFF DATE. THIS CONCERNS ME THAT THERE MAY BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. WE WILL SEE WHEN THEY REPLACE THE ABS MODULE IF SOMETHING ELSE GOES WRONG. *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T PULLS TO LEFT AT NORMAL SPEEDS DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THIS IS NOT A "TORQUE-STEER" ISSUE (THE TENDENCY OF FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE CARS TO VEER UNDER ACCELERATION DUE TO UNEVEN TORQUE TO THE FRONT WHEELS). EVEN ON CRUISE CONTROL, IF YOU DON'T APPLY CONSTANT "RIGHT" CORRECTION, THE CAR WILL VEER LEFT. THE CROWN OF THE ROAD DOES NOT STOP THIS, NOR IS IT A WIND ISSUE. IF YOU LET THE WHEEL GO, THE CAR WILL CHANGE LANES TO THE LEFT (OR VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC!) WITHIN 10 SECONDS. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES AND WHILE THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE ISSUE, HAVE NO SOLUTION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD. PLEASE INITIATE A FORMAL INQUIRY. SAME ISSUES AS OTHER COMPLAINTS, ENGINEERS (2 OF THEM) SAID CAR IS IN SPEC AND FINE, PULLING GETTING WORSE WITH MILES, 4400., THEY ACT LIKE I AM MAKING THIS UP EVERY TIME, DEALER THAT I GOT VEHICLE FROM GAVE UP, AND WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE ANYMORE. *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2011
NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PURCHASED 5-20-2011. SAFETY ISSUE IS ERRATIC UNDEPENDABLE STEERING. CURRENT MILEAGE AS OF 8-18-2011 IS 3020, 800 MILES OF WHICH HAVE BEEN FOR 4 VISITS TO DEALER(S) TO TRY TO FIX WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESULT. ORIGINALLY THE CAR PULLED HARD RIGHT. ON 4TH VISIT HYUNDAI FACTORY FIELD ENGINEER MOVED TIRES AROUND WHICH REDUCED THE RIGHT PULL. NOW CAR PULLS ERRATICALLY SOMETIMES LEFT, SOMETIMES RIGHT BUT REQUIRES CONSTANT FORCE ON STEERING WHEEL TO HOLD CAR STRAIGHT. THIS IS MORE SERIOUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ONLY A SHORT DRIVE CAUSES FATIGUE. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2011
HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 NEW STEERING PROBLEM , ALIGNMENT PROBLEM THE CAR PULL TO THE RIGHT LEAVING THE LANE ON HIGH WAY WITH STRONG RESIST FROM THE STEERING POWER ASSIST TO RETURN TO THE LANE WRONG ALIGNMENT NOT ADJUSTABLE BY THE DEALER WHO DID IT 4 TIMES THE LAST ONE THE HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE ASK FOR NON STANDARD PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH BIGGER SIZES IN BRAKING ON HIGH SPEED 100 KM THE CAR TURN TO THE RIGHT AND WAS STOPPED AWAY FROM THE NEXT LANE CARS BY 5 CM THIS PULLING IS ALL THE TIME AND IN CORNERS TURN THE CAR MOVES IN ZIGZAG THE POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPPED ASSISTING OVER 40 KM SPEED AND THE FORCE FROM THE MOVING WHEELS IS VERY HIGH YOU HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS STRONGLY ALL THE WAY OF THE TRIP TO KEEP THE CAR IN TRACK BY SHIFTING THE WHEEL 3 DEGREE TO THE LIFT IF YOU ARE LUCKY AND NO STRONG BREAKS NEED IT MAY YOU WILL BE SAFE. *TR
Power train, Aug 19, 2011
FOR THE SECOND TIME, IN INTERSTATE HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC (70MPH) THE CAR WITHOUT WARNING DOWNSHIFTED. A THUNDEROUS CLUNK IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE CAR LURCHING AS IT DEACCELERATES THEN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY RESUMES SPEED. BUT INSTEAD OF THE ENGINE BEING AT 1800 RPM ITS CLOSER TO TWICE THAT. IN BOTH CASES THE DRIVER BEHIND ME THOUGHT THAT I BRAKED INTENTIONALLY AND NEARLY REAR ENDED ME. THE CAR IS THEN STUCK IN A LOWER GEAR AND IS DRIVEABLE WITH EXTREMELY POOR RESPONSE. I HAD IT TOWED ONCE AT THE DEALER'S REQUEST AND THE LAST TIME I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO A DIFFERENT NEARBY DEALER TO DEMONSTRATE THAT UNQUESTIONABLY THE CAR WAS STUCK IN ONE GEAR. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC. I'M SKEPTICAL THAT EITHER DEALER HAS ANY CLUE TO WHAT IS WRONG. I WON'T LET ANYONE IN THE FAMILY BESIDES ME DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS I'M AFRAID FOR THEIR SAFETY. IT HAS LESS THAN 7000 MILES AND IS 8 MONTHS OLD. THE FIRST EVENT WAS OVER 1000 MILES AGO AND ABOUT 5 WEEKS EARLIER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 18, 2011
"ESC" LIGHT ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY OVER PAST FOUR DAYS. SUDDENLY BRAKE SWITCH FAILED, RESULTING IN BRAKE LIGHTS FAILING COMPLETELY. UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE (SINCE THAT REQUIRES BRAKE PEDAL TO BE PRESSED, AND BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE MEANS CAR DOESN'T KNOW PEDAL IS DEPRESSED), AND UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS AT ALL FOR SAME REASON. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE HYUNDAI SONATAS I HAVE OWNED (A 2006 AND NOW A 2011) MORE THAN A DOZEN TIMES. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS IN THIS VEHICLE, 28 DAYS AGO. THIS FAILURE IS KNOWN BY HYUNDAI, BUT STILL REQUIRES A TIME AND MONEY INVESTMENT TO FIX, I HAVE LOST HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF MY TIME TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN MITIGATED. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL BRAKE SWITCH REPLACEMENTS, THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN COVERED BY THE DEALER. HYUNDAI SAYS THEY HAVE DEVELOPED A NEW BRAKE SWITCH WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO LAST LONGER, BUT THE FAILURES PERSIST. *KB
Steering, Suspension, Aug 18, 2011
MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO WITH 4500 MILES THAT PULLS TO THE LEFT AT ALL SPEEDS AND IS MUCH WORSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS REQUIRING CONSTANT PRESSURE TO KEEP THE CAR GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. A RECENT TRIP OF 2500 MILES MOSTLY ON INTERSTATE 95 BECAME VERY TIRING AFTER HOURS OF CONSTANT STEERING WHEEL CORRECTION. THE CAR HAS BEEN INTO THE SELLING DEALER THREE TIMES {ALIGNMENT TWICE AND SUBFRAME ADJUSTMENT} TO CORRECT THE ISSUE BUT CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS CONDITION IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH MY WIFE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. I AM BRINGING THE CAR INTO THE DEALER NEXT WEEK AGAIN AND AM TOLD THERE ARE MANY CARS WITH THIS SAME DEFECT AND HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A CAMPAIGN CODE 927 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *KB