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, Aug 18, 2011
BOUGHT A 2011 SONATA LIMITED WITH 17 INCH WHEELS IN JANUARY AND HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM DAY ONE. PULL IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER 9 DIFFERENT TIMES (ALIGNMENTS,TIRE ROTATION ETC.). LAST TIME HYUNDAI ENGINEER DROVE IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. HE DROVE IT 6 MILES OF WHICH 2 OF THOSE ARE TO AND FROM GETTING ON HIGHWAY. MADE IT SOUND LIKE IT WAS MY FAULT AND THAT I DID NOT KNOW HOW NEW CARS DRIVE. I AM TURNING IN AS A LEMON. *KB
Steering, Aug 18, 2011
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR, IT HAS AN ANNOYING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PULL TO THE LEFT. SOMETIMES IT PULLS MORE THAN OTHERS BUT IT'S ALWAYS PRESENT TO SOME EXTENT. *KB
Steering, Aug 17, 2011
VEHICLE TRACKS--POORLY PULLS TO LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER FOR FIX , ALIGNMENT PERFORMED SEVERAL TIMES. REQUIRES MUCH MORE EFFORT TO HOLD STEERING, AND CREATES FATIGUE AFTER HOURS OF DRIVING. I CONSIDER THIS A HAZZARD CONDITION
Steering, Aug 16, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SE 2.0T STEERING PULLS LEFT AND DOES NOT CENTER DESPITE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATIONS. DELIVERY WAS 16 MAY 2011. ABOVE ACTIONS IMPROVE PERFORMANCE BRIEFLY, BUT DO NOT CURE PROBLEM. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 16, 2011
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID STOPS LOSES POWER COMES TO COMPLETE STOP - WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 40 MPH CAR LOST POWER AND CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. I HAD TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT BEFORE IT WOULD MOVE AGAIN. *KB
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2011 SONATA 2.0T 2 WEEKS AGO. I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR PULLING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS VEHICLE HAS 17 INCH WHEELS. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
PULLED LEFT IMMEDIATELY UPON DELIVERY. RETURNED TO DEALER. THEY SAID THEY SWITCHED THE TWO FRONT TIRES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO RADIAL PULL. THIS BEGS THE QUESTION "WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I REPLACE OR ROTATE TIRES?" I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ROOT CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. IT HAS NOT PULLED SINCE THEY SWITCHED THE FRONT TIRES. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
LEASED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON 6/21/11. ON 6/25 WITH 140 MILES ON THE ODOMETER I NOTICED A STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT AT ABOUT 35 MPH. NEEDED TO ACTIVELY CORRECT STEERING TO KEEP CAR IN A STRAIGHT TRAJECTORY. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE LOOKED UNDER THE CAR FOR ANYTHING OBVIOUS BUT FOUND NOTHING. DID NOT DRIVE ON HIGH SPEED ROADWAY UNTIL MANY DAYS LATER AND FOUND THAT AT 65 MPH THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME. AFTER JULY 4TH HOLIDAY I TELEPHONED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD THAT BEFORE.I DID NOT GO TO THE DEALERSHIP THRU TODAY 8/15/11. I HAVE HOWEVER SEEN THE NUMEROUS SAME COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2011 SONATA. I WANTED TO MAKE MY OWN SELF HEARD AS TO THIS PROBLEM. IT CONTINUES TODAY AND I AM GOING TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT EXPECT THE SAME STONEWALLING I HAVE READ ABOUT. *TR
Steering, Aug 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT. THERE WAS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V457000 (STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR) RECALL THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF FINDING OUT IF HIS VIN WAS A PART OF THE RECALL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STRUT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Steering, Aug 12, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T PULLS TO THE LEFT VERY HARD. IT OCCURS AT JUST ABOUT ANY SPEED, BUT IS WORSE WITH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IN LESS THAN1.5 SECONDS MY CAR WOULD BE 1 LANE OVER IF MY HANDS ARE NOT ON THE WHEEL. I HAVE TO HOLD THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT JUST TO GO STRAIGHT. I HAVE HAD THIS ADDRESSED TWICE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 10, 2011
ESC LIGHT CAME ON IN PERFECT DRY CONDITIONS AND THEN THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE PUT INTO GEAR. TURNED CAR ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES AND IT STOPPED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT INTO GEAR. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2011
UNABLE TO SEE OBJECTS IN THE ROAD AT NIGHT WHEN USING LOW [NORMAL] BEAMS FOR HEADLIGHTS. HIT "ROAD GATORS" 2 TIMES CAUSING DAMAGE TO CAR BOTH TIMES. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED. NOW I DRIVE AROUND WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON. HAVE NO MORE "ROAD GATORS." *TR
Electrical system, Aug 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, ALL OF THE LAMPS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, THE AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, IT FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,400. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT 4,400 MILES, TRAVELING AT 45 MPH. CAR AT DEALERSHIP NOW, I AM TOLD THE PROBLEM IS A COMPONENT THAT DETERMINES IF CAR IS IN ENGINE OR ELECTRIC MODE. PART IS ON ORDER- SVC MGR. DID NOT KNOW NAME OF PART. UPDATED 10/06/2011 *LN *TR
Hybrid propulsion system, Aug 8, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID, HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" FAILUE, BEEN INTO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS. PICKED CAR UP LAST THURSDAY, HOPEFULLY NO MORE PROBLEMS. THE CAR WOULD JUST DIE IN TRAFFIC UNDER SPEEDS OF 40MPH, HAPPEN TO ME AT LEAST 6 TIMES, YOU WOULD HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, PUT IN PARK AND CLICK ENGINE OFF (WHICH IS NOT RUNNING ANYHOW) AND THEN RESTART AND PROCEED. WITH TRAFFIC IN DFW THE WAY IT IS, THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
Power train, Aug 8, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE, I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND SEND ME ON MY WAY. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN MY FIANCE OR I HAVE DRIVEN IT, NOW MY DAUGHTER (WHO JUST GOT HER LEARNER'S PERMIT) HAD IT HAPPEN TO HER. THE TRANNY SLIPS, IT MAKES A LOUD CLUNK WHEN TRYING TO GO IN REVERSE THEN THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND ON AGAIN THEN TRY AGAIN! OTHER TIMES I WILL BE DRIVING AND THE CAR REVS UP AND WONT MOVE THEN SLIPS INTO GEAR AND THEN CLUNKS BACK IN GEAR AGAIN CAUSING THE CAR TO BUCK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN BEFORE THIS GETS FIXED!! OR HURT! WHICHEVER COMES FIRST! I AM OVER THIS!!! I NEED A CAR THAT WORKS!! I AM SO FRIGHTENED TO HAVE MY KIDS DRIVE THE CAR ONLY FOR SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN AND THEM NOT KNOWING HOW TO HANDLE IT SCARES THE [XXX] OUT OF ME!!! THAT IS A LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM" LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH CHIME ALARM ACTIVATION WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. HYBRID BATTERY CHARGE LEVEL WAS AT 1/2, WHICH IS WHERE IT NORMALLY IS. I PRESSED ON GAS PEDAL AND GOT NO RESPONSE, AND VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AS IF I APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE. I PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK, SHUT OFF ENGINE AND RE-STARTED IT AND IT RAN NORMALLY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED IN THE PAST 4 WEEKS OR SO. ON A HYUNDAI FORUM WEBSITE, THERE IS AT LEAST 1 OTHER CUSTOMER WHICH HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR HYBRID AS MYSELF. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY AND YOU ARE FORCED TO STOP WHILE IN FLOW OF TRAFFIC. *TT
Steering, Suspension, Aug 4, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA PULLS LEFT. CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO DEALER A FEW TIMES. THEY HAVE REPLACED BOTH STRUTS, DID ALIGNMENTS, STRAIGHTTRAC, AS WELL AS PUT 4 BRAND NEW TIRES ON THE CAR. *TR I STILL HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR PULL LEFT. THIS HAPPENS ALL DAY EVERY DAY SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JANUARY 2011 I DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR.
Steering, Aug 3, 2011
2011 SONATA TURBO PULLS LEFT ALL THE TIME. SOON AS YOU RELEASE THE WHEEL THE CAR WILL PULL TO THE LEFT AND INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC OR A GUARD RAIL WITHIN 3-5 SECONDS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. YOU HAVE TO ALWAYS HAVE THE WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM PULLING LEFT. CALLED HYUNDAI AND FILLED A CASE # BUT TO DATE NOBODY HAS RETURNED MY CALL TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. IT WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 4-5 DAYS AND THEY SAID THE TRIED EVERYTHING ON THE HYUNDAI TSB AND IT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. *KB
Steering, Aug 3, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA VEERS TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP MORE PRESSURE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR THREE TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE CAR STEERING GOES SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT BUT WAS NOT GUARANTEED THAT IT COULD BE FIXED. *KB
Steering, Aug 2, 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. *KB
Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 29, 2011
THE "ESC" INDICATOR LIGHT (NOT THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT) FREQUENTLY COMES ON AND STAYS ON. IF YOU STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN PARK WHILE THIS IS OCCURRING, THE GEAR SHIFTER WILL NOT WORK. YOU CAN NOT PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. ONCE YOU TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT, THE LIGHT GOES OFF. HOWEVER, AFTER 10-15 MILES THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND STAYS ON AGAIN. DEALER RAN COMPUTER CHECK AND FOUND NO CODES BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. I'VE HAD THE CAR 2 DAYS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2011
ENGINE CAN EASILY BECOME HYDRO-LOCKED IN HEAVY RAIN AND ROAD SPLASH BACK FROM OTHER VEHICLES DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE DIRECT AIR INTAKE OF THE SONATA HYBRID. WITH ITS DESIGN, IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY WATER BAFFLES TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE AIR FILTER AND ONCE IT ENTERS THE AIR FILTER BOX, THERE ARE NO DRAIN HOLES FOR IT TO DRAIN OUT. THIS FORCES THE WATER THROUGH THE ENGINE AS THAT IS THE ONLY WAY FOR IT TO GET OUT OF THE FILTER BOX. WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED, NO ELECTRONIC CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR REMAINED IN THE 'READY' STATE. THIS COULD LEAD TO DAMAGE OF THE HEV SYSTEM AND BATTERY PACK. PER THE TECHNICIAN SERVICING THE CAR, THEY STATED THAT THE HEV WARNING LIGHT ONLY ILLUMINATED WHEN THE HEV BATTERY REACHES 15% CHARGE (THE POINT AT WHICH THEY HAVE TO REPLACE IT), THIS CONTRADICTS WITH THE OWNER'S MANUAL AS WELL AS COUNTERACTS THE PURPOSE OF A WARNING LAMP. DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE DESIGN WHERE THE COMPUTER CONTROLS WHEN THE ENGINE START/STOPS, THE ENGINE CAN DAMAGE ITSELF BEFORE PREVENTATIVE ACTION CAN BE TAKEN. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS DUE TO WATER INGESTION THROUGH THE AIR FILTER AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR DETERMINES IT CANNOT COMPENSATE, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, BUT BEFORE THE SITUATION CAN BE RECTIFIED, THE COMPUTER ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO BECOME HYDRO-LOCKED. WITH MY EXPERIENCE, I AM CONVINCED THAT THE DESIGN OF THE CAR IS FLAWED AND IS UNRELIABLE TO DRIVE IN A HEAVY RAIN SCENARIO WHICH LEAVES IT UNUSABLE SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL HYBRIDS IN THE PAST (2001 AND 2005 TOYOTA PRIUS) THAT I OPERATED THROUGH THE SAME CONDITIONS AS YOUR VEHICLE AND I DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEM. ADDITIONALLY, WITH THE TOYOTA, WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS AGAINST THE COMPUTER'S CONTROL (E.G.: RUNNING OUT OF FUEL), THE HEV AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHT BOTH ILLUMINATED AND THE 'READY' LIGHT WAS DE-ILLUMINATED. *TR
Steering, Jul 26, 2011
THE CAR IS PULLING HARD TO THE LEFT, IT REQUIRES MY CONSTANT CORRECTION. IT HAS DONE THIS DAY 1 OF OWNING THE CAR, AND AS YOU GO FASTER, IT PULLS HARDER. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM FIX THE ALIGNMENT, BUT THAT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING EXCEPT NOW MY WHEEL ISN'T CENTERED AND IT'S COCKED TO THE RIGHT AND STILL PULLS LEFT. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2011
WIFE ACTIVATED THE HORN TO GET MY ATTENTION. IT SOUNDED ONE SHORT BEEP AND WENT DEAD. HAS NOT WORKED SINCE. HORN CAN HARDLY BE HEARD STANDING NEXT THE CAR LET ALONE TRYING TO GET SOMEONE'S ATTENTION INSIDE A VEHICLE WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND THE RADIO ON. THE OTHER PERSON WOULD NEVER HEAR IT. HYUNDAI SHOULD REPLACE THESE HORNS WITH SOMETHING THAT CAN BE HEARD IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION AND NOT SOUND LIKE A HORN ON A TOY SCOOTER. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SOUND OR FAILURE OF THESE HORNS ON THE INTERNET FORUMS.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jul 25, 2011, crash
TONIGHT I WAS REAR ENDED BY A WOMAN IN AN SUV, WHO'S BRAKES DID NOT WORK IN HER DURANGO, SHE SAID. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS INDICATING AN ATTEMPTED STOP. HER IMPACT ON MY VEHICLE WAS SEVERE. POLICE OFFICER GUESSED SHE WAS GOING 40 MPH WHEN SHE HIT MY CAR. MY CAR WAS SHOVED FORWARD INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF MINE, THAT CAR THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THERE WERE 3 CARS, MINE LAST IN LINE, SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. WE WERE ALL STOPPED. THEN THERE WAS A 4TH CAR THAT HIT MINE FROM BEHIND. THE MATTER IM REPORTING IS THAT THE AIRBAGS IN MY HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2011 CAR DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN I THEN HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE IMPACT WAS GREAT ENOUGH TO CAUSE THAT CAR TO THEN HIT ANOTHER CAR AND THAT CAUSED A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF MINE. ALSO, AFTER I HIT THAT CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I THEN BOUNCED BACK ABOUT 10 FEET. MORE EVIDENCE OF IMPACT. WHY NO AIRBAGS? I DID NOT SEE VERY MUCH DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR NOR THE BACK OF THE CAR THAT WAS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MINE, WHILE THE BACK OF MY CAR WAS BAD ENOUGH THAT I EXPECT TO BE TOLD IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE.. IM REPORTING JUST IN CASE YOU RECEIVE ANY OTHER REPORTS INDICATING THERE IS SOMETHING FAULTY CONCERNING AIRBAGS IN THE HYUNDAI. I KNOW AIRBAGS ARE NOT TO DEPLOY IN REAR END COLLISION BUT SINCE I THEN HIT ANOTHER CAR FRONTALLY, I WOULD THINK THE AIRBAGS WOULD DEPLOY. MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER, FRONT SEAT AND IN ORDER TO BRACE HIMSELF, HE PUT HIS HAND UP AT THE WINDSHIELD. THE GLASS WAS BROKEN IN AN AREA THE SIZE OF A CANTALOUPE FROM THE IMPACT AGAINST HIS HAND. IM THINKING THE IMPACT MUST HAVE BEEN MODERATE TO SEVERE. ON THE UP SIDE, MY SONATA TOOK THAT HIT AND SUSTAINED THE DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE AND UP INTO THE AIR AT THE TRUNK RATHER THAN INTO THE CAB OF THE CAR. MY FATHER AND SON WERE IN THE BACKSEAT AND WERE NOT KILLED, I THINK BECAUSE THE CAR IS A GOOD, SAFE VEHICLE IN A CRASH. *TR