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, Jul 22, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2.0T ON 07/15/2011. DURING DRIVING ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY PULL TO THE LEFT AND ITS A QUIT SIGNIFICANT PULL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ON 7/22/2011, THEIR TECHNITION TEST DROVE IT, IT WAS PULL TO THE LEFT BUT HE KEPT TELLING ME THIS IS NORMAL. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS ISSUE AND IT IS A MAJOR CONCERN BUT HYUNDAI DEALERS ARE NOT RECOGNIZING IT. PLEASE TRY TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 21, 2011
I HAVE OWNED MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR ONE YEAR. ON JULY 15, 2011, I WENT TO START THE CAR AND I COULD NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE OR START THE CAR. THE ACC STUFF WOULD COME ON BUT NO IGNITION TO THE MOTOR. I TRIED AND TRIED TO START IT AND ENDED UP CALLING THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD TO "KICK" THE BRAKE PEDAL "HARD" SEVERAL TIMES; WHICH I DID. I FINALLY GOT IT STARTED AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD "BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH" REPLACED. LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND DROVE TO MY OFFICE AND WHEN I WENT TO TRIED TO START THE CAR TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULD NOT START, BUT THIS TIME I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE CAR TO BE TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AGAIN. NOW THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. WHEN I DID GET IT TO START THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR; IT JUST WAS LOCKED IN PARK. WELL, YESTERDAY, JULY 20, 2011 THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AGAIN BECAUSE OF ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS. SO, THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WITHIN THE PAST FIVE DAYS; TWO OF WHICH THE CAR WAS TOWED. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE BRAKES HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAGS NOT TO MENTION THE UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 20, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 2010. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY RECORDED THE CODE AND THEN SAID IT WAS THE AC. I WAS ASKED TO WAIT 15 SECONDS BEFORE TURNING THE AC ON AFTER STARTING CAR. SO I DID THAT. ABOUT A WEEK OR SO LATER, THE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. TAKE IT BACK TWICE AFTER THIS, THEY RECORD THE CODE AND THEN THE SWITCH IS REPLACED. I MAINTAIN MY CAR WITH ALL MAINTENANCE REQUESTED AND I DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD THE TIRE LIGHT COME ON A FEW MONTHS LATER - WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TEMPERATURE. THAT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF. NEXT WAS THE ENGINE LIGHT YET AGAIN. THIS TIME IT OCCURRED AFTER I TOOK THE CAR IN ON JUNE 17TH FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY TOLD ME A RECALL WAS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY DID THE RECALL UPDATE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS UPDATE, THE CAR DROVE TERRIBLY. VERY LOUD, VERY ROUGH. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THIS UPDATE, THE CAR BREAKS DOWN IN THE PARKING LOT. IT HAS DONE THIS NOW ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES SINCE JUNE (TODAY IS JULY 20TH). I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD I NEED THE ENGINE LIGHT ON IN ORDER TO REPAIR. THE LIGHT NEEDS TO COME ON TWO OR THREE TIMES BEFORE HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE. THE ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON, SOMETIMES DOES NOT, BUT IT IS GUARANTEED TO BREAK DOWN. IT IS MOST DEFINITELY THE TRANSMISSION AS IT WILL STALL AND THEN HESITATE. THE LIGHTS ON THE GEAR SHAFT GO AWAY COMPLETELY AND THE DASH LIGHTS GO AWAY SO YOU HAVE NO IDEA IF YOU ARE IN PARK, REVERSE, ETC. LAST TIME MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IT WENT BACK OFF THAT NIGHT. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND HYUNDAI CAN'T SEEM TO FIX. I READ ONLINE FROM A GENERAL SEARCH ON THIS CAR THAT THIS IS A RESOUNDING ISSUE ACROSS THE BOARD WITH OTHERS AS WELL. I AM FRUSTRATED AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE. I CALLED CORPORATE AND GOT NOWHERE. I CONTINUE TO GET THE RUNAROUND. THEY SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM THEIR TRANSMISSION ISSUE/LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF THEIR DRIVERS. *KB
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE HORN BUT IT WOULD NOT SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2011
THE HORN SUPPLIED WITH THIS VEHICLE IS SO LOW IT CAN NOT BE HEARD BY OTHER DRIVERS. *KB
Exterior lighting, Jul 18, 2011
HAVE OWNED THIS 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS NOW. FOR THE FIRST TIME, I OPERATED THE CAR AT NIGHT. I WAS NOT AWARE OF AN OBVIOUS AND CONSEQUENTIAL DEFECT WITH THE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM AIMING ON THIS AUTOMOBILE. WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AFTER DARK, THERE IS A SHARP BOUNDARY BETWEEN HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE LOWER AREA AND DARKNESS ABOVE. ON ALL BUT LEVEL ROADWAY, THIS HAZARDOUS DEFECT IS APPARENT. MANY ROADS WHERE I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA ARE TWISTING AND HILLY. TRAVERSING THOSE ROADS WITH THIS SONATA USING THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS IS UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS. WHEN THE FRONT OF THE CAR DIPS INTO EVEN A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, ROAD AHEAD IS ILLUMINATED TO ABOUT 40 FEET IN FRONT OF CAR. LINE OF SIGHT THROUGH WINDSHIELD HAS AT LEAST HALF THE VIEW ABOVE UNLIT. SEEMS THAT THE VIEW ZONE BRIGHTLY ILLUMINATED BELOW, THE EYES TRY TO COMPENSATE FOR CONTRAST. CONSEQUENTLY, THE TOP HALF SEEN THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD APPEARS TO BE IN COMPLETE BLACKNESS. ASIDE FROM THE IMPAIRED ROAD ILLUMINATION, WHILE DRIVING ON CURVING ROADS, THERE IS AN ANNOYING HYPNOTIC EFFECT CAUSED. DUE TO THE HARSH LIGHT AND DARK CONTRAST, I FIND IT CONFUSING TO NAVIGATE BETWEEN THE PAINTED LINES DUE TO THE LOW BEAM PROBLEM. LAST NIGHT WHILE ON THE WAY HOME OVER ONE OF THE WINDING ROADS, I NEARLY HIT A DEER. THE ANIMAL WAS STANDING IN THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT SEE IT. BECAUSE OF THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON MY SONATA, I NEARLY CRASHED. FORTUNATELY, THE DEER JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY IN THE LAST SECONDS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE CAR. TO ME, THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHT PROBLEM IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION. UNTIL THERE IS A SOLUTION, FOR MY OWN PROTECTION, I NOW DRIVE ON THOSE ROADS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS, AT NIGHT, ALL THE TIME. I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AS IT IS A SERIOUS AND VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO LIFE AND SAFETY. *KB
Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2011
THIS IS WHAT I WROTE TO HYUNDAI: RENTED A SONATA. LOVED THE CAR EXCEPT: SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE CAR LEAPED AHEAD SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKE (BECAUSE I WAS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME) AND WAS TEMPORARILY HANDLING SPEED WITHOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL. NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT ON TWQ SUCH OCCASIONS. THEN I FIGURED OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE "RESUME" BUTTON IS SO CLOSE TO THE RIM OF THE WHEEL, AND SO EXPOSED, THAT THE HEEL OF MY RIGHT HAND WAS TOUCHING IT INADVERTANTLY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL REENGAGED WHEN I DIDN'T WANT IT TO AND DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS HAPPENING. IMHO, YOUR BUTTON NEEDS TO BE RELOCATED OR PROTECTED BY A RIDGE. IMHO, THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED NOW. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU AGREE. IF NOT, I WILL CONTACT THE NTSB. THANK YOU. HYUNDAI DID NOT AGREE THAT IT NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, SO I AM WRITING TO YOU. I NOTICED ON YOUR SITE THAT THERE WERE TWO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SONATA'S SPEED CONTROL, ONE OF THEM SIMILAR IN SYMPTOM, ALTHOUGH THE COMPLAINANT DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE CAUSE. PLEASE NOTE, THIS WAS A RENTAL, NOT A PURCHASE, BUT TO GET THROUGH YOUR FORM I HAVE TO SAY, LATER, THAT IT WAS A PURCHASE. I ALSO INVENTED THE MILEAGE, AS I DO NOT RECALL THE MILEAGE ON THE RENTAL CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Power train, Jul 16, 2011
WHILE BACKING UP MY CAR AT A SLOW SPEED THE CAR ABRUPTLY STOPPED AS IF I HIT A BRICK WALL AND MADE A LOUD CRASHING SOUND. THE INDICATOR LETTERS IN THE DASHBOARD WERE BLANK AND THE SHIFTER GEARS LETTERS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. CAR WAS ABLE TO GET INTO DRIVE AND WAS PARKED, I TURNED THE MOTOR OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND RESTARTED THE CAR. WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME AND WILL CALL THE DEALER ASAP. *TT
Steering, Jul 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH OR MORE THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED AND ALIGNMENT TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, STATED THAT IT WAS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY AND THAT IT WAS ALSO DRIVING WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED THEM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING WITHIN THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200.
Suspension, Tires, Jul 12, 2011
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, 200 MILES ON ODOMETER. VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. MUST MAINTAIN CONSTANT PRESSURE ON STEERING WHEEL TO MAINTAIN STRIGHT TRAVEL. VEHICLE MOVES COMPLETLY INTO NEXT LANE WITHIN 4 SECONDS OF RELEASING WHEEL. THE CAR HAS BEEN BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THREE DAYS AND NO APPARENT FIX SO FAR. *TT
Suspension, Jul 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE STRUTS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, A COMPATIBLE STRUT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
Steering, Equipment, Jul 8, 2011
THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING IS SLIGHTLY TILTED LEFT IN NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. ALSO HAVE TO APPLY A CONSTANT FORCE TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. AT HIGH SPEEDS THE STEERING FEELS FREE. *TR
Steering, Jul 6, 2011
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS PULLS RIGHT. TOOK THE CAR FOR INSPECTION A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. THEY RE-ALIGNED THE WHEELS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY THEY HAVE SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE THE CAR TO 2ND DEALERSHIP FOR 2ND INSPECTION BEFORE THEY CAN ACT ON THE ISSUE. NOTE:THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR 2012 MODEL. IN THE PULL DOWN MENU THERE WAS NOT AN OPTION TO SELECT 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. *TR
Steering, Jul 6, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT ALMOST CONTINUOUSLY SINCE WE TOOK POSSESSION OF THE CAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES AND HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. IT IS SO CONSTANT THAT MY LEFT SHOULDER HURTS AFTER JUST A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Jul 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TOWARDS THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO GET USED TO THE DRIVING OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. LATER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE PULLED SHARPLY TOWARD THE LEFT AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS CAREFULLY DRIVEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS BEING REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 09/07/11 *BF THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/14/11*JB
Steering, Jul 4, 2011, crash
IT SEEMS MORE AND MORE HYUNDAI MODEL CARS ARE EXHIBITING A VERY SEVERE SHIFT TO THE LEFT (OR RIGHT) WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KOLQVBPP3_A&FEATURE=CHANNEL_VIDEO_TITLE [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Jul 2, 2011
BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. LEFT CAR IMMOBILE. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2011
I INITIALLY UNLOCK THE VEHICLE BY EITHER DEPRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB OR PRESSING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. ONCE UNLOCKED, I ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND ATTACH THE SEAT BELT. I PLACE THE KEY FOB ON THE DASHBOARD, DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESS THE ENGINE START BUTTON. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL CYCLE THROUGH ACC AND ON MODE BUT THE CAR WILL NOT START. A CHECK OF THE BATTERY SYSTEM SHOW THAT THE CAR BATTERY IS AT FULL POWER. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE ONLY RELIABLE SOLUTION FOR STARTING THE CAR IS TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESS THE ENGINE START BUTTON FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 SECONDS. I'VE PLACED THE KEY FOB IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN THE CAR (DASHBOARD, CUP HOLDER, SMART KEY HOLDER) WITH NO REPEATABLE SUCCESS. AFTER A VISIT TO A DEALERSHIP, THEY CANNOT FIND A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS SEVERAL THERE OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 1, 2011
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON LOW BEAM, YOU CAN DEFINITELY SEE A HORIZONTAL LINE. I NOTICED THIS WHEN DRIVING ON BACKROADS. AT SOME POINTS I CANNOT SEE MORE THAN A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF THERE WAS SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN THE ROAD AHEAD. NO VISIBILITY AT ALL. I TURNED ON MY LIGHTS IN MY GARAGE AND YOU COULD DEFINITELY SEE THE FLAT LINE ON THE GARAGE WALL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY ON BACKROADS WHICH I HAVE TO DO OFTEN. *TR
Steering, Jun 30, 2011
MY CAR (2011 HYUNDAI SONATA )STARTS DRIFTING TO THE LEFT WHEN GOING OVER 60 MPH. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY AND WAS TOLD "IT'S A DEFECT IN THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, BUT HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR IT YET ." *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 29, 2011
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR SELF ENGAGED AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH NO DRIVER INPUT. THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO A HIGHER SPEED, BUT STOPPED ACCELERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE CAR IS LESS THAN 2 MONTHS OLD AND HAS ALREADY BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR OTHER CRUISE CONTROL RELATED PROBLEMS. THIS CAR IS THE NEW SONATA HYBRID AND HAS HAD MULTIPLE OTHER PROBLEMS REQUIRING NUMEROUS VISITS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2011
MY 2011 SONATA HAS FAILED TO START 3 TIMES THIS PAST MONTH. THE BRAKE WILL NOT DEPRESS AND IT APPEARS THAT IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT I HAVE THE KEY. IT HAS A PUSH BUTTON START AND THE KEY DOES NOT GO IN THE IGNITION. AFTER A FEW HOURS IT STARTS. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN THE DARK AND THIS MADE IT A SAFETY ISSUE ON A PERSONAL BASIS. *TR
Steering, Jun 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TOWARDS THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE WHEELS REALIGNED AND THE SENSORS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43.
Steering, Jun 22, 2011
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED IS PULLING RIGHT. NOTICED IT AFTER DRIVING HOME. WENT BACK WITHIN THE WEEK TO DEALER SERVICE CENTER. THE PULLING RIGHT IS STILL THERE, NOT AS SEVERELY, BUT STILL THERE. TOOK IT IN 3 WEEKS FROM PURCHASE, THEIR MACHINERY SAYS THERE IS NO ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, BUT EVERY TIME ROAD TEST DRIVE WAS DONE, IT STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. NOW, I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A RENTAL CAR AND THEY ARE KEEPING IT FOR 2 DAYS JUST TO FIX AN ALIGNMENT PULLING TO RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Jun 22, 2011
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED. AT SPEEDS ABOVE ABOUT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS RANDOMLY LEFT & RIGHT. THE HIGHER THE SPEED, THE WORSE IT IS. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO VERY SENSITIVE TO WIND AND EVEN THE WAKE OF PASSING VEHICLES PUSHES THE CAR AROUND ON THE HIGHWAY. IT ALSO IS HARD TO STEER ON GROOVED PAVEMENT, WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO SQUIRM AROUND ERRATICALLY. I AM CONSTANTLY "CORRECTING" THE STEERING TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT TRACK. THE VEHICLE OFTEN PULLS STRONGLY TO THE LEFT. THIS OCCURS ESPECIALLY WHEN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF A "CROWNED" HIGHWAY. PULLS VERY STRONGLY TO THE LEFT, BUT TRACKS STRAIGHT WHEN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR