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, Mar 24, 2011
THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY PULLS TO THE LEFT FROM SPEEDS OF 40 MPH TO 80 MPH. DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIGURE HOW TO FIX ISSUE. YOU NEED TO CONSTANTLY HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AT 20 DEGREES OFF CENTER IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT LINE. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE AND HYUNDAI IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLES POWER STEERING! *TR
Steering, Mar 23, 2011
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO LIMITED WITH 6 MILES ON IT. AS SOON AS I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, IT PULLED TO THE LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I'VE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE. FIRST THEY REPLACED A FRONT STRUT SO NOW I HAVE MISMATCHED STRUTS, THEN ALIGNED IT SO THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS SET AT A CAMBER OF -0.8 DEGREES WHILE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS SET AT -0.2 DEGREES. AFTER ALL THESE BANDAIDS, THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT, ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI KEEP TELLING ME THE CAR IS IN SPEC AND DRIVES STRAIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2011
THE HORN ON MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IS NOT LOUD AT ALL. I HONK AT PEOPLE AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA I AM HONKING AT THEM. ITS VERY QUIET AND HIGH PITCH. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE HORN WAS SERIOUSLY NEEDED ON A HIGHWAY OR SOMETHING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 19, 2011, crash
TURNED INTO DRIVEWAY, CAR SLOWED TO 5 MPH. SUDDENLY CAR RAPIDLY ACELERATED AND CAR STRUCK GARAGE DOOR PILLAR ON LH SIDE. CAR STOPPED BY IMPACT. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO GARAGE STRUCTURE. CAR HAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO LEFT FENDER, HEAD LIGHT, BUMPER AND HOOD. MAY HAVE HIDDEN DAMAGES.
Steering, Mar 19, 2011
STEERING COMPONENT- ON 2/17/2011 I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T LIMITED TURBO. SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASE, WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT, EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON COMPLETELY LEVEL AND FLAT ROAD SURFACES. I SPOKE WITH THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHO ADVISED ME THAT HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE A DEFINITE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON ONE. HE SAID THAT IN THE INTERIM THERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS THEY CAN PERFORM IN AN EFFORT TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE WOULD BE NO GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUE EITHER COMPLETELY OR EVEN NOMINALLY. THE WAY I LEFT IT WITH HIM WAS THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THEIR REGIONAL HYUNDAI SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TO SEE WHAT STEPS THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE, AS HE HAD DONE WITH NUMEROUS OTHER CUSTOMERS ALREADY AND GET BACK TO ME TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO BEGIN A REGIMEN OF REPAIRS THAT WOULD HOPEFULLY AT THE VERY LEAST IMPROVE IT SOMEWHAT, BUT "AGAIN" POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NOT A DEFINITE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE TO DATE, LEAVING ME TOTALLY AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE EVENT I (EVEN FOR A SECOND) DON'T TOTALLY CONCENTRATE ON HOLDING THE STEERING WHERE IN A METHOD THAT WOULD KEEP THE CAR FROM VEERING TO THE LEFT INTO ANOTHER LANE POTENTIALLY CAUSING WHAT COULD EASILY BECOME A SERIOUS AND EVEN FATAL ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA (NEW IN NOVEMBER 2010), FROM DAY ONE EXCESSIVE DRIFTING TO THE LEFT THAT IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT 60 MPH OR HIGHER, BUT OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP HAS ALIGNED IT 3 TIMES AND ROTATED WHEELS TO NO BENEFIT. THEY CLAIM IT IS NORMAL. I HAVE FILED THIS SAFETY CONCERN AND DEFECT WITH HYUNDAI CUSTOMER RELATIONS ON 03-16-11. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS, WHICH HAS TO BE A TOTAL LIE BECAUSE OF THE MANY FORUMS ON THE INTERNET SQUAWKING ABOUT THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUE. THERE VIDEOS NOW POSTED OF THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED BY 03-22-11. THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AS YOU NEED ONLY REMOVE YOUR HAND FROM THE WHEEL FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND THE LANE DRIFTING STARTS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TAKE LEFT HANDED HIGHWAY EXITS WITHOUT HAVING MY HANDS ON THE WHEEL AN PLEASE NOTE-THESE ARE NOT GRADUAL SWEEPERS BUT 30 TO 40MPH RAMPS!. MY RECENTLY LICENSED 17YR OLD DRIFTED SLIGHTLY AND STARTED TO CROSS INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TRAVELING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION THAT WAS RIDING CLOSE TO THE CENTER LINE. THANK GOD MY WIFE WAS WITH HER TO PROVIDE CORRECTIVE DIRECTIONS. HOPEFULLY NO ONE AS BEEN INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THIS DEFECT! HELP! *TR
Steering, Mar 19, 2011
I BOUGHT A SONATA LIMITED TURBO IN DECEMBER, 2010. RIGHT FROM THE START IT PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT AND SAID THEY WANTED IT BACK TO REPLACE A CAMBER BOLT. ALSO THEY SAID THAT HYUNDAI WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. BEFORE THE BOLT CAME IN, THEY TOLD ME THAT HYUNDAI WAS NOT RECOMMENDING THE CAMBER BOLT ANY MORE, BUT THE LATEST VERSION OF THE LEFT FRONT STRUT. THEY REPLACED THE STRUT BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I FINALLY CAME TO THE OPINION THE PROBLEM IS NOT IN THE SUSPENSION AT ALL. IT IS CLEAR MORE POWER IS BEING SENT TO THE LEFT WHEEL. THIS IS CLEAR UNDER SEVERAL CONDITIONS: ON ACCELERATION IT WILL BE PULLING HARD BUT IF THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED THE CAR STRAIGHTENS OUT. WHEN BRAKING AND THUS LITTLE OR NO POWER IS BEING APPLIED TO THE WHEELS, THERE IS NO NOTICEABLE PULL. WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND GOING DOWNHILL ' COASTING, BASICALLY ' THE PULL IS LIGHT, BUT AS THE ROAD CHANGES AND STARTS TO GO BACK UPHILL, IT PULLS HARDER AND HARDER, VARYING IN RELATION TO HOW HARD THE CAR IS WORKING TO GET UP THE HILL. THE WORST IS WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT PULLS SO HARD THAT IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED, IT LITERALLY 'SNAPS' FIVE TO TEN DEGREES TO THE LEFT AND THE CAR IS ON THE SHOULDER IN TWO SECONDS. THE STEERING WHEEL IN THIS CAR IS VERY 'DRY' AND IT IS EASY TO LOSE GRIP. ONE HAS TO GRIP SO TIGHTLY THAT IT IS QUITE FATIGUING TO DRIVE THIS CAR. IF A PERSON LOST GRIP OF THE WHEEL THEY COULD EASILY BE IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THEY RECOVERED, OR EVEN DUE TO THE RECOVERY, AS IT WOULD BE VERY EASY TO OVER-RECOVER AND GO TOO FAR RIGHT. THE TIRES ARE WEARING ABNORMALLY WITH ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON THEM. ONE DAY, A TIRE IS GOING TO BURST AND THERE IS GOING TO BE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AS IS, AND HYUNDAI NEEDS TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION. IF THAT MEANS THEY NEED TO BE FORCED INTO IT BY NHTSA, THEN NHTSA, PLEASE GET TO WORK ON THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
Steering, Mar 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND PERFORMED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT ON FOUR OCCASIONS; YET, THE REMEDY DID NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,150.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 17, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI - DRAGGING TO BOTH SIDES, MAINLY TO THE RIGHT, STEERING IS ROCKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE, CAR FEELS LIKE ITS GOING BE BLOWN OF THE ROAD, STEERING IS TWISTED EVEN WHEN WHEEL IS PERFECTLY STRAIGHT, EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN TO THE LEFT. *TR
Steering, Mar 16, 2011
OFF THE LOT OUR NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED TURBO CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT. WORSE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE DEALER ORIGINALLY REPORTED A "BULLETIN" ON THE FRONT STRUTS AND REPLACED THE LEFT ONE. AFTER THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM A "FRONT-END ALIGNMENT". NO BETTER. THE DEALER SUGGESTED DRIVING FOR 1K MILES TO SEE IF IT RESOLVED ITSELF----THAT DIDN'T WORK EITHER. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM---COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. MEANWHILE I HAVE A BRAND NEW CAR THAT WON'T HANDLE PROPERLY. I HAVE NOTIFIED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE TWICE WITHOUT A SERIOUS RESPONSE. WILL DO IT AGAIN!! *TR
Suspension, Mar 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT DIRECTION ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. THE REPAIRS PERFORMED CONSISTED OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT REPLACEMENT, TIRE ROTATION, TIRE BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800 AND THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Mar 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE/LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT OPTED TO REPLACE THE FRONT LEFT STRUTS AND PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AS A REMEDY WHICH FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2900.
Steering, Mar 13, 2011
THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT. DID SO STRAIGHT OFF THE LOT. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN AND ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED AS WELL AS SWITCHING THE LEFT FOR THE RIGHT TIRES. CAR STILL PULLS LEFT, MOST NOTIBLY ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Steering, Mar 13, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0 TURBO, STEERING PULLS TO LEFT EXTREMELY HARD. HAS TAKEN CAR BACK TO DEALER THREE TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION. *TR
Steering, Mar 11, 2011
THIS CAR HAS PULLED TO THE LEFT FROM THE VERY TIME WE DROVE OFF THE LOT. *TR
Steering, Mar 11, 2011
2011 SONATA 2.0T LIMITED PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2011
PICKED UP NEW SONATA GL WITH 58KM ON IT NOW HAS 96KM INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND CLICK ON AND OF BRIGHTLY. HEAD LIGHTS ALSO FLASH AT SAME TIME. CAR IS UNDER 3 HOURS OLD. ALREADY CALLED DEALER AND THERE FIRST THING IN THE AM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 9, 2011
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA CAST A HORIZONTAL SHADOW APPROX 100FT IN FRONT OF THE CAR ON LEVEL PAVEMENT. EVERYTHING ABOVE THIS LINE IS COMPLETELY UNILLUMINATED. WHEN YOU TRAVEL UP AND DOWN HILLS AND MINOR ROAD GRADE IMPERFECTIONS, THIS BLACK SHADOW COMES DOWN AND COMPLETELY BLOCKS HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION TO JUST A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND DISCONCERTING WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN FLAW IN THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM OF THIS CAR, AND HYUNDAI SHOULD RE-DESIGN THE HEADLIGHTS ON A RE-CALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR
Steering, Mar 9, 2011
ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASING A NEW HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 NOTICED THAT CAR CONSISTENTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT IRRESPECTIVE OF ROAD CROWN ETC. RETURNED TO DEALER WHO DID FRONT END ALIGNMENT. PROMPTLY RETURNED CAR AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES FROM SERVICE FACILITY AS THE LEFT PULL WAS STILL PROMINENT. DRIVING A SONATA 2011 LOANER AND ALSO NOTICING A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Mar 8, 2011, crash
IT HAPPENED IN ONE AFTERNOON IN A COMPANY PARKING LOT WHEN ALL THE EMPLOYEES WERE LEAVING FOR THE WEEKEND. THE EXIT LINE WAS BACKED UP AND WHILE WAITING IN LINE FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR, ANOTHER EMPLOYEE BACKED UP HER CAR FROM THE PARKING SPACE. ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS MOVING SLOWLY, THE DRIVER WAS PAYING ATTENTION TO THE OTHER CARS PARKED ON SIDES BUT FAILING TO ASSURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE BEHIND. IMMEDIATLY I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A COLLISION AND I ACTIVATED THE HORN FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS. UNFORTUNATLY THE HORN WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH FOR THE OTHER DRIVER TO HEAR IT (BY HER OWN ADMISSION THE HORN WAS INNAUDIABLE) AND THE COLISION COULD NOT BE AVOIDED. AS A RESULT THE CARS FRONT RIGHT FENDER WAS SLIGHTLY BENDED. THE DAMAGED RESULTED WAS VALUED AT $708. NEVERTHELESS, SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR THERE WERE AT LEAST FIVE OTHER INCIDENTS IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THE HORN WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
Steering, Mar 8, 2011
BRAND NEW VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT AT ALMOST ALL TIMES AND AT ALL SPEEDS. IT IS MORE APPARENT THE FASTER THE CAR IS MOVING. E.G. IF THE CAR IS MOVING AT 70MPH UNDER CRUISE CONTROL AND IS POINTED SLIGHTLY RIGHT, LETTING GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITHIN 5 SECONDS. THIS OCCURS ON ALL ROADS IN ALL LANES AND DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED BY THE CROWN OF THE ROAD. AT THESE SPEEDS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE STEERING WHEEL VISIBLY POINTED TO THE RIGHT OF CENTER OR IF YOU LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL, AN ACCIDENT WILL QUICKLY OCCUR. *TR
Steering, Mar 7, 2011
2011 SONATA 2.0T LIMITED (200MILES ON ODO) - MY CAR HAS A LEFT PULL AT ALL TIMES AND IS INCREDIBLY PRONOUNCED AT HIGHER SPEEDS. IF YOU LOOSEN YOUR GRIP ON THE WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT TAKES NO MORE THAN 2-3 SECONDS TO COMPLETELY LEAVE THE ROADWAY. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE ISSUE ONCE ALREADY AND THEY SAID IT WAS "FIXED". THEY ROTATED FRONT TIRES, CHECKED ALIGNMENT, FLASHED NEW ECM SOFTWARE AND ADJUSTED SOME SOFTWARE PARAMETERS. THE ISSUE IS JUST AS BAD AS BEFORE THE "FIX". HUGE SAFETY RISK. *TR
Steering, Mar 7, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T LIMITED PURCHASED 01/17/2011 DRIFTS/PULLS TO THE LEFT. AT TIMES THE DRIVER IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. THE BEHAVIOR IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE IF YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHT RIGHT. WHEN THE STEERING CORRECTS ITSELF IT DRIFTS TO THE LEFT QUICKLY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON BOTH CROWNED AND FLAT ROADS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALER TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *TR
Steering, Mar 7, 2011
NO CRASHES OR INJURIES BUT THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR THEM IF THIS ISSUE ISN'T SOLVED. IN ALL CASES MY (AND A LOT OF OTHERS) 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA WILL PULL LEFT PRETTY BADLY. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ON THE CAR EVER SINCE I PICKED IT UP WITH AROUND 200 MILES ON IT. THE PULL NEVER GOES AWAY AND IT DOESN'T MATTER THE ROAD SURFACE YOU'RE ON. I'M NOT SURE HOW TO REPAIR IT BUT I'D ASSUME IT'S SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SUSPENSION OR STEERING. EITHER WAY, THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE BECAUSE EVEN TAKING YOUR HAND OFF THE WHEEL FOR A SPLIT SECOND WILL RESULT IN THE WHEEL TURNING LEFT AND THE CAR TO START TRACKING INTO ONCOMING. *TR
Steering, Mar 7, 2011
I OWN A NEW HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 LIMITED. MY CAR PULLS LEFT AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. INITIALLY I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE BANKING BUT ON LONGER TRIPS MY WRIST STARTS TO HURT FROM CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE RIGHT. *TR