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, Suspension, Mar 7, 2011
I LEASED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA FEB 11 AND SINCE THE FIRST DAY THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT. THEY DID ALIGNMENT AND CHANGED THE STRUT ASSEMBLY BUT AFTER 3 TIMES AT THE SERVICE THE CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. LAST WEEK THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY ARE GOING TO CALL IN COUPLE DAYS. TODAY I CALLED THEM THEY SAID THEY STILL DIDN'T GET THE CALL FROM HYUNDAI . IN MEAN TIME I'M STILL DRIVING DANGEROUS CAR. PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO BE KILLED BEFORE THEY START THE RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Mar 4, 2011
CAR PULLS TO LEFT 90% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING, SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS UNABLE TO FIX IT AS EVERYTHING IS ALIGNED CORRECTLY. IT IS UNSAFE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IF YOU TAKE YOU HAND OF THE WHEEL WITHIN 3 SECONDS YOU WILL BE IN THE NEXT LANE TO YOUR LEFT OR OFF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Mar 2, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS PULLING TO THE LEFT. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2011, fire
MY CAR WAS WARMING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT WAS RUNNING FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I WENT OUTSIDE AND IT WAS ON FIRE. THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE IS ONLY ONE RECALL FOR THIS AND IT WAS MECHANICAL RELATED TO THE STEEERING COLUMN. THE FIRE WAS A DIFINITIVE SMELL OF ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Steering, Mar 1, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A CONSTANT STEERING PULL TO THE LEFT. DEALERSHIP SAYS IT'S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST. IT IS CLEARLY NOT! HAS ME WORRIED FOR SAFETY! *TR
Steering, Feb 25, 2011
2011 SONATA GLS DRIFTS TO LEFT IMMEDIATELY UNLESS STEERING WHEEL IS CONSTANTLY HELD/STEERED TO RIGHT. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AT APPROXIMATELY 700 MILES, THEY ALIGNED ALL 4 WHEELS. CAR IS STILL DRIFTING LEFT, WILL RETURN TO DEALER FOR FURTHER ACTION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! PLEASE INVESTIGATE!
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2011, crash
I DROVE TO THE LOCAL TOM THUMB STORE AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WAS ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN IT SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY WENT TO FULL THROTTLE. I MASHED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE AS THE CAR JUMPED THE CURBED AND CRASHED THROUGH THE STORE FRONT. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE UNTIL I SWITCHED OFF THE KEY. SKID MARKS WERE EVIDENT ON THE PAVEMENT WHERE THE BRAKES TRIED TO HOLD THE CAR WITH THE ENGINE RACING. THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATOR DID NOT ISSUE A CITATION STATING THAT THERE "WAS AN OBVIOUS VEHICLE MALFUNCTION".
Steering, Feb 24, 2011
I BOUGHT BRAND NEW 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T LIMITED ON 02/23/2011. WHENEVER I DRIVE IT,I CAN FEEL THE PULL TO THE LEFT,MOSTLY ON HIGHWAYS. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUT EFFORT TO BRING STEERING TO THE CENTER. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS AT A TIME WHEN VEHICLE IS NEXT TO YOU OR WHEN YOU ARE CHANGING THE LANE OR WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON LEFT MOST LANE. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2011
AFTER A FEW DAYS, I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION; LOTS OF DOWNSHIFTING AFFECTING PERFORMANCE AND BRAKING. I HAD OTHER ISSUES AS WELL, WHICH NONE OF THEM COULD BE ISOLATED. HYUNDAI OF NEW PORT RITCHEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND AN ERROR CODE IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND THEREFORE, THEY FELT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. AFTER A FEW DAYS AND JUST A FEW HUNDRED MILES ON THE CAR, I ATTEMPTED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR A REFUND. THE DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND WOULD NOT RETURN MY MONEY. THEY BASICALLY SAID, YOU PURCHASE IT, YOU PAID FOR IT, YOU OWN IT. SO THE PROBLEM IS MINE.
Steering, Feb 23, 2011
I PURCHASED A HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 ON 6/27/10. THIS CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING ON A DAILY BASIS. I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO DRIVE STRAIGHT & NOT DRIVE OFF THE ROAD. AFTER MANY SERVICE APPOINTMENTS, I HAVE HAD 2 NEW TIRES & 4 ALIGNMENTS, NONE OF WHICH HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALREADY DEALT WITH THE HYUNDAI DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE WHO HAS DONE NOTHING FOR ME. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T LIMITED - STEERS/PULLS LEFT IN ALL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE SEVERITY OF THE PULL GETS WORSE AS SPEED INCREASES. *TR
Steering, Feb 23, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2.0T. PULLS LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO KNOWN FIX. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURTS!!! *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2011
PURCHASED A 2011 SONATA OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. FIRST DAY OF DRIVING NOTICED THE VEHICLE DRIFTED NOTICEABLY TO THE LEFT NO MATTER WHERE THE CROWN IN THE ROAD WAS. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND THEY WORKED ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. MY WIFE PICKED UP THE CAR AND CALLED ME AND TOLD ME IT WAS STILL DRIFTING LEFT. I HAD HER RETURN THE VEHICLE AND THEY KEPT IT FOR A WEEK AND THEN STATED IT WAS FIXED. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND DROVE IT A FEW DAYS AND IT WAS BETTER BUT STILL DRIFTED, AFTER A WEEK IT GOT BACK TO WHERE IT WAS, RETURNED THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR FOR A THIRD TIME, DEALER KEPT CAR FOR OVER A WEEK AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. FOR THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS IT WAS BETTER, SHORTLY AFTER FOR THE FORTH TIME ITS HAS STARTED AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Feb 22, 2011
ORDERED & PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2011 SONATA SE TURBO IN RADIANT SILVER VIA HYUNDAI OF NANUET WHO SWAPPED MY VEHICLE OUT FROM GLICK, HYUNDAI OF MONTICELLO, NY. SINCE THE FIRST DRIVE HOME, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN OFF CENTER & CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS MORE PRONOUNCED AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED DEFECT AS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF EXACT COMPLAINTS & GROWING FOR THIS MODEL YEAR NEW CAR. A FACTORY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ORDERED AFTER DETERMINING THE ROOT PROBLEM & A EFFECTIVE SOLUTION. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING, WE ALL CAN'T BE WRONG! *TR
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2011
TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A KEY FOB IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO SHUT OFF ONCE THE KEY FOB WAS WITHIN A SPECIFIED DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY REMAIN IN THE ON POSITION WHEN THE KEY FOB WAS BEYOND THE ALLOTTED DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH FORCED THE DRIVER TO MANUALLY TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. HE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2011
I JUST PURCHASED A 2011 SONATA TURBO AND AM EXPERIENCING STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR WHEN GOING AT SLOW SPEEDS. I ALSO NOTICE IT PULLING TO THE LEFT. CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. *TR
Steering, Feb 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS HANDS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE DRIFTED ABNORMALLY TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PROPERLY ALIGNED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY AND WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 264.
Fuel system, Other, Feb 15, 2011
CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROX 45 MILES, SHUT OFF , AFTER SHOPPING FOR APPROX 30 MIN RE-STARTED CAR STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING OUT OF VENTS FILLING CABIN WITH GAS FUMES CONTINUES WHILE DRIVING SLOW IN PARKING LOT AND OPEN WINDOWS TO GET FRESH AIR IN STOP SMELLING GAS FUMES ONCE DRIVING AT FASTER SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Tires, Feb 15, 2011
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE W/ NAVIGATION PULLS TO THE LEFT. NOW THE FRONT LEFT TIRE HAS A BIG BUBBLE ON THE SIDE WALL. CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN ON THE NJ TURNPIKE. 12000 MILES. I'VE TRIED CALLING UP HANKOOK ABOUT THE TIRE BUT NO RESPONSE FROM THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT HYUNDAI ADMITTED TO THE 'PULLING PROBLEM'. SAYS ITS PREVALENT ON ALL THEIR MODELS ESPECIALLY ON THE SONATA SE & TURBO 2.0. ALSO, HE MENTIONED THAT THE REMEDY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO INTERCHANGE THE TIRES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT! UNHEARD OFF! HE ALSO SAID THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S 'CAMBOR BOLTS' HYUNDAI IS LYING BY OMISSION OF FACTS TO THE PUBLIC. MY WIFE AND I FEEL SWINDLED AND CHEATED. WE USE THIS CAR TO DRIVE TO NEW YORK EVERYDAY AND NOW WE CAN'T BECAUSE WE'RE AFRAID WE MIGHT HAVE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 12, 2011
FUEL SMELL 2011 SONATA LIMITED NO TURBO. VERY NOTICEABLE FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN AFTER CAR IS WARM AND AT IDLE OR WHEN MOVING LESS THAN 10 MPH. HAVE HEARD/READ SIMILAR COMPLAINTS RELATED TO OVERFILLING GAS TANK, THIS TANK HAS NEVER BEEN OVERFILLED. OPENED HOOD AFTER CAR WARM AND GAS SMELL IS VERY STRONG. OPENED TRUNK AND THERE IS NO SMELL. LONG IDLE WHEN WARM AND THE CAR IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO BE IN ESPECIALLY WITH YOUNG KIDS. POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR DALLAS FREEWAY WHEN A TRUCK STARTED CHANGING LANES WITHOUT VISIBLY SEEING ME. I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE HORN ONLY TO DISCOVER IT DID NOT WORK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER FOUR HOURS WAS TOLD THEY WILL NEED TO ORDER ONE. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE WHEN NAVIGATING EXTREMELY OVER UTILIZED FREEWAYS. BASED ON READ FORUMS, THE HORN ON THIS CAR APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL FIX MY HORN. I WAS ONLY TOLD THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE HORN COMES IN. THIS IS EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CARE WHEN A PRODUCT, WITH KNOWN ISSUES, IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH REPLACEMENT PARTS, IN HOUSE, IN EFFORT TO MINIMIZE DANGER TO THE END USER AND CUSTOMER. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Tires, Service brakes, Electric, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Feb 11, 2011
VIBRATION IN STEERING, GRINDING NOISE IN TRANSAXE, LOW TIRE PRESSURE (BY DEALER), REFUSAL TO PERFORM 3,750 MILE MAINTINCE SECDULE (DEALER REFUSED). *TR
Steering, Feb 10, 2011
PURCHASED NEW HYUNDAI 2011 SONATA TURBO.FROM DAY ONE EXPERIENCED EXTREME PULLING TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. DEALER TRIED TO CORRECT PROBLEM BY ALIGNMENT, TIRE EXCHANGE, ETC. STILL TO NO AVAIL. CALLED CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE EVALUATED VEHICLE. THEY PUT A CAMBER ADJUSTMENT KIT ON IT AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THEY THEN HAD HYUNDAI ENGINEERS EVALUATE IT AND PROCEEDED TO PUT A NEW STRUT ASSEMBLY ON THE VEHICLE "TWO TIMES" AND THE PROBLEM WAS LIGHTLY CORRECTED BUT STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP MORE THAN IN MY POSSESSION. CAR HAS LESS THAN 700 MILES ON IT. HYUNDAI DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO PROCEED. *TR
Steering, Feb 9, 2011
THE CAR CONSTANTLY PULLS LEFT WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TO DEALER TWO TIMES IN THREE MONTHS. I COULD HAVE GONE EVERYDAY TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS NEVER CENTERED. YOU MUST ALWAYS KEEP CORRECTING THE WHEEL TO STAY STRAIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED IT AS NEEDING AN ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. I HAVE MADE A THIRD APPOINTMENT WHICH A TECH REP IS COMING TO LOOK AT THE 2011 SONATA SE.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2011
WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE FOR A VERY FEW FEET - MAYBE 6-8 FEET, AND THEN QUIT - LIKE THE ENGINE HAD DIED, BUT IT HADN'T. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4-5 TIMES AND 3 OF THESE TIMES WERE WHEN TURNING LEFT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WITH ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE LAST TIME WAS ESPECIALLY HARROWING BECAUSE IT WAS DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. IT SEEMS TO TAKE 3-5 SECONDS FOR THE ENGINE TO "CATCH" AND ACCELERATE ON THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE DID NOT HELP. IT IS LIKE THE ENGINE IS RECEIVING NO FUEL, OR IT IS FLOODING OUT FROM TOO MUCH FUEL (NO SMELL OF GASOLINE WAS DETECTED, HOWEVER). THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE ENGINE EVER FAILS TO "RECOVER" AND ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT I HAVE COMPLAINED TO MY DEALER THAT THIS CAR DOES NOT RUN FROM IDLE AS OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MAKE I TEST DROVE - IT IS SOMEWHAT HESITANT ALL THE TIME - SLUGGISH.