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.
Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Aug 22, 2010
SONATA 2011 HORN AND ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. PEOPLE CAN NOT HEAR THE HORN. ALSO WHEN I TEST DROVE THEY SONATA THE TEST CAR HAD PROBLEMS WHERE THERE WAS ACCELERATOR PROBLEMS. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE CAR ALMOST QUIT, PAUSED AND THEY TOOK OFF. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY NOT ACCELERATING IN TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MY CAR AT LEAST 7 TIMES, ACCELERATE, PAUSE OR HESITATION THE MOTOR KICKS IN. WHEN I ASKED THE SALESMAN ABOUT IT AT THE DEALER HE TOLD ME THE MOTOR ON THE TEST CAR WAS PROBABLY COLD. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS WARMED UP. THIS IS VERY SCARY WHEN YOU PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC. ALSO THE HORN IS A JOKE. YOU CAN'T HEAR THE HORN AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Aug 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AND ESC SERVICE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WITHIN SECONDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,800.
Steering, Aug 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER HARD TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL FOR ELECTRONIC STEERING AND DID NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE FAILURE BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY OR IT WOULD INDEPENDENTLY VEER TO THE RIGHT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Steering, Aug 2, 2010, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE,S HE NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO THE CONTACT. THE DEALER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY RELEASE THE VEHICLE IF SHE WOULD SIGN A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT AND A LIABILITY WAIVER. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 3,800.
Steering, Aug 1, 2010
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE FOLLOWING DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON: A RED LIGHT ESP AND A AMBER LIGHT ANTI-SLIP. THE FAILURE WILL RESETS IT SELF BY RESTARTING THE ENGINE. SEVERAL REPORTS OF SIMILAR FAILURES OF THE POWER STEERING HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE. *TR
Power train, Jul 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED INTO THE PARK POSITION; HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED THAT THE GEAR WAS NOT WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE AUTOMATIC DOORS TO LOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE "PARK" WARNING INDICATOR WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION OR WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE GEAR SHIFT. THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility, Jul 15, 2010
THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA WINDSHIELDS HAVE DISTORTED IMAGES WHEN SEATED IN THE FRONT AND VIEWING DIAGONALLY ACROSS THE VEHICLE AND OUT THE WINDSHIELD. ALL IMAGES SHOW A "RIPPLE EFFECT" . THIS HAPPENS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS (LEFT TO RIGHT AND RIGHT TO LEFT) I CHECKED OTHER NEW VEHICLES IN THE SHOWROOM AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. WHILE IT IS SUTTLE AND MOST MAY NOT NOTICE IT CAN BE A PROBLEM WHEN CHANGING LANES OR TURNING RIGHT. OBVIOUSLY THE DRIVER SEE A DISTORTED IMAGE WHEN LOOKING ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD TO TURN RIGHT. *TR
Steering, Jul 7, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT HE NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT AND WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND A CLAIM WAS FILE AND CLOSED IMMEDIATELY SINCE THE FAILURE WAS A NON ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,700.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 28, 2010
6/28/2010 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA: FRONT DOOR LOCKS ON PAGE 4/19 OF THE 2011 OWNER'S MANUAL SONATA IT STATES: "IF THE INNER DOOR HANDLE OF THE FRONT DOOR IS PULLED WHEN THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON IS IN LOCK POSITION, THE BUTTON IS UNLOCKED AND DOOR OPENS." I ASSUME THIS IS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. I AM CONCERNED THAT I AM ABLE TO OPEN THE FRONT DOORS WHEN LOCKED AND IN MOTION. FURTHERMORE, ON PAGE 4/20 IT STATES: "WARNING - DOORS * THE DOORS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FULLY CLOSED AND LOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL OPENING OF THE DOOR. LOCKED DOORS ALSO DISCOURAGE POTENTIAL INTRUDERS WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS OR SLOWS." WHAT GOOD IS THE FRONT DOOR LOCKS IF YOU ARE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS WHILE MOVING? MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING RECALL. HYUNDAISONATA2011HYUNDAI-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. HYUNDAI'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 096.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV . *TR
Steering, Jun 18, 2010
TRAVELING AT AROUND 5MPH AFTER LEAVING A STOP SIGN, I PRESSED GAS PEDAL, TO MY SURPRISE NOTICED CAR WAS NOT REALLY GAINING ANY SPEED BUT INSTEAD, STEERING WHEEL STARTED MOVING, VIOLENTLY, WITH SUCH POWER, I COULD NOT EVEN PULL CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I PUT THE CAR IN PARKING AND THE VIOLENT STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT CONTINUED. I THEN PROCEEDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF, TERRIFIED SOMETHING ELSE WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BUT NOTHING CHANGED: VIOLENT MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL CONTINUE FROM SIDE TO SIDE FOR A TOTAL OF 25 MINUTES. THIS IS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE THAT I LEASED JUST A MONTH AGO. I WAS CONTACTED TODAY BY HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS FIXED AND READY TO BE PICKED UP. AS I ASKED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT THEY ANSWERED "A DEFECTIVE MECHANISM WAS FOUND AND THEY HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN". I SERIOUSLY WISH I DON'T HAVE TO GET THAT CAR BACK; AM STILL TERRIFIED BY THE HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE. EVEN THOUGH HYUNDAI BELIEVE THIS A ISOLATED ISSUE, I WANTED TO PUT IT OUT THERE IN CASE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Jun 8, 2010
THE CAR WILL NOT HOLD A STRAIGHT LINE ON A FLAT, STRAIGHT, HIGHWAY: AFTER CENTERING THE CAR IN IT'S LANE, THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY AND RANDOMLY: 1.DRIFTS AWAY FROM THE CENTER LINE, TOWARD ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER; 2.THE DIRECTION OF THE DRIFT APPEARS TO BE RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE; 3.THE AMPLITUDE (AMOUNT / SEVERITY) OF THE DRIFT IS RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE, BUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A CRASH WOULD BE GUARANTEED WITHOUT DRIVER INTERVENTION WITHIN 3 TO 5 SECONDS; 4.THE TIMING OF THE DRIFT PATTERN IS CONSTANT: IT NEVER FOLLOWS A STRAIGHT LINE FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS BEFORE STARTING TO WANDER AGAIN. TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO CONSTANTLY ATTEMPT TO CORRECT FOR THIS DEVIATION, BUT THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THE DRIFT PATTERN RESULTS IN A DANGEROUSLY UNSTABLE OSCILLATION AS THE CAR WANDERS BACK AND FORTH CONTINUOUSLY. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, EVEN A MOMENTARY LAPSE IN THE TOTAL CONCENTRATION REQUIRED TO CORRECT FOR THIS CONSTANT STEERING DRIFT COULD EASILY RESULT IN A FATAL CRASH. THE DEALER HAS TEST-DRIVEN THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS EASILY DUPLICATED, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A FIX FOR IT. THEY SAY THAT THIS KIND OF STEERING DRIFT IS NORMAL AND EXPECTED IN AN ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM. THAT KIND OF REASONING WOULD BE LAUGHABLE IF IT WASN'T FOR THE POTENTIAL FATALITY INHERENT IN THE DESIGN. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 4, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PROBLEM WITH IGNITION KEY. THE KEY WILL NOT GO PAST ACC TO THE LOCK POSITION TO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED. FOLLOWED DIRECTIONS IN MANUAL TO PUSH THE KEY IN AT ACC POSITION, BUT THE LOCK MECHANISM DOES NOT MOVE. HAPPENS EVERY OTHER DAY. HAVE RESTART THE CAR AND MOVE IT AND TRY THE PROCESS AGAIN TO GET KEY TO MOVE INTO ITS PROPER POSITION (LOCK) TO REMOVE KEY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH MYSELF AND MY WIFE. TAKING CAR TO DEALERSHIP. IMPOSSIBLE SECURITY SITUATION AS CANNOT LEAVE KEY IN VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Jun 2, 2010
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I RECENTLY PURCHASED 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE. VERY GREAT LOOKING CAR BUT ONLY AFTER COUPLE OF DAYS OWNING IT IT BECAME OBVIOUS THAT IS HAS SAFETY PROBLEMS. STEERING SYSTEM IS SIGNIFICANTLY PULLING THE CAR TO THE LEFT. I TOOK IT TO HYUNDAI SERVICE TWICE ALREADY. THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. OVER THE LAST WEEKEND I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND OUR 4 MONTHS OLD BABY. TASKS AS SIMPLE AS CHANGING AC TEMPERATURE BECAME DANGEROUS ON INTERSTATE. DUE TO THIS STEERING PROBLEM DRIVER CANNOT AFFORD EVEN SPLIT SECOND TO LOOK AT THE MID PANEL WHERE ALL THE CONTROLS ARE. I REALLY HAVE TO FIGHT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. AFTER 45 MINUTES OF DRIVING ON INTERSTATE MY ARMS WERE SORE FROM FIGHTING THE STEERING WHEEL. IS THIS NORMAL? ACCORDING TO THE HYUNDAI REP IT IS COMMON TO 2011 SONATA. I AM SUPPOSE TO JUST GET USED TO IT. THIS ONE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT EVERY OTHER SONATA OWNERS COME COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. YET SUPPOSEDLY IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. IT IS SIMPLY THE NATURE OF THE CAR. I DRIVEN MANY DIFFERENT MAKES AND MODELS. I NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH A STRONG PULL. AND IF THERE WAS ANY PULL THEN IT WAS SIMPLE ALIGNMENT ISSUE THAT CAN BE FIXED PROMPTLY. NOT WITH SONATA!!! 2011 SONATA COULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT CAR. BUT IT HAS A DRAMATIC FLAW IN THE STEERING SYSTEM THAT NOONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX SO THEY BLAME IT ON "NATURE OF THE CAR". IT IS INTERESTING THAT BOTH MY COMPLAINT AND ANOTHER COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE, STATES THE SAME PHRASE FROM 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS "NATURE OF THE BEAST/CAR". COULD IT BE THAT HYUNDAI ALREADY ADVISED ITS MECHANICS HOW TO COVER FOR THE BRAND? BOTTOM LINE, THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE! I ALMOST RAN INTO A PASSING CAR ON THE INTERSTATE BECAUSE OF THIS STEERING ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. [XXX] *TR
Electrical system, May 25, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HORN IS SO WEAK AS TO BE INAUDIBLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED TO A DUAL TONE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT FROM NOT HEARING THE HORN. ON A CAR OF THIS CALIBER, THERE IS NO EXCUSE. I HOPE I GET A NOTICE TO BRING MINE 2 DAY OLD CAR WITH 370 MILES IN FOR A REPLACEMENT OF THE HORN. LANE CHANGE GOING HOME FROM DEALER CAUSED ME TO NOTICE THIS. SCARED BOTH MYSELF AND THE GUY TRYING TO SWERVE INTO MY LANE. *TR
Electrical system, May 24, 2010
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN A FOUR LANE ROAD AND ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING PARALLEL TO ME STARTED CREEPING INTO MY LANE. I APPLIED THE HORN OF MY VEHICLE BUT THE OTHER DRIVER FAILED TO HEAR ME. I HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID THEM. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE HORN IN MY CAR IS VERY WEAK COMPARED TO PREVIOUS CARS I OWN, AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE HEARING IT. *TR
Electrical system, May 24, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE 16 DAYS OLD, 2018 MILES: CAR HAS AN "INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEM". IT HAS LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED AT WORK 3 TIMES, TWO OF THOSE TIMES IN A DESERTED PARKING LOT AFTER HOURS, ONCE AT THE DEALER WHEN I WAS CALLED TO PICK IT UP. IT HAS NOW BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR 18.5 DAYS SINCE APRIL 26, 2010. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES SINCE APRIL 26, 2010 AND REMAINS THERE AT THIS TIME. DEALER HAS CONFIRMED BATTERY IS ALWAYS AT FULL CHARGE, THEY HAVE CHANGED BOTH STARTER SYSTEM RELAYS, REPLACED THE STARTER, CHECKED TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL POSITION SENSORS. SAFETY ISSUE: LEAVING A FEMALE DRIVER IN AN UNSAFE AND UNPROTECTED SITUATION. DUE TO THE NON STARTING ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, May 22, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON 5/11/2010, AND NOTICED THAT THE HORN ISN'T LOUD ENOUGH FOR OTHERS TO HEAR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR
Steering, May 17, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE - CONSTANT STEERING PROBLEM I HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED FOR AN IDENTIFIED CONTINUOUS DRIFT OR PULL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR TWO WEEKS, AND COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED ALL THEIR KNOWN AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE FIXES PER HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SUPPORT. HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SUPPORT RECOMMEND THAT THE DEALERSHIP TO SUBMIT FOR A HYUNDAI ENGINEER TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP SUBMITTED FOR A HYUNDAI ENGINEER TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. UPON RECEIVING AN APPROVED SERVICE NUMBER FOR THIS TO OCCUR THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER CONFIRMED AND IDENTIFIED THE DRIFT/PULL OF THE VEHICLE. THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER ATTEMPTED SEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE ALIGNMENT, SUB FRAME AND COMPUTER SYSTEM. NOTHING FIXED THE IDENTIFIED DRIFT/PULL ISSUE. THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER, DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER AND DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN ALL DROVE ANOTHER VEHICLE OFF THE LOT FROM THE UNSOLD DEALERSHIP INVENTORY AND IDENTIFIED THE SAME DRIFT/PULL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM IN THAT VEHICLE TOO. THEY NOTED THAT MY VEHICLE DRIFTED/PULLED LESS THAN THE OTHER VEHICLE THEY DROVE FROM DEALERSHIP INVENTORY. UNABLE TO FIX THE CONSTANT DRIFTING/PULLING OF THE VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM THE HYUNDAI ENGINEER CERTIFIED THE CONSTANT DRIFT/PULL AS A "NATURAL" DESIGN EFFECT OF THE VEHICLE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THIS PROBLEM ISN'T A SLIGHT DRIFT/PULL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT A CONSTANT DRIFT/PULL PITTING THE DRIVER AGAINST THE STEERING SYSTEM. TAKE YOUR HAND OFF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A SLIGHT MOMENT AND THE VEHICLE VEERS OFF CENTER TO THE LEFT. THIS IN MY OPINION SHOULD NOT BE A "NATURAL" OCCURRENCE OF ANY VEHICLE. ACTUALLY, EDMUNDS.COM NOTED THIS EXACT OCCURRENCE IN TWO SEPARATE INSIDE LANE REVIEWS OF THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THIS IS NOT A ONE VEHICLE INCIDENT, BUT A MANUFACTURER DESIGN FLAW OF THE NEW ELECTRONIC POWERED STEERING SYSTEM. THE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS AT THIS TIME TO ADDRESS THIS CONSTANT DRIFT/PULL OF THE VEHICLE. THUS, LEAVING ME NO RECOURSE. *TR
Electrical system, May 14, 2010
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A FOUR-LANE DIVIDED ROAD, IN LEFT LANE. DRIVER OF LARGE PICKUP TRUCK ON MY RIGHT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR. I HONKED BUT DO NOT BELIEVE MY VEHICLE'S HORN WAS AUDIBLE TO THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WAS ABLE TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID TRUCK WITHOUT COLLISION. THE HORN ON THIS VEHICLE IS VERY WEAK AND REPRESENTS A GLARING SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Electrical system, May 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA AND NOTICED UPON DELIVERY OF VEHICLE THAT THE HORN IS VERY WEAK. I HAVE USED THE HORN ON THE FREEWAY AND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR DID NOT EVEN HEAR ME. THIS IS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IF YOU WANT TO ALERT SOMEONE ON THE ROAD. I HOPE THIS GETS REPLACED SOON. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, May 1, 2010
WE TOOK DELIVERY OF OUR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA ON 4/29/2010. AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME A CAR ON THE LANE NEXT TO US ON MY RIGHT HAND SIDE STARTED SHIFTING ONTO MY LANE. I BLEW THE HORN BUT HE STILL CUT ME OFF. AT THE LIGHT I ASKED THE PERSON WHO CUT ME OFF IF HE DIDN'T HEAR ME BLOWING MY HORN AT HIM AND HE SAID NO I AM REALLY SORRY BUT I DIDN'T SEE YOU AND I DIDN'T HEAR YOUR HORN EITHER. WHEN I GOT HOME I GOT INTO MY OTHER CAR AND STARTED IT WITH THE AC ON AND NO RADIO I ASKED MY WIFE TO PRESS THE HORN ON THE SONATA AND I CAN BARELY HEAR IT AND WE WERE JUST SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH NO ROAD NOISE AND MY RADIO OFF. I LOOKED INTO THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE HORNS ON THEIR SONATA. HYUNDAI ALSO ADMITTED THAT THE HORN WAS WEAK BUT I STILL SEE NO CHANGE OR RECALL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER BEFORE IT COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE OR A REAL BAD ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2010
JUST PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, AS I WAS DRIVING HOME I WAS BESIDE A TRACTOR TRAILER WHO WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO MY LANE. HERE IS THE PROBLEM AS I LAID ON THE HORN I NOTICED IT'S NO LOUDER THAN THE ROAD RUNNER ON DISNEY CHANNEL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND I THINK THIS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO HYUNDAI ATTENTION ASAP. THIS HORN NEEDS TO BE CHANGED TO AN APPROPRIATE SOUND LEVEL SO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND DANGEROUS SITUATIONS CAN BE AVOIDED. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THE BELIEVES HYUNDAI SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS I NOW SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THE HORN JUST NOT BEING LOUD ENOUGH. HYUNDAI HAS COME ALONE WAY AND CERTAINLY HAS MADE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES AND I WOULD HATE TO SEE SOMEONE GET INJURED OR KILLED DO TO THE HORN NOT BEING ABLE TO GET ATTENTION AND AVOID ACCIDENTS... I HOPE NHTSA LOOKS INTO THIS ISSUE AND IT'S ADDRESSED BY HYUNDAI....THE HORN NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 26, 2010
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. INSERT KEY TO START ENGINE. WHEN I WANT TO TURN OFF ENGINE, THE KEY WILL NOT GO PAST ACC. I PUSH IN THE KEY AND TRY TO TURN KEY INTO THE LOCK POSITION, IT WILL NOT GO INTO THE LOCK POSITION. I HAVE TO FIDDLE AROUND WITH THE RELEASE SWITCH, AND SHIFTER ON THE SHIFTER ARM. EVENTUALLY I CAN GET THE KEY OUT. THE ENGINE DOES SHUT OFF, BUT CAN'T LEAVE CAR, BECAUSE IT CAN BE STARTED AGAIN. I CAN'T LEAVE THE CAR BECAUSE THE CAR CAN BE STARTED WITHOUT ME BEING THERE. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I TRY TO TURN OFF THE CAR. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO KING HYUNDAI FL, TWICE, WITHOUT THEM FIXING THE PROBLEM. I AM NOW WAITING FOR THEM TO REPLACE SOME PARTS TO THE SHIFTER ARM. IF THAT DOES NOT WORK, I WILL INVOKE THE LEMON LAW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES PULSATED AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE THEN SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT FIVE MINUTES, THE ENGINE STALLED AGAIN. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 470. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220.
Steering, Mar 29, 2010
I OWNED THE CAR FOR A WEEK. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL WHIPPED TO THE LEFT AND PULLED ME INTO THE OTHER LANE. THE WHEEL WAS SHAKING AND DIDN'T WANT TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. I HAD TO FIGHT TO BRING IT BACK OVER, AND HAD TO USE ALL OF MY STRENGTH TO KEEP IT OVER. THANK GOD THERE WEREN'T ANY ONCOMING VEHICLES. THEN THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I USED MY CELL PHONE TO VIDEO THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING AND JERKING TO THE LEFT WHILE IN PARK. IT WAS SUNDAY, SO THE DEALER TOLD ME TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I HAD TO CALL MY SON TO PICK US UP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THEM THAT I AM SCARED TO DEATH OF THE CAR AND DON'T WANT IT. THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT AND THEY WILL FIX THE PROBLEM AND EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE. I DON'T WANT TO KILL ANYONE WITH THIS CAR, AND I DON'T WANT THE CAR TO KILL ME AND MY FAMILY EITHER. I DON'T WANT THE CAR BACK! UPDATE 8/24/2010 VIDEO CW