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.
Engine, Sep 23, 2015
THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A NOISE, WE CHANGED OIL AS RECOMMENDED BUT NOISE WAS STILL PREVALENT. CAR WAS TAKEN IN, ENGINE FAILURE. ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. THE CALLED IT A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND THEY SENT THE HEAD OUT TO GET ASSEMBLED. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER HYUNDAI DOES NOT HAVE BAND NEW ENGINES AVAILABLE SO THEY MUST REBUILD THE DAMAGED UNITS & SEND THEM OUT OR THE DEALER IS TOLD TO REBUILD. WE HAVE NO CAUSE THE DEALER & HYUNDAI WILL NOT TELL US THE TRUTH. SO WE HAVE OUR CAR BACK WITH A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE IN IT NOT A BRAND NEW ENGINE AS PROMISED.
Steering, Sep 23, 2015
NEAR THE BEGINNING OF 2015 I NOTICED SOME PLAY OR LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEED SUCH AS PARKING. AS TIME WENT ON, I FELT/HEARD A "CLUNCKING" SOUND IN THE FIRST INCH OF WHEEL TURN AT SLOW SPEEDS AND PLAY IN THE WHEEL AT CRUISE SPEEDS. I DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL I CHECKED SAFECAR FOR COMPLAINTS FOR MY MODEL CAR. WITHIN THE LAST TWO MONTHS THE STEERING HAS GOTTEN MORE "SLOPPY" AND A LOUD THUD OR RATTLE IS HEARD/FELT SOMEWHERE LOWER IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I HIT A RUT IN THE ROAD OR DRIVE ON A BUMPY ROAD, RAILROAD TRACKS, ETC. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IS EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED BY OTHER OWNERS AND THE PREVIOUS RECALL FOR MODELS PRIOR TO 2011/2010. I AM 58 YEARS OLD, AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY CAR I OWNED. I AM PARTICULAR CONCERNED THAT HYUNDAI ALREADY HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND CONTINUED TO USE A DEFECTIVE SYSTEM/PARTS IN LATER MODELS. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS OCCURRED WITH ONLY 16000 MILES ON MY CAR. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH THIS PROBLEM. IF IT WAS A RECALL BACK IN 2010, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL NOW. I AM DISAPPOINTED THE NHTSA HAS NOT TAKEN ACTION.
Suspension, Sep 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND COULD BE SEEN HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 22, 2015
WHEN DOING 70MPH AND HITTING THE BRAKES THE FRONT END STARTS TO VIBRATE, UNDER 70MPN NO VIBRATION. PLUS MY STEERING WHEEL MAKING A CLICKING SOUND.
Steering, Sep 21, 2015
THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CLICKING NOISE AROUND 53KMIILES UNDER THE DASH WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. IT BECAME A LARGER PROBLEM ONE DAY ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE WHEEL STARTED SHAKING AS IF THE WHEELS WERE ABOUT TO FALL OFF. THE DEALER FOUND THE RUBBER GASKET THAT HOLDS THE STEERING COLUMN IN PLACE HAD DISINTEGRATED, THEY REPLACED THE PART AND THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. I FEEL THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SINCE I HAVE FOUND SO MANY OTHERS ONLINE POSTINGS OF THE SAME ISSUE THAT I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. THIS MODEL HAS A MUCH HIGHER THAN AVERAGE AMOUNT OF RECALLS. THIS HOWEVER WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS ISSUE I HAVE HAD WITH THE SONARA AND I WAS VERY AFRAID WHEN I HAD A HARD TIME TO SUDDENLY NOT BE ABLE TO EASILY CONTROL THE STEERING.
Engine, Sep 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 21, 2015
SHAKING IN STEERING... (THOUGHT IT WAS BALL JOINTS - METAL TO METAL)... TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH BALL JOINTS & NO OTHER ISSUES DETERMINED (WITH THEIR TEST DRIVE). LOCAL HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER WOULD NOT RETURN REPEATED CALLS FOR COMPLAINT. VERY DISAPPOINTED NOW THAT "FACTORY WARRANTY & RECALL FOR STEERING PROBLEM" NOT WORTHY OF REPAIR AT THAT TIME. VIOLENTLY SHAKING NOW AND HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS IT IS NOT PART OF A STEERING RECALL (PREVIOUSLY PATCHED)... SAID IT IS A STEERING COUPLING (NOT THE U JOINT WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL).
Steering, Sep 18, 2015
WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, A BUMPING SOUND IS FELT AND HEARD. THIS IS NEW IN THE LAST 3000 MILES. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY REPLACED A BUSHING BUT THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. CALLED DEALER AND ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON STEERING AND TECHNICIAN STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE TO DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO DETERMINE IF THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR OR IF IT WAS PART OF RECALL.
Engine, Sep 16, 2015
MY CAR IS A PRE-OWNED CAR WITH CURRENTLY A LITTLE OVER 76,000 MILES. I HAD THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YRS, AND MY ENGINE HAS DIED. I KEEP UP WITH MY OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 MILES. BECAUSE I'M THE SECOND OWNER THE WARRANTY IS UP TO 60,000 MILES. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WOULD MY ENGINE FALL ON AN 2011 SONATA. HYUNDAI SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 16, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TEST SHOWS IT IS THE FUEL SENSOR. FUEL GAUGE INSIDE FLUCTUATES.
Steering, Sep 16, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES VIOLENTLY BETWEEN 60 & 70 MPH.I HAVE TO REDUCE SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY TO REGAIN FULL CONTROL. WHEN STOPPED, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNED JUST LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE/RECALL.
Steering, Sep 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,473.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND THE ESC WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY HESITATED. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONDITION PROGRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STOP LAMP BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V113000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 14V433000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,800.
Steering, Sep 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING FAILURE WITH AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. UPON MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LOOSE AND CAUSED AN UNSAFE CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V457000 (STEERING) AND 10V426000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Steering, Sep 12, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL INPUT HAS SLACK IN IT, AND SHAKES AT 70 MPH. A SMALL TURN LEFT OR RIGHT WILL STOP THE SHAKE.
Engine, Sep 11, 2015
MY FIANCE' WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST STARTED TO PUTTER AND STARTED TO MAKE KNOCKING NOISES AND COULD NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WE HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE (ON MY RELATIVELY NEW CARE THAT I, THE ORIGINAL OWNER HAD FOR JUST OVER 2 YEARS). THEY CLAIMED THAT MY ENGINE WAS DIRTY AND NON-LUBRICATED. I KEPT UP WITH MY OIL CHANGES AND AS A MATTER OF FACT, JUST HAD THE OIL CHANGED (NOT BY HYUNDAI) ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. SINCE I HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A USED ENGINE (ABOUT $5500), THE CAR HAS SEIZED ON ME THREE OTHER TIMES. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT BECAUSE I HAD A USED ENGINE PUT IN BY A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, I AM NOT COVERED UNDER THE 10 YR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A TOTAL NIGHTMARE, REPAIR AFTER REPAIR FOR WHICH I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR. HYUNDAI HAS "BRANDED" MY CAR, WHICH IS A REAL CRACK UP CONSIDERING ITS A FAULTY CAR THAT THEY SOLD ME.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 10, 2015
I PURCHASED THIS CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. THE STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN MOVED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 10 - 40 MPH. WHEN SEARCHING ONLINE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT HUNDREDS OF HYUNDAI OWNERS THAT HAVE THIS MAKE AND MODEL ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I FEEL UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN MY GRANDCHILDREN ARE WITH ME. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I WAS TOLD MY CAR DID NOT QUALIFY. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $100 JUST TO LOOK AT IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!!!! IS HYUNDAI WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE KILLED BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CARS. I NOW HAVE 64,000 MILES ON THIS CAR, 4000 OVER THE WARRANTY AND HYUNDAI REFUSES TO FIX UNLESS I PAY UP FRONT. I WAS TOLD THAT HYUNDAI WAS A VERY GOOD CAR BUT AFTER READING ALL THESE HORROR STORIES ABOUT THE STEERING ISSUES, I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A HYUNDAI AGAIN. I BELIEVE SAFETY COMES BEFORE MONEY AND HYUNDAI SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL 2011 SONATAS. PLEASE HELP IN KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE AND MAKE HYUNDAI STAND BEHIND THEIR CARS AND FIX THESE KNOWN ISSUES. THANK YOU. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 10, 2015
THE ENGINE ON MY CAR SEIZED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE BEING REPAIRED, THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT MY TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES HAD MELTED INCLUDING THE WIRES AND I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT AND IS SAYING IT'S A COSMETIC ISSUE, NOT SAFETY.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2015
EXPERIENCED ISSUE WITH MY HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 NOT STARTING AND HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. TOWED VEHICLE TO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (WHERE PURCHASED). SERVICE REPORT ON APRIL 21,2015 INDICATED STARTER FORK HAD FAILED. COST OF LABOR WAS $112.50 AND PLASTIC FORK $8.13. PLUS TOWING COST THIS IS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR ROOT CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. PER SERVICE DEPARTMENT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY. THIS PART SHOULD NOT BE FAILING AFTER ONLY 77,213 MILES. THE LONG TERM RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE IS A CONCERN WITH RISING AND MOUNTING LABOR COST. HOW LONG WILL THIS FORK LAST? HOW DID THIS PART PASS THE HYUNDAI DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCT VALIDATION AUTOMOTIVE TESTING? OR IS THIS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT ISSUE AFTER RELEASE ? THIS IS ANOTHER KNOWN ISSUE THAT IS BEING REPORTED BY SONATA 2011 OWNERS AND NOT BEING ADDRESSED IT IS POOR WHEN THE TOWING SERVICE PERSON KNEW WHAT THE ISSUE WAS. AS HE HAS TOWED SEVERAL SONATAS WITH SAME ISSUE.
Steering, Sep 9, 2015
RECENTLY WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL IN PARK , HEARD CLICKING/POPPING NOISE . COULD FEEL THE CLICKING THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN. LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (WHERE PURCHASED) DIAGNOSED ISSUE ON AUGUST 31,2015. DESCRIPTION OF DIAGNOSIS ON SERVICE PAPER. " RECOMMEND REPLACING COUPLER " COST OF LABOR AT $222.14 AND PART COST $3.65. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR ROOT CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. THIS COUPLER SHOULD NOT BE WEARING OUT AFTER 81,319 MILES. ALSO , IF THIS HAD NOT BEEN FIXED SOON. , IT MAY CAUSED A STEERING ISSUE. LAST, I HAVE READ THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED REPORTS OF THIS COUPLER ISSUE. I ALREADY HAD ANOTHER POPPING ISSUE WITH STEERING LAST SPRING THAT THE GEAR IN STEERING RACK FAILED PER SERVICE REPORT AND WAS REPLACED .FORTUNATELY UNDER WARRANTY. WITH THESE ISSUES MOUNTING, WITH HIGH LABOR COST , THE LONG TERM RELIABILITY AND COST TO OWN THIS VEHICLE ,IS A CONCERN.
Air bags, Sep 9, 2015
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ON AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE RECENTLY. VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED ON AUGUST 31, 2015 BY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP (WHERE PURCHASED) . RESULTS OF DIAGNOSIS STATED ON SERVICE DESCRIPTION "CODE IN ACU FOR OCS MODULE. RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF PASSENGER SEAT BOTTOM". IT WAS STATED THAT WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON ,THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT GUARANTEE AIRBAG WOULD WORK. SO WE IMMEDIATELY ORDERED RECOMMENDED AIRBAG PARTS. ( FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BOTTOM) AT A MAJOR COST OF $1,246. AND LABOR COST OF $165. PARTS CAME IN AND WERE INSTALLED ON SEPTEMBER 9,2015. AIRBAG LIGHT IS OFF . THIS SAFETY SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR ROOT CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS. WITH ONLY 81,319 MILES , THIS FALLS WAY SHORT OF LONG TERM PERFORMANCE. . WITH SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AT STAKE WITH THIS ISSUE I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED . PLUS IT WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. LAST I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF AIRBAG LIGHTS ON FOR HYUNDAI SONATA 201, SAME PROBLEM.
Steering, Sep 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Steering, Sep 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING FLEXIBLE COUPLING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:10V426000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,119.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Sep 8, 2015
IN MID--AUGUST 2015, MY CAR BEGAN TO HAVE ODD THINGS HAPPEN SUCH AS THE CAR ALARM RANDOMLY GOING OFF. I REPLACED THE BATTERY THINKING IT MAY BE THE CAUSE. THAT DID NOT HELP. THE ALARM STILL RANDOMLY WENT OFF. I DID NOT THINK THIS WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM UNTIL MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ON AUG 14TH SHE REPORTED TO ME THAT HER STEERING BECAME ERRATIC REGARDLESS OF WHAT SHE DID. AFTER SHE PULLED OVER, SHE NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WENT TO ZERO AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING DESPITE HAVING RECENTLY FILLED THE TANK. WHEN SHE GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, THE CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. FINALLY, WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. THIS CAUSED THE LEFT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO COMPLETELY MELT! THEN, ON AUG 24TH, SHE DROVE THE CAR TO O'BRIEN HYUNDAI IN FT MYERS, FL. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, SENDING UNIT, BRAKE SWITCH, BRAKE SWITCH STOPPER, AND TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THEY COULD NOT TELL HER OR ME WHAT THE ROOT CAUSE WAS FOR THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT NEARLY CAUSED A ACCIDENT.
Steering, Sep 7, 2015
BEGINNING AUGUST 31ST, 2015 MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA'S STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHENEVER IT DROVE OVER ANY LARGE BUMPY AREAS IN THE ROAD, NO MATTER THE SPEED DRIVEN OVER THE BUMPS. OVER THE NEXT WEEK THE STEERING WHEEL ITSELF HAS STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT IS LOOSENING AND NOW MAKES THE CLICKING NOISE WHENEVER STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED AT ALL. VERY LITTLE MOVEMENT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSES A CLICKING NOISE NOW AND THERE IS SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENT IN THE WHEEL FROM THE COLUMN, EVEN WHEN NOT IN MOTION. THE STEERING ITSELF SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED NOW AS WELL, AS IT TAKES MORE MANEUVERING FROM THE WHEEL BY ME TO DRIVE IN NORMAL CONDITIONS. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ONLINE AND FROM THE RECALL ON SOME 2011 SONATA'S THIS ISSUE CAN BECOME VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. I LOOKED UP THE VIN TO MY VEHICLE AND ACCORDING TO NHTSA AND HYUNDAI.COM MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS WHAT THE RECALL COVERS.