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, Wheels, Aug 20, 2015
STEERING COLUMN RECALL (CAMPAIGN 97) WAS IDENTIFIED AS PERFORMED BY HYUNDAI ON NOVEMBER 12, 2010. WHILE HAVING REPAIRS DONE TO 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A RECALL WHICH WAS CHARACTERIZED BY THE STEERING PROBLEMS/SHAKING IDENTIFIED. HYUNDAI WAS CONTRACTED AND THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE CAR DIAGNOSED STATING THEIR POLICY... "ONCE A RECALL / ALWAYS A RECALL." I REALLY DID NOT REALLY LIKE IT WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL, I WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. I REALLY DID HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THE CHARGES MAY BE. COMPOUNDING THIS, THE RIMS HAVE CORRODED TO THE POINT WHERE THEY ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY BLACK. THIS HAS BEEN CONTRIBUTED TO BE CORROSION OF SOME SORT BY THREE INDEPENDENT INSPECTORS. WHEN I ASKED HYUNDAI MFG. & ES HYUNDAI FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT UNDER THE CORROSION WARRANTY, I WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR CORROSION WARRANTY. MY REPEATED REQUESTS TO HAVE A SERVICE MANAGER/TECHNICIAN TO LOOK AT THE RIMS AND HELP EXPLAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM IS HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY IGNORED. WHY CAN'T THESE PEOPLE SAY WHAT THEY MEAN AND DO WHAT THEY SAY?
Steering, Aug 20, 2015
STEERING WHEEL HAS LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING WHEEL. ALSO WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL THERE IS PLAY IN TURN BEFORE WHEELS ACTUALLY TURN. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. WAS TOLD CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP WILL CALL WHEN IT IS MY TURN, OTHERS AHEAD OF ME, TO REPAIR. OUT OF WARRANTY BY ALMOST TWO MONTHS.
Engine, Aug 19, 2015
HYUNDAI IS GOING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE UNDER WARRANTEE, HOWEVER THEY ONLY WARRANTEE THIS BRAND NEW LONG BLOCK (ENGINE) FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES INSTEAD OF WARRANTING THE ENGINE FOR AN ORIGINAL 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM IS CAN THIS NEW ENGINE BE TRUSTED SINCE WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE ENGINE WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT. HYUNDAI REQUIRES THAT ALL OIL CHANGE RECORDS BE GIVEN TO DEALERSHIP.
Engine, Aug 17, 2015
WE BEGAN HEARING SOME NOISES FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE AND AN OIL CHANGE ON WEDNESDAY OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK (8/18/2015 WAS OUR APPOINTMENT). ON 8/17/15 THE CAR STARTED LIKE NORMAL, WE GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, AND MY HUSBAND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. IT ACCELERATED TO 15MPH, THEN STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CAR HAD SHUT OFF. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES CEASED TO WORK, AND WE BARELY MADE IT OFF THE ROAD. WE PUT IT IN PARK, TOOK THE KEY OUT, WAITED FOR A MINUTE, AND TRIED RESTARTING IT. IT WOULD CLICK ONCE, THEN NOTHING. WE TRIED JUMPING IT, NOTHING. WE WERE TOLD IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ALTERNATOR, SO HAD IT TOWED TO A NEARBY AAA SHOP. THE FOLLOWING DAY (MONDAY, 8/17/15) WE RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. AND UPON CALLING THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT THE CAR FROM, FOUND OUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED, HAD JUST EXPIRED AT 109K MILES AND WE WERE AT 130K MILES. WE ASKED THE AAA AND THE DEALERSHIP TO CALL AROUND TO GET PRICING ON HOW MUCH AN ENGINE WOULD BE. THEY WERE SHOCKED TO LEARN THAT THE ENGINE FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA IS UNAVAILABLE NATIONWIDE, INDEFINITELY. THIS IS UNHEARD OF AND IS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO SEARCH ONLINE TO CHECK IF A SEIZED ENGINE WAS ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS/RECALLS/MISTAKES MADE WITH THIS CAR, AND SURPRISINGLY, IT WAS! I TRULY HOPE THE NHTSA WILL INVESTIGATE AT THE VERY LEAST! AND RECALL THIS CAR!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 15, 2015
ON A COUPLE OF SEPARATE INCIDENTS, THE GEAR DISAPPEAR. I WAS DRIVING ON D, THE GEAR WAS ON D, BUT AFTER SEVERAL MILES THE GEAR DISAPPEAR. I PULLED OVER TO PARK THE CAR, I PUT THE CAR ON REVERSE, BUT THE GEAR WAS NOT VISIBLE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON, I COULD SEE THE GEAR THEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER THIS HAPPENED, THE CAR DID NOT START AT ALL. THE CAR ENDED UP STARTING AFTER IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. APART FROM THIS ISSUE I'VE BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES. STARTER, AXLES, THE KEY IGNITION SWITCH, SENSORS, ETC. IT'S BEEN VERY TIME CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE.
Suspension, Aug 12, 2015
THE COIL SPRING ON THE LEFT FRONT BROKE, WE DON'T KNOW WHEN BUT THE CAR WAS IN FOR SOMETHING ELSE. IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE COIL SPRINGS BREAKING AND LUCKILY WE WEREN'T HURT BY THIS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT SHOULDN'T BE PASSED ONTO THE CONSUMER. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD WITH ABOUT 55000 MILES ON IT. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE OTHER SIDE BREAKS AND WE MIGHT BE ON THE HIGHWAY. I'M WORRIED ABOUT THIS AND I BELIEVE SOME KIND OF RECALL SHOULD BE WARRANTED. THANKS
Steering, Power train, Aug 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND A STRONG VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V426000 (STEERING) AND 10V457000 (STEERING). THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V434000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT COULD NOT CONFIRM IF THE RECALL REPAIR PART WAS AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,944.
Engine, Aug 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Steering, Aug 11, 2015
I HAVE 2011 SONATA GLS I BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2011 (I AM THE ONLY OWNER). THE REASON FOR THIS LETTER IS THAT I HAVE A FREQUENT AND INCREASING CLICKING SOUND ON MY STEERING WHEEL WHEN I'M DRIVING AND IT VERY FREQUENTLY COMES AND GETS LOUDER ON A SLIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I'M DRIVING .
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
48 HOURS AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED TWO SELENODES AND WIRING HARNESS (STATING IT COULD BE MY DRIVING HABITS, BUT WOULD FILE IT UNDER THE WARRANTY) - THE VEHICLE STARTING SHIFTING EVEN HARDER THAN IT PREVIOUSLY HAD AND THEN SUDDENLY WOULD NOT GO OVER 25MPH AND THE RPMS WERE 5-6. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER) - AND WAS TOLD IT NOW NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAD ZERO ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE TILL IT HIT APPROXIMATELY 75,000 MILES. I HAVE FILED TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE REGARDING THE OTHER TWO INCIDENTS THAT I'VE HAD WARRANTY WORK DONE ON IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. I EXPECT THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY FALL APART BY THE TIME I HIT 100K AND THERE IS NO LONGER A WARRANTY. I AM VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT HAVE MY 3 KIDS WITH ME THIS LAST TIME.
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
VEHICLE STARTING SHIFTING HARD, THEN WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CAR FELL OUT OF GEAR INTO "NEUTRAL". PULLED OVER. VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK. VEHICLE THEN CONTINUED TO SHIFT HARD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. WAS TOLD IT WAS TWO SELENODES AND WIRING HARNESS. THIS REPAIR LASTED 48 HOURS. WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THEY SAID IT COULD BE MY DRIVING HABITS.
Engine, Aug 10, 2015
DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BLOCK AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO LOW OIL IN THE CAR. AFTER ARGUING FOR 2 WEEKS WITH DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER) AND THE ONLY DEALER THAT HAS EVER SERVICED THE VEHICLE, THEY REPLACED THE SMALL ENGINE BLOCK, UNDER WARRANTY. TOOK 1 MONTH.
Engine, Aug 8, 2015
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK CONNECTING FROM ROUTE 80 TO ROUTE 206 THEN CAR JUST CUTS OFF, NO LIGHTS , NO NOISE JUST DIE'S OUT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THAT ENGINE SEIZED, I ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND PUT MY WIFE'S LIFE IN DANGER THAT A CAR CAN JUST SHUT DOWN WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS. DEALER TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO TAKE APART ENGINE TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ENGINE EVEN THOUGH I MAINTENANCE THIS CAR APPROXIMATELY EVERY 2 MONTHS AND THE CAR HAD HIGHWAY MILES. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT OTHER CUSTOMERS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAY IT'S A ENGINE DEFECT AND HYUNDAI WILL NOT PAY TO FIX.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 8, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK RAPIDLY. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICK WHEN IN PARK AND I MOVE THE STEEPING WHEEL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND GO OVER BUMPS ON THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNK NOISE. THE STEERING FEELS LOOSE WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 60+. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT MY CAR DOESN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS ON THE STEERING! BUT FOUND RIGHT HERE ON THIS WEBSITE, SHOWS THE TSB#10-01-32. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR IN 2011 WITH THE FULL WARRANTY INTACT FROM CRAIN KIA, WHICH ALSO OWNS CRAIN HYUNDAI THE VEHICLE WAS A DEALERSHIP DEMO VEHICLE. AFTER RUNNING A VIN SEARCH ON THIS WEBSITE, IT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THIS IS UNSAFE AND PUTS THE LIVES OF NOT JUST THE OWNERS/DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE BUT OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL IN SEVERE DANGER. AT THIS TIME, IF NOTHING IS DONE, WE WILL PURSUE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA AND CRAIN HYUNDAI / KIA. FOR THEIR LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM, SELLING "UNSAFE" CARS TO THE PUBLIC! PLEASE REOPEN THIS CASE IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE THEM REPAIR THESE DARN CARS. SINCERELY, US SOLDIER AND FAMILY *TR
Steering, Aug 7, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK RAPIDLY. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICK WHEN IN PARK AND I MOVE THE STEEPING WHEEL SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND GO OVER BUMPS ON THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNK NOISE. THE STEERING FEELS LOOSE WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 60+. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT MY CAR DOESN'T HAVE ANY RECALLS ON THE STEERING. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE ARE MORE VEHICLES WITH THIS STEERING WHEEL ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT THE MANUFACTURERS EXPENSE. ...UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF
Steering, Aug 7, 2015
I OWN A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT RECENTLY BEGAN MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE INTERIOR STEERING. THE STEERING IS NOW LOOSE AND ALONG WITH THE LOUD CLUNKING NOISE YOU CAN FEEL THE CLUNK AS YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER RECALLS. I WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT HYUNDAI. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND ADVISED THEM OF THE ISSUE. I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL ON CERTAIN 2011 SONATAS IN REFERENCE TO THE SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER THE RECALL HAD BEEN CLOSED AND MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL THE STEERING COMPONENTS CAN FAIL OR DISCONNECT CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Aug 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED WHENEVER DRIVING OVER A BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,630. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ *CN
Steering, Aug 3, 2015
WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL WAS A LITTLE LOSE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM ABOUT IT. JOHN D ASK IF MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER I SAID NO. HE SAID IT'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. AT THE TIME MY LIFE WAS NOT IN DANGER WHEN IT CAME TO THE STEERING COLUMN, SO I THOUGHT. AS TIME WENT ON IT GOT WORSE TO THE POINT I FELT THAT MY LIFE COULD BE IN DANGER. SO I TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT CAR SHOPS TO GET IT FIX CAUSE I DON'T HAVE A WARRANTY. BUT BOTH SHOP SAID TO TAKE IT BACK ASAP. IT COULD LOCK UP ON ME AT ANYTIME AND IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I CAN AFFORD ANOTHER CAR. I'M AFRAID THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAPPEN WHEN I HAVE MY KIDS IN THE CAR. THE STEERING COLUMN SHAKES AND MAKE NOISE. I HAVE TO HOLD IT REAL TIGHT WHEN DRIVING SO IT WON'T GO INTO OTHER LANES. PLEASE HELP ME I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
Steering, Aug 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 31, 2015
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 SONATA, THE WINDOWS FOG UP TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL WHERE I CAN NOT CLEARLY SEE THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES OF THE DAY AND NIGHT IN COLD, HOT, HUMID OR RAINING, ETC. WEATHER CONDITIONS. I AM MOST AFFECTED AT NIGHT WHILE RETURNING FROM THE GYM AND I HAVE TO TRAVEL THROUGH WINDING, DARK, DEER INFESTED WOODED ROADS. NO MATTER WHAT TEMPERATURE SETTING I PLACE THERMOSTAT, IT FOGS! I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AND THE DEALER IS AWARE AND SAYS MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED BUT THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION. DEALER SAYS TO MATCH OUTSIDE TEMP WITH INSIDE CAR TEMP AND LEAVE A/C ON. I FOLLOWED THE ADVICE, I TURN ON THE A/C IN THE WINTER AND THE HEAT IN THE SUMMER AND IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE BUT STILL DOESN'T EFFECTIVELY SOLVE THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES REACH 100+ DEGREES IN ATLANTA AND TURNING ON THE HEAT AFTER WORKING OUT MAKES A BAD SITUATION WORSE. I FEEL PEOPLE CAN OR WILL DIE OR BE SERIOUSLY INJURED IF THE PROBLEM ISN'T CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER / DEALERS....UPDATED 10/05/15*BF *CN
Steering, Jul 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT HAD TO REDUCE THE SPEED TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE STEERING WHEEL UNDER CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V457000 (STEERING). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2015
ON JULY 26, 2015 THE MOTOR OF MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA STARTED TO MAKE A LOT OF NOICE. I WAS ON COUNTRY ROADS AND TRIED TO MAKE IT HOME AND THE ENGINE SIEZED UP A FEW MILES LATER. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP SAID THAT SOMETHING HAD "LET LOOSE IN THE MOTOR" CAUSING TO HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MOTOR. HE SAID THE MOTOR WAS SEIZED UP AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, Jul 27, 2015
AT THE VERY BEGINNING IT WAS JUST A NOISE THAT SOMETIMES YOU CAN BARELY HEAR WHENEVER I WAS TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, BUT AT THE DAYS GOES BY THE SITUATION ITS TURNING TO THE WORST, THE NOISE HAS BECAME LOUDER AND THE WHEEL IS TOTALLY LOOSE, RIGHT NOW YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL TO HEAR THE NOISE YOU CAN HEAR THE NOISE JUST WITH THE REGULAR VIBRATION OF THE CAR ON THE ROAD. I MADE A RESEARCH AND I FOUND A RECALL FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA BECAUSE OF ISSUES WITH THE STEERING, I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE IN ORDER TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL JUST BECAUSE MY CAR WAS MADE 2 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE ON THE RECALL, I EXPLAINED THAT MY CAR WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS THE CARS ON THE RECALL AND MY CAR WAS ALSO MADE IN THE SAME FABRIC IN ALABAMA AS THE CARS ON THE RECALL WITH JUST TWO MONTHS OF DIFFERENCE MAYBE MY CAR ALSO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING AS THE OTHERS BECAUSE ITS JUST TWO MONTHS AND THAT'S NOT ENOUGH TIME TO FIX SOMETHING IN SOME CASES. THE ONLY OPTION THAT THEY GAVE ME WAS TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION TO YOU GUYS (NHTSA) BECAUSE YOU RECEIVE ALL THE CUSTOMERS COMPLAINTS AND POLICE REPORTS AND YOU GUYS ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN MAKE A DECISION OR THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN MAKE A RECALL HERE IN THIS SITUATION. THANKS IN ADVANCED FOR YOUR HELP.....UPDATED 10-13-15 *BF UPDATED 3/28/2016 *JS UPDATED 12/08/2017*CN
Engine, Jul 27, 2015
STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT - MIDDLE LANE OF 3 LANES. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND REALIZED THE CAR HAD STALLED. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART - REPAIR SHOP SAID ENGINE SEIZED - WHICH SEEMS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE. CALLED ONE SALVAGE YARD THAT LISTED 4 IN STOCK - THEY WERE ALL SOLD. I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC UNTIL A POLICE CAR STOPPED BEHIND ME AND TURNED ON HIS LIGHTS. I AM NOT UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO BEING THE 2ND OWNER (WARRANTY IS HALF - 50,000 MILES). I STILL OWE AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST 4000.00 TO HAVE A USED ENGINE INSTALLED (WHICH APPEARS WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM EVENTUALLY). ...UPDATED 09/28/15 *BF UPDATED 12/08/2017*CN
Steering, Jul 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V457000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.