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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2015
I WALKED OUT OF MY HOME AND AROUND THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING (PASSENGER'S SIDE) WAS STICKING OUT ABOUT 1 INCH FROM THE VEHICLE. I OPENED THE TRUNK AND REMOVED THE INTERIOR ACCESS PANEL COVER TO LOOK AT THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY FROM THE INSIDE AND FOUND THAT ALL THE MOUNTING HOLES WERE FRACTURED/SHATTERED, AND NONE OF THE STUDS LIKE BOLTS WERE ATTACHED TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE HOUSING ASSEMBLY ONTO THE CAR WAS THE TAILLIGHT WIRE ASSEMBLY. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN ANY WAY. NO SURFACE SCRATCHES. NO BODY DAMAGE. IT APPEARS THAT THE PLASTIC SHATTERED FROM CRACKS INCURRED AT INSTALLATION WHEN OVERLY TIGHTENED AT FACTORY AND/OR NORMAL VIBRATION OF THE VEHICLE.
Engine, Jul 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Jul 22, 2015
MY FATHER IN LAW WHO IS A MECHANIC CHANGED MY OIL ON SUNDAY. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE ONE CAR SO I LEFT VEHICLE HOME SO IT COULD GET CHANGED. MONDAY 7/14/15 I DROVE CAR TO WORK WHICH IS 10 MINS FROM HOME. I DROVE CAR HOME FROM WORK CAR WAS FINE. WHEN MY HUSBAND DROVE THE CAR BACK FROM THE STORE AND HE SAID THAT HE WENT TO ACCELERATE THE CAR DID NOTHING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANYTHING. MY HUSBAND HAD TO COAST ALL THE WAY INTO DRIVEWAY. IN OCTOBER OF 2014 I HAD THE STARTER REPLACED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTEE AND 6 RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF. DURING THAT TIME THEY HAD BROKEN THE WHOLE FRAME OF THE CAR AND I WAS WITH RENTAL FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. SO AT THIS TIME I THOUGHT THAT THE STARTER WENT AGAIN. I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE SHOP SINCE I WAS 484 MILES OVER WARRANTY AND HAD TO PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC. LEFT CAR AT DEALERSHIP AT 8:30AM. THEY HAD NOT GOTTEN BACK TO ME UNTIL MONDAY 20, 2015. THE CALLED TO TELL ME THAT IT WAS THE STARTER WHICH WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND OH YEAH YOU'RE ENGINE HAS SEIZED, AND OH YEAH YOU'RE CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL PROFUSELY. I EXPLAINED THAT THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN LEAKING THE ENTIRE TIME IT HAD BEEN SITTING IN MY GARAGE NOR DID IT LEAK ON THE TOW TRUCK. AND THEN I ASKED HOW CAN AN ENGINE SEIZE AT 60000 MILES. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 8000 FOR STARTER AND REMODED ENGINE AND 6000 FOR NEW ENGINE AND STARTER. I AM NOT REPLACING ENGINE WITH ANOTHER FAILED ENGINE. I AM GOING TO SEEK ADVICE FROM LAWYER. THANK HEAVENS MY HUSBAND WAS NOT DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE CUT OUT. COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS. HAD SALESMAN TOLD ME ABOUT THESE ISSUES WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH OF 2014, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASE THE CAR. I THINK IT IS A LACK OF ETHICS.
Steering, Jul 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN MADE AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Jul 18, 2015
AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT: "DURING THE AFFECTED MODELS' PRODUCTION PERIODS, SOME VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLIES THAT MAY EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT. POTENTIALLY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE,(WICH IS HAPPENING) INTERMITTENT ABILITY TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE'S SHIFTER FROM THE PARK POSITION( ALSO HAPPENING), OR INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE STOP LAMPS.(HAPPENING ALSO)" ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN MY VEHICLE, YET THE BRAKE LIGHT SWTICH WAS REPLACED ON A ROUTINE SERVICE FOR A RECALL IN 2014. I WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY TROUBLE AT THAT TIME. NOW AT 65000 MILES AND LESS THEN ONE YEAR LATER MY BRAKES WONT TURN OFF WHEN MY CAR IS OFF RESULTING IN MY BATTERY TO DIE. HYUNDAI HAS HAD TO COME JUMP MY CAR THREE TIMES. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN THEY SAID THEY ALREADY REPLACED IT AND ARE NO LONGER LIABLE FOR IT. NOW MY CAR IS STOPPING AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE INTERMITTENLY DURING DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I ALSO SMELL BURNING RUBBER COMING FROM THE INSIDE BRAKE AREA NEAR THE SWITCH. SECONDLY, MY STEERING COULUM AND ALIGNMENT WERE OFF. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO HYUNDAI IN 2014 BECAUSE OF THE STEERING BEING VERY LOOOSE AND MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN YOU MOVED IT BACK AND FORTH. THEY SAID IT WAS THE COUPLING WICH THEY REAPLACED AND IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE MALFUNCTION. THEY THEN REPLACED THE STEERING RACK AND PERFOMED AN ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ROTATION WITH NEW TIRES. THE NOISE WENT AWAY BUT THE ALIGNMENT IS STILL TERRIBLY OFF. NOW WHEN I MAKE RIGHT TURNS IT MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AGAIN AND SHAKES AT 65MPH OR OVER. MY WARRENTY ENDED AT 60,000 MILES AND NOW NOTHING IS COVERED. I PAID FOR AN EXTENDED WARRENTY AT PURCHUSE OF WHICH THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF.
Steering, Jul 17, 2015
THE STEERING ON MY VECHILE HAS BECOME VERY LOOSELY CAUSING THE STEERING TO NOT STEER PROPERLY. IF YOU TURN ONE DIRECTION YOUR VECHILE MAY STEER A DIFFERENT WAY. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THE STEERING ON THIS VECHILE IN THE US.
Engine, Jul 15, 2015
7/7/2015 MALFUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 6 PM WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. 7/8/2015 MALFUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHT TURNED OFF ITSELF. 7/9/2015 DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS STATED NEEDED A NEW OIL FLOW VALVE AND STRONGLY RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY EVEN THOUGH OIL CHANGE WAS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER 2 MO / 2500 MI. ALL WORK COMPLETED SAME DAY AT A COST OF $379.33 EXCLUDING TAX. 7/10/2015 VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. HAD AAA TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED BAD STARTER LEVER. REPLACED STARTER LEVER SAME DAY FOR TOTAL COST OF $239.09. 7/11/2015 DROVE 0.5 MILES FROM HOME. WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD, A POP SOUND OCCURRED, ENGINE SEIZED, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH CAME ON, NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ENGINE WAS SMOKING. AAA TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2015
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHEN BRIGHTENING OR DIMMING LIGHTS OR WHEN TURNING TURN SIGNALS ON OR OFF.
Steering, Jul 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE, VIBRATED, AND SOMETIMES MOVED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE THAT BECAME WORSE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V426000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine, Jul 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER TO THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2015
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND ACCELERATING FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE CAR SEIZED AND INITIALLY APPEARED TO LOSE POWER. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT OCCURRING AND THERE WERE NO OTHER INDICATORS OF ANY PROBLEMS SUCH AS SMOKE, A SMELL, OR ANY LEAKS ON THE GROUND WHEN DRIVING OR PARKED. AFTER PULLING THE CAR OVER AND OPENING THE HOOD EVERYTHING APPEARED TO BE FINE. WE WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE NEXT DAY THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED AND STATED THERE APPEARED TO BE SOME SORT OF UNKNOWN DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO COMPLETELY DRAIN OF OIL. OIL COVERED THE ENTIRE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDERNEATH THE CASING. THE MECHANICS AT THE SHOP WERE UNABLE TO GET THE ENGINE TO TURN AT ALL. THE VEHICLE JUST HAD A FULL SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 4/24/2015 INCLUDING: OIL & FILTER CHANGE, FUEL INDUCTION SERVICE, REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, ROTATE TIRES, CHECK BRAKES, CHECK EXHAUST, SUSPENSION, BELTS, AND HOSES, TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS, AND MULTI-POINT INSPECTION. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WAS NOTED IN PERFECT WORKING CONDITION AND NO ISSUES WERE ANNOTATED. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR THE ENGINE IS BETWEEN $9,000 AND $10,000, BUT THE REPAIR SHOP HASN'T FULLY ASSESSED THE DAMAGE TO THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS SHOULD BE UNDER THE EXTENDED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, BUT I'M CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH THE CLAIMS PROCESS TO TRY AND RESOLVE THIS. A QUICK SEARCH BRINGS UP A MULTITUDE OF SIMILAR CASES FOR HYUNDAI SONATAS REFERRING TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WITH NEAR IDENTICAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED.
Steering, Jul 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND SHOULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V426000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Jul 7, 2015
MY 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED DISPLAYED A LOUD RATTLING SOUND FROM THE THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN DRIVEN OVER ROUGH ROADWAY. THERE WAS ALSO A CLUNKING SOUND FROM STEERING COLUMN WHEN WHEEL WAS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN HAD DROPPED ALMOST 2 INCHES FROM ITS ORIGINALLY MOUNTED POSITION. LOCAL DEALERSHIP INDICATED A FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN THE STEERING SHAFT SHOWED EXCESSIVE DETERIORATION--CAUSING PLAY IN THE STEERING, THE NOISE AND THE DROPPING OF THE STEERING COLUMN. HE STATED IT WAS THE WORST HE HAS EVER SEEN--EXTREMELY DANGEROUS--HIS WORDS--AS STEERING CAPABILITY COULD BE LOST. HE WANTED TO KEEP THE FAULTY PART FOR REFERENCE--I DECLINED AND MAINTAINED THE PART FOR MY RECORDS. I WAS ADVISED HYUNDAI WAS AWARE OF THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT AND THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. SERVICE MANAGER SIMPLY SAID THEY DON'T MAKE PARTS LIKE THEY USED TO. THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLER WAS REPLACED AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REALIGNED. THE REPAIR WAS $383.72 WITH THE PART COSTING $49.50. THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY RECALL OR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS SPECIFIC DEFECT AND FOUND IT TO BE AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ONE, AND ONE WHICH THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE NHTSA--I STRONGLY BELIEVE A RECALL IS WARRANTED--FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE ROADWAY. UPDATED 11/07/2017*CN
Steering, Jul 7, 2015
WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHES 70MPH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE CLUNK AND PLAY IN THE STEERING IN PARK OR DRIVING. TIRES AND ALIGNMENT HAVE BEEN RULED OUT. THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING MOTOR.
Steering, Jul 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,500.
Service brakes, Jul 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,544. ...UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/01/15*JB
Steering, Jul 1, 2015
AS I WAS DRIVING AND/OR STEERING I WOULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE. THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN TO ME SO I DID CONTACT HYUNDAI TO SEE IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY RECALLS. I WAS TOLD NOT AT THIS TIME ONLY RECALL WAS FOR A SHIFT LEVEL CABLE. OK SO I PROCEED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LEARN THAT THE PART IS $7.00 AND THE LABOR IS $224.00. NICE. I AM CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED AND NEED A CAR TO FIND A JOB SO ITS A LOSE LOSE SITUATION. IN MY OPTION THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON A SAFETY RECALL AS I REVIEW THE COMPLAINTS I SEE THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED IN MANY OF HYUNDAI CARS. HYUNDAI SHOULD TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I DID NOT REPAIR THIS PART THAT MUCH MORE DAMAGE WOULD OCCUR. I AM ASKING THAT HYUNDAI RESEARCH AND COME TO THEIR SENSES AND ISSUE A RECALL AND A REFUND TO ME FOR THEIR ERROR. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2017*CN
Suspension, Jun 26, 2015
DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD "BANG" AND FELT VIBRATION FROM FRONT OF CAR. THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND CAR WAS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, EXITED VEHICLE AND COULD SEE CAR WAS SITTING VERY LOW TO GROUND ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, TIRE WAS FLAT AND COULD SEE INTERIOR SIDE WALL WAS SHREDDED. REPLACED THE TIRE WITH SPARE AND DROVE APPROX. THREE MILES TO TIRE DEALER AS WE SUSPECTED IT WAS ONLY A TIRE FAILURE AT THAT TIME. THEY LOOKED AT CAR AND STATED THAT THE COIL SPRING HAD BROKEN AND HAD CUT THE TIRE. SUBSEQUENTLY HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. HAD BEEN DRIVING CAR EARLIER IN DAY WITH NO APPARENT ISSUES AND HAD NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES OR OTHER ROAD HAZARDS THAT WOULD HAVE BROKEN A COIL SPRING. THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH ROAD CONDITIONS AT THE POINT OF INCIDENT EITHER. EXTREMELY CONCERNING THAT THIS WOULD FAIL WITH NO INDICATION OF ANY ISSUE WITH SUSPENSION/STEERING SYSTEM. THIS SEEMS LIKE A PREMATURE TIME FOR A COIL SPRING FAILURE. HYUNDAI HAS ALSO REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY WARRANTY SERVICE AS IT IS 4,000 MILES OVER THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY. ...UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/31/2017*CN
Steering, Jun 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED AT 37,000 MILES BEFORE THE CONTACT OWNED THE VEHICLE. UPON THE CONTACT DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A VERY STRONG VIBRATION WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. WHEN TRAVELING OVER UNLEVELED LAND, THE VEHICLE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. MA 08/13/15 UPDATED 10/30/2017*CN
Engine, Jun 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARINGS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Engine, Jun 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARINGS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH SLUDGE AND NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,500.
Steering, Jun 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A POPPING AND KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRIVING OVER 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 23, 2015
IN THE EVENING OF THE 22ND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO AWAY WHEN I PRESSED THE BUTTON ALSO THE CAR WOULD HAVE A LONG LAG BETWEEN PRESSING OR RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR RESPONDING. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I BEGAN DRIVING AGAIN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT DID NOT COME UP BUT WHEN I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND GOT TO 20MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCERATING AND THE ENGINE WENT IDLE UNTIL I RELEASED MY FOOT FROM THE PEDLE AND REAPPLIED IT WHEN IT WOULD GO AGAIN WITH NO ADDITIONAL ISSUES. THIS PATTERN REPEATED ITSELF EACH TIME THE CAR DROPPED BELOW 20 MPH.
Steering, Jun 19, 2015
THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE..I CALLED HYUNDAI TO SEE WAS IT A RECALL ON IT BIT WAS TOLD IT HAD ALREADY BEED FIXED.BUT AFTER TWO MONTHS IT STARTED MAKING THE CLICKING NOISE...SO IF IT WAS ALREADY FIXED.WHY IS THE PROBLEM IS STILL ONGOING....CAN IT BE A LEMON...OR JUST A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT JUST KEEP HAPPEN..THEN I LOOKED IT UP ON LINE AND IT SAID THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME DETACHED FROM THE COLUMN....AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED...CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP BEFORE ME OR MY FAMILY IS HURT OR KILLED.