CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2011 Sonata has a seriously defective engine that seizes without warning. It was awarded the dubious honor of being the first CarTalk / CarComplaints Turd of the Week in late September 2015.

A class action lawsuit was filed in May 2015 against Hyundai that claims the 2.4L Sonata engine is defective. More info here.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
20 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
51,010 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Hyundai Sonata steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 24 of 58)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #695

Aug 112016

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that an abnormal clicking noise emitted from the steering wheel without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering). The dealer was notified, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Hollidaysburg, PA, USA

problem #694

Mar 262016

Sonata

  • miles
My steering had a popping sound in it and I just got it in March and they told me it was just a one of the sounds now it has got worse and everytime I go at high speed or hit a bump it rattles and jerks off the road.

- Sulphur, OK, USA

problem #693

Jul 262016

Sonata

  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became loose. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 43,000.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #692

Jul 292016

Sonata

  • 83,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Clicking noise coming from the steering wheel when turned right or left. The noise also happens when hitting a rough spot or bump. I have researched this problem and found that this problem is affecting a large number of owners. Hyundai has failed to issue any remedy for the complaints.

- Paris, TX, USA

problem #691

Aug 092016

Sonata

  • 60,000 miles
How many more complaints will it take for Hyundai to recall the steering coupler issue. The steering is very loose and makes a clunking sound with excessive vibration at highway speeds to the point that I feel this vehicle is unsafe to drive. The issue started at about 60, 000 miles, out of warranty of course. I am told by the dealer that the culprit is a 4 dollar rubber part, see attached pic, that will cost hundreds to repair. Along with the other recalls related to steering, I'm hoping no one gets killed before this gets recalled.

- Poquoson, VA, USA

problem #690

Jul 052016

Sonata

  • miles
While sitting still, when steering wheel is slightly turned to one side or the other, there is a loud clicking/popping noise. This also happens when turning while driving. When driving and hitting a slight bump, the clicking/popping is so bad that it sounds like the steering wheel is going to break into pieces. There is also some "play" in the steering wheel.

- Clinton, MS, USA

problem #689

Jul 282016

Sonata

  • 93,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving on interstate steering began getting loose, frequent shimmy. When backing up at a gas station the steering was making clunking sounds and had more play in the steering wheel. Went to a dealership next morning, the power steering coupler was replaced.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #688

Jul 072016

Sonata

  • 57,000 miles
Having a poping noise in the steering column.when turn to left or right.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #687

Aug 012016

Sonata

  • 130,000 miles
The steering on my 2011 Sonata makes a popping noise when I turn the steering wheel right or left when the car is stationary. When driving it sounds like the steering wheel is going to separate from the rest of the car when I drive over any potholes, bumps, or seams in the the road. I am fearful the steering wheel will separate from the car at speed. This occurs consistently when I drive the car.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #686

Aug 042016

Sonata

  • 43,000 miles
When turning the steering wheel 5 percent in either direction L or R, there is a clunking sound. The bearing at the bottom of the steering column needs to be replaced the car in question only has 43,000 miles and is 4 months past its warranty, cost id $350

- North Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #685

Jul 212016

Sonata

  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 3 mph, the power steering failed. The contact stated that a clicking noise emitted from the steering wheel while turning. It was diagnosed that the column coupler needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

- East Hanover, NJ, USA

problem #684

May 052016

Sonata

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 10 mph and veering to the left or right, the steering wheel made a clicking noise without warning. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic, but was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering). The failure mileage was 91,000.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #683

Jul 222016

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 96,100 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering) and while driving at 60 mph, the steering wheel vibrated. In addition, the contact stated that during turns or while driving over a pot hole, an abnormal noise emitted from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,100. Updated 09/08/16 updated 09/29/16.

- Powder Springs, GA, USA

problem #682

Aug 032016

Sonata

  • 72,000 miles
Takata recall - I purchased a Hyundai sontata in Aug of 2015 and I have had nothing but trouble ever since I purchased the car. I had to have the engine replaced in Jan of 2016 and after I had the engine replaced I noticed that the steering wheel started clicking. The steering clicking is at its worst when the car is driving over 60mph. The steering coupler is damaged and the dealership is stating that the car is no longer under warranty and they can do the repair at a cost to me. The issue at hand is that it is a common issue amongst Hyundai Sonatas and therefore I feel that they should cover the repair. This will be the last Hyundai that I purchase. The mechanic even told me well if you don't have it repaired your steering wheel could potential come off while driving.

- Hanahan, SC, USA

problem #681

Jul 262016

Sonata

  • 66,000 miles
When I turn the steering wheel while parking or driving, there is a clunky feeling and noise. I had to take the vehicle in for a shift gear recall, and when the service tech pulled the vehicle into the service area, he got out and (without me mentioning the issue) said, that clunking is your "coupler", but it's not included in this recall, the cost to fix that is $350. Because he knew off-hand what it was, that led me to believe that there were others that have had the same issue. I wanted to do some research since I didn't know what a coupler was, and it turns out there are a few forums with Hyundai owners complaining of this issue. It seems to me if this could cause the steering to disassemble, that it should be a recall. A quick google search revealed many others with the same problem: www.sonataforums.com/forum/Hyundai-Sonata-diy-section/18449-steering-column-rubber-coupler-replacement.html www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Sonata/2011/steering/steering.shtml hopefully, this will be looked into soon, and a recall issued. This 2011 Hyundai is a piece of junk--I alone have had to take it in for 5 recalls. I called Hyundai to let them know, and they said they would note my current issue(case number #9468705).

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #680

Jul 222016

Sonata

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and had excessive play whenever making a turn. The failure occurred after being serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering). The contact mentioned that the recall remedy was insufficient. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle functioned normally. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

- Powder Springs, GA, USA

problem #679

Jul 282016

Sonata

  • 80,250 miles
After starting the car - without moving the the vehicle, when moving the wheel back and forth, it makes a clunking noise like something is loose.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #678

Oct 012015

Sonata

  • 73,000 miles
A little over a year ago I went to the dealership for an oil change and my steering wheel started to act weird. It seemed loose like someone removed a component. I stated to the dealership what occured and they wanted to charge me $500+ to get it repaired. They stated it wasn't covered under my warranty.. I told them the issue didnt occur until I brought the vehicle in. I am a mother of two infants who could not afford a repair like that. I bought the Hyundai because of its safety features and gas mileage so far everything has been a lie about this vehicle. I hate driving it. There have been nothing but problems since I got this vehicle and I fear the safety of me and my children. The steering wheel is so bad that my entire car rattles and shakes whenever I get on the highway. Now there's another recall on this vehicle for the same issue I told the dealership. I want out of this vehicle and into something safer for my children. They still haven't mailed me the campaign to get my engine checked. This recall was in November 2015. Hyundai just needs to reimburse everyone and take these vehicles off the road. They are lemons.

- Avondale, AZ, USA

problem #677

Mar 142016

Sonata

  • miles
The steering column clicks when making micro adjustments at any speeds low or high. Sudden stops or decelerating it shakes and clicks. Also if car is off it clicks if U move wheel side to side. Shaking makes the car more difficult to control when slowing down at lights.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #676

Jan 152016

Sonata

  • 105,000 miles
The contact own a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. The failure also recurred while driving over 60 mph. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Plano, TX, USA

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