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.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that none of the components on the steering wheel worked. The horn was damaged and would not sound and the phone console components failed. In addition, the seat belt warning indicator did not illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 18V137000 (seat belts and air bags) and 17V617000 (seat belts). The contact planned on calling lehman Hyundai (21400 nw 2nd ave, miami, fl 33169, (866) 647-4751) regarding the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 111,886.
Car steering wheel making clicking sound when turned and car accelerate while coming to a complete stop it's inconsistent also brake light constantly burning out and the car horn recently just stop working thank you for your interest on my concern
Steering wheel locks while driving. Dealership can't figure it out. Can't drive car. Car was in motion engine running in a turn going 30 miles an hour and the steering wheel locked. Had to turn off the car completely and turn it back on to get it unlocked.
- Pleasanton, CA, USA
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Engine failure/steering problems in July of 2015 I purchased the 2011 Hyundai Sonata from a drivetime dealership; starting mileage; 76,262. I only had the car about 2 months when the engine completely seized on the freeway in August of 2015. The recall 132 didnt come out until after I already had my car serviced by a 3rd party warranty and had to come out of pocket for 500 dollars. The cause was a complete engine failure at 77,498 miles. The engine was replaced in Sept of 2015. Next issue I started to have was my steering wheel suddenly started to make a loud knocking noise on about 10/2018 while driving over any uneven road or even the slightest bump. The steering wheel completely trembles if I go over 60mph and feels as though the steering wheel may come unattached. My wheels feel as though they are ready to fly off. Present day-my engine is now starting to show signs of seizure again. It starts to jolt unexpectedly and the engine makes a loud knocking noise randomly upon acceleration. The car is very very slow to accelerate and is inconsistent with power despite constant and documented oil changes/checks. I have made an appointment with my local Hyundai deal for the recall 132 for this is the 2nd time I am now needing to have this engine repaired.I was told that I would have to pay for a rental of 35/dollars a day if my engine does need to be replaced.
Warranty for the rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps). I setup an appointment to address two recalls and fix the issue of mdps. The dealer doesn't want to pay for mdps fix and told me that I have to pay for it. Car has about 74000 miles.
This is independent of campaign 10V426000 which involved "potential loss of steering ability". in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, there have been numerous complaints involving the 2011 Hyundai Sonata in which the steering wheel shakes aggressively at speeds of 60+. in addition, there is a loud clicking sound that you can hear and feel when turning the corner or driving at speeds of 35+. while sitting idle, if the steering wheel is even slightly moved from left to right, you can hear and feel a knocking/clicking sound. When driving at speeds of 20+, any imperfection in the road or highway causes this "unsteadiness" in the steering wheel and the continued knocking noise. In all cases, it almost feels as if the steering wheel or the tires are going to detach from the car while driving. The car feels unsafe to drive in normal weather conditions and could be life threatening at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions. Given the vast number of complaints, I'm concerned that NHTSA has not taken action. Please find below the online complaints regarding this matter. This problem is likely impacting hundreds of thousands as not everyone will take the time to write a complaint. Given the past issues with a "steering issue' for the Hyundai Sonata 2011, your immediate attention in expeditiously identifying a possible life threatening problem would be greatly appreciated. Hyundai has been contacted by the public but has taken no action on their own Accord. I have attached examples of the complaints online concerning this issue. Thank you for your assistance and review. Https://www.carcomplaints.com/Hyundai/Sonata/2011/steering/shakes_wobbles_and_clicks.shtml.
In July of 2108 we took out Hyundai Sonata gls gas 2.4L to graham dealership in mansfield, oh for and engine replacement in recall. One of many recalls for this car. When we went to pick up the car I noticed the steering has become an issue. The problem was not there before the engine replacement. I went back to the dealership to tell them of the problem and they said they didnt cause it. Which the steering is under recall to add to the problem already. They refuse to fix the recall saying its too late. This recall is under the campaign 097 recall. What can I do to get this fixed before something happens such as an accident? I have filed a complaint online with Hyundai but have not heard back. Our car set at the dealership for 1 1/2 months to be fixed. As we also have brakes that went bad from sitting so long.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated and a clicking noise was heard from the steering column. The dealer (North town Hyundai, 7420 transit road, williamsville, NY) cleared all the recall codes that were pending on the vehicle, but the clicking noise and air bag indicator failures still persisted. In addition, smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 106,457.
I have taking my car in twice to the dealership san tan hundai for recall issues once on 10/20/2017 and again on 11/08/2018 the first time I told them that my steering wheel was not working correctly and that their was a recall they told my they wanted $300 to fix it even though my car was part of the recall on 11/08/18 I took in my care for recall as my eps is out and their is a recall and they said that wanted $99 to inspect it and did not cre about the recall when we brought this care it had so many problems with it but we were stuck and now we cant get it fixted and im a heart patient and need this car fixted
I bought a used 2011 Hyundai Sonata in March for my birthday, and about 3 months ago, the steering wheel started shaking violently any time I got to 60mph or higher. Upon further investigation, I found out I needed a new steering coupler. Before it got fixed, my dome lights, and all of the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel (trip, cruise control) stopped working. After being fixed, none of the above mentioned things work, but also now, my power locks, dash clock and horn stopped working. I almost got hit by another driver a few days ago, and didnt even have a horn to honk!
2011 Hyundai Sonata is having a power steering and steering column issues of which appear to be identical to the steering component(s) issues correspond to that described in recalls: 10V457000 and 16V190000. However, my 2011 Sonata, VIN: [xxx] and manufacture date of: April 27, 2011, does not fall within the stated manufacturer date(s) for recalls 10V457000 or 16V190000 although my vehicle is experiencing the exact same issues. In detail: The steering wheel feels loose/ sloppy while driving, especially on the highway, frequently when on the highway only the steering wheel will start to shake rapidly on and off randomly making a very uneasy and potentially unsafe drive for my self and other drivers. This issue does appear to be progressing. The steering column will also make a knocking-like noise when turning in either direction, at all speeds and when idling. This issue is also progressing. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Periodically the power steering will stop working. This happens on city streets and highways at slow speeds and posted speed limits. I know there has been a recall on some sonotas but dealer still refuses to remedy problem. There has been many incidents where there has almost been major accident due to loss of steering when operating vehicle. This is very life threatening and could result in loss of life or permanent injury. We have documented all occasions so actions can be taken if that occurs. Simply want it fixed to prevent such an incident. Maybe they did not get all vehicles listed on the first recall as we checked if ours was on it. However it seems to be happening to our model as well. Any help in this matter would greatly be appreciated as we would be devastated if an accident occurred injuring ourselves or other innocent people. Thank you for your consideration in this matter
The steering wheel has become lose. It is a steering wheel coupler, but Hyundai has expanded the warranty to 100,000 or 10 years. The Hyundai's have been having numerous problems with so called fixed recalls.
The airbag light in my 2011 Hyundai Sonata came on while I was driving one day. The car has not been in any accidents. The airbag light has been on for several months now and I've been told by different mechanics that this may be the result of problems in the electrical steering system. I've checked numerous blogs and found that many other people are having the exact same issue with their 2011 Hyundai Sonatas.
Knocking noise when turning the steering wheel. Sounds like it's coming from the steering column and after research, seems to be a very common problem in this type of vehicle. Notice it while traveling at slow speeds, going over bumps and while turning. Mostly used for city and highway driving.
In July 2018 my wife's engine went out and it was under recall. So we had it replaced at a dealership. After the motor replacement, the steering has been an issue. A part on the shaft is apparently bad. It was never an issue till day 1 when we got the car back. The dealership didn't say anything was wrong. We had just found out that this was a previous recall on our car. But they said they couldn't fix it because the mileage was past their deadline. We never knew of the recall. The car was bought from a licensed dealer. I ask now, why wasnt the car fixed before my wife bought it or why was she not told about it" isn't a dealer suppose to tell U these things" or selling a car that could be the cause of an accident. We just didn't know of previous recalls. 2011 Hyundai Sonata
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Appomattox, VA, USA