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:
50,937 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 8 of 58)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #1017

Jan 032018

Sonata

  • 98,000 miles

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

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.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #1016

Jul 182018

Sonata

  • 160,000 miles
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

- Ashland, OH, USA

problem #1015

Oct 092018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata I had problem with my engine Hyundai auto decided not to fix it I have problem with my starter Hyundai auto decided not to fix it I had to pay out of pocket for both engine install [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #1014

Oct 152018

Sonata

  • 118,000 miles

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

Found out I had a recall on my airbag and there's a recall on my steering column called the company and they say there's nothing they can do for me for the steering

- Strykersville, NY, USA

problem #1013

Sep 292018

Sonata

  • 73,600 miles
Steering column clunk when attempting left had turn and driving. While at a complete stop, if you turn the wheel to the left you hear a clunk. This is getting progressively worse. Steering feels loose/sloppy.

- Elmira, NY, USA

problem #1012

Oct 072018

Sonata

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at high speeds, the electric power steering and check oil warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #1011

Sep 182018

Sonata

  • 105,000 miles

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

Steering lock loose and rattles when turning and when driving 70+mph. (started 2015) airbag light recently turned on and stays on. (started Sept 18/2018)

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #1010

Aug 012018

Sonata

  • 59,000 miles
Steering knocking when you change wheel direction. Feels like steering gearbox. Notice more when parking vehicle and turning wheel.

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #1009

Aug 142018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
I have been hearing and feeling a knock noise in the steering wheel. I has been when I'm turning the wheel when not moving. Now it started happening when I'm going to make a turn going slow and the steering wheel has started to feel looser to the turn. I have looked it up and have found many complains about the same issue. I don't know what to do. I called the dealer service dept. To see if there is a recall. No answer. I'm a grandmother that drives 2 toddlers and are afraid about a dangerous accident happening. I don't have anyone to advice me. Please tell me what to do. Should I fill a complaint so it's on record. Should I just go to any auto repair. But after seeing complaints about same issue I'm worried. I din't know what you do but I need advice. Can you check up about these complains and what could be causing this and what needs replacement, so I know if it is a danger. It seemed yesterday to start to be happening while moving which makes me scared to drive the car. Please if you can tell me if this is just to make a report. Thank you [xxx] or email [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #1008

Aug 302018

Sonata

  • 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact heard a rattling noise coming from the steering wheel when making turns. The contact stated that the failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

- North Rainsville, AL, USA

problem #1007

Jun 202017

Sonata

  • 90,000 miles

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

Clunking in steering wheel when turning left and right when driving

- Piscataway, NJ, USA

problem #1006

Aug 222018

Sonata

  • 100,980 miles
Electronic power steering failed on 8/21/18 almost resulting in collision in parking garage with stationary vehicle. Attempting to pull into a parking space and lost ability to steer the car. Eps light on dash immediately illuminatee and knocking sound occurred when trying to turn steering wheel. 2011 Sonatas previously recalled for eps board issue but mine was not covered. Could be issue with additional cars having problem that was not identified in previous recall.

- Johnson City, TN, USA

problem #1005

Jul 012018

Sonata

  • 49,000 miles
There is a disturbing clicking in the steering wheel when I turn the wheel it is not only audible but I can also feel it.the clicking seems to be getting worse and it happens when the car is sitting still, or moving.

- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

problem #1004

Jul 232018

Sonata

  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving unknown speeds, the steering wheel became loose while turning left and right. Additionally, the contact heard an abnormal clunking noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 43,000.

- Warren, MA, USA

problem #1003

Jun 012018

Sonata

  • 72,000 miles
Steering making clunking noise Hyundai says that they fix this problem in 2010 it was a recall I have a 2011 and have this problem

- Hazlet, NJ, USA

problem #1002

Jul 232018

Sonata

  • 138,900 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard when the steering wheel was turned to the right or left. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,900.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #1001

Jul 182018

Sonata

  • 32,000 miles
My car has had numerous recalls. Most recently it was my steering wheel that was clicking and felt unstable... so I took it into the dealership. That is how I found out it was an issue with enough cars in this yr/model that the warranty was extended. I also was getting jolted when I shifted gears. Even if I was going from park to drive, I could be spontaneously jarred very violently. I had that repaired at a out of pocket expense at the dealership. Today I saw evidence online that it may have been a recall and should have been repaired for no fee. Another recall notice I received 2 days ago, so I called the dealership who said they see no necessary recalls for my vehicle. Yet, online it shows 1 recall on my car VIN# that is outstanding but had "no remedy yet" it is a very dangerous notice that affects the airbags on front and side plus seat belt restraining system in the event of a collision. So I am essentially driving a very pretty coffin.

- Orangevale, CA, USA

problem #1000

Mar 012018

Sonata

  • 50,000 miles
Play in steering when moving steering wheel left and right. Feel a slight clunking when turning.

- Darien, IL, USA

problem #999

Jul 012018

Sonata

  • 87,000 miles
Steering wheel starts shaking at about 50mph plus. I have had new tires, alignement, shocks, all of this replaced and the vibration/shaking continues. There seem to be a lot of complaints out there for this exact same issue. This is a significant safety issue and is happening to a lot of Hyundai Sonata owners. Steering systems should not fail on a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles and one that is merely 7 years old. Most people take loans out on vehicles these days for 6-7 years.

- Stillman Valley, IL, USA

problem #998

Jun 012015

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
When driving this car there is small jerk of the steering wheel accompanied by a loud click. This occurs intermittently while driving straight on any street or highway and always occurs when making turns in either direction. The condition was brought to my attention by a state inspection technician in 2015 when it was only a very light clicking noise when turning left or right with no motion felt in the steering wheel. The condition has progressively worsened and now the clicking is quite loud accompanied by an easily felt jerk in the steering wheel.

- Broomall, PA, USA

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