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:
18 / 83
Injuries / Deaths:
15 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,497 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 11 of 46)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #703

Nov 092020

Sonata

  • 136,133 miles

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

My engine failed while driving.....I had it towed to Hyundai dealer because I was informef about vehicle recall. The dealership will not provide me with loaner car without full coverage insurance. I have been without my vehicle almost 30 days.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #702

Nov 012020

Sonata

  • 117,000 miles
I was driving home from Maryland and my car started making a knocking noise. We thought it was a stick underneath so we pulled over safely and tried to look under, but didn't see anything. As we continue to drive my car would only go 45 mph, and as we were on the interstate this was very scary. It's soon stopped accelerating, and we had to roll to the nearest exit. During this entire time, the car was still making the knocking noise. Once we got off the exit my car tires locked up and eventually stalled. It would no longer turn on. After this experience aaa towed it to the nearest Hyundai dealership where they told me my engine was shot.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

problem #701

Dec 032020

Sonata

  • 130,000 miles
Vehicle was recalled by nhsta and Hyundai for engine replacement. Engine died, sent to dealer for engine replacement under the nhsta and Hyundai agreement. Dealer is lying about the engine serial number not matching the vehicle. Same dealer sold the car as a dealer certified vehicle. If that's the case, the VIN number and engine serial number was matched at the time of certification. They are refusing to replace engine per nhsta and Hyundai agreement of recall!

- New Fairfield, CT, USA

problem #700

Jun 122020

Sonata

  • 108,433 miles

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

My engine light has been on for 6 months and I had the timer sensor replaced twice. And it is still on. My car steering wheel vibrates at times. The steering wheel makes a cracking noise while parking or pulling out. Also my airbag light has been on continuous for 6 months over the steering wheel. Keep taking it to the shop and told to check recalls but my car is never listed.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #699

Jun 012019

Sonata

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted and driven to her destination. Napleton Hyundai located at 649 dunn rd, hazelwood, mo 63042, (314) 817-9000 was contacted about the failure and informed that the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed of a warranty program to replace the engine however, the engine would only be replaced after a complete engine failure. The contact was also informed that a loaner vehicle would be provided while the engine was being replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was notified of possible oil consumption failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 112,000.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #698

Nov 132020

Sonata

  • 136,331 miles
Check engine lights comes on and oil light. So im prompted to get oil change. Mechanic says he reset some codes and the engine locked up.mechanic took my running vehicle from the shop to check how it was driving and the car stalled in motion.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #697

Oct 132020

Sonata

  • 160,000 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 while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact parked the vehicle at a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact contacted two independent mechanics about the failure and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #696

Oct 212020

Sonata

  • 130,000 miles
Ever since I had a new engine put in my car, my car hasn't been the same. It acts like it doesn't want to go when pressing the gas pedal right after (was told it was the eco mode), then my dash started to crack, now is extremely cracked which has an air bag, gas gage has a mind of its own, burning a severe amount of oil a week so there is no point in 'changing the oil', oil light never once comes on letting me know its low, no oil on my driveway or under the hood, interior dome light sometimes doesn't shut off, the brake lights short out on a monthly basis and get pulled over by the cops all the time. Now with only 50,000 miles on the 'new engine', I take it back to the dealership because its smoking when I crank it, doesn't accelerate sometimes going down the road when I press the gas, then starts smoking, headlights flicker, engine light stays on and low tire light stays on (even after getting new tires & alignment). Took it in yesterday, Hyundai is stating my oxygen sensors, catalytic converter & gaskets and intake manifold need to be replaced at $3,177. The car isn't even worth that much. This is not the reason why my car is using excessive amounts of oil, smoking when I crank it and acts like the engine is about to blow up. Then they come back to tell me it needs the above, plus an engine replacement but out of 'goodwill' they will only charge me 20% ($2,000) with no loaner car. Its going on 3 weeks now. The corporate office is useless and very rude. I have a voicemail stating 'this is the highest customer service department and once the decision has be made, those decisions are fianl and its up to you to decline or accept our offer.' It's the engine, again! which then lead to other issues! I will never buy another Hyundai again!! this car has caused nothing but money and time, complete waste of junk!

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #695

Oct 032020

Sonata

  • 19,000 miles
The engine blow in my car and I'm trying to figure out if it has a recall on it because my car was working just fine. I was driving and it started making a loud knocking noise

- Seabrook, SC, USA

problem #694

Oct 272020

Sonata

  • 65 miles
I purchase this vehicle the owner tollme the engine spend lot of oil I still purchace, I still buy this car but 3 days pass I check engine after awas driving 65 mil car was making lot of noise I stop and was with (0)oil I check internet on this car and is recall for this engine burning oil and need to be replaced I contact the dealer they told me to bring the car to perform oil consumption I bring the car and they did the oil change 95 dollars and 2weeks later was no oil again they told me the they will documented and see if they decide to replace

- Bonsall, CA, USA

problem #693

Oct 232020

Sonata

  • 65,000 miles

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

I purchased this used car in September 11,2020 I had it inspected and it passed. I drove the car daily to work, one day (October 23,2020) while driving home the car just shut off in the middle of the street in philadelphia on adams ave, someone from the neighborhood had to push my car to a safe location, I tried to restart it and nothing, had it towed to triple a car care center where I was told it has a engine lock, the engine will not turn. I was told to call Hyundai to see if they will repair it and I was told by Hyundai that it was not a recall on this specific VIN, I am very sad and upset.

- Phila, PA, USA

problem #692

Oct 272020

Sonata

  • miles
As I was driving my car's engine started to smoke and within 2 minutes the fire started.

- Brentwood, NY, USA

problem #691

Aug 012020

Sonata

  • 172,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a tapping and knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment and the driving speed failed to exceed 20 mph before the engine suddenly stalled. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.

- Merced, CA, USA

problem #690

Oct 222020

Sonata

  • miles
My steering wheel shakes and my radio blew out and the airbag light is on and won't go out. I'm

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #689

Oct 172020

Sonata

  • 180,000 miles
I starting hearing a clicking then the car lost all power, steering was so stiff, brakes would not prss down I was able to get off the road then smoke was pouring out the front. I could smell wires buring we pour water down in the motor but the hoses were still hot to the touch. The car will not restart. I scared me to death in so glad I slowed down. I bought the car less than 1yr ago. Dont dealers have to check these things. I'm so frustrated. Should not be allowed to sell a car if you know theres an open recall. I'm thankful my kids werent with me.

- Iberia, MO, USA

problem #688

Sep 232020

Sonata

  • 118,000 miles
Driving home from work one day at 55miles per hr my engine just stalled out and turned off, since then the engine makes a clicking sound and has lost all power, and the tires make a clicking sound when I turn

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #687

Oct 042020

Sonata

  • 137,700 miles
Engine seized on highway with flashing lights

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #686

Oct 032020

Sonata

  • miles
I bought this used O this summer had it looked at and had oil change and the engine needs replaced. Oil was completely gone but no leak. And cruise control stopped working. This was supposed to be a reliable car for my daughter to get back and forth to college.

- Chillicothe, OH, USA

problem #685

Oct 042020

Sonata

  • 141,263 miles
Started to drive on a highway, vehicle cut off in motion. It will not turn back on anymore

- College Station, TX, USA

problem #684

Sep 152020

Sonata

  • miles
Suspension making loud thump noise while driving and check engine light is on after engine been replaced and seatbelt light is on...and paint and clear coat is pealing

- Columbus, OH, USA

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