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 / 81
Injuries / Deaths:
15 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,975 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 17 of 45)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #571

Nov 202018

Sonata

  • 124,000 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 that the vehicle would decelerate without warning. An independent mechanic reset the computer, but the failure continued. In addition, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was unable to be safely driven due to the multiple failures. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V568000 (engine), 15V759000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V152000 (seat belts), and 18V137000 (seat belts, air bags); however, the contact did not receive any notifications. The contact was also not notified of manufacturer service campaigns: 946 (under body corrosion preventative service and service campaign) and 953 (ECM & cluster update-engine monitoring logic product improvement). The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

- Kinston, NC, USA

problem #570

Mar 172019

Sonata

  • miles
Takata recall: 17V152000 driver seatbelt, 10V457000/10V426000 steering gear, 18V137000 airbags, 10V070000 latches/locks, 13V113000 exterior lighting, 15V568000 engine, 15V629000 suspension, 14V434000 power train,15V759000 brake light,16V190000 steering elec. Power, 14V433000 service brakes.

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

problem #569

Mar 142019

Sonata

  • 160,000 miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata gls automatic transmission. Problem with ignition key. The key will not go past acc to the lock position to allow the key to be removed. Followed directions in manual to push the key in at acc position, but the lock mechanism does not move. Happens every other day. Have restart the car and move it and try the process again to get key to move into its proper position (lock) to remove key. Impossible security situation as cannot leave key in vehicle. Also stability control light comes on every morning., and car stalls every time I make a turn while driving. This is dangerous. Took my vehicle in to the dealership who claimed that all recall and campaign situations had been resolved with my vehicle.

- Brooksville, FL, USA

problem #568

Mar 012019

Sonata

  • 130,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle stalled. All the warning indicators flashed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine needed to be repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Florence, SC, USA

problem #567

Feb 222019

Sonata

  • 103,000 miles
In November 2018, we had a rattling noise during low speeds, which turned out to be a problem with the engine (engine seized up during warm up inspection by mechanic). The engine was replaced for free due to an extended warranty that was part of a recall and settlement agreement with Hyundai. In February 2019, the check engine light came on, which was for a damaged catalytic converter and cost over $2000 to replace. Last month, we received a recall notice from Hyundai stating " Hyundai is conducting a safety recall in the United States to confirm the high pressure fuel pipe was properly connected by Hyundai dealers to the high-pressure fuel pump outlet when the engine was replaced under recalls 132 and 162. " we have an appointment scheduled for this service. There is a new recall for other Kia and Hyundai models that include the catalytic converter, but it has not been included for our model year.

- Edgewood, MD, USA

problem #566

Mar 032019

Sonata

  • 131,000 miles
My Hyundai Sonata began increasingly consuming oil rapidly for a couple months until it got to me putting in 1 quart every 200 miles!!! that destroyed the catalytic converter, although the tech at the dealer tried to tell me it was due to fuel. Experts at both the exhaust shop and Ford dealership (where I bought it used), refuted that and told me it was definitely due primarily from the engine consuming way too much oil. Hyundai required me to do 5 oil consumption tests at their delaership before they can verify and document the engine is having problems! but in the meantime my engine could likely blow up/seize up, as the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is notorious for that and they recalled 470,000+ already!! I only have 3 oil consumption tests, and it shows 200 miles per quart!! my cat converter is now clogged and my car lost power. So now in a catch 22 (maybe on purpose?). I can't get 5 tests without replacing my catalytic converter, but since engine is losing 1 quart per 200 miles that oil will soon destroy any new converter I put on within 1 or 2 months, if not less!! so this is ruining the car, and I have started a case number with corporate Hyundai in California. They haven't called me back in several days all the while I don't have a car to use. Engine burning 1 quart per 200 miles or less is terrible....engine is ruined! and it's not safe!! as I have read so many 2011 Sonata owners telling about their car engines seizing up, locking up while driving 65 mph on the highway in the middle lane!! I hope Hyundai takes responsibility as I still owe $9,000 on this car!

- Louisville, OH, USA

problem #565

Jul 072015

Sonata

  • 73,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Within weeks of owning the vehicle, there had been multiple failures. The vehicle had a drastic reduction in speed without warning, there was a strong burning odor, and the vehicle stalled randomly several times. The vehicle had to be towed to patty peck Honda (555 sunnybrook rd, ridgeland, ms 39157, (601) 957-3400) due to it stalling. The dealer recommended that the vehicle be serviced by an authorized dealer. The vehicle was taken to wilson premier Hyundai (450 steed rd, ridgeland, ms 39157, (601) 856-6423) where it was diagnosed that there was a loss of oil that required that the oil constantly be refilled and metal shavings were present in the engine assembly. Also, the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The catalytic converter was replaced, but the burning odor worsened. The dealer provided a loaner vehicle, but the contact's vehicle was returned under the guidelines that an oil consumption test should be performed every 1,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact felt that the manufacturer and the dealer failed to provide a permanent remedy to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified numerous times. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

- Byram, MS, USA

problem #564

Feb 212019

Sonata

  • 155,000 miles
My car will stall in the middle of driving. It happens more frequently now and normally happens right after a left or right turn.

- Brooksville, FL, USA

problem #563

Feb 012019

Sonata

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel fumes inside the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to harbor Hyundai (3720 cherry ave, long beach, ca 90807, (866) 967-2242) where the fuel line was repaired. The dealer also repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #562

Feb 182019

Sonata

  • 15,900 miles
Car won't drive, all my lights are on my dashboard & can't move it nowhere!

- Lenoir, NC, USA

problem #561

Feb 022019

Sonata

  • 138,460 miles

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

Takata recall.on 2/2/2019 my car stalled out why I was driving and when I lifted the hood it's was a electrical burning smell with smoke coming from under the motor I had the car towed and the tow driver also said he smelled like something. Electrical was burning I was coming off a main highway to get an a city street had a friend check out the starter which he replaced, and I replaced it with a new battery.and my friend said the motor is locked

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #560

Sep 042017

Sonata

  • 177,000 miles
I was driving about 55 mph on a highway and my car just shut down in the middle of traffic and wouldn't start, I was blessed not to get from behind. I had to have it towed home. Now I'm afraid to drive it. Also my steering wheel has been making this rattling/knocking sound anytime I try to steer it at all times. I have call in every recall notice I've gotten and I'm always told my car wasn't in the recall.

- Fordyce, AR, USA

problem #559

Jan 302019

Sonata

  • 101,500 miles
I was driving and the car went completely silent then eventually stopping. Car would not crank back up again, lights are fully functional, horn works, but the car just won't crank.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #558

Nov 192018

Sonata

  • 10 miles
New engine and starter under recall by Hyundai dealership in montgomery, al. I pick my car up no one in service is in my radio bluetooth ac won't work and they all worked prior! car kept cutting off felt like wheels was gonna fall off drove horrible! plug phone in usb start smelling burnt smell, unplug it smoke is coming out, it's extremely hot and cords burnt. Get home look at paperwork says 'tire separated needs immediate attention' no one told me let me drive on it. I had no clue my tires are fairly new. Tire exploded leaving dent in my car. I ask about tire he said 'oh I forgot to tell you' (as no big deal) in fact was! ask which tire he didn't remember! call Consumer Affairs advised to take back. Dealt with service manager rude and denied any fault before ever looking at car insisting they weren't to blame. How would he know if he hasn't ever even looked at it" ask why lights on dash and why'd it not run properly? blamed on my tire. Sold me tire $88 but he'd give me discount for my trouble, he didn't I paid $114. Calls cars ready. I ask if everythings fixed and what was wrong with it" he said no and didn't know what was wrong with it but it wasn't anything they done! honestly don't think he checked he denied blame before looking at it and said it'd be ready in couple hours time to put tire on. Said to take to stero shop and they can pull radio out and might find reset switch behind it to reset radio, he should've. Ask about usb he said 'plugged one in it worked ask if he left in least 10 minutes as I did he said 'don't got one to' can't use one used to test it ask if electrical wiring burnt when engine seized as starter did, says no lights be on in dash, they are, blamed it on tires. 3 mechanics said electrical wasn't hooked back up properly and/or electrical wiring burnt when engine seized. Car wont start problems cycloids not firing and fuel injector too!

- Prattville, AL, USA

problem #557

Jan 252019

Sonata

  • miles
Was told engine is about done. Kepted up with oil changes.

- Waterford, NY, USA

problem #556

Jan 032019

Sonata

  • 92,015 miles
Turbo

- West Warwick, RI, USA

problem #555

Oct 012015

Sonata

  • 75,000 miles
The car stated to run hot as the oil was running into the anti freeze pot through the motor while traveling on the highway.

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #554

Dec 222018

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving the car and it made a noise from under the hood and shut off in traffic. I tried to restart it but it won't start the engine has completely shut down.

- Douglas, GA, USA

problem #553

Jan 012019

Sonata

  • miles
Since I bought this vehicle, they had replaced the engie due to, the recall, they had to, replace my fual sensors, steering column piece, and another part. But since they replaced my engine, my electrical in my car is, mever accurate. Speed sensoer is wrong, the radio shorts all the time, and my cruise control doesnt work. The problems countniue to get worse especially with the electrical. This car has costed me 1000's of dollars and it just countniues to have problems. I have taken it to Hyundai in redlands ca. They have all documentation on the vehicle.

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

problem #552

Jan 162019

Sonata

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in front of a tractor trailer while driving 50 mph on the highway. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle did not accelerate and all of the instrument panel indicators illuminated. Balise Hyundai of cape cod (556 yarmouth rd, hyannis, MA 02601, (508) 778-0500) performed an oil change, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and did not have a record of the contact purchasing the vehicle. The contact believed that metal shavings were left when the engine was made, which caused the engine to seize. The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Sandwich, MA, USA

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