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 18 of 45)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #551

Sep 152018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 120,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's daughter was driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was towed to tuscaloosa Hyundai (3831 hargrove rd E, tuscaloosa, al 35405, (205) 752-8113) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced after the rebuilt engine was removed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 120,000. Consumer stated sudden engine failure and the car was towed to a local mechanic and engine replaced. Mechanic found there was a recall for sudden engine failure. Consumer found 12 other recalls.

- Woodstock, AL, USA

problem #550

Jan 092019

Sonata

  • miles
Car engine is making knocking sounds, quickens and gets loud when I press on gas petal. Oil changed and fuids checked on regular bases. 168.000 miles on car. Had car checked out at fort mill hyundia which they said found nothing. Now car sitting in yard, scare to drive. I am a nursing student, mom and wife. We cant not afford this time or money wise. Please help

- Fort Mill, SC, USA

problem #549

Jan 112019

Sonata

  • 125,000 miles
While driving on the interstate engine started making a knocking sound when acellerating on the gas, after passing the vehicle the car stalled on the interstate. I was able to get to a gas station. Car towed to a mechanic who states the engine is locked up. Told it would cost 2900-3500 to replace the engine. Single dad, two toddlers cannot afford this. Is this some sort of recall" engine as 125000 miles and has oil in it. What can be done about this"

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #548

Aug 052018

Sonata

  • 112,764 miles

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

While driving on the expressway the car shut completely down and the engine locked up and the bottom of the motor came a loose burning up the engine.

- Jacksonville Florida, FL, USA

problem #547

Dec 102018

Sonata

  • 174,000 miles
We have had nothing but problems with our 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Less than a year ago our engine completely died while driving the vehicle. The dealership replaced the engine and since then we have had starting and electrical problems. When we went to pick up the car it didn't start right away and they told us we needed a new battery. We bought a new battery and about a week later it still wouldn't start on and off. Since we had the engine replaced, we have had to change the headlights and brake lights 4 times! we believe that when the engine died it caused an electrical issue. Fast forward about 9 months and now the car has 3 engine codes. P0017 P0014 and P0560. Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors and a system voltage malfunction. We will never buy a Hyundai again! they claim they totally replaced the engine but now I wonder if they salvaged old parts in the new engine and what exactly happened to the electrical system when the car shut off while driving.

- Westover, AL, USA

problem #546

Jan 022019

Sonata

  • 109,000 miles
The turbo charger stops working anytime I quickly step down on the gas pedal. I have to pull over, turn off the engine, restart in order to reset the turbo charger, otherwise there is no reasonable engine response without going through this process. Turbo charger motor unit was replaced, but there was no change in performance. It is a safety issue when attempting quick lane changes to avoid an obstacles in the roadway.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

problem #545

Dec 242018

Sonata

  • miles

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

On December 24, 2018 I was driving on the freeway the car started to slow down like it wasn't getting fuel, I stopped the car and opened the hood because it was making a knocking sound, the entireengine was rocking... I turned the car off and had it towed.

- Reynoldsburg Ohio, OH, USA

problem #544

Dec 242018

Sonata

  • 11,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and a humming noise was heard from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called lafontaine Hyundai at 866-568-6530 (located at 1847 S telegraph rd, dearborn, mi 48124) where a diagnostic test was recommended, but was not performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

- Inkster, MI, USA

problem #543

Dec 232018

Sonata

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 40 mph, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine seized. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unknown.

- Delbarton, WV, USA

problem #542

Jun 152015

Sonata

  • 160,000 miles
Takata recall notice, steering control box, seat belt tensioer, dip stick, engine metal in crankcase, six recall to date, 12/25/2018, and the safety recalls have not been repaired due to "part not available" per dealer. Note-steering control box is irradical and loose. 130 miles rt to dealer and rental car while waiting ovenight for under carriage coating to cure.this car is a lemon, bought @ hart motors, dalhart, tx, 2015. Dealer put me into wells fargo finance at 8% (credit score 810) other banks charge 4% atm. This veteran got screwed and still paying.amarillo tx dealer does not have parts to repair safety equipment. How long can this go on? not safe to drive! 100usd/mo insurance wasted but required by dealer. Possible wreck damage indicated by wheel alignment. Et al in motion. Docs available on request.

- Channing, TX, USA

problem #541

Dec 152018

Sonata

  • 150,000 miles

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

Takata recall. Hello, I own a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and recently the engine was making a loud noise like someone was knocking but really hard and it was shaking. While driving I felt the car really weak. I was going about 45mph and slowed down to 25mph in a 55mph zone. After slowing down I got to a light and suddenly the car turns off. I tried to turn it back on but it wasn't responding. There was a lot of traffic and I was feared that if I got out to push the car to a safe point someone could run me over. I decided to call 911 to help me push the car. Before it was making the noise and shaking the car was doing fine. I had recently had a change of oil and had my next appointment next year in February. It has over 150,000 miles and I wanted to know if it has some type of guarantee or if Hyundai or someone can fix this problem because right now the car is on car shop and they told me that it doesn't have a fix. They told me that the solution would be to be a new engine because apparently it didn't have oil but I checked and it did have. If that would be the case they would charge me 2,800$ for everything. I'm a college student and I can hardly pay my classes. My parents had just bought me this used car for 5,000$ about 9 months ago. At first I was glad that I had a Hyundai car because it saved gas but right know I'm kind of disappointed. I would like a response. Thank you for your time.

- Mercedes, TX, USA

problem #540

Nov 072018

Sonata

  • 1,500 miles
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata' recalled engine seized while driving and was replaced by Hyundai motors America free of charge in August 2018, no one was injured. However, in less then 2 months the newly replaced engine once again seized up but this time on the freeway causing the vehicle to be hit by another driver traveling at 80 mph. The airbags, also recalled did not deploy. Fortunately, for myself, I was not driving the vehicle when the second engine seize up. The driver at 6'4 and 220 lbs suffered 10 fractured ribs, stitches in both front & back of the head as, well as, possible future back related issues. The drivers ribs and head hit the steering wheel at full force, myself at 5'7 and 145 lbs surely would have slammed my face into the steering wheel with such force, leaving little chance of survival. Hyundai motors America needs to be held accountable for replacing their faulty recalled engine with another of the same (faulty engine), failing to remedy the recalled airbags at the time of repair, removing these "death traps" off of the streets immediately, as well as, full compensation for the vehicle. Currently the other driver was found at fault for driving to fast and the vehicle has been stored and is being examined by all parties involved, insurance companies, as well as, several attorneys. I hope that this will help to ensure that this will never happen to another motorist, again. Thank you for your time. Pictures attached

- Tustin, CA, USA

problem #539

Dec 182018

Sonata

  • 79,000 miles
Engine started making some noice and stopped in the middle of traffic. I just had an oil change a few days ago.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #538

Dec 152018

Sonata

  • miles
I drove my 2011 Hyundai Sonata on the highway, while trying to accelerate my vehicle to match the flow of traffic I noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate past 40 mph. I pulled my vehicle over to the break down lane and engaged hazard lights. I released the hood latch and opened hood to engine compartment. I saw smoke and could smell burning plastic. I checked my oil levels and did a quick inspection of fluid levels. When I tried to restart my car the vehicle would not start. I had the car towed to a mechanic, the mechanic stated that the starter was burned out. He replaced the starter and when attempting to start the car the new starter began to smoke as well. He stated that it was good that I pull the car over so quickly cause the car could have caught on fire. This happened recently and he has stated it will require further investigation but he is pretty sure the engine has seized.

- Pawtucket, RI, USA

problem #537

Dec 042018

Sonata

  • 158,500 miles
On December 4 2017, I was driving down the road and my Sonata completely shuts down in the middle of the road without any warning signs. Tried to restart and there was nothing. I had to call my roadside service people to tow it to a shop. The mechanic said that my engine was locked up. I had my oil changed on October 1,2017 and had about 200 miles before the next oil change. I always check my oil and everything was okay. After I purchased this car there was a recall on engine so I called the delaership to set up an appointment and he said they had checked it before my purchase. Something went wrong or they didn't inspect it properly. This problem could of caused a bad accident on the highway.

- Cairo, GA, USA

problem #536

Dec 032018

Sonata

  • 250,000 miles
Driving home my mom asked me to stop by the local gas station. I pulled into the parking space my mom got out & went in the store. A guy at the staion started screaming at me to get out because my car is about to blow up he could see the fire coming out the front of the hood & grill of the car. By the time I understood wht he was saying the car had a big boom hood blew up & went bk dwn during that the locks were locking & unlocking. I had to manually unlock tge door & push my way out with young man assistance. After I was out of it for 3 seconds the fire started raging & popping. The firemen finally made it they were very helpful & understanding. What I don't understand is why I didn't get some type of warning my car was mot running hot. Im thankful to my heavenly father because although this was a very scary situation for me but it could always be worse. Very grateful. But is Hyundai gonna replace my car or pay for the damages" will my insurance cover this tyoe of claim"

- Lithonia, GA, USA

problem #535

Nov 222018

Sonata

  • 71,387 miles
Vehicle shut off completely while driving on the highway. Had it towed to a mechanic where I was told the engine seized up. No warning signs where giving just happened suddenly.

- Jamaica, NY, USA

problem #534

Nov 262018

Sonata

  • 110,000 miles
I recently was driving my vehicle 'Hyundai Sonata 2011' on interstate 95 highway, and then randomly the car stopped on me while accelerating.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #533

Nov 212018

Sonata

  • 150,000 miles
Last week I was driving down an busy street when suddenly my 2011 Hyundai Sonata stalled! thankfully I was able to get my vehicle out of the road just in time or else I could've been in a life threatening accident. The next day I took my vehicle to a mechanic who then explained to me I would need an entire new motor. Please keep in mind that I keep up with up the maintenance on my vehicle and I haven't had any other issues until now! I then began to do research on possible recalls and there was a recall in 2015 for my exact car year and model for engine stalling! I need this issue resolved asap!

- Pflugerville, TX, USA

problem #532

Apr 012016

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed a loud, cyclic knocking noise within the engine. The contact noted that the vehicle was maintained with synthetic oil and that there was no check engine or other warning indicators illuminated. The contact was an independent mechanic and he drained the oil pan and found evidence of metal shavings within the oil pan. Eckert Hyundai Inc. (4011 North interstate 35, denton, tx 76210, (940) 243-6200) performed a decimal test on the vehicle in search of a specifically identifiable engine bearing sound to indicate engine failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was cleared of having engine failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) and 17V226000 (engine and engine cooling) as potential causes of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with case number: 11464007. The failure mileage was 60,000. Consumer stated engine has damage and is under recall.

- Krugerville, TX, USA

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