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 6 of 46)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #803

Jul 172022

Sonata

  • miles

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

We broke down in the middle of the highway where there wasn-??t a emergency lane available. A another vehicle struck the car in the rear.

- Baltimore , MD, USA

problem #802

Jul 232021

Sonata

  • miles
The vehicle has been slowing down and failing to drive. Took it to the mechanic and the vehicle caught on fire. The mechanic said other vehicles had the same issue. When I called Hyundai they said my VIN was not apart of that recall and they can only go off of that. I have a vehicle that has been sitting for a long time unable to use because of engine problems that Hyundai is well aware of.

- Conyers, GA, USA

problem #801

Jul 032022

Sonata

  • miles
My engine seized while I was driving a few miles from home at 104,000 miles. I was told by the mechanic that there was not enough oil in the vehicle and that caused the problem. However, I have never missed a maintenance on this car and it was only 4,000 miles out of warranty. I don't understand how the car could have no oil. I checked and I was just a few hundred miles passed the date for an oil change but I never received any light indicating that oil was a problem and I cannot understand how the car could be using that much oil without me having any prior indication from the car.. just the engine seizing and now I am told the car is toast unless I put in a new engine! I don't see my car on recall but it seems that I have the same problem of many other people and I feel that Hyundai should make this problem right and fix it.

- Bothell, WA, USA

problem #800

Jun 082022

Sonata

  • miles

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

Approx. 6/8 While driving car, engine ceases, had towed to mechanic shop, Towne Hyundai dealer advised have car again towed to them. Dealer advised needed oil change receipts for 69,000-90,000 which they received, I had been calling to check status several times. Called 7/1 advising I-??m inconveniencing everyone using their car. Was advised they had to now remove valve cover & send pictures, they were waiting for Hyundai-??s response but later on Towne left me voicemail they were trying to get me a rental car, none were available but probably on Tuesday they would have better luck. Well got the call today (Tuesday) it was denied for coverage due to maintenance on the vehicle -??. So my car which I take great care of I was told there is no one that they could respond to with my dispute! Gave me Hyundai csr service #, I called & was advised when Hyundai denies coverage that is the final decision & there is no dispute & no one else to speak to. I was advised I could call the Better Business Bureau & given the # to call. When this first happened I went on the site where Hyundai was being fined & put my vin to check, it showed I should-??ve been art of the recall, now after I-??m denied the status changed! I advised the rep at Towne after he said I was denied I was part of that recall & I checked he said I wasn-??t, so I feel like things were altered, I took a screenshot of my vin covered, is there anything else I can do or speak to on this, I-??m so upset!

- Buffalo , NY, USA

problem #799

Jul 012022

Sonata

  • miles
I was attending a wedding on 7/01/2022 as I was leaving for dropping my child off at the hospital as I was leaving to go change clothes my car had shut off in the middle of the road without no warning of what so ever it started smoking and wouldn't start or do anything for me to get out of the road which could've cause a bad wreck thank God for some gentleman helping me getting out of the road I have had mechanic look at there so many problems he don't know where to begin and I just spent out money fixing my car

- Alma, GA, USA

problem #798

Jun 072022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 11,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and inadvertently lost motive power while driving. The contact was able to drive safely to the side of the highway. The check engine warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated the air bag warning light had since illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000. The consumer stated engine was replaced.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #797

Mar 282022

Sonata

  • 120,000 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 approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle safely, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall but stated that the vehicle was not included. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Carrollton, GA, USA

problem #796

Jun 252022

Sonata

  • 159,719 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. The contact then restarted the vehicle; however, there was a metallic grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle and had it towed by AAA to a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,719.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #795

Jun 202022

Sonata

  • miles
Going down the highway at 70mph the engine just shut down. I couldn-??t drive over 35 mph hr.

- Choctaw , OK, USA

problem #794

Jun 142022

Sonata

  • miles
My engine seized up on me while driving in heavy traffic. I just purchased this vehicle in April 2022, and other than me having to replace a headlight, the car drives smooth and has never stalled or given any check engine, or oil lights, or any type of indication that there was something wrong with my vehicle. I just drove it and out of the blue my dashboard lights go off and my engine locks up while I'm driving. I wasn't able to get the car back started. I had it towed to a shop and they weren't able to get the engine to turn either. I am now resorting to a Hyundai dealership to inspect.

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #793

Jun 022022

Sonata

  • miles

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

After doing some research, I am now aware that there was a recall 20V-746 or 21V-727 that my car was affected by & was never notified about. On 6/2/2022, I was driving and just exited the freeway. Smoke started coming out of the passengers side of the engine. Cars were honking at me & flames started coming out as I drove into a parking lot. I was terrified as my life was at risk & felt fortunate that this did not happen on the freeway. I feel lucky to have been able to escape this life threatening experience. There is now an open claim with my insurance. I had brake lights changed at Frank Hyundai on 4/08/2022 in National City, CA where they also ran a diagnostic check on the car. There was never mention of a recall & my car was cleared of any issues. In addition to the photos I have attached, I also have videos that I am not able to upload.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #792

May 212022

Sonata

  • miles
The car began exhibiting a knocking noise on 5/21/2022 when increasing speed up to around 60 mph. Vehicle did the same thing again on 5/24/2022 and was shaking for a few minutes around the 50-60 mph mark. I took it to my local mechanic who drove it 6 blocks and then towed it back to his shop because he "didn't want to be the one to blow the motor out." At that point there was a consistent knocking noise in the engine even when in park. I did some research and discovered the "engine rod bearing failure" recall associated with similar model and year Hyundai Sonatas. So I had my car towed on 6/2/2022 to the nearest Hyundai dealership from Alpena, Michigan to Traverse City, Michigan, where they ran the engine rod diagnostic test and my vehicle failed the test. So the service rep at the dealership informed me on 6/3/2022 that my car failed the test and would be receiving a full engine replacement and knock sensors with the 10-year warranty.

- Alpena, MI, USA

problem #791

Apr 262022

Sonata

  • miles
Upon accelerating to enter traffic the engine stalled. Subsequent attempts to restart the vehicle have been unsuccessful. The engine will not turn at all. A mechanic determined the engine was locked. Prior to this the check engine light had been on and the defective part had been replaced based on diagnostic code P0449.

- Fayetteville, GA, USA

problem #790

May 232022

Sonata

  • miles
The engine failed going down the highway and wouldn-??t go over 30min. The engine needs to be replaced agin. But the dealership won-??t because there are no open recalls. They should replace with a working engine.

- Okc , OK, USA

problem #789

Jan 152018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle skidded and stopped. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then sought medical assistance and was informed that she had sustained a left shoulder rotator cuff tear. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bags failed to engage and did not need to be reset. The vehicle was then taken to an auto collision mechanic where it was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact was thrown to the right and to the driver's side door. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency units. The contact was informed by her orthopedist that her left shoulder rotator cuff tear was reinjured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer Bob Johnson Kia (3817 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623), where it was diagnosed that the air bags failed to engage and did not need to be reset. The vehicle was then taken to an auto collision mechanic where it was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor. Upon parking the vehicle at her residence, the contact saw smoke coming in through the instrument panel and AC vents. The contact stated that all four doors were then locked. The contact then released the key from the ignition and unlock the doors using the key fob. The contact saw a flame coming through the AC vent just before she exited the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, the contact saw that the front seats were on fire and there was fire underneath the hood of the vehicle. The fire department arrived at the scene but was unable to

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #788

Apr 122022

Sonata

  • miles
When driving, I would get an unusual loud alarm sound, then the car start to cut off, couldn't stop the car using the brakes, had to wait until it slows down, usually when I'm in traffic, which is dangerous. This has happened several times off/on, I would get warning saying check brake, when all this is happening, no warning before the alarm sound or when the car has cutoff. Took car to Hyundai in olive branch, ms on 04/22/2022, therefore it has not been repaired, I was not offered a loaner car, I asked for a loaner, she (lexi) quickly said "they don't offer loaner cars" so I'm having to borrow a vehicle to get to work. I've called, left messages, no one has returned my calls.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #787

May 012022

Sonata

  • miles
While driving the car, the engine just stopped. We had to push the car to the side of the road and it would not start again. The car was towed to a mechanic and the engine had seized up completely.

- Billings, MT, USA

problem #786

Dec 012019

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 65 MPH, blackish smoke began to emit from the engine without warning. His son immediately pulled over as his girlfriend and their dogs exited the vehicle. The smoke quickly turned into flames as the vehicle became engulfed in a fire. The fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard where they deemed the vehicle a complete loss. The contact spoke to several attorneys and was advised to keep the vehicle in his possession if possible. The contact then had the vehicle towed to his home where it remained in his possession. The contact's son notified the manufacturer of the failure and received no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #785

Apr 052022

Sonata

  • miles
Engine-locked up(with oil inside) Gearshift-does not change to next gear unless I use emergency shift lock.

- Blackstone, VA, USA

problem #784

Apr 122022

Sonata

  • miles
Hyundai recalled my vehicle twice for GDI ENGINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (Recall 132). Subsequently, my vehicle was recalled a 3rd time for HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PIPE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (Recall 180). During this recall, the dealership inspected and DID NOT replace or repair any equipment. 4/12/2022 I smelled gasoline and took my vehicle to an Auto Shop for inspection. The technician explained that the HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM was leaking fuel significantly and was an extreme safety hazard. I contacted Hyundai Manufacturer right away due to my knowledge of Recall 180. Hyundai set me up with a Dealership Service appointment and I had the vehicle towed to the dealership for safety. The Dealership refuses to honor the recall (Recall 180) and after several phone calls, emails, and tweets; I am still unable to get reconciliation from Hyundai Consumer Affairs. For context, please understand that this Dealership is the same Dealership that FAILED to repair or replace anything when I took my vehicle in for recall (Recall 180). Please help!

- Charlotte, NC, USA

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