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

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 7 of 45)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #771

Feb 022022

Sonata

  • miles

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

Engine knocking noise, random acceleration, vibration. Car diagnosed for misfiring in the third cylinder. Hyundai warranty is not covering and the dealership states my additional engine life time warranty not covering either!

- Chelmsford , MA, USA

problem #770

Feb 172022

Sonata

  • miles
Driving down highway the car just stopped going. The steering wheel got increasingly harder to turn. Once on side of road, I noticed a bunch of the warning lights lit up the dashboard. I turned off the car and tried turning it back on, however, it would just make a weird clicking noise and not start. I scheduled an appointment with a Hyundai dealership, so I-€™m not sure what is wrong with car.

- Fond Du Lac, WI, USA

problem #769

Feb 032022

Sonata

  • miles
The car stopped while driving. It have a knock sensor code problem replaced and it will not start or move. I have read about the engine recall and my car did everything the engine recall stated. I do not understand how on one site it says my engine was recalled but on your site it does not. It has the same engine and model, make, and year. I could I could have died. I was never notified about any recall.

- Pinson, AL, USA

problem #768

Dec 052021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 167,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS. The contact stated while driving at 20 mph and making a turn, all warning lights started flashing and the vehicle began to make an abnormal knocking noise. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle as he noticed that smoke was coming from under the vehicle. The smoke stopped on its own as the engine was turned off. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the ECM cluster update (Software) which contributed to the engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the engine also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as the dealer said that the engine replacement was not covered under warranty. The contact stated that the failure was related to a manufacturer warranty recall number: 953. The manufacturer was informed of the failure however no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #767

Jan 202022

Sonata

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and then stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with connecting rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #766

Dec 262021

Sonata

  • miles
While driving and making a turn lights on the dashboard flashed and car died had it towed to local auto shop. They told me the vehicle engine had seized and there was potentially a recall on the engine had it towed now to the dealer they said there wasn't a recall but could have an extended warranty they charged me $400 to have the engine taken apart and take pictures to send to Hyundai which then in turn denied the warranty due to sludge so I sent them the maintenance reports for the vehicle which has passed inspection every year of vehicle. Rented a car for 2 weeks then have since gone without a car because they denied the claim. Waited another week it is now been over 3 weeks at this point for them to tell me they denied it again I've only had the car eight months and bought it at a dealer not a private sale which it was serviced before I took the vehicle. Have now had been without a car for over a month and I'm out almost $1000 plus the vehicle for nothing. Why certain cars recalled of the same year and others not when there are this many complaints on the engine and probably many more not reported

- Groveland, MA, USA

problem #765

Sep 292021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 130,000 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 not start after several attempts. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who did not diagnose the vehicle but advised the contact that the failure was related to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the dealer who advised the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had remained at the dealer since October. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to provide a rental car which required the contact to have a credit card, but she did not have one. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Consumer was contacted by dealer recalls for the repairs were completed. When consumer visited the website on March 27th to verify on any recalls on my vehicle in which there was one still showing not completed.

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

problem #764

Dec 292021

Sonata

  • 175,000 miles
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact initially stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, knocking noise would emit from the engine. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where a knock sensor test was performed and the contact had the engine replaced under warranty. A few months later while driving at night at 35 MPH, smoke(color unknown) began to emit from the vehicle without warning as he noticed his feet getting warm. The contact then saw flames emit from the vehicle and immediately pulled over. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire(fire report unknown). Police also arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. No injuries were reported at the scene. The vehicle was totaled and towed to an independent body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered the option of a settlement; a settlement had yet to be made. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The failure mileage on the new engine was approximately 10,000.

- West Islip, NY, USA

problem #763

Oct 102021

Sonata

  • miles
The car cut off with no warning signs. No letter was send to me from the dvm stating that I had a recall and my car just cut off on me and the dealership telling me I have to come out of pocket to pay for engine that I no knowlege about at all of the software update

- Dundalk, MD, USA

problem #762

Nov 242021

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving my 2011 Hyundai Sonata home from work when without warning my car started making a rattling noise and slowing down. I was able to get out of traffic and luckily maneuver my car into the parking lot of a mechanic before it completely shut down. I tried multiple times to restart it and it would not turn over. I started checking things under the hood and when checking my oil noticed it was completely empty. Where did all my oil go? After being inspected by the mechanic he notified me that my engine had seized up and that it is a known issue with this year and model. I then had it towed to the dealership where it is still sitting to be looked at. It-€™s been a week of me being out of work due to not having a vehicle. When I asked about the known issue they stated that my VIN number is not listed as part of those affected. There were literally no warning lights until that morning when the engine light and oil light came on while I was coasting into the parking lot of the mechanic. If it would have been a busier part of the day I could have been in a serious accident. I am still without a vehicle waiting on the dealership to look at my car.

- Great Mills, MD, USA

problem #761

Nov 012021

Sonata

  • 163,000 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 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, almost causing a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure from a damaged connecting rod and metal shavings in the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the engine replacement because the vehicle had a salvage title. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under Manufacturer Recall Number: 132 (GDI Engine Inspection/Replacement). The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #760

Jul 022019

Sonata

  • 125,595 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with carbon build-up in the chamber. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Additionally, there were two oil consumption tests performed. The contact was informed about a complete engine tear down. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,595.

- Mt. Holly, NC, USA

problem #759

Nov 042021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
While driving the car and accelerating the car literally stalled going down the street. I came to a complete stop it had died. No power or anything. I thought it was the starter but it wasn-€™t brand new starter. Come to find out the engine stalled. Lifted the hood nothing but burnt smelled and smoke. I-€™ve been catching [XXX] with this car. Helpppp me! It-€™s toooo many of us to be going through the same [XXX] thing and no ANSWERS! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Jacksonville , FL, USA

problem #758

Oct 012021

Sonata

  • miles
As I was driving the vehicle, I had just exited off of the highway and onto a ramp and as I tried to accelerate the speed back to the speed limit my vehicle made a knocking sound and stalled at about 40mph. It would not speed up and as I kept driving to attempt to get home we could hear different sounds coming from the engine. I made it home as the vehicle seemed to be ready to complete shut off but didn't. I took it into Hyundai and they said it could be the turbo, but were unsure. They state there are no recalls on the vehicle, but it seems that this is a common issue for others with the same vehicle. The engine is not good and I cannot drive my vehicle safely.

- Milliken, CO, USA

problem #757

Oct 072021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 89,060 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure due to a defective rod bearing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 89,060.

- Ocoee, FL, USA

problem #756

Oct 172021

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving my car regularly one day and out of nowhere my car just shut off. When I started it back up I heard a knocking noise and it got louder as I went faster. So I pulled over and checked to see where the sound was coming from and it came from the engine. So when I started the car back up, on the way home the car was hesitating to move right and kept jerking. I also noticed the engine light and engine oil light came one so I went to go check it out. When I did the shop said the engine is blown and that there are recalls on my type of car. When I searched to see if there was I found out my car had none. But the exact same thing that happens to those cars happened to mine.

- Fort Valley, GA, USA

problem #755

Oct 252021

Sonata

  • miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata. Consumer writes in regards to engine stalling. The consumer stated within a 3 month period the vehicle had a rapping noise coming from the engine and stalling. It was taken to the dealer. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled over 12 times in a 2 mile trip. The vehicle had to be pushed to a repair shop. The consumer inquired about any recalls.

- Arlington, MA, USA

problem #754

Oct 202021

Sonata

  • miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata. Consumer writes in regards to NHTSA safety recall 15V-568. The consumer requested to be included in the recall, as the vehicle has experienced the same failure. There was metallic debris in the engine crankshaft. This caused the rod bearings to be restricted of oil flow and caused my rod bearings to be damaged. The engine failed.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #753

Oct 182021

Sonata

  • miles
While driving, the engine suddenly stalled, causing my vehicle to roll to a stop in moving traffic. This put myself at risk, along with other drivers. There was no prior warning.

- Davenport , FL, USA

problem #752

Jun 162021

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving my car on the highway and it suddenly shuddered while I was going 70+mph and the engine light came on and kept flashing. I had to pull off to the side of the road and call for service. I took my car to my local mechanic who told me it was a knock sensor issue and it had to go to the dealership for repair. I then had it towed to the dealership where they told me my motor needed to be replaced. The dealership had my car for almost 3 months to replace the motor. The next day after I picked up my car from the dealership for the engine replacement my battery quit, my headlights quit and my passenger side window motor quit. These were all working fine before the engine went out. Then on the Monday after my check engine light came on. I took it back to the dealer and they told me it was an EVAP sensor that needed to be replaced but wast part of the engine replacement so I had to pay for it to be repaired. They had my car for another week and replaced the sensor. One week exactly after getting it back for the 2nd time my check engine light came on again. The dealership told me it was the EVAP sensor again but they had to call technical support to get a plan to fix it. They told me it was perfectly fine to drive while they are waiting to hear what to do from technical support. The car is now parked in my driveway because I can not physically put gas in it and the one time I was able to put gas in it, I drove approx 120 miles on a full tank of gas and my low fuel light came on and it shows little to no gas on the gas gauge. I am afraid to drive it because I am afraid it will catch on fire or I will mess up the fuel injectors or worse.

- Marshfield, MO, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?