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.

6.3

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,500
Average Mileage:
54,100 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. new pcm wiring harness and module (1 reports)
  3. replace oxygen sensor (1 reports)
2011 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #6

Jun 062016

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,819 miles

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

I was getting an engine light so I took it in for service. They said it was coming up as rear oxygen sensor so they cleared the code and if it came back they would need to replace it which it did so I went back in in order for it to be replaced. Not a huge problem but annoying never the less.

- Jason D., Pittsburgh, PA, US

problem #5

Jan 312017

Sonata Limited 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

dealer wants too much to diagnose. should be under a recall problem.

- Nick C., Nelson, BC, Canada

problem #4

May 062015

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

My check engine light has been on for YEARS. I am told it is a problem with an ill-fitting gas cap. So I replaced the Hyundai factory issued gas cap with another Hyundai gas cap.

Check engine light is still on.

Now I am reading about the engine seizing suddenly, without warning???

MAJOR concern as I take frequent road trips.

This and the Steering Column Issue with the plastic $5 steering coupler but $200-$400 labor bill are the only two UNRESOLVED complaints.

Until the past TWO YEARS, Hyundai was VERY helpful in fixing its own PROBLEMS. Now they just do NOT care what the CHEAP parts cost drivers to fix.

Until the past TWO YEARS, I would have HIGHLY recommended my Sonata to everyone who asked. Now there is no way I would recommend Hyundai - they no longer care about the consumer.

- dnelsonms, Oxford, MS, US

problem #3

Aug 202016

Sonata Turbo 2.4L

  • Manual transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

They never showed me what the problem area is, the issue it may cause. Didn't really give me the worst case scenario if I don't get it taken care. No air conditioner I can live with that, no heat I live with that too. For the most part of how much cars cost New or Used they should not have manufacturers problems of that magnitude in such a short period of time. Furthermore, if you take your car in for one problem in a specific area for a particular part needed you would think the mechanic (if he/she is good one) would notice or be concerned if I replace this part/or section then the connecting piece or area related may need looking into for adjustment wear or tear. I know things run in a chain reaction but if you can prevent the next repair then do so while you are already fixing the trouble component. Cars are no longer a luxury for those who can afford them; Cars have become a necessity for everyone regardless.

- cpaula, Cincinnati, OH, US

problem #2

Dec 032014

Sonata SE 2.4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,634 miles

So I purchased my Sonata roughly about two years ago with just over 31,700 miles on it. Not too long after owning the vehicle my sound from the speakers completely stopped, I couldn't figure out the issue. After a long battle between the Elm Chevy (dealer bought car from) and Hyundai company themselves telling me to call between both places and never solving the issue mind you, when I went to Simmons and Rockwell. Hyundai's so called specialist came out and investigated the problem. The only thing that he did was came out and pulled a fuse and replace it back in the slot and still nothing so I continued to talk to the guy, he said since that did not work that it meant that my whole touch screen gps unit had to be replaced with a new one, but not to worry, that it would be covered under warranty.

Well when asking him how much mileage are you covered on that type of problem through Hyundai he had told me until 32,001 mile on the vehicle. Well currently I had exactly 32,017 on vehicle so needless to say they said that the best Hyundai would do is cover half the cost. Mind you I only had the car for a little over a month and half by then and the total for getting this replaced was $1,500 because it was the touchscreen navigation.

Well needless to say after a few weeks calling back and forth I got sick of the games and went and Google the problem and wouldn't ya know it, there were others with the same problem and all it took was pushing the reset button on the navigation system itself ,lol. So your telling me a so called Hyundai specialist and Hyundai company themselves could have not solved this stupid issue before instead of making a situation a thousand times more stressful then needed!!!

Anyways, that gets me on the other subject, just recently at 47,000 miles this past month or lil bit longer, my car has been shifting very hard at times and almost feeling as though it's in a lower gear even though it's in drive! Mind you just found out by my local oil change shop that my oil pan is leaking oil and also that the oil seems to be fairly dark, as if it's been driven way further then 3,000 miles between oil changes. Mind you I religiously change my oil every 3,000 miles, sometimes even sooner !! Plus, he has noted on my receipt paper that the oil for the past 2 times have been a quart lower, which is weird cause they put the usual five quarts in every time!!

So that brings me back, my car is currently at the shop where they are inspecting the vehicle as we speak after hearing everything every one has put on here I have saved every single receipt and papers of any type of work, whether it be recalls or regular maintenance on the vehicle sense owning the vehicle on day one. Heck I even still got all the paperwork from very first day of getting the vehicle and I mean everything!! I'M HOPING THAT EVERYONE'S ISSUE'S CAN BE RESOLVED PLUS MINE AND FOR HYUNDAI TO BE A TRUE COMPANY AND FIX THEIR PROBLEMS!!!

- adamwny, Elmira, NY, US

problem #1

Sep 202012

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

click to see larger images

engine light on

ecm/pcm seal warped allowing condensation to get in

My car began shifting funny and the check engine light came on. I contacted Hyundai and scheduled a service appointment. I've only got 33K miles on my odometer so plenty of warranty left. Morning of the appointment, all lights on dash would light up and battery was good but car was deader than a door nail.

Hyundai's response...after 5 days at the dealership and me reaching back out to them...A seal (orange rubber band) that wraps around my PCM (Powertrain Contol Module/Electronic Control Module) was warped and allowed condensation to get into the "brain" of the car. $2,500 minimum to fix and not warrantied. Mind you, this seal is underneath a very secure plug and clamp. Service manager said that he couldn't fix it because "he's never seen that happen before." I found this answer quite piss poor and asked how I was a fault due to a rubber band stretching? Where does MY negligence come into play? He shrugged his shoulders.

I've never even disconnected the connector that houses the seal. Long story short, Hyundai of America sent their field tech out after further complaints who also concluded they would not fix the issue. I'm so disappointed with Hyundai. We have 4 Hyundai's in our family and have always praised their service. We will never advocate the brand again. This is clearly some type of factory defect. I have purchased HyundaiServiceSucks.com and will be posting photos soon and sharing my story with the world. I work a a digital advertising agency, little did they know. I wouldn't be surprised if this were a class action lawsuit in the making. Hyundai really dropped the ball on this one.

- bigpapa901, Leesburg, FL, US

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