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.

7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$290
Average Mileage:
98,450 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replace tail light assemblies (3 reports)
  3. replaced the light bulb (2 reports)
2011 Hyundai Sonata lights problems

lights problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #8

Dec 012011

Sonata SE 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79 miles

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

I bought my 2011 Hyundai Sonota brand spanking new. Paid cash & had the usual warranty. However it didn't cover replacing every bulb in the car. I've spent a lot of money replacing bulb after bulb. Now the brake lights come on & off just whenever & I have no warning or idea until State patrol has me pulled over writing me another ticket for it. We looked and the wiring is all melted leaving it irreparable so now it's going to cost me more due to having no wires left to connect it. The engine has already had a recall so now we've contacted a lawyer bc I've had nothing but issues. I owned a Tiburon by Hyundai I used to love these cars but since doing away w/that car which was so dumb bc that's the only time they didn't actually screw up. Now it's just sh*t. I will never purchase another Hyundai again . They really need to think about who buys these piles and be more concerned w/your consumer. I'm so frustrated & hoping this lawyer can help others like me.

- Rhonda S., Gadsden, AL, US

problem #7

May 012019

Sonata ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

2011 Hyundai Sonata's are supposed to be good vehicles but they are not. Engine has been replaced and now both tail light assemblies need to be replaced at a cost of 600.00 and no guarantee this will fix the problem of the bulbs getting so hot they melt the wires and the plastic bulb holder. Many complaints on here about several years still having the same problem. If Hyundai wants return customers and good word of mouth they need to fix these design issues under recall and not cost to buyer. Stay clear of Hyundai until they start owning up to all the design flaws that the consumers are at no fault.

- Ryder T., Pensacola, FL, US

problem #6

Oct 032018

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

According to the Hyundai dealership the taillight assembly wiring has melted and the entire component requires replacement. Possible reasons stated by the technician was depressing the brake pedal excessively, it got too hot, I don't know. What about the obvious - defective unit that overheats and Hyundai does not want to replace.

I will never purchase another Hyundai due to the numerous recalls. The only thing left to replace at this point appears to be the frame. I will be reporting this complaint accordingly since it is not a recall at this point and I encourage anyone else experiencing this problem to do so. Keep in mind, you will be entitled to reimbursement if later this is a recall, so keep your receipt as I am sure this is.

Hyundai's response to recalls are slow and unacceptable. People they are and putting millions of lives in jeopardy due to defective vehicles.

- Charolettee H., Raeford, US

problem #5

May 012017

Sonata Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

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

My rear taillight on the passenger side has a faulty connection. The bulb works, it just doesn't work when I am driving. I am continually told my tail light is out and when I check it from the interior at the bulb housing it works. The wiring gets very hot to the touch and it shakes loose not allowing it to function properly when I am operating my vehicle. I have no solution!

- Joanne M., Brentwood, US

problem #4

Mar 172017

Sonata LX 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,240 miles

Since I had the car I have to replace the lights both front and rear lights often. Just recently the mechanic shop had noticed that the lights were wrong in the back.

- A. A., Moreno Valley, CA, US

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problem #3

Sep 262016

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 92,200 miles

click to see larger images

brake & tail lights faulty

This is a 3rd time the brake/tail lights burned out. The police gave me a warning ticket on the second time about 6 months ago. It was cost me $10 for a pair light bulbs (package of 2), drove to the police station to validate the fix and $25 to clear the warning ticket.

The first problem happened about 3 years ago, then 6 months ago and the third time about a month ago. The light bulbs got burned very bad on the last two time, I also posted the picture of two burning light bulbs.

- Kh T., San Diego, CA, US

problem #2

Apr 062016

Sonata 4S

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,849 miles

So several months ago my tail lights went out.I had them replaced. Then through these next several months people said my break lights are not working. I just had them fixed so I wiggled the bulb and they would work again for a few miles. I took car in for its oil change and told them to see whats wrong with the tail lights.

They informed me it would cost 300 bucks times two to have them replaced because they were "WORN OUT" WRONG ANSWER!!! These tail light assemblies have melted and due to either poor quality of parts or workmanship these things are melting!! There are several complaints about this.

They also TODAY had a RECALL on the Brake Pedal stopper which they replaced. and most likely has to do with the bulbs melting the assemblies. ( this is my opinion). I think it should me under warranty and it was not. Its ONLY 5 years old and is not even paid off yet.(dear lord and I bought 2 at the same time.)

I called Hyundai and they refused to fix the problem. I guess when I get hit in the ass because sometimes they work and sometimes they don't problem they will get to talk to my attorney. This is a manufacturer issue and a poor quality of material or / and workmanship in my opinion. I have filed with the BBB and am awaiting information about resolution.

In the mean while I will hang a sign in my car and let everyone know NOT to purchase a Hyundai. I have had to have both engines replaced and the transmission in my other 2011 Hyundai. The melting assembly and bulb issue is wide spread from what I see on the internet. Their customer care is poor and they know this problem is ongoing and many have reported it. I AM UPSET AND ANGRY that I wasted all this money on a poorly designed vehicle.

- Robin B., New Bern, NC, US

problem #1

May 202015

Sonata ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

After receiving a ticket from a state trooper to have the tail light and brake light fixed for the passenger side of the car, we replaced the bulb and went to have it inspected (as required within 30 days). Once arriving at the station for an officer/trooper to come see the passenger side was fixed, the drivers side tail and brake lights wouldn't work. We fixed this multiple times, had a shop try to fix it, and was told they didn't know what the problem was.

Sometimes the tail and brake lights will work, and other times, they don't. It seems to alternate between passenger side and drivers side not working.

- labuda, Cockeysville, MD, US

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