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:
20 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
51,010 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 28 of 58)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #615

Jan 012015

Sonata

  • miles

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

Clicking sound from the steering wheel. Will happen at rest or motion. Progressively got worse. Also produced a thud sound on bumps on interstate. Dealer indicates the steering coupler had failed. I told them I seen many other people with the same problem. Why was it not covered by manufacturer with it being so widespread issue? cost me $394.48 for dealer to replace including the recommend alignment.

- Lilburn, GA, USA

problem #614

Apr 012016

Sonata

  • 56,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 hyundia Sonata. The contact heard a clicking noise coming from the steering column when turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel coupler was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 56,000.

- North Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #613

May 032016

Sonata

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. When the vehicle was in motion and stationary, the steering wheel became loose. When the vehicle drove over a bump in the road, the steering wheel made a loud rattling noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 108,000.

- Jefferson, GA, USA

problem #612

Dec 182015

Sonata

  • 65,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, the steering power steering seized and the eps light illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the eps control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering) after the failure occurred; however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. The VIN was not available.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #611

Nov 102015

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering) several months after the failure occurred. The steering wheel made an abnormal noise and vibrated extensively for an extended period of time. The vehicle was taken to more than three independent mechanics who stated that there was an electric power steering failure. The dealers were unable to provide a specific diagnosis to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V759000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 15V568000 (engine). The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Lumberton, NC, USA

problem #610

Mar 092016

Sonata

  • 57,000 miles
I took my car into the dealership over a month ago because of noises coming from the steering wheel. I knew that they had recalls before on steering but they told me that my issue was not covered under the recall. The issue is a steering coupler involving the steering column. They also have a new recall announcement made on April 16, 2016. There have been many complaints with the same steering issues with this vehicle and Hyundai expects money out of pocket for it. Now when driving, the steering has gotten worse with increased speeds there is shaking and clicking. Any little bump in the road will cause clicking in the steering wheel. Even sitting still, it will click once you turn the wheel. I was told that this is a dangerous hazard but I cannot afford to get this fixed when obviously this is an ongoing issue with Hyundai and their recalls.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #609

Apr 182016

Sonata

  • 67,000 miles

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

The steering column began to loosen and eventually had to be replaced because it was no longer safe to drive. I had to replace it at my cost at 67,000 miles.

- Suffern, NY, USA

problem #608

Feb 032016

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise that progressed near the steering wheel. In addition, the oil had to be refilled every four to six weeks, but there was no presence of a leak. The contact was unable to determine where the failure originated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for the engine crank shaft recall and it was indicated that the steering coupling needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the engine crank shaft recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was also excluded from NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V568000 (engine), 16V190000 (steering), 10V457000 (steering), and 10V426000 (steering). The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who stated that he would not install the part because it was not an oem revised part from the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to determine if the manufacturer would be able to provide a repair solution. The failure mileage was not available.

- New Port News, VA, USA

problem #607

May 022016

Sonata

  • 69,000 miles
Clicking in steering wheel dealer stated needed new coupler cost 4.00, labor $334. Also airbag light remains on, dealer stated clockspring repair $372. Mileage 69000. Checked Hyundai websites, numerous repairs for these sames issues on the 2011 Sonata, both issues should be a recall issues. With so many of these cars having the same issues, these wld appear to be defects in the manufactured with the cars.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #606

Apr 272016

Sonata

  • 101,000 miles
While driving 45mph I experience my steering wheel shaking and it leaves the vehicle hard to control and it pulls to the right. I then started to experience my car not starting after sitting for not even 5 minutes and this has been occurring for 2 days. I took my car to the local dealership and was advised that I needed to replace the starter lever and steering coupler. Both of these are common defects of this model and has been recalled in the past. I called Hyundai today and was told that I am now responsible for the cost of the repairs regardless of what happened in the past. The repairs are going to cost me a little over $600 when the parts are plastic and wouldn't cost more than $20. A complaint has been filed with the BBB as well...this is a major safety issue on this vehicle and the manufacture needs to do a better job at building these parts.

- Lithia Springs, GA, USA

problem #605

Apr 042016

Sonata

  • 104,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 30 mph, the steering column made a loud thump noise and the steering felt loose. The failure was noticed while driving and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #604

Nov 202015

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel and that the steering wheel felt stiff. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Justin, TX, USA

problem #603

Apr 012016

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
Myfront passenger seat belt went out about 7 months ago. Since then I am now having issues with my front driver seat belt. I have to insert it 3-5 times for it to latch. Sometimes it doesnt latch at all. All in the parked status. There is nothing "stuck" in the buckles. I am also having issues with my key getting stuck in the ignition when I put it in park and try to take it out. This has been going on foratleast 2 years.

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #602

Jul 142015

Sonata

  • 85,000 miles
My car's steering wheel was making clicking nose. It probably started some time last year, but I didn't think much of it B/C sound was very faint. But now, the noise is pretty loud and that it's affecting the car's driving performance. The steering wheel shakes when I drive over a certain speed limit; makes noise whenever I turn, go over a bump, or whenever I turn the steering wheel even when it's stationary.. I brought it to the dealer and dealer said that the steering coupler needs to be replaced. This is a poor design and, more importantly, a safety issue that Hyundai needs to address with a recall asap before someone gets hurt!

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #601

Apr 052016

Sonata

  • miles
My car's steering wheel was making clicking nose. It probably started some time last year, but I didn't think much of it B/C sound was very faint. But now, the noise is pretty loud and that it's affecting the car's driving performance. The steering wheel shakes when I drive over a certain speed limit; makes noise whenever I turn, go over a bump, or whenever I turn the steering wheel even when it's stationary.. I brought it to the dealer and dealer said that the steering coupler needs to be replaced. Though I own the car for over 5 yrs, I only have $51K miles on it. This is a poor design and, more importantly, a safety issue that Hyundai needs to address with a recall asap before someone gets hurt!

- West Covina, CA, USA

problem #600

Jan 112016

Sonata

  • 85,000 miles
There is a major safety issue with my Sonata's steering. I have read a ton of complaints on the same part failure, but am unable to locate a recall for the rubber coupler that connects the electronic power steering to the actual steering column. I started hearing a clicking noise in my steering wheel when the wheel was turned in either direction from center. It did not make a difference if the car was moving or at stop. The noise continued getting worse over a 3 month time frame and is now more of a thud noise. The noise itself is not the safety problem, only a side effect. The safety issue is that the same part that is failing causing the noise has now started to cause the steering wheel to violently shake back and forth anytime the car goes faster than 55-60mph. How can someone maintain control of the vehicle when the steering wheel is shaking so badly, and how exactly is this not a safety issue" it is scary to drive to say the least, but I have to drive 80 miles round trip daily for work. My arms are almost numb by the time I make it to work or back home from being shaking almost the entire way. It is not like I can drive the car slow enough on the freeways here in the dfw area, that would be a hole other safety topic. I guess I'm going to have to fork out the $3-400 to fix it. Why can't NHTSA just add this part to the eps recall #143 that covers the eps control unit? if the dealer has to take it a part to replace the eps control unit, why would they not install a new coupler" its, funny though, you know Hyundai is aware of the issue, they changed the design of the coupler from a rubber one to a metal one on the newer models, but have yet to do anything about their poor design or earlier model years. There have been several recalls for additional items on this car that were not as severe as this issue is, so I'm hopping NHTSA issue the recall.

- Springtown, TX, USA

problem #599

Apr 042016

Sonata

  • miles
Steering is very loose, shakes, and vibrates very bad driving at normal highway and side street speeds. It feels like you could lose control at any moment!! I've been told it's the flex coupler! there needs to be a recall issued! I've seen this issue a lot on the Hyundai forums!!

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #598

Feb 012016

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
My car started to make loud noises from the steering wheel. It wasn't as loud when it began, then the more I drove my car the louder it became. I do not know why my car started to make these types of noise, I just started my car and I started to drive and that's when I realized it was making noises. I took it to the Hyundai dealership and they told me it is really dangerous to drive my car. The cost to repair it was way over my budget. I researched the problem on the car and there are hundreds of videos from car owners that were going through the same problem. This problem has not been a recall. If this problem can be life threatening then why is it not mentioned as a recall. I still have the problem and there are lots of people out there that are trying to find a solution. Now I can't drive on the highway because if I drive 60mph or above the steering wheel will shake uncontrollably and I have to decrease my speed just to control the shake. Now the noise is louder then ever. My car is in great shape and I can't drive the car anytime I want because I don't want to risk anything driving the car.

- Toledo, OH, USA

problem #597

Apr 022016

Sonata

  • 125,000 miles
Steering wheel has begun to shake violently when driving and makes a knocking/popping noise when the steering wheel is turned left or right. Even when the vehicle is stationary, you can turn the wheel and hear and feel the popping. I see this has been an ongoing issue with this model but I am guessing my car was not involved in the recall. Maybe the recall needs to extend further than initially thought.

- Tallassee, AL, USA

problem #596

Mar 312016

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
Steering wheel makes a clicking noise when turned left or right, and shakes and rattles violently when going over a bump (whether it be a small bump on the road or speed bump). Also shakes and rattles when I brake. After one shake and rattle incident, my airbag light came on and stayed on. None of my steering wheel controls (volume, bluetooth, phone, cruise control, etc.) work. My horn no longer works also. Took my car to Hyundai dealer and had to pay $118 just to have it diagnosed! really"!" I had to pay in order to find out what was the problem with my car. Service technician said the shaking/rattling problem was the flex coupler assy, which they quoted me was $475 to fix! then they said it would cost me another $225 to fix my steering wheel control issue! come to find out many other people are having the same issue that I'm having. It is a safety concern and should be a safety recall. Called Hyundai customer care and they told me they can't do anything about it because I went over my warranty mileage limit. This is a huge safety concern issue because when my steering wheel shakes, I feel like it's gonna fall off. I don't feel safe driving a car that violently shakes. Considering so many people are having this same problem, I don't understand why Hyundai isn't taking the time to look into this issue and resolving this problem with so may complaints regarding the same issues! I'm not paying another $700 to fix my car when it is obvious Hyundai used cheap ($2) part that are breaking down on their consumers. I already paid $118 just to find out what the problem was! Hyundai needs to resolve this issue as soon as possible before it gets worse and/or fatal! this issue needs to be recalled!

- El Monte, CA, USA

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