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.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel was loose and made an abnormal noise. In addition, the rear driver side light failed and was hanging from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. Updated 02/05/16 the dealer informed the consumer there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Updated 02/16/16
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 40 mph and making a right turn, there was a clicking sound that came from the steering column. The failure recurred on several occasions while driving at various speeds, making turns, and changing lanes. While driving at highway speeds, there was an abnormal noise that came from the steering column, as if something were loose. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft connector was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact was informed by the dealer that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel shook and rattled without warning. The failure also occurred when the vehicle was idling. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column coupler detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V457000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Noticed while turning into a parking spot the steering had major play in steering wheel, is noticeable slow speeds but not as much play as turning into parking space, and seems to be more noticeable while going slow or going over rough road like steering column is loose. Makes noise like something is worn out and is metal to metal. Driving fast on highway I do feel much vibration. I took car to have all tires balanced and no help. So I believe is still part of same problem inside steering column. Sad part there is recall for 2011 Sonata SE/limited for same steering problem but for some reason my car was not part of recall. But my car as all same problems of Sonata SE/limited's that were recalled. I see many owners like myself that are not part of the recall for same problem are venting on blogs, utube and internet. If vehicle of same year is left out of recall then there was a positive fix implemented either at factory or from recall. Seems to me what ever reason so many other Sonata SE/limited were left out of recall the fix or change of materials was no fix at all.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, the steering column made an abnormal clicking noise. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
- Summerville, SC, USA
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Steering became loose, car making squeaky noise when in motion. This sound was extremely evident when turning. This occurred primarily on city streets.
Anytime I drive over 40 mph the steering wheel makes a loud clicking noise and shakes heavily. It's hard to control the wheel it feels like something is loose in the steering column. The clicking sounds as if something is vibrating so hard that it banging on something. When I took it to my mechanic he informed me he replaced a flexible coupling in 2 2011 Sonatas within the last 6 wks. I looked online about the specific issue and thoundsand of 2011 Sonata owners were complaining about the same thing. I called the Hyundai of ft. Mill dealership in ft mill SC where I purchased the car to explain what I have been experiencing. Service rep larry V. said that is a common problem amongst some Sonatas made in 2011 which is why Hyundai build the vehicle with a metal coupling vs. A rubber one. He said it's a dangerous matter because the steering wheel is not fully attached and the car could lose control while driving and the fragment wear down more and more as you drive. He informed me to have it replaced asap and it can cost up to 300.
A distinct 'click' noise heard when steering wheel is turned on either direction. It happens even when the vehicle is not moving. It feels like there is excessive steering play. Dealer says they do not have any recall. I have learnt that many 2011 Sonata owners have similar issue.
The drivers side door is loose. Took it to dealership last year and they stated that my car was not included in door latch recall. Airbag light came on out of nowhere. Called N they stated this is not a recall. As of this past summer, the steering wheel clicks every time I turn it. I'm going to call them tomorrow because I read where there were recalls on that, but I never received notification. I drive 45 minutes to work and back Monday through Friday and do not want to take a chance on being in an accident. I don't understand how my car shows the exact same signs of recalls but every time I call or take it there, my VIN number was not included.
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata was first repaired for front drive shaft assy and now I feel that it's having similar problems. I first checked for recalls and found one that could possibly be a match for my car. I called the dealership where the car was purchased, I explained to him what I was experiencing with my car and that I thought it may have been on the recall list, but the service gentleman immediately told me that it wasn't on recall. I told him that my car was making awful noises to the point where it feels like it was going to fall apart. It makes noise when I turn the wheel, when I hit a pot whole or bump (to the point where I go very slow or almost stop the car in certain situations because it feels like the car is falling to pieces). My car has lots of play in the steering wheel. The service guy told me over the phone that is was the steering coupler that would take about 2-3 hours to repair and cost $300. I have seen and heard so many people are possibly having the same issues with their cars and I don't understand why this doesn't qualify for recall. What's the difference in steering coupler and steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections?
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 60 mph, the steering wheel shook violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the column was loose and needed to be repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V457000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Knocking noise in steering column when you turn steering wheel either direction and delayed turn reaction from front wheels. Noise occurs when the car is stationary or moving.
The steering wheel has play and a knocking noise in it. It also causes the headlights to flick on and off when the signal light is engaged. I have looked up recalls and apparently there is a recall on this type of problem but supposedly it does not apply to my vehicle. This is an ongoing issue that cost approx. $1500 to fix.
Experienced loud vibration from the steering column at highway speed or while going over rough road. While the vehicle is stationary, there is a knocking sound when turning the wheel either left or right past center. Took to dealer to investigate, was told a bushing needed to be replaced. Failure occurred at 77,000 miles, was not covered under any warranty or recall at this time.
Steering has "dead" area in center... steering wheel turns a little but wheels don't. then there's a little "clunk" and the power steering engages. I see on internet there's lots of similar problems with this car, but dealer says there's no recall and I have to pay for repair. I think it's a chronic problem with this steering system.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 60 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an unknown part related to the the steering column panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at an unknown speed. There was a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V457000 (steering). The failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering column rattling steering column is loose it is very loud, I have called Hyundai manufacturer, this was a recall last year on this vehicle but I was told according to the VIN.number that my car wasn't one that was recalled for the defected steering column, and I would have to pay to have it diagnosed to see if the problem is what was recalled last year, no way should a 2011 car sound like a hunk of junk when just driving at a speed of 30mph.what should I do?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Birchwood, TN, USA