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 39 of 58)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #395

Jun 272015

Sonata

  • 50,500 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was parked, the contact heard a noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,500.

- Clermont , FL, USA

problem #394

May 252015

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
As I was driving and/or steering I would hear a clicking noise. This was a safety concern to me so I did contact Hyundai to see if there had been any recalls. I was told not at this time only recall was for a shift level cable. Ok so I proceed to the dealership to learn that the part is $7 and the labor is $224. Nice. I am currently unemployed and need a car to find a job so its a lose lose situation. In my option this part should have been on a safety recall as I review the complaints I see this issue has occurred in many of Hyundai cars. Hyundai should take the responsibility to correct this safety issue. I was told that if I did not repair this part that much more damage would occur. I am asking that Hyundai research and come to their senses and issue a recall and a refund to me for their error. Updated 09/15/15 updated 11/3/2017

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #393

Nov 302012

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed by the dealer that the steering shaft was replaced at 37,000 miles before the contact owned the vehicle. Upon the contact driving the vehicle, the steering wheel had a very strong vibration while turning right or left. When traveling over unleveled land, the vehicle made a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. MA 08/13/15 updated 10/30/2017

- Piedmont, SC, USA

problem #392

Mar 032015

Sonata

  • 110,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While operating the vehicle, a popping and knocking noise was present from the steering column when the steering wheel was turned. In addition, when driving over 70 mph, the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #391

Aug 282014

Sonata

  • 65,000 miles
The steering column is making a clicking noise..I called Hyundai to see was it a recall on it bit was told it had already beed fixed.but after two months it started making the clicking noise...so if it was already fixed.why is the problem is still ongoing....can it be a lemon...or just a serious defect that just keep happen..then I looked it up on line and it said the steering wheel can come detached from the column....and I don't have the money to get it fixed...can someone please help before me or my family is hurt or killed.

- Bunnell, FL, USA

problem #390

Jan 312014

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at 35 mph, the steering column vibrated and made abnormal popping noises and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the steering wheel was loose after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Euless, TX, USA

problem #389

Dec 192014

Sonata

  • 60,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #388

May 142015

Sonata

  • 73,000 miles
Contacted Hyundai concerning the steering coupling and steering column recalls. Hyundai refuse recall repairs because of the following: 1. since the vehicle was not under warranty. They were not obligated to fix the recall. 2. the mileage was 13,000 over 60,000 miles and they were not obligated to fix the recall. This is a major safety issues which according to the recall should have a 10 year warranty when it is fixed. Please help me understand why hyndai will not honor a government recall and fix my vehicle.

- Fort Lawn, SC, USA

problem #387

Sep 012014

Sonata

  • 55,000 miles
My wife and I bought a brand new 2011 Hyundai Sonata in late 2010. We have had several recalls but none of them have been related to a steering and suspension problem we have been experiencing. A vibration seems to be coming from the right side and the steering wheel makes a popping noise when rocking it back and forth. There is an increased vibration/shaking at 70 mph or higher speeds in the steering/suspension without much vibration in the steering wheel and it is getting worse.

- Lenore, WV, USA

problem #386

May 182015

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
While driving the steering column began making a strande grinding type of noise. This is heard whenever the steering wheel is turned at any speed. The vehicle feels like there is no power steering. I have been told that the coupling, the steering gear system was bad and the entire steering column needs to be changed. This is a safety issue. The dealer wants $1400. This is ludicrous! the coupling is only $8-10. What is really going on with Hyundai? I just recently had to replace the engine because it just shut down when making a turn. The engine had seized. This is also an issue with 2011 Sonata!!!!

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #385

Jan 032014

Sonata

  • 28,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel vibrated and made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.

- Elgin, TX, USA

problem #384

Apr 152015

Sonata

  • 95,678 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving the vehicle or while stationary, the contact heard abnormal noises coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or independent mechanic prior to the failure and repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 95,678.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #383

May 142014

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel made a shaking motion. The failure recurred multiple times and at different speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 10V457000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. MA 10/8 updated 10/18/2017

- Tamarac, FL, USA

problem #382

May 232013

Sonata

  • 40,000 miles
Whenever I make a turn the steering wheel makes a clicking noise. I wast old that it could be the flex coupling in the steering column and that other people has taken their cars with the same problem to the dealerships to get the problem fixed. But when I went to the dealership they said that is no recall for my car. I'm trying to figure out if I do rate the recall because it does concern 2011 Sonata and I do have a 2011 Sonata.

- Melbourne , FL, USA

problem #381

May 252015

Sonata

  • 54,940 miles
Detected slack in steering wheel, accompanied with thunk and noise that is both felt and heard. Slack and noise is prevalent with engine running or engine off. A slight but distinct rotational noise is also heard at idle. Problem appears to be consistent with worn or loose steering components.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #380

Nov 042014

Sonata

  • 108,012 miles
When traveling at low speeds car makes a clunking sound. Was very concern something was wrong with the suspension, took the car to my mechanic. The mechanic put the vehicle on the lift and found the suspension to be in good shape. He then test drove the car and stated there is a problem with the 2011 Sonatas with the power steering. Stated that a rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering assembly is a common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Sonatas.

- Palmetto, FL, USA

problem #379

May 272015

Sonata

  • miles
Steering wheel has been making cracking noises. I took my car to the vandergriff Hyundai dealership and was told this was happening to others and it was the flex couping in the steering column due to material failure which could resolute in loss of steering capability increasing the risk of a crash. I was told the original material in the steering wheel is a thick piece of plastic and could crack easily and Hyundai had sent a replacement piece, which is more flexible and durable, to the dealerships but I was forced to pay nearly $500 even though Hyundai is aware of the problem. I inquired about a recall linked to the problem and was told, there is no current recall. This is a safety issue.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #378

May 062015

Sonata

  • 60,987 miles
While driving I made a right turn and heard a clicking sound in the steering column. I had heard this once before & the problem was supposed to be fixed, but I guess it was a cosmetic fix. It makes the sound everytime I make a right turn.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #377

May 192015

Sonata

  • 62,000 miles
Steering wheel begins to shake when speed reaches 70-75 mph. The steering wheel feels loose when the car is in motion. Wheel alignment and tire rotation were performed but the issue persists.

- Homestead, FL, USA

problem #376

Apr 112015

Sonata

  • 75,000 miles
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata began making a loud clicking noise in the steering wheel. This would happen while driving, regardless of speed, and while stationary and moving the wheel either left or right. When I drive over potholes or broken/uneven pavement the noise is loud and the steering wheel starts to shake as if it would fall off at any time. Hyundai said this was not covered by warranty and I see that there was a recall for this same issue for certain vehicles made between 12/11/09 and 9/10/15. Very displeased with this and with Hyundai. I think they are waiting for someone to get seriously hurt before they investigate this and by then it will be too late. It shouldnt have to get that far.

- Dallas, NC, USA

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