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. When the contact turned the steering wheel, it made an abnormal tapping sound. After the steering wheel was turned and the vehicle straightened up, the noise stopped. The noise returned when the contact turned onto another street. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that it would not be looked at until it was determined if there was a recall. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 10V457000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact heard an abnormal noise progressing from the steering wheel when it was turned in either direction. In addition, all four tires were prematurely worn to the point that they may need to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V434000 (power train), 15V568000 (engine), 15V759000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V152000 (seat belts), and 18V137000 (seat belts, air bags). The contact did not receive any recall notifications. The vehicle was taken to palm springs Hyundai (3919 E palm canyon dr, suite a, 1-(760) 202-8888) where it currently remained for over three weeks. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,800.
2011 Hyundai Sonata gls automatic transmission. Problem with ignition key. The key will not go past acc to the lock position to allow the key to be removed. Followed directions in manual to push the key in at acc position, but the lock mechanism does not move. Happens every other day. Have restart the car and move it and try the process again to get key to move into its proper position (lock) to remove key. Impossible security situation as cannot leave key in vehicle. Also stability control light comes on every morning., and car stalls every time I make a turn while driving. This is dangerous. Took my vehicle in to the dealership who claimed that all recall and campaign situations had been resolved with my vehicle.
- Brooksville, FL, USA
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The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle wobbled and the steering wheel shook. The steering lost power without warning. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer in wichita, Kansas where the technician stated that the failure was a known issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and promised to call the contact back. The contact was not called back. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
"power assist recall/air bag recall" the electrical power steering in my car has created a problem when driving on the interstate. The cost to repair the car is in excess of $1200 new and $600 or more used. The electrical panel in the car is not completely functional either. I have problems with power windows and locks. There have been a total of more than 10 recalls on this particular model vehicle. I cannot afford to repair or purchase another vehicle. When I investigated further this was the latest issue listed. Steering:electric power assist system recall summary: Hyundai motor company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the electronic power steering (eps) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist. In addition there are several air bag recalls on the vehicle. Including the following: Frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The failure occurred randomly and when the steering wheel was turned in either direction. The contact was uncertain if the failure was related to NHTSA action number: PE10035 (steering). The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V190000 (steering), 10V457000 (steering), and 10V426000 (steering). Hyundai of slidell (298 E howze beach rd, slidell, la 70461, 1 (866) 965-1472) diagnosed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer indicated that the mileage was too high to repair the vehicle per an unknown steering recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the center steering wheel cap that secured the driver side air bag was not properly secured. The vehicle was taken to valise Hyundai (683 East columbus ave, springfield, MA) who indicated the position of the cap was normal. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 50,000.. comsumer received recall notice in January 2019 and on February 6, 2019 had the vehicle serviced and consumer inspected the airbag cover immediately. The circular object that was visible in the first set of pictures from Jan 28,2019, was no longer visible to the eye. Consumer stated steering wheel was tampered with. Police officer was called to the scene and officer told consumer she needed to file a civil complaint.
I was driving about 55 mph on a highway and my car just shut down in the middle of traffic and wouldn't start, I was blessed not to get from behind. I had to have it towed home. Now I'm afraid to drive it. Also my steering wheel has been making this rattling/knocking sound anytime I try to steer it at all times. I have call in every recall notice I've gotten and I'm always told my car wasn't in the recall.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. When turned to the left, the steering wheel made a knocking noise. While driving 45 mph or more, the steering wheel vibrated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel rubber coupling needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the steering wheel was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 115,000.
When driving the car, the steering column makes clunking noises. We have taken the car to the Hyundai dealer for recall issues and have been told that since we took the car in during the initial recall and it was "fixed" (we challenge that the "fix" worked), that we will have to pay to have the car fixed, that we need to have the steering column replaced. The estimate given on 1/28/2018 was approx. $1,900. We feel that Hyundai is responsible for the problems we have been having for quite some time, due to the recall. The noise is very obvious, and we are concerned that the steering column is going to completely break and cause an accident. This happens every time the car is driven when turning the steering wheel. I am listing the date as today, though it has been ongoing for well over a year.
The steerng coloum shakes and a clicking sound is heard when you turn the the steering side to side, and especially when you go over a bump sounds like it's going to snap and break off leaving you without steering.it happens when I'm on a city street, and highway in motion and when in park you can hear the clicking of the steering wheel by turning it side by side.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel shook and vibrated. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 20 mph, the steering wheel seized and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road and the engine was powered off. The vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to lee Hyundai of florence (located at 2542 w palmetto St, florence, SC 29501, (843) 667-3317), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Mdps coupling on steering wheel becomes loose and affects the steering and causes vibration and a "clunking" noise, when in motion on an any road surface. This started as a minor issue with a very slight movement and then has exponentially gotten worse. Dealership says it is a common problem, but Hyundai will to take ownership of the defect.
When I hit any bumps while driving my Sonata, there is a loud rattling noise coming from the steering wheel/column. The steering wheeling also makes a clicking noise if you turn it while the car is stationary. This has all happened within the last several months. It is extremely annoying to deal with. This a 2011 model and I haven't had many problems with it other than this.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Derby, KS, USA