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.
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata I had problem with my engine Hyundai auto decided not to fix it I have problem with my starter Hyundai auto decided not to fix it I had to pay out of pocket for both engine install [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
Found out I had a recall on my airbag and there's a recall on my steering column called the company and they say there's nothing they can do for me for the steering
Steering column clunk when attempting left had turn and driving. While at a complete stop, if you turn the wheel to the left you hear a clunk. This is getting progressively worse. Steering feels loose/sloppy.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at high speeds, the electric power steering and check oil warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Steering lock loose and rattles when turning and when driving 70+mph. (started 2015) airbag light recently turned on and stays on. (started Sept 18/2018)
- Raleigh, NC, USA
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I have been hearing and feeling a knock noise in the steering wheel. I has been when I'm turning the wheel when not moving. Now it started happening when I'm going to make a turn going slow and the steering wheel has started to feel looser to the turn. I have looked it up and have found many complains about the same issue. I don't know what to do. I called the dealer service dept. To see if there is a recall. No answer. I'm a grandmother that drives 2 toddlers and are afraid about a dangerous accident happening. I don't have anyone to advice me. Please tell me what to do. Should I fill a complaint so it's on record. Should I just go to any auto repair. But after seeing complaints about same issue I'm worried. I din't know what you do but I need advice. Can you check up about these complains and what could be causing this and what needs replacement, so I know if it is a danger. It seemed yesterday to start to be happening while moving which makes me scared to drive the car. Please if you can tell me if this is just to make a report. Thank you [xxx] or email [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact heard a rattling noise coming from the steering wheel when making turns. The contact stated that the failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
Electronic power steering failed on 8/21/18 almost resulting in collision in parking garage with stationary vehicle. Attempting to pull into a parking space and lost ability to steer the car. Eps light on dash immediately illuminatee and knocking sound occurred when trying to turn steering wheel. 2011 Sonatas previously recalled for eps board issue but mine was not covered. Could be issue with additional cars having problem that was not identified in previous recall.
There is a disturbing clicking in the steering wheel when I turn the wheel it is not only audible but I can also feel it.the clicking seems to be getting worse and it happens when the car is sitting still, or moving.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving unknown speeds, the steering wheel became loose while turning left and right. Additionally, the contact heard an abnormal clunking noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 43,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard when the steering wheel was turned to the right or left. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,900.
My car has had numerous recalls. Most recently it was my steering wheel that was clicking and felt unstable... so I took it into the dealership. That is how I found out it was an issue with enough cars in this yr/model that the warranty was extended. I also was getting jolted when I shifted gears. Even if I was going from park to drive, I could be spontaneously jarred very violently. I had that repaired at a out of pocket expense at the dealership. Today I saw evidence online that it may have been a recall and should have been repaired for no fee. Another recall notice I received 2 days ago, so I called the dealership who said they see no necessary recalls for my vehicle. Yet, online it shows 1 recall on my car VIN# that is outstanding but had "no remedy yet" it is a very dangerous notice that affects the airbags on front and side plus seat belt restraining system in the event of a collision. So I am essentially driving a very pretty coffin.
Steering wheel starts shaking at about 50mph plus. I have had new tires, alignement, shocks, all of this replaced and the vibration/shaking continues. There seem to be a lot of complaints out there for this exact same issue. This is a significant safety issue and is happening to a lot of Hyundai Sonata owners. Steering systems should not fail on a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles and one that is merely 7 years old. Most people take loans out on vehicles these days for 6-7 years.
When driving this car there is small jerk of the steering wheel accompanied by a loud click. This occurs intermittently while driving straight on any street or highway and always occurs when making turns in either direction. The condition was brought to my attention by a state inspection technician in 2015 when it was only a very light clicking noise when turning left or right with no motion felt in the steering wheel. The condition has progressively worsened and now the clicking is quite loud accompanied by an easily felt jerk in the steering wheel.
I purchased this car last August. I heard good things about hyunda Sonatas. Yesterday I took my car in for a front end alignment at the dealer. After 4 hours I was told it can't be done because the steering rack is off center and steering wheel coupling needs to be replaced. All for a total of $1842! now I find out there was a recall for the coupling but it expired at 100,000 miles and unfortunatley my car now has 100,347. Is there a chance I could get an extension on this particular recall to help lower the cost of this repair? thank you (if you need a copy of the estimate I can send one to you)
There is no remedy for the air bags and when I call Hyundai about the other recalls they say they have already been repaired.. there is also a recall on the engine short block assembly. My car was in motion and just stopped in the middle of traffic and becasue of the airbag issue I am afraid to drive
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Milwaukee, WI, USA