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:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,826 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

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problem #100

Apr 092018

Sonata

  • 104,000 miles

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

I was driving at low speed 20-25mph on a city street when I heard some odd noise coming from my passenger side wheel. I went over a little bump and there was a loud clink of something braking off and hitting the bottom of my car. I was able to pull into a parking lot. I found my car to be slanted toward the passenger side. I looked on the street and found the bottom ring of the suspension coil. I looked online and found there was a recall on this part in the "salt belt states" so I called Hyundai. Hyundai told me my car wasn't under the recall because it was made at a different factory. It's very concerning to me the number of others who have been in the same situation as mine. The potential for serious harm to myself, passengers and anyone else on the road was very high. How many people have to experience this for the part at the factory my car was assembled to be recalled? also, now the concern for the same thing to happen on the driver's side as well. I hope this issue is addressed and fixed!

- Robbinsdale, MN, USA

problem #99

Mar 012018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
Takata recall for suspension feel like we are bouncing up in down or the vehicle is going to fall apart. I notice the light on for the passenger airbag and the seat belt keep getting stuck or sometime want lock. This is concern for me because we take road trips and have to drive a long distance to get to work myself and husband would like to feel safe. I really feel that the frontal air bags seat belt pretensioners and side air bags are disabled and the suspension is a risk for many people lives. I subject you get these vehicle in the shop asap before something terrible happen. Please make sure that each shop have an experience mechanic last mechanic we had for a recall we had to come back several time and the vehicle still run like crap. Maybe you should refund people the remainder of there loan. I still have a balance of 6,000 which comes to all the trip and time consuming. I also called every dealer in Minnesota trying to make appointment could someone contact me asap to let me know that the parts are in. Myself and husband is taking a road trip and would like for the problem to be taken care before the end of June. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Eagan, MN, USA

problem #98

May 042018

Sonata

  • 88,500 miles
A piece of one of my coils springs broke off as I was driving home from work. According to Hyundai, my car was not part of campaign 133. I live in Massachusetts. They are insisting that I go to a dealer to have it inspected. The car is already repaired by my mechanic. Massachusetts has a right to repair law. I bought the car in 2015.

- Marlborough, MA, USA

problem #97

May 082018

Sonata

  • 10,000 miles

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

Electric failure at first, always stuck on road. Engine was replaced on recall, clunking sound underneath, struts replaced and had to pay, that did not fix problem, then they replaced coupling in steering wheel, noise still happening with clunking sound, which also is wearing out tires in front thst were replaced 3 X. dealer did not fix problem, they dont know what it is., clunking is while driving over a little bump or while steering car and turning.

- Centereach, NY, USA

problem #96

Sep 012017

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
I live in Minnesota and for quite some time I was hearing an intermittent rattling noise coming from the right front of my wheel well while driving. When I finally took it in I was told the coil spring was broken and needed to be replaced. I understand that other 2011 Sonata's have had this problem and have had the vehicles recalled due to corrosion of the coils causing them to break. I believe this recall should be expanded to other 2011 Sonata's

- Oronoco, MN, USA

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problem #95

Apr 252018

Sonata

  • 98,403 miles
Front coil spring broke and punctured tire. I was pulling out of my drive way on to the main road when the spring broke and contacted the tire making a horrendous grinding noise the car was difficult to steer and I had to stop in the street. My car was affected by a recall for this problem and was seen by a dealer on March 14, 2016 for NHTSA campaign number :15V-629. It seems the recall wasn't enough to prevent the coil spring from fracturing a puncturing my tire. I am glad this didn't happen while I was on interstate at 75mph.

- Fallston, MD, USA

problem #94

Oct 242017

Sonata

  • 64,567 miles

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

On 10/24/2017, I took my car to the dealership regarding some recall issues, amongst which was the issue of the car making clicking noise as the car turns. After the car was delivered to me, and driving it, I noticed that the issue was unresolved. I made this known to the dealership and there was no response from them. I did report this to Hyundai usa. It's been several months now, but have not heard from them regarding the complaints. I have been notified of other recall issues since then, but not sure how to go about them, as the first issue remains unresolved.

- Thonotosassa, FL, USA

problem #93

Dec 202017

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata. Consumer writes in regards to front coil springs safety recall. The consumer stated while driving the vehicle would not accelerate. The driver pulled over, the vehicle began to smoke then caught fire. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the item lost in the fire and emotional stress.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #92

Mar 192018

Sonata

  • 63,500 miles
Heard clunk drivers side front of car pulling in to friends driveway, told father about it, he looked and coil spring was sitting on edge of coils spring seating....found broken piece of coil spring in parking lot where I park my car in front of my apartment. Less than 64,000 miles on the car.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #91

Mar 192018

Sonata

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was operated at a low speed, an abnormal noise was heard. Upon inspection from an independent mechanic, the contact was made aware of a leaf spring fracture. The vehicle was taken to bergstrom Hyundai of appleton (3023 N victory ln, #101, appleton, wi) where the technician diagnosed that the coil spring fractured and recommended both springs be replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

problem #90

Jan 062016

Sonata

  • miles

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

"takada recall" the push to start won't work sometimes, (stationary )it has me stranded at times. I have had the batteries changed several times and it still won't work, my front suspension is making a very loud noise when I step on my brakes(everytime I'm in motion) I've had new brake pads, rotors and $700 Michelin tires put on in Aug 2017 and this noise is getting worst, the wiper blades are top of the line and I cannot drive at night or in the rain because it's very hard to see, lastly I try to use my cruise control on the (highway) and I set it and bounces back down very low

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #89

Jan 142018

Sonata

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While at a stop light, the contact heard a popping noise emerging from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the dealer (suresky Hyundai in goshen, New York) where it was diagnosed that the strut and the spring had fallen down and needed replacement. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected approximately one year ago for corrosion by the same dealer and it was determined to be ok. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

- Wall Kill, NY, USA

problem #88

Nov 052017

Sonata

  • 4 miles
I have a 2011 Sonata that was built Aug. 9, 2010. The recall #133 only covers Sonatas produced from Dec 11, 2009 to Feb 28, 2010. The front coil spring has fractured exactly like those in the recall. It has fractured near the base which is a huge safety issue. I took it to the Hyundai dealership and they said it was not covered. This is crazy, its the same problem of the recall. The recall needs to be expanded because I see on the internet there are many others around the same time frame that have the exact same problem and they are not taking care of it. A fractured spring can make contact with the tire, potentially resulting in a tire puncture and increasing the risk of a crash. Even though it is the exact same problem of the recall, because it is built a few months later, Hyundai says it is not covered. The recall needs to be expanded, there are many others with the same problem.

- Perry, MI, USA

problem #87

Oct 122016

Sonata

  • 90,043 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's daughter was driving 20 mph, the vehicle sputtered, made a knocking noise, and lost power. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to southern states Subaru of raleigh (2511 wake forest rd, raleigh, nc 27608 (888) 439-5154) where it was diagnosed with a faulty engine that needed replacement. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine). Upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, a clicking sound was heard coming from the steering column and underneath the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact of a recall for the steering coupler, but the vehicle was over the mileage and could not be repaired per the manufacturer recall. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V190000 (steering), but was unsure if the recall was serviced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and reffered the contact to Hyundai awards to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer inquired of an estimate of the repairs. Without an estimate, the contact quoated $500. The vehicle was then taken to johnson Hyundai of cary (5000 old raleigh rd, cary, nc 27511(919) 439-2059) where it was diagnosed with a steering coupler and axle failure. The technician stated that the axle damage occurred at the time of the engine replacement. The contact called the manufacturer again with a more accurate repair cost of $800, and was informed that they would only pay $500 towards the repair. The failure mileage was 90,043.

- Coats, NC, USA

problem #86

Aug 302017

Sonata

  • miles
Vehicle is making a loud clicking sound in the steering column and while turning either left or right its a double clicking loud sound. While the vehicle is at a still position when you turn the wheel you can hear a clicking noise both right or left. If you hit a bump you can hear a loud annoying sound like something is loose. It gets louder and louder. You can hear it over the radio. This happens either on streets and the interstate aka highway

- Dunbar, WV, USA

problem #85

Sep 192017

Sonata

  • 90,085 miles
Took my car in for a recall for underbody rustproofing for recall campaign 946. While in for this recall it was found by the Hyundai dealership that the vehicle had a R/F spring that was broken. It required immediate attention - unsafe to drive. I was quoted a price for repairs $220 dollars. I indicated to the service advisor at carbone Hyundai, 4975 commercial drive, yorkville NY 13495, phone 315-736-8356, I thought this repair should be covered under the recall. They said no it was not covered. Went home and found a prior recall - recall 133 which states "road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing. Dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge". so why won't the dealership honor this prior recall to repair my coil spring free of charge"??"

- Rome, NY, USA

problem #84

Sep 072017

Sonata

  • miles
Have been having issues with the suspension on my car. Mavis was performing a brake repair when they suggested suspension work because of the front coil springs. I looked up the issue afterwards and found recall 133 on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. However, Hyundai only covers 2011 Sonatas made between December 09 and February 10, mine was manufactured in Oct 10. They are saying my car is not eligible for coverage under this recall, despite the fact that my car has been diagnosed to have an issue which they have already acknowledged is an issue for this exact make and model of this vehicle. No severe damage has been done yet, but it has begun to have ripple effects, as my tires have worn significantly over the last few months, no doubt due to a misalignment caused by the front coil issues. This issue is covered under a recall that Hyundai put out for the exact same year and model, but yet they claim my car is not eligible due to the manufacturer date. While this has yet to cause any serious issues, the fact that these coils could puncture my tire at any moment is scary. The fact that they know this exists and refuse to cover it is scarier.

- Hopewell Jct, NY, USA

problem #83

Aug 122017

Sonata

  • miles
When I hit bumps it sounds like the drivers side wheel is going to pop off. The clicking of the steering wheel affects the wheel when going over the bumps. It seems as it going to fall off

- Mckees Rocks, PA, USA

problem #82

Jul 282017

Sonata

  • 118,000 miles
Front coil spring had corrosion can up resulting in a fracture near the base with a large portion breaking off and hitting the tire. This is the same defect mentioned in the Dec. 2015 recall campaign #15-01-049 entitled "installation of urethane protector over front coil springs (recall campaign 133)" in which on page 5, step 4 it states "-inspect the lower coils of the spring for damage or corrosion. Replace as necessary, under warranty regardless of mileage, before completing the recall procedures." However, Hyundai states that my VIN indicates the car was manufactured outside their 2.5 month manufacturing range and is not covered by the existing recall. I suggest that the problem is more extensive than they have admitted and online searches of the owners forums shows many others with this same issue. The spring is completely sheared off and failed while in motion on a city road. I called the manufacturer and they declined to acknowledge any known defects in the manufacturing or design of the coil. Note, that while most vehicles have 3rd party after-market oem coils available, there are no third party manufacturers / retails (I.e. moog, etc.) making this coil, as apparently they do not want the liability associated with the product.

- Westerville, OH, USA

problem #81

Aug 182015

Sonata

  • miles
I have had issues with this car since I purchased it and purchase the extended warranty however all it has done is help with standard oil changes. The power steering or the steering wheel rather begin making a loud clicking noise when going in reverse it would be more pronounced I took it to the dealership and after two times there they finally said oh it's the left transaxle I took the vehicle home and immediately same sound I took it to capital Hyundai and they said oh it's the right transaxle my tires have worn three times already on the front since I purchased this car in 2014 so I'm going through six tires in three years on the front end in addition to this problem I took the car in because the radio volume up button when I pressed it would initiate the phone functions of the car when I would hit cruise control resume then it would cancel the cruise control completely I told him this and they ended up replacing the left side buttons on my steering wheel but now my cruise control doesn't work at all in addition to this when I plug in iphone charger socket into the power receptacle the radio stops working and has complete interference when I pull it out the interference stops in the radio returns to normal the cooling function of the vehicle is nonexistent it blows hot air regardless until the engine gets really warm then it will blow cool air. As soon as the vehicle stops moving instance if I stop at a red light it begins blowing hot air again. When I had my oil changed in the last time I checked the oil and it was already black I took the car in for these service for the recall for the engine inspection and I feel like Hyundai is going to say there's nothing wrong with the car because they're representing Hyundai. I believe there should be an independent inspection facility to ensure that these engines are up to standard I don't believe my engine is

- San Jose, CA, USA

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