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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,575 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 wheels / hubs problems

wheels / hubs problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #19

Jun 012024

Sonata

  • miles

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

P205 65 R16 Blizzak tires were purchased in December 2023, online and I had them installed same week. I spoke to the employee who stated as long as I rotated the tires at 5,000 miles, I can drive them all year. I went to Discount tires on Saturday to have my tires checked since I was sliding in the rain. The employee told me my front tires were at a 1 and 2, while the back tires are at 9 and 10. She told me to talk to the front desk about the tires. I went in and asked about the warranty I had purchased. The employee told me it does not apply and that I would need to replace the tires. I explained to him that the car doesn't even have 5,000 miles on it since the purchase of the tires and how did the front wear so quickly? I only started using the car more in March. He also told me it could be the alignment. I had that fixed 2 years ago and the car doesnt pull left or right. He stated that the tires will bald if being driven in over 40 degree temps. I have in the past used winter tires all year and never experienced this. These tires never made it to 5,000 miles. They should not be worn so badly in the front, that this had now cause my back breaks to grind. Not only do I have to buy 4 new tires, since I can't keep the back on there, but I have to eventually get new back brakes, that aren't even 2 years old. These tires should not be on anyone's cars if they wear this quickly.

- Hometown, IL, USA

problem #18

Sep 282014

Sonata

  • 41,000 miles
I own a 2011 Hyundai Sonata limited 2.0T which came equipped with hankook optimo H431 tires, size 225/45R18V. At approximately 41000 miles (August 2014) I noticed a bulge/bubble on the sidewall of the right front tire. Upon visiting a local tire shop to determine how bad the problem was, the technician removed the tire and advised me that there were 5 separate bubbles in the tire and it was not safe to drive. I brought the car to the dealership & was told the issue was not covered under any warranty and I had to purchase a new tire for $275. Two days ago I was walking around the car and I've noticed a bubble on the sidewall of the left front tire now. I drive primarily on the highway and keep my tires properly inflated at all times. There were/are no abrasions, scuffs or cuts on the side of the tire at the sight of the bubbles. They have been located both in the inner & outer sidewalls.

- Dunellen, NJ, USA

problem #17

Jun 212014

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 53,500 miles
Was leaving a lakefront beach on a dusty dirt road going very slow because of all the cars parked around on a one lane road leaving the beach. Had not gone more than 50 ft when all of a sudden it sounded like we ran over something that may have damaged the underneath. Stopped got out and looked behind me and 2-3 embedded rocks were in the road, not loose rocks, I do not know if any damage was caused as today is Sunday and nothing is open. What is the distance from the bottom of the car to the ground" it has to be lower than all other cars as there are thousands of cars traveling over this area annually and if cars were hitting them I would assume they would have been removed? also we had new tires installed the day before size P205R60-16. Were these proper size"

- Lodi, CA, USA

problem #16

Apr 052014

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,005 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata equipped with hankook, tire line: Optimo H431, and tire size: 225/45R 18V tires. The contact stated that there was a bubble on the tire. The contact mentioned that the failure was identical to a previous failure with the original tire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician informed the contact that the failure was a known issue and that the tire needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,005. Updated 08/11/14 the consumer stated all four tires were replaced and a new hankook. Updated 08/13/2014

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #15

Feb 252012

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 28,000 miles
While entering a parking spot to a diner, the car unintended accelerated crashing into the side of the diner. Minor damage to the side of the diner as I was no more than 3 feet from the bldg. My foot was on the brake pedal when this acceleration occurred without warning. I was entering the parking spot at no more than 5 mph planning to put the car in park and exit for lunch. My leg hit the hood latch and I obtained a nasty cut on my shin. The consumer stated other components were replaced, such as the tires and transmission. The consumer also stated, when she turned the ignition, there was an odor of smoke and rubber burning. Updated 11/16/15.

- Manchester, NJ, USA

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problem #14

Jun 032013

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
Tire pressure monitoring system indicator light has come on every time we travel over 300 miles. I have taken into the dealer and they said it is common. I think it is safety concerned. How do I know if I have a low tire or not when I've check then and everything is ok.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #13

Feb 252013

Sonata

  • 72,000 miles

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

I bought a 2011 Hyundai Sonata in March of 2010 brand new. I have had problems with the tires had to be replaced after year two, and when they were being replaced they said that the air valve on the tire was corroded when I went to Hyundai to get the part replaced they said that it wasn't corroded it was broke off because there wan't a cap on it and it got wet. So, they said that I had to buy a new one, and they would send it up under the warranty and I would be refunded that did not happen. After that my push start would not start when I pushed it. I would have to push it about three times and then it would finally start. I took it to Hyundai, and had it replaced not under warranty any more is what they told me. So I paid the $287 for it. After I got it home and went into grab something came back out and it did it again. Took it back to gateway Hyundai in richmond to have it fixed and they said it needed a nother starter. I didn't have to pay for the part but I was going to have to pay for the labor. Nope didn't get it fixed. I would just start it three times instead. Then I had to replace the brakes last year 2012 because it wore only on one side, and now the engine blew a rod. They claimed that it was because of not having enough oil in it, but then told me I had a quart to much of oil. Now really does that make any sense? this is absolutely ridiculous. Then they told me I could trade it in for a new Hyundai but would have to put $5000 down on it which is convienantly the amount they quoted me to have my engine fixed because they said it wasn't under warranty because I hadn't kept all my receipts for oil changes for the past three years.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #12

Feb 122013

Sonata

  • miles
I purchased my car used in June 2012 with only 17000 miles on it. Currently it has less than 36000 miles on it. During a recent routine oil change and tire rotation, I was told by my mechanic that I would need tires soon. Looking at the tires, I saw he was right. I did not feel that my car should need tires with such low mileage. I looked at the warranty provided by hankook on their website. The warranty site confirmed that I should not need tires until after 50,000 miles as that is what their mileage warranty covers. When I called hankook to inquire about this issue, I was told the warranty did not apply to me since they were factory tires. I asked if the same tires were covered if purchased aftermarket. I was told yes they were covered. I do not understand why hankook will not cover the warranty on their tires, especially when they should still have over 20,000 of normal wear left. I am wondering if this is a safety issue since the tires should last much longer than they have. I should also mention that my driving habits are very normal and in normal conditions.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #11

Dec 252012

Sonata

  • 23,800 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata equipped with kuhmo solus KH25 tires, size: P205/65/R16 (N/a). The contact stated that the he approached the vehicle and noticed that the tires were flat. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to a repair shop and was informed that the tires exhibited two bubbles on the inner part of the tire. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage of both the tire and the vehicle was 23,800. The dot number was not available.

- Point Pleast, NJ, USA

problem #10

Nov 182011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 23,000 miles
The car was equipped with Firestone tires and in 23,000 miles they had cupped. The dealer told me I had failed to keep the right amount of air in the tires and did not keep it aligned. I purchased a new set of tires and the same thing happened again. I went back to the place I purchased the tires from and they told me maybe the car is out of line and lined it up. Well since then the tires have only gotten worse. This is 2 sets of tires in less than 60,000 miles. The replacement tires cost me $600. I do not like being told it is my fault when I have the tires rotated every 5000 miles. I went on line to see if I was the only one and learned there were others who are having the same problem. Help us.

- Washington, NC, USA

problem #9

Sep 072011

Sonata

  • 16,000 miles

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

At aprox 16,000 miles the original kuhmo tires became cupped on the inside of the tire and became increasingly loud over the next 12 months. At 30,000 miles the tires had to be replaced due to excessive tire noise. Tires still has another 25,000 mile life on them but could no longer be used. Vehicles alignment was check 4 times, tires rotated and balanced. Alignment shows negative 5.1 degrees caster on left front, with no way to adjust. Hyundai America wa notified and a case was opened but they refused to do anything or to acknowledge the problem.

- Rock Hill, SC, USA

problem #8

Sep 132012

Sonata

  • 16,616 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata equipped with kumho solus KH25 tires, size: P205 65 R16. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, a rotary noise emitted from all four tires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that all four tires were cupped. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,616 and the current mileage was 16,649.

- Florence, AL, USA

problem #7

Feb 222012

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 46,000 miles
Three months ago my first tire pressure sensor broke. I was parked in an indoor parking garage and found my car with a flat driver side front tire. I put on the spare and drove to a tire center where they informed me the tire pressure sensor had broken. I had a rubber valve installed and then later that week brought the car to a dealer and had the tps replaced. Last week I was driving and my tire pressure alarm lit on my dashboard. I pulled into a service station and attempted to put air in the rear passenger side tire. As I started to place the air pump onto the valve he tip of the tps broke off in my hand, causing the entire tire to flatten instantly. Again, I had to put the spare on and drive to a repair shop and have a rubber valve put in. Today (one week later), a third tire pressure sensor failed, this time the drivers side rear tire. I was fortunate to have this one happen in my driveway instead of on the highway. This is extremely dangerous as the tires instantly flatten, and can cause a serious accident if it occurs on the highway.

- Kinnelon, NJ, USA

problem #6

Apr 292011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
The car has been noisy since day 1. dealer said it was not abnormal. Tire dealer said they saw no problem, except it appeared that the tires were feathering. On certain type roads, the car is just darned too noisy. I believe it to be the kumho, 17" tires that the limited model comes equipped with. I have almost 8,000 miles on it, now, since bought new in April, and it is not getting any better, only worse. Unendurable, actually.

- Richmond, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 252011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
I have kumho tires on a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. I currently have 25000 miles on it. I have complied with tire and balancing maintenance. The tire noise is so loud it is very distracting. I cannot concentrate on anything but the noise. The noise is so loud it is impossible to fully Focus on the road because all I do is fidget because of the annoyance and listen to this noise. The noise is absolutely drives me nuts! it is hard to concentrate on driving with the insane tire noise all around me. After reading several similar complaints, I have decided to submit my own.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #4

Jul 062011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 200 miles
2012 Hyundai Sonata gls, 200 miles on odometer. Vehicle pulls to the right. Must maintain constant pressure on steering wheel to maintain stright travel. Vehicle moves completly into next lane within 4 seconds of releasing wheel. The car has been back at the dealership for three days and no apparent fix so far.

- Henderson , NV, USA

problem #3

Feb 112011

Sonata

  • 3,000 miles
Vibration in steering, grinding noise in transaxe, low tire pressure (by dealer), refusal to perform 3,750 mile maintince secdule (dealer refused).

- Mcadoo, PA, USA

problem #2

Apr 232010

Sonata

  • 4,800 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata equipped with optima H431 tires, size P225/45/R18 95V. All four tires used nitrogen gas and hot air. The contact stated that she constantly had to refill them with the nitrogen gas (at least ten times). The tire pressure monitoring system light continued to illuminate. The contact called the dealer and manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,800.

- Staten Island , NY, USA

problem #1

Aug 302010

Sonata

  • 7,000 miles
My 2011 Sonata has 7600 miles on it. The problem began around 5000 miles, but has gotten progressively worse. Upon trying to turn the car off, the engine shuts off, but the key is stuck in the accesory position. I can restart the car and drive, but I can't get the key out. It just stays either in the accesory or the on position. I've had to unhook my battery to keep it from dying because I can't get the key out. At first, I could just move the gearshift out of park and back into park, and that would usually unlock the key. As time went by, the problem went from happening once a week, to once a day, to nearly every single time I drive the car. Also, once it started happening more frequently, I couldn't troubleshoot to get the key out. I would just have to wait, sometimes up to two hours, and try again. Eventually, the key would just pop right out as if nothing had been wrong in the first place. Very frustrating and time consuming. The car is currently at the dealership getting a new ignition. We'll see how it works.

- Urbandale, IA, USA

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