Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2011 Hyundai Sonata — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2013 to Dec 2014
The most reported issue is steering problems (921 complaints). 116 complaints involved crashes. 111 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (14)
NHTSA Campaign: 18V934000
Component: ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V617000
Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V137000
Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
Risk: If the 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.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V152000
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V433000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.
Risk: If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V190000
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V568000
Component: ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V629000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
Risk: If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V759000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V434000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V113000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V457000
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V426000
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V070000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.
Risk: THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
Fix: HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 3357)
Engine →8 issues
Your engine suddenly stopped while driving and the mechanic confirmed it has failed completely. This appears to be related to a known manufacturing defect in 2011–2012 Hyundai Sonatas with 2.0L and 2.4L engines, where manufacturing debris can block oil flow to rod bearings, causing engine knock and failure. Hyundai issued a recall and extended warranty (10 years/120,000 miles) for this defect, but the dealership refused to replace your engine under warranty. Addressing this will require either a complete engine replacement or engine rebuild to restore your vehicle.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 2011 Hyundai Sonata's engine suddenly locked up and stopped working, making the car undrivable. The dealership confirmed the engine failure but denied your warranty claim, claiming the engine came from a salvaged or rebuilt vehicle—however, they wouldn't provide documentation or verify the engine serial number against your VIN to support this claim. Your vehicle history report shows no salvage or rebuilt title, yet Hyundai continues to refuse coverage. This engine model has been subject to recalls for premature failure and unexpected seizing. Resolving this will likely require engine replacement or a warranty dispute through Hyundai customer service or legal channels.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your engine is losing compression in two cylinders due to piston ring scoring, which caused engine shuddering and loss of power while driving on the highway—a potentially dangerous situation. The problem appears related to poor oil circulation in the engine. You've contacted Hyundai and your local dealership, but they've declined to cover the repair under warranty. Fixing this will likely require engine rebuilding or replacement to address the damaged pistons and cylinder walls.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car suddenly lost all engine power while driving at 30 MPH with no warning lights, and it wouldn't restart. A dealer diagnosed complete engine failure and said it was related to a previous recall for your vehicle, but the manufacturer denied coverage and claimed poor maintenance caused the problem. The engine would need to be replaced to fix this issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your 2011 Hyundai Sonata's engine suddenly failed while driving at 90,000 miles, causing a loss of power and abnormal noise that made it unsafe to continue driving. Before the failure, you noticed the engine was consuming oil faster than normal and made abnormal sounds for about a minute before stopping completely. A Hyundai dealership confirmed internal engine damage, but Hyundai denied your warranty claim. The fix will likely require a complete engine replacement or major internal engine rebuild.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While making a left turn, your engine lost power and wouldn't start normally. When it did restart, you heard abnormal knocking and saw smoke from under the hood. The dealer diagnosed a rod bearing failure, which typically results from inadequate oil maintenance. The engine may need complete replacement or major repair depending on the extent of damage.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
While driving on the freeway, your oil warning light came on and your engine immediately lost all power and shut down completely, forcing you to coast across traffic lanes with no ability to steer or brake properly. A technician confirmed your engine failed and the crankshaft won't turn, though the timing chain is intact. Hyundai has acknowledged this as a known engine failure issue covered under their settlement program and is willing to discuss repair or replacement options.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car's check engine light started blinking and the vehicle became completely undrivable shortly after you picked it up from the dealership following an oil change and diagnostic. The dealership's initial diagnostic showed no engine problems, but a second diagnostic revealed a knock sensor issue that wasn't detected before. The dealership says your engine has too many miles to be covered under warranty.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic →2 issues
Your braking system has failed multiple times, causing your car to lose power, trigger a brake alarm, and limit your speed to 15 mph. This happened at least three separate occasions (including once with a loud squealing sound), even after the dealer performed a recall repair on the ABS module. The underlying cause appears to be a faulty ABS module that continues to malfunction despite being replaced.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your brake warning light came on and your car shut off while driving. After recalls and multiple repair attempts at different dealers—including replacement of the hydraulic ABS booster sensor—the ABS warning light continues to come back on intermittently. The issue has reoccurred even after the recall repair and the sensor replacement, and dealers have been unable to permanently fix the problem.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Structure →2 issues
Your 2011–2014 Sonata has developed severe rust on the underside of the vehicle, and the structural metal has become so corroded that you're concerned it could break while driving. Even though Hyundai completed a rust prevention service in 2017, the rust has continued to worsen. Hyundai has declined to provide further repairs because your car has a branded title, but the structural integrity issue remains a safety concern. Addressing this will likely require professional undercarriage cleaning, rust treatment, and possible replacement of severely corroded structural components.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Your car's rear frame near the passenger side has developed severe corrosion while parked. The dealer inspected the vehicle but didn't diagnose or repair the issue, and the manufacturer opened a case to investigate. Addressing this will likely require frame repair or replacement to prevent structural integrity issues.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Steering,engine →1 issue
You experienced grinding sounds from the front wheels and steering wheel while driving at highway speeds. After the dealer replaced the rod bearings and hubs, you heard a loud grinding noise at various speeds the next day, followed by engine knocking and jerking between 25-35 MPH. Your accelerator pedal stopped responding normally, and the engine failed to restart when you pulled over. The mechanic diagnosed complete engine failure and recommended engine replacement, but the dealer refused the repair citing insufficient maintenance history at 138,000 miles. This repair would likely require a complete engine replacement or overhaul.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your airbag warning light stays on constantly on the driver side, while the passenger side indicator shows the airbag is off. You haven't been in an accident, but your dashboard has developed cracks across both sides and the center. A technician will need to diagnose why the airbag system is showing a warning and check the airbag module for any fault codes.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Electrical System,service Brakes,engine →1 issue
Your brake warning light suddenly turns on and your engine shuts off while you're driving, which has happened multiple times. This appears to be caused by a problem with the brake switch or the electrical system that controls your engine. The sudden shutdown is dangerous because it could cause other vehicles to rear-end you or leave you without power in traffic, and the dealership hasn't been able to identify or fix the issue.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Steering →1 issue
Your steering column may develop excessive play and movement due to a defective bushing, causing the steering to feel loose and making it harder to control the car smoothly. You might notice banging noises or a sensation of free play when turning the wheel. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the worn steering column bushing.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car was broken into by thieves who broke off your door handle and removed ignition parts. A police report has been filed for this incident.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Air Bags →1 issue
Your dashboard has developed cracks over time, and your airbag warning light stays on constantly, while the passenger-side airbag light shows as off. You're concerned about driving longer distances because of the airbag issue. The airbag system may need diagnostic testing and possible component replacement to resolve the warning light and ensure the safety system functions properly.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Fuel System, Gasoline →1 issue
Your car failed to start and you noticed a strong fuel smell coming from under the hood. When you looked underneath, you found a leak—a mechanic confirmed your fuel line was leaking. This is a fuel system problem that needs repair to prevent fuel odor issues and potential safety hazards.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your cruise control isn't working because dirt is getting inside and blocking it from functioning properly. This appears to be a design issue that allows dirt to accumulate in the cruise control mechanism. The fix will likely involve cleaning out the cruise control components or replacing them with improved parts that better protect against dirt buildup.
Parts you may need:
As an Amazon Associate, MyCarTSB earns from qualifying purchases.
Get notified when any of these become free repairs
We'll alert you if a new recall is issued for your vehicle — that means a free fix at the dealer.
Related Vehicles
Other Hyundai Sonata years:
Other 2011 vehicles: