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.
When using the key fob to lock the doors, we heard them lock and thought nothing of this. Then I began nagging at my husband for not locking the drivers door on the Sonata. We then realized when we heard the locking sound from hitting the lock button on the key fob, it was not locking the drivers door. We would have to lock and unlock this door by hand, until it randomly began responding to the key fob again before we could get it in to be looked at by the dealership.
Now, we see that there is yet another recall for this car for this issue and are looking into getting it fixed...that is, if we can first deal with the other issue of the engine seizing-again this is an issue that is being investigated because of the high number of complaints of it happening.
This vehicle is equipped with proximity key system. The vehicle would not start even with the key in the vehicle, we tried to use both keys, the vehicle would not recognize either key. Lights illuminated in the dash, engine light and oil light (car not running) other lights lit in gear shifter and still no connection. Radio was playing, lights flashing without the key inside the car or without pushing the start bottom. We could not open the trunk there is no key slot and the key fob trunk button would not unlock trunk. Car was towed to the nearest dealer. Note: This is the second time our vehicle experienced this problem. July 3, 2014 July 8, 2014 same problem where we needed a tow to the dealership. Happened twice in one week. Dealership states it the battery had to pay $159.00 for new one.
- Abigail K.,
Fort Thomas, KY, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
When using the key fob to lock the doors, we heard them lock and thought nothing of this. Then I began nagging at my husband for not locking the drivers door on the Sonata. We then realized when we heard the locking sound from hitting the lock button on the key fob, it was not locking the drivers door. We would have to lock and unlock this door by hand, until it randomly began responding to the key fob again before we could get it in to be looked at by the dealership.
Now, we see that there is yet another recall for this car for this issue and are looking into getting it fixed...that is, if we can first deal with the other issue of the engine seizing-again this is an issue that is being investigated because of the high number of complaints of it happening.
- labuda, Cockeysville, MD, US