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:
18 / 84
Injuries / Deaths:
15 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,895 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.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact parked the vehicle at a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact contacted two independent mechanics about the failure and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Ever since I had a new engine put in my car, my car hasn't been the same. It acts like it doesn't want to go when pressing the gas pedal right after (was told it was the eco mode), then my dash started to crack, now is extremely cracked which has an air bag, gas gage has a mind of its own, burning a severe amount of oil a week so there is no point in 'changing the oil', oil light never once comes on letting me know its low, no oil on my driveway or under the hood, interior dome light sometimes doesn't shut off, the brake lights short out on a monthly basis and get pulled over by the cops all the time. Now with only 50,000 miles on the 'new engine', I take it back to the dealership because its smoking when I crank it, doesn't accelerate sometimes going down the road when I press the gas, then starts smoking, headlights flicker, engine light stays on and low tire light stays on (even after getting new tires & alignment). Took it in yesterday, Hyundai is stating my oxygen sensors, catalytic converter & gaskets and intake manifold need to be replaced at $3,177. The car isn't even worth that much. This is not the reason why my car is using excessive amounts of oil, smoking when I crank it and acts like the engine is about to blow up. Then they come back to tell me it needs the above, plus an engine replacement but out of 'goodwill' they will only charge me 20% ($2,000) with no loaner car. Its going on 3 weeks now. The corporate office is useless and very rude. I have a voicemail stating 'this is the highest customer service department and once the decision has be made, those decisions are fianl and its up to you to decline or accept our offer.' It's the engine, again! which then lead to other issues! I will never buy another Hyundai again!! this car has caused nothing but money and time, complete waste of junk!
The engine blow in my car and I'm trying to figure out if it has a recall on it because my car was working just fine. I was driving and it started making a loud knocking noise
I purchase this vehicle the owner tollme the engine spend lot of oil I still purchace, I still buy this car but 3 days pass I check engine after awas driving 65 mil car was making lot of noise I stop and was with (0)oil I check internet on this car and is recall for this engine burning oil and need to be replaced I contact the dealer they told me to bring the car to perform oil consumption I bring the car and they did the oil change 95 dollars and 2weeks later was no oil again they told me the they will documented and see if they decide to replace
I purchased this used car in September 11,2020 I had it inspected and it passed. I drove the car daily to work, one day (October 23,2020) while driving home the car just shut off in the middle of the street in philadelphia on adams ave, someone from the neighborhood had to push my car to a safe location, I tried to restart it and nothing, had it towed to triple a car care center where I was told it has a engine lock, the engine will not turn. I was told to call Hyundai to see if they will repair it and I was told by Hyundai that it was not a recall on this specific VIN, I am very sad and upset.
- Phila, PA, USA
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The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a tapping and knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment and the driving speed failed to exceed 20 mph before the engine suddenly stalled. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,000.
I starting hearing a clicking then the car lost all power, steering was so stiff, brakes would not prss down I was able to get off the road then smoke was pouring out the front. I could smell wires buring we pour water down in the motor but the hoses were still hot to the touch. The car will not restart. I scared me to death in so glad I slowed down. I bought the car less than 1yr ago. Dont dealers have to check these things. I'm so frustrated. Should not be allowed to sell a car if you know theres an open recall. I'm thankful my kids werent with me.
Driving home from work one day at 55miles per hr my engine just stalled out and turned off, since then the engine makes a clicking sound and has lost all power, and the tires make a clicking sound when I turn
I bought this used O this summer had it looked at and had oil change and the engine needs replaced. Oil was completely gone but no leak. And cruise control stopped working. This was supposed to be a reliable car for my daughter to get back and forth to college.
Suspension making loud thump noise while driving and check engine light is on after engine been replaced and seatbelt light is on...and paint and clear coat is pealing
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer frank Hyundai located at 3150 national city blvd, national city, ca 91950, (888) 355-2980, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal odor and noises coming from the engine, all the warning lights illuminated, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from the engine. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was unable to start. The contact pushed the vehicle into a parking lot where it currently was parked. The contact called an independent mechanic where it was advised that a new engine be installed. The contact later contacted world car Hyundai North, 12908 interstate 35 North bldg 2, san antonio, tx 78233, and informed them of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty was only for a 120,000 miles and provided no further assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,537.
My car just died on me I believe it the motor just died on me I may havw 140,000 miles no indication. The car stop on me while I was on freeway I had to cruise to the next exit and park in 09 a motel parking lot
This is my daughter's car. On the evening of 9/6/2020, they were driving home when the car just stalled out and would not restart. This was on a city street a couple of blocks from their home. They pushed it to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Within 5 minutes, the car was ablaze and police and fire were called to the scene. We contacted Hyundai the next day and they have opened a case number 17293089 and we are waiting to hear from therm.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Houston, TX, USA