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 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,741 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Jan 012022

Sonata

  • 150,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update and the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that a failure related to the recall recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact was able to drive the vehicle again; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure, and an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #23

Dec 182023

Sonata

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the low fuel light was illuminated. The contact stated that the alternator was replaced prior to the failure. The vehicle was refueled by a tow truck driver. The contact stated that after several days, the vehicle drove as needed; however, the failure reoccurred at a drive-thru. The vehicle was towed to a nearby hotel. The low fuel warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a week later. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was fuel leaking out of the fuel pump gasket. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the fuel pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #22

Aug 152023

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, both her and her passenger smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle's cabin. The contact then noticed that flames were coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and both her and her passenger exited the vehicle. As the contact waited for a fire truck, the vehicle burned to the ground. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The vehicle's remains were towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that her vehicle was apart of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000(Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Lithonia, GA, USA

problem #21

Oct 172022

Sonata

  • 115,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the fuel tube; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and a fuel odor was detected while the defroster was activated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was fuel leaking in the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Sand Springs, OK, USA

problem #20

Feb 132019

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000 (Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle would accelerate whenever the volume for the radio is turned up. The vehicle would suddenly accelerate inadvertently when other functions of the vehicle were activated. The vehicle also suddenly stalled at various speeds, causing the contact to turn off and then restart the vehicle several times to regain normal functionality. The brakes also failed intermittently. The vehicle displayed a warning light however, the contact was unsure of the meaning. The failure mileage was unknown due to odometer fraud that was linked with the vehicle. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Erie, PA, USA

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problem #19

Feb 022021

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving, the seat belt failed to latch properly. The contact's daughter forced the seat belt into the latch to securely latch the seat belt. Additionally, the contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge indicated that there was no fuel in the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to apple valley Hyundai (2934 valley ave, winchester, va 22601, (855) 463-5530) to be diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17V617000 (seat belts) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Stone Ridge, VA, USA

problem #18

Jan 072020

Sonata

  • 139,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was heard under the vehicle after going over a bump in the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently with the fuel system and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and map sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel system was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the struts were not inspected. Crain Hyundai little rock (11701 colonel glenn road, little rock, ar 72210 (501) 604-1500) was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls was under the VIN. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign number: 15V629000 (suspension) and 18V934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) as possible solutions to the failures however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to contact NHTSA to place a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000. Invalid VIN.

- Whitehall, AR, USA

problem #17

Aug 232019

Sonata

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While idling at a stop sign, the vehicle began to hesitate and jerk forward. The contact also heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that when he depressed the accelerator pedal, the hesitation stopped. However, when the vehicle decelerated, it began to hesitate and jerk again. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle near his residence because it was unable to be driven. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced on February 16, 2018 per NHTSA campaign number: 15V759000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact's VIN was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 18V934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was towed to mcgrath city Hyundai (located at 6750 w grand ave, Chicago, il 60707, (773) 889-9090), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #16

Mar 012017

Sonata

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the engine failed to function normally. The vehicle was taken to atlantic Hyundai (193 sunrise hwy North service rd, West islip, NY 11795, (631) 587-0700) where it was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 18V934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). The remedy failed and the check engine indicator illuminated; however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle again. In addition, the tail lights shorted out numerous times and the bulbs were replaced more than five times. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the faulty engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was not available.

- Central Islip, NY, USA

problem #15

Jan 292019

Sonata

  • 121,457 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the reduced engine power and check engine warning indicators flashed. The manufacturer provided a product enhancement campaign for a software update pertaining to the engine. Hatfield Hyundai (1400 auto mall pkwy, columbus, oh 43228, (855) 627-7144) repaired the vehicle, but the failure recurred within less than a week. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. While at the dealer, smoke appeared from the vehicle. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline), but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 121,457.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #14

May 052018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 120,000 miles

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

Good afternoon, I am contacting the Consumer Affairs department regarding the recall 180 Hyundai is conducting a safety recall in the United States to confirm the high pressure fuel pipe was properly connected by Hyundai dealers to the high-pressure fuel pump outlet when the engine was replaced under recalls 132 and 162. In come cases, during the engine replacements under recall campaigns 132 and 162, the high pressure fuel pipe may have damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180. My Hyundai Sonata limited was involved in an accident after Hyundai had just replaced the motor and on impact the whole car caught on fire, so what I am trying to do is find out do I need to contact NHTSA in regards to this matter but I feel that my life, the person involved in the accident was totally at risk due to this malfunction and I am out of so much and was put in a very hard financial place due to this fire when it could have been prevented. If someone could please contact me at [xxx] thanks, [xxx] VIN #: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Baytown, TX, USA

problem #13

Dec 142014

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
The fuel pump module has high resistance at the connector and burned a hole through it. Connector burned* that should not have happened, this could have caused an explosion or a fire to start...this is not normal wear and tear and is a safety hazard....the part was manufactured wrong and should not have worn out. We are thankful that we are still alive.

- Corinth, TX, USA

problem #12

Jun 042014

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 75,203 miles
The car was parked. Started and backed up I proceeded forward at 10-15 mph in a parking lot and the car just died would not start I had plenty of power lights etc but it would not turn over. Had to have the car towed. A car only four years old should not have a safety issue like this. This is a safety issue biz if we had rode in the car for 10 minutes and it stalled we would have been on a very dangerous section of a highway that would most certainly ended with an accident and even a worse scenario. For you to have no warning a signal or a bell but for it to just shut off. I have enjoyed the car for the most part but between a oil sensor going a few year ago and the car died the same way in the middle of an intersection and the car going dead again in the course of the vehicle moving I seriously would not recommend or consider buying a Sonata again I hope this note has some effect on fixing this problem before fatalities occur. (now I also have a huge repair bill for a problem that so obviously a faulty part.

- Morton, PA, USA

problem #11

May 022012

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
On 5 occasions my car has temporarily stalled/lost power for an instant, always at freeway speed within 10 miles of my home. The sensation is as if the car had run into something heavy on the pavement. It violently pitched my wife and I forward and I expect that we would have hit the dash had we not been wearing seatbelts. After exiting the freeway in all cases, the car had barely enough acceleration to drive more than 25 mph for the couple of miles to the dealer. The dealer claims that they cannot repair a problem which they cannot duplicate. I understand this but find it difficult to believe that Hyundai has never heard of this issue before. I strongly feel that my vehicle is unsafe and needs to be repaired under the manufacturer's warranty. I am only 30,000 miles into a 100,000 mile warranty.

- Sellersburg, IN, USA

problem #10

Aug 012013

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 26,045 miles
Car stopped several times during highway driving, causing driver unnecessary stress that she would be involved in deadly accident. Had to move to shoulder area during rushhour traffic several times, in the DC area. Multiple attempts to get issues addressed with dealerships in DC/md. Told many reasons why the sudden stops. Had to pay off of pocket for rental, never addressed to satisfaction of owner. Major, major problems with sudden stops without any warnings.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #9

Oct 032013

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
I am reporting a second incident that occurred after the date of the first incident I previously reported in my earlier complaint. As noted in my earlier complaint, the car had experienced catastrophic engine failure. I had the car taken for repair to the Hyundai licensed dealer and automotive repair service center operated by Hyundai burlingame (1025 rollins road, burlingame, ca 94010). The repair center explained the engine would have to be completely replaced and so would the fuel intake valve. A new engine and intake valve were installed in the car. On 10/2/2013, the repair work was completed and my spouse picked up the car and returned to our residence. On 10/3/2013, my spouse was driving the repaired car to work during the morning commute on southbound I-280 in the bay area when the car began to make loud clanging noises and violently shake and shudder. My spouse was able to pull of the highway just as the car again experienced catastrophic engine failure and the engine began releasing very heavy dark smoke. As the engine failed, the power to the steering went out and this made the car difficult to maneuver. The car was towed to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealer and service repair center, stevens creek Hyundai (4425 steven creek blvd., santa clara, ca 95051). Stevens creek Hyundai opened the hood of the car and examined the engine. Steven creek Hyundai told my spouse there was a high pressure gasoline leak and gasoline had been spurting on the hot engine and also that there was some sort of catastrophic engine failure.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #8

Apr 082011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 1,677 miles
There is a smell of gas/engine fumes notable in the vehicle on occasion. The problem does not happen consistently, however there are some common factors to when the smell in noticeable. These factors include: 1) the engine must be hot, generally having been driven for at least 15 minutes or more. The smell is never noticeable when the engine is cold, such as after sitting overnight. 2) the vehicle must be either moving at very slow speeds of <25 M.P.H., or sitting still. Examples would include driving through parking lots, sitting at an idle for a long period at a stop light, when first starting the vehicle after sitting in a parking lot for awhile, etc. 3) when the gas / fume smell is notable with greatest intensity, it seems to occur after a hot engine soak of 15~45 minutes at ambient temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit or above and in conditions of moderate- to high-humidity. Examples include during periods of heavy fog, rainy days, snowstorms, etc. On occasion, the smell is strong enough that it is no longer comfortable to remain in the vehicle. Rolling down a window at speeds >25 M.P.H. to clear out the cabin air, followed by activating the HVAC recirculation button will lessens immediate recurrence the smell to some extent. Finding ways to "mask" the smell are of lesser concern than determining why the smell exists in the first place. The vehicle has been in for this concern twice, with neither trip to the service bay having resolved the concern. While it does not appear to be an issue causing immediate danger (no noticeable fuel leaks or signs of fire), the smell of gas and engine fumes entering the passenger cabin is a bit concerning, both from a potential fire hazard in the future, and/or exposure to carbon dioxide and other noxious fumes while operating the vehicle. I will return the vehicle for a third visit to resolve this concern.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #7

Aug 312011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 1,604 miles
Loss of power, car shuts down, 'check charging system' alarm/chime with alarm symbols on dash display for battery, check engine and wrench icons. Have to pull off the highway somehow (in midst of heavy traffic) to shut car completely off and restart. On third incident (one day after second), car would not restart for 10 minutes and check engine icon remained lit. Every incident has been while traveling at high rate of speed in commuter highway traffic. Very frightening and dangerous experience for driver and safety hazard to others when it occurs.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #6

Aug 262011

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
The vehicle (2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T) leaks gas at the rear of the vehicle after fill up. This can continue after 2 bars removed off from fuel gauge. It has leaked in the garage, which inturn has got gas fumes in the house. There is also an extremely strong odor of gas in the cabin. We have to drive with the windows down to clear the fumes. This is an extremely dangerous situation that the Hyundai dealership is not taking serious. Will it take an explosion for someone to do something about the problem. I have read numerous complaints about similar issues. This needs to be investigated before someone is hurt. This problem happens every time that we fill up the car. The vehicle has been into the dealership 3 times for this complaint.

- Tempe, AZ, USA

problem #5

Apr 072011

Sonata

  • 9,000 miles
I agree with the other complaints about the fuel fumes. My husband had mentioned to me while I was warming my car that the smoke coming from the tail pipe was very strong. I then begin to notice fumes inside the vehicle and thought I was just imaging things. The highway safety commission need to look into to these complaints before someone get killed. I get sick and tired of going to the dealers and they claim nothing is wrong with the car. Hyundai need to wake up and look into these complaints.

- Capitol Heights, MD, USA

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