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.
8.1
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$720
Average Mileage:
93,050 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (18 reports)
replace clock spring (4 reports)
replace air bag module (1 reports)
replace internal seat track assembly (1 reports)
replace passenger side cushion with sensor (1 reports)
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. A few days ago, I got in my car and the airbag light illuminated and did not go off. I have an appointment scheduled this week to have it look at, although I see it is an issue with a lot of the same make, model and year sonatas. Very aggravating. The whole line of 2011 Hyundai Sonatas should have been recalled with all of the complaints and ongoing issues. This is the 14th issue I have had with this car from date of purchase. It is absolutely ridiculous on Hyundai's behalf to sell a vehicle with this many issues.
Air bag light stays on and I have not been in any accidents. I have an appt. with the dealer on 7/30/16 along with another recall. I am also sick on the recalls. I hope they will fix it for free because it's obvious it's an manufacture defect. I've been hearing the same problem on line, and I have read from other people with the same problems that dealers are charging between $400-$1000 to have the problem repaired. I will update my complaint after my appt.
Mirroring other comments: air bag light magically stayed on today. No impact, collision, accident, etc. Passenger warning light in front of the passenger seat seems to work properly.
Not interested in an expensive repair for a problem that seems to be widespread. Not interested in an expensive repair IF the airbags will deploy as needed (I don't know this and would welcome that information) and not void or negate insurance settlement if I ignore the light. Ignoring the light is not an issue...unless (see earlier).
Pleased as can be with the car in general (177K+ and going strong) and not bothered by these type of issues...provided the manufacturer owns their part of the problem.
If this is an inexpensive reset or reboot that is great with me. If there is a driveway solution that is simple (I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination!) I am up for that as well. Again, the light is only annoying - as long as the airbags will deploy properly and ignoring the light won't void or negate insurance I am good with leaving it alone.
I don't know where to start. I am a Toyota fun. I love Toyota but for some stupid reason I decided to give Hyundai a chance. Worst decision ever. I have had all kinds of problems from gear not shifting properly to engine recall to ESC light indicator. I still have to manually reset shift gear to switch from park to drive/rear (I have lost count how many times I have taken the car to the Hyundai service center) I get up every morning wondering if I would be able to shift the gear or be late for work. I paid $15000+ for this car and knowing what I know now I wouldn't take it for free.
I would not recommend anyone buy a Hyundai and I never will myself. I hope my next car whatever it is won't give me as much grief.
I'M PREGNANT AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. IN RESULTS OF MY CLOCK SPRING BEING BROKE. THEY TELL ME I MUST REPLACE THIS DEFECT BUT I'VE NEVER HAD A WRECK IN MY CAR. AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I MUST REPLACE SOMETHING I DIDN'T DO.
- thowardtn,
Oak Ridge, TN, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I talk with the Hyundai service person he said that I have to pay to get this problem fixed. The brake light stays on when I have the headlights off and slippery light is on also along with airbags. I'm afraid to drive the car because of this problem. The Hyundai dealers won't help me because he said out of warranty because of mileage. I'm still paying on car. Someone please help me. I love the car but no one is listening.
I recently purchase Sonata 2011 used from a Dealer. Air Bag lights were not on but after couple of days Airbag lights came on for driver and passenger. This car has not been in any accident or crash. I checked the carfax report before buying. Car is very good but having air bags light on concerns me about safety.
Hyundai had few recalls on 2011 Sonata Limited model. I took to the dealer and the recall issues were fixed. But the airbag light issue was not.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. A few days ago, I got in my car and the airbag light illuminated and did not go off. I have an appointment scheduled this week to have it look at, although I see it is an issue with a lot of the same make, model and year sonatas. Very aggravating. The whole line of 2011 Hyundai Sonatas should have been recalled with all of the complaints and ongoing issues. This is the 14th issue I have had with this car from date of purchase. It is absolutely ridiculous on Hyundai's behalf to sell a vehicle with this many issues.
- Makeda B., Antioch, TN, US