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:
20 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
50,849 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. While making a left or right turn, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact called the Hyundai dealer in stockton, ca at 855-371-9460 and was informed that she needed a rubber coupling for the steering wheel. The contact was informed that the vehicle was over the mileage for the extended warranty and could not be serviced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was over the mileage and the contact needed to pay for the repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering wheel / steering coupler. Steering wheel would shake and rattle when driving over a bump( all the time) or hit a certain speed or driving on a freeway.
I have had issues with this car since I purchased it and purchase the extended warranty however all it has done is help with standard oil changes. The power steering or the steering wheel rather begin making a loud clicking noise when going in reverse it would be more pronounced I took it to the dealership and after two times there they finally said oh it's the left transaxle I took the vehicle home and immediately same sound I took it to capital Hyundai and they said oh it's the right transaxle my tires have worn three times already on the front since I purchased this car in 2014 so I'm going through six tires in three years on the front end in addition to this problem I took the car in because the radio volume up button when I pressed it would initiate the phone functions of the car when I would hit cruise control resume then it would cancel the cruise control completely I told him this and they ended up replacing the left side buttons on my steering wheel but now my cruise control doesn't work at all in addition to this when I plug in iphone charger socket into the power receptacle the radio stops working and has complete interference when I pull it out the interference stops in the radio returns to normal the cooling function of the vehicle is nonexistent it blows hot air regardless until the engine gets really warm then it will blow cool air. As soon as the vehicle stops moving instance if I stop at a red light it begins blowing hot air again. When I had my oil changed in the last time I checked the oil and it was already black I took the car in for these service for the recall for the engine inspection and I feel like Hyundai is going to say there's nothing wrong with the car because they're representing Hyundai. I believe there should be an independent inspection facility to ensure that these engines are up to standard I don't believe my engine is
The steering wheel has a defective part and there is no recall. Complaints all over the internet. The steering wheel clicks when you turn or hit a bump and the steering wheel is very loose. The defective part is a "coupler" that costs $5 to buy, but they want $400 for labor. This is a common known issue and it's a safety hazard, but there's no recall. It's ridiculous. I nearly lost control hitting a bump because the steering is so loose from this defect.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at any speed over a bump, the steering felt loose when the steering wheel was turned. The contact also heard a loud clicking noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the failures started approximately one month ago. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (thomas brothers auto center located at 3034 clairemont drive, san diego, California) who diagnosed that the power steering shaft connector needed replacement. The contact was also informed of NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
- Bonita, CA, USA
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When turning there is clicking "thuds" and "clicking" sound when moving from left to right. This happens every time. I checked on other forums, a lot of users with Sonata are facing this issue.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving in the center lane at approximately 60 mph, the steering ability seized and it became very hard to steer. The electronic power steering and seat belt warning indicators illuminated. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to the road shoulder and turned off the engine. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's daughter was driving 5 mph, the engine stalled without warning. On another occasion, while the contact's daughter was driving 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle failed to stop. On another occasion, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on four occasions. The vehicle was at the dealer for three months. The entire engine was replaced along with other unknown parts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 39,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times. There had been multiple failures concerning the six manufacturer recalls that the vehicle was included in, and the contact was uncertain of when the dealer would provide a remedy and the parts. The steering wheel made an abnormal noise and the engine had an internal failure, in which metal fragments were released, and there was a loss of oil. The contact was unable to determine what caused the oil to lower and the premature failure of the engine. The engine assembly was replaced by an independent mechanic. The dealer had been unclear as to when the remedy and parts would be available. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V190000 (steering), 17V152000 (seat belts), 15V759000 (service brakes, hydraulic), 15V568000 (engine), 14V433000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 10V457000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
Previously reported problem with electric power steering motor-to-shaft coupling wearing out prematurely. Have received an extended warranty notice but it has already expired. Issue noticed prior to 100K miles. Dealer said $400 but no safety issue. Now they will fix it but it is past the 100K extended warranty. This should have been a no-cost recall.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became very loose and made a clicking noise. The contact immediately took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering coupling failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000...updated 06/27/17
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving over 60 mph, the steering wheel shook, vibrated, and a knocking noise was present. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 29,000.
When driving at night dash lights flicker and go out intermittently as well as head lights flickering. Then the headlights come on full bright and cannot be controlled with the interior light dimmer. Not a good thing to happen at night. This does not happen all the time.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking noise that originated on the driver's side. The dealer diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 99,000.
In 2016, the steering column started rattling while driving to/from work: City streets, about 7 miles one way. No driving issue yet but something is broken in the steering column. The Hyundai dealership looked and said its a "coupler" that's broken and... its not covered with my full warranty.." also said it could potentially effect power steering. How can it not be covered"
While driving my 2011 Sonata and turning left the steering wheel makes a loud clicking sound. Also steering wheel makes a horrible loud noise when driving over rough roads. It sounds like it is going to break. This just started a few days ago. I also have a ton of road nose. I hope everyone experiencing these same issues will complain to Hyundai.
Steering column recall: Had the recall done by Hyundai new rochelle. Immediately felt and heard a difference in the steering (loose clicking sound when turning) and immediately took it back to dealer. I was told all was okay and it was part of the new recall. Soon after the clicking sound when turning the steering wheel got louder and my horn goes in and out or working. Was told by another mechanic (when I went to get my wheels balanced as the steering wheel shaking) that they could see the replacement from the recall but that there seems to be too much "play" between the gears so that they do not meet flush. Was told it is a costly job and should go back to the dealership service department to report the problem. Seems there are many more problems just like mine following this recall all over the internet.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Stockton, CA, USA