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 driving at 55 mph, the steering wheel made an abnormal clicking noise, vibrated, and sometimes moved independently. The contact stated that this was a recurring issue that became worse during inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering); however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 30 mph, there was a clicking noise that came from the steering column and the vehicle veered to the right without warning. When the brake pedal was depressed, the steering wheel began to shake. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed that the steering column failed and should be taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was informed the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata limited displayed a loud rattling sound from the the steering column when driven over rough roadway. There was also a clunking sound from steering column when wheel was turned in either direction. Also noticed the steering wheel/column had dropped almost 2 inches from its originally mounted position. Local dealership indicated a flexible coupling in the steering shaft showed excessive deterioration--causing play in the steering, the noise and the dropping of the steering column. He stated it was the worst he has ever seen--extremely dangerous--his words--as steering capability could be lost. He wanted to keep the faulty part for reference--I declined and maintained the part for my records. I was advised Hyundai was aware of this particular defect and there was no recall at this time. Service manager simply said they don't make parts like they used to. The steering shaft coupler was replaced and the steering column was realigned. The repair was $383.72 with the part costing $49.50. This was not covered by recall or the extended warranty. I have researched this specific defect and found it to be an extremely dangerous one, and one which there have been numerous previous complaints filed with the NHTSA--I strongly believe a recall is warranted--for the safety of those in the vehicle and on the roadway. Updated 11/07/2017
When the vehicle reaches 70mph the steering wheel shakes violently and the vehicle becomes difficult to control. There is a noticeable clunk and play in the steering in park or driving. Tires and alignment have been ruled out. The noise is coming from the power steering motor.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was parked, the contact heard a noise coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,500.
- Clermont , FL, USA
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As I was driving and/or steering I would hear a clicking noise. This was a safety concern to me so I did contact Hyundai to see if there had been any recalls. I was told not at this time only recall was for a shift level cable. Ok so I proceed to the dealership to learn that the part is $7 and the labor is $224. Nice. I am currently unemployed and need a car to find a job so its a lose lose situation. In my option this part should have been on a safety recall as I review the complaints I see this issue has occurred in many of Hyundai cars. Hyundai should take the responsibility to correct this safety issue. I was told that if I did not repair this part that much more damage would occur. I am asking that Hyundai research and come to their senses and issue a recall and a refund to me for their error. Updated 09/15/15 updated 11/3/2017
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed by the dealer that the steering shaft was replaced at 37,000 miles before the contact owned the vehicle. Upon the contact driving the vehicle, the steering wheel had a very strong vibration while turning right or left. When traveling over unleveled land, the vehicle made a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. MA 08/13/15 updated 10/30/2017
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While operating the vehicle, a popping and knocking noise was present from the steering column when the steering wheel was turned. In addition, when driving over 70 mph, the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The steering column is making a clicking noise..I called Hyundai to see was it a recall on it bit was told it had already beed fixed.but after two months it started making the clicking noise...so if it was already fixed.why is the problem is still ongoing....can it be a lemon...or just a serious defect that just keep happen..then I looked it up on line and it said the steering wheel can come detached from the column....and I don't have the money to get it fixed...can someone please help before me or my family is hurt or killed.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at 35 mph, the steering column vibrated and made abnormal popping noises and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the steering wheel was loose after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Contacted Hyundai concerning the steering coupling and steering column recalls. Hyundai refuse recall repairs because of the following: 1. since the vehicle was not under warranty. They were not obligated to fix the recall. 2. the mileage was 13,000 over 60,000 miles and they were not obligated to fix the recall. This is a major safety issues which according to the recall should have a 10 year warranty when it is fixed. Please help me understand why hyndai will not honor a government recall and fix my vehicle.
My wife and I bought a brand new 2011 Hyundai Sonata in late 2010. We have had several recalls but none of them have been related to a steering and suspension problem we have been experiencing. A vibration seems to be coming from the right side and the steering wheel makes a popping noise when rocking it back and forth. There is an increased vibration/shaking at 70 mph or higher speeds in the steering/suspension without much vibration in the steering wheel and it is getting worse.
While driving the steering column began making a strande grinding type of noise. This is heard whenever the steering wheel is turned at any speed. The vehicle feels like there is no power steering. I have been told that the coupling, the steering gear system was bad and the entire steering column needs to be changed. This is a safety issue. The dealer wants $1400. This is ludicrous! the coupling is only $8-10. What is really going on with Hyundai? I just recently had to replace the engine because it just shut down when making a turn. The engine had seized. This is also an issue with 2011 Sonata!!!!
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel vibrated and made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving the vehicle or while stationary, the contact heard abnormal noises coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or independent mechanic prior to the failure and repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 95,678.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel made a shaking motion. The failure recurred multiple times and at different speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 10V457000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. MA 10/8 updated 10/18/2017
Whenever I make a turn the steering wheel makes a clicking noise. I wast old that it could be the flex coupling in the steering column and that other people has taken their cars with the same problem to the dealerships to get the problem fixed. But when I went to the dealership they said that is no recall for my car. I'm trying to figure out if I do rate the recall because it does concern 2011 Sonata and I do have a 2011 Sonata.
Detected slack in steering wheel, accompanied with thunk and noise that is both felt and heard. Slack and noise is prevalent with engine running or engine off. A slight but distinct rotational noise is also heard at idle. Problem appears to be consistent with worn or loose steering components.
When traveling at low speeds car makes a clunking sound. Was very concern something was wrong with the suspension, took the car to my mechanic. The mechanic put the vehicle on the lift and found the suspension to be in good shape. He then test drove the car and stated there is a problem with the 2011 Sonatas with the power steering. Stated that a rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering assembly is a common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Sonatas.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Jacksonville, FL, USA