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:
50,937 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 56 of 58)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #57

Dec 082010

Sonata

  • 3,800 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 30 mph, the vehicle begin to abnormally pull to the left. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer stated that the front driver side tire would need replacing. The dealer replaced the tire but the contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the dealer stated that the vehicle would need a wheel alignment. The dealer performed a wheel alignment but to no avail. The third time, the dealer stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact had not called the manufacturer to report the failure. The contact stated that he believed the vehicle to be very unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 3,800.

- Brookville, WI, USA

problem #56

Dec 302010

Sonata

  • 101 miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T the vehicle has a consistent pull to the left that is always present; it is more noticeable at speeds above 45mph. The pull to the left is significant enough to cause the vehicle to change lanes quickly and dangerously if the wheel is left unattended for a few seconds. Constant driver input to turn the wheel right is always needed to counteract this tendency to pull left. Turning the steering wheel to the left requires significantly less effort than turning the wheel to the right. This issue occurs on all roads, regardless of the travel lane, crown, or pavement type. The issue occurs under constant speed, acceleration, and deceleration (with or without applying the brakes). Additionally, the steering wheel does not appear to be perfectly centered when the vehicle is traveling in a straight path, it appears slightly turned to the left at all times. Arm fatigue sets in after long trips of fighting the wheel, especially in the left lane where the road is sloped for drainage, the problem is exaggerated.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #55

Dec 082010

Sonata

  • 100 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata limited. While driving approximately 45 mph he noticed that the vehicle pulled to the left. He stated that the steering feels light when turning to the left and heavy when turning to the right. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer for the failure. He stated the failure has been on going for three weeks. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 100 and the current mileage was 1,200.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #54

Dec 232010

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 81 miles

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

Vehicle pulls to the left on any road surface when going over 40 mph. When the steering wheel is held to center, the car drifts into oncoming traffic within a few seconds (2 or 3). This is a huge safety concern. In order to correct the issue one must constantly hold the steering wheel to the right. Over long drives this causes major arm fatigue due to constant readjustment. After reviewing other user reports this problem seems widespread and is not being acknowledged by Hyundai as an issue. Many vehicles are being returned to customers with a blanket statement of, "we've done all we can do." This is an unacceptable safety hazard.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #53

Dec 042010

Sonata

  • 15 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was abnormally and abruptly pulling to the left. The vehicle had been to the dealer several times where the dealer performed an alignment and reset the electronic steering box to no avail. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 15 and the current mileage was 1,335.

- Pound Ridge, NY, USA

problem #52

Oct 262010

Sonata

  • 30 miles
Purchased new 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE from oxmoor Hyundai in louisville, ky on 10/26/10. Noticed vehicle pulling left on drive home from dealership after purchase. Notified dealership the following day to have vehicle scheduled to be looked at by service department. Took vehicle to service department on 11/1/10 and they performed an alignment, which did not correct the problem. Returned to service department with vehicle on 11/3/10. Tire air pressure checked, alignment checked again and tires were rotated, but vehicle still pulled left. Advised by dealership to return with vehicle to have Hyundai factory representative involved with case. Vehicle has been at dealership since 11/7/10. Service rep said they have replaced left side control arm and strut, and are currently getting ready to install camber bolt and re-align vehicle. Vehicle, since we have owned it, pulls to the left frequently, but intermittently, and has yet to have problem corrected after 3 visits to the dealerships service department.

- Taylorsville, KY, USA

problem #51

Apr 152010

Sonata

  • 4,000 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 35 mph the vehicle pulled to the left. While this happened the contact heard a loud bang. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they were unable to diagnose the steering failure. The dealer suspected that the wheel alignment was off. The dealer performed four wheel alignments four times which did not correct the failure. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the steering and the manufacturer will send a regional representative to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the safety issue that could potentially cause a crash. The failure mileage was 4,000.

- Windber, PA, USA

problem #50

Dec 152010

Sonata

  • 15,000 miles
I started the car in the parking garage and a high pitched whine was produced while the esp light was flashing. I turned the motor off and restarted and the issue went away, later that evening after leaving a restaurant I started the car and the loud high pitch whine started again with the esp light flashing. Of great concern was the steering wheel began shaking violently and would not stop. The car was not drivable so I pulled to the side of the parking lot and turned off the engine. The steering wheel would not stop shaking and did so for about 30 minutes until it stopped. The loud noise also stopped. I called Hyundai assistance and it was going to be morning before I could get it towed. I have had cars give trouble in the past but not like this where I was extremely concerned for my safety.

- Buford, GA, USA

problem #49

Oct 132010

Sonata

  • 7,250 miles
Vehicle was brought into the auto dealer for oil change & check of steering recall on Oct.13,2010. On subsequent dates of Oct. 19, Nov. 4, and Nov.11,2010 I brought it back because the steering was pulling to the left. It would appear to be fixed on each of these dates, but the pulling would return. On Dec. 6 I called the dealer & was informed that an engineer was on site and determined that the problem was self correcting & no further work would be done on my car. When I complained to service mgr., he was sympathetic and gave me tel. # Hyundai customer affairs. I called and was given a cae #4208898. On Dec. 8 I received a call from chet conner, who related to me that an engineer & D'arcy mtrs. Service mgr. Checked out my car on Dec. 6 and determined that the" steering was performing as it should" ( on that date my car was with me-not at the dealer). When I informed him that the steering was still pulling to the left, he repeated the aforementioned statement and terminated the conversation. Never had a steering problem until they initially checked the car relative to steering recall

- Lockport, IL, USA

problem #48

Dec 012010

Sonata

  • 100 miles
Car constantly pulls to the left when on highway speeds when hands are off steering wheel. When hands are on steering wheel, I have to constantly fight it.

- Hayward, CA, USA

problem #47

Dec 032010

Sonata

  • 24 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 vehicle was having a steering problem and pulled hard to the left. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the problem was common but there was no remedy. The vehicle was put up on an alignment rack but it could not be straightened. An engineer from the manufacturer drove the vehicle and acknowledged but stated that there was no fix for the problem. The failure mileage was 24 and the current mileage was 900.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #46

Dec 032010

Sonata

  • 40 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was driving at various speeds when suddenly the vehicle began to pull into the left direction. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they informed the contact that the failure could be related to the electronic steering or the steering cradle. Also, the technician informed that there was not a remedy for the steering failure and would continue to investigate for a resolution. The failure mileage was less than 40.

- Aliso Viejo, CA, USA

problem #45

Nov 292010

Sonata

  • 300 miles
2011 Sonata 2.0T limited pulls to the left at all times. It is much more apparent when driving on the freeways, but is present when driving slower on side streets and county roads. The degree of pull varies. At times you can't feel it pulling, but if you take pressure off the steering wheel the vehicle drifts left. At other times you can feel the left pull and have to correct via pressure on the steering wheel in the opposite direction. A front and rear alignment was performed and the problem is still there. I test drove the only other 2011 Sonata 2.0T at my local dealership and it pulled left the same as mine.

- Maple Grove, MN, USA

problem #44

Nov 302010

Sonata

  • 50 miles
Car has a consistent pull to the left that is always present. The degree of the left pull varies and is much more noticeable when cruising at freeway speeds. The moment you are no longer putting pressure on the steering wheel the car wanders left immediately. Leave pressure off for about 5-7 seconds and the car has already drifted an entire lane to the left. It doesn't seem to matter what type of road bed you are on, nor does it seem to matter how much of a crown the road has. The car pulls left under all conditions(keeping steady rate of speed with accelerator, keeping steady rate of speed with cruise control, car in neutral rolling along, accelerating). A full vehicle alignment has not solved the problem. Every similar car at the dealership where I purchased mine from exhibited this same behavior.

- Maple Grove, MN, USA

problem #43

Nov 302010

Sonata

  • 1 miles
The vehicle pulls to the left 100% of the time like it was out of alignment. Steering wheel had to be turned a little to the right to compensate on driving straight. I just bought this car and did not hit any curb or pot holes. This needs to be looked at immediately as this is affecting many people who owns this car. A recall for this needs to be initiated.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #42

Aug 132010

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated when he made a left turn, he felt the vehicle scraped curb. He backed up and proceeded to drive home. The next day, he noticed the steering wheel pointed rightward, when the when the vehicle was going straight. The consumer was informed the rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated after the repair, he noticed the steering wheel did not return to the center poistion. The conatct went to another dealer and was informed a recall for the steering had been issued. The contact the steering problem still has not been corrected. Updated 01/31/11/ updated 04/21/11

- Laguna Beach, CA, USA

problem #41

Dec 012010

Sonata

  • 150 miles
Vehicle pulls hard to the left no matter what is done. Car is brand new and this seems to be an issue affecting most new Sonata SE's and Sonata SE 2.0T's. the dealerships deny that this is an issue and offer no fix at the moment.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

problem #40

Oct 152010

Sonata

  • 1 miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata SE pulls hard to the left at speeds above 40 mph on any road surface. Car pulls immediately left if pressure is let off steering wheel. Car will change lanes left in 2-4 seconds and is dangerous to occupants and others. Dealer helpful but was unable to correct. Stated that there was nothing further they could do after alignment to "specs".

- Laurel, MD, USA

problem #39

Apr 102010

Sonata

  • 200 miles
Significant pull to the left at highway speeds. While in slow lane on highway, if I let go of the wheel, vehicle will cross into middle lane in one second. More than annoyance, could be dangerous in inclement weather.

- Miamisburg, OH, USA

problem #38

Dec 062010

Sonata

  • 120 miles
2011 Hyundai Sonata limited 2.0 turbo constantly pulls to the left even after tire rotation, alignment, and esp recalibration. Dealer has been very helpful but so far unable to eliminate pulling. Must pay strict attention or risk sudden lane change to the left.

- Vermilion, OH, USA

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