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:
50,893 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 9 of 58)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #998

Jun 012015

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles

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

When driving this car there is small jerk of the steering wheel accompanied by a loud click. This occurs intermittently while driving straight on any street or highway and always occurs when making turns in either direction. The condition was brought to my attention by a state inspection technician in 2015 when it was only a very light clicking noise when turning left or right with no motion felt in the steering wheel. The condition has progressively worsened and now the clicking is quite loud accompanied by an easily felt jerk in the steering wheel.

- Broomall, PA, USA

problem #997

Jun 182018

Sonata

  • 100,347 miles
I purchased this car last August. I heard good things about hyunda Sonatas. Yesterday I took my car in for a front end alignment at the dealer. After 4 hours I was told it can't be done because the steering rack is off center and steering wheel coupling needs to be replaced. All for a total of $1842! now I find out there was a recall for the coupling but it expired at 100,000 miles and unfortunatley my car now has 100,347. Is there a chance I could get an extension on this particular recall to help lower the cost of this repair? thank you (if you need a copy of the estimate I can send one to you)

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #996

Jun 132018

Sonata

  • miles
There is no remedy for the air bags and when I call Hyundai about the other recalls they say they have already been repaired.. there is also a recall on the engine short block assembly. My car was in motion and just stopped in the middle of traffic and becasue of the airbag issue I am afraid to drive

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #995

Jun 012018

Sonata

  • 87,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving over 50 mph, the steering wheel suddenly began to shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (Hyundai of auburn, 823 opelika rd., auburn, al) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel coupler was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 87,000.

- Phenix City, AL, USA

problem #994

May 092018

Sonata

  • 128,900 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 30 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact was concerned that the air bag could inadvertently deploy or not deploy in the event of a crash. The contact stated that a diagnostic testing appointment was scheduled with carlsbad county Hyundai (5285 car county dr., carlsbad, ca 92008). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,900.

- Spring Valley, CA, USA

problem #993

May 212018

Sonata

  • miles
I am appalled at the conditions I've had to endure with my Sonata. I've never seen or owned a more unsafe vehicle. My steering column broke, the engine was replaced twice, I've dealt with electrical problems, now it's involved in the airbag failure recall and I've needed to take my car in due to the 13 recalls. My Sonata is one of the first made. It's from the Alabama plant. I would like to hear why the NHTSA has not made Hyundai buy these vehicles back? I don't have the option of just going out and buying a new vehicle. I've raised my granddaughters and am now afraid to take them anywhere in my car. I'm begging that you make Hyundai get these cars off the road. It sickens me to know I've owned several Hyundai's. given them my trust and dedication to only feel they've turned their backs on me and the safety of my family. I'd really like to be contacted. I have records of all my work done. The only thing I could not get was receipts for warranty items they determined I didn't need receipts for. Even after I complained and demanded them. My vehicle was purchased and serviced at superior Hyundai North in fairfield oh. I have so many records, even recordings, that I can't possibly upload them all on here.

- Fairfield Township, OH, USA

problem #992

May 122018

Sonata

  • 128,050 miles

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

When I was driving on a city street I lost all power steering and eps light and traction light came on. I pulled over and tried restarting car still no power steering and lights. The car can only be steered manually now which is not safe.

- Graniteville, SC, USA

problem #991

Apr 012018

Sonata

  • miles
I purchased this car used & I purchased a used car warranty from the dealer because it already had more than 100,000 miles on it & had to get my engine replaced before driving 3000 miles. But not long after getting it back, my steering was making a clicking, knocking noise while being still & while in motion & it doesn't fill safe. Prior to replacing the engine, it was not making this noise. I bought it used already over 100,00 miles & it's in getting 3 recalls repaired & I was told that it's not covered under Hyundai warranty or recall & will cost me over $400 like others & I can't afford $400+. this should be covered under a recall especially after the # of complaints I've seen on this. It sounds & feels like my steering wheel may come off while turning, going over bumps, on a street, on a highway, while driving, it doesn't matter & again, it clicks/knocks even when I turn the steering wheel just sitting. I have a video that captures the sound when not in motion. It started in April 2018, not long after I got my engine replaced in March 2018. That's when I looked up the recalls before making the appointment & learned about the steering, air bags & seatbelts. Since I can't afford it because I'm retired disabled I'm going to have to drive feeling unsafe until you decide recalling this steering wheel infraction. There are thousands of complaints about the exact same thing who are also wondering why this was not part of the recall. This needs to be a recall like yesterday. I'm uploading the estimate I received from the Hyundai that did my recalls. And would like to know why this isn't a recall. Thank you.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #990

May 082018

Sonata

  • 10,000 miles
Electric failure at first, always stuck on road. Engine was replaced on recall, clunking sound underneath, struts replaced and had to pay, that did not fix problem, then they replaced coupling in steering wheel, noise still happening with clunking sound, which also is wearing out tires in front thst were replaced 3 X. dealer did not fix problem, they dont know what it is., clunking is while driving over a little bump or while steering car and turning.

- Centereach, NY, USA

problem #989

Dec 072017

Sonata

  • 87,000 miles
When car reaches over 65 mph or hits a bump, there is a horrible ticking noise with the steering wheel. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably when the car reaches high speeds. A few other people I know with Hyundai Sonata's have the exact same problem. A few months after I got the car in June with 83,000 miles on it, thats when the ticking noise started. Its the worst sound ever.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #988

Mar 232018

Sonata

  • 138,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 80 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel began to shake very aggressively and made a slow, rattling sound. The contact slowed the vehicle down to approximately 75 mph and the rattling sound and shaking of the steering wheel ceased. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (glick GMC, 48 bridgeville rd, monticello, NY 12701) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly and torque failed and needed to be repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V426000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair cost. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 138,000.

- Loch Sheldrake, NY, USA

problem #987

Mar 282018

Sonata

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While the vehicle was stationary or while driving various speeds, the steering wheel made a loud tapping noise when turned left or right. An independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and stated that the steering column was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Centerville, MD, USA

problem #986

Oct 242017

Sonata

  • 64,567 miles
On 10/24/2017, I took my car to the dealership regarding some recall issues, amongst which was the issue of the car making clicking noise as the car turns. After the car was delivered to me, and driving it, I noticed that the issue was unresolved. I made this known to the dealership and there was no response from them. I did report this to Hyundai usa. It's been several months now, but have not heard from them regarding the complaints. I have been notified of other recall issues since then, but not sure how to go about them, as the first issue remains unresolved.

- Thonotosassa, FL, USA

problem #985

Mar 012018

Sonata

  • 138,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds over train tracks, the steering wheel shook and made a clicking noise. In addition, when making right or left turns, the steering wheel continued to make the clicking noise even when the vehicle stopped. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called king Hyundai at (954) 421-333-1399 (deerfield beach, fl 33441) and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated while driving. The contact was concerned that the air bag may not deploy in the event of a crash. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V152000 (seat belts). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

- Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #984

Mar 192018

Sonata

  • miles
The steering column on my 2011 Sonata started making terrible noises due to a known issue with the steering shaft. Even though there is a formal NHTSA investigation NHTSA action number: PE10035) and recall (NHTSA recall no. 10V-426), the dealer (https://www.hyundaiofchantilly.com/service_appointment_form.cfm) told me that I have to pay over $400 dollars to fix the $2 part that is causing this hazardous issue. I include a link to an article that describes the hazards created by this issue: Https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/Hyundai-Sonata-recall-steering-problems-13090/. how can Hyundai sell such defective cars and then expect consumers to pay for the work to repair parts affected by recalls?

- Mclean, VA, USA

problem #983

Mar 022018

Sonata

  • 89,000 miles
Steering wheel making a cracking noise when turning or hitting a bump. Also driver side rear parking and brake light wiring is loose. This is happening on both my daughter's 2011 Hyundai Sonatas right now.

- Wall Township, NJ, USA

problem #982

Mar 012018

Sonata

  • 101,000 miles
The power steering for my 2011 Sonata failed randomly one day. Driving to the supermarket was fine but when leaving the store the power steering wasn't functioning so the car was very difficult to steer. There's a recall for the issue but my VIN wasn't part of the vehicles they claim wasn't effected.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #981

Feb 132018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
The steering wheel clicks with a two inch play in either direction when the vehicle is stationary or in motion. The click is very loud plus the vehicle shimmies while being driven ! when the steering wheel is clicking a catch in the wheel can be felt! Hyundai dealer service man said the problem was a flexible rubber steering coupler and it was wore out down in the steering shaft. Hyundai customer relations dept. Told me the warranty on that part was extended to 100,000 miles but no notice was sent to the vehicles owner. I had to pay for the repair because my vehicle had 111,000 mile on it. I believe it is a critical safety issue that could cause a steering failure, based the degree my steering wheel was clicking and the two inch play that I was experiencing! the Hyundai complaint site is full of persons complaining about the same steering issue. During my many contacts with the Hyundai customer relations dept. I was told repeatedly that Hyundai does not recognize this as a safety threat. I believe this should have been a recall at Hyundai's expense ! I also believe there are individuals driving with this dangerous condition because they cannot afford the expensive repair (+$400 ) that the dealer charges.

- Cedar Lake, IN, USA

problem #980

Jan 142018

Sonata

  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 60 mph, it became very difficult to steer the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact drove home. The following day, the vehicle was taken to (peacock Hyundai in savannah, Georgia), but was not diagnosed because it had aftermarket wheels. The contact was advised to install the original wheels in order to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

- Statesboro, GA, USA

problem #979

Oct 162017

Sonata

  • 109,446 miles
For the last few months, my steering column shakes and rattles anytime it goes over 60 mph. I had a tire repair at a local shop and the guy suggested I may need an alignment but because they told me at the last minute of picking my car up at their closing hours and having to go to work, I waited to get it looked at. I took it to a local Hyundai dealer for one recall campaign and asked them to assess the issue with my steering wheel rattling and mentioned the guy at the other place mentioned an alignment.the guy dismissed the car symptoms I described and said the noise was from the bottom spoiler hanging. It wasn't assessed and I took it to a Goodyear affiliate and they needed more time to assess why it was the steering but were able to tell me in fact that it was potentially loose. Between October 2017 and Jan 2018 is how long people have been looking at it with no assistance

- Detroit, MI, USA

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