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.

6.4

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$270
Average Mileage:
73,800 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace steering coupler (7 reports)
  2. not sure (4 reports)
2011 Hyundai Sonata steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #11

Jun 072014

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

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

Clunking noise from front suspension when driving over a bump. Not the rubber gear under the dashboard where the electric steering motor is (different noise, had that rubber piece replaced under warranty).

Noise from the front suspension, for years this has baffled me, I cannot figure out what is causing this noise. Have checked / replaced bushings, tie rods, end links, etc. Good news is a front wheel or some other catastrophic failure has not occurred (yet) from whatever is causing this clunking noise.

- M D., Richmond Va, US

problem #10

Jun 012018

Sonata Limited 2.4L 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Steering wheel felt off and had a ticking noise when turning left/right. When driving, every little pothole or bump on road will cause a loud "thunk" or rattle, as if the steering wheel was loose.

- Jackson C., San Francisco, US

problem #9

Aug 012017

Sonata SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

brought to my mechanic, they told me its the coupler in my steering wheel, also that it will cost over 200$ to repair.

- Candace R., Stuart, US

problem #8

May 172016

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

I do not want my daughter to drive this car anymore.

I am scared for her life.

no more Hyundai.

- Maria K., Glenview, IL, US

problem #7

Jan 092017

Sonata GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,280 miles

Noticed thumping noise when going over bumps. I had to take the vehicle to Winner Hyundai on 1/17/17 for other recalls, and discussed this with the service rep. He moved the wheel back and forth and stated the steering coupler was failing and the cost to replace was $225. He stated this would eventually fail and would impact the ability to steer the vehicle. I declined the servie at that time since I was not able to leave the vehicle longer. I also wanted to do some research. The part to be replaced is a rubber component and would cost less that $5.00.

This is a poor design using a cheap part and is a safety issue with the vehicle (as pointed out by the service rep at the dealership. Hyundai needs to do a recall on this rather than sticking the customers with this risk and cost. There are a lot of recalls on the Sonata, and it gives me concern about the quality of the product.

- Donald R., Milton, DE, US

problem #6

Oct 122016

Sonata ES 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,300 miles

I was told that there is a plastic part in my steering wheel that will cost $285 to replace. When I go over a bump there is a loud rattling noise. Is this an ongoing issue with the 2011 sonatas? If so why is there not a recall on this issue?

- neveraroundforlong, Bloomfield, CT, US

problem #5

Oct 262016

Sonata LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,900 miles

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

click to see larger images

thumping noise over bumps

Hyundai USA and local dealer both refused to accept responsibility--will it take an accident or deaths before they do the right thing? We paid to have the part replaced even though there is a currently a steering-related recall that they had to fix anyway. I guess we will take our case to social media to attempt to compel Hyundai to do the right thing and stop charging customers for a safety related repair caused by a poor design which was the subject of a recall only months after the car was initially manufactured. I have definitely lost faith in this manufacturer.

- burdenca, Ventura, CA, US

problem #4

Aug 172016

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

Steering wheel coupler needs replacement, right after the steering wheel pump was recalled. Only makes sense that they replace a $4.00 part while they are doing the recall, as the part joins the pump. Now its costing me additional to have this little rubber coupler replaced. Seems like everyone is have this issue. Dealer told me it just goes bad and its not a recall. Just spoke to a coworker and he has the same issue. He brought it up to his dealer and they had him replace his brakes (probably needed replacing), but did nothing about the coupler.

- Marjan J., Somerset, NJ, US

problem #3

Sep 212015

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

My 2011 Sonata recently started making an awful shaking and loud noise when I hit a bumpy piece of the road. As of today it started making a loud clicking noise when I turn the wheels left or right. I stopped to get the mail, when I got back in my car, it wouldn't shift into gear. I was told at the dealership that my car wasn't included in the steering recall. However, it was included in the shift lever recall. I guess someone is going to have to die for Hyundai will fix their mistakes. Maybe they should ask General Motors how much more money you have to pay out when you ignore major issues involving motor vehicles. There will be another recall involving "sub-assembly" coming out November 2nd. Not sure what that means but I sure would like to know!! I only have 65000 miles on my car. Was hoping it would last a lot longer!!

- harley210, San Antonio, TX, US

problem #2

Oct 182015

Sonata SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,550 miles

Every time I go over a hold or bump on the road on the drive side front wheel the steering column seems to make a thumb noise like the wheel is going to fall off.

- Carlos S., Vista, CA, US

problem #1

Aug 072015

Sonata GS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,732 miles

The Steering column was making a thumping noise every time I drove over bumps or holes in the road. Took it in to the dealer, the service guy immediately jerked the wheel, it made the thumping noise, he quoted the price of $279.38, told me that my car was past the warranty of 5 years 60,000 miles it would take a day and a half to repair. I told them that I would bring it back. Pulled out of there, now it was thumping every time I turned the steering wheel which it wasn't doing before. Took it in a week later expecting it to take a day and a half, it took 2 1/2 hours to repair, the part was $2.33, total bill $279.38. As you can tell "I'm pissed"!

- Diana J M., San Antonio, TX, US

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