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:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,826 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 1 of 7)

problem #140

Oct 102023

Sonata

  • miles

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

I started to get engine knocking noises about 6 months after the purchase of the used car. This knocking noise began to increase in frequency as I pressed my foot on the accelerator and the car would not accelerate when I pressed my foot on the gas pedal. Then the car would shut down in the middle of traffic. After waiting about 30 -45 mins, I would try to start the car again and would start and initially run as long as I drove less than 20 miles/hour the knocking noise level would decrease but if I went above 15 - 20 mph the car would shut down. The check engine light and engine oil light would come on. So I would check the engine oil level oil using the dip stick and it showed oil levels were ok. On October 10 2023 while driving to Walmart the engine turned off and would not start after waiting over 1 hour and I was stuck in the mall entrance road. A concerned driver with his passengers pushed the car to a Walmart parking spot where it is currently at. In addition, the traction light kept coming on and I paid the Hyundai dealership $2,800 to repair to keep the car from drifting to the left and to get the light off.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #139

Mar 122023

Sonata

  • 162,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started swerving in the lane to the right and the left. The contact heard an abnormal thumping noise from underneath the floorboard. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes functioned as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V354000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

- Marshalltown, IA, USA

problem #138

Oct 102022

Sonata

  • miles
Air conditioning drain drips onto front sub frame, which holds the engine and transmission. It also holds the suspension bolts. Dripping from air conditioning drain is causing sub frame to rust, rot out and weaken prematurely. This will cause the engine and transmission to drop out of the vehicle when the sub frame collapses.

- Franklin, MA, USA

problem #137

Apr 222022

Sonata

  • miles

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

The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would bounce up and down without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed that her vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured front coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V629000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #136

Sep 302021

Sonata

  • miles
While I was driving in the access road I heard a pop and my car started making. A weird noise just for me to get out my car and my tire wasn-??t straight it was dislocated I bought the car in april

- Killeen, TX, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #135

Sep 112021

Sonata

  • miles
The rear crossmember bolt snapped off on the passenger side with no warning. It caused the rear passenger complete wheel assembly to breakaway and fold backwards.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #134

May 162021

Sonata

  • miles

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

Car is very low I found a piece of my spring to my car in the street

- Matteson, IL, USA

problem #133

May 242020

Sonata

  • 210,000 miles
Front driver strut coil spring broke while parked. Power steering assist motor coupling gear broke.

- Newton, WI, USA

problem #132

Jan 072020

Sonata

  • 139,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal sound was heard under the vehicle after going over a bump in the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently with the fuel system and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and map sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel system was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the struts were not inspected. Crain Hyundai little rock (11701 colonel glenn road, little rock, ar 72210 (501) 604-1500) was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls was under the VIN. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign number: 15V629000 (suspension) and 18V934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) as possible solutions to the failures however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to contact NHTSA to place a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000. Invalid VIN.

- Whitehall, AR, USA

problem #131

Oct 052020

Sonata

  • 124,000 miles
Thumping/clunking sound from driver side front wheel area when going over minor bumps and turning steering wheel.

- Streamwood, IL, USA

problem #130

Sep 232020

Sonata

  • 118,000 miles

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

Driving home from work one day at 55miles per hr my engine just stalled out and turned off, since then the engine makes a clicking sound and has lost all power, and the tires make a clicking sound when I turn

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #129

Sep 152020

Sonata

  • miles
Suspension making loud thump noise while driving and check engine light is on after engine been replaced and seatbelt light is on...and paint and clear coat is pealing

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #128

Nov 012019

Sonata

  • miles
The front end is squeaking and making a noise when turning.

- Heath Springs, SC, USA

problem #127

Feb 012020

Sonata

  • miles
Car makes clunking/shaking/rattling sound while driving, more noticeable when going over 60mph or turning the wheel. Does not feel safe. Steering wheel rattles in your hand and vibrates the entire car.

- New Lebanon, NY, USA

problem #126

Jul 232020

Sonata

  • 132,000 miles
Steering wheel makes a noise. When turned. Car ride is bumpy on inspection mechanic said I need steering column replaced and I need left front lower control arm replaced, front sway bar links need replacement. Almost $2000 expense. This car has 132000 miles on it. I took care of car rotate the tires did preventive maintenance.the vehicle has very bumpy ride when turned makes noise.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

problem #125

Jul 282020

Sonata

  • 124,000 miles
Steering wheel makes noise and has play in it. While jacked up, the wheel makes the suspension shake. Noise is while hitting potholes, making turns and while sitting still turning the wheels. I bought car used. Had regular maintenance and tires just rotated within past month.

- Crandall, GA, USA

problem #124

Jun 222020

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 156,000 miles
As I was driving over 60mph I noticed that my car was pulling in different directions. I made it off the highway and turned a sharp corner and the bolts to the lower control arm appear to have fell out. The driver side lower control arm is dangling. Tow truck is needed.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #123

Jan 172020

Sonata

  • miles
1) seatbelt latch will unlatch while driving. 2) the fule light indicator is never correct show empty all the time. Will go to full and back to empty while driving. 3) while fueling the pump will jump off before soon as gas starts going into tank. 4) struts are not working all 4 are out and down hitting the roads hard while driving. 5) paint is peeling off al th sides back panels while driving.

- Coldwater, MS, USA

problem #122

Apr 042020

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 87,206 miles
I was driving at a slow rate of speed, about 10 mph, and I heard a clanking noise and heard something hitting the tire well. I stopped my car and got out. My driver's side coil spring broke, and a piece about 5 inches long, was on the ground. I checked the recall list and it said my VIN # was not on the list. My name is [xxx]. cell phone #[xxx]. VIN#[xxx]. my driver's license# [xxx]. please contact me. Thank you information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Marion, OH, USA

problem #121

Feb 222020

Sonata

  • 121,333 miles
I was driving on a side street, heard loud noise coming from left front wheel area when I heard a grinding sound and car was riding rough. Called for help.instructed not to drive vehicle till it was looked at by a mechanic. Mechanic who evaluated and repaired vehicle said he has never seen "pitted wheel bearings" in 30 years of operation. He gave me back the faulty bearings and told me I should contact you and the corporate area of Hyundai, because this is a serious safety issue and warrants an alert or recall. The driver side lower ball joint and bearings had to be replaced. Please review asap, as this is a serious safety concern for the rest of the population. Thank you!

- Succasunna, NJ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?