VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine problems

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 40 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 28% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

40

Engine complaints

28%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Sonata Hybrid engine complaints by model year74 complaints2011: 40 complaints2012: 71 complaints2013: 40 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 19 complaints2016: 74 complaints2017: 48 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 1 complaints
Sonata Hybrid engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

20V746000EngineDecember 1, 2020 · 128,948 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

What owners report

“I WAS DRIVING AROUND 55 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A STRANGE KNOCKING SOUND SO I TURNED AROUND TO GO HOME WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT. I PULLED OVER POPPED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WENT UP LIKE CRAZY. I CALLED 911 AND VACATED IMMEDIATELY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 6, 2020 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?

NHTSA has 40 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine — 28% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 20V746000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.