VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 4,608 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 22.5 times the median Sonata year — the 2011 model ranks #1 of 41 Sonata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 150 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 1,172 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

4,608

NHTSA complaints

14

Recalls

8

Investigations

194

Crash-involved

184

Fires reported

150

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Sonata years?

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1,17225%
Engine1,00822%
Electrical System50811%
Airbags4179%
Lighting2505%
Other2265%
Transmission1754%
Brakes1754%
Suspension1493%
Fuel System1343%
Seat Belts1062%
Speed Control952%
Body & Structure742%
Tires & Wheels621%
Visibility & Wipers261%
Seats150%
Latches & Locks110%
Driver Assistance50%

Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

14 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V934000EngineDecember 28, 2018 · 150,730 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.

18V137000AirbagsFebruary 27, 2018 · 580,058 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.

Consequence

If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

17V617000Seat BeltsOctober 4, 2017 · 443,545 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Consequence

If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.

17V152000Seat BeltsMarch 8, 2017 · 977,778 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

16V190000SteeringApril 5, 2016 · 173,000 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence

With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.

15V759000LightingNovember 16, 2015 · 304,900 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

Consequence

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

15V629000SuspensionOctober 7, 2015 · 28,157 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.

Consequence

If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.

15V568000EngineSeptember 10, 2015 · 470,000 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.

Consequence

Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.

14V434000TransmissionJuly 18, 2014 · 883,000 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.

Consequence

If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.

14V433000BrakesJuly 18, 2014 · 133,075 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.

Consequence

If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

10V457000SteeringOctober 1, 2010 · 60 units

Defect

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence

IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.

10V426000SteeringSeptember 20, 2010 · 138,354 units

Defect

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence

IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

10V070000Latches & LocksMarch 2, 2010 · 5,893 units

Defect

HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.

Consequence

THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.

Remedy

HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE CAR IS A YEAR OLD. AS THE PASSENGER WAS TURNING LEFT TRAVELING APPROX 25-30MPH THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THEN THE WHEEL CAME OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY FAILED ALLOWING THE WHOLE WHEEL/DRIVE ASSEMBLY TO COME OFF SLAMMING THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 17, 2012 · crash

TOTAL LOSS OF CAR DUE TO ENGINE FIRE. ON DEC 30,2020 AT MILE MARKER 31 ON I95 SOUTH OUTSIDE OF STONEY CREEK VA, WHEN I WAS DRIVING, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD AT THE SAME TIME-THEN WE LOST ABILITY TO ACCERLEATE-GAS PEDAL NOT WORKING. WE PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF I95-SMOKE CAME OUT OF ENGINE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 30, 2020 · fire

on my 2011 hyundai sonata BOTH of my brake light bulbs and wiring caught fire and started smoking from the inside of my trunk. I have notified Hyundai of this and they refused to do anything about it even though it is an EXTREMELY dangerous issue that hyundai should fix free of charge!!!!! Now i…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 9, 2021 · fire

WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THE CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT ME APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE GAS. I WAS COMING TO A LIGHT TO MAKE A RED TURN AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN MY VEHICLE SO MY SPEED INCREASED. THE STEERING WHEEL THEN LOCKED AND BEFORE I KNEW IT A CAR HAD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 23, 2020 · crash

TAIL LIGHT BURNS OUT AFTER BEING REPLACED. BRAKE LIGHTS OUT; GOT HIT FROM REAR. WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE MIDDLE OF NIGHT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED... I WAS INDOORS, HAPPENED TO NOTICE IT WHILE LOOKING OUT HOUSE WINDOW, APPARENTLY HAD BEEN ON FOR HOURS UNTIL I WENT OUTSIDE AND TURNED KEY AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 1, 2020 · crash

2011 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 4,608 complaints put the 2011 model at #1 of 41 Sonata years. It is one of the Sonata years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (1,172 complaints), engine (1,008 complaints), electrical system (508 complaints).

Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

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