VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Sonata airbags problems

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has 417 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

417

Airbags complaints

9%

Share of year

51

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA has 417 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata airbags — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 18V137000.

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.