Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2011)

3,476 consumer complaints on file.

#11687676September 16, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
on [XXX] iwas driving coming back home from [XXX] by exit [XXX]. the engine turn off and didnt turn back on. i had to get a town to take me out of the highway and pay $141.00 becide that my engine seized. now i dont have a car and the car didn't gave me any notification that something it was going on with the engine. if i had any light on the car i wil take it to the mechanic, know i loss my source of income because hyundai problems with engine. and to get another engine it cost $5000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687012September 12, 2025
ENGINE
I would like to file a complaint regarding a serious engine issue with my vehicle. At times, when I put the car in reverse, the engine suddenly accelerates on its own without pressing the gas pedal. This unexpected acceleration creates a dangerous situation and increases the risk of an accident. I request that this matter be investigated for potential safety defects to prevent harm to drivers and passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683998August 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The brake pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with HECU failure. The contact was informed that the failure was the result of a failed ABS fuse. The contact was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact requested reimbursement for the previous repair. The request was declined by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,728.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683818August 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
Not sure . The car has been regulaurly maintenced and one day the emgine complagely seized up going down the road .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683761August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
2011 Hyundai Sonata had a Theta ii engine replaced in September 2024 after engine failure. Hyundai paid for the engine through the extended warranty on the theta engines. Check engine light is still illuminated after new engine and after multiple visits to the dealership, they say the wiring harness is bad. Contacted Hyundai Corporate who said they will not pay for anymore warranty repairs, even though the wiring harness was damaged from the bad engine or during the replacement. From my understanding, it is dangerous to drive a car with a bad wiring harness due to fire risk, loss of power, or loss of safety components.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682296August 22, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car has been having white smoke since i got it the smoke coming from the exhaust smells like oil burning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682252August 21, 2025
ENGINE
While driving our 2011 Hyundai Sonata on [XXX], my fiancée and I experienced sudden engine failure on [XXX]. The car suddenly lost power and began vibrating violently, then stalled completely and would not restart. We had to pull over in a dangerous area with no power and limited shoulder space, creating a serious safety hazard. A relative had previously scanned the vehicle and retrieved a P1326 knock sensor code, indicating a potential engine bearing issue. He cleared the code temporarily in an attempt to drive the vehicle again. However, when it failed on the freeway, we were forced to tow the vehicle twice—first to our home and then to Anaheim Hyundai for diagnosis. Hyundai later denied warranty assistance, claiming "exceptional maintenance neglect" despite the fact that we provided all available oil change records since our 2017 purchase. We were not the original owners, yet were expected to produce records dating back to 2013. No sludge or varnish evidence was cited in the repair order, and the dealer simply claimed a seized engine. We’ve since been denied under both the extended warranty and goodwill policies, even though our engine displayed the same symptoms covered in the Theta II engine class action settlement. This failure was dangerous, left us without transportation, and has caused serious financial and emotional strain. We are reporting this because it reflects a potential ongoing safety risk for other Hyundai owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681079August 16, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving on the highway, the motor all of a sudden lost all power and the brakes locked causing a collision. I've never had any problems until then. My car was in tip top shape with no issues until the engine / motor decided to defect. Hyundai she recall this engine issue before someone gets killed
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680645August 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact opened the hood, and there was smoke coming from the valve cover and coolant reservoir. The contact waited for the engine to cool down and the vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after turning off the vehicle after arriving at work, there was an abnormal bubbling sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact opened the hood and there were bubbles coming from the radiator. Prior to the failure, the contact had replaced the radiator, due to the engine overheating. Two weeks later the radiator hose detached. The contact stated that the fluid leaking from the radiator was dark brown and seemed to be mixed with slush. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was foreign parts inside the radiator. The contact was informed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and confirmed that the radiator needed to be replaced and an unknown valve on top of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure became progressively worse, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679445August 8, 2025
ENGINE
While driving at highway speed, the engine suddenly lost power and the brakes locked. I narrowly avoided a collision. This sudden failure left me unable to safely control the vehicle, placing myself and other motorists in immediate danger. This is not only a mechanical defect but a serious safety hazard that matches the exact conditions described in Hyundai’s prior Theta II engine recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678782August 6, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased this 2011 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [XXX]) on [XXX]. A few weeks later, the engine started knocking, wouldn’t shift beyond 2nd gear, and wouldn’t go over 60 mph. A diagnostic test at Express Oil returned the error code P1326, which is tied to Hyundai’s Recall Campaign 132 for engine failure due to bearing wear. I brought the car to Serra Hyundai in Trussville, AL. I provided my bill of sale, diagnostic code, and a recent oil change receipt, but Hyundai denied my engine replacement, saying there was a gap in service history between 2021 and 2025 — even though I was not the owner during that time. They confirmed it was a recall-eligible engine and admitted the failure matches the recall symptoms, yet are refusing to fix it — while also suggesting I “trade the car in” instead. This is a known safety defect, and I believe Hyundai is wrongfully denying legitimate recall repairs based on ownership history rather than actual engine failure. I am now without a working vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s denial of engine replacements under Campaign 132 for new owners and hold them accountable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678048August 3, 2025
AIR BAGS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To Whom It May Concern, Subject: Formal Complaint – 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS Tail Light Meltdown / Fire Hazard Date: August 3, 2025 I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, specifically concerning the tail light assembly, which has melted and poses a potential fire hazard and traffic safety risk. Approximately a year and a half ago, I noticed melting in the tail light housing and took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership to address the issue. At that time, the car had approximately 208,000 miles. Despite the obvious manufacturing defect and safety implications, the dealership refused to repair or inspect the issue without charging a $275 inspection fee, stating the vehicle was out of warranty. I believe this to be an unfair and irresponsible business practice. Tail light assemblies should not melt under normal use, and such a defect could lead to: Electrical fires Brake light failure (increasing the risk of rear-end collisions) Potential traffic citations for inoperative brake lights Damage to other vehicles or individuals I have already notified Hyundai Motor Corporation about this issue, placing them on notice that should any damages or incidents occur as a result of this defect, they may be held liable. This is not a minor cosmetic issue but a major safety defect, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this is an isolated issue or part of a wider trend affecting Hyundai and Kia vehicles. If so, a safety recall may be warranted. I also intend to report this situation to the Indiana Attorney General's Office as a matter of consumer protection and product safety. I have been backwards and forwards with the Hyundai Corporation Via and Emails...... I look forward to a prompt response. Please!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676888July 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
I recently got a radiator replaced and now my car won't reverse
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673725July 15, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V727000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673110July 13, 2025
AIR BAGS
Air bag light is not coming on at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672070July 8, 2025
STEERING
My EPS light comes on and my steering wheel locks up the dealership says that isn’t a recall but I can pull it up and it says my car was affected by the sonata electric power steering control module recall . It’s on [XXX] it’s a very unsafe for me and other drivers because I don’t know when it will come on and it comes on when I’m driving at random times INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668088June 20, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced, while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road while awaiting towing assistance. The contact stated that while waiting on the tow assistance, the contact became aware there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662774May 23, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle just died out of nowhere. Would not start back up. Has a clicking noise when trying start and then had a burning smell.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658763May 4, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical needs to be reconnected a reprogrammed. Steering wheel horn doesn’t blow.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658504May 2, 2025
ENGINE
My girlfriend was driving my car at 70mph on [XXX] when suddenly the engine stalled abruptly with no warning. She had to coast over to the shoulder and come to a stop. At this point the engine would NOT turn over. If it did it was very challenged to turn over as if the engine was seized-partially or fully. My car was towed to my mechanic who later confirmed that the battery and starter were indeed good and that the engine seemed partially seized and even possessed metal shavings. On top of this my car has been consuming half a quart of oil every 400 miles as I check the oil everytime I get gas. So with this information my car seems to be fit for the Hyundai class action settlement recall #132 for the 2011 Sonata GDI engine. So I towed my car to Coastal Hyundai of Melbourne, FL, a dealership where all my records and maintenance have been done and are up to date. My car has been at this dealership for TWO weeks and they won’t even confirm that they have looked at it. I am under the understanding that it is costing Hyundai a lot of money to replace this engines and that they purposely stall hoping to somehow save money. I commute 72 miles round trip to work and have been greatly inconvenienced as I am having to borrow cars from family and figure out how to get to work. Any help in this regard is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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