Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2011)

3,476 consumer complaints on file.

#11657515April 29, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon checking under the hood, the contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the engine had overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657310April 28, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a vehicle from Cash Car Network on 4/3/2025. At the time of purchase, the vehicle's odometer showed a mileage significantly lower than what official records indicated. After purchasing, I reviewed the Carfax report and the vehicle registration history, which documented that the actual mileage was approximately 270,000 miles — much higher than what the odometer displayed. This discrepancy suggests that either the odometer was tampered with or the instrument cluster was switched from another vehicle without disclosure, which violates federal laws related to odometer fraud (49 U.S.C. § 32701 et seq.). Additionally, the vehicle experienced multiple serious mechanical failures shortly after the purchase, affecting its safety and drivability. I have since returned the vehicle to the dealership. I am filing this complaint to report potential odometer fraud, failure to disclose critical vehicle information, and the sale of an unsafe vehicle to a consumer. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this dealership for possible violations of federal odometer disclosure laws. Supporting documentation, including the Carfax report and registration history, is available upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655390April 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had bought this car off Facebook marketplace after confirming with my dad that it was a good car, when I had finally saved enough. After I took it home the check engine light had come on not too long after, the engine stalls when turning the key, pressing on the brake helps start the engine. Turns out the car was a salvage title and my dad didn’t know that and I didn’t know what that was.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652885April 4, 2025
ENGINE
Engine just stopped with no warnings or signs. Will not run. Mechanic said motor was locked up
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652580April 3, 2025
ENGINE
On [XXX] my 2011 Hyundai Sonata seized and all lights illuminated on the dash while accelerating on to a busy street. I was able to pull to the side of the road but unable to restart the vehicle. I had it towed to Wesley Chapel Hyundai (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544) who notified me that there was an oil pan leak which was the possible cause of the engine failing. They corrected that issue and completed an oil change on 3/14/2025. I picked up the vehicle and there were no issues on the drive home which was approximately 11 miles. Then on [XXX] after driving approximately 24 miles to my place of employment, the engine started knocking but I was able to arrive and park with no issues. I immediately turned the vehicle off and contacted the closest dealership to have it towed there which was Courtesy Hyundai (3810 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33614). I informed them that the vehicle was on it's way there and to notify me when it arrived. It wasn't until I called several hours later that they advised me the vehicle was received and that they would be submitting a claim to Hyundai Motors of America for the Engine. I had to continuously call to get updates as no one would contact me. I then was told that HMA was requesting service records. I emailed those records to the service advisor on 3/20/2025. I had not heard anything for about a week so I contacted the Service Manager who stated HMA is requesting additional service records. I asked why I was not informed sooner but was unable to get a real answer. I then forwarded those documents directly to the manager on 3/28/25. I was then notified on 4/1/25 that HMA had denied the claim due to negligence of the motor despite providing the requested documents as well as confirming via Hyundai's website that my vehicle was affected by the Sonata Engine Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection Recall Campaign. I am now being quoted $4059.89 + tax to replace the engine. 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
#11649715March 21, 2025
ENGINE
From: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I have attempted to make a Better Business Complaint against Hyundai Corporate Office Headquarters 10550 Talbert Ave. Fountain Valley, CA 92708-6031 USA, but I am being blocked from filling out a complaint; attempts to make a complaint against the Hyundai Corporation results in being forwarded to a NULLED screen. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO FILL OUT A BBB COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS BUSINESS! On [XXX] my wife could have been killed when driving her 2011 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [XXX] ) on the highway when her engine stalled out having to take evasive action not to cause an accident. Note my wife is [XXX]. According to a former Hyundai technician at Schmidt Auto Care (285a Hiawatha Trail, Springboro, OH [937] 514-7860 said there is an open recall (T3G) on this vehicle which is for engine replacement. Schmidt Auto care technician said “the oil ports were drilled wrong in the engine causing them to go out after 100,000 miles.” On March 20, 2025 Ian Clemons Service Advisor at Voss Hyundai (766 Miamisburg – Centerville Road, Centerville, Ohio 45459 [937] 428-2416) stated, “From the pictures of the valve cover it is obvious the engine has had the oil changes because it is super clean, but Hyundai is wanting all the oil change records” (which have been lost in a move). And because of it they won’t replace the engine even though Ian Clemons is advocating for it knowing that it is just thing for Hyundai to do. Case ([XXX] Hyundai Customer Care 1-800-633-5151) Hyundai is trying to hide this recall, calling it an extended warranty on the engine and the public needs to be warned knowing my wife could have been killed by this engine defect and Hyundai needs to make this wrong a right. I ask for your help to resolve this matter of public safety. Thank-you, [XXX] 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
#11644402February 23, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN, Makes a disturbing sound upon starting the vehicle like something inside the engine rattling, access oil consumption and burning smell , replaced valve cover gasket, still smelling oil burning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643255February 17, 2025
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard has large cracks all over it including where the passenger air bag is located. I am concerned about the pieces of plastic flying if the air bag deploys. Also concerned that the cracks could release the air bag at any time, even during normal driving. Dealer only suggested getting a dashboard cover, but that would negate the purpose of the air bag. My research showed that there are many other cases of the happening with Hyundai Sonata's 2011-2014.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640767February 4, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Desconocido
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636133January 15, 2025
AIR BAGS
Airbag light is on after a clock spring issue. Dealer is stating new airbag is needed for vehicle that has never had an accident. Airbag light was not on prior to clock spring malfunction. Clockspring was repaired, but airbag light remains on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635502January 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While Driving sometimes car comes to a slow paste like it wants to stall I have to take my foot off gas paddle and put my foot back on again for car to accelerate and speed up again I am also noticing this when I turn my headlights on while car is driving. Recently had car engine light come on and car had to be towed to a mechanic. Car was fix where light was gone but I am still having the problem with the car wanting to stall while driving.Took it to dealer who said they saw nothing wrong because no check light was on but the problem for me still is there as of this morning 1/12/2024
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630724December 14, 2024
ENGINE
After my car gets going and warms up, the engine has a problem. When it is time for the engine to shift to a higher gear, it makes a revving sound like the clutch has been pushed in and the gas pedal is being pushed. This mostly happens around 25 and 45mph. When you hit the as to make it stop it jerks and sometimes skids. If you take you foot off the gas it stops, but also slows down. When you hit the gas again it jerks again. If you try to speed up to get it to stop, it jerks again and this time pretty badly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629373December 7, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I tried pumping gas and the car would not let me pump the gas into the car. I had to hold the the gas pump hose and pull the trigger myself to pump the gas, which would still make the clicking stop noise that stops the pumping of the gas. Then when I started driving, the check engine light came on. Went O'Reilly to test the check engine light code and it popped up with a P0449 code for the evaporative emissions (EVAP) vent control valve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629374December 7, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
When my car is turned on there is a very noticeable shake coming from the engine area. It's not that bad once the car is driving. However, I was driving 40 miles an hour when my check engine light came on, then I was unable to accelerate and my car stalled (it's an automatic car).Once my car started up again, the check engine light was flashing, and I could only drive at like 15-20 miles per hour for my speed. Made it to O'Reilly and had them run the check engine light codes for me and it popped up with the P1326 code regarding the knock signal range/performance. I recently got a check engine light code for a p0449 EVAP vent control valve (it wouldnt allow me to pump gas into the car). I'm unsure if the issues are related but wanted to provide all the details.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628097November 30, 2024
ENGINE, STEERING
After taking my mom to the airport the vehicle engine blew up what absolutely no warning at all leave me on the side of the road the key keep getting stuck inside the car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626076November 19, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
The interior and exterior driver side door and driver side rear door handles are no longer functional on this vehicle. This is a well known problem with these vehicles that poses a grave safety hazard. In the event of a fire or accident, it would be impossible to exit or gain access to my vehicle without breaking the side glass. I have spoken to my Hyundai dealer and they agreed that it is a known, dangerous problem, however no TSB or recall has been issued. My only recourse is to pay to have this defect repaired. This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that has had this type of issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625258November 14, 2024
SEAT BELTS, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car will randomly shut off while I’m driving. My seatbelt comes undone My door has opened while I was driving down the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624471November 11, 2024
ENGINE
The car engine seized while driving on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622822October 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 60 MPH, the instrument panel started flickering, the engine started to rev, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle veered to the side of the road and was parked. The contact then noticed that there was smoke coming from the vehicle and proceeded to open the hood of the vehicle. Soon after, flames were discovered coming from under the vehicle. The contact and her husband removed all personal items and watched from a safe distance. The fire department arrived at the scene however the vehicle was entirely consumed by the fire. The ambulance also arrived at the scene however no medical attention was provided since there were no physical injuries. The contact and her husband sustained emotional distress due to the incident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11622640October 30, 2024
ENGINE
Engine consumes oil profusely. 175000miles. Complaint #: [XXX], 8/23/24. Car is not drivable parked. Common complaint. Should have been RECALLED. 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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