Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2011)

3,476 consumer complaints on file.

#11465701May 23, 2022
ENGINE
The engine failed going down the highway and wouldn’t go over 30min. The engine needs to be replaced agin. But the dealership won’t because there are no open recalls. They should replace with a working engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11465442May 20, 2022
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle skidded and stopped. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then sought medical assistance and was informed that she had sustained a left shoulder rotator cuff tear. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bags failed to engage and did not need to be reset. The vehicle was then taken to an auto collision mechanic where it was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact was thrown to the right and to the driver's side door. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency units. The contact was informed by her orthopedist that her left shoulder rotator cuff tear was reinjured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer Bob Johnson Kia (3817 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623), where it was diagnosed that the air bags failed to engage and did not need to be reset. The vehicle was then taken to an auto collision mechanic where it was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor. Upon parking the vehicle at her residence, the contact saw smoke coming in through the instrument panel and AC vents. The contact stated that all four doors were then locked. The contact then released the key from the ignition and unlock the doors using the key fob. The contact saw a flame coming through the AC vent just before she exited the vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, the contact saw that the front seats were on fire and there was fire underneath the hood of the vehicle. The fire department arrived at the scene but was unable to un
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11465255May 19, 2022
ENGINE
WHEN DRIVING, I WOULD GET AN UNUSUAL LOUD ALARM SOUND, THEN THE CAR START TO CUT OFF, COULDN'T STOP THE CAR USING THE BRAKES, HAD TO WAIT UNTIL IT SLOWS DOWN, USUALLY WHEN I'M IN TRAFFIC, WHICH IS DANGEROUS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OFF/ON, I WOULD GET WARNING SAYING CHECK BRAKE, WHEN ALL THIS IS HAPPENING, NO WARNING BEFORE THE ALARM SOUND OR WHEN THE CAR HAS CUTOFF. TOOK CAR TO HYUNDAI IN OLIVE BRANCH, MS ON 04/22/2022, THEREFORE IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, I WAS NOT OFFERED A LOANER CAR, I ASKED FOR A LOANER, SHE (LEXI) QUICKLY SAID "THEY DON'T OFFER LOANER CARS" SO I'M HAVING TO BORROW A VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK. I'VE CALLED, LEFT MESSAGES, NO ONE HAS RETURNED MY CALLS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464855May 16, 2022
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. WE HAD TO PUSH THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP COMPLETELY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464726May 15, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Sonata Hyundai Hybrid trunk will not open when the battery dies, and since the battery for the Hybrid is in the trunk, when the battery dies, the car has to be towed because, unfortunately, the key to the trunk has never worked. The last time my battery died, the dealer, after many hours, finally managed to get the trunk open but not without damaging the mechanism. Now there is no way for someone to get out of the trunk if they should get locked in. It's my understanding that a trunk latch malfunction has been a problem with Hyundai Sonata Hybrids for a long time. There is a recall on the newer models. Why not the 2011? The latch does not work. There were no warnings that the battery was low before the trunk became unaccessable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11464527May 13, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and had recall repair was completed. The contact stated that two weeks after the repair, while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound with the battery warning light illuminated. The contact parked in a parking lot and restarted the vehicle but continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to Allen Turner Hyundai (6501 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505: (850) 479-9667) however, the vehicle was not serviced at the dealer. The vehicle was towed back to the first dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred seven times. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463765May 8, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES
Brake lights have been needed to be replaced multiple times a year, since I purchased the car. Now this past year I have had to replace my break lights more often and noticed the port that holds the light appears to be burnt. So after I noticed the situation, I googled to see if there were any recalls and there have been, but my dealership advised me that my car had no recall for the break lights but had other recalls (which nothing was ever sent to me stating any recalls). Also be advised approximately every 5 hyundai sonata has a break light out. I am EXTREMELY upset that there has not been a recall for the break lights and also upset that the dealer charged $115.00 for two break light bulbs and “labor”) and why was I not aware of recalls on my vehicle until I went into the dealership with a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462579April 28, 2022
SUSPENSION
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would bounce up and down without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where she was informed that her vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured front coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V629000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462483April 27, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 65 MPH, blackish smoke began to emit from the engine without warning. His son immediately pulled over as his girlfriend and their dogs exited the vehicle. The smoke quickly turned into flames as the vehicle became engulfed in a fire. The fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard where they deemed the vehicle a complete loss. The contact spoke to several attorneys and was advised to keep the vehicle in his possession if possible. The contact then had the vehicle towed to his home where it remained in his possession. The contact's son notified the manufacturer of the failure and received no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11462239April 26, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine-locked up(with oil inside) Gearshift-does not change to next gear unless I use emergency shift lock.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461474April 20, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Hyundai recalled my vehicle twice for GDI ENGINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (Recall 132). Subsequently, my vehicle was recalled a 3rd time for HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PIPE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (Recall 180). During this recall, the dealership inspected and DID NOT replace or repair any equipment. 4/12/2022 I smelled gasoline and took my vehicle to an Auto Shop for inspection. The technician explained that the HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM was leaking fuel significantly and was an extreme safety hazard. I contacted Hyundai Manufacturer right away due to my knowledge of Recall 180. Hyundai set me up with a Dealership Service appointment and I had the vehicle towed to the dealership for safety. The Dealership refuses to honor the recall (Recall 180) and after several phone calls, emails, and tweets; I am still unable to get reconciliation from Hyundai Consumer Affairs. For context, please understand that this Dealership is the same Dealership that FAILED to repair or replace anything when I took my vehicle in for recall (Recall 180). Please help!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461255April 19, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
We have refill engine oil weekly. After every oil change a month the oil is dark and a needs a quart more to refill. This is regularly since 2015. We purchased the car in 2012. 2019 the front ball joints started clumping in reverse, replaced in 2021. While driving on the freeway and exiting off onto a ramp the car dramatically down shifted and was unable to correct itself. Later discovered the computer module needed replacement. We still are refilling oil weekly. Not to mention replacing the clock spring twice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461129April 18, 2022
AIR BAGS
Airbag sensor came on for no reason
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460781April 14, 2022
ENGINE
Had took it and called servals times to dealer complaining that something is wrong with the engine all they said is get a new car even thou was still making payments and told me warranty was not covered. After waiting a year later asked again and said warranty was covered due to the recall but when I took ot they denied my engine replaced saying I caused the head gasket to be replaced. Explaining the car showed no signs of over heating and just shut off once I got off the exit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460824April 14, 2022
ENGINE
Driving down the road my car just shut down and wouldn't start it happened once before but I was able to jump it and it worked but this time after we replace the battery and got it running there was a knocking under the hood that sounds like a rod going out or the engine is toast. There's no knocking before the engine totally just shut down it was running perfectly fine and because it started and ran fine the last time the car just died when I was driving I thought it was the battery and low and behold I replaced the battery and it turns on perfectly fine but now the knocking in the engine. It also will not drive over so many miles per hour cuz if it goes up to those miles per hour then it shuts down or the knocking gets louder and it starts to die. Again no warning about this which is why I replace the battery cuz that's what happened last time and when it came back on this time after getting the battery replaced and put in lonely hold there's knocking in the engine and it won't drive. I've seen on YouTube a guy with the same problem find out there is something recalled on the engines for the 2011 Hyundai sonata. The manufacturer replaced his engine for the same exact thing my car is doing. I just inherited this vehicle from my dad who passed away but he had just put it in his name from my brothers who passed away from COVID so I have not had this car long at all. Literally just received title in the mail. This is my only vehicle and my husband is blind and we have two kids that we have to get to and from school and very limited income right now and this problem needs to be fixed by the manufacturer because I did nothing wrong
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459844April 6, 2022
ENGINE
This vehicle's engine made a rattling noise and then suddenly stalled while I was driving it. I had it towed to the closest manufacturer dealership and the mechanic submitted a claim on my behalf to the manufacturer. It denied because the car has a salvage title. After reviewing your website it looks like the manufacturer can not solely deny a recall claim based on salvage title. This vehicle's engine has acted just like all the other recall's on this manufacturer, make & model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459456April 3, 2022
ENGINE
My engine has failed due to a well known manufacturing defect. I never received the recall notice Service Campaign 953, as I am not the original owner. This Theta engine is part of a class action lawsuit and Hyundai is aware however they may try to not pay for a replacement engine according to the dealership. Please assist. Thank you so much.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458281March 25, 2022
STEERING, SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver seatbelt will not stay attached. I'm getting a code to replace steering column and was told the intermediate shaft is bad. Also the torque converter clutch is throwing a code. The engine has been replaced which only has 4k miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458341March 25, 2022
ENGINE
My engine seized-up at approximately 125,000 miles. We were on the highway traveling about 75mph and heard an unusual sound from the engine compartment. We exited the highway on an exit ramp and at the stop, I hit the gas and lost most power - could only go about 15mph tops. Had to have it towed to my local Hyundai dealership and they determined that the engine was seized. My check engine light and low oil light were on when the problem presented. This was on 03/12/22. Thankfully this occurred when I and a buddy were traveling home from a basketball game, however, the primary driver of this car has been my 18 yo daughter - I'm SUPER glad it happened on my drive and not on hers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11457609March 21, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that upon pulling out of a driveway, the vehicle began to stall as he placed the vehicle into drive (D) and depressed the accelerator pedal. The contact then stated that several warning unknown lights appeared on the instrument panel as a dark colored smoke began to emit from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided him with a diagnostic fee. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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