Total Complaints
4587 filings
HYUNDAI SONATA · model year
4587 NHTSA complaints, 194 crash reports, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2011HYUNDAISONATA carries 4587 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 194 crashes, 184 fires, 150 injuries, and 3 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 SONATA is steering with 1161 filings, followed by engine (956) and air bags (412). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 14 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2011 SONATA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
4587 filings
Crashes Reported
194 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 1161 |
| ENGINE | 956 |
| AIR BAGS | 412 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 402 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 221 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 209 |
| POWER TRAIN | 150 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 144 |
| SUSPENSION | 140 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 104 |
| SEAT BELTS | 101 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 92 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 63 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 62 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 34 |
ENGINE
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 durin
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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 inc
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 Elec
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
ENGINE
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 de
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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,
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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 Tiburo
My car was broken into and they broke off my door handle and took out ignition parts, a police report was done
My car was broken into and they broke off my door handle and took out ignition parts, a police report was done
My Hyundai Sonata has encounter two failing cylinders (compression loss) due to scoring. When driving in the highway I got engine shudder and loss of power (speed) that could have put me in dangerous driving condition, accident or other. These GDI engines are notorious for poor oil circulation due to faulty designed piston rings. Hyundai has long history with these poorly manufactured engines and class action lawsuits. I notified Hyundai but they are not willing to remedy the situation. I have worked with local dealership Miller Hyundai, as well as corporate. All I get are excuses and that Iâm not covered. These engines are completely problematic with oil consumption and oil blow by, causing seizing, rod bearing failure, carbon buildup, cylinder damage, etc. The info on the internet over customers and these GDI engines is overwhelming. Oil related Fires are another issue as well. Hyundai needs more accountability than the class action for rod baring failures. Because of the damage
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, there was a grinding sensation coming from the front wheels, and the grinding sensation was felt in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rod bearings and hubs had failed, causing the grinding sound. The contact was informed that the rod bearings and hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the following day, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The sound also occurred while the vehicle was parked. While attempting to accelerate from 25 - 35 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle clunked and jerked. The vehicle decelerated, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact became aware that the accelerator pedal was not operating as needed. While on the side of the road, the con
Mileage: 138,000
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, there was a grinding sensation coming from the front wheels, and the grinding sensation was felt in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rod bearings and hubs had failed, causing the grinding sound. The contact was informed that the rod bearings and hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the following day, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The sound also occurred while the vehicle was parked. While attempting to accelerate from 25 - 35 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle clunked and jerked. The vehicle decelerated, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact became aware that the accelerator pedal was not operating as needed. While on the side of the road, the con
Mileage: 138,000
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle became inoperable and could not be restarted, and the vehicle was towed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer stated that the failure was related to a previous recall associated with the VIN; however, the recall number was not provided. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied coverage for the repair and alleged that the engine failure was a result of negligence in the maintenance records. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000.
Mileage: 183,000
CRUISE controldoesnt work due to design defect dirt getting in and stopping the function.
UNKNOWN - I noticed DASHBOARD crack over time and the AIR BAG light remain on at all times. The AIR BAG light on the passenger side shows OFF. The entire dashboard is cracked. I fear that I can no longer drive my car distances due to air bag issue. I did not report the issues to a dealer yet, I was waiting until next oil change time. I do not know the date that it started.
I am reporting a safety-related engine failure involving my 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. In November 2025, at approximately 90,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure while driving, including loss of power and abnormal engine noise. This created an unsafe driving condition and required the vehicle to be removed from service. Component/System Involved: The engine (Theta II 2.0T) suffered a catastrophic internal failure. The engine and internal components remain available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine power reduced my ability to maintain speed and maneuver in traffic, posing a safety risk to myself and other motorists. Confirmation and Inspection: The failure was confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership, which inspected the vehicle and documented the internal valve train condition through photographs. Hyundai Motor America reviewed the claim and issued a written denial. No independent third-party technical inspection was perf
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended, and the contact noticed a strong fuel odor coming from underneath the hood. Upon inspecting underneath the hood, the contact noticed a leak. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel line was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was contacted, but only the automated system was available. The failure mileage was unknown.
There was no accident .Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I donât know of any incidents.
There was no accident .Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I donât know of any incidents.
The Vehicle: "I have a 2011â2014 Hyundai Sonata with massive underbody rust." The Failed Fix: "Service Campaign 946 was completed on this car in 2017, but it did not work. The rust is now worse." The Safety Risk: "The structural metal is so rusty that I am afraid it will snap while I am driving. This makes the car unsafe." Hyundai is refusing to fix it because the car has a 'branded' (abandoned) title, even though the structural safety issue is still there."
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an inspection revealed that the rear frame of the vehicle, located near the passengerâs side, was severely corroded. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 148,757.
Mileage: 148,757
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was due to an unrepaired recall. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The repair was performed. The failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the recall was closed. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed hydraulic ABS booster sensor. The contact was provided DTC: C1237/HPU. The contact was informed that the hydraulic ABS booster sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was released to the contact; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated and then went off. The manufacturer was m
Mileage: 149,000
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, an abnormal knocking sound was heard, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby residence, where it temporarily remained. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle a few miles to qualify for towing, per the vehicle insurance provider. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to insufficient engine oil maintenance records. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,600.
Mileage: 137,600
The vehicle experiences a recurring defect where the brake light turns on suddenly and the engine shuts off while driving. The failure appears related to the braking system (brake switch circuit), electrical system (CAN-bus/ECU communication), and engine control (shutdown/stall). The system remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. The shutdown poses a serious safety risk, including possible rear-end collision or loss of power in traffic. The problem has occurred multiple times. The dealership inspected the vehicle briefly but failed to diagnose or document the defect and returned the vehicle within hours, stating âit shouldnât be a problem,â even though the issue continues. Hyundai has refused to provide recall documentation or authorize a re-inspection. The only warnings prior to shutoff are the sudden activation of the brake warning light just before the engine cuts off.
The vehicle experiences a recurring defect where the brake light turns on suddenly and the engine shuts off while driving. The failure appears related to the braking system (brake switch circuit), electrical system (CAN-bus/ECU communication), and engine control (shutdown/stall). The system remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. The shutdown poses a serious safety risk, including possible rear-end collision or loss of power in traffic. The problem has occurred multiple times. The dealership inspected the vehicle briefly but failed to diagnose or document the defect and returned the vehicle within hours, stating âit shouldnât be a problem,â even though the issue continues. Hyundai has refused to provide recall documentation or authorize a re-inspection. The only warnings prior to shutoff are the sudden activation of the brake warning light just before the engine cuts off.
The vehicle experiences a recurring defect where the brake light turns on suddenly and the engine shuts off while driving. The failure appears related to the braking system (brake switch circuit), electrical system (CAN-bus/ECU communication), and engine control (shutdown/stall). The system remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. The shutdown poses a serious safety risk, including possible rear-end collision or loss of power in traffic. The problem has occurred multiple times. The dealership inspected the vehicle briefly but failed to diagnose or document the defect and returned the vehicle within hours, stating âit shouldnât be a problem,â even though the issue continues. Hyundai has refused to provide recall documentation or authorize a re-inspection. The only warnings prior to shutoff are the sudden activation of the brake warning light just before the engine cuts off.
While driving home from work after 7â¯PM on the 215â¯NB freeway, the oil warning light suddenly illuminated, and the vehicle immediately lost engine power. Within seconds, the engine shut off completely, leaving me unable to accelerate or safely maneuver. I was forced to coast across lanes with no power, creating a significant risk of collision and nearly resulting in a rear-end accident. After the incident, I performed a crankshaft rotation test, which the engine failed, confirming that the crankshaft would not turn. I also verified that the timing chain remained intact. The vehicle has since been inspected by Hyundai technicians, who confirmed the engine failure under Service Campaign 953. Hyundai further communicated via email that my vehicle is eligible under the TXXI Theta Engine Settlement Agreement and expressed a willingness to discuss my recent engine concerns and the details of the settlement.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.