HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID · model year

2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

144 NHTSA complaints, 11 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011HYUNDAISONATA HYBRID carries 144 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 11 crashes, 6 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 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 HYBRID is engine with 39 filings, followed by steering (18) and electrical system (16). 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 6 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 HYBRID, 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.

144
Complaints
11
Crashes
6
Fires
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

144 filings

Crashes Reported

11 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE39
STEERING18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
SERVICE BRAKES13
POWER TRAIN10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
AIR BAGS8
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
SEAT BELTS3
WHEELS3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION2
STRUCTURE:BODY1

Recalls (6)

18V13700027/02/2018

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

23V65100022/09/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B

17V15200008/03/2017

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.

17V61700004/10/2017

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.

20V39300002/07/2020

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolong

20V74600001/12/2020

ENGINE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Recent Complaints

20250429ENGINE 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.

Mileage: 130,000

20240823STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

20240508SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. That contact stated that the ABS fuse had been replaced but the vehicle experienced unstated failures with the braking system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 138,000

20240424SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20240122SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20230830SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the local dealer after a recall repair, the brakes were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where a diagnostic test was completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

20221115SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) was serviced by the previous owner in 2020. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

20221115AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) was serviced by the previous owner in 2020. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Mileage: 141,000

20220513ENGINE

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. Th

Mileage: 102,000

20220309ENGINE

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had stated that the engine was replaced; however, the vehicle was not able to be started. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 176,000

20210831ENGINE

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving there was an abnormal knocking noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was like NHTSA Campaign number 20V746000 (Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

20210407FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE JIM ELLIS HYUNDAI ATLANTA (5785 PEACHTREE BLVD, ATLANTA, GA 30341) TO BE DIAGNOSED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC ASSURED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SERVICE SOON AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT A NEARBY PARKING LOT OVERNIGHT. THE FOLLOWING DAY SHE RETURNED AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED, STALLED, WITH A HINT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOW

Mileage: 128,000

20210317ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V746000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20210315ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V746000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT LEE HYUNDAI (LOCATED AT 1960 SKIBO RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28314, (910) 684-4827) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. VIN TOOL CONFIRM PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN

20210311ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V746000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ENGINE OVERHEAT MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO CONICELLI HYUNDAI (1208 RIDGE PIKE, CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428, (610) 624-2029) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS THERMOSTAT BLOCKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 82,000

20210225ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING SOUND DETECTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V746000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AMARILLO HYUNDAI (1900 INTERSTATE 40 ACCESS RD #3029, AMARILLO, TX 79103, (806) 376-4911) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 105,000

20201108FireENGINE

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 55 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A STRANGE KNOCKING SOUND SO I TURNED AROUND TO GO HOME WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT. I PULLED OVER POPPED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WENT UP LIKE CRAZY. I CALLED 911 AND VACATED IMMEDIATELY

Mileage: 129,000

20200126ENGINE

ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE THAT BECAME WORSE OVER THREE DAYS (ORIGINALLY MISTAKEN FOR BAD GAS BUT BECAME MUCH LOUDER THAN THAT WOULD BE). WHILE DRIVING ALONG A BUSY STATE ROAD (NC 98) AND CAR CHOKED TWICE WITH A LOUD THUMP AND I FEARED IT WOULD STALL. PULLED OVER, SHUT VEHICLE OFF. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO ACTUAL FLAMES DETECTED. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER DESCRIBED HOLES IN THE ENGINE. CONSULTED HYUNDAI AND THEY WILL ONLY OFFER A SHORT BLOCK REPLACEMENT. LABOR COSTS ARE APPROXIMATELY $2500 WHICH I AM REQUIRED TO PAY. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 141K MILES. TOW TRUCK OPERATOR ALSO TOLD ME TO RESEARCH THE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED BUT SHOULD BE. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE RECALL WAS INCOMPLETE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROADER.

Mileage: 141,000

20191024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD AND THE CHECK BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ONCE THE CHIME STOPPED, THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WERE RENDERED INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM HYUNDAI (4355 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, LILBURN, GA 30047, (770) 972-1222) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

20191024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING 40-50 MPH, AN AUDIBLE CHIME WAS HEARD AND THE CHECK BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ONCE THE CHIME STOPPED, THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WERE RENDERED INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MALCOLM CUNNINGHAM HYUNDAI (4355 STONE MOUNTAIN HWY, LILBURN, GA 30047, (770) 972-1222) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

Compare 2011HYUNDAISONATA HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID have?
The 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has 144 NHTSA complaints, 11 crashes, 6 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID?
The 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID?
Yes, the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID is ENGINE with 39 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.