213 of the
4,621 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata are about the
other systems — 5% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
99,099 miles.
B
213
Complaints
2
Crashes
15
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
213100.0%
Other & Unspecified across every Hyundai Sonata year
I was heading to work when suddenly smoke started pouring from the air conditioning vents, and the ABS and traction control warning lights came on. I hit the brakes to pull over, only to realize I had lost braking power. I managed to steer to the side of the road as carefully as possible and bring the car to a stop—despite having no brakes and a fire burning under the hood. I tried downshifting to slow the vehicle, but the transmission didn't respond, and the cabin began filling with smoke. Once I stopped, there was nothing I could do to extinguish the fire, as the car was completely consumed within seconds. It was a fire in the engine bay; I lost the brakes, and the ABS and traction control lights lit up. I assume it was a critical failure in the braking system, most likely involving the ABS module.
NHTSA complaint #11751236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wickenburg, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clock spring went bad causing failure of horn and all buttons on the steering wheel including cruise control. It also caused the airbag light to illuminate.
NHTSA complaint #11745397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redding, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, both rear tail lights have melted to the point that the lightbulbs cannot be extracted and the brake and tail lights no longer work. When I looked into this, I found out this is a common issue on 2011 Hyundai Sonatas. It is almost always caused by excessive heat from the standard incandescent bulbs, which damages the wiring harness and deforms the plastic housing. When I called the closest Hyundai dealer (in Chico, California), they told me the warranty had expired last year and that I should have received a notice about it after I obtained ownership of the car in March 2025 (a little over a year ago). However, I did not receive a notice about this. Since the tail lights do not work properly as a result of this problem, it is a safety issue as it could cause an accident. It should be a recall repair instead of a warranty that expires. My car is still well under the 200,000 mile limit that was set on the extended warranty, but they're refusing to honor that because of the warranty being expired.
NHTSA complaint #11738903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car is stuck in the drive position and won't change into neutral not park even with pushing the shift lock release button. I turned it off and now it won't even start.
NHTSA complaint #11732607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Haven, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was broken into and they broke off my door handle and took out ignition parts, a police report was done
NHTSA complaint #11718470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CRUISE controldoesnt work due to design defect dirt getting in and stopping the function.
NHTSA complaint #11710370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 don’t know of any incidents.
NHTSA complaint #11709494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ada, OKFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In summer of 2023 my car 2011 Sonata Hybrid quit running and would not start. My granddaughter had used the car to go to Oklahoma City for a tennis tournament. Her life was at risk because she was coming back in the evening and was alone. The next day I had the car towed to Ada Oklahoma and then called dealership and had it towed to Ardmore, Oklahoma where I had purchased the car new in 2011. The car was at the dealership for 6 months. The vehicle was inspected at the dealership. There were no warning lights or symptoms of the failure prior to the breakdown. I am an 80 year old female that knows nothing about a car engine and they talked to me like I was a mechanic. I still do not know why my claim was denied but was told that I did not have a claim. I had to rent a car to get to work for several months and was out the money to have my car towed 2 times. Not to mention the strain of being without my car for 6-7 months. I finally just gave up until I read about all these other people having trouble with Hyundai also.
NHTSA complaint #11695234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There was a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid transmission-related shift cable recall, Campaign 123, which covered certain 2011-2014 Sonatas (including some 2011-2015 Hybrids). The recall addressed the potential for the transmission shift cable to detach from the shift lever pin, which could prevent the car from being fully in park and potentially lead to rollaway
NHTSA complaint #11691155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Not sure . The car has been regulaurly maintenced and one day the emgine complagely seized up going down the road .
NHTSA complaint #11683818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car has been having white smoke since i got it the smoke coming from the exhaust smells like oil burning.
NHTSA complaint #11682296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammond, IN
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!
NHTSA complaint #11678048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently got a radiator replaced and now my car won't reverse
NHTSA complaint #11676888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #11657310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pascagoula, MS
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
NHTSA complaint #11644402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apex, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11643255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roxbury, MA
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
NHTSA complaint #11635502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peoria, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Leaking
NHTSA complaint #11622396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daphne, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car is overheating. Took it to a mechanic They replaced the thermostat but car is still overheating, jerking and so much more. The mechanic wants to charge more to fix it. I got a second opinion from another mechanic and after he reviewed the paperwork from the first mechanic. He searched my vin number and told me to contact this number because my vehicle is on a recall list. So I need someone to contact me about where and how we can get my vehicle fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11617412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salisbury, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On July 19 I started my car and there was a loud knocking noise coming from underneath my hood when I lifted the hood the knocking sound was coming from my engine I’ve had this car for 3 years never had any problems or issues at all with my car not sure what’s going on or if there are any recalls on parts for my car
NHTSA complaint #11605565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wendell, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle dash board has started cracking in several locations. Causing a risk to my safety, having the potential of breaking up in the event of a crash casing the dash board to break up and shatter that would cause injury to my passenger and myself. I have seen on the internet where Hyundai has a recall on this, but I was not contracted about this and wound like this matter review please thanks
NHTSA complaint #11589514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springtown, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving from home to a shopping center, approximately 25 miles, I did not observe any unusual noises nor smoke nor dashboard warning lights. Once I parked and shut off the engine in the shopping center parking lot, I observed a small amount of thick, white smoke coming from the hood on the front passenger side of my car, and then the smoke abruptly stopped. I was concerned enough that I decided I should probably move my car to a parking space a bit further away from the store I planned to go into in order to be further away from other vehicles. I started the engine again, and once again, no smoke nor unusual noises nor warning lights. I drove around to the next parking aisle and parked in a different parking space. Once I turned off the engine again, the smoke then immediately started from the right side of the hood again and quickly smoke started coming from the left side of the hood. I was quickly trying to grab my things to get out of the car as I saw the paint starting to peel off of the hood of my car. I was barely able to get out of my car as fire flames and very thick white smoke were then emerging from the hood. A person in the parking lot called 911 for me, and the local fire department arrived and put the fire out that destroyed my car. I am in the process of securing the Fire Marshall's lengthy report. At the present time, my vehicle is at our home where we paid to have it towed.
NHTSA complaint #11588450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wendell, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My dash board is cracking and the Hyundai dealership don’t seem to think it’s a safety recall. And I found this information, saying this sonatas due to defective materials used for the dashboard that may cause it to crack and form sharp edges, potentially causing injury during an accident. The recall affects over 220,000 vehicles and requires dealers to replace the dashboard in affected models for free. I would like you to look into and see if it’s was a recall please,
NHTSA complaint #11586704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Not sure what component is responsible but the car caught fire while driving on [XXX]. Started smoking and then shut off. Limped car to the shoulder and got out. Saw from underneath that it was on fire and called 911. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11584284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evanston, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
GAS GAUGE WORKED, ONLY, INTERMITTENTLY. WOULD INDICATE EMPY AFTER A FILLUP. AT ABOUT 3/4 OF A TANK, WOULD START SHOWING ACCURATE READING. NOW SEEMS NOT TO WORK AT ALL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 YEARS. NOW, IT IS STUCK ON 1/2 FULL NO MATTER HOW MUCH OR LITTLE FUEL IS IN THE TANK. MY SAFETY CONCERN IS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL ON THE HIGHWAY AND BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. ONLINE, I HAVE FOUND. MANY OTHERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11576012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snellville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car won’t start idk what’s cost that’s
NHTSA complaint #11565472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2011 Hyundai sonata Engine failed in April 2023. Was towed and the engine was replaced due to the recall. Got car back November 4th 2023. Fuel gauge never went out and after driving about 3 miles the engine light came on. Dec 13th was driving on highway and felt like the car was going to fall apart. Able to get off highway only for the car to die. Every light including some I have never seen came on. Was stuck on the side of the road with my ESA dog in 28°. Temp. For over an hour with no power and hazards starting to dim. I'm disabled and had no help. Local PD towed vehicle and drove me home. Car sat at tow yard collecting fees as I was waiting for the dealership to call me back. Finally got help with paying the tow yard company only to be stuck once again for over an hour in the cold and then denied a tow to the dealership since they decided to cancel my appointment by text while I was on with Hyundai roadside assistance. They denied any help. Luckily the tow yard felt bad and made a call for me and a friend came and paid the 160.00 tow truck to get the car back to my house. They have now not returned my calls and the case manager has not responded as well. This is unacceptable. I don't have any money and I have no idea how they can get away with treating a disabled person in the winter days before Christmas by letting me be stranded twice on the side of the road with an engine that has less than 10 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11562229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Byhalia, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Hyundai Sonata started messing up 3 months ago. My check engine light came on I took it to autozone to get it checked and it was my knock sensor wire harness I dont have a warranty on my car and I dont know what else to do
NHTSA complaint #11556268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata was stolen on June 13th in Minneapolis in broad daylight on a busy street. When I got it back at the Mpls Police impound lot they said it was stolen (most likely by kids) because of the security defect the Hyundais and Kias are known to have: the lack of an interceptor that other cars have. That security defect has been well publicized and apparently widely featured on TikTok. The week before the theft I received the Hyundai recall notice for a software solution to be installed to solve the security defect, but when I contacted area dealerships they either didn't have it yet or were booked out several months. I've seen it reported that Hyundai (and Kia) companies have known about the defect for years, so it's especially frustrating!
NHTSA complaint #11531842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Picked up my car after getting my recalls done on May 10, 2023. Drove it for 2 days. As I was on my way home on the 2nd day, my car started giving me trouble. As I accelerate, the car will stall out and I will have to turn it off and back on just to get it out of the middle of the street. It won't go over 1000 RPMs. The EPS light, battery light, and engine light all lit up.
NHTSA complaint #11530069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.