149 of the
4,621 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata are about the
suspension — 3% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
64,283 miles.
I started to get engine knocking noises about 6 months after the purchase of the used car. This knocking noise began to increase in frequency as I pressed my foot on the accelerator and the car would not accelerate when I pressed my foot on the gas pedal. Then the car would shut down in the middle of traffic. After waiting about 30 -45 mins, I would try to start the car again and would start and initially run as long as I drove less than 20 miles/hour the knocking noise level would decrease but if I went above 15 - 20 mph the car would shut down. The check engine light and engine oil light would come on. So I would check the engine oil level oil using the dip stick and it showed oil levels were ok. On October 10 2023 while driving to Walmart the engine turned off and would not start after waiting over 1 hour and I was stuck in the mall entrance road. A concerned driver with his passengers pushed the car to a Walmart parking spot where it is currently at. In addition, the traction light kept coming on and I paid the Hyundai dealership $2,800 to repair to keep the car from drifting to the left and to get the light off.
NHTSA complaint #11549336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesMarshalltown, IA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started swerving in the lane to the right and the left. The contact heard an abnormal thumping noise from underneath the floorboard. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes functioned as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V354000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #11512148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, MA
SUSPENSION
AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN DRIPS ONTO FRONT SUB FRAME, WHICH HOLDS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. IT ALSO HOLDS THE SUSPENSION BOLTS. DRIPPING FROM AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN IS CAUSING SUB FRAME TO RUST, ROT OUT AND WEAKEN PREMATURELY. THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO DROP OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE SUB FRAME COLLAPSES.
NHTSA complaint #11488762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesChicago, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a ticking sound and then heard something detach from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and checked underneath the driver’s side front of the vehicle and became aware that the coil spring had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #11466434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11462579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Killeen, TX
SUSPENSION
While I was driving in the access road I heard a pop and my car started making. A weird noise just for me to get out my car and my tire wasn’t straight it was dislocated I bought the car in april
NHTSA complaint #11435087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
SUSPENSION
The rear crossmember bolt snapped off on the passenger side with no warning. It caused the rear passenger complete wheel assembly to breakaway and fold backwards.
NHTSA complaint #11432653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matteson, IL
SUSPENSION
Car is very low I found a piece of my spring to my car in the street
NHTSA complaint #11418264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesNewton, WI
SUSPENSION
FRONT DRIVER STRUT COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE PARKED . POWER STEERING ASSIST MOTOR COUPLING GEAR BROKE .
NHTSA complaint #11388323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesWhitehall, AR
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD UNDER THE VEHICLE AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM AND MAP SENSOR WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUTS WERE NOT INSPECTED. CRAIN HYUNDAI LITTLE ROCK (11701 COLONEL GLENN ROAD, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72210 (501) 604-1500) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THERE WERE NO RECALLS WAS UNDER THE VIN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V629000 (SUSPENSION) AND 18V934000 (ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE FAILURES HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CONTACT NHTSA TO PLACE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 139,000. INVALID VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11387175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesStreamwood, IL
SUSPENSION
THUMPING/CLUNKING SOUND FROM DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AREA WHEN GOING OVER MINOR BUMPS AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #11386183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesFarmington, NM
SUSPENSION
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE DAY AT 55MILES PER HR MY ENGINE JUST STALLED OUT AND TURNED OFF , SINCE THEN THE ENGINE MAKES A CLICKING SOUND AND HAS LOST ALL POWER , AND THE TIRES MAKE A CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURN
NHTSA complaint #11364664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION MAKING LOUD THUMP NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AFTER ENGINE BEEN REPLACED AND SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON...AND PAINT AND CLEAR COAT IS PEALING
NHTSA complaint #11362422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heath Springs, SC
SUSPENSION
THE FRONT END IS SQUEAKING AND MAKING A NOISE WHEN TURNING.
NHTSA complaint #11362043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Lebanon, NY
SUSPENSION
CAR MAKES CLUNKING/SHAKING/RATTLING SOUND WHILE DRIVING, MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN GOING OVER 60MPH OR TURNING THE WHEEL. DOES NOT FEEL SAFE. STEERING WHEEL RATTLES IN YOUR HAND AND VIBRATES THE ENTIRE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11361536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesBrooklyn Park, MN
SUSPENSION
STEERING WHEEL MAKES A NOISE. WHEN TURNED. CAR RIDE IS BUMPY ON INSPECTION MECHANIC SAID I NEED STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AND I NEED LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACED, FRONT SWAY BAR LINKS NEED REPLACEMENT. ALMOST $2000 EXPENSE. THIS CAR HAS 132000 MILES ON IT . I TOOK CARE OF CAR ROTATE THE TIRES DID PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.THE VEHICLE HAS VERY BUMPY RIDE WHEN TURNED MAKES NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #11344163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesCrandall, GA
SUSPENSION
STEERING WHEEL MAKES NOISE AND HAS PLAY IN IT. WHILE JACKED UP, THE WHEEL MAKES THE SUSPENSION SHAKE. NOISE IS WHILE HITTING POTHOLES, MAKING TURNS AND WHILE SITTING STILL TURNING THE WHEELS. I BOUGHT CAR USED. HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND TIRES JUST ROTATED WITHIN PAST MONTH.
NHTSA complaint #11343359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION
AS I WAS DRIVING OVER 60MPH I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS PULLING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. I MADE IT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED A SHARP CORNER AND THE BOLTS TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM APPEAR TO HAVE FELL OUT. THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS DANGLING. TOW TRUCK IS NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #11330265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coldwater, MS
SUSPENSION
1) SEATBELT LATCH WILL UNLATCH WHILE DRIVING. 2) THE FULE LIGHT INDICATOR IS NEVER CORRECT SHOW EMPTY ALL THE TIME. WILL GO TO FULL AND BACK TO EMPTY WHILE DRIVING. 3) WHILE FUELING THE PUMP WILL JUMP OFF BEFORE SOON AS GAS STARTS GOING INTO TANK. 4) STRUTS ARE NOT WORKING ALL 4 ARE OUT AND DOWN HITTING THE ROADS HARD WHILE DRIVING. 5) PAINT IS PEELING OFF AL TH SIDES BACK PANELS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11323245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,206 milesMarion, OH
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, ABOUT 10 MPH, AND I HEARD A CLANKING NOISE AND HEARD SOMETHING HITTING THE TIRE WELL. I STOPPED MY CAR AND GOT OUT. MY DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE, AND A PIECE ABOUT 5 INCHES LONG, WAS ON THE GROUND. I CHECKED THE RECALL LIST AND IT SAID MY VIN # WAS NOT ON THE LIST. MY NAME IS [XXX]. CELL PHONE #[XXX]. VIN#[XXX]. MY DRIVER'S LICENSE# [XXX]. PLEASE CONTACT ME. THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11320210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,333 milesSuccasunna, NJ
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET, HEARD LOUD NOISE COMING FROM LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA WHEN I HEARD A GRINDING SOUND AND CAR WAS RIDING ROUGH. CALLED FOR HELP.INSTRUCTED NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE TILL IT WAS LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. MECHANIC WHO EVALUATED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN "PITTED WHEEL BEARINGS" IN 30 YEARS OF OPERATION. HE GAVE ME BACK THE FAULTY BEARINGS AND TOLD ME I SHOULD CONTACT YOU AND THE CORPORATE AREA OF HYUNDAI, BECAUSE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND WARRANTS AN ALERT OR RECALL. THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT AND BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE REVIEW ASAP, AS THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE REST OF THE POPULATION. THANK YOU!
NHTSA complaint #11318695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBaraboo, WI
SUSPENSION
MY DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS I HEARD A METAL CLANK AND THEN A PIECE OF METAL FELL ONTO THE ROAD WAY, I'VE HAD MY CAR IN BEFORE TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED WHEN THE FIRST RECALL CAME OUT IN 2015. AS I LIVE IN WISCONSIN AND I NOW SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO IS HAVING THIS ISSUE OF THIS PART FAILING AGAIN. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AND OF COURSE "MY VIN ISNT SUPPOSELY ONE OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES" PLEASE REISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PART.
NHTSA complaint #11280855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesMesa, AZ
SUSPENSION
HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN DIRECTIONAL IS TOUCHED, FRONT END BOTTOM OUT GOING OVER DIPS IN ROADWAY, STEERING HAS LOTS OF PLAY WHEN TURNING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT
NHTSA complaint #11267398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
SUSPENSION
HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 WHEN DRIVING THROUGH BUMPS OR A SMOOTH SERVICE IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO FALL APART. SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAS A CLUNKING AND RATTLING SOUNDS UNDERNEATH AND A FEW REPLACEMENTS HAS BEEN DONE BUT IT STILL FEELS AS IF ITS LOOSE UNDERNEATH. THE CAR HAS GONE THROUGH MANY RECALLS PLUS WAS OUT OF SERVICE FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR IS NOT ALIGNED AS IT SHOULD. THE BEST PART IS WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE INNER COVER OF THE WHEEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE FELL OFF, AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE HAVING MY CHILD IN THE CAR. ENGINE WAS RECENTLY REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HAS NO TYPE OF ACELLATOR PICK UP. WHEN TURNING LEFT IT SOUNDS LIKE A CRANKING NOISE "CLUCK, CLUCK, CLUCK" ITS HORRIBLE. I HAVE THIS CAR IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP PLENTY OF TIMES SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED IT BUT MY THEORY IS THAT I PURCHASED A LEMON CAR BUT APPARENTLY BECAUSE THE MILES IT DON'T QUALIFY. OKAY NOW WHAT IT QUALIFIES FOR? MANUFACTURING DEFECTS SMH WHEN I DRIVE IN THE RAIN THE WINDOWS DO NOT DEFROSS AS IT SHOULD THEREFORE I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT DURING BAD WEATHER
NHTSA complaint #11251972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baldwin, GA
SUSPENSION
MAKING A SQUILLING NOISE AS I'M DRIVING AND THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE. FRONT END (AXEL'S) SOUNDS LIKE IT'S LOOSE
NHTSA complaint #11245956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesBaldwin, GA
SUSPENSION
WHEN I'M TURNING I HEAR POPPING NOISES. AND AS I'M DRIVING I HEAR A SQUILLING NOISES FROM THE FRONT
NHTSA complaint #11245780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SUSPENSION
SINCE,I HAVE OWNED THE CAR I HAVE,NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FEELING LOOSE. OVER,THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS I HAVE EXPERIENCED UNCONTROLLABLE RATTLING AND INCREASED SHAKING. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BE LOOKED AT AND 3 DIFFERENT SHOPS TOLD ME MY STEERING RACK WAS ABOUT TO GO. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ON MY MAKE AND MODEL, IT IS DETERMINED THAT SOME 2011 SONATAS MADE BETWEEN CERTAIN DATES HAD FAULTY STEERING RACKS FROM THE START. THE CAR IS ALMOST UNDRIVEABLE AND HYUNDAI CONTINUES TO IGNORE THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT SHOULD GO INTO RECALL. THERE ARE OVER 1100 COMPLAINTS TO THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11231198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBakersfield, CA
SUSPENSION
WHEN BACKING UP AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL A KNOCKING OCCURS. ALSO WHEN MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED AND TURNING THE WHEELS THE KNOCKING OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #11220509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesSAN Francisco, CACrash
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON THE US 101 NORTHBOUND INTO SAN FRANCISCO MY 2011 SONATA SUDDENLY BEGAN VEERING OUT OF ITS LANE AND WAS HARD TO STEER OR CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STEER JUST ENOUGH TO GET TO THE RIGHT HIGHWAY SHOULDER WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING AS THERE WERE NO CARS IMMEDIATELY TO MY RIGHT. I WAS STUCK ON A DANGEROUS PART OF THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER FOR AN HOUR WAITING TO BE TOWED, WITH THE VEHICLE SEEMING DANGEROUS TO DRIVE TO A SAFER SPOT. WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER I WAS ABLE TO LOOK AT THE REAR-LEFT WHEEL WHICH WAS INCLINED INTO THE WHEEL-WELL AT ABOUT 30 DEGREES ON THE TOP SIDE. AFTER GETTING TOWED OFF THE HIGHWAY THE TOW-TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE UPPER REAR CONTROL ARM OF THE BACK LEFT WHEEL HAD BROKEN. THE BACK LEFT WHEEL WAS LOOSELY MOVEABLE USING JUST OUR HANDS. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A MUCH MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENT! I AM WAITING TO GET A FULL INSPECTION REPORT FROM A MECHANIC.
NHTSA complaint #11208866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLouisville, GA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN A CLICKING AND POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TAYLOR HYUNDAI (3233 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA GA) WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11206555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.