Owner complaint record
2011 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2011 Hyundai Sonata owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 3,374 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 20263,374 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
Model year2011
- 202516No page yet
- 202445No page yet
- 202385No page yet
- 202291No page yet
- 2021128No page yet
- 2020173No page yet
- 2019159No page yet
- 2018368No page yet
- 2017761No page yet
- 2016720No page yet
- 20151,139No page yet
- 2014743No page yet
- 20131,903No page yet
- 20121,556No page yet
- 20113,374
- 2010345No page yet
+878% vs 2010, most of any Sonata year
1,164 complaints, 34% of the total
half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before this
62 mention an injury, 112 a fire
The steering leads the 2011 Hyundai Sonata record at 34%, with engine close behind. Of the steering reports that give a mileage, half came before 65,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the brake light switch, $4.83 to $22 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
A third of the complaints name the steering, most of them a clunk or knock, and Hyundai recalled early cars for the steering shaft joints and the power steering circuit board. Engine complaints come next, and the engine is under a recall for metal debris left from machining the crankshaft.
Under recall 15V-568, the dealer inspects the engine and replaces it if needed, and Hyundai covers the short block for 10 years or 120,000 miles for the original and later owners.
2011 Hyundai Sonata overview
The 2011 Sonata came with a 2.4-liter four or a 2.0-liter turbo four, with a six-speed automatic or, on the 2.4, a six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive.
Owners filed 10 times as many complaints about the 2011 as the 2010 (345), and the steering leads only in 2011. The 2012 drew 1,556, with engine named most.
- Power
- 198 hp (200 on the SE)
- Torque
- 184 lb-ft (186 on the SE)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 274 hp
- Torque
- 269 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Maker spec sheets and releases (Wayback copies), read 3 Oct 2026.
Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata than about any other Sonata year, and the steering draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1stCompared with other Sonata years3,374 complaints, the most of 16 model years (next is 2013 with 1,903).By model year
- 34%The system named mostSteering, in 1,164 complaints. Half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before 65,000 miles.Problems by system
- 14Recalls14 recall campaigns cover the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.Recalls
- 116Crashes, injuries, fires116 complaints mention a crash, 62 an injury and 112 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2011 Hyundai Sonata problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 3,374 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Steering34%1,164 complaintsClunking, knocking, loss of assist
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What owners describe
Took car to dealership for front end noise and "popping" during turns. Dealer states the steering rack is faulty and needs replaced. Steering rack is on order as of 09/30/2011 and won't be in until 10/05/2011. Keith hawthorne hyundai service dept. Claims vehicle is still safe to drive until part comes in.
A distinct 'click' noise heard when steering wheel is turned on either direction. It happens even when the vehicle is not moving. It feels like there is excessive steering play. Dealer says they do not have any recall. I have learnt that many 2011 sonata owners have similar issue.
VATXCAOKRead 4 more owner reports+4
Steering wheel chicked when making turns. Noticable shake when driving. Dealer said not under warrenty. Dealer stated "coupling worn". $315 to repair. Based on complaints, can't understand why not recalled.
Steering wheel shakes when driving and there is a clunk when I turn. Went to the dealership and was told steering wheel coupling needs to be replaced. Charge is $350. I called hyundai and there was no interest in helping to fix this problem. They said the problem is not affected by any recall.
Steering wheel felt loose, started making "clack" sound when hitting bumps. Dealer replaced plastic coupling ($3 part) for $360, mostly labor cost. Many others are complaining of the same issues in online forums (http://www.hyundai-forums.com/yf-2011-sonata-i45/209609-steering-wheel-noise-over-bump.html)
After having a recall performed campaign 143 I was told that the steering coupling and the clock spring was bad. I left the dealer and drove back in because I heard a noise when I turned the steering wheel with the engine on. Was told it was the coupling. Looked on the web at home. This is a common problem. Should be a recall.
When it starts
Usually starts around 65,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 16,000 and 90,000.
What to do
Turn the wheel lock to lock slowly and listen for a clunk or knock.
Engine29%965 complaintsStalling, knocking, engine replacements
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What owners describe
Car would not start when I pressed the brake and start button. Tried several times and nothing. Brake was very hard and after 10 minutes I gave up and drove my truck. This is about the 4th time this has happened. I will take to dealer. From reading the blogs sounds like the brake light switch will have to be replaced.
2.0 turbo engine. Driving on highway, vehicle stalled without flashing any warning lights. Pulled to the side of the highway and checked all fluids, none were below minimum level. Had car towed to dealer on the same day, dealer called me two days later to say that engine is seized and it will be $8900 to replace the engine.
CTCTMONJRead 4 more owner reports+4
Car started making a metallic clicking noise at highway speeds and then stalled when trying to accelerate. I was able to get the car off to the side of the highway. The dealership indicated that the engine was shot. Appears to be related to NHTSA 15v568.
Car stopped and turned off on the highway. All warning lights lit then went off and car stopped. It stalled 3 times before. Took it to the dealer made appointment for service on my way home same day it lit up again I pulled over and it stayed running.
I was on the highway going 55 mph and my acceleration started to decrease and I could not pick up speed,as I exited off the highway I heard a knocking noise and my car died. I had to call my insurance company for a tow to the dealership napleton hyundai, 649 dunn rd, hazelwood, mo 63042.
Internal engine noise and unusual amount of oil consumption , approximately 1 qt. Per 500 miles . Found usa today dated 09/25/2015 stating posted by the NHTSA that hyundai announced a recall of my vehicle for this exact problem but local hyundai dealer stated that my vehicle was not covered by this safety recall.
When it starts
Usually starts around 99,733 miles. Half of owners reported it between 72,000 and 127,782.
What to do
Run the VIN for the engine recall and ask for the dealer's inspection record.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoAirbag system12%415 complaintsAirbag warning light on
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What owners describe
Takata recall air bag light stays on. Dealer says it's a faulty clock spring and will cost $340 for parts and labor. This can be deadly if in a crash and air bags don't deploy!
After having a recall performed campaign 143 I was told that the steering coupling and the clock spring was bad. I left the dealer and drove back in because I heard a noise when I turned the steering wheel with the engine on. Was told it was the coupling. Looked on the web at home. This is a common problem. Should be a recall.
KYGACAMSRead 4 more owner reports+4
Clicking in steering wheel dealer stated needed new coupler cost 4.00, labor 334.00. Also airbag light remains on, dealer stated clockspring repair 372.00. Mileage 69000. Checked hyundai websites, numerous repairs for these sames issues on the 2011 sonata, both issues should be a recall issues. With so many of these cars having the same issues, these wld appear to be defects in the manufactured with the cars.
Air bag light stays on. Dealer says it's a faulty clock spring and will cost $450 for parts and labor. This can be deadly if in a crash and air bags don't deploy!
The air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. My car has not been in a crash or accident and has approx 99k miles.
Fatal accident, lost control of vehicle hitting a tree head on. Air bags did not deploy, engine caught on fire. Steering column air bag and passenger air bags intact. Notified hyundai dealer where vehicle was purchased with 49995 miles, 2nd owner no previous incidents to the vehicle , had approx 80000 miles at time of crash.
When it starts
Usually starts around 92,800 miles. Half of owners reported it between 68,000 and 115,000.
What to do
Check that the airbag light goes out a few seconds after you start the car.
Electrical system12%408 complaintsWarning lights, stalling, dead battery
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What owners describe
Driving at 40 mph and lost power. Car came to stop in middle of road and "check charging system" warning light came on. Tried several times and finally restarted. Continued about a block then it happened again. Got it started, drove a little further and it happened again. Got the car home and called hyundai service to have car towed to dealer.
The wires for the brake lights has melted on both sides of the brake housing and all of it needs to be replaced. Hyundai dealership says they replace these often because of this! They worked one day and then when the car was turned on again they did not. Passenger side went out and 4 weeks later the drivers side did the same thing.
OHNCRead 2 more owner reports+2
Brake lights stay on got a recall on it dealer says they fixed it and now want yo charge me over 200.00 to fix it agin
To the person who had starting problems with the 2011, I agree. Mine has been in the dealer's shop over eight times with the same "intermittent" problems that they can't solve. Won't start, or delays starting with the new electronic start button. Left me in a dangerous situation in a parking lot 30 miles from home.
When it starts
Usually starts around 58,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 15,050 and 100,000.
What to do
Watch the dash for warning lights on the test drive.
Our guideBad Alternator or Battery? How to Tell Before You BuyMore: Dashboard warning lights
Exterior lighting7%223 complaintsHeadlights and brake lights
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What owners describe
Brake light went out, opened break light compartment , light bulb was melted inside of socket, took to dealer said it was normal. How can this be normal? ? Could this have started a fire, was told not covered under my warranty, 250.00 later
I've replaced my both my headlights and brake lights at least 4 times within the last 6 months and have been told by the faulkner hyundai dealer that there is not an issue. There is no way that I should be replacing it so many times, there has to be something with either a fuse or electrical issue.
ILTXRead 2 more owner reports+2
I just purchased a 2011 sonata turbo and am experiencing strong gas smell inside car when going at slow speeds. I also notice it pulling to the left. Cannot tell the difference between high and low beam with the headlights.
Have replaced brake lights 5 times due to someome telling me they were out. Was stop by a cop today because both brake lights he said we're out. Why are these lights burning out so fast? Automotive guy said put some grease on bulb then place them in. I did and they still went out?
When it starts
Usually starts around 73,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 38,500 and 111,781.
What to do
Have someone watch the brake lights while you press the pedal.
What repairs cost on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Part prices for the problems 2011 Sonata owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
Four brands, from Standard Motor Products up to Dorman.
Check steering couplersSeven brands, from Rostra up to Vemo. Hyundai's recall 13V113 covers the brake light switch on certain 2011 Sonatas, free at the dealer; check the VIN first.
Check brake light switchesPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 3, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
13 owners name P1326 (a Hyundai-specific code) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Electrical system complaints start earliest, typically around 58,000 miles. Engine complaints start latest, around 99,700 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Hyundai Sonata complaints by model year
2011 has the most complaints of any Sonata year. No other Sonata year has the steering on top.
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2011 has the most complaints of any Sonata year. No other Sonata year has the steering on top.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have kept arriving since 2010, with peaks in 2015 and 2016. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata recalls
14 recall campaigns cover the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2011 Hyundai Sonata crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 4 to 5 stars overall, depending on the version: five stars for the front-wheel drive version, five stars for the front-wheel drive version, four stars for the front-wheel drive version. Its defect office has opened eight investigations into seven problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2011 Hyundai Sonata’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 10%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2011 Hyundai Sonata
These checks follow what 2011 Sonata owners reported most: a steering clunk or a loss of assist, then engine stalling and knocking. Run the VIN before you pay, because this car has steering and engine recalls.
- 1Turn the wheel lock to lock
Steering clunks and knocks are the top complaint.
- 2Run the VIN for steering and engine recalls
Hyundai recalled the steering shaft, the power steering board and the engine; only the VIN shows the fix.
- 3Listen to the engine at idle and under load
Engine complaints describe knocking and stalling.
- 4Watch the airbag light at start-up
An airbag warning light leads the airbag complaints.
- 5Check the brake lights
Brake light switch recalls cover this car.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners name the steering most (1,164 complaints), then engine (965) and airbag system (415).
Is 2011 a good year for the Hyundai Sonata?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the steering complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata: engine (2), seat belts (3), brakes, steering (3), suspension, exterior lighting (2), power train, latches/locks/linkages. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Sonata problems start?
Electrical system complaints start earliest, around 58,000 miles. Engine complaints come later, around 99,700 miles.
Which Sonata years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2011 and 2013 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2024 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2011 sedans to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 7 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.