2011 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Recalls (3,457 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is Steering (31% of 3,457 owner reports). There are 17 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Steering — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 3,457 complaints · 17 recalls

What problems show up on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

1,058 of 3,457 filings named Steering (31% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (772 reports).

There are 17 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Steering, Lights, Transmission / driveline, Suspension, Seat belts, and Brakes. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2010 has 340 reports on file; this year has 3,457. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2011 Hyundai Sonata

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 17 campaigns on file below.
  2. Steering. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Airbags. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Steering. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Steering 1,058 complaints · 30.6% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 122
  • Fires 117
  • Injuries 86
  • Deaths 3
All Hyundai Sonata years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Steering (STEERING) appears in 1,058 of 3,457 owner complaints (30.6%) in this vehicle snapshot. Steering (STEERING): 1,058 complaints, 30.6% of reports Steering (STEERING) 15 crash reports 3 fire reports 1,058 · 30.6% Engine (ENGINE): 772 complaints, 22.3% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 12 crash reports 57 fire reports 772 · 22.3% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 246 complaints, 7.1% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 26 crash reports 1 fire reports 246 · 7.1% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 224 complaints, 6.5% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 2 crash reports 3 fire reports 224 · 6.5% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 220 complaints, 6.4% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 5 crash reports 14 fire reports 220 · 6.4% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 136 complaints, 3.9% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 4 crash reports 4 fire reports 136 · 3.9% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 112 complaints, 3.2% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 112 · 3.2% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 102 complaints, 3.0% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 4 crash reports 11 fire reports 102 · 3.0% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 82 complaints, 2.4% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 13 crash reports 3 fire reports 82 · 2.4% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 467 complaints, 13.5% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 14 crash reports 23 fire reports 467 · 13.5% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Steering (STEERING) 1,058 30.6% 15 crashes · 3 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 772 22.3% 12 crashes · 57 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 246 7.1% 26 crashes · 1 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 224 6.5% 2 crashes · 3 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 220 6.4% 5 crashes · 14 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 136 3.9% 4 crashes · 4 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 112 3.2% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 102 3.0% 4 crashes · 11 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 82 2.4% 13 crashes · 3 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 467 13.5% 14 crashes · 23 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2010; the first recall shown was reported in Mar 2010. 2010-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2010-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2010-Q3: 32 owner reports 32 2010-Q4: 53 owner reports 53 2011-Q1: 101 owner reports 101 2011-Q2: 74 owner reports 74 2011-Q3: 93 owner reports 93 2011-Q4: 38 owner reports 38 2012-Q1: 27 owner reports 27 2012-Q2: 27 owner reports 27 2012-Q3: 28 owner reports 28 2012-Q4: 16 owner reports 16 2013-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2013-Q2: 24 owner reports 24 2013-Q3: 32 owner reports 32 2013-Q4: 32 owner reports 32 2014-Q1: 31 owner reports 31 2014-Q2: 26 owner reports 26 2014-Q3: 56 owner reports 56 2014-Q4: 54 owner reports 54 2015-Q1: 56 owner reports 56 2015-Q2: 72 owner reports 72 2015-Q3: 115 owner reports 115 2015-Q4: 204 owner reports 204 2016-Q1: 136 owner reports 136 2016-Q2: 109 owner reports 109 2016-Q3: 204 owner reports 204 2016-Q4: 132 owner reports 132 2017-Q1: 97 owner reports 97 2017-Q2: 101 owner reports 101 2017-Q3: 98 owner reports 98 2017-Q4: 81 owner reports 81 2018-Q1: 59 owner reports 59 2018-Q2: 80 owner reports 80 2018-Q3: 106 owner reports 106 2018-Q4: 107 owner reports 107 2019-Q1: 78 owner reports 78 2019-Q2: 71 owner reports 71 2019-Q3: 66 owner reports 66 2019-Q4: 56 owner reports 56 2020-Q1: 42 owner reports 42 2020-Q2: 31 owner reports 31 2020-Q3: 52 owner reports 52 2020-Q4: 40 owner reports 40 2021-Q1: 39 owner reports 39 2021-Q2: 26 owner reports 26 2021-Q3: 35 owner reports 35 2021-Q4: 25 owner reports 25 2022-Q1: 29 owner reports 29 2022-Q2: 27 owner reports 27 2022-Q3: 43 owner reports 43 2022-Q4: 30 owner reports 30 2023-Q1: 19 owner reports 19 2023-Q2: 19 owner reports 19 2023-Q3: 31 owner reports 31 2023-Q4: 14 owner reports 14 2024-Q1: 23 owner reports 23 2024-Q2: 15 owner reports 15 2024-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2024-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2025-Q1: 6 owner reports 6 2025-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2025-Q3: 21 owner reports 21 2025-Q4: 17 owner reports 17 2026-Q1: 14 owner reports 14 2026-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2026-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2026-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jan 2010 Oct 2026 Recall campaign 10V070000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V070000 Recall campaign 10V426000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V426000 Recall campaign 10V457000 ◆ Recall campaign 10V457000 Recall campaign 13V113000 ◆ Recall campaign 13V113000 Recall campaign 14V433000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V433000 Recall campaign 14V434000 ◆ Recall campaign 14V434000 Recall campaign 15V568000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V568000 Recall campaign 15V629000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V629000 Recall campaign 15V759000 ◆ Recall campaign 15V759000 Recall campaign 16V190000 ◆ Recall campaign 16V190000 Recall campaign 17V152000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V152000 Recall campaign 17V617000 ◆ Recall campaign 17V617000 Recall campaign 18V137000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V137000 Recall campaign 18V934000 ◆ Recall campaign 18V934000 Recall campaign 20V393000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V393000 Recall campaign 20V746000 ◆ Recall campaign 20V746000 Recall campaign 23V651000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V651000 Investigation PE10035 ● Investigation PE10035 Investigation RQ17004 ● Investigation RQ17004 Investigation PE18003 ● Investigation PE18003 Investigation PE18003 ● Investigation PE18003 Investigation DP18003 ● Investigation DP18003 Investigation DP18003 ● Investigation DP18003 Investigation PE19003 ● Investigation PE19003 Investigation PE19003 ● Investigation PE19003 Investigation DP21003 ● Investigation DP21003 Investigation EA21003 ● Investigation EA21003 Investigation EA21003 ● Investigation EA21003 Investigation DP22003 ● Investigation DP22003 Investigation DP22003 ● Investigation DP22003 Investigation DP22005 ● Investigation DP22005 Investigation AQ23002 ● Investigation AQ23002
  • Campaign 10V426000 was reported 175 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 10V457000 was reported 186 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 13V113000 was reported 910 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 14V434000 was reported 1,459 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 15V629000 was reported 1,797 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 15V759000 was reported 1,869 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 16V190000 was reported 2,199 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 17V152000 was reported 2,337 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 17V617000 was reported 2,547 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 20V393000 was reported 3,760 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 23V651000 was reported 4,768 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2010-Q1 Owner reports 2
2010-Q2 Owner reports 16
2010-Q3 Owner reports 32
2010-Q4 Owner reports 53
2011-Q1 Owner reports 101
2011-Q2 Owner reports 74
2011-Q3 Owner reports 93
2011-Q4 Owner reports 38
2012-Q1 Owner reports 27
2012-Q2 Owner reports 27
2012-Q3 Owner reports 28
2012-Q4 Owner reports 16
2013-Q1 Owner reports 17
2013-Q2 Owner reports 24
2013-Q3 Owner reports 32
2013-Q4 Owner reports 32
2014-Q1 Owner reports 31
2014-Q2 Owner reports 26
2014-Q3 Owner reports 56
2014-Q4 Owner reports 54
2015-Q1 Owner reports 56
2015-Q2 Owner reports 72
2015-Q3 Owner reports 115
2015-Q4 Owner reports 204
2016-Q1 Owner reports 136
2016-Q2 Owner reports 109
2016-Q3 Owner reports 204
2016-Q4 Owner reports 132
2017-Q1 Owner reports 97
2017-Q2 Owner reports 101
2017-Q3 Owner reports 98
2017-Q4 Owner reports 81
2018-Q1 Owner reports 59
2018-Q2 Owner reports 80
2018-Q3 Owner reports 106
2018-Q4 Owner reports 107
2019-Q1 Owner reports 78
2019-Q2 Owner reports 71
2019-Q3 Owner reports 66
2019-Q4 Owner reports 56
2020-Q1 Owner reports 42
2020-Q2 Owner reports 31
2020-Q3 Owner reports 52
2020-Q4 Owner reports 40
2021-Q1 Owner reports 39
2021-Q2 Owner reports 26
2021-Q3 Owner reports 35
2021-Q4 Owner reports 25
2022-Q1 Owner reports 29
2022-Q2 Owner reports 27
2022-Q3 Owner reports 43
2022-Q4 Owner reports 30
2023-Q1 Owner reports 19
2023-Q2 Owner reports 19
2023-Q3 Owner reports 31
2023-Q4 Owner reports 14
2024-Q1 Owner reports 23
2024-Q2 Owner reports 15
2024-Q3 Owner reports 10
2024-Q4 Owner reports 12
2025-Q1 Owner reports 6
2025-Q2 Owner reports 9
2025-Q3 Owner reports 21
2025-Q4 Owner reports 17
2026-Q1 Owner reports 14
2026-Q2 Owner reports 10
2026-Q3 Owner reports 10
2026-Q4 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 10V070000
Recall campaign 1 10V426000
Recall campaign 1 10V457000
Recall campaign 1 13V113000
Recall campaign 1 14V433000
Recall campaign 1 14V434000
Recall campaign 1 15V568000
Recall campaign 1 15V629000
Recall campaign 1 15V759000
Recall campaign 1 16V190000
Recall campaign 1 17V152000
Recall campaign 1 17V617000
Recall campaign 1 18V137000
Recall campaign 1 18V934000
Recall campaign 1 20V393000
Recall campaign 1 20V746000
Recall campaign 1 23V651000
Defect investigation 1 PE10035
Defect investigation 1 RQ17004
Defect investigation 1 PE18003
Defect investigation 1 PE18003
Defect investigation 1 DP18003
Defect investigation 1 DP18003
Defect investigation 1 PE19003
Defect investigation 1 PE19003
Defect investigation 1 DP21003
Defect investigation 1 EA21003
Defect investigation 1 EA21003
Defect investigation 1 DP22003
Defect investigation 1 DP22003
Defect investigation 1 DP22005
Defect investigation 1 AQ23002
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Safety Recalls (17)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Steering, Lights, Transmission / driveline, Suspension, Seat belts, and Brakes.

  1. Recall campaign 10V070000

    Safety recall 10V070000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
    Remedy:
    HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 10V426000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    Consequence:
    IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 10V457000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    Consequence:
    IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 13V113000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 14V433000

    Safety recall 14V433000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 14V434000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 15V568000

    Safety recall 15V568000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 15V629000

    Suspension

    Report date
    Component:
    Suspension (SUSPENSION)
    Consequence:
    If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 15V759000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 16V190000

    Steering

    Report date
    Component:
    Steering (STEERING)
    Consequence:
    With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 17V152000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 17V617000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 18V137000

    Safety recall 18V137000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 18V934000

    Safety recall 18V934000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 20V393000

    Safety recall 20V393000

    Report date
    Component:
    Unclassified NHTSA leftover
    Consequence:
    An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Recall campaign 20V746000

    Safety recall 20V746000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Recall campaign 23V651000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Safety incident filters
Showing 6 of 3,457 complaints · page 1 of 139
2026-10-05Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 11769008
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The passenger frontal airbag deployed on its own while the vehicle was being driven, with no collision or impact that the driver is aware of. The driver airbag did not deploy. The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, at about 11:14 PM, shortly after the driver refueled at a gas station and was heading toward the highway. The airbag tore open the dashboard panel and cracked the windshield from the inside where the bag struck the glass. The driver brought the vehicle back to the gas station and it was towed. It has not been driven since. Safety risk: The sudden deployment startled the driver and the cracked windshield reduced visibility while the vehicle was moving. Anyone in the passenger seat would have been struck at close range. Recall history: This vehicle received the Recall 174 / NHTSA 18V-137 airbag control unit remedy (ACU main wiring harness installation, part 91700-4R100-QQH) at a Hyundai dealer in September 2025, at about 305,800 miles. The deployment occurred about 13 months and 18,400 miles later, at 324,243 miles. Warning signs: No airbag warning light or other warning appeared before the deployment. The vehicle was serviced at a Hyundai dealer about one month earlier (oil change and multi-point inspection), and no airbag or restraint-system problem was reported. Inspection: The vehicle is at a Hyundai dealer and is available for inspection. We have asked that the airbag control unit, airbag module, and stored crash data be preserved. A case has been opened with Hyundai Motor America. As of this report, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurer, and no dealer has confirmed the cause. Cause: UNKNOWN. Our best assessment is an electrical fault in the airbag control unit or its wiring, which received recall work in 2025.
2026-09-03Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 11762026
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I was driving down the road going the speed limit and all of a sudden it felt like I hit a brick wall my car staked out and I was stuck in the middle of the road for about 20 minutes and finally I got it to start and drove home it did it again 2 months later
2026-08-29Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
NHTSA ODI 11760651
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I had taken my Sonata to Mike Miller Hyndia in Peoria,I'll and they agreed to do the recall although they had my vehicle for two weeks. They did not service it and when I picked it up they said I had to drive it till the service engine light come on. I was driving it five days later and heard a loud noise and car started malfunctioning I was stuck in a middle of a intersection and I had to push vehicle off road. I broke my right hand in this process and I have also lost my job I am very concerned why they did not service it after they agreed too and sent me off in it in that condition ..The car is currently parked and unsure what to do with it ..
2026-08-19Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11757938
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle, and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a puddle of oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby Ford dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft and engine failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 22-EM-006H-2. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an alternate dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was informed that the repair was denied because of the previous owner's negligence with maintenance of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,744.
2026-08-18Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11757692
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The vehicle suffered an internal connecting rod bearing failure, a known manufacturing defect affecting the Theta II GDI engine. The failure was explicitly diagnosed via the manufacturer - specific OBD-II fault code p1326 Knock Sensor Detector System. This defect causes sudden engine stalling poses an immediate risk of catastrophic engine failure or fire while driving. Hyundai Motor America has denied financial reimbursement for the required engine repair because the work was completed by an independent shop and third-party arbitration deadline (BBB Auto Line) communicated to me. The manufacturer is actively refusing to remedy an acknowledged safety defect.
2026-08-13Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11756748
CrashFireInjuryDeath
On the freeway at night when headlights and back lights quit working. Got off freeway and were able to temporarily fix it. A few months later while parked in driveway and not in use for a couple of days, lights came on without our knowledge and drained our battery. Neighbor alerted us to the situation.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

Owners named Steering most often — 1,058 of 3,457 reports (31%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA lists 17 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Steering, Lights, Transmission / driveline, Suspension, Seat belts, and Brakes. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check for play in the wheel, noises on lock and whether it tracks straight. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources