Model year record

2011 Hyundai Sonata

14 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 4,756 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V934000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 150,730
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-12-28
Owners notified: 2019-03-01

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.

Safety risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V137000

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Component: Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 580,058
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-02-27
Owners notified: 2018-10-15

Defect description

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 include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V617000

Seat belts: pretensioner

Component: Seat belts: pretensioner
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 443,545
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-10-04
Owners notified: 2017-11-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V152000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 977,778
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-03-08
Owners notified: 2017-04-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V190000

Steering: electric power assist system

Component: Steering: electric power assist system
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 173,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2016-04-05
Owners notified: 2016-07-18

Defect description

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.

Safety risk

With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V759000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 304,900
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-11-16
Owners notified: 2016-01-06

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V629000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component: Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 28,157
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-10-07
Owners notified: 2016-01-06

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.

Safety risk

If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V568000

Engine

Component: Engine
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected: 470,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-09-10
Owners notified: 2016-01-06

Defect description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.

Safety risk

Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V434000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component: Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 883,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-07-18
Owners notified: 2014-09-12

Defect description

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V433000

Service brakes, hydraulic

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 133,075
Reported to NHTSA: 2014-07-18
Owners notified: 2014-09-12

Defect description

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V113000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 1,712,336
Reported to NHTSA: 2013-04-01
Owners notified: 2013-04-22

Defect description

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V457000

Steering: gear box: shaft sector

Component: Steering: gear box: shaft sector
Manufacturer: HYUNDAI CARIBBEAN-PUERTO RICO
Vehicles affected: 60
Reported to NHTSA: 2010-10-01
Owners notified: 2010-10-11

Defect description

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V426000

Steering: gear box: shaft sector

Component: Steering: gear box: shaft sector
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 138,354
Reported to NHTSA: 2010-09-20
Owners notified: 2010-10-15

Defect description

Safety risk

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 10V070000

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 5,893
Reported to NHTSA: 2010-03-02
Owners notified: 2010-03-12

Defect description

HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Steering	1,171	65,000 mi
Engine	1,017	100,000 mi
Air bags	425	90,000 mi
Electrical system	422	63,000 mi
Unknown or other	230	99,000 mi
Exterior lighting	229	73,689 mi
Power train	155	65,000 mi
Service brakes	149	84,000 mi
Suspension	140	64,567 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	109	102,381 mi
Seat belts	101	100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	97	60,000 mi
Structure: body	65	70,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	62	64,981 mi
Engine and engine cooling	36	6,400 mi
Wheels	33	40,800 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	29	20,656 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	26	60,000 mi
Electrical system: horn	22	400 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	22	5,488 mi
Tires	19	23,800 mi
Seats	15	21,600 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	11	100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	9	2,146 mi
Equipment	8	3,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control	8	—
Visibility/wiper	8	60,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	8	79,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	7	25,734 mi
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems	7	10,394 mi
Visibility	7	6,500 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	6	56,003 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	6	135,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	5	1,350 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	5	28,212 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector	5	7,000 mi
Structure	5	65,000 mi
Equipment adaptive/mobility	4	13,685 mi
Seat belts: pretensioner	4	121,000 mi
Structure: body: door	4	60,000 mi
Suspension: front	4	14 mi
Traction control system	4	16,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly	3	120,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	3	16,700 mi
Service brakes, electric	3	7,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	3	43,274 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	2	49,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	—
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter	2	6,109 mi
Steering: column	2	114,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	2	7,000 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid	2	1,170 mi
Tires: tread/belt	2	46,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	45,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	1	26,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette	1	96,000 mi
Air bags: SRS malfunction warning lamp/light	1	180,000 mi
Chest clip, buckle, harness	1	—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator: integrated starter(other than propulsion)	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: immobilizer/proximity: sensor	1	112,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	1	75,800 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	1	5,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger	1	20,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	1	—
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	1	11,700 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	104,000 mi
Fuel system, other	1	5,000 mi
Interior lighting	1	63,500 mi
Parking brake	1	37 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	1	10,700 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	1	500 mi
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly	1	74,000 mi
Seat belts: front	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	1	20,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	1	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	60,800 mi
Suspension: front: control arm	1	—
Suspension: rear	1	80,000 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	46,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	—
Visibility: power window devices and controls	1	28,212 mi
Visibility: windshield	1	100 mi

The 2010 model has 11 times as many complaints as this one. The 2012 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.