Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014
6th generation (YF)
NHTSA data through 13 August 202610,630 complaints, 6,796 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 6,796
- Median of reported failures
- 77,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Engine (24.1%)
- Recalls
- 18
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 39,000 and 109,500 miles.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014 · 6,796 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 692 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 52 complaints (0.8%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 4,400
- 25%
- 39,000
- Median
- 77,000
- 75%
- 109,500
- 90%
- 138,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 692 | 10.2% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 188 | 2.8% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 152 | 2.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 159 | 2.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 146 | 2.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 121 | 1.8% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 135 | 2.0% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 122 | 1.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 179 | 2.6% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 132 | 1.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 184 | 2.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 220 | 3.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 289 | 4.3% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 238 | 3.5% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 288 | 4.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 291 | 4.3% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 326 | 4.8% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 275 | 4.0% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 274 | 4.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 218 | 3.2% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 273 | 4.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 204 | 3.0% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 210 | 3.1% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 180 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 208 | 3.1% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 158 | 2.3% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 152 | 2.2% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 135 | 2.0% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 101 | 1.5% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 72 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 113 | 1.7% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 43 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 66 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 28 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 55 | 0.8% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 24 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 36 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 18 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 20 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 19 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 52 | 0.8% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 10,630 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata, and 6,796 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 39,000 and 109,500 miles. The median is 77,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the engine (24.1% of complaints, typically around 95,000 miles), the steering (17.7% of complaints, typically around 65,000 miles), the electrical system (10.1% of complaints, typically around 74,000 miles).
18 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata were filed by 77,000 miles and 90% by 138,000 miles — figures drawn from 6,796 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
52 reports (0.8%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Sonata reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2011–2014 Sonata: the 3-minute check
Generated from 6,796 mileage-tagged complaints, 18 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 18 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2011–2014 cars. Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing failure: metallic debris left in the crankshaft oil passages during machining migrates into the connecting-rod oil feeds, restricting oil flow to the bearings. Result is knocking…
- Check engine management. Knock Sensor Detection System software campaign later applied across Theta II GDI cars to detect incipient bearing failure and put the engine into limp mode before seizure.
- Check steering on 2011–2013 cars. Electric power steering / steering column coupler complaints producing sudden loss of assist.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 39,000 and 110,000 miles, with a median of 77,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the steering are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The steering in particular shows a median failure mileage of 65,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Steering1,882 reports65,00015,000–92,000Steering: 1,882 reports, median 65,000 miles, middle half 15,000 to 92,000 miles.
- Brakes495 reports72,00039,000–102,000Brakes: 495 reports, median 72,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 102,000 miles.
- Electrical system1,074 reports74,00029,000–106,000Electrical system: 1,074 reports, median 74,000 miles, middle half 29,000 to 106,000 miles.
- Exterior lighting714 reports80,00050,000–112,000Exterior lighting: 714 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 112,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise589 reports82,00057,000–118,000Problems owners could not categorise: 589 reports, median 82,000 miles, middle half 57,000 to 118,000 miles.
- Airbag system721 reports89,00063,000–113,000Airbag system: 721 reports, median 89,000 miles, middle half 63,000 to 113,000 miles.
- Engine2,560 reports95,00068,000–125,000Engine: 2,560 reports, median 95,000 miles, middle half 68,000 to 125,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2,560 | 24.1% | 95,000 | 68,000–125,000 |
| Steering | 1,882 | 17.7% | 65,000 | 15,000–92,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,074 | 10.1% | 74,000 | 29,000–106,000 |
| Airbag system | 721 | 6.8% | 89,000 | 63,000–113,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 714 | 6.7% | 80,000 | 50,000–112,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 589 | 5.5% | 82,000 | 57,000–118,000 |
| Brakes | 495 | 4.7% | 72,000 | 39,000–102,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 421 | 4.0% | 58,000 | 22,000–93,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 386 | 3.6% | 99,000 | 59,000–124,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 289 | 2.7% | 53,000 | 18,000–95,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014 · 6,796 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 36% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 61% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 81% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.8% of reports (52) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
36% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Steering — middle half 15,000–92,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 29,000–106,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 50,000–112,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 57,000–118,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 39,000–102,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Engine — middle half 68,000–125,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 63,000–113,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
61% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 68,000–125,000 mi
- Steering — middle half 15,000–92,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 29,000–106,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 63,000–113,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — middle half 50,000–112,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 57,000–118,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 39,000–102,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
81% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Steering — median 65,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 74,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 89,000 mi
- Exterior lighting — median 80,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 82,000 mi
- Brakes — median 72,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 68,000–125,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 77,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 24.1% of complaints (2,560 reports, 1,542 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 95,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 68,000 and 125,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 17.7% of complaints (1,882 reports, 1,488 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 65,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 15,000 and 92,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 10.1% of complaints (1,074 reports, 642 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 74,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 29,000 and 106,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 6.8% of complaints (721 reports, 408 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 89,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 63,000 and 113,000 miles.
The exterior lighting accounts for 6.7% of complaints (714 reports, 418 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 112,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 5.5% of complaints (589 reports, 276 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 82,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 57,000 and 118,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2011 model year drew the most — 4,620 complaints — while 2014 drew the fewest at 1,079. The median year sits at 2,465.
The first year of the generation, 2011, sits above the median. That is a common pattern — early production of a redesigned vehicle tends to surface problems that later years do not repeat — and it is worth weighing when choosing between years.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 18 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the steering (3), the fuel system (2), the engine (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 10,630 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 469 (4.4%)
- Fires
- 574
- Injury reports
- 281
- Fatality reports
- 8
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine 2011–2014
Theta II GDI connecting-rod bearing failure: metallic debris left in the crankshaft oil passages during machining migrates into the connecting-rod oil feeds, restricting oil flow to the bearings. Result is knocking, power loss, bearing seizure, engine stall at speed, and in some cases a punctured block with an oil fire. Recall 15V-568 covered MY2011-2012 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI Sonatas; recall 17V-226 extended it to MY2013-2014.
Engine Management
Knock Sensor Detection System software campaign later applied across Theta II GDI cars to detect incipient bearing failure and put the engine into limp mode before seizure.
Steering 2011–2013
Electric power steering / steering column coupler complaints producing sudden loss of assist.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4,620 | 3,322 |
| 2012 | 2,280 | 1,410 |
| 2013 | 2,651 | 1,494 |
| 2014 | 1,079 | 570 |
Recalls (18) — is your car included?
Oct 2022 · 2013–2014 · Fuel System, GasolineA cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
What can happen. A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
Aug 2020 · 2013–2014 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
What can happen. If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.
Mar 2019 · 2011–2014 · EngineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. 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.
Oct 2018 · 2011–2013 · Air BagsIf the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Nov 2017 · 2011–2014 · Seat BeltsIf the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Jul 2017 · 2013–2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingBearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
What can happen. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Apr 2017 · 2011–2014 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. 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.
Jul 2016 · 2011 · SteeringWith a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.
Jan 2016 · 2011–2012 · Exterior LightingIf the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Jan 2016 · 2011 · SuspensionIf a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. 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 fracturin
What can happen. If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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.
Jan 2016 · 2011–2012 · EngineEngine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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 f
What can happen. Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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
Sep 2014 · 2011–2014 · Power TrainIf the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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 occupa
The free fix. 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.
Sep 2014 · 2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Apr 2013 · 2011 · Exterior LightingFailure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could…
The defect. 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
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Aug 2012 · 2012–2013 · Air BagsThe curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the…
The defect. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
What can happen. The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Oct 2010 · 2011 · SteeringImproper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Oct 2010 · 2011 · SteeringImproper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
Mar 2010 · 2011 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesThe door may not be in the locked position and may open while the vehicle is in motion, possibly resulting in…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. 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.
What owners reported
2011 Hyundai Sonata (new in november 2010), from day one excessive drifting to the left that is more noticeable at 60 MPH or higher, but occurs at all speeds. Dealership has aligned it 3 times and rotated wheels to no benefit. They claim it is normal. I have filed this safety concern and defect with Hyundai customer…
2011 · Steering
I purchased a 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo in december 2010 and from the time of purchase it pulled to the left especially on the highway. I waited to see if it would work itself out but it did not. I took it to a dealership and they rotated the tires and performed a full alignment. This did not solve the problem. Now…
2011 · Steering
My 2011 Hyundai Sonata se 2.0T has been tracking and pulling to the left and has a side to side motion that has caused my daughter to become nauseous since i bought the car new on august 1, 2011. I went to two different dealerships on three separate occasions. Both dealerships acknowledge that it pulls to the left and…
2011 · Steering
When i was driving 70 MPH with two bars left on the gas gauge (dashboard said distance to empty: 80 miles) , the car suddenly lost power and engine was turned off. When i try to start the car, i noticed that it was out of gas. I put a gallon of tank and it worked. Hoping that it was just one time problem, i was…
2011 · Fuel and propulsion system
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