Hyundai Sonata / 2011
2011 Hyundai Sonata problems
Owners have filed 4,621 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 25.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 20.9%.
Complaints4,621
Crashes194
Fires187
Injuries150
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Steering 25.4% · 1174
Engine 20.9% · 965
Electrical system 9.6% · 444
Air bags 9.0% · 418
Exterior lighting 5.4% · 250
Unknown or other 4.6% · 213
Power train 3.8% · 175
Suspension 3.2% · 149
Severity
Of those complaints, 194 describe a crash, 187 describe a fire, 150 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Hyundai Sonata in this data, 2011 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 211 in the last three years against 479 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,702 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed while maneuvering around a curved road. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was 78,522. Steering · reported at 78,522 miles
I took car for servicing, was told the mdps coupling in the steering system needed to be replaced. Was told this is a common problem for this model. The steering is "loose" and not precise. I worry this could result in a serious accident. The part shown to me from another car was plastic and had been worn down. Hyundai says it is not covered under warranty but this is a pretty serious defect and should be examined. Steering · reported at 93,000 miles
Clunking noise in steering wheel. Research indicated it was a common problem with these vehicles. A plastic coupler fails in the power steering assist motor located on the steering wheel shaft underneath the dash. Dealer replaced the $3.72 Part and labor was $371.42. Hyundai is aware of the problem and stated it was a common issue. This vehicle was bought new and the mileage when repaired on feb. 1, 2017 Was 42892. Steering · reported at 42,800 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…