Hyundai Sonata Problems to Know of Before Buying - VehicleHistory (2024)

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

Had the 2015 recall on the engine. Took my car in to be checked and told it failed the test I needed a new motor.. 2/3 months of having my vehicle I had to take it back several times for issues but was told I had to baby the new motor for the first 15000 miles.. I just had another recall for the pressurized fuel pip that may have gotten damaged during engine replacement. When I took it to a different dealer ship I was informed my motor was never changed. The motor in my vehicle is the original motor that came with the car.... I'm having a lot of issues with it now. I've spent 1000 of dollars replacing sensors etc. My check engine light still comes on. The motor is running rough and acts like it wants to stall.. I really love my car and HIGHLY upset I got lied too. I was left without my fairly new car then so a motor that never got replaced when it didn't. Plus, I was paying payments for a vehicle I couldn't drive..

Brand new engine at 100,000 miles, but was the hassle worth it?

I have had way too many unexpected issues with this car. First, the starter had to be replaced after 1 year, then come to find out there was a factory recall on the starter. Then maybe 2 years later, the engine failed! Again, this was a highlighted factory recall along with 13 other recalls all on a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai was great working with me through these recalls, however, it took over 3 months for the engine to come in, then another few weeks for them to install it! My car sat outside in the dead of winter for over 3 months. Then to get the car back finally, and now there is rust on the brakes because it was sitting for so long and Hyundai claimed there was nothing they could do.

2011 Sonata

Nonstop issues with clicking sound in front end. Fenders feel hot all the time. Had to replace swaybar, cv axel, bearings, wheel hubs. Smell burning smell on ocassion. Tcs constantly coming on out of nowhere. And then wont cut off. When I get gas it wont restart without sputtering without me putting in neutral like the lines are stopped up. Mechanics seem confused by the car and it runs good enginewise. I dont trust this car and that sucks because I love it. I'm more paranoid of it by the day.

Best Warranty in the Business? Hardly!

I have taken very good care of this car since it was new. I even garage it all winter because I am a snowbird and go south with my wife's car for the winter. Now the paint (white) is coming off the hood and the roof down to the primer. Looks awful and Hyundai won't do a thing about it. I was quoted a price of $2800 to paint both surfaces. Are you kidding me? On a 2015. Nice how Hyundai stands behind its products.

2000 First Sonata 2004 Second Sonata 2008 Third Sonata and this third one now has 346,000 miles.

All 3 were 4 cylinder models and I have just purchased another 2008 Sonata with 6 cylinders. I need to slow down as I will be 84 in September. I have been considering a new Hyundai but probably would opt for the Elantra. After more than a 22 year history with Hyundai I will definitely stay with the brand. I believe taking care of the maintenance has played a big role in my success with Hyundai.

2011 Hyundai Sonata is unreliable and unsafe.

This car had so many recalls ever since it came out. There were minor problems and major problems like engine stalling. These problems kept occurring and made it unsafe for driving. My car would not start more than 3 times in one year. I took it to the dealership to fix and they could not find the problem. They were not willing to find a solution and charged me for unnecessary repairs.

Wish I knew about the issues before buying a 2011 Sonata.

This car was great at first but then started having multiple issues. The car was only 3 years old when the starter went. There then was an official recall on the starter. Then, another 3 years later, the engine went. When I brought it into the dealership, there was a recall on the engine and 11 other recalls as well! Very scary and unreliable car. I am looking to trade it in soon.

2011 Sonata is a car me, my kids and my family love.

I love my car. I had a problem about 2 years ago with my motor where it stopped running. I was ready to trade it or scrap it but I decided to call the dealership and ask them about it and found out it was a recall problem with the engine. It took a couple of months but they gave me a car a new Sonata to drive in the meanwhile while they ordered and replaced the engine.

2011 sonata is a pretty solid car, but not flawless.

I have come across some problems with this car. Mine has an electrical problem where my lights stay on when the doors are closed and the switch is between on/off. And when I fill gas for the tank, the pump almost always stops even though the tank's not even full. So I wouldn't conclude that this is the most reliable car, but it does the job well.

2011 Hyundai sonata: reliable car, good gas mileage and sits people comfortably.

One problem I experienced when I first got it was that the passenger seat dashboard began leaking water and got the whole front of the carpet wet. What I ended doing to fix it was to check the ac tubes/pipes and blow air through those to check for any clogs. This gave me good results. After that, I never had a problem with the leaking.

2011 Sonata is great until you cannot drive.

I am unable to drive my car as there are some issues with it. For example, if I slow down at a stop sign, yield sign or to turn, the car dies. I'd have to stop on the side of the road, restart the car, and rev the engine so it can start. Do not know if this is a known issue or not, but it is very stressful.

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata review.

Overall I like the Sonata. It is a nice looking car. It get great gas mileage. It has been very reliable so far. I have had a problem with the check engine light coming on but when I had the codes read it didn't find anything wrong. The headlights are another problem, they are not very bright at all.

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata in a nutshell

The engine was recalled twice, however Hyundai stepped up and replaced the engine and since fixing it, have not had any motor issues. There are a number of electrical issues. The door lock on the passenger side does not lock, therefore the car is never completely locked, and the alarm cannot be set.

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS has had many issues. This car is a lemon.

Ever since I bought the vehicle used, there have been over 10 recalls on this specific vehicle, as well as it has had multiple electrical issues. Also, the brake pads wear very easily and need replaced frequently. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone, please do not buy.

Not good quality - 2011 Sonata

This is the first vehicle that I have had that has so many recalls. Not just one at a time usually 3-5 every few months. It seems that before the recall is received by me my car already has the problem going on. Not a very reliable car at all. Check engine light never goes off

LRoark

2011 Hyundai Sonata engine seized up and I was getting oil changes every 3,000 or 3 months. I think this model of car should've been recalled. I think .someone should file a lawsuit against Hyundai for this model. Horrible experience with this 2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata

120,000 engine seized up without any sensor to let me know I need oil. And I got oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. The whole car should've been recalled. Someone needs to file a lawsuit against Hyundai for this no good car. Wasn't put together right

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has great gas mileage - roughly 31 average on the highway

2011 Sonata's are the model where Hyundai changed It's engines and motor designs which has lead up to several issues to be had and recalls and warranted work - this is something I wish I had been informed of prior to purchasing this specific model.

2011 Sonata engine recall

The engine block has been recalled. The factory they were manufactured in switched cleaning systems and fiberglass got into the engine blocks, causing them to die around 100,000 miles. Has had largely inconvenient recall issues.

Awful car

I own a 2016 hyundai Sonata and have had nothing but problems. Serious oil consumption issues, and the white pearl paint has slowly chipped off had to have it repainted. I will never buy a hyundai again

Simple makes empire down

Fuel efficiency is Hyundai main goal and sonata 2012 no doubt has that which partly due to thermostat 82c but downside increases the Thermo rate in their engine which heat cause everything damage.

Problems with my 2011 Sonata

We have to get a new transmission because of a recall and there were 6 other recalls we have to get fixed. It is a comfortable car. I would feel more safe with out all the problems.

Engine Replacement

2015 Engine found needing to be replaced. Under warranty but concerned about my original warranty being reduced and finding out about so many others having issues with the cars.

2011 Sonata is very efficient and it is great on gas. Handle control is awesome.

One issue that does concern me is that there are a lot of recalls on this year and model. But overall I feel like it is great on gas and a very comfortable midsize car.

The 2011 Sonata is a decent car.

The biggest issue I have with are the steering wheel controls for the stereo and cruise control. The buttons frequently mess up and do the wrong function.

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line

My car has covered 12630 klm, from the start I had a Rattle from the dash, loud wind noise from the sunroof. And Today on my way to work, My car stopped?

Engine recall on the 2011 Sonata.

Around 120,000 miles (conveniently when the extended warranty is up), the engine seizes. BIG problem. Be aware of all the recalls on this vehicle.

Reliable 2011 Sonata

Sonata is very reliable. I purchased in 2010 and the only problem I have had is with the gear shifter needing to be replaced in 2018.

This 2011 Sonata has many recalls, but it can go long distances.

The air conditioner has had many problems in the last two years, and does not work properly. It has been changed out three times.

2011 Hyundai sonata details.

There does seem to be several issued recalls. However, they are always addressed by the dealership. My main issue is visibility.

Inconvenience

2011 Sonata Limited. Bought in 2010, No major issue except too many recalls. Inconvenience taking to ABC/Hyundai Las Vegas, NV

Reliable and comfortable 2011 Sonata with loads of standard features.

Only issue it has had numerous recalls/repairs over past few years including break in steering column.

Very little maintenance needed on the 2011 Sonata.

I always have issues with the steering. Also, there has been several recalls on the car.

The beginning of problem.

Just check your vvt solenoid and fine is there have a loosen filter.