Engine
NHTSA campaign 18V934000 · 2018 · reported 12/28/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
2011 Hyundai Sonata Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 5.6× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
3,368Complaints
14Recalls
116Crashes
111Fires
85Injured
3Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (34.5% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Steering complaints here are 5.6× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1,162 · 34.5% | Recalled | Recall 16V190000 · Recall 10V457000 · Recall 10V426000 |
| Engine | 963 · 28.6% | Recalled | Recall 18V934000 · Recall 15V568000 |
| Air Bags | 414 · 12.3% | Investigation closed | PE18003 → recall 18E043000 · PE18003 → recall 18V137000 · PE18003 → recall 18V363000 |
| Electrical System | 406 · 12.1% | Investigation closed | PE19003 → recall 20V061000 · PE19003 → recall 20V121000 · PE19003 → recall 20V393000 · PE19003 → recall 20V520000 · PE19003 → recall 20V543000 · PE19003 → recall 20V746000 · PE19003 → recall 21V303000 · PE19003 → recall 21V727000 · DP18003 → recall 18V907000 · DP18003 → recall 18V934000 · DP18003 → recall 19V120000 · DP18003 → recall 19V204000 |
| Exterior Lighting | 222 · 6.6% | Recalled | Recall 15V759000 · Recall 13V113000 |
| Power Train | 150 · 4.5% | Recalled | Recall 14V434000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 3,368 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 14 campaigns
Seat Belts:pretensioner
NHTSA campaign 17V617000 · 2017 · reported 10/04/2017
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Seat Belts:pretensioner
NHTSA campaign 18V137000 · 2018 · reported 02/27/2018
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Seat Belts:front:anchorage
NHTSA campaign 17V152000 · 2017 · reported 03/08/2017
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
NHTSA campaign 14V433000 · 2014 · reported 07/18/2014
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Steering:electric Power Assist System
NHTSA campaign 16V190000 · 2016 · reported 04/05/2016
With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Engine
NHTSA campaign 15V568000 · 2015 · reported 09/10/2015
Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
NHTSA campaign 15V629000 · 2015 · reported 10/07/2015
If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
NHTSA campaign 15V759000 · 2015 · reported 11/16/2015
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission
NHTSA campaign 14V434000 · 2014 · reported 07/18/2014
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 2013 · reported 04/01/2013
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
NHTSA campaign 10V457000 · 2010 · reported 10/01/2010
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
NHTSA campaign 10V426000 · 2010 · reported 09/20/2010
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
NHTSA campaign 10V070000 · 2010 · reported 03/02/2010
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I BOUGHT A 2011 HYUNDIA SONATA 2.0T IN NOV OF 2010 THAT WHEN I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE A STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT…”NHTSA complaint 10376492 — filed 01/13/2011 · STEERING
“I HAVE A HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 LIMITED. THE CAR PULLS DANGEROUSLY TO THE LEFT DURING OPERATION AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS. THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT…”NHTSA complaint 10376341 — filed 01/12/2011 · STEERING
“PURCHASED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0T (LIMITED W/ NAV) IN NOVEMBER, 2010. FROM THE ONSET, THE STEERING HAD A DISTINCT AND SIGNIFICANT PULL TO THE…”NHTSA complaint 10376289 — filed 01/11/2011 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 1,162 of 3,368 NHTSA complaints (34.5%), followed by engine (963), air bags (414), electrical system (406). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have?
3,368 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 116 involved a crash, 111 involved a fire, and 85 reported injuries. 3 deaths were reported.
Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes — 14 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V934000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's reported problems?
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
