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Hyundai Sonata

EPA MPG: 26 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,925 - $5,600

RECALL ALERT:
There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Sonata will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 14 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2011 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Heads-up display

"Impossible to read screen during the day"

Anonymous A., CA (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

"The controls on the driver's side door panel are faulty"

Anonymous, MN (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"The car system does not remember paired devices."

Anonymous, MN (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering wheel controls

"Started around 96,000-97,000 miles. Phone controls messed up and not working properly. Volume up and down not working. Have not fixed the problem."

Anonymous, AZ (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Voice control commands

"Voice controls do not work properly. You say one thing and it doesn't understand."

Anonymous, AZ (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"The struts cannot be replaced by an OEM from a parts store. They had to be ordered through a dealership for factory parts. The delivery was 7 weeks. It became very frustrating. This year was made with 2010 and 2011 equipment."

Anonymous, NH (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Tie rods

"For the past 2 years the car has needed to have the tie rods replaced"

Anonymous, (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited)
Wheel bearings

"Horrible corrosion from dissimilar metals. Parts had to be ground off. Corrosion is a severe problem with this vehicle and makes routine repairs a major job."

Anonymous A., FL (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"At roughly 215000 miles I began to observe a noise that led me to suspect the RF wheel bearing was wearing out. I tested each wheel to be sure and was satisfied the RF was indeed showing signs of wear, and therefore replaced both front steering knuckles because it was easier than punching out the bearings, plus I was satisfied I could do this maintenance myself and it would add life/miles to my car."

Anonymous, GA (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"vehicle more susceptible to theft by failure to install immobilizer"

Anonymous, NY (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Airbag, light has come on"

Anonymous, MD (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"broken coil on strut"

Anonymous A., NY (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"windshield had rust and was leaking rain into the car"

Anonymous A., IL (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Brake light would not turn off and would drain the battery"

Anonymous, NY (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Local mechanics say replacing right rear brake light did not work and is likely related to the electrical system that also causes the 4th A/C fan speed to not work and for the headlights to flash when the turn signal activates/deactivates."

Anonymous, FL (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Keyless entry

"Key fob stopped working"

Anonymous A., WI (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The a/c compressor has had to be replaced twice in four years. The ac system is incompatible with most diagnostic devices. The problem with the compressor was the controller on both occasions, not mechanical."

Anonymous A., FL (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Cooling system was not working and AC compressor was replaced 07/2023"

Anonymous, NC (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other climate system problem

"after ac compressor was replaced, the heating system stopped working. This was found to be a defect in the drivers side temp motor and this was replaced 11/06/2023"

Anonymous, NC (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"When accelerating over45-50 mph the car would vibrate violently. The calipers would stick. I needed new calipers, rotor and brakes."

Anonymous, NY (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Brakes need to be replaced more often then they should"

Anonymous, (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited)

"Caliper rust brake pads used put every thing new should be good for another 100000 miles"

Anonymous, ME (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"The engine was defective from the factory. At 70,000 miles is seized. Due to lack of oil change receipts Hyundai refused to warranty the engine. We spent $6k to replace with a used engine."

Anonymous, NV (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Original engine failed while driving. Hyundai honored a recall and replaced engine with a rebuilt one."

Anonymous, NY (2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Valve cover leak"

Anonymous, NJ (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Other minor engine problem

"My engine was burning oil, requiring oil to be added every 2 months. Hyundai put in some sort of cleaner about a year ago. That seemed to remedy the problem until about a month ago. I discovered the oil was low again, after just having it changed 2 months prior. I will have to take it in to see if they can clean it again or find a new vehicle, soon."

Anonymous, TX (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"The door lock actuator only intermittently works on the driver's door."

Anonymous, BC (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Overheating

"Temperature sensors and possibly also fans stopped working and car overheated to where we were stranded with two kids and decided to get a second, newer car for any trips with the kids. Once those were fixed there is still another undiagnosed engine light that has already come back on after only a few more days driving."

Anonymous, FL (2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

"Problem is not resolved. I know it will be costly to fix so I'm driving gently hoping this Hyundai will last until I can buy a new car."

Anonymous A., CA (2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

2011 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
07
08
09
10
11*
12
13
14
15*
16
Overall Reliability Verdict

NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
Exhaust
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
Brakes
NA
Climate System
NA
Build Quality
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 28, 2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Summary:
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 should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V934000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 150730
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
Feb 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.
Summary:
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 should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V137000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 580058
SEAT BELTS
Oct 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.
Summary:
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 should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V617000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 443545
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