Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014 problems by year and mileage
6th generation (YF)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20267,973 complaints, 5,306 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 75,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 3,472
- Recalls naming this year
- 17
Most reported on the 2011
- Steering1,189 reports · median 66,000 mi
- Engine1,007 reports · median 99,000 mi
- Electrical system460 reports · median 60,000 mi
17 recall campaigns name the 2011: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Engine; Equipment — electrical. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,710
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine634 reports · median 92,000 mi
- Steering311 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Electrical system257 reports · median 80,000 mi
11 recall campaigns name the 2012: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Engine; Equipment — electrical. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 77,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 2,018
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine775 reports · median 95,000 mi
- Steering352 reports · median 52,000 mi
- Electrical system285 reports · median 80,000 mi
11 recall campaigns name the 2013: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Engine. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 773
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
At least 40% of the complaints about the 2014 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine312 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Electrical system145 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Exterior lighting121 reports · median 69,000 mi
8 recall campaigns name the 2014: Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Fuel system, gasoline — delivery; Engine. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. † marks a year whose median likely understates the mileage: much of its reporting came after 2020, when most complaints stopped recording an odometer reading. The 2012 reports latest and the 2014 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2012 has had 2 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 76,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 138,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 5,306
- Recalls
- 21
Most reported
- Engine34.2% of complaints · median 94,000 mi
- Steering24.1% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
- Electrical system14.4% of complaints · median 73,000 mi
Owners filed 7,973 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata; the engine leads with 34.2% of them, and half of the 5,306 that record an odometer reading came by 76,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 40,000 and 108,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata, half of the 5,306 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 76,000 miles and 90% by 138,000 miles.
360 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 39 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sonata reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014 · 5,306 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 = 555 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 39 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 4,000
- 25%
- 40,000
- Median
- 76,000
- 75%
- 108,201
- 90%
- 138,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 555 | 10.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 146 | 2.8% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 110 | 2.1% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 115 | 2.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 102 | 1.9% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 90 | 1.7% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 108 | 2.0% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 96 | 1.8% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 147 | 2.8% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 104 | 2.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 153 | 2.9% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 166 | 3.1% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 238 | 4.5% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 198 | 3.7% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 237 | 4.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 236 | 4.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 241 | 4.5% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 219 | 4.1% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 209 | 3.9% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 175 | 3.3% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 214 | 4.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 153 | 2.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 147 | 2.8% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 136 | 2.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 160 | 3.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 128 | 2.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 123 | 2.3% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 94 | 1.8% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 86 | 1.6% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 60 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 84 | 1.6% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 32 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 53 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 23 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 44 | 0.8% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 21 | 0.4% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 26 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 12 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 14 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 12 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 39 | 0.7% |
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.
Common Sonata problems, and when they happen
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.
- Steering1,918 reports65,00016,000–92,000Steering: 1,918 reports, median 65,000 miles, middle half 16,000 to 92,000 miles.
- Brakes542 reports70,00034,000–100,000Brakes: 542 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 34,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Electrical system1,147 reports73,00030,000–106,000Electrical system: 1,147 reports, median 73,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 106,000 miles.
- Exterior lighting712 reports80,00050,000–112,000Exterior lighting: 712 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 112,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise626 reports82,00057,000–117,000Problems owners could not categorise: 626 reports, median 82,000 miles, middle half 57,000 to 117,000 miles.
- Airbag system735 reports90,00063,000–114,000Airbag system: 735 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 63,000 to 114,000 miles.
- Engine2,728 reports94,00067,000–125,000Engine: 2,728 reports, median 94,000 miles, middle half 67,000 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.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2,728 | 34.2% | 94,000 | 67,000–125,000 |
| Steering | 1,918 | 24.1% | 65,000 | 16,000–92,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,147 | 14.4% | 73,000 | 30,000–106,000 |
| Airbag system | 735 | 9.2% | 90,000 | 63,000–114,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 712 | 8.9% | 80,000 | 50,000–112,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 626 | 7.9% | 82,000 | 57,000–117,000 |
| Brakes | 542 | 6.8% | 70,000 | 34,000–100,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 473 | 5.9% | 61,000 | 23,000–99,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 406 | 5.1% | 96,000 | 54,000–120,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 312 | 3.9% | 53,000 | 17,000–94,000 |
System by system, in words
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 76,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 34.2% of complaints (2,728 reports, 1,686 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 94,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 67,000 and 125,000 miles.
A single system taking 34.2% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The steering accounts for 24.1% of complaints (1,918 reports, 1,518 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 16,000 and 92,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 14.4% of complaints (1,147 reports, 704 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 73,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 30,000 and 106,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 9.2% of complaints (735 reports, 416 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 90,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 63,000 and 114,000 miles.
The exterior lighting accounts for 8.9% of complaints (712 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 7.9% of complaints (626 reports, 302 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 117,000 miles.
Known problems with the 2011–2014 Sonata
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.
Before you buy a 2011–2014 Sonata: the 3-minute check
Generated from 5,306 mileage-tagged complaints, 21 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 21 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 40,000 and 108,000 miles, with a median of 76,000. 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.
Sonata problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi36% below | At 90k mi61% below | At 120k mi81% below | At 150k mi93% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 67,000–125,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 16,000–92,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 30,000–106,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 63,000–114,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 50,000–112,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 57,000–117,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 34,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014 · 5,306 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
- 150,000 mi — 93% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.7% of reports (39) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
2011–2014 Hyundai Sonata recalls (21)
NHTSA records 21 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.
1 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the engine (3), the steering (3), the hydraulic brake circuit (2). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
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.
Sep 2023 · 2011–2014 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic park outsideAn engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013…
What can happen. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10…
May 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…
Dec 2020 · 2011–2013 · EngineA damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
What can happen. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor…
Jul 2020 · 2011–2012 · EquipmentAn overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
The defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and…
What can happen. An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
The free fix. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28…
Feb 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…
Dec 2018 · 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…
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…
Feb 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…
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…
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.…
Oct 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…
Mar 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…
Mar 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…
Apr 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…
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…
Nov 2015 · 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…
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…
Oct 2015 · 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…
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…
Sep 2015 · 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…
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…
Jul 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…
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…
Jul 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Jul 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…
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…
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…
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…
Sep 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…
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…
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…
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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 7,973 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 308 (3.9%)
- Fires
- 359
- Injury reports
- 186
- Fatality reports
- 5
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.
Sonata problems by model year
The 2011 drew the most complaints of this generation, 3,472, most of them about the steering, and the 2014 the fewest, 773. A typical year drew about 1,864.
The first year of the generation, 2011, drew more complaints than a typical year. A count like this follows how many cars of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as how often they failed, so it is not by itself evidence of a worse year; what each year's reports name, in its card and row, is the useful part.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 3,472 | 2,576 | 75,000 | Steering (1,189) | 17 |
| 2012 | 1,710 | 1,128 | 80,000 | Engine (634) | 11 |
| 2013 | 2,018 | 1,192 | 77,000 | Engine (775) | 11 |
| 2014 | 773 | 410 | 70,000† | Engine (312) | 8 |
What Sonata owners reported
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's wife was driving 65 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle rolled to the shoulder of the road. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to…
2014 · 141,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was unable to restart on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed…
2013 · 53,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle, and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a puddle of oil on the ground…
2011 · 121,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the engine started knocking, and smoke emitted from under the hood. The contact decelerated to approximately 15 MPH and drove to her nearby residence. Upon inspection, the contact…
2012 · 100,000 miles · Engine
Built from 5,306 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Sonata generations
- Sonata 1999–2005 1,081 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Sonata 2006–2010 2,431 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Sonata 2015–2019 1,431 reports with mileage, most about the engine
- Sonata 2020–2025 120 reports with mileage, most about the engine