Model Years

2011 Hyundai Sonata Recalls and Problems

NHTSA lists 17 safety recalls and 3,472 owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata (including the hybrid).

One recall for this model year tells owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired: Brakes, park outside (23V-651). Check your VIN below to see whether yours is affected. Every do-not-drive and park-outside recall on 2010 and newer models

Recalled components: brakes, engine, seat belts, steering, and 5 more. Most-described problem: stalling or shutting off (372 complaints, 11%). Most-reported area: steering (1,189 complaints, 34%; median mileage when it happened: 66,000).

One of the Sonata years to avoid

The 2011 drew 624 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 92 for a typical Sonata year: 6.8 times as many.

Years to avoid: 2011 to 2013 and 2015; best year: 2019. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.

Every Sonata year ranked

17Safety recalls
3,472Owner complaints
122Complaints citing a crash
117Complaints citing a fire

Opens NHTSA's lookup in a new tab; your VIN goes to NHTSA, not to us. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard, the door jamb and your registration. Safety recall repairs are free at Hyundai dealers for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.

How to check a car for recalls, step by step

Get a vehicle history report from EpicVIN (opens in a new tab): a paid report with the car's title, odometer and salvage records, from an approved NMVTIS data provider. Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you buy. If you typed a full VIN above, the link sends it to EpicVIN and opens its checkout page for that VIN. Check the price before you pay: EpicVIN's $1 trial lasts 3 days, then becomes a monthly subscription until you cancel ($49.99 to $99.99 a month on its pages as of Oct 2, 2026). Disclosure

Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated Oct 2, 2026

Includes the Sonata Hybrid.

17 safety recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Parts with a do-not-drive or park-outside recall come first, then the rest, largest first. Within a part, do-not-drive and park-outside recalls come first, then the newest. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.

Brakes 2 recalls

antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module

Sep 22, 2023

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

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, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

1,649,478 vehicles.

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 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SONATA HYBRID. Hyundai campaign 251.

Brakes

Jul 18, 2014

Risk: 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.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.

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 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.

133,075 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 122.

Engine 3 recalls

Engine

Dec 1, 2020

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

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 Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

128,948 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SONATA HYBRID. Hyundai campaign 198.

Engine

Dec 28, 2018

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

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.

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 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.

150,730 vehicles.

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.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Components: Engine; Fuel system: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Hyundai campaign 180.

Engine

Sep 10, 2015

Risk: Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.

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 engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.

470,000 vehicles.

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 engine.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 132.

Seat belts 3 recalls

pretensioner

Feb 27, 2018

Risk: 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.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

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.

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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

580,058 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.

NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Components: Air bags; Air bags: air bag/restraint control module; Air bags: side/window; Seat belts: pretensioner. Hyundai campaign 174.

pretensioner

Oct 4, 2017

Risk: 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.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

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 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.

443,545 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152.

NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Components: Seat belts: front, anchorage; Seat belts: pretensioner. Hyundai campaign 169.

front · anchorage

Mar 8, 2017

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

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 expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.

977,778 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.

NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Hyundai campaign 160.

Steering 3 recalls

electric power assist system

Apr 5, 2016

Risk: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.

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 number for this recall is 143.

173,000 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 143.

gear box · shaft sector

Oct 1, 2010

Risk: 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.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.

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 safety recall began on october 11, 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.

60 vehicles.

Hyundai de puerto rico safety recall no. 097. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 097.

gear box · shaft sector

Sep 20, 2010

Risk: 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.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened.

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 safety recall is expected to begin during october 2010. Owners may contact hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

138,354 vehicles.

Hyundai's safety recall campaign number is 097. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2011 sonata vehicles manufactured from december 11, 2009, through september 10, 2010.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 097.

Exterior lighting 2 recalls

brake lights · switch

Nov 16, 2015

Risk: 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. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

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 service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

304,900 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 136.

brake lights · switch

Apr 1, 2013

Risk: 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. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

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 campaign number is 110.

1,712,336 vehicles.

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, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 110.

Equipment 1 recall

electrical

Jul 2, 2020

Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

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, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

272,126 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SONATA HYBRID. Hyundai campaign 193.

Latches, locks and linkages 1 recall

doors · latch

Mar 2, 2010

Risk: 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.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

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.

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 hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

5,893 vehicles.

Hyundai's recall campaign number is 096. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 096.

Powertrain 1 recall

automatic transmission

Jul 18, 2014

Risk: 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. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.

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 contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.

883,000 vehicles.

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 123.

Suspension 1 recall

front · springs · coil springs

Oct 7, 2015

Risk: If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.

What's wrong, the fix and the full notice

Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.

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 contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.

28,157 vehicles.

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, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Hyundai campaign 133.

Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

NHTSA investigations

NHTSA has opened 5 investigations that name the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, not counting audit queries; all 5 are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.

Engine fires

Engineering analysis EA21003Closed Feb 5, 2024 (opened Dec 22, 2021)

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires… NHTSA's full summary

NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Component: Engine.

Non-crash vehicle fires

Preliminary evaluation PE19003Closed Dec 22, 2021 (opened Mar 29, 2019)

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures… NHTSA's full summary

NHTSA ties this investigation to recalls 20V-393 and 20V-746, listed above.

NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Components: Electrical system; Engine and cooling; Engine; Exterior lighting; Fuel system; Unknown or other.

Scope and timeliness

Recall query RQ17004Closed Dec 22, 2021 (opened May 18, 2017)

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-004 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Hyundai’s Theta II GDI engine recalls (Recall Nos. 15V-568 and 17V-226), and Hyundai’s compliance with reporting requirements.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Component: Engine.

Air bags may be disabled during crash

Preliminary evaluation PE18003Closed Aug 30, 2019 (opened Mar 16, 2018)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 18V-137, listed above.

NHTSA listings: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Components: Air bags; Seat belts.

Steering shaft separation

Preliminary evaluation PE10035Closed Feb 7, 2011 (opened Aug 27, 2010)

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 7 complaints and field reports and 10 warranty claims on the subject vehicles that allege the intermediate steering shaft became loose or in some cases separated… NHTSA's full summary

NHTSA ties this investigation to recalls 10V-426 and 10V-457, listed above.

NHTSA listing: SONATA. Component: Steering (column).

A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. A recall query is a review of whether a recall covered the right vehicles or whether its fix works. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.

What owners report

Owners have filed 3,472 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Sonata. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.

Problems owners describe

Counted from the complaint text: a complaint counts once for each problem it describes (how we match them). Some complaints describe none of these. Compare other models in the problem owners report most for every model year.

Areas named in complaints

A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.

Hyundai Sonata recalls and complaints by model year

The highlighted bars are the 2011 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2011 Sonata drew the most (624).

Owner complaints

2011: 3,472 complaints

Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Hyundai Sonata
Model yearComplaints
2010345
20113,472
20121,711
20132,019
2014773
20151,197
2016883
2017876
2018382
2019171
2020194
2021189
2022112
2023102
202455
202527
20266

Safety recalls

2011: 17 recalls

Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Hyundai Sonata
Model yearRecalls
20102
201117
201211
201311
20148
201512
20169
20175
20182
20190
20204
20214
20223
20232
20241
20250
20261

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

Tested versionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD Early Release
Rollover risk 9.7%
Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD Later Release
Rollover risk 9.7%
Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD Latest Release
Rollover risk 9.7%
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 DR FWD
Rollover risk 9.7%

2011 Sonata MPG

EPA rates the 2011 Hyundai Sonata up to 27 mpg combined with a gas engine, and 36 mpg as a hybrid.Every version and fuel cost

Questions

What are the most common 2011 Sonata problems?

In the 3,472 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the problems described most are stalling or shutting off (372), engine failure or replacement (330), and shaking, shuddering or vibration (303). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.

Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata safe?

In NHTSA crash tests the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earns 4 to 5 stars overall, depending on the version. The table above lists each tested version.

Is NHTSA investigating the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, not counting audit queries. It lists 5 closed ones; the most recent closed on Feb 5, 2024.

How do I check if my Sonata has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Hyundai dealers for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.

Sources and method

  • NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Oct 2, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
  • NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
  • NHTSA investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
  • NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
  • NHTSA model names covered: SONATA, SONATA HYBRID.

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.