At least one recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Confirm by VIN that the repair was completed before driving or buying this car. The fix is free at a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Brakes recall
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Park outside and away from buildings until repaired. Dealer fixes it free.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Seat belts recall
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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Seat belts recall
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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Seat belts recall
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
43
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
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 underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby Ford dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft and engine failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 22-EM-006H-2. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an alternate dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was informed that the repair was denied because of the previous owner's negligence with maintenance of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,744.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11757938 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
15
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
AFTER BEING JUMPED ONCE AND RUNNING PROPERLY THE CAR NO LONGER HAS ANY KIND OF POWER. THE REAR BATTERY IS WORKING FINE. MY MECHANIC HAD ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE WHEELS HAD A CERTAIN TYPE OF SPRING LIKE MECHANISM THAT WAS READY TO SHOOT OFF THE CAR AND THAT THE CAR NEEDS A VERY EXPENSIVE LARGE PIECE OF PLASTIC TO REGULATE AIRFLOW IF IT IS GOING TO PASS INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ACCIDENTS AND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY HAS HAPPENED TO IT TO CAUSE THESE THINGS
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11203070 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
14
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 2 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. That contact stated that the ABS fuse had been replaced but the vehicle experienced unstated failures with the braking system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11587715 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
18
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11610520 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
5
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) was serviced by the previous owner in 2020. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11493693 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
1
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
WHILST DURING DOWN HIGHWAY REAR PORTION OF PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH LOUD BANG. PULLED OVER AND STOPPED COULD HEAR GLASS CONTINUING TO CRACK. OBSERVATION SHOWED HOLE IN ROOF APPROXIMATELY 2X4 INCHES, WITH EDGES BOWED UPWARDS. *TR
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10554110 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 96 complaints on file, fewer than the 2012 (154). Of the 12 model years of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid we cover, the 2012 has the most (154). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.