2011 Hyundai Sonata Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 444about this part
- Share
- 13%of 3,380 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 444 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 13% of the 3,380 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 14 of these say a crash was involved and 29 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Total loss of car due to engine fire. On dec 30,2020 at mile marker 31 on i95 south outside of stoney creek va, when I was driving, all lights came on the dashboard at the same time-then we lost ability to accerleate-gas pedal not working. We pulled over on the side of i95-smoke came out of engine and within 10 minutes the entire car was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11388186, filed 2021-01, 106,000 miles“I was driving approximately 55 MPH on a highway and it started raining. I turned my headlights on and the traction control light came on. I also lost acceleration power until I completely let off the gas pedal. This has happened several times over the last month. I also am unable to set the cruise control if my headlights are on.”
NHTSA complaint #11415243, filed 2021-05, 156,000 miles“My car changed to cruise control on its own. I couldn't get out of it until I parked. My lights don't work the constantly flick on and off while I'm driving. The dealership also failed to replace my airbag deployment sensor after I reported that they never fixed it. They put it in the database that it was repaired but I was still waiting on a part I never received”
NHTSA complaint #11362152, filed 2020-10, 175,000 miles“Recall code 136, brake lights stay on. This does not show up in my history of recalls for my Sonata. The vehicle rear brake lights will stay on after full release of the brake pedal. Brake lights may show off, car is then shut off. 2 minutes later, the car brake lights are on (not all the time, but frequent enough). This is a reoccurring event.”
NHTSA complaint #11233698, filed 2019-07, 80,000 miles“I had transmission problems my transmission stop working and I could not change gears so I took my car to Hyundai shop and paid out of pocket over $900 and come to found out it was a recall #123,so Hyundai call me after I left the shop saying they not gone reimburse me which is not right.”
NHTSA complaint #11383540, filed 2020-12, 92,957 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026704Dec 19, 2025In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at…
- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made…
- 11027033Dec 15, 2025This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 11000314May 9, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 10251282Feb 12, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10251276Feb 1, 2024This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system…
- 10251275Feb 1, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249707Jan 22, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 19 | 40% |
| 2023 | 12 | 14% |
| 2022 | 17 | 18% |
| 2021 | 18 | 13% |
| 2020 | 40 | 22% |
| 2019 | 12 | 7% |
| 2018 | 60 | 16% |
| 2017 | 65 | 8% |
| 2016 | 89 | 12% |
| 2015 | 167 | 14% |
| 2014 | 135 | 18% |
| 2013 | 261 | 14% |
| 2012 | 235 | 15% |
| 2011 | 444 | 13% |
| 2010 | 16 | 5% |
| 2009 | 61 | 13% |
| 2008 | 32 | 8% |
| 2007 | 51 | 7% |
| 2006 | 86 | 8% |
| 2005 | 19 | 12% |
| 2004 | 17 | 8% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 23 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
| 2000 | 37 | 13% |
| 1999 | 11 | 9% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 22% |
| 1995 | 8 | 12% |
| 1993 | 7 | 27% |
| 1992 | 1 | 5% |
| 1991 | 5 | 17% |
| 1990 | 3 | 19% |
| 1989 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
1,171 complaintsEngine
968 complaintsAir bags
419 complaintsExterior lighting
249 complaintsOther or unknown
217 complaintsBrakes
175 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
173 complaintsSuspension
149 complaintsFuel system
133 complaintsSeat belts
107 complaintsVehicle speed control
95 complaintsBody and structure
73 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology