2011 Hyundai Sonata Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 968about this part
- Share
- 29%of 3,379 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,733miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 968 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 29% of the 3,379 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,733 miles. 19 of these say a crash was involved and 85 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“On friday the 13th of february while driving on a main intersection my car just stopped in the middle of the road. There was traffic on both sides of the road and of course people didn't have any patience and I was stuck and placed my blinkers on. And waited for aaa to arrive. The car was in motion and then stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11396436, filed 2021-02, 110,980 miles“My engine light has been on for 6 months and I had the timer sensor replaced twice. And it is still on. My car steering wheel vibrates at times. The steering wheel makes a cracking noise while parking or pulling out. Also my airbag light has been on continuous for 6 months over the steering wheel. Keep taking it to the shop and told to check recalls but my car is never listed.”
NHTSA complaint #11376773, filed 2020-11, 108,433 miles“Engine seized up while driving again. The engine was replaced 2 years ago with the Hyundai engine recall campaign. The vehicle has been maintained but Hyundai will not cover the engine even though it is under warranty. I was driving down 35 in dallas with my 6 year old son and the engine seized up and I could not control the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11121319, filed 2018-08, 140,000 miles“Engine suddenly lost power while making a clattering sound from within the engine as we were driving on a highway at about 55 mikes o'er hour. Local mechanics say it is in the lower part if the engine. There are articles in the internet stating that there was a recall due to metal shavings but I cannot find the actual recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11152480, filed 2018-11, 116,500 milesRelated recalls
- 18V934000Dec 28, 2018Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011–2014, Santa FE Sport 2013–2014
- 15V568000Sep 10, 2015Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor…Covers: Hyundai Sonata 2011–2012
Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 10178174Jul 13, 2020This Dealer Best Practice intends to inform dealers of a proposed settlement (âSettlementâ) for a class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ)…
- 10177127Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedures on TSB #20-01-004H-1…
- 10177126Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and…
- 10177125Jun 3, 2020Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and…
- 10167769Oct 28, 2019The warranty coverage for the engine long block has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs…
- 10167767Oct 28, 2019Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs…
- 10167765Oct 28, 2019Hyundai has developed a new engine monitoring technology called a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine…
- 10167764Oct 28, 2019Hyundai has launched a Service Campaign for applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines that may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P132600.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 | 28 | 32% |
| 2022 | 25 | 26% |
| 2021 | 34 | 25% |
| 2020 | 32 | 18% |
| 2019 | 87 | 54% |
| 2018 | 212 | 57% |
| 2017 | 385 | 50% |
| 2016 | 452 | 62% |
| 2015 | 629 | 55% |
| 2014 | 303 | 40% |
| 2013 | 739 | 39% |
| 2012 | 567 | 36% |
| 2011 | 968 | 29% |
| 2010 | 29 | 8% |
| 2009 | 56 | 12% |
| 2008 | 48 | 11% |
| 2007 | 41 | 6% |
| 2006 | 44 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
1,171 complaintsElectrical system
443 complaintsAir bags
419 complaintsExterior lighting
248 complaintsOther or unknown
217 complaintsBrakes
175 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
173 complaintsSuspension
149 complaintsFuel system
133 complaintsSeat belts
106 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 27, 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