It is not surprising that the earlier model years from any vehicle receive the most complaints. What is surprising is that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata ranks as the worse model year for this company with the highest number of complaints reported to the carcomplaints.com website. This website allows vehicle owners to report complaints about any mechanical issues they face during the lifetime of their vehicles.
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According to carcomplaints.com, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata received a total of 807 complaints. The majority of reported complaints have to do with the engine, the steering system, the electrical system, the lights, and others. While a high number of complaints doesn't always mean a terrible vehicle when the complaints are related to simple mechanical issues, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's problems put a big red flag on this vehicle due to the high repair costs needed.
The goal of this article is to educate the current 2011 Hyundai Sonata about what type of problems they might experience, the different repair options, and the suggested repair costs. Also, we intend to help new buyers make a well-informed decision about buying the 2011 Hyundai Sonata buy analyzing the different mechanical issues mostly reported.
In this article, we will highlight the main characteristics of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, including any previous rating and featured pros. After providing a high-level description of the vehicle, we will summarize the most reported complaints to carcomplaints.com. In summary, we include the problem category, repair options, and repair costs, the mileage at which the problem occurred, and the ranking each problem received.
2011 Hyundai Sonata description
Before discussing any reported complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, we would like to provide a quick, high-level description of the vehicle, including the main pros and the different mechanical characteristics of it.
According to cars.usnews.com, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata was ranked as one of the best 2011 Hybrid Cars, 2011 Affordable Midsize Cars, Used Hybrid Cars under $15K, and Used Midsize Cars under 15K.
The vehicle is featured for the very strong powertrain, easy handling, great infotainment system, and relatively good safety features.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata seats up to five people and provides about 34 miles per gallon on city roads and 39 miles per gallon on the highways. The vehicle comes with a four-wheel drive and provides about 166 or horsepower.
This car comes with either a 2.0 L four-cylinder or 2.4 L four-cylinder engine. This engine is associated with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The fuel tank capacity of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is about 18.5 gallons.
According to Kelly Blue Book, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for 2011 Hyundai Sonata is about $20,000.
2011 Hyundai Sonata problems
Now we have a good understanding of the main characteristics of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata; we can talk about the main reported complaints about this vehicle. According to carcomplaints.com, this vehicle received a total of 807 complaints. The majority of reported complaints have to do with the engine, steering, electrical system, interior, lights, and other less reported problems.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata engine problems
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata received a total of 310 complaints about problems with the engine. Engine problems are one of the worst problems any driver would want to hear about due to the high repair costs needed. Most engine problems with this vehicle are related to engine seizing, making weird noises, consuming too much oil, and others.
Engine seize was reported by more than 177 people with vehicles around 95,000 miles. The problem was resolved by either replacing the entire engine, selling or junking the vehicle or replacing the lower half of the engine. The average repair cost for these repair options was $5,090, which is relatively high as compared to the actual worth of the car. Engine seize was ranked as a “Really Awful” problem.
Engine stalling is another common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, with a total of 44 reported complaints. The problem was resolved by either replacing the engine, the computer, or the defective brake switch. The average repair cost to get rid of engine stalling was about $4,330, which is also a very high repair cost when compared to the actual worth of this vehicle. this problem was mostly reported by vehicles around 98,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
About 28 complaints were reported about hearing weird noise coming from the 2011 Hyundai Sonata engine. The problem was resolved mostly by replacing the engine for about $4,380, which is also a very high repair cost when it comes to mechanical problems repairs.
Excessive oil consumption is another commonly reported problem about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata engine. The problem was resolved by either replacing the engine, replacing the oil pan and gasket, or replacing the valve seals. The average repair cost for excessive oil consumption was $380. This problem was mostly reported by vehicles around 92,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
Check engine light is a way for the vehicle's internal computer to complain about vehicle problems. Several owners of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata complained continuous check engine illumination without a clear reason. In general, this problem was mostly resolved by replacing the PCM wiring or replacing the oxygen sensor. Check engine light issues were reported by vehicles around 54,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
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2011 Hyundai Sonata steering problems
2011 Hyundai Sonata steering problems were the second most reported problems by vehicle owners, with a total of 149 reported complaints to carcomplaints.com. The majority of steering problems have to do with clicking noise coming from the steering, shaking and wobbling, thumping noise, and significant issues with the steering column.
About 74 complaints were reported regarding hearing some clicking noise whenever drivers turn the vehicle. The issue was repaired by either replacing the steering coupling, bushing, steering column, steering shaft, or tie rods. The average repair cost for these repair options was about $470. The clicking noise was reported by vehicles around 72,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
Another common problem with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's steering was shaking and wobbling with a total of 44 reported complaints. The problem was resolved by either replacing the steering coupler, steering axels, or steering column. The average repair cost to get rid of steering shaking was bout $570. This issue was mostly reported by vehicles around 80,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
Steering thumping noise is also a commonly reported problem about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata steering system. This issue was resolved by replacing the steering coupler for about $270 and was reported by vehicles around 78,000 miles. steering thumping noise was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
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2011 Hyundai Sonata electrical system problems
2011 Hyundai Sonata electrical system problems were the third most reported problem by more than 71 current vehicle owners. Most problems have to do with engine not starting, starter failure, airbag light, and car fire.
Several owners indicated that their 2011 Hyundai Sonata's engine wouldn't start without any previous warning signs and clear reasons. When taking the vehicles to the mechanic, it turned to be either lever starter, the brake light switch, or the switch assembly. The average repair cost to get rid of this problem was about $290 from vehicles around 54,000 miles. the problem was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
Starter problems caused additional problems to other drivers where they had to stall at a parking lot. The problem was also resolved by replacing the starter for about $520 and was mostly reported by vehicles around 76,000 miles. starter problems were ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
About ten complaints were reported from different people indicating airbag light illuminating continuously without a clear reason. The problem was resolved by replacing the airbag controller or replacing the clock spring for about $150. Vehicles with airbag light problems were at about 88,000 miles, and the problem was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
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2011 Hyundai Sonata interior problems
2011 Hyundai Sonata interior problems were also very common and were reported by about 53 different vehicle owners. The majority of these problems have to do with the dashboard, the steering wheel paint, the Bluetooth, and others.
Several owners' complaints a cracked dashboard despite the continuous maintenance of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The problem was resolved by replacing the entire dashboard, and it very frustrating to vehicles around 86,000 miles. This problem was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
Other complaints came from people regarding paint peeling off the steering wheel despite the gentle use of the vehicle. To get rid of this issue, drivers had to replace the steering wheel covers without indicating repair costs. This issue was mostly reported by vehicles around 47,000 miles, and it was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
The last problem we would like to highlight here is Bluetooth connectivity failure. About six people reported that the vehicle's Bluetooth wouldn't connect properly, and each time they enter their vehicles, the car can't connect to their phones. While the website did not indicate repair options or repair costs, it indicated that this problem occurred at vehicles around 43,000 miles and was ranked as “Fairly Significant.”
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2011 Hyundai Sonata other problems
In the previous sections, we focused on the most reported complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. There are additional complaints about mechanical issues that were reported less frequently, including problems with the lights, body and paint, seats and airbags, AC and heating system, and suspension system.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata lights problems
2011 Hyundai Sonata lights problems were reported several times from different owners. These problems have to do with bulbs burning out, brake lights failing, taillights overheating, loose housing of brake lights, and more.
The majority of light problems were reported by vehicles around 85,000 miles, and repair costs ranged from $300 to $150.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata body and paint problems
Many owners of 60,000 miles vehicles also reported the 2011 Hyundai Sonata body and paint problems. Paint and coat peeling were the most reported complaint followed by water leaks into the car's interior.
In most cases, drivers needed to repaint the entire part for about $2,440.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata seat belts and airbags problems
Several complaints were reported regarding the airbag warning light of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Owners for 90,000 miles vehicles found that the airbag warning light keeps illuminating continuously without a clear reason. To get rid of the problem, they had to either replace the clock spring, the airbag module, the internal seat track assembly, or the passenger side cushion. The average repair cost for this problem was about $720.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata AC and heating system problems
About 17 complaints were reported regarding 2011 Hyundai Sonata's AC not working. The problem was resolved by installing a new compressor for about $1,000, and it was mostly reported by vehicles around 70,000 miles. this problem was ranked as “Pretty Bad.”
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2011 Hyundai Sonata suspension system problems
Several owners reported that their 2011 Hyundai Sonata experiences continuous clunking and rattling due to issues with the suspension system. Other complaint issues with the suspension alignment and coil spring issues.
The majority of suspension system problems were resolved by repairing the boot for $530 and were mostly reported by vehicles around 100,000 miles.
Conclusion
2011 Hyundai Sonata marks the worst model year for this company, as reported by carcomplaints.com, a website made to help people report mechanical problems about their vehicles.
The majority of reported 2011 Hyundai Sonata problems have to do with the engine, steering system, electrical system, and interior. These problems required relatively high repair costs.
The goal of this article was to help current owners learn about the different mechanical problems they will experience during the lifetime of their vehicles. Also, the article helps new buyers decide whether to buy the vehicle or not. According to the summary of reported complaints and repair costs, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata might not be the best choice for new car buyers, especially when it comes to repairing costs and mechanical problems.