Was taking left hand turn on major road, and all of the lights lit up inside the vehicle and the engine just died. I pulled over to the side of the road and had all electrical systems but the engine would not turn over. I popped the hood and saw smoke from the engine, so checked the oil and there wasn't any on the dipstick. Had to call a tow truck to have vehicle taken back to the last place I had the oil changed. They determined that the engine had seized up and that I needed to replace it for $7000. No check oil engine light came on and always had oil changed on regular basis, because I do a lot of highway driving for work.
2011 Hyundai Sonata engine complaints
Page 32 of 35: complaints 911 to 940 of 1,012, newest first, as owners wrote them.
This car is equipped with a smartkey. Recently it has developed a starting problem that is directly related to the outdoor temp. It has been serviced several times by the local hyundai dealer. They have replaced the shift interlock switch and the brake light switch. It is below zero this morning (2/21/2015) just one day after the brake light switch was replaced, and again the car refuses to start. When the start button is depressed everything lights up on the dash board but the engine will not even turn over, it is completely dead. The engine imobilizer light also comes on after attempting to move the shifter and the brake pedal becomes nearly impossible to depress! The car will be out of warranty soon. This needs to be resolved. The car has refused to start dozens of times with the very same issues. The car has left me stranded (at home to date) numerous times. When it warms up outdoors later in the day and the temp goes up to 25 - 30 degrees the car starts virtually every time and will start without a problem for the rest of the day. I have researched this problem on this website and other websites and push button ignition problems are very common on this car. Hyundai needs to come up with a proper fix for this problem. Numerous people report having the same switches replaced as on my car their problems were not solved either. It appears that hyundai has never been able to come up with a proper fix for this issue or it is just to costly to implement. They have continually swept it under the rug.
I was driving on the interstate 2/14/15 and started to slow down due to traffic. As I slowed to approximately 25 MPH, my car died. I had enough momentum to make it over to the right shoulder. I had my vehicle towed to the local dealership who stated that my starter had gone bad on 2/14/15. I waited to hear back on monday, 2/16/15 that they had fixed the starter, but instead they called and stated that my engine had seized up and I would need to purchase a new engine for $5600 (including labor). I made regular oil changes (I was not exactly 8,000 miles for every oil change though), I completed all recall requirements, I had my oil pan replaced dec 2013, I had the car looked over 100% dec 2013 and it was found to be in great working condition, & my engine actually turned over when it died on 2/14/15, so the starter made sense. I did some research, and it appears there is a class action lawsuit for ~ 30 incidents where the hyundai engine seized on this year, make, & model. I am very frustrated that I have to pay for an engine that is pretty much what the car is worth now, when an engine should not seize up after only 120,000 miles when taken care of properly. The fact that it stopped while I was still driving is extremely unsafe and could have easily resulted in a wreck. I believe that the engines on this year, make and model should be investigated and should be recalled due to safety reasons.
I was driven on the highway in the 2nd to left lane about 70 MPH, check engine light was on and all of the sudden I lost complete control of the accelerator pedal. I pushed it all the way down to the floor several times, no pressure, no control and obviously slowed down. I moved over to get to the right shoulder to stop and see what is the issue, luckily the brakes worked, but many cars were dodging me trying not to hit me. I didn't get in an accident, but sure close to being in one and high speeds. Frightening to say the least. I did make it to the dealer and come to find it is an emission part that failed that caused the car not to accelerate. I did get it fixed but was out of warranty, and past the federal emission reimbursement program of 8 years or 80k miles. I had about 80,200-500 miles on the car. Coincidence, don't know, I am still concerned driving the car, it could happen again! I am just glad I didn't get seriously injured or killed. I didn't get reimbursed for the part that cost $1,500. But I am very concerned knowing that this could happen to anyone with emission controls by the computer in your car. I tried to be proactive therefore the post complaint for others. I guess it takes collateral damage of people losing life for car companies and the wonderful federal government to take notice. Beware most new cars have these systems from what I am told.
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while making a right turn at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle by shifting into park and reinserting the key into the ignition. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Purchased a brand new 2011 hyundai sonata. While we were driving down the road, we heard a knocking noise coming from the engine. While we were looking for a gas station to pull over, the check oil light came on, all within a matter of minutes. We immediately pulled over and checked the oil only to find that no oil was registering on the dip stick. We found that odd as we had our oil change just a couple months ago. Had the car towed to the dealership and was told that there was sludge in the engine and we needed to replace it. The cost to replace the engine was $6100. Furthermore, the dealership went on and changed their story 5 times as to while the engine failed. They asked us to provide them with oil change receipts, which we did yet they still denied our claim. Our car had the oil changes done properly and within the time scheduled. Our car was still under warranty yet they denied our claim we have filed a lawsuit against the dealership and hyundai.
I was driving down the highway, the engine started making a knocking noise. No less than 30 seconds later did the car's engine make a large bag noise and I ran over what felt like parts. I coasted a while down the road and finally pulled the car over to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood I discovered oil all over the intake and exhaust manifolds as well as the radiator. I called hyundai roadside assistance and had the car towed to faulkner hyundai in harrisburg pa on 1/19/14. They provided a service loaner and said they would get back to me with an update on the car. I waited until wednesday the 21st before calling them, only to find out that the engine had seized and they had already taken pictures of the damage and sent them to the hyundai people to seek warranty coverage. They also asked me for maintenance records on the car. I change the oil myself and always put in full synthetic, so they had me submit receipts from the auto parts store proving I bought oil and filters or the sonata. I am now awaiting resolution from hyundai. Will update once I have an answer from hyundai. This is a pretty serious safety concern, the engine let go at 60+MPH without warning, when it let go it blew oil all over the engine compartment and I'm sure on the road as well. Lucky I was driving early in the morning and their was very little traffic.
I was traveling down a highway when my engine started to make a knocking sound. The check engine light came on, and within 10 seconds my car stopped running. I was still moving when this happened. I was fortunate to be able to coast to a close by side road. I am gravely concerned that this could have happened on the interstate at higher speeds, and the potential consequences of such. I had the car towed to a dealer, and they tell me the engine is shot. I contacted hyundai customer care, and their response was "what do you want me to do about it." after more research, I have found numerous other instances of this engine failure. If this is an ongoing problem, I feel hyundai should do something before someone gets killed when this happens. Please note I am the second owner of this car. The mileage at just over 85,000 is mainly highway miles, and the car is serviced regularly.
Oil light blinked on and off twice. Car was making a knocking noise. Stopped to check oil; absolutely no oil in the vehicle. No sign of leak; no smoking; no other indication of problem. Put 3 quarts of oil in the car. Knocking sound was worse. Drove car home and haven't driven it since. This is one of many problems I've had with this car. I get regular oil changes. I haven't had the car looked at yet due to cost and out of warranty. I've read other complaints of loss of oil resulting in complete engine failure. There was absolutely no indication that the oil was even low which I attribute to the faulty electrical system since I've had problems with that as well. It's my opinion that this car is unsafe to drive. I've read this year model has over 900 problems while other year models have average of 230 something problems. Obviously, this car should be completely recalled and replaced by hyundai dealer.
Tell us what happened: bought vehicle new and regularly had serviced by dealer. Vehicle died without any warning coming off highway and I had to turn flashers on and place in park to restart. Engine started knocking with no warning and no warning lights illuminated. Had towed to dealer and was told engine had no oil and requires an engine change. Where did it go? There has never been any signs of smoke, burning smell or leaks anywhere and no warning lights ever giving indication of a low oil or low oil pressure indication nor any other engine light warning. Now dealer says we have to convince regional manager that this was not neglect on our part to have covered under the 100,000 mile power-train warranty.
I am a loyal hyundai customer who has owned 4 of their vehicles. I took my car in to superior hyundai north to have a couple safety recall items taken care of. I also would hear a wind type sound sometimes (within a week prior to taking it in) when I would start driving from a stopped position. When I called the dealership service dept. They told me they had bad news. My engine had to be replaced. They said there was no oil in it. I asked them how it could be empty as my car has never leaked, never smoked, never smelled like oil burning, had only approx. 48,000 miles on it, and had been serviced. They had to take some of the engine apart and said since they found no sludge in the engine, it was covered under the warranty. Problem I have is they are replacing my engine with a rebuilt one. They said hyundai won't approve them to put a new engine in it. I have no way of finding out what happened to the rebuilt engine they are putting in my car and they can't tell me how many miles was on it originally. They told me there was one more car like mine there with the exact same problem. They also tried to tell me it wouldn't hurt my trade-in value. That I didn't have to disclose the engine replacement. One, that's not a moral and deceitful problem that I would never do and two, I believe it's the law that I would have to disclose it. I spoke to one of the salesmen about buying the loaner car I'm driving with the trade of my car and the first thing he told me was the problem with my engine would cause the trade-in value to be less. Hmmm...just as I thought!! They need to either put a new engine in my car or give me the top value of my car with a good discount and price on a new one or they will lose a very loyal customer!
While driving in the fast lane of a 3 lane freeway on a steep upgrade, the car suddenly and without warning lost a huge amount of engine power. The effect was similar to no longer pushing the accelerator pedal. This caused the cars in back of me to slam on their brakes as well as scaring me as I had no idea what happened. This has occurred twice so far. Hyundai america (ha) is well aware of the problem and from what I have discovered after viewing ha forums, this problem is specific to the sonata's with the 2.0 turbocharged engines including model years 2011 - 2014. Not only is the problem a result of a poorly designed waste gate control rod, it is a huge safety issue. Inexperienced drivers as well as experienced drivers are going to be harmed. Ha is well aware of the problem and has decided not to cover the repair expense after 60,000 miles. Apparently, a functioning turbocharger is not part of the engine! Please insure the ha not only fixes this safety hazard but also reimburses owners for previously charged repair expense. My car was repaired around 56,000 miles andat 67,000 miles, the problem is back. Thank you
While driving the car on interstate 95 , the car abruptly stalled out doing 60 mpg , the flashers would not work. I shifted it in neutral and it started after two attempts. We proceeded to get off the interstate onto another four lane highway. About a half a mile down the road, it stalled again. After two more attempts to restart the engine, it did restart and everything seemed fine. Three more miles down the road, the car stalled out again and then started smoking. We could not restart the car and the flashers initially would not work again. After ten seconds, the flashers started to work and then we proceeded to push the car across the highway into a 7-11. The engine had seized up. The car had to be towed to the hyundai dealer. After calling the dealer the next day, I found out that four cars with the same problem were waiting to be repaired. The dealer is now putting a new engine in the car since it is still under warranty. The problem is they are putting a new engine in the car with the same exact problem. They have not fixed the initial problem. I am afraid this same exact incident will happen again and I will not be as lucky. They are putting my life and my families' life in jeopardy. I want them to buy back the car, this should not happen with only 25,000 miles on the car and an up-to-date car service record.
In the span 2 months, there were 2 occasions where my car would not start. I thought it was the battery and had someone jump me and it still wouldn't start. However, after trying several times, car would finally start. One other time I pulled into a store and when I came out, my car wouldn't start. After several attempts, it finally started. Then on november 28th, 2014, my boyfriend was driving my car and it just stopped running. I had it towed to an independent mechanic and they stated that the engine had seized. I did not have any warning or indication that anything was wrong. Today I have to have it towed to the hyundai dealership and they will let me know the exact problem and if it is covered under the warranty.
Engine seized.
As I began driving my 2011 hyundai sonata that morning I heard a rattle whenever my RPM would reach between 2-3k. I contacted my local hyundai dealership and made an appointment. Today 11/20/14i was told that my engine needed to be replaced. My car was previously in the dealership late september 2014for an oil change and also due to a small knock/bang as I accelerated. The technician found the knock to be a support hitting against the firewall. Upon tightening said support the problem went away. The car was reportedly teat driven by the technician numerous times to conclude that the problem was fixed. Oil change was done as usual and my car was given a clean bill of health (only a recommendation of brakes getting low).
Car started making knocking noises while driving up hill, losing power. Proceeded to drive it home. Checked oil and appeared completely dry. No engine warning lights came on when car had previously been driven. No oil leaks seen. Added oil and then drove to dealership, where they stated engine needed to be replaced. Regularly serviced car with oil changes, 120k miles with almost all freeway commute.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
In may 2014, while driving at about 40 MPH, maybe 1200 RPM, my engine suddenly accelerated to 4500-5000 RPM, without a simultaneous rise in speed. A week or two later, the car did the same, under about the same conditions. The dealer could find no faults or codes, and could not duplicate the occurrence; not surprising since it was sporadic. The problem continued, with considerably more frequency; almost daily. Again I took it to the dealer in late july (mccafferty hyundai, langhorne, pa), and while a technician was driving with me, the engine raced again. They told me that there was a tech bulletin on this problem, and they would repair the car. The problem was in a module and needed recoding. At least that's what I thought they said. That repair seemed to cure the problem, until september, when a single occurrence happened. I though this was maybe a fluke, but the problem happened several more times in the following weeks. Today, 11/4/14, after several days in the dealer's shop, an insurance service tech said he could find no problem. I am now afraid to drive this car. While the car does not accelerate, maybe it's just a matter of time when the racing engine will cause severe acceleration and a subsequent accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v426000 (steering) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
My 2011 hyundai sonata like many of the other complaints on here has had catastrophic engine failure due to a snapped rod. Like many of you I have kept up with the regular maintenance schedule and have been shut down by hyundai for repair under the 100,000 mile warranty. This problem is a serious public safety concern as it happens while the car is in motion and my question is what will it take for the federal safety agency to take action and fully investigate this issue and bring it to recall? With the amount of complaints listed on the federal safety agency website for this exact issue it seems like they are waiting for injury or even worse to occur before this issue is taken seriously.
10/1/2014 @ 7:30pm est - while driving home, was at a red light when the car stalled out. Then a loud knocking sound happened. *no engine light was on* it is very unsafe for the engine to stall or just randomly shutoff while in traffic. There were no signs or warnings, the vehicle just stalled. Vehicle was not safe to operate. I had the vehicle towed to northtowne hyundai dealer on sheridan drive, buffalo ny.10/3/2014 @ 2:47pm est - northtowne hyundai dealer called me said that I need to replace my engine because the piston popped. I said well, my car is well within the warranty, isn't this covered? Northtowne hyundai dealer said that we can't submit your warranty claim with out receipts of your maintenance from 5k miles to present. 10/3 - 10/13/2014 - contacted our 3 local places we like to send our vehicles to for copies of our receipts. With no problem we were able to obtain copies of our last 7 oil changes and general maintenance receipts. 10/14/2014 @ 2:00pm est - my husband gave northtowne hyundai dealer our receipts and he stated that he will submit our claim to hyundai. 10/24/2014 @ 8:59am est - "regional" / "corporate" called me and stated "the district manager who would have authorized the repair, had the dealership partially disassemble the engine; take off the cover for inspection, and there's a condition of sludge which is indicative of either the maintenance intervals not being followed; oil change not frequently enough or possibly the quality or grade of the oil used. In either case these is not a manufacture defect, so he has denied warranty coverage." I've also added my complaint to the following:[ http://www.chimicles.com/2011-hyundai-sonata-engine-failure-class-action-lawsuit ] ** our last oil change was 8/2/2014 at 43k miles ** we had a clean bill of health, no issues were reported or maintenance recommended at that time.
I was driving down a 4 laneroadway when the engine stopped. I was able to coast into a gas station and noticed a small amount of smoke coming from the engine. Had it towed to a dealership and 2 days later they told me it was a seized engine and that it was only 1/2 quart low. I filed a claim with my extended warranty service. They sent an inspector out and his finding were it was 2-3 quarts low and cited owner neglect. Warranty service denied the claim. I use royal purple synthetic oil and have used this same oil for the past 15 years in all my vehicles. I had my oil changed in july..approximately 3 months prior.
While at a red light on highway 45 in whistler alabama car just cut off and would not crank back up, police had to come and stop traffic and push car out of the highway so it wouldn't be an accident because it was near the interstate exits to highway 45.
I was driving my 2011 hyundai sonata on a mountain road 10/4/2014 when it started to make a clicking sound coming from the engine. Before I even had the chance to pull over all of my sensors went of the engine completely died including power brakes and steering. Huge safety concern as I was driving on a winding mountain road. Dealership is telling me I have to replace my engine and because I'm the second owner the 100,000 mile warranty doesn't apply to me. This vehicle needs to be recalled for this huge manufacturing and overly dangerous flaw.
I was driving down the highway and the car stalled. I coasted into an empty parking lot and turned it off. When I tried to restart it, I heard one click and then nothing. There was no evidence that anything was wrong, no warning lights, no weird noises, nothing. I had the car towed the following morning and was told by the repair shop that the engine seized up. I faithfully have my oil changed and there was no indication that the oil was low.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and smoke appeared from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I purchased my vehicle in april 2012. Car has been serviced only by brandon hyundai service center. Last service was done on 7/25/2014. On august 31st my car cut off while driving. Car was towed to brandon hyundai. On sept 5, I received a call from service dept saying diagnosis found the engine was locked up. They couldn't tell me why because it had oil and no leaks. It would have to broken down to find out why engine locked up which would cost me $500-$600. Also, a used engine would cost me $6200. On 9/15/14, I called hyundai customer service at 12:27pm and spoke to esperanze. I explained to her my situation. She advised me to call back with id# and speak to a case manager. At 12:29pm, I called back and spoke to case mgr mariatta. She stated she could do nothing for me and referred me back to the dealership to have diagnosis done. I explained to her that I didn't have $600 to pay for diagnosis. Case#6878995. She stated that maybe dealership could help me with some arrangements since warranty recently expired and told me to have a good day. I am currently driving a loaner car. I need hyundai to take responsibility and please get my car repaired or another car. Thanks so much!
In the winter once, car wouldn't start and it took a few minutes to get it started. I brought it in and they said it was fine. In april it started making a terrible noise while idling and accelerating. I took it to the dealer and they changed the oil and the noise went away for a couple months. Noise came back and the engine light came on. Now they are stating there is sludge in the engine and unless I have proof of all my oil changes they are not going to honor my warranty. I have changed the oil every 3500-6,000 miles religiously. I am not sure how the engine fails at 50,000. I purchased this car specifically for the warranty and now they are backing out.
Oil changed 1-1.5 months ago. On 8/5/14 while driving home the car started having a ticking noise coming from the motor and the oil light quickly flashed but then went away. Made a right turn and there was a squealing noise followed by a loud boom. Car then began to have a clunk coming from the motor and would stutter like it was trying to stall out. Checked the oil and there was not much in the motor. No oil leaks. Car is parked at the same place all the time while at work and home, no oil marks left where car is parked. 2 quarts of brand new oil put into car (car was not driven after this happened-brought oil to the low oil mark on the dip stick) the next day and car was towed to faulkner hyundai (paxton st, harrisburg pa). Car was received at dealership by 9:30 am on 8/7/14 but was never looked at until the following day. Received call from dealership stating the noise was from coming from the bottom part of the motor and questioned when my last oil change was stating "there was very little oil in the car and it was very dirty." first red flag considering that was brand new oil. Hyundai is now trying to not cover this under the warranty. This issue seems to be common on this vehicle from all the research I have done and should probably be recalled. Hyundai customer service is a joke as well as their vehicles. And their "america's best warranty" is a gimmick to get people to buy these polished pieces of crap and more than likely will not be honored. Still waiting to hear from hyundai on a quote for the repairs and if the warranty will cover it.
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