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2011 Hyundai Sonata engine complaints

Page 34 of 35: complaints 971 to 1,000 of 1,012, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2011 Hyundai Sonata engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 16, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Beginning of october 2012 I kept hearing rattling, clanking noise coming from under the hood. I took the car to a hyundai dealer where I live october 26, 2012 . They checked out the car and told me because the engine light didn't come on, they couldn't find a code to fix the car and to bring the car in when the engine light comes on. I kept driving the car and hearing the same noise. I took it to meineke to get an oil change november 14, 2012. Drove the car approximately 3 weeks and still heard the noise. I took it to another hyundai dealer . They said the car didn't have any oil and meinke forgot to put the drain plug back in, therefore it messed up the engine, and that's why I heard the noise. I kept telling them, I heard the noise before the oil change. I took it back to meinke and showed them the paper hyundai gave me, they gave me my money back and apologized. Still hearing the noise, I took it back to the first hyundai dealer and they said it was engine problems and I had to pay the diagnostic fee because my warranty was voided due to meineke. I refused to pay the fee because my car is under warranty. They wouldn't give me my car back until I paid, we argued back and forth and I called the police and they gave me my car back, but told me not to come back on their property. I then took the car to where I purchased it and same thing. They said to try a gas additive 3 times, if that doesn't work, get an oil consumption test in my area where I live. I need my car fixed and no one will fix it. Hyundai blames meineke and meineke blames hyundai. They're saying because of no engine light on, they can't see the problems, but one dealer said it was the engine another saying gas problems. Bottom line, if the first hyundai dealer had kept my car, I wouldn't be going through this. How can I resolve this?

Filed Dec 27, 2012 · Engine · 38,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and immediately after the failure, all of the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted after 10 minutes and was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact was advised that the air filters were clogged and needed to be replaced. The air filters were replaced however, the failure recurred one week later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised that the valves from the fuel tank failed and was the cause of the failure. The valves were repaired however, the failure still recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the fuel level gauge would provide an erroneous reading of empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the instrument cluster was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 14, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 30,869 miles · AL

I have had my vehicle in for service 5 times for the same issue, it would not start. The first 3 times a sensor switch was replaced. The fourth time I was told my battery was the issue so I got a new battery. Today was the fifth time and the service dept indicated they could not find anything wrong but they went ahead and replaced the sensor switch again. I am not happy, I feel that I cannot depend on my vehicle. I am planning an out of town trip for thanksgiving and have resorted to renting a vehicle because I am paranoid about being stranded on the road with this issue. I paid alot of money for this vehicle and this just is not right. I am considering trading it in for a vehicle that starts the traditional way (with a key).

Filed Oct 21, 2012 · Engine · 25,000 miles · MI

Waste gate actuator fails (replaced multiple times under warranty already) leaving the car with almost no power to accelerate or pass, unfortunately this usually appears when you try and cross a road/intersection and what should take 5 or 6 seconds to make a safe crossing takes much longer and it completely unexpected. This failure has now almost ended up in two accidents first when passing a vehicle and second crossing a 2 way stop and almost being t boned in what should have been an easy, safe crossing.

Filed Sep 8, 2012 · Engine · 33,000 miles · FL

Car is not starting with push button start and depressing the brake. It takes several tries for it to finally start. It is intermittent, sometimes starts up right away, other times it doesn't.

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 28,212 miles · KY

3x the driver window button is inoperable. Would turn off car and then it would again work. The worst issue is this: started up car this morning 7-9-12 (this is the 3rd occurrence) and the doors do not lock, then I put it in reverse and it goes about 2 feet and it applies the brakes. I noticed each time the gear console does not light up. The car actually does not go into gear. Each time I have turned off the ignition and restarted it and it works fine. It's going to the shop for the 30k check up and this will be brought up. The drivers window has been brought up and the dealer has said there was no problem. Wrong. There is when it doesn't work. I had one of these in 2001 and it too had electrical issues. My neighbor just sold their 05 sonata due to electrical issues.

Filed May 6, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 1,677 miles · MI

There is a smell of gas/engine fumes notable in the vehicle on occasion. The problem does not happen consistently, however there are some common factors to when the smell in noticeable. These factors include: 1) the engine must be hot, generally having been driven for at least 15 minutes or more. The smell is never noticeable when the engine is cold, such as after sitting overnight. 2) the vehicle must be either moving at very slow speeds of 25 m.p.h. To clear out the cabin air, followed by activating the HVAC recirculation button will lessens immediate recurrence the smell to some extent. Finding ways to "mask" the smell are of lesser concern than determining why the smell exists in the first place. The vehicle has been in for this concern twice, with neither trip to the service bay having resolved the concern. While it does not appear to be an issue causing immediate danger (no noticeable fuel leaks or signs of fire), the smell of gas and engine fumes entering the passenger cabin is a bit concerning, both from a potential fire hazard in the future, and/or exposure to carbon dioxide and other noxious fumes while operating the vehicle. I will return the vehicle for a third visit to resolve this concern.

Filed Apr 23, 2012 · Engine · 30,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostics, which located the failure at the engine. The engine oil experienced a block that caused the oil not to circulate and the engine to fail. The engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 30,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 15,000 miles · CA

The 2011 sonata is unable to start by pressing down on both the brake pedal and start button. I had this problem for over 3 months. This failure happens about 1-2 times a week. Once failed to start, the brake pedal locked up while the dashboard display still says "press down brake pedal to start." with repeated tries to start the car, it sometimes started after 5-10 minutes, but sometimes it took over 1 hours to start the engine. Hyundai dealership said they cannot help because the problem cannot be reproduced when they service the car. It is a rather new car but very unreliable.

Filed Jan 18, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 6,300 miles · PA

After having 3 of 5 recall fixes performed, battery charging system warning light and sounds activated. Car lost power at low revs. Required giving full throttle to enable gas engine to kick in and gain enough speed to safely stay with traffic. After pulling over and turning engine off/on, problem seemed to resolve itself. Happened again in highway traffic while entering exit ramp resulting in a dangerous loss of power. Returned vehicle to dealership for repair. Dealership assured me that they knew what the issue was and that it would be repaired. 2 days later issue happened 3 times. Each time on the highway at approx. 65mph with nowhere safe to conveniently pull over.

Filed Dec 19, 2011 · Engine · 4,800 miles · NC

This is on the hybrid sonata. Twice in 2 weeks, I am driving down a highway, I felt a jerk in the car, the ready light flashes and the wrench symbol shows up. The car is on battery power only. I coast on battery till I can pull into a parking lot. Shut the car off. Luckily both times it started back up. Bob king hyundai in winston-salem says they don't know why it would do that. We are waiting on some parts that are updates, but don't know if that will fix the shut down issue.

Filed Nov 25, 2011 · Engine · PA · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle for extended periods of time, occupants would become fatigued, light headed, and experienced headaches. The contact also stated that she nearly passed out on one occasion. The contact took the vehicle to a fire department to have it tested for carbon monoxide and the test came back negative. The fireman that tested the vehicle also reported that he became light headed and experienced a headache while driving it. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was informed that there was nothing that could be done because the dealer stated that there were no carbon monoxide leaks. The failure mileage and current mileage was unknown. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Oct 18, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 9,000 miles · CA

While driving on the freeway I experienced a large jolt which resulted in an unexpected shift in the transmission gear where my speed of approx. 65 MPH at 2000 RPM dropped to 45 MPH at approx 3800 RPM. Had the freeway traffic not been light at the time, this could have caused an accident. Although the transmission indicator showed it was in "d", the gear was probably closer to 2nd gear. I pulled off the freeway and shifted from d to r to n to p, however it seemed that it was locked in 2nd gear. I managed to drive it in that gear to the local hyundai dealer. However once the engine was shutoff and restarted, the transmission was back in its normal gear and they were not able to duplicate that event. In addition, according to the service representative, the computer showed no problems. After doing a search on the internet, it appears this has happened to others.

Filed Oct 4, 2011 · Acceleration, Electrical · 4,000 miles · FL

On the way to work this morning, my sonata hybrid started beeping and "check charging system" appeared on the dashboard. My car suddenly started losing engine power to the point where my car would not move after the stop light turned green, leaving me stuck in the middle of a huge intersection with people almost hitting me. After restarting my car, it finally started to move, but repeated the same instance at the next stop light. This is a serious safety issue. I had to have my car towed to the dealership because I was not going to risk my safety and life. People need to be aware of this issue because if other vehicles are experiencing the same problem, someone could get into a serious car wreck which could be potentially fatal, if happened on a freeway.

Filed Oct 3, 2011 · Engine · 5,650 miles · CA

Power to the engine completely cut out while driving. All warning lights illuminated and a large warning message appeared: check charging system. I coasted to the highway shoulder. The electrical system was providing power to the accessories only (radio, air) but it was stuck in this mode. Would not turn off until I depressed the start/stop button for approx 5 seconds. Eventually the car powered on again. This happened twice in the last 48 hours. The car is currently at the dealer. Reading through the federal safety agency reports, it appears this has happened to other sonata hybrid customers. It seems there is a very dangerous problem that causes the engine to turn off while driving.

Filed Oct 3, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 6,400 miles · TX

Hyundai sonata hybrid. First problem occurred at approximately 6400 miles. I was driving between 60-65 MPH on the freeway. Vehicle lost power and alarm sounded. "check chargin system" light illuminated and the car lost all power to drive, gas engine and hybrid engine shut-off in middle of freeway. Was able to make it off freeway. Let car come to rest and restarted car. Everything seemed normal, drove in parking lot and was close to home. Taking to dealership who has not heard of issue.

Filed Sep 25, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 9,802 miles · TX

I drive the hyundai sonata hybrid. The first time the problem occurred at approx 9800 miles, I was driving 60 MPH on a highway when the vehicle lost battery power and an alarm sounded, and then a signal indicating to "check charging system." I immediately took the vehicle to my hyundai dealership where they were aware of the issue, but did not know how to fix it and suggested I just simply turn off and then restart my car. It happened two additional times, one while approaching a stop light, and another time while I was stopped at a stop light. The last time it happened, I could not get my vehicle to reset by restarting once. I had to shut the vehicle off, then attempted several times to restart. The 4th time I tried to start it, I was able to do so sucessfully. I did notice the last time it happened, the engine light remained on even after battery power was restored. I am taking it back to the dealership tomorrow and demanding a solution. This is just too dangerous to lose power in high-speed traffic, and the problem seems to be occuring at all speeds.

Filed Sep 22, 2011 · Engine · 8,500 miles · HI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH the vehicle stalled. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel pump failed. The fuel pump was replaced, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who was in the process of diagnosing the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,500.

Filed Sep 22, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 6,000 miles · NV

2011 hyundai sonata hybrid stops loses power comes to complete stop - for the third time in two months when I started my car the service indicator light came on and stayed on. I noticed this time that the car would not go faster than 40 MPH and the engine is not running the car appears to be running just off the electric motor and the battery. The car went for about 2 miles and the car lost power and came to complete stop. I had to completely shut off the car and restart it before it would move again - this is a re-occurring and very dangerous situation.

Filed Sep 19, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 2,146 miles · AR

Was pulling on to a road and the engine did not engage, the hybrid system",green ready" light began blinking and the yellow service " with the wrench " engine light also came on. I could only get it up to 3 to 5 mphs and the echo gage was up to red pegged out,, we pulled out on a county road that has a speed limit of 45 , a van had to stop, because we pulled out in front of him, I had no doubt the vehicle would go, but it did not. We had just drove up a hill that always requires engine, grade steep, stopped and pulled out . Nearly causing an accident. We pulled off road and tried again driving in electrical only mode light blinking we pulled back over and restarted car and everything was fine. It's a dangerous problem that needs to be addressed, when I push the peddle it should go!!!

Filed Sep 15, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 12,290 miles · OR

I am the owner of a 2011 hyundai sonata limited. Within the last 2 days it has not started 4 times. The message screen within the car says "press brake to start". It will not allow me to depress the brake peddle at all, to have the engine start. Many dash system lights go on, but the car will not start. The electrical system definitely has an issue. I looked on the internet to see if others have experienced the same problem.. I am still in shock!!!! Hundreds from all over the USA have had the same problem and from what I read nothing has been done to correct this problem. I drive 100 miles to work and I must have a reliable car. Here is a beautiful looking car sitting in our garage not able to start!!! This is really a problem. Please register this complaint and hopefully hyundai is doing something to help us poor folks that bought these cars.

Filed Sep 15, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 1,350 miles · AL

At 5:15 pm on 8/22/11, I got into my car to go work and it would not start. It was very hot and I was sweating trying to get the car started. I tried several times but the car would not start. I called the dealership and I got no assistance. The screen on the dash-board read "press the brakes" which I did like I have done in the past. I gave up and contacted a friend to take me to work. Later, that night it did start but would not start again so I assumed it was the battery. I called roadside service and they arrived 5:30 am in the morning to jump start the car (not the battery). It gets better, a lady that lives in my area was walking her dog, who has a black sonata 2011 told me that her sonata would not start and she just got her vehicle back. She told me what was wrong with my car. I called the dealership again while I was waiting on a tow truck and explained how this could have been a bad situation if I was stranded with my mother in the car who just had surgery to remove cancer. I explained that I needed my car repaired immediately because I needed to transport my mother and I was concern the car would stop working again. The hyundai representative stated he would have it fixed in 15 minutes and he also indicated that there has been a few sonatas that the "sensor" under the brake pedal has gone bad. The salesperson that sold the vehicle to me stated the same that the "sensor" goes bad. Eight (8) months of ownership and the lady with the black sonata had her car less. The tow truck driver said he has picked up a couple of sonatas that would not start.

Filed Sep 10, 2011 · Driver assistance, Engine · 1,604 miles · OH

Loss of power, car shuts down, 'check charging system' alarm/chime with alarm symbols on dash display for battery, check engine and wrench icons. Have to pull off the highway somehow (in midst of heavy traffic) to shut car completely off and restart. On third incident (one day after second), car would not restart for 10 minutes and check engine icon remained lit. Every incident has been while traveling at high rate of speed in commuter highway traffic. Very frightening and dangerous experience for driver and safety hazard to others when it occurs.

Filed Sep 8, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 6,000 miles · PA · fire

Upon pulling out from a stop sign the engine stalled, after coasting to a stop and placing in park I tried to restart engine. All lights went off and motor did not turn. Attempted again, same thing then passenger compartment filled with smoke. Fire dept arrived and determined somewhere in dash a component had fried.they then disconnected battery. Vehicle was towed to dealer, per dealer engine locked up and they have to disassemble dash to determine what had fried.

Filed Sep 7, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 2,440 miles · MN

When pulling out of a parking lot from a stop the service light came on and the car's ready light started flashing. The car lost almost all power while I was in the center of the road. Other cars were able to avoid me, but they could have easily ran into me. Shutting the car off and restarting it restored normal operations.

Filed Sep 2, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 7,093 miles · OH

Sonata hybrid. Driving on the freeway at 60 MPH on cruise control. Exit ramp with cruise control off and car gliding to stop light in EV mode. Stopped at red light for 3-5 seconds. Then pushed the accelerator ... The car lost power, would not move, instrument panel lights flashed, audible ding warning sounded. Display screen showed "check charging system" then screen showed to put car in park. I then placed car in park and pushed the ignition button and car had power to drive off the street and out of the flow of traffic. I then looked over the car, no warning lights or sounds. I test drove it in a parking lot to make sure it would not stop again. Conditions at time of event: blue driving mode, gas tank level at 1/2, hybrid battery charge at 1/2 radio on, headlights on, air conditioner off, and the outside temp. About 77f. I'm not sure which component failed. Electrical, engine or the hybrid power control unit.

Filed Sep 1, 2011 · Engine · 6,700 miles · NV

2011 hyundai sonata hybrid stops loses power comes to complete stop - for the second time in two months when I started my car the service indicator light came on and stayed on. I noticed this time that the car would not go faster than 40 MPH and the engine is not running the car appears to be running just off the electric motor and the battery. The car went for about 2 miles and the car lost power and came to complete stop. I had to completely shut off the car and restart it before it would move again.

Filed Sep 1, 2011 · Engine · 6,600 miles · TX

Started with 'check engine' light. Dealer telling us there are no issues driving this car because there are no current resolution for this 'engine light'. Then 'check charging system' light with the car shutting down at the middle of the road. Had to get it tolled to local dealership.

Filed Aug 29, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 17,500 miles · MD

2011 sonata limited with smart key fob has failed to start a minimum of 7 times in the last 60 days.it appears that sometimes the car does not recognize the smart key and this doesn't change if the smart key is inserted into the center console smart key holder. The batteries have been replaced in the key fob and this does not resolve the problem. When attempting to start the car the computer simply states to depress the brake pedal and push the start button, which I've been doing. The brake pedal often feels hard as a rock almost like it's locked.the normal diagnostic lights and fuel guage does operate but the car doesn't start. I've waited as long as 1/2 hour attempting and re-attempting to start the vehicle. After it starts, the car may work perfectly fine for the next few trips until the problem reappears. This is a worrisome occurence since there is no way to override the smart key fob by inserting an actual key to start the vehicle. Drivers may become stuck at any time.

Filed Aug 16, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 6,000 miles · NV

Hyundai sonata hybrid stops loses power comes to complete stop - while driving down the road at about 40 MPH car lost power and came to complete stop. I had to completely shut off the car and restart it before it would move again.

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