2011 Hyundai Sonata: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Engine, Steering · 138,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, there was a grinding sensation coming from the front wheels, and the grinding sensation was felt in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the rod bearings and hubs had failed, causing the grinding sound. The contact was informed that the rod bearings and hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the following day, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The sound also occurred while the vehicle was parked. While attempting to accelerate from 25 - 35 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the vehicle clunked and jerked. The vehicle decelerated, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact became aware that the accelerator pedal was not operating as needed. While on the side of the road, the contact turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed, and the mechanic recommended the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a different dealer, Capital Hyundai of Greensboro (801 E Bessemer Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405), and the contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired because the manufacturer stated that the maintenance history was not satisfactory enough to warrant an engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2023 · Acceleration, Airbags · AZ

My car had engine seized while driving on the road with no warning light prior nor other mechanical issues. When the engine seized, all mechanical powers are have lost power including brakes and power steering in which have almost caused a near accident at an early morning rushed hours. The vehicle's odometer reading at 120,836 and was up to date on all normal tune up performances. Other issues that have arise after purchasing the car are: warning light came on for airbag, real loud clunking sound on roof when hitting a bump on the road and engine will not start because of fuel line system issues. Cruise control had also stopped working after a year of purchased.

Filed Nov 17, 2022 · Fuel system, Lights · MD

when driving randomly the cars engine will rev really high while pressing the gas pedal but the car doesn't move. After a little while the car eventually makes a loud clunking noise which shakes the car and typically causes the tires to spin. It seems to happen when the car is trying to decide whether to switch the gas engine or back to EV mode. This has been happening for a long time an even after the engine was replace under the recall. This is a safety issue that causes major concerns for myself an passengers. Also it happen when turning onto highways or exits which at high speeds there is a high likelihood of causing an accident. I have reported this to Hyundai several times but they cannot figure out the cause but rather keep trying different things an charging me. the car also seems to burn oil fast which doesn't make any sense being that its a newly installed engine.

Filed Oct 13, 2021 · Steering · NY

We just noticed a clunking/clicking sound when driving the vehicle over a bump. We took the car to the dealership to check it out and was advised that the steering column needed a replacement and that it's a known issue with the Sonata especially the 2011.

Filed Sep 4, 2021 · Steering · WI

There is looseness/excessive play in the steering, causing a jerkiness motion side-to-side with minimal movement of the steering wheel. There is also a clunking noise when turning and when going over bumps in the road, sometimes the bumps cause the steering wheel to jerk to the side resulting in the car veering to the left or right. When this occurs traveling at a higher speed, I'm afraid it could result in either veering into the ditch or into oncoming traffic. I had my mechanic inspect the issue, thinking it was a suspension problem, but was informed it was a faulty "steering column flexible coupler" that is a known issue with this particular vehicle. This steering issue seems to be getting worse and worse by the day.

Filed Jan 2, 2021 · Suspension · 124,000 miles · IL

Thumping/clunking sound from driver side front wheel area when going over minor bumps and turning steering wheel.

Filed Sep 28, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · NY

Car makes clunking/shaking/rattling sound while driving, more noticeable when going over 60mph or turning the wheel. Does not feel safe. Steering wheel rattles in your hand and vibrates the entire car.

Filed Sep 10, 2020 · Steering · 87,071 miles · PA

Steering makes a loud "clunk" when turning right or left. It is noticeable when stationary, but quite loud when moving. I am afraid to drive the car.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Transmission · 109,780 miles · WI

Loud clunk noise will driving and car was stuck in 4th gear (limp mode) and check engine light turned on. Codes p0753, p2709 and p0758 revealed failure of 2 shift solenoids and line pressure solenoid due to transmission wire harness shortening out.

Filed Aug 28, 2019 · Acceleration, Body · NY

Hyundai sonata 2011 when driving through bumps or a smooth service it feels as if the car is going to fall apart. Since I purchased the car it has a clunking and rattling sounds underneath and a few replacements has been done but it still feels as if its loose underneath. The car has gone through many recalls plus was out of service for about 3 months for engine replacement. The driver side of the car is not aligned as it should. The best part is while driving the entire inner cover of the wheel on the driver side fell off, and almost caused an accident while having my child in the car. Engine was recently replaced. While driving the car has no type of acellator pick up. When turning left it sounds like a cranking noise "cluck, cluck, cluck" its horrible. I have this car in and out of the shop plenty of times since I first purchased it but my theory is that I purchased a lemon car but apparently because the miles it don't qualify. Okay now what it qualifies for? Manufacturing defects smh when I drive in the rain the windows do not defross as it should therefore I'm afraid to drive it during bad weather

Filed Jul 1, 2019 · Steering · 148,012 miles · PA

The steering has been failing over the course of several months. There is a loud clunking sound when turning the wheel and the steering is extremely loose. There is not an open recall at this point for this part. Research indicates this is a common problem and continues to worsen as the part erodes away. Shame on hyundai for not addressing this known issue.

Filed Jun 26, 2019 · Steering · KY

Steering makes a clunking noise when hitting bumps and turning left and right. This is in motion and stable