2011 Hyundai Sonata: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Engine · 216,301 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the long block kit and engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that due to the mileage and aftermarket engine in the vehicle, the recall repairs were denied. The contact related the failure to Hyundai Service Campaign: 953. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,301.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Engine · 167,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and stopped independently. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode independently, with a clinking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled into a parking lot, awaiting tow truck assistance. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was inspected and the contact that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters, rod bearings, and piston rings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V568000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the claim. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Filed May 29, 2024 · Engine · 174,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and while attempting to turn, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was restarted but made the abnormal sound and stalled. The contact smelled smoke upon veering to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered a liquid substance coming from the under carriage. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine was cracked, and the contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer for service. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

10/31/23 Car lost power on freeway. Dash lit up and stalled, I took picture brought to dealership. Could not find any issues or codes. 11/12/23 Driving on Pacific Coast Highway car started making knocking/ticking noise. Pull off to a side street and car hesitated and check engine light came on. Had it towed to dealership. Still waiting on assessment. Was told will take 2-3 days due to backlog. Clearly a known Engine issue dating back to recall campaign 132 Engine/inspection/replace. (I brought into dealership on 2/9/16 to perform checks on the 132 campaign - shows completed).

Filed Oct 28, 2021 · Engine · GA

I was driving my car regularly one day and out of nowhere my car just shut off. When I started it back up I heard a knocking noise and it got louder as I went faster. So I pulled over and checked to see where the sound was coming from and it came from the engine. So when I started the car back up, on the way home the car was hesitating to move right and kept jerking. I also noticed the engine light and engine oil light came one so I went to go check it out. When I did the shop said the engine is blown and that there are recalls on my type of car. When I searched to see if there was I found out my car had none. But the exact same thing that happens to those cars happened to mine.

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · IL

When I’m driving out of nowhere it will only go 20 miles an hour and I can put the gas petal to the floor it hesitates My shifter will get stuck in park and my brake lights stay on even when it’s in park

Filed Feb 19, 2021 · Engine · 137,722 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle started to jerk and hesitated to accelerate. The contact's wife stated that an abnormal noise was coming from the engine. The contact diagnosed the vehicle at his residence and retrieved dtc code: p1326 (check engine knock sensor failure). The contact's wife drove the vehicle to her residence. Allen turner hyundai (6501 pensacola blvd, pensacola, fl 32505) was contacted and informed the contact that a diagnostic test was necessary to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v568000 (engine) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that over 125,000 miles the recall repair was expired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,722.*dt

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Steering · 120,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose and there was a hesitation between the wheels and the movement of the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that similar vehicles were subjected to the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v426000 (steering) and 16v190000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 hyundai sonata. While idling at a stop sign, the vehicle began to hesitate and jerk forward. The contact also heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that when he depressed the accelerator pedal, the hesitation stopped. However, when the vehicle decelerated, it began to hesitate and jerk again. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle near his residence because it was unable to be driven. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced on february 16, 2018 per the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v759000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact's VIN was associated with the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v934000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was towed to mcgrath city hyundai (located at 6750 w grand ave, chicago, il 60707, (773) 889-9090), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 4, 2018 · Engine · 154,000 miles · NY

My engine started making a knocking noise , when accelerating, going up hills, or speed limit going up. Makes knocking anytime foot is on the gas pedal. I see there is a recall on my car for this issue. But according to records the issue was only inspected. I have loss of power when going uphill. My car hesitates to start. I have complained numerous times of this knocking issue. But they said they couldnt find it. It started getting really bad 2 days ago, so I stopped at a mechanic who said its definitely the engine knocking. And if it was only inspected at the recall, it needs to be replaced by hyundai. Because it may cause serious issues. And that hyundai is responsible for replacing the engine. When it clearly should have been replaced. Even though it may have seemed ok when they " inspected " it. I have 2 children . And expect this to be rectified. As it should have been in the first place. Not just looked at and being lied to. I also see there is a lawsuit against hyundai for not wanted to replace the engines, knowing they were bad. The noise happens on highways and streets. It doesnt stop. The original recall was #132.

Filed Aug 22, 2018 · Engine · 140,000 miles · VA

Takata recall my 2011 hyundai sonata limited has been having problems with the engine not turning completely. My car is a push to start, so when holding the brake and pushing the start button the car still hesitates to come on but the lights on the dashboard do so I know it's not a battery issue. This has happened a couple years ago and I was stranded in my car at work, after several tries it eventually switches over and comes on. I've read several complaints from other hyundai sonata owners having the same exact issue, I'm hoping hyundai takes action in resolving this malfunction.

Filed May 9, 2017 · Electrical · 57,880 miles · VA

I own a 2011 hyundai sonata se 2.4 liter sedan which I purchased in march 2011. I have encountered no issues with engine stalling or hesitation. On sunday, 05/07/17, without warning, the vehicle (mileage 57,880) would not start. The next day, the vehicle was towed from my driveway to the pearson hyundai dealership for a $109 diagnostic inspection. Tuesday morning troy, the service technician, called to inform me that the car needed a starter. The cost for parts and labor would be $650/new or $250/rebuilt. I read numerous forums where consumers reference starter malfunction at low mileage. Clearly, there is an ongoing issue with the starter on this vehicle. The manufacturer should take responsibility and replace the starters at no cost to the consumer.