I was driving the car and heard a clunk, when I made a turn the rear wheel sounded weird, when I got out of the car the wheel looked closer to the car and was shifted outwards some.
Hyundai Sonata harsh shifting problems
249 of the 16,121 owner complaints about the Hyundai Sonata describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 249
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical repair cost reported
- $400
- typical mileage
- 74,500
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Steering noise 102Knocking 15Power steering loss 10Jerking 9Engine failure 9Stalling 7Check engine light 7Grinding brakes 7
Trouble codes mentioned
P2709 1P0768 1P0758 1P0753 1P0711 1
What owners say
Vehicle has been making a clunking noise (front passenger area). Brought to independent service center where they determined that the strut tower is failing. Current mileage 66000. Appt set for Checkered Flag Hyundai to evaluate on 9/11/2026.
Since the 9C2 update on June 24, 2026, my vehicle has not driven the same. I'm experiencing clunky or harsh gear changes at low speeds, especially during stop-and-go driving. When I slow down and then accelerate again, the vehicle sputters or hesitates before responding. While driving at lower speeds, I also feel intermittent skips or small surges, almost like bubbles or brief misfires. These symptoms were not present before the 9C2 update, and they have noticeably affected the drivability of the vehicle. It was suggested the transmission needed time to "relearn" driving patterns, but it has been several weeks with no change
2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport. (Original owner). Problem: Transmission. [XXX] (9,912 miles). Lack of power, vehicle did not move when trying to merge onto freeway. Very unsafe. Also, hesitation and jerking. [XXX] (10,619 miles). Lack of power, hesitation, jerking. Hyundai tech performed TSB, TCU updates, ECU update for knock sensor performance, reset engine & transmission updates. [XXX] (41,332 miles). Harsh shifts, hesitation, jerking, clunk sound, gear grabs, bursts of power, lack of power. Unsafe to drive. February 2, 2026 (41,751 miles). Hyundai tech found leak at case seal. Hyundai replaced transmission. [XXX] rough start, vibration in pedals. March 9, 2026 Hyundai tech found transmission fluid leak at case seal. Hyundai replaced transmission. March 25, 2026 Hyundai service advisor voicemail said, have to submit to Hyundai another transmission replacement because new transmission is not good. Issues shifting in reverse, hard slams, loses gears. [XXX] picked up vehicle from Hyundai service dept. Harsh shifting, hesitation, jerking, clunk sound, gear grabs, bursts of power. Clunk sound in steering wheel when turned back-and-forth. Front end vibration & wobbly. Vehicle unsafe. May 26, 2026. I notified Hyundai Motor America. Case #[XXX]. June 10, 2026 (43,000 miles). Hyundai service dept. informed me of right and left front axle replacement, universal steering joint replacement. Vehicle unsafe. [XXX] (43,000 miles). Test drove car with Hyundai tech. Verified front end vibration & shaking. Vehicle unsafe to drive. Hyundai service manager said that Hyundai should recall the transmissions. To date, my car is still at Hyundai service dept. Hyundai's service manager said that the Hyundai service dept. will have a meeting regarding my car and include Hyundai's service director, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On January 21, 2026, while driving on I-495 at highway speeds (e.g. 50-60 mph) in heavy traffic, my car made a "clunk" sound and I suddently was unable to accelerate. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure, but immediately when it happened several warning indicators, including the check engine light, oil light, and tire pressure indicator, lit up. The electrical systems and brakes appeared to still work, but the best I could to was coast onto the nearest shoulder and call for an emergency tow. I waited on the shoulder of a busy highway, in the dark, for over an hour. My car apparently has a type of engine that is known for catastrophic failure, so I assume that is what happened. I had the car towed to a Hyundai dealership and they confirmed that the engine needs to be fully replaced.
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.
Engine Failure for a 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4L In-Line4 (144CI) VIN(F) Odometer 141477. Engine starts then runs hot starts clunking and sputtering and then shuts off. Burns oil and has caused a complete exhaust failure. Vehicle cannot past emissions text. The vehicle was a safety risk as the engine may catch fire and the vehicle was use for transportation to work and children to school. The Engine Light stays on constantly the engine oil light comes on as oil is burned off. Vehicle was purchased at a third party dealer and as the new owner did not receive recall notice or settlement notice.
My certified pre-owned 2020 Hyundai Sonata has experienced the same critical transmission failure three times since October 2024, creating dangerous safety conditions on highways and city streets. Component/System Failed: Transmission control system with consistent P0768 error code (Shift Solenoid D Circuit Fault). Safety Risks: The transmission failures cause sudden power loss and inability to accelerate while driving, including on highways at speed. This creates immediate danger to myself, passengers, and other drivers when the vehicle unexpectedly loses power during traffic situations requiring acceleration or merging. Problem Reproduction: The failure has been confirmed and reproduced by authorized Hyundai dealership three separate times: - [XXX]: P0768 error, replaced shift control solenoid valve - [XXX]: Same P0768 error returned, replaced entire transmission control unit - [XXX]: Same P0768 error again, replaced complete control wiring harness with extensive dashboard removal Warning Signs: Each failure was preceded by transmission hesitation, rough shifting, and check engine light activation before complete power loss occurred. Manufacturer Inspection: Hyundai technical assistance case #[XXX] was opened for the third failure, acknowledging the recurring nature of this defect despite multiple repair attempts. Assessment: This appears to be a systematic manufacturing defect in the transmission control system affecting safety. Despite three different repair approaches by Hyundai, the identical P0768 error continues to recur, suggesting a fundamental design or manufacturing flaw that creates ongoing safety risks for drivers. The vehicle was out of service for 44 total days across these three incidents, indicating the severity and complexity of this recurring safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Took car to my local mechanic for a clunking sound when turning steering wheel side to side, while standing still. Mechanic states problem at steering knuckle. In addition he stated that there is a Hyundai recall for this problem. I haven’t been able to find the recall for the steering problem when submitting my VIN.
My transmission on my 21 Hyundai sonata n line has failed. It began when the car needed to emergency brake when someone jump into my lane on the road. There’s grinding, and whining in the transmission along with delayed shifts, jerking and a burning smell that comes through the vents of my car upon start up. The recall on this transmission is because it may become defective. I bought the vehicle from a Honda not a Hyundai dealer in March of 2023 the recall campaign closed out Jan of 2023. According to Hyundai records show that the TCU update remedy was performed Jan of 23. However, even though that TCU update was performed, 2 years later my transmission began to fail. I brought it to my local dealer for a transmission drain and refill not a flush. Per the service manual it’s a drain and refill however they flushed it which caused the transmission to worsen. I took it back to have it diagnosed and I was told I needed my transmission replaced. Didn’t even explain why or go into further detail what was wrong with the transmission. I brought up the recall on the transmission and they did nothing to honor it. Now I’m stuck with a car with a broken transmission i can’t afford to fix and I’m gonna be forced to hand the car over to the bank. If this recall can still be honored please help.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: pump
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
- Risk
- An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
Recall number 23V526000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Recall number 22V746000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 1.6 liter model year 2015 Sonata vehicles manufactured August 29, 2014, to October 28, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect left axle shaft which may result in the shaft separating from the transaxle differential.
- Risk
- If the left axle shaft separates from the transaxle, the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a separated axle shaft may allow the vehicle to roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, dealers will inspect and replace the axle shaft, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 126.
Recall number 14V784000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
- Risk
- If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Recall number 14V434000 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Sonata harsh shifting
Which Hyundai Sonata years have harsh or hard shifting problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (118 complaints), 2013 (45 complaints) and 2012 (37 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix harsh or hard shifting on the Hyundai Sonata?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $400 (median of 37 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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