NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 3,378 owner complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Most complaints involve steering (1,171) and engine (968). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sonata model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 52 |
| 1998 | 50 |
| 1999 | 170 |
| 2000 | 278 |
| 2001 | 219 |
| 2002 | 326 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,378 |
| 2012 | 1,559 |
| 2013 | 1,917 |
| 2014 | 751 |
| 2015 | 1,156 |
| 2016 | 726 |
| 2017 | 766 |
| 2018 | 375 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 181 |
| 2021 | 134 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“I was driving down the road going the speed limit and all of a sudden it felt like I hit a brick wall my car staked out and I was stuck in the middle of the road for about 20 minutes and finally I got it to start and drove home it did it again 2 months later”
“My 2011 Hyundai Sonata with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine developed an engine failure at 99,928 miles. On XXX Hyundai’s dealer (McFarland Hyundai, [XXX]) ran Hyundai’s T3G connecting-rod-bearing test, and the engine returned NO PASS. Hyundai’s own test recorded the oil level as full. This engine family is the subject of Hyundai’s connecting-rod-bearing safety campaigns and its extended engine warranty. Hyundai declined the repair (#XXX) as “exceptional maintenance neglect,” although the oil and filter were changed about 730 miles before the failure, with two more documented oil changes in the prior 16 months. Connecting-rod-bearing failure in this engine can cause engine seizure or stalling while driving, which creates a crash risk. The vehicle is at the dealer and has not been repaired. I am reporting this so NHTSA has a record of a Theta II failure in a vehicle covered by these campaigns that was denied repair.”
“I had taken my Sonata to Mike Miller Hyndia in Peoria,I'll and they agreed to do the recall although they had my vehicle for two weeks. They did not service it and when I picked it up they said I had to drive it till the service engine light come on. I was driving it five days later and heard a loud noise and car started malfunctioning I was stuck in a middle of a intersection and I had to push vehicle off road. I broke my right hand in this process and I have also lost my job I am very concerned why they did not service it after they agreed too and sent me off in it in that condition ..The car is currently parked and unsure what to do with it ..”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| Sonata Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 34 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Sonata Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
14 safety recalls as of Oct 26, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 3,378 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1,171), engine (968), electrical system (443). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 Hyundai Sonata at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.