Problems · by component

2011 Hyundai Sonata air bags problems

419 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata cite air bags, 12% of all 3,380 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
419
12% of all complaints
Crashes
51
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
53
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the air bags

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The passenger frontal airbag deployed on its own while the vehicle was being driven, with no collision or impact that the driver is aware of. The driver airbag did not deploy. The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, at about 11:14 PM, shortly after the driver refueled at a gas station and was heading toward the highway. The airbag tore open the dashboard panel and cracked the windshield from the inside where the bag struck the glass. The driver brought the vehicle back to the gas station and it was towed. It has not been driven since. Safety risk: The sudden deployment startled the driver and the cracked windshield reduced visibility while the vehicle was moving. Anyone in the passenger seat would have been struck at close range. Recall history: This vehicle received the Recall 174 / NHTSA 18V-137 airbag control unit remedy (ACU main wiring harness installation, part 91700-4R100-QQH) at a Hyundai dealer in September 2025, at about 305,800 miles. The deployment occurred about 13 months and 18,400 miles later, at 324,243 miles. Warning signs: No airbag warning light or other warning appeared before the deployment. The vehicle was serviced at a Hyundai dealer…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Air bagsODI 11769008
“I purchased fgis car from a used car dealership, for over $6,000.00 , which is not a ton of money, but plenty enough to not have instant issues. Since my purchase in june 30, 2026, i have already had all of these issues occur. There is white smoke coming from the left tail pipe, it is sluggish when you push on the gas, there is black soot constantly on my rims that is extreamly hard to remove, the high pressure fuel pump jas failed, I can tell because the oil is higher then it was when o had the oil freshly changed, and it smells of gasoline.inside the oil. The exhaust has stron smell of gasoline. My steering wheel has a loud clinking noise everytime I go over a speed bump on pull into my driveway. Just so many items consistently needing repair or replacement, even though I just had the fuel system cleaned, the oil changed, and filters, and.oil filter too. I checked to see if any of my issues are covered by a recall warranty, because they all are recalled items for my car year, make, and model, but apparently Hyunfai is only covering these dangerous recall items for ul to 10 years. These items shkuld be covered longer, because my carfax states that at least one…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2026Steering, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11751926
“The clock spring went bad causing failure of horn and all buttons on the steering wheel including cruise control. It also caused the airbag light to illuminate.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2026Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11745397
“The vehicle’s airbag warning light is illuminated. The steering wheel also makes a clicking noise, which appears related to an internal clock spring/coil connector failure. This defect may prevent the driver airbag from deploying properly in a crash, creating a serious safety risk. I contacted O’Brien Hyundai of Normal on 4/23/2026 and was denied repair assistance solely due to vehicle mileage. The vehicle has been well maintained, and this issue involves a critical safety component that should not fail under normal use. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about airbag system failure and occupant safety.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2026Air bagsODI 11733229
“UNKNOWN - I noticed DASHBOARD crack over time and the AIR BAG light remain on at all times. The AIR BAG light on the passenger side shows OFF. The entire dashboard is cracked. I fear that I can no longer drive my car distances due to air bag issue. I did not report the issues to a dealer yet, I was waiting until next oil change time. I do not know the date that it started.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 12, 2026Air bagsODI 11710420
“There was no accident .Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I don’t know of any incidents.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2026Air bags, Unknown or otherODI 11709494

Showing 6 of 419 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.