Problems · by component

2011 Hyundai Sonata service brakes, hydraulic problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata cite service brakes, hydraulic, 1% of all 3,380 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
27
1% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes, hydraulic

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power, an alarm sounded for the braking system, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. After originally paying out-of-pocket for an ABS module at the dealer and was informed that the engine needed to be repaired and the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic repaired the vehicle. There was a recall for the ABS module and the contact returned to the dealer, and the dealer confirmed that the independent mechanic had correctly installed the part. The dealer performed the official recall repair and refused to reimburse the contact for the previous expenses. Three months later, the braking system failed again. The contact stated that the vehicle temporarily returned to normal after a restart, but the failure worsened and required a return trip to the dealer for another repair. In January 2026, the failure recurred for a third time with a loud squealing sound. The dealer was not notified of the third failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2026Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11727065
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was due to an unrepaired recall. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The repair was performed. The failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the recall was closed. The vehicle was taken to an alternate dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed hydraulic ABS booster sensor. The contact was provided DTC: C1237/HPU. The contact was informed that the hydraulic ABS booster sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was released to the contact; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated and then went off. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle for a second inspection. The dealer declined to perform the second inspection. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 8, 2025Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11703820
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The brake pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with HECU failure. The contact was informed that the failure was the result of a failed ABS fuse. The contact was informed that the HECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact requested reimbursement for the previous repair. The request was declined by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,728.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2025Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11683998
“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 80 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff and difficult to depress. The contact stated that her daughter accelerated to steer the vehicle away from slower traffic. The contact stated that her daughter depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond and started losing motive power. The contact stated that her daughter was able to steer the vehicle to the side of the road and stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine check brake and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 10, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineODI 11588051
“The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH the battery warning light illuminated. The contact stated that white smoke was issuing from under the hood. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, however, the pedal depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle did not slow. The contact stated that he was able to stop after the engine had stalled. The contact exited the vehicle and observed that flames were issuing from under the front end. The contact stated that the fire department was called and when they arrived the fire had spread to the passenger compartment. The contact stated that the fire department extinguished the fire with water. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and the contact stated it was later declared a total loss by his insurance provider. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 6, 2023Service brakes, hydraulicFire reportedODI 11558766
“2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING RECALL NOTICE ISSUES, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPAIRS, TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS AND STEERING COUPLER/COLUMN REPLACEMENTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE, WHEN THE BRAKING. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHT BEGAN STAY ON WHICH CAUSED PROBLEM DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2016Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic, Exterior lightingODI 10876139

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

1 recall on this component

Service brakes, hydraulic

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Jul 18, 2014NHTSA 14V433000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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