general problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata - part 2

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 35 mph, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact opened the hood, and there was smoke coming from the valve cover and coolant reservoir. The contact waited for the engine to cool down and the vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after turning off the vehicle after arriving at work, there was an abnormal bubbling sound coming from underneath the hood. The contact opened the hood and there were bubbles coming from the radiator. Prior to the failure, the contact had replaced the radiator, due to the engine overheating. Two weeks later the radiator hose detached. The contact stated that the fluid leaking from the radiator was dark brown and seemed to be mixed with slush. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was foreign parts inside the radiator. The contact was informed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and confirmed that the radiator needed to be replaced and an unknown valve on top of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure became progressively worse, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My girlfriend was driving my car at 70mph on [xxx] when suddenly the engine stalled abruptly with no warning. She had to coast over to the shoulder and come to a stop. At this point the engine would not turn over. If it did it was very challenged to turn over as if the engine was seized-partially or fully. My car was towed to my mechanic who later confirmed that the battery and starter were indeed good and that the engine seemed partially seized and even possessed metal shavings. On top of this my car has been consuming half a quart of oil every 400 miles as I check the oil everytime I get gas. So with this information my car seems to be fit for the Hyundai class action settlement recall #132 for the 2011 Sonata gdi engine. So I towed my car to coastal Hyundai of melbourne, FL, a dealership where all my records and maintenance have been done and are up to date. My car has been at this dealership for two weeks and they won’t even confirm that they have looked at it. I am under the understanding that it is costing Hyundai a lot of money to replace this engines and that they purposely stall hoping to somehow save money. I commute 72 miles round trip to work and have been greatly inconvenienced as I am having to borrow cars from family and figure out how to get to work. Any help in this regard is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I purchased a vehicle from cash car network on 4/3/2025. At the time of purchase, the vehicle's odometer showed a mileage significantly lower than what official records indicated. After purchasing, I reviewed the carfax report and the vehicle registration history, which documented that the actual mileage was approximately 270,000 miles — much higher than what the odometer displayed. This discrepancy suggests that either the odometer was tampered with or the instrument cluster was switched from another vehicle without disclosure, which violates federal laws related to odometer fraud (49 u. S. C. § 32701 et seq. ). Additionally, the vehicle experienced multiple serious mechanical failures shortly after the purchase, affecting its safety and drivability. I have since returned the vehicle to the dealership. I am filing this complaint to report potential odometer fraud, failure to disclose critical vehicle information, and the sale of an unsafe vehicle to a consumer. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this dealership for possible violations of federal odometer disclosure laws. Supporting documentation, including the carfax report and registration history, is available upon request.

Engine just stopped with no warnings or signs. Will not run. Mechanic said motor was locked up.

On [xxx] my 2011 Hyundai Sonata seized and all lights illuminated on the dash while accelerating on to a busy street. I was able to pull to the side of the road but unable to restart the vehicle. I had it towed to wesley chapel Hyundai (27000 wesley chapel blvd. , wesley chapel, FL 33544) who notified me that there was an oil pan leak which was the possible cause of the engine failing. They corrected that issue and completed an oil change on 3/14/2025. I picked up the vehicle and there were no issues on the drive home which was approximately 11 miles. Then on [xxx] after driving approximately 24 miles to my place of employment, the engine started knocking but I was able to arrive and park with no issues. I immediately turned the vehicle off and contacted the closest dealership to have it towed there which was courtesy Hyundai (3810 w hillsborough Ave, tampa, FL 33614). I informed them that the vehicle was on it's way there and to notify me when it arrived. It wasn't until I called several hours later that they advised me the vehicle was received and that they would be submitting a claim to Hyundai motors of America for the engine. I had to continuously call to get updates as no one would contact me. I then was told that hma was requesting service records. I emailed those records to the service advisor on 3/20/2025. I had not heard anything for about a week so I contacted the service manager who stated hma is requesting additional service records. I asked why I was not informed sooner but was unable to get a real answer. I then forwarded those documents directly to the manager on 3/28/25. I was then notified on 4/1/25 that hma had denied the claim due to negligence of the motor despite providing the requested documents as well as confirming via Hyundai's website that my vehicle was affected by the Sonata engine connecting rod bearing inspection recall campaign. I am now being quoted $4059. 89 + tax to replace the engine. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The affected component is the engine/rod bearing (theta ii 2. 4l). My 2011 Hyundai Sonata stalled and the engine locked up twice in live traffic (March 2025 and July 2025). The vehicle is available for inspection if needed. This created a serious safety risk to me and others on the road, as the stall occurred on [xxx] at highway speeds. This failure could have been catastrophic had it happened on the DC/baltimore beltway or another high-traffic roadway. Hyundai’s system shows recall 132 was marked complete at very low mileage (around 32,000 miles), but my vehicle later developed oil consumption and stalling consistent with rod bearing failure. Capitol heights Hyundai noted a warranty pre-authorization (PA) in March 2025 and told me Hyundai needed my mailing address “for the claim,” but later said it was a typo and that no record exists. The dealership charged me for a diagnostic but did not inspect the vehicle for rod bearing failure, despite symptoms consistent with recall 132. Annapolis Hyundai, where the car was purchased as a cpo, has admitted they have no documentation that recall 132 was ever performed (no repair order, mileage, or technician notes). Yet Hyundai’s system shows recall 132 marked “complete. ” without proof that the ksds software or bearing inspection was done, I belive this recall should be considered open. Hyundai consumer affairs has stated that I must pay for towing and diagnosis before they will investigate, with possible reimbursement later. This conflicts with federal law (49 u. S. C. § 30120), which requires recall diagnosis and repair at no cost to the consumer. Prior to the failures, my vehicle had a history of oil consumption and “no oil on dipstick” findings, which are known precursors to rod bearing failure. No warning lamps appeared before the stalls. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in requiring Hyundai to provide documentation or reopen recall 132 and perform a no-cost inspection/repair to ensure this vehicle is safe to operate information redacted pursuant to the freedom of.

Unknown, makes a disturbing sound upon starting the vehicle like something inside the engine rattling, access oil consumption and burning smell , replaced valve cover gasket, still smelling oil burning.

Desconocido.

I had bought this car off facebook marketplace after confirming with my dad that it was a good car, when I had finally saved enough. After I took it home the check engine light had come on not too long after, the engine stalls when turning the key, pressing on the brake helps start the engine. Turns out the car was a salvage title and my dad didn’t know that and I didn’t know what that was.

When my car is turned on there is a very noticeable shake coming from the engine area. It's not that bad once the car is driving. However, I was driving 40 miles an hour when my check engine light came on, then I was unable to accelerate and my car stalled (it's an automatic car). Once my car started up again, the check engine light was flashing, and I could only drive at like 15-20 miles per hour for my speed. Made it to o'reilly and had them run the check engine light codes for me and it popped up with the p1326 code regarding the knock signal range/performance. I recently got a check engine light code for a p0449 evap vent control valve (it wouldnt allow me to pump gas into the car). I'm unsure if the issues are related but wanted to provide all the details.

After my car gets going and warms up, the engine has a problem. When it is time for the engine to shift to a higher gear, it makes a revving sound like the clutch has been pushed in and the gas pedal is being pushed. This mostly happens around 25 and 45mph. When you hit the as to make it stop it jerks and sometimes skids. If you take you foot off the gas it stops, but also slows down. When you hit the gas again it jerks again. If you try to speed up to get it to stop, it jerks again and this time pretty badly.

After taking my mom to the airport the vehicle engine blew up what absolutely no warning at all leave me on the side of the road the key keep getting stuck inside the car.

The car engine seized while driving on the highway.

My car will randomly shut off while I’m driving. My seatbelt comes undone my door has opened while I was driving down the highway.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud knocking was present coming from the engine as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart, however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v568000 (engine) due to not having the paperwork and dealer deemed the vehicle with poor maintenance. The approximate failure mileage was 280,000.

Leaking.

Car is overheating. Took it to a mechanic they replaced the thermostat but car is still overheating, jerking and so much more. The mechanic wants to charge more to fix it. I got a second opinion from another mechanic and after he reviewed the paperwork from the first mechanic. He searched my VIN number and told me to contact this number because my vehicle is on a recall list. So I need someone to contact me about where and how we can get my vehicle fixed.

Car spontaneously caught fire while turned on. First smoke started coming from under the hood. Within three - five minutes, the car erupted in flames followed by a minor explosion that burned more than half of the car causing a total loss.

Oil keeps drying out and keep smelling antifreeze.

Engine consumes oil profusely. 175000miles. Complaint #: [xxx], 8/23/24. Car is not drivable parked. Common complaint. Should have been recalled. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel seized, and the electrical system became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v746000 (engine) nor 18v137000 (seat belts, air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

On July 19 I started my car and there was a loud knocking noise coming from underneath my hood when I lifted the hood the knocking sound was coming from my engine I’ve had this car for 3 years never had any problems or issues at all with my car not sure what’s going on or if there are any recalls on parts for my car.

The car has throw a rod in the engine. The safety of my dog and I was okay. And the safety of other drivers were good also. Yes it was inspected and there were no lights on when the car went down.

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

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 and 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.

My vehicle has the flashing engine light on. The code that comes up is the p1326, causing it to go into “limp mode” making it unsafe to drive. My local Hyundai dealership in vandalia, ohio and they only reset the code, giving me the impression they actually fixed the issue. Five days later, it is doing the same thing. I have asked multiple times for a loaner vehicle while they work on mine, I have been told that is not possible due to the fact they have not found out if my vehicle has a warranted covered issue. I had the engine replaced before in 2019, now I’m having more issues. More assistance should be provided.

Driving from home to a shopping center, approximately 25 miles, I did not observe any unusual noises nor smoke nor dashboard warning lights. Once I parked and shut off the engine in the shopping center parking lot, I observed a small amount of thick, white smoke coming from the hood on the front passenger side of my car, and then the smoke abruptly stopped. I was concerned enough that I decided I should probably move my car to a parking space a bit further away from the store I planned to go into in order to be further away from other vehicles. I started the engine again, and once again, no smoke nor unusual noises nor warning lights. I drove around to the next parking aisle and parked in a different parking space. Once I turned off the engine again, the smoke then immediately started from the right side of the hood again and quickly smoke started coming from the left side of the hood. I was quickly trying to grab my things to get out of the car as I saw the paint starting to peel off of the hood of my car. I was barely able to get out of my car as fire flames and very thick white smoke were then emerging from the hood. A person in the parking lot called 911 for me, and the local fire department arrived and put the fire out that destroyed my car. I am in the process of securing the fire marshall's lengthy report. At the present time, my vehicle is at our home where we paid to have it towed.

I changed my oil on Saturday and it now has no oil. The engine light started flashing and my engine seized up. Now it does not run at all. It turns on halfway where the dashboard turns on but the motor/engine does not turn. It appears to be white smoke coming out of the car after trying to turn it back on.

Vehicle stalled while driving.

Engine leaks/burns oil too frequently. Every other week I’m continuously having to put oil to refill levels. Also electrical system for turn signals is always going in and out. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Safety hazard because other vehicles can’t tell that I’m turning.

Hyundai theta ii engine has known defects with excessive engine oil consumption. Numerous consumers have complained of this issue as it appears widespread to the entire line of theta ii engines. A recent class action has limited the scope of the recall but an easy search can see it impacts (or has the potential to impact) nearly all theta ii (six gen) engines from Hyundai. The issue is that the scope of the recall needs to be widened to cover others who are impacted who currently have no recourse. Many are facing the same situation, which can easily be found with a brief search online. Https://thelemonfirm. Com/2023/06/16/Hyundai-and-kia-oil-consumption-class-action-settled/ at this time the issue is the car stalling at unknown times, fire from oil being displaced in other areas and various other issues due to improper and unusual oil consumption. The best situation would be to force Hyundai to review and expand the scope of their recall immediately. I found that I had excessive oil consumption which was causing my car to grind and shift heavily sometimes jerking on the highway. While I didn't crash, that possibility did exist when my car continually grinded heavy between shifting. I took my car to the dealer where they confirmed this issue. However, Hyundai declined to remediate. There are no warning lights and this could easily result in a crash, or fire. Hyundai has records of my maintenance, as my car is only serviced by the dealership where the car was purchased and I am the original owner.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the instrument cluster started showing numerous warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact started smelling a burning odor in the cabin of the vehicle and saw smoke coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and opened the hood, and a large cloud of smoke was released. There were no flames, but the contact smelled the odor of melted plastic and rubber. The fire department was called but the vehicle did not catch on fire. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had been consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The contact stated he was adding one quart of engine oil per week. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v568000 (engine) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle shuddered and then lost motive power. The contact shifted the transmission into neutral(n) while stopping or reversing to prevent the vehicle from shutting off. The check engine, air bag, and fuel level warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was faulty and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v568000 (engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle had previously been repaired in 2015 under NHTSA campaign number: 15v568000 (engine); however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that he did not own the vehicle at the time of the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The engine locked up on the highway my daughter got over to the breakdown lane . We had it towed to a garage and was told the engine locked up — we called Hyundai and got the run around. So we moved on and paid for an engine and got it installed . Then I have been reaching out to see if we could get some type of reimbursement for motor and labor ( something — 91,000 miles when it locked up engine no good) but know I finally got through to a few different people and now they are telling me , because we didn’t go to a Hyundai dealer they won’t do anything. We bought a engine that was from Hyundai 5xxgm4a7xdg123198 and my first claim # from you is 11566045 this is horrible just look for some help on this thanks.

We bought this used car for my daughter, then I found out there was issues with the engine. We had it for 6 months and the engine seized as she was driving it on the highway . She got to pull off to the side of highway . We had it towed to our mechanic, hoping it was the battery or something simple . He told us it was a blown engine and there was plenty of oil and antifreeze in it . He then told us the he looked at it and could not believe it was blown , with the oil still in it . We had to buy a new rebuilt engine and pay for the mechanics time . There has been issues with this engine’s. How do we get the engine payed for , with the problem they have . This wasn’t a neglect part on us . I would like to get reimburse for the new engine ( rebuilt ) not our neglect, but the way they built the engine / oil pan.