2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 6 recalls, 96 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #17V152000 · 2017 · 977,778 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts May detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's May contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.…
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #17V617000 · 2017 · 443,545 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts May detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Why it matters: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017.
Airbags, Seat belts Vehicle recall #18V137000 · 2018 · 580,058 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018.
Equipment Vehicle recall #20V393000 · 2020 · 272,126 vehicles
What's wrong: The 12v accessory socket outlet May have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the tire mobility kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Why it matters: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire mobility kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020.
Engine Vehicle recall #20V746000 · 2020 · 128,948 vehicles
What's wrong: The connecting rod bearings inside the engine May wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Why it matters: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new knock sensor detection system (ksds). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V651000 · 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles
What's wrong: The anti-lock brake system (ABS) module May leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (40): the most common themes are warning light on (16), stalls / loses power (15), noise or vibration (9).
- Steering (18): the most common themes are steering problems (16), noise or vibration (13), warning light on (4).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are warning light on (7), electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (4).
- Brakes (13): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 96 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Sonata Hybrid model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sonata Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 86,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (154 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 39 | 36 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (40), steering (18), electrical (17).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.