2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
79/100
#4 most-complained of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 96 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 79 out of 100 — #4 highest of 15 Sonata Hybrid model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (43 complaints, 45% of the total). Complaints report 6 crashes, 5 fires, and 5 injuries.
- Complaints
- 96
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 34 city / 39 hwy
Top 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine43 (45%)
- Brakes22 (23%)
- Steering18 (19%)
- Electrical System17 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain10 (10%)
- Other9 (9%)
- Airbags8 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (5%)
- Seat Belts3 (3%)
- Fuel System2 (2%)
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles
Engine
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
- NHTSA 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Other272,126 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. 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.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 34 MPG
- Highway
- 39 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Sonata Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks #4 of 15 among Sonata Hybrid model years (Complaint Index 79/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 96 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (43 complaints), brakes (22 complaints), and steering (18 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 88,250 miles.
- Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes, engine, other, and airbags.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- EPA rates the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at 36 MPG combined (34 city / 39 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.