2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ranks 4th worst of 15 model years with a complaint index of 79 and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA has logged 96 complaints, 6 recalls, 5 fires and 6 crashes for this year, with engine problems being the top concern at 45% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 79/100
- #4 of 15 Sonata Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 96
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 34 city / 39 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags have failed to deploy or fully inflate during crashes, sometimes with smoke coming from the steering column.
- Owners describe sudden brake pedal loss of pressure or brakes going soft in heavy traffic, sometimes with a warning light flashing.
- Some cars reportedly braked or accelerated on their own at low speed, including one that switched unexpectedly from hybrid to gas propulsion before the brakes failed.
- Engine compartment smoke and fires have been reported while driving at highway speed, often preceded by a knocking sound.
- Transmission behavior includes hesitant clunking between electric and gas power, along with unexpected jumps or lurches in forward or reverse.
- One owner reported the panoramic sunroof cracking and partially detaching while driving on the highway.
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 reliable?
- Compared to other Sonata Hybrid model years, 2011 ranks poorly. NHTSA lists a complaint index of 79 out of 100, the 4th worst of 15 model years, and gives it an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- Engine issues account for 45% of complaints (43 of 96), followed by brakes at 23% and steering at 19%. The median mileage at engine-related failure is 102,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, covering brakes, engine connecting rod bearings, a 12V accessory outlet, airbags, and seat belt linkages (two separate campaigns).
- How does the 2011 Sonata Hybrid compare to other years?
- The 2012 model year is worse with a complaint index of 100 and 154 complaints, while the 2018, 2022, and 2024 model years earn Best verdicts with complaint indexes of 0, 21, and 14 respectively.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 36 mpg combined (34 city / 39 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $1,800.