YearToAvoid

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Brakes Problems

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has 22 brake complaints, 23% of its 96 total complaints, with 3 crashes reported. Median mileage at failure is 76,919. A related recall (23V651000) covers brake components on this model year.

Brakes complaints
22
23% of 96
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
76,919 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brake pedal goes soft and drops to the floor while driving, sometimes with a flashing brake warning light and chime.
  • Check brake warning light comes on with an audible alarm and the vehicle briefly renders the accelerator and brake pedals inoperable until it is turned off and restarted.
  • Parking brake unexpectedly engages at highway speed, producing grinding noises and causing the car to swerve between lanes.
  • ABS system replacement or recall brake repair fails to fix the check brake warning, with the problem recurring afterward.
  • Loud noisy braking sound accompanied by a break alarm and dashboard warning while slowing from moderate speeds.

When 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brake complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 14, 2013, latest May 8, 2024.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid brakes complaints: complaints filed per month4Oct 2013Sep 2014May 2017Jan 2019Oct 2019Apr 2024
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2013 to May 2024; peak May 2017 (4).

Brakes recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Sonata Hybrid model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201122 (23%)
  2. 201227 (18%)
  3. 201329 (27%)
  4. 201411 (41%)
  5. 201515 (28%)
  6. 201610 (8%)
  7. 20177 (9%)
  8. 20180 (0%)
  9. 20190 (0%)
  10. 20200 (0%)
  11. 20210 (0%)
  12. 20221 (5%)
  13. 20231 (7%)
  14. 20240 (0%)
  15. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists 22 brake complaints for the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, which is 23% of the 96 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?
Yes. Recall campaign 23V651000, reported September 22, 2023, covers brake components on 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid and other Hyundai models. It advises owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is done.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 76,919 at the time of brake failure for the 2011 Sonata Hybrid.
Did the 2011 Sonata Hybrid brake issues cause crashes?
NHTSA complaint data links 3 crashes to brake problems on the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, with no fires or injuries reported.
How does the 2011 Sonata Hybrid compare to other years for brake complaints?
The 2011 model's brake complaints are 23% of its total complaints, similar to 2012 (18%) and 2013 (27%), but higher than 2016 (8%) and 2017 (9%).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.