How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA lists 418 airbag complaints for the 2011 Sonata, which is 12% of the 3,376 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes. Recall campaign 18V137000, reported February 27, 2018, covers 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles; Hyundai installs an external wire filter kit free of charge.

What do owners report about airbags on the 2011 Sonata?

Owners most often report that airbags failed to deploy during crashes, including frontal and rear-end collisions, with a median mileage of 92,900 at time of failure.

How serious are the airbag issues on the 2011 Sonata?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 51 crashes, 5 fires, and 53 injuries, making airbags one of the most reported problem areas for this model year.

Is the 2011 Sonata worse than other years for airbag complaints?

Yes, relative to other Sonata model years in the data, 2011 has the highest airbag complaint share at 12%, compared to 6% in 2010 and 11% in 2012.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 418 airbag complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 12% of all complaints that year, tied to 51 crashes, 5 fires, and 53 injuries at a median 92,900 miles. A related recall (18V137000) covers a wiring issue linked to airbag deployment.

Airbags complaints: 418; 12% of 3,376
Crashes reported: 51
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 53
Median mileage: 92,900 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Airbags failed to deploy in frontal collisions at speeds ranging from low-speed parking lot impacts to highway-speed crashes.
Airbags did not deploy during rear-end collisions, sometimes accompanied by seat belts unlatching or failing to properly engage.
Airbag warning light illuminated and remained on even after the dealer reprogrammed the air bag sensor.
Owners report airbag non-deployment occurring alongside unrelated incidents such as sudden unintended acceleration.
One report describes airbags failing to deploy in a fatal head-on crash that also involved an engine fire.

When 2011 Hyundai Sonata airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 14, 2010, latest Jul 21, 2026.

418 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2018 Q3 (43).

Airbags recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata

NHTSA 18V137000Feb 27, 2018Airbags580,058 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. 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 side air bags from deploying.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

Airbags complaints by Sonata model year

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

200555 (33%)
2006435 (42%)
2007257 (37%)
2008137 (32%)
200930 (7%)
201020 (6%)
2011418 (12%)
2012169 (11%)
2013102 (5%)
201431 (4%)
201525 (2%)
201621 (3%)
201722 (3%)
20184 (1%)
20199 (6%)
20207 (4%)
20214 (3%)
20220 (0%)
20231 (1%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?: NHTSA lists 418 airbag complaints for the 2011 Sonata, which is 12% of the 3,376 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?: Yes. Recall campaign 18V137000, reported February 27, 2018, covers 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles; Hyundai installs an external wire filter kit free of charge.
What do owners report about airbags on the 2011 Sonata?: Owners most often report that airbags failed to deploy during crashes, including frontal and rear-end collisions, with a median mileage of 92,900 at time of failure.
How serious are the airbag issues on the 2011 Sonata?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 51 crashes, 5 fires, and 53 injuries, making airbags one of the most reported problem areas for this model year.
Is the 2011 Sonata worse than other years for airbag complaints?: Yes, relative to other Sonata model years in the data, 2011 has the highest airbag complaint share at 12%, compared to 6% in 2010 and 11% in 2012.