How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

NHTSA lists 173 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sonata, making up 5% of the 3,376 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes. Recall campaign 14V434000 covers 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles built between December 11, 2009 and May 29, 2014, where the transmission shift cable may detach. Hyundai dealers inspect and repair the shift cable connection as the remedy.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Sonata?

The median mileage at failure for transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2011 Sonata is 49,444 miles, though sample complaints show failures ranging from very low mileage to well over that figure.

Have transmission problems on the 2011 Sonata caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2011 Sonata includes 7 crashes, 5 fires, and 7 injuries reported.

Is the transmission problem rate higher in 2011 compared to other Sonata model years?

The 2011 Sonata's transmission complaint share is 5%, similar to 2012 (6%) and 2013 (5%), but lower than later years like 2021 (18%) and 2022 (26%), where complaint volume was smaller but the share was higher.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 173 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of that year's total complaints. A related recall (14V434000) covers a transmission shift cable that can detach. Median mileage at failure is 49,444 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 173; 5% of 3,376
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 7
Median mileage: 49,444 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the transmission failing to engage or hesitating during acceleration at low speeds, sometimes with the engine warning light on.
Some drivers describe sudden downshifts or gear-selector faults where the vehicle showed a false 'not in park' warning even though the gear selector was in park.
One complaint describes a transmission hose blowing off shortly after purchase, releasing all transmission fluid due to a hose clamp that was never properly attached at the factory.
A separate report describes the vehicle losing power and breaking down on the highway with the transmission failing to respond, leaving the car stranded in traffic.
Some owners linked transmission hesitation or non-engagement to a failed wiring harness or inhibitor switch that dealers had to replace, though the issue reportedly recurred.

When 2011 Hyundai Sonata transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 20, 2010, latest Oct 29, 2025.

173 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q3 to 2025 Q4; peak 2014 Q3 (11).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata

NHTSA 14V434000Jul 18, 2014Transmission & Powertrain883,000 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sonata model year

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

20055 (3%)
200622 (2%)
20079 (1%)
200814 (3%)
200941 (9%)
201021 (6%)
2011173 (5%)
201297 (6%)
201394 (5%)
201454 (7%)
2015134 (12%)
201659 (8%)
201755 (7%)
201840 (11%)
20198 (5%)
202024 (13%)
202124 (18%)
202224 (26%)
202316 (18%)
20246 (13%)
20253 (19%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?: NHTSA lists 173 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2011 Sonata, making up 5% of the 3,376 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?: Yes. Recall campaign 14V434000 covers 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles built between December 11, 2009 and May 29, 2014, where the transmission shift cable may detach. Hyundai dealers inspect and repair the shift cable connection as the remedy.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2011 Sonata?: The median mileage at failure for transmission and powertrain complaints on the 2011 Sonata is 49,444 miles, though sample complaints show failures ranging from very low mileage to well over that figure.
Have transmission problems on the 2011 Sonata caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2011 Sonata includes 7 crashes, 5 fires, and 7 injuries reported.
Is the transmission problem rate higher in 2011 compared to other Sonata model years?: The 2011 Sonata's transmission complaint share is 5%, similar to 2012 (6%) and 2013 (5%), but lower than later years like 2021 (18%) and 2022 (26%), where complaint volume was smaller but the share was higher.