2011 HYUNDAI SONATA Air Bags Problems
412 NHTSA complaints on file
Air Bags Issues in the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA
412 air bags complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. Of these, 50 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 53 resulted in injury.
412
Complaints
50
Crashes
5
Fires
53
Injuries
2
Deaths
All Air Bags Complaints
UNKNOWN - I noticed DASHBOARD crack over time and the AIR BAG light remain on at all times. The AIR BAG light on the passenger side shows OFF. The entire dashboard is cracked. I fear that I can no longer drive my car distances due to air bag issue. I did not report the issues to a dealer yet, I was waiting until next oil change time. I do not know the date that it started.
There was no accident .Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I don’t know of any incidents.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed air bag clock spring. The contact was informed that the driver's air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact had received an unknown recall notification previously for the air bag. The contact was informed that he was nine days late for the coverage of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
To Whom It May Concern, Subject: Formal Complaint – 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS Tail Light Meltdown / Fire Hazard Date: August 3, 2025 I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, specifically concerning the tail light assembly, which has melted and poses a potential fire hazard and traffic safety risk. Approximately a year and a half ago, I noticed melting in the tail light housing and took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership to address the issue. At that time, the car had approximately 208,000 miles. Despite the obvious manufacturing defect and safety implications, the dealership refused to repair or inspect the issue without charging a $275 inspection fee, stating the vehicle was out of warranty. I believe this to be an unfair and irresponsible business practice. Tail light assemblies should not melt under normal use, and such a defect could lead...
Air bag light is not coming on at all.
Dashboard has large cracks all over it including where the passenger air bag is located. I am concerned about the pieces of plastic flying if the air bag deploys. Also concerned that the cracks could release the air bag at any time, even during normal driving. Dealer only suggested getting a dashboard cover, but that would negate the purpose of the air bag. My research showed that there are many other cases of the happening with Hyundai Sonata's 2011-2014.
Airbag light is on after a clock spring issue. Dealer is stating new airbag is needed for vehicle that has never had an accident. Airbag light was not on prior to clock spring malfunction. Clockspring was repaired, but airbag light remains on.
Car is overheating. Took it to a mechanic They replaced the thermostat but car is still overheating, jerking and so much more. The mechanic wants to charge more to fix it. I got a second opinion from another mechanic and after he reviewed the paperwork from the first mechanic. He searched my vin number and told me to contact this number because my vehicle is on a recall list. So I need someone to contact me about where and how we can get my vehicle fixed.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel seized, and the electrical system became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) nor 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Dashboard cracked passenger seat around airbag word. Before weather got very hot outside was sitting in parking lot engine off, heard a loud noise and was not able to locate anything wrong. Thought it was the windshield that has a small crack in it. Noticed nothing. Several days later saw large lines through windshield around airbag. Looked inside car to see better. Several weeks later saw smaller crack on driver side dash nearest to door area. Did have oil changed on car on 4-19-24. This happened weeks later (the cracks). Did notify repair shop (auto dealer Priority) of issue. Next appt was 5-18-24 for new tires to be put on car.
I started my car and my steering wheel airbag deployed within a few seconds and injured me. Reason for deployment unknown
Engine seized at 82000 miles stranding me in the passing lane of Interstate 10. Was nearly hit by a truck.
My car airbag light came on. I called the dealership about the remedy that was already recalled under campaign number 18V137000 because my last visit I got told by the dealership that my ACU was bad for the car and that it was going to cost me upwards of $2000 to replace and the dead was no recall on my vehicle and then called corporate and they had told me that this had been taken care of back in 2016 when I did not on the vehicle this time in the second owner and that basically they would not cover to fix this issue and that any warranty that was extended ran out when I only had purchased the vehicle in November 2020 so now they are unwilling to fix the issue because they had stated that it was already previously fixed with the previous owner and then I could...
Dashboard cracked. Completely cracked into small pieces throughout the dashboard.
The dash cracked in many places.
My car had engine seized while driving on the road with no warning light prior nor other mechanical issues. When the engine seized, all mechanical powers are have lost power including brakes and power steering in which have almost caused a near accident at an early morning rushed hours. The vehicle's odometer reading at 120,836 and was up to date on all normal tune up performances. Other issues that have arise after purchasing the car are: warning light came on for airbag, real loud clunking sound on roof when hitting a bump on the road and engine will not start because of fuel line system issues. Cruise control had also stopped working after a year of purchased.
in July of 2022 the buttons on the steering wheel like cruise control trip/reset button as well as radio controls eventually all quit working did not become fully aware of this until I was on the interstate and was driving with the cruise control set and when I needed to turn off cruise control it wouldn't turn off by the steering wheel thankfully I know can hit the brakes and the car will shut it off however after this all happened the air bag light came on and stayed illuminated I called my dealer and they insisted that there was no recall on the CLOCK Spring in the steering wheel of my car and wanted me to pay out of pocket for an issue that they claim was non existint as well them also telling me all the recalls were taken care of when I purchased the vehicle in novemember...
Starting 6 months ago air bag light is on constantly. Horn stopped working, speed control doesn't work. The whole steering wheel and buttons with horn doesn't work.
Warning light for airbag continues to stay on , and cruise control does not work at all.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the warning light was cleared; however, the light returned soon after. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 262,000.
The NHTSA has filed a Consent Order (RQ17-004) for a Engine Replacement due to safety concerns while driving the vehicle on the road, Vehicle may stall and cause / be involved in a accident. Please make this recall public so the affected vehicles can be properly repaired as the Consent Order states I have reviewed the Consent Order and I will not continue to drive this vehicle, I will not risk being involved in a accident The Hyundai dealership in Alexandria Virginia has refused to repair this recall under the Consent Order, My vehicle Vin# is [XXX] My vehicle has been at this dealership location for over 3 weeks and I was told that they were not going to perform this recall and I noted that If I pick up my vehicle and drive it away and the engine fails, stalls or stops in the middle of the highway and...
The airbags in my car did not deploy! I was hit so hard through my driver window that it knocked me out both speeds combined together was 110mph with me going 55mph the air bags should have went off the whole driver side back to the trunk is damaged and not even the door airbag had went off. This is a huge safety concern for myself.
I have had to replace my brake lights, sometimes, every few months. My third brake light only works intermittently. Recently, my brake lights and my door lights failed to shut off after I turned the engine off. Also, my abs light came on on the dash, but after turning the engine off and back on, that light went out. After re-starting my car and repeatedly, stepping on the brake, my lights finally shut off. I checked the internet for similar problems and found out that there had been a Hyundai recall for this issue. I phoned Hyundai customer support. They told me the recall had been repaired on my car by the dealer . Obviously, it had not. (The dealer also claimed to have corrected another recall regarding seat belts, but that too is a lie, since my seat belt dash light is on although I have never been involved...
Aig bag light on, Horn and nearby control panel stop working. Engine noise…da da da… stater fails…
Driver air bag light stays illuminated while vehicle is operating.
A friend borrowed my car to go to the corner store to get me a couple of things while my husband was getting surgery. My friend ended up in a rollover accident after hitting a tree. All recalls were up to date on my vehicle, he stated that no airbags deployed. Now after the vehicle was rolled back over and taken to the tow yard the insurance adjuster was the first to see and the driver airbag had deployed. I was not there I cannot say when the airbag deployed however none of the curtain airbags deployed. Also my friend stated that the car accelerated just before impact he swerved to miss something in the road and ended up rolling the vehicle after hitting the tree. The car should not have been accelerating but it was like the car had a mind of its own. I thought the recall was...
Air bag lights have come on. Unsure of what the exact issue is until I bring it to the shop.
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle skidded and stopped. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then sought medical assistance and was informed that she had sustained a left shoulder rotator cuff tear. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bags failed to engage and did not need to be reset. The vehicle was then taken to an auto collision mechanic where it was repaired. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. The contact was thrown to the right and to the...
Airbag sensor came on for no reason
My wife was hit on the drivers side door at 45mph and the side airbags didn’t deploy. According to the inspection, the side impact shorted the ACU.
The airbag sensor light will not turn off.
My airbag light will not go off . return the car back to the dealer . Car in the shop seen July 1 2021 and the dealer change my Sensor out three times, still the light stay on. One time the shop told me the wire harness was the problem, Recall in 2018 was to put a wire filter to help with the problem .
Air bag warning light came on while driving 9/16/2021(no collision or impact involved; no one in passenger seat). Mileage is about 110k. Have read a number of other owner complaints with similar information. Recall is not open; apparently already fixed, but clearly something is wrong. Concerned about non-deployment of air bags in the event of an accident.
No airbags deployed upon result of hitting a COW at 50mph. Airbags didnt deploy. Waiting to be overlooked by insurance adjuster. Highway patrol overlooked vehicle while filing a report. None.
Airbag light is on.
The air bag light will not go off. I have seen lots of complaints about this same issue.
Headlights have burnt out 4 times in 1 year w/install, break/tail lights have burnt out 6 times in 1 year w/ install. Cruise control isn't staying set and airbag light is on unknown reason after OBD scan. Break lights have burnt thru the connection piece, causing damage, overpower from the wiring harness has caused over load of power which caused lights to burn out and even burst. Multiple drivers with similar problems, airbag may still deploy for no reason or not deploy at all. Cruise control malfunction possibly due to airbag issues, but may also be from faulty wiring throughout the vehicle and ultimately into the sterring console. Computer or motherboard may also now have damages cause by over amped volts of electricity without a serge protecter. Possibility of electrical damages, caused by overload from power supply and directed throught the vehicle may have cause exponential damages to electrical in...
Air bag light on All steering controls not working
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, WHEN SHE HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND AND THE AIR BAGS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. HYUNDAI BRUNSWICK (5400 ALTAMA AVE #2, BRUNSWICK, GA 31525) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR IN 2018, I LEARNED THIS VEHICLE HAD MANY RECALLS. AFTER DISAGREEMENTS AND ARGUMENTS HYUNDAI, SUPPOSEDLY INSTALLED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. I WAS THEN NOTIFIED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE OTHER 'RECALLS' ON THIS VEHICLE. AFTER MORE DEBATES AND ARGUMENTS THEY CLEARED OUT ALL OF THE 'RECALLS' ON THIS VEHICLE AS IF THEY WERE FIXED, AND THEY WERE NOT FIXED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I STILL HAVE MANY ISSUES WITH THE 'SO-CALLED' RECALLS SUCH AS AIRBAGS, DRIVER SEATBELT AND STEERING COLUMN.
I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP A WEEK AGO. THE HORN AND NONE OF THE FEATURES ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORK. THE FRONT PANEL OF THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOSE. I ALSO SMELL GAS OFTEN AND MY LEFT MUFFLER SMOKES AND I SOMETIMES SMELL BURNING RUBBER. NAVIGATION DOES NOT WORK AS IT SHOULD AND MY XM FEATURES DON'T WORK BECAUSE OF A BAD XM ANTENNA (SHARK FIN.) THERE IS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEN BRAKING. MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT BLINKS AND THEN STAYS ON. THE KEY DOESN'T OPERATE THE LOCKS SOMETIMES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO HIS CHEST WHEN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTED DURING THE COLLISION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AS THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS LEAVING THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED AFTER GETTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND A FLAT TIRE REPAIRED, BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE COLLISION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON IN MY VEHICLE AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEE ABOUT THE SERVICE LIGHT INDICATOR, BUT THEY WILL NOT SERVICE THIS INDICATOR LIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WITH THIS LIGHT ON!
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND DOES NOT GO OFF.
ON FRIDAY THE 13TH OF FEBRUARY WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN INTERSECTION MY CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS TRAFFIC ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD AND OF COURSE PEOPLE DIDN'T HAVE ANY PATIENCE AND I WAS STUCK AND PLACED MY BLINKERS ON. AND WAITED FOR AAA TO ARRIVE. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND THEN STATIONARY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER'S FRIEND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE THE SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVE WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE VEHICLE SEIZED ON THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE SEIZED VEHICLE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE 3 PASSENGER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK PAINS AND SEEKED MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A NEAR HOSPITAL AND WAS SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR AT THE MOMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED ANOTHER DAUGHTER WAS SEATED AT THE REAR MIDDLE AND SUSTAIN CONCUSSION AND WAS SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION ALSO. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE LOSS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE...
G
MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 6 MONTHS AND I HAD THE TIMER SENSOR REPLACED TWICE. AND IT IS STILL ON. MY CAR STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AT TIMES. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CRACKING NOISE WHILE PARKING OR PULLING OUT. ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUS FOR 6 MONTHS OVER THE STEERING WHEEL. KEEP TAKING IT TO THE SHOP AND TOLD TO CHECK RECALLS BUT MY CAR IS NEVER LISTED.
AIR BAG DASH LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES THAT THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND MY RADIO BLEW OUT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WON'T GO OUT. I'M
Other 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA Problem Areas
Steering
1,162 complaints
Engine
956 complaints
Electrical System
402 complaints
Exterior Lighting
221 complaints
Unknown Or Other
209 complaints
Power Train
150 complaints
Service Brakes
144 complaints
Suspension
140 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
104 complaints
Seat Belts
101 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
92 complaints
Structurebody
63 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
62 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
34 complaints
Wheels
33 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
25 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
24 complaints
Electrical Systemhorn
22 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
22 complaints
Tires
19 complaints
Seats
15 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
11 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
9 complaints
Equipment
8 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
8 complaints
Visibilitywiper
8 complaints
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
7 complaints
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
7 complaints
Visibility
7 complaints
Exterior Lightingheadlights
6 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
6 complaints
Electrical Systemignition
5 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
5 complaints
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
5 complaints
Equipment Adaptivemobility
4 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
4 complaints
Seat Beltspretensioner
4 complaints
Structure
4 complaints
Structurebodydoor
4 complaints
Suspensionfront
4 complaints
Traction Control System
4 complaints
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
3 complaints
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
3 complaints
Service Brakes Electric
3 complaints
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
3 complaints
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
2 complaints
Hybrid Propulsion System Inverter
2 complaints
Steeringcolumn
2 complaints
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
2 complaints
Structurebodytrunk Lid
2 complaints
Tirestreadbelt
2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
2 complaints
Air Bagsfrontal
1 complaint
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Clockspringspiral Cassette
1 complaint
Air Bagssrs Malfunction Warning Lamplight
1 complaint
Chest Clip Buckle Harness
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulatorintegrated Starterother Than Propulsion
1 complaint
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitysensor
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiring
1 complaint
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
1 complaint
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
1 complaint
Fuel System Other
1 complaint
Interior Lighting
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
1 complaint
Power Trainmanual Transmissioncolumn Shift Assembly
1 complaint
Seat Beltsfront
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
1 complaint
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
1 complaint
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
1 complaint
Suspensionrear
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
1 complaint
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshield
1 complaint