2011 Hyundai Sonata

wrelessb

There is no way you have had 2 defective Sonatas. We have had our Sonata Limited for over a year with only one problem. The sunglass holder won't stay shut.

I find your posts highly suspect.

schdy

>I find your posts highly suspect.b>

And so do I!

moontrain

I have had my Limited for a year and a half and I have NO problems. I love this car. I also have a 2005 Sonata with 80,000 miles on it, and this has been a great car. Both cars have sunroofs with NO problems.

Kirstie_H

I don't think the member is saying that they had two defective Sonatas - it looks like one was defective, and replaced, and that he/she is wary of how this one's sunroof will perform, thinking it may a faulty design. Let's hope this member is pleasantly surprised.

gray_ghost

Does Hyundai have replacement 16" Mag Rims for the 16" Steel Rims on the 2011 Sonata GLS? Any ideas?

backy

16" alloys come with an options package on the GLS, so they are available.

longhaul

OK, so I was having many issues with the car starting. Thanks to all here I knew it was the brake switch. My dealer has horrid hours for a working person. Couple that with my own crazy family schedule and it was a few weeks before I could get the car to them.

Car was "fixed" Friday. I picked it up after the service was closed at the "main" checkout of the dealership. Loads of problems with the dealership not having record of the car being done (yes I recevied a call before coming to pick up). After 40 minutes they found the paperwork misfiled -- Um, the receiptionist only had 4 files on her desk. Most folks would have found the misfile within minutes.

Then I was charged for the parts. Why isn't it covered by the warranty?! Also charged for oil changes which are suppose to be free for life. And a charge to do the 15k service check. Main checkout can't do anything about it because only service can dictate the charges. So I'm stuck with paying a $188 bill or not getting my car back. I paid and figured I'd fight it Monday. I already worked a 12 hour day, was tired, hungary & frustrated.

Got home and the car WON'T SHUT OFF. The engine shut off but the dash read the car wasn't in Park and the key was in the vehicle. I then moved the key 20 ft outside the vehicle and still was saying the key was in the vehicle. Clock, etc wouldn't shut off. Doors wouldn't lock. After 4 restarts it shut off.

Returned to the dealer Sat morning and was told there was nothing wrong. My husband asked to speak directly with hear mechanic. Took him out to the vehicle & had head meachanic start & shut off car. He had the same issue I had. He has no idea what it is. Car is still there.

Any ideas? I have no faith in the dealership at this point.

schdy

I don't know the build date of your vehicle but if it's prior to April 2010 there is a TSB for grinding down the shifter knob for this problem. I had the same issue and my dealer fixed it in less than an hr including the transmission reprogram.

longhaul

Thanks!
It is prior to 4/2010. Dealer changed the knob when they did the brake sensor. Maybe they did something wrong with the transmission reprogram.

Message they left this morning said they beleive it is a computer issue.

schdy

TSB 10-01-017

March 2010

Grinds down shifter shaft to resolve power shutdown problem.

chihuahua3

I am posting this message as you seem to think that this is not a true statement.Well yes it is and the second car. They tell me that the water coming into the track is normal.I except that be just last week water leaked onto my seat from the sunroof.And i am suppose to except this is normal.I am sorry but i like this car and i paid good money for it and i dont want it to end up moldy, wet, whatever.And yes this is the second sonata i am talking about.And I am sure if this was you you would be upset also.So all the people that are saying this doesnt sound true.WELL IT IS>.....

Sandman6472

Or buy a Sonata without the sunroof.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

nj2pa2nc

honda also can have problems-I know I owned one- We had a 05 civic ex-se and also a 05 elantra Gt-bought new within one month. We traded the civic at 36,000 miles (end of warranty) It had one annoying problem after another. We traded the elantra in July 2010 with over 100,000 problem free miles for the "11" sonata (basic 6MT) It has been excellent with 25,000+ miles. We traded the civic in Nov. 06 for a 06 Acura TSX which had 126,000+problem free miles.

dacalan

I purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited in July 2011 and the rough ride is really really bothering me. The dealer said he thought it was the special tires that are thinner than on the GLS but I rode in the GLS and still think it is rough. I am thinking about going to a Chevy Impala or a Ford to get a better ride but am afraid how much that will cost me.

pegasus17

REF: 5197
I have a very basic GLS purchased April 2010 and the ride quality (also road noise) is highly dependent on proper air pressure. The car has been very reliable and the gas mileage is excellent. Before dumping a very good car, I would experiment with air pressure or possibly buying a set of softer tires. Call tirerack dot com for a recommendation. Also, note that the GLS tires are skinnier (the 205 part) than both the Limited and the SE, although they do have a taller sidewall (the 65 part):
GLS: P205/65R16
LTD: P215/55R17
SE: P225/45R18

ryster

I traded a 2006 Chevrolet Impala for a new 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, 17 months ago. The ride in the Impala was not all that great...noisy and rough/busy...very similar to the Sonata. Between the two, the Sonata rides a slight bit better than the Impala.

Not sure which Ford you are looking at, but I have a lot of seat time in the new Ford Taurus Limited and the ride is quieter than the Sonata, but not all that much smoother. Getting in and out of the Taurus is also a chore.

I have 20,000 miles on my 2011 Sonata and have started shopping around for something else. The Sonata has grown noisier and rougher as it ages. I can't imagine what it will be like at 50,000 miles.

nj2pa2nc

Have you test driven the chevy impala-Had use of a 11 impala when our tsx was getting body work done. It had less than 20,000 miles and it was most uncomfortable, noisy riding car we have driven. Our 11 sonata is alot better. Just wish it had more options with the manual transmission. The passenger seat is too low and can not be adjusted. Would be nice to have a sunroof, power seats, etc.

alookman

Sonatas have firmer ride than their past model since they wanted to make sportier and firmer ride like the Accord, Altime and Mazda 6.

Camry has soft & smooth ride at the cost of road feel and better handling!

rdb7

Hi Shabado,
I purchased 2012 hyundai sonata i week back. I had faced same problem of rough ride and vibration. i took it to dealer ship twice , first time they told me they has wheel balancing issue and fixed it, second time they are saying axile balance issue and they need to replace the part. I am figting with HyundaiUSA to have them take the vehicle back.
Did you also complained to hyundai USA, if so please share your experience and results.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks

schdy

Which Model did you purchase? Did you test drive the same model prior to purchase? Hyundai backs their product and I believe your contact with them will be of major assistance in resolving your problem.
Which state did you purchase the car? Do they have the lemon law?

rdb7

I purchased 2012.. I did test drive for short distance as i have ben shopping for sonata for longtime and did not find any issues before. But after 10 miles of driving i realized there is a problem with the car.. Basically i want refund since i notified with in 24 hrs of purchase. They are saying they need to replace axle parts, which i don't like when i am paying new car price.

I purchased in Texas. I am in contact with HyundaiUSA and BBB.

m6user

Basically i want refund since i notified with in 24 hrs of purchase

Is that what your state law allows? I've never heard of this when you buy a car from a dealership. Some states have provisions for canceling a sale within a certain time period if the sale takes place in your home but not if you actually go to a place of business and make a purchase. If you just think that this should be the case then the dealer nor Hyundai has any legal obligation to take the car back.....but they do have to fix it. Lemon laws usually deal with a safety defect that can't be fixed after numerous attempts by the dealer/manufacturer. It's certainly not as easy as many people think it is or dealers/manufacturers would be deluged with returned cars.

Sandman6472

That's why a longer test drive should be the norm to discover any problems that might exist. They don't have to take it back after you purchased it, depending on the state statutes of where you live. If not, you have to give them a reasonable amount of time to fix any problems that might...or might not exist. There are lemon laws in place to protect the consumer if they can not fix things.

But still am confused as to what problem there is and why you didn't experience it earlier. Now that you bought it, the burden of proof is on you, so give the dealer time to resolve things. A good attitude will get you more with the service department than going in there screaming with an attitude. So, just take a breath and relax...things should work out in your favor and you will eventually love your new car. Patience will be your best friend here...and a good attitude...no one is out to screw you here.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

rick2456

The camry is nice, but the warranty sucks. 3 yrs, 36k miles does not cut it. Plus it costs more (2-3k) than a simliar Sonata.

datagen

Good recommendation, I have the Limited Turbo version with the 18" rims. I was surprise of the smooth ride for a car that size. Expecially since I just came out of a Lincoln MKS. I have noticed the road noise some, but it goes away when I cut the radio on. I purchased mine because I am sick of leases. I plan on driving this one till the wheels fall off. Then I will get some duck tape. :shades:

alookman

I never said 2012 Camry is a bargain. Toyota and all the cafeteria mode of packaging is designed to push the cost and make tidy profit for all involved except consumers and I hate it. Nissan, Toyota and every Euro mfger. have pkgs that can incease the price of base trim level by 25+%.

Hyundai has followed Honda's format of few sensible different trim levels with only very few optional packages. Neither offers consumer rebates but factory to dealer unadvertised incentives that they can pass on and or keep and that varies each month. 2012 Sonatas are being retailed 1.5k-2.5k more than 2011 models either due to less factory incentives or dealer pocketing them due to low inventory and solid demand. Its a great car indeed!

Sonata, Accord and Altima are on on our shopping list. Best deals are on 2012 Altimas and other two are not being discounted that much. Altima ranked #1 by CR has great balance of handling, ride and road noise but their pkgs. can make them pricey except one can get 2012 with rebates and discounts for less than 2k-3k off invoice on most models.

rdb7

Hi sandman,
Eventhough we drive long distance how can we discover brand new car at 35 miles needs axle replacement or some other part needs replacement. we need to be mechanic to find that out. I do not agree with your opinion on give dealership to fix the problem because
1) Why am i paying a new car price and having it fixed, I can buy a used car with warranty and drive.
2) I am talking about a brand new car having issues at 35 miles not that i have driven car 3k miles and experiencing the problem
3) How can Hyundai can sell the brand new car without inspection

By the way i never said i ever screamd at service people, i am trying to resolve it with good attitude with HyundaiUSA headoffice.

by the way there are so many people out there try to screw somebody.
you will not feel the pain untill it happens to you.

LASHAWN

I'm sorry to say this, but just get off your high horse and take the car in to get checked. Hyundai head office will not give further assistance to you when they know that you didn't even have the car checked. It might turn out to be something not that serious at all. Does anyone else agree?

bhmr59

I agree.
Any new car, or just about any new anything can require some adjustment.

xmen1

Hi LASHWAN and bhrm59,
I hope you guys are not Hyndai dealers or representatives. Because rdb7 problem seems to be genuine. How can any customer wants his brand new car to be repaired immediately after purchase? In thats case all of us can buy USED cars and get them repaired.

I did some research and there are lot of problems are being reported in the website
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/

rdb7

LASHAWN
please read forum completely before giving suggestions. Dealership found that AXLE need to be replaced for a BRAND NEW CAR. then only i went to hyundai headoffice.

jimmy113

xmen1,
you are absolutely right . LASHAWN seems to be dealer or some relation to Hyundai. Check his some of the posts trying to mock consumers. we should complain about these guys to edmunds.

#3150 of 3170 Re: SPIII [geoblue] by LASHAWN
Mar 29, 2011 (5:32 am)
Replying to: geoblue (Mar 28, 2011 8:43 am)
Do just the drain and fill. I have a 2006 Sonata LX and I had my transmission fluid serviced by the dealer. If your the original owner it would be best you have dealer service your transmission due to vehicle still under powertrain warranty. My dealer charges $149.95 for the drain and fill service which should be all you need if your car has the V6 engine.
•

#4 of 7 Re: Genesis Crash Accident in South Korea. [boycotthyundai] by LASHAWN
Jun 06, 2011 (5:01 am)
Replying to: boycotthyundai (Jun 03, 2011 1:50 pm)
You make it sound as though this has never happened to any other manufacturer before. Can you explain to me how all the airbags in a vehicle would deploy because a tire came into contact with a curb at less than 20mph? This happened to a customer of mine in a GM vehicle.

sonatshopper

I test drove a 2011 SE with 25k miles on it the other day, and a 2012 GLS with the power seat. I could swear the SE had more comfortable seats, but the salesperson that helped me with the GLS said the only difference was the leather side bolsters.

Does anyone know if the GLS and SE power seats are the same with the exception of bolster material?

Has anyone with a 2011 or newer found the seats get more comfortable over time?

Any SE owners found tires that quiet the freeway noise?

fushigi

I've no idea if LASHAWN works for Hyundai or a Hyundai dealer. Frankly, it doesn't matter.

To the OP - You apparently got a car with a defective or mis-calibrated part. It happens, and yes it is annoying. However, your dealer is working with you to fix it. I don't see this as a big problem.

A big problem would be if they were a) unwilling to fix the problem or b) their attempted fixes don't work. For b), if it happens enough you can invoke your state's Lemon Law and get Hyundai to buy it back.

If I were you I'd drop the car off at the dealer and ask for a loaner to use until they have the problem fully resolved. That way you can put miles/wear on their car and you're not inconvenienced with needing further trips to the dealer until it's time to pick up the repaired car. Putting their loaner into service is also incentive to the dealer to get your car fixed.

ttb

I was ready to buy it and went to test drive it.

The 2.4 engine is loud as can be heard inside the cabin, even at 2,500 to 3,000 rpm. The salesperson said people like it and I can simply crank up the radio!! I told him if I like engine noise (in a family sedan), I will be testing an Infinity.

Hyundai: Why can't you put more sound insulation into the 2.4 model? Leave the 2.0T as is. But the noise of GDI engines is not as nice to hear as the regular gasoline ones.

Not many choices left: 2012 Camry is bland and boring (but good mpg), so is Ford Taurus. All new Accord is coming in Spring and doesn't make sense to buy one now and become an old model after a few months, and same for Malibu. Altima and Fusion are also due for a new generation. If Sonata's engine is loud, Optima will be the same.

Kirstie_H

Let's knock off the witch hunt. I know it's nearly Halloween, but that doesn't work for us. If you don't like someone's posts, skip them.

sonatshopper

need to ask another question.

I'm considering buying a certified used, but I noticed two spots on the top of the chrome grille lip that's mounted to the hood. I searched myself but couldn't find any after market replacements. Need to find a solution before I consider purchasing. Any thoughts on where to get replacements?

bhmr59

The only connection I have to Hyundai is that I drive an '05 Sonata.

I do know that manufactured products sometimes have defects right off the bat. Sellers should be given the opportunity to fix the problem. In the case of a new car, the owner should be given free use of a similar car (of the same model year) until the problem has ben fixed.

jimmy113

Hi Kirstie,
Are you also delaer? beacuse you are not following what you said in the post. If you did not like my post then why didn't you skip it?
I dont care if it doen't work for you
. its not about you.

alookman

I narrowed down to 3 cars, Altima, Accord and Sonata. All three are solid choices and non are perfect. Since Altima was being deep discounted I did get it.

In past I always waited for intro. model to get newest version, but had major transmission problem on 03 Accord (intro. model) and it was fixed on 04 model. Hence I would rather wait a year or more before one gets history of the model and allows manufacturer to fix the design flaws that may not show up in initial prototype testing but it often does on mass production model.

Intro. models will be sold at peak demand and hard to get and hence over priced. Best to wait a year but than didn't work for us with Sonata. It's 1500 more for 2012 vs. 2011 on Sonata.

Kirstie_H

Jimmy113,
I'm the host of this discussion. As such, it is my job to make sure that the conversation is adhering to our Membership Agreement. Posts about what people think of another member are never on-topic in our Forums, and will generally be removed.

If you have other questions about our policies, please contact Karen, the Community Manager.

hotcorner

Took my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS in for a oil change and tire rotation. The mechanic (not a dealer) mentioned that I needed to replace the engine air filter (understandable) and that my front brake pads were at 3/32. At 20k miles this seems kind of quick to need a brake job. I don't think I'm hard on my brakes - I do mostly highway driving.

Has anyone else had to replace their front brakes this early? Thanks.

nelson1

Thank you for that website. I just filed a complaint on my 2011 Sonata Ltd., with 17" Kumho tires. They are just way too noisy for me to enjoy this car. I have gotten no help, (of course) from the dealer, or Discount Tire, who is a Kumho dealer. On certain types of road surfaces, I need ear muffs, can't use Blue Tooth phone, or the radio, either. Just intolerable. I think the GLS would be quieter, since it has higher profile tires. Otherwise, the car is fine, so far, at almost 8,000 miles.

targettuning

I continue to wonder what sort of "help" one expects from "the dealer" or an independent tire store for that matter. I'm quite sure the tire store would be more than happy to sell you another brand to replace the Kumho's but as far as "help"? Of course you can complain about the noise but that and about $680-800 will get you a set of 4 Michelin tires (in various models) from Tire Rack...then pay someone to mount and balance them. So, the best "help" you can hope for is an early wearout on the Kumho's then please do your research and buy a replacement brand that other consumers say are quiet. Tire Rack.com is your best bet for the beginning of that research. Let me start you off...The Michelin models are both Primacy styles: MXM4 and MXV4 between $167 and $193 per tire shipping, mounting and balance NOT included in the 215/55-17 size your car requires.

artcag15

Can someone please help me? Am I the ONLY person having problems with my radio ( Dimension w/nav)? I looks like it works fine BUT NO audio at all!! The car has 53,000 miles on it, The original radio was replaced at 25,000 in January then in May with 35,000 miles on it I started having the same problem with it BUT because it wasn't totally dead in the water Hyundai would NOT replace it so at 52,000 miles it totally died and guess what its NOW out of warrenty BUT I reported the problem starting at 35,000 yet Hyundai closed my case with customer care because of the miles on it now.

rick2456

I replace the tires on my 2012 SE with Michelin Primacy. I went with a slight higher tire (225/50/18), which also helped a lot with the comfort factor. The road noise is a lot less now, but you do still hear some noise which I believe is due to the alloy wheels.

rick2456

The one good thing about discount tire, is that they will give you some credit torward a new set of tires (assuming yours are still in good shape). Kumho's, like the Hankooks I had on my SE, are inherently noisy. I had michelin primacys put on my SE and it made a world of difference.

lfr3

I just won an arbitration against Hyundai for my radio not working properly. You would have had to start the complaint by 1 yr or 18,000 miles in NY. They gave me a very hard time, so I went to arbitration. My radio issue was in for repair over 9 times. I had 3 radios put into my 2011 Sonata Ltd. Two of these were "floaters", which I found out at arbitration are reburbished radios! Nice huh! A reburbished radio in a brand new car. When they finally put in a "NEW" radio, some of the functions were missing. The only thing the Regional Service Mgr could say was" Maybe they put the wrong radio in the car".
I understand your frustration. There are a bunch of disgruntled people on this site looking to get there car fixed for on reason or another. I think Hyundai has become to big to care about the customer anymore.
Good luck to you! You are not alone!!!!

artcag15

Thanks for getting back to me, the replacement radio they gave me was already activated with XM by some guy Larry from NY, they way I found out this was when I added the best of sirius to it.

mprs4me

I have a 2011 Limited I got in January. Just got back from a 3,000 mile trip from New Mexico to Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, etc. Mileage was GREAT! However, on the way back, we had to stop every couple hours - the seats in the Limited are waaaaaay too hard, waaaaaaay too short (no leg support) and we were physically hurting and sore. I had a 2006 Charger that I had taken on the same trip 3 years in a row and NEVER experienced the pain I did in the Sonata. The GLS IS the best riding of the 3 models. Having said that, I'm looking to trade mine off for a Charger next summer. Just can't take these hard seats anymore - even if it does get great gas mileage.