2011 Hyundai Sonata

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Comments

  • LASHAWNLASHAWN Member Posts: 303
    You still have not informed us of the dealer's name and location. Someone that decides to purchase from that dealer might want to know what's going on with the vehicles. Wouldn't it be unfair if someone purchased a Sonata from that dealer and didn't know what was possibly going on because you didn't want to put their name on this post or any other post. I'm sorry, put I'm having a real hard time with your story. If I thought an auto manufacturer was holding back information on a potential flaw in their vehicle that put my family's life in danger, there's nothing that would keep me from telling name of dealer and agents that I've talked to.
    I work at a GM dealer as a service consultant and ran into many issues regarding lost power steering because of bad/faulty EPS motors. None experienced what you have. The most severe case was one customer stated their vehicle lost steering while cruising at around 55mph, customer was able to just let vehicle coast into median with no problems. Customer also stated that she didn't experience not jerking, vibrating or abnormal steering. Gotta make you wonder now.
  • mommytmommyt Member Posts: 42
    The 5 or 6 cars on the lot had not been purchased. They were not to be sold. They were replacing the part and put back on the sales list. My car was to be resold as used. They would not give us exact answers.
    I will not name the dealership. Hyundai has all of this information. Sorry. :D
  • richardmkrichardmk Member Posts: 3
    There's an inconsistency with your statements.

    'After a couple of days, the salesman told us that the problem was a faulty electric power steering pump, but they can't figure out why the safety feature didn't shut down to manual steering right away.'

    The 2011 Sonata has column-mounted EPS, which does not use a pump.

    My husband asked if there were any broken bolts. He said "uhh... there was a broken bolt....but I think it broke when they were taking the power steering pump out though."

    Really? A broken bolt? Wow, that sounds very authentic.

    If you're so worried about public safety, please let us know the name of the dealer so we can verify this with them and save ourselves from the evil power steering that's out to kill us.
  • howard18howard18 Member Posts: 53
    How about we just stop talking about this topic till more information is provided. We don't have to beg for more information. If it is true, mommyt will release the video. It is pointless to discuss here without any proof but just words......
  • richardmkrichardmk Member Posts: 3
    The issue is not the intrigue of the topic or how consumed we are about it. It's a two-faceted problem:
    1. There's a trend of irresponsibility of people hiding behind the anonymity of the internet to spread false and unsubstantiated claim that can lead to serious consequences.
    2. This is a public safety issue - if Sonatas have faulty steering, we should stop buying them to save lives, as mommyt attests.

    Either way, there's an urgency to find out the truth to protect the pubic. If the steering problem is true, we should know more about it. If it's not, we should find out about it. In either case, it should be done in a speedy manner. I don't know why sharing the name of the dealership is an issue.
  • jparks8jparks8 Member Posts: 19
    I got another pleasant surprise! The insurance bill for my new 2011 Sonata was only $137 more for the year than for my 1999 Honda Accord. Either they really liked all the safety equipment or the Sonata's headlight assembly is not all that expensive to replace.
  • dash5dash5 Member Posts: 421
    Comparing mommyt's story here with the one she posted here:

    http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/sonata/2011/2011-hyundai-sonata-turbo-2010-new- -york-auto-show.html

    09:36 AM, 04/20/2010

    Looks to me like there are additional claims, specifically:

    "They knew exactly what to look for. They went right to the problem. The cause....a faulty BOLT! The bolt snapped, causing the electric power steering pump and the safety feature to fail! "

    So the "two Korean guys" knew exactly what to look for in the first place? I am wondering what bolt could accomplish both those things, sounds like an important one.
  • schdyschdy Member Posts: 233
    I'm sorry but I disagree with you. A serious safety problem is critical to us as owners of a new car with a possible defect. Why is she afraid to list the name of the dealer. Why is she protecting the Dealer. She has already discredited Hyundai who is certainly bigger than the Dealer. And as she stated the same Dealer has 6 more cars with the same problem. Doesn't that sound serious enough to get all the facts immediately.
  • tbone_raretbone_rare Member Posts: 96
    I just think the chick is crazy! I think she has accomplished exactly what she intended. She stirred up a big pile of crap just to see how much it would smell!! I could be wrong.....but she just seems a little bit off kilter.
  • howard18howard18 Member Posts: 53
    I understand it is serious. However, why don't we wait till she release the video or additional information then talk about it? what can we do if she does not want to disclosure more information???

    If she just want to share the story but no all the information, I am not really sure what she was looking for? It is irresponsible to do that~
  • skdriverskdriver Member Posts: 9
    I agree! Lets set the issue aside, Approx. 50,000 + have been sold since first of year, I think we would have heard of other incidents if this is a more than a 'one of a kind' problem If proof shows up then we will all hear about it.
    Until then, I'd can only give positive results after 3 weeks of driving mine.
    I have noticed how well placed the shift lever is, especially when using the 'standard shifting' mode, which I often do in winter or driving in hilly terrain. Easy to up/down shift when your arm is resting on center armrest.
  • ewg54ewg54 Member Posts: 25
    I like how she ended her statement on Insideline comment. "nice car but not worth murder".
    Did I miss something? Did someone die? :confuse:
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    If she's sincerely afraid for someone's safety, she will name the dealer immediately. If not, I can only assume she has something else to hide, perhaps the dealer's side of the story. Or maybe the whole thing is a fabrication.
  • dbatowdbatow Member Posts: 5
    I certainly take mommyt's posts seriously. BUT, I couldn't help but think of certain youtube users named:

    DtorBill
    yelzhan123

    These 2 (maybe same one) posters have literally posted hundreds of negative comments on any/all videos related to Hyundai Sonata 2011. Not sure if he/she did so with other Hyundai car related videos but at least on Sonata 2011 videos, he/she posted hundreds of negative comments. Kinda tiresome when all I want to read is some useful comments on the cars...
  • harkyharky Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2010
    the issues I have with her story is that
    1. She changes story and adds few more twists between the posts
    2. Still would not reveal the name of the dealer where 5 or 6 other sonatas they have might pose a life-threatening dangers to the future buyers
    3. keep making excuses when asked for the real evidences (such as video) although claiming that it exists...

    Her allegation (if it is found to be true) can really destroy Hyundai's reputation who has been working really hard for many years to be where they are now. However, if the allegation happens to be fabricated, well..someone better starts to search for a best defense lawyers available.
  • ethandouethandou Member Posts: 15
    It happened again today. Unfortunately, at a busy crossing, I had no choice but restarted it and drove away.
    This time, I stepped on the brake when waiting at the crossing. The light became green and I was just going to release the brake. Suddenly, the engine cut off, and all indicators flashed once in a random order, like someone unplugged power cord. Considering I blocked the traffic and it was late all dealers closed already, I sadly restarted my car and drove home.
    I have no idea why this happened. It's only about 900 miles. Totally upset :(
  • akeiyakeiy Member Posts: 22
    I picked up the new car which is tinted today. But I found there is some footprint at the backseat. Do you know anything I can use to clean it?
  • meikmeik Member Posts: 63
    I am sorry to hear that it happened to you again. I totally understand you had to move your car away. However, I wouldn't be worried about dealers' business hours. You can call up 800 numbers on the window to contact Hyundai to tow your car in the nearest dealer. Then you can leave your car there and contact them the following day. Anyway, I would contact the dealer tomorrow and let them know it happened again.

    There is a possiblity that one of sensors (there are quite many different type of sensors on a car) is not working properly. The dealer might not be able to detect bad sensors all the time because they just don't work properly sometimes only. Like you were able to drive all the way back home after restarting your car.

    Just for curiosity, did you notice anything before the engine cut off? like unusual vibration of the engine or low RPM?

    If I were you, I would consider buying a small cam around $60 and put it inside my car to record dash and outside of car to prove what exactly happened when.
  • ethandouethandou Member Posts: 15
    Thanks again for suggestions. I didn't notice anything wrong before the engine stalled. The car vibrates more notably when approaching to stop, idling, or starting from speed 0. Now I become more sensitive to these three moments and have a feeling the engine is likely to cut off during them. I reported the "ticking" noise to the dealer last time. They said it would be normal due to the "GDI" engine. So I assume the more obvious shaking is also because of "GDI".

    You cam idea is also wonderful. I will go ahead to get one. Will something like "Flip Ultra Camcorder" be a good choice? Thank you.
  • 2011limited2011limited Member Posts: 30
    When did this happen?
  • syitalian25syitalian25 Member Posts: 303
    The ticking noise is normal for a GDI engine, but mine has never cut out before. Something is clearly wrong (maybe a faulty sensor) and I'd recommend taping it and taking it to the dealer until they fix it.
  • cooterbfdcooterbfd Member Posts: 2,770
    Kirstie, is it not also against Edmund's policy to be posting dealers names?? I know if you said I bought a car from Dealer X and salesman Y and had a wonderful experience etc..it isn't allowed as it could be deemed an advertisment. Wouldn't the opposite be true if someone had a complaint about the dealer too? I'm also sure that the dealer in question wouldn't be too thrilled to be fielding questions from posters here about someone elses car.

    It would be nice to have that info to "fact check" but at this point I think it would be wise to take the complaint posted at "face value" (whatever that's worth) and let the situation play out.

    Mommyt, it would be wise I suppose if you have any written correspondance with Hyundai or the dealer, to post it here for verification.
  • keyman2keyman2 Member Posts: 78
    Is this car safe?I'm buying a Sonata within 2 weeks and I have a Handicapped girlfrind,I hope I don't stall somewhere or pulled out of a lane.I emailed hyundai but no reply,I really love this car I would be a little upset to go with a Ford?
  • schdyschdy Member Posts: 233
    No matter what brand car you purchase a problem could arise with the car you purchase. However I would put my faith in a Co that has the fewest Consumer Complaints since 2002 and provides the best warranty. Also the 2011 Sonata has been tested by many car buffs, magazines and testers with no mention of the safety problems posted on this Forum.
    I have the 2011SE which is my 5th Hyundai since 2002 and I would buy it again tomorrow if I needed another car. I compared it to the Ford Fusion,Altima,Honda and I chose the Sonata.
    Also be aware that the few complaints posted here are a very small percentage of the cars sold and also there is no gurantee the poster is a true owner of the Hyundai Sonata or any other car they are discussing.
    That's the unfortunate part of getting advice from Forums. Some of them are contaminated with jealous competitors and there is no way of knowing.
    You have to be astute enough to detect the non truths.

    Good Luck in whatever you purchase!
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    Is this car safe?

    I would say yes, but your dealer can tell you a lot more.

    If there is indeed a real problem, your dealer knows by now. If it's just a hoax or rare problem caused by a pot hole or something, your dealer probably wouldn't know, or even need to know. Believe me, after what happened to Toyota, Hyundai executives do not want to testify before the Congress!
  • keyman2keyman2 Member Posts: 78
    Thanks,your right about that,I'm still going to buy the Sonata.I just have to deal with crazy dealers with differant prices.I just was told for a Sonata SE with Nav/Sunroof $23,750 before taxes MV,Tags,I think that's a good price?thanks again for your advise.
  • schdyschdy Member Posts: 233
    That's an exceptional price! Go for it.
  • whatever15whatever15 Member Posts: 3
    Interestingly it was my cell phone that was causing all the integration problems for Bluetooth, NAV, etc.

    Ultimately I reset the phone to "factory default settings" and everything works like a charm.
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    Fellow I know who has been a highly rated Hyundai tech for years made the comment before the Sonata hit the dealers that several noticed the "ticking" sound during their training on the engine. Said it sounds a lot like a lifter, but it is the high pressure fuel pump, and very normal.

    He also stated that he knew that question was going to come up with owners since it did mimic the sound of a bad lifter.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    You can post a dealership's name, but not the salesperson's name or email or the URL for the dealership (although that is easy to find once you know the name).
  • cooterbfdcooterbfd Member Posts: 2,770
    That's fair enough. Anyhow, bothering a specific dealer over "someone elses car" seems a little shady. I mean, think about it; "Hi, I'm so and so from God knows where, whats the deal with the car with the faulty steering???" Seems to me that's a good way for the service mgr to just hang up, as I'm sure they have better things to do than answer one of our questions.

    To insinuate she's a "troll" (my words) from another company is absurd, though. Just take her comments at face value, and let the situation play out.
  • schdyschdy Member Posts: 233
    We're still awaiting the video promised by mommyt. Why is it taking so long to post. Peoples lives are at stake!
  • mexjohnmexjohn Member Posts: 74
    I'm going to believe nothing of what I read, and only half of what I see from now on. Interesting that on this forum, mommyt never put it that way regarding the bolt. It was just a maybe from the saleman. Now we see "they knew exactly what they were looking for."

    Forget this crap.
  • tajoaltajoal Member Posts: 1
    read all 2011 sonata forum (korean web site mostly...) but couldnt find any about what mommyt had .

    I am sure that at least 200,000 new 2011 sonata (known as YF sonata in korea). If what mommyt posted at here true... there should be some people who complain about this issue...
  • meikmeik Member Posts: 63
    Right. You don't need a fancy one. However, it might be hard to find a nice spot to put it though. Also make sure to buy larger enough memory to record whole your normal driving range.

    Did you call Hyundai to report it? If you haven't yet, please do so. Hyundai might want to hear what happened. Once you get a recorded evidence, you can put it on YouTube or send it to Hyundai so that they can investigate as well. You can just contact your dealer, but Hyundai tracks issues by VIN so I believe it won't hurt to contact Hyundai directly.

    I really hope that your small $$ investment would be a waste of money, which means that it won't happen to you again at all.
  • schdyschdy Member Posts: 233
    read all 2011 sonata forum (korean web site mostly...) but couldnt find any about what mommyt had .

    I am sure that at least 200,000 new 2011 sonata (known as YF sonata in korea). If what mommyt posted at here true... there should be some people who complain about this issue...

    Especially since there were 6 at the same Dealer!!
  • skoretskskoretsk Member Posts: 38
    edited May 2010
    This was the response I got from Hyundai Consumer Affairs to my inquiry on whether HD Radio's included with the NAV and Sunroof Package:

    "Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America. We are excited to learn of your interest in the 2011 Sonata and appreciate the opportunity to assist with your HD radio inquiry.

    The HD radio feature is only available on the Limited trim level for the 2011 Sonata without the Navigation and Sunroof Package. The HD radio is not available with the addition of the Navigation Sunroof Package on the Limited model. The reason why this feature is removed when the navigation package is added is that the 6-disk CD changer with HD radio system is switched with a touch screen navigation/audio system that does not include HD functionality. We appreciate your feedback with the HD radio feature and have forwarded your suggestion to the department responsible for future changes to the Sonata."

    IMO it's a plausible explanation, but it still sucks! :mad:
  • ethandouethandou Member Posts: 15
    This afternoon I brought my camcorder into the car to have a try. Although it is a little big, its hand strap can be used to bind it to the headrest. I'm going to use it for the moment.

    I called the nearest Hyundai dealer. The technician recommended me to do an inspection. So I made an appointment to bring my car in on Tuesday morning.

    Yes, I will call Hyundai too on Monday. At least I want to make sure if they will cover the inspection cost.
  • keyman2keyman2 Member Posts: 78
  • keyman2keyman2 Member Posts: 78
    edited May 2010
    With all the crazy things I 've been reading about problems with the Sonata 2011,I'm still going to buy one within 2 or 3 weeks.I finally seen a beautiful Indigo Blue,i was going to buy the ventetion Red which is nice but that blue looks so nice I hope the dealer in LI won't lie about his price he offered me,SE for $23,750 before Taxes etc.I'm going to have the Nav/Sunroof.Does anyone have a Indigo blue they can post there pictures here?
  • sb2002sb2002 Member Posts: 10
    It has been almost two full months for me to find a fully loaded sonata 2011 with the color that I want in the midwest region. Can anyone shed some light on why there is such an incredible delay? Does anyone know if production came to a stall or if they are ramping back up anytime soon? Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you
  • markleungmarkleung Member Posts: 44
    From Automotive News -- May 7, 2010 - 10:11 am ET

    Hyundai Motor Co., straining to meet demand for its U.S.-built vehicles, may hand over production of its Santa Fe SUV to sister company Kia Motor Corp.

    Hyundai builds the Santa Fe and the Sonata sedan at its sole U.S. plant, in Montgomery, Ala. Late last year, Kia opened its own U.S. factory 80 miles away, in West Point, Ga.

    Robert Burns, a spokesman for Hyundai's manufacturing unit, said the plan is being evaluated in South Korea “as a way to get the most efficiency out of the two plants.”

    In April, Hyundai retailers sold 18,536 U.S.-built Sonatas and 5,917 Santa Fes from the plant.

    That is near the factory's monthly production capacity, and the plant has been running 10-hour shifts, plus Saturday shifts. April sales for the brand were up 30 percent over April 2009.

    Kia's U.S. plant produces the Kia Sorento SUV, which shares some components and U.S. suppliers with the Santa Fe. The Sorento is also in demand. The Georgia plant has produced more than 50,000 Sorentos since opening less than six months ago.

    Kia and Hyundai remain competitors despite being commonly owned by the Hyundai Group. Until recently, their products were produced in separate plants despite some sharing of common components on their global platforms.

    Early this year, a Kia factory in Slovakia began producing the European version of the Hyundai Tucson. Kia modeled its Georgia plant closely after the Slovakian factory.

    About 50 miles away in the Czech Republic, a Hyundai plant opened in 2009 to produce both the Hyundai i30 and Kia Venga small cars. Both U.S. plants were built to produce 300,000 vehicles a year.

    What it means to the Sonata (via Autoblog):

    Ever since the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata went on sale in February, it's been selling faster than ever. Over 18,000 units were moved in both March and April and the new turbo and hybrid models are still to come later this year. In order to continue meeting the demand for the new sedan, moving Santa Fe SUV production out of Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama factory (where the Sonata is also built) is now under consideration. Montgomery's been running overtime for weeks.

    But if the Santa Fe is ousted to open up additional Sonata capacity, where would it go? Sister brand Kia recently opened factory in West Point, Georgia that builds the Sorento. Relocating Santa Fe production there could work, since it the and Sorento share many components already. If Hyundai does pull the trigger on a production shift for the Santa Fe, it could happen before the two new Sonata models are added in the fall.
  • syitalian25syitalian25 Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2010
    I have 8500 miles on my Sonata SE with no problems so far.. this business about the car going crazy and pulling to the left and that being some big cover-up by Hyundai sounds like a poorly conceived fabrication. There are a lot of holes in that story and very little evidence (actually none other) that the whole thing even occurred. I am an investigator and when things don't seem to add up that's because they usually aren't true. I would caution everyone reading this forum or considering the Sonata that people can post anything they want in an online forum, whether it's true or false, and that the best way to distinguish reality from fiction is to look at the 99.999% of buyers who have not experienced anything like this.

    I sincerely hope Hyundai's legal department looks into the slander that is being written online about their new vehicle and takes legal action if it turns out to just be a smear campaign.
  • tenpin288tenpin288 Member Posts: 804
    From another blog...

    With the 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, the 2011 Sonata rides on 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm using only regular fuel, and with preliminary estimate of delivering 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

    Read more here

    ;)
  • mexjohnmexjohn Member Posts: 74
    I'm still going to buy one within 2 or 3 weeks.
    Keyman, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I've had mine since April 13 and no problems at all. Now that I've seen that the poster said so many different things in so many different posts, I don't have any concern that it was true. Even if it is, it IS isolated and can happen with any manufacturer as I have researched in the last few days and found evidence of steering problems with both Chevy and Toyota.

    It's new technology and a lot of makers are getting involved. There are always bugs that have to be worked out. Just know that, and enjoy a wonderful new Sonata as I am.
  • h168h168 Member Posts: 5
    Hello Keyman2,
    Where,Where?????? ...and is$23,750 without ANY TYPE of financing ? I'll buy it RIGHT NOW.
  • denp3denp3 Member Posts: 99
    edited May 2010
    I have had my Limited since April 7th with only a hood alarm switch not adjusted properly, not a big deal. Go ahead and get yours. Just got back from driving 120 miles, got an average of 33 mpg. It was not a flat drive, going one way I got 35mpg. With a little back road driving and back home it averaged out to the 33 mpg.
  • shot_mosshot_mos Member Posts: 24
    I don't know. I'm instantly skeptical about mommyt's posting as it is so inflammatory, but I'd also like to point out one other interesting thing.

    This board is set up so you don't have to log in to read messages. I lurked and only joined once I was ready to start a discussion and/or reply to one already on-going.

    So, mommyt joins on April 20, 2010 but doesn't post until May 7, when we have this first post ?

    No OMG I heart my Sonata or anything.

    :confuse:
  • bs1831bs1831 Member Posts: 1
    Is there i way to purchase a Limited Tan leather, red or white vehicle? I can't find one!!!
  • meikmeik Member Posts: 63
    Well, I think we need to take MommyT's issue seriously. I found a case filed on NHTSA site. Case description was quite similar to what MommyT said. It also stated that s/he (I still am not sure if it was MommyT who filed the case to NHTSA) had a video recording.

    You can look it up by yourself if you want.
    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/

    ODI ID Number : 10322666
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