2011 Hyundai Sonata

mits_don

I use a Club too, on all my cars. Including the 2011 Sonata. They are a proven deterrent. Thieves don't like extra hassles. Ask your insurance provider... Stock alarm systems lack many features, like motion detectors and glass breakage detectors. They are also defeatable by the more experienced car thief. They hate the Club, and I want to give them a reason to walk right by my car.

Is it not almost impossible for someone to steal your car when it has a proximity security key? I can't even get a remote car starter because of the 'proximity' start interlock.

Kirstie_H

If a link to a Toyota article is relevant to the Sonata, then please at least include that explanation of the relationship in your post. I'm not going to read through every article to try to find a relationship, so a post like that on its own certainly looks like it's just there to say that Toyota is bad.

chalirebrown

Well I have owned the 2011 Sonata SE since March 10th and so far it has been really great. The acceleration is fine for a four cylinder and the shifts are smooth with the six speed automatic. The body lines are outstanding and the buying experience was great considering I traded in a 2003 Nissan Altima-I have driven Nissans since 1977 and I decided to buy the Hyundai because the ALtima looked the same as last years, the Honda was too plain and ditto for the Camry. This car sur egets great comments and the warranty is absolutely great-no need for extended warranties.

schdy

I apologize. I should have referenced the power steering issue which has been a great concern here. I just wanted all Sonata owners to know that the PS issue has come up again in another type auto and there may be concern with the new electronic power steering design.
I recognize your screening is difficult and I will be sure in the future to avoid making this type mistake.

fish8

They decided to replace the compressor. We will see if this helps.

jlflemmons

Well, if the compressor has an intermittent clutch coil, that would cause your problem. I just know that in this part of Texas right now, no a/c would not be an option!

nj2pa2nc

very impressed with the car. It now has 1,325 miles. (started out with 22 miles-we took it on a test drive before buying it)

schdy

Good Luck with the new car. Which model and color?

ral2167

Dont get me wrong-- I like the sonata-- the looks are great and I like the amenities. Not quite sure why a Limited version has low profile tires; wish it had more sound-deadening materials, and the center armrest would slide forward for more forearm support. It's little things like that. Probably will go with a Camry XLE for $3000 more with the 6 cylinder and quieter smoother ride than the limited. Just my preference.

Kirstie_H

A reporter is looking to speak to consumers who recently got a new vehicle because of the great lease deal. Please send your daytime phone number and the car you purchased to ctalati@edmunds.com by Friday, August 6, 2010.
Thanks,
Chintan
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

petdogdfw

I have had my 2011 Sonata Limited for about 3 months now. While I do love this car, it has not been rattle free.

The rattle seems to be coming from the right front dashboard and so far it has been back at the dealership twice. The first time, they thought it was a faulty strut and it took about 3 weeks to get the part in and so they replaced it. Unfortunately this did not resolve the problem. So I took the car back in and the dealership asked me to drive the car with the service technician riding with me so he could hear it which he did.

After a couple of days, the dealership called to say they think the problem is resolved and that there was some loose insulating material in the dash that is supposed to prevent any type of rattles from actually occuring. When I picked up the car, the rattle was indeed gone but only for 2 or 3 days. After driving a few days, the rattle has returned.

I will give the dealership credit for trying but I will be bringing it back a third time for the same problem. They also confirmed that mine is not the first 2011 Sonata that has been brought in for this problem.

To date, I have not received any survey from Hyundai. I do hope that the dealership will be able to finally resolve this. It is more of a sqeaking or creaking sound when the car goes over any type of small bump or when it turns.

ral2167

I sometimes turn my sunshade to the side if the sun is from direction-- when i turn it back to the normal position, and forget to "lock" it in place, i get an occasional squeak just from that. could that be the problem? it's not a sonata, but i assume it could happen in any car.

nj2pa2nc

Venetian red with manual transmission (only comes in the basic model. We received a call from Hyundai corp the next day after we bought the car asking us about our experiences. I do wish they offered it with a sunroof

grambo1980

Hi Everyone,
I've had my Sonata for about 3 months now, and i bought it from the dealership with the stipulation that they would install the sunroof & Nav package after the sale.

So i get the sunroof installed right afterwards, but here I am 3 months out, and still no nav kit. They keep telling me that "hyundai has not released the aftermarket nav kit to the dealers yet".

I sent a request to Hyundai to see if this is accurate or if they are just blowing me off, do any of you /know/ for sure if they are installing aftermarket nav kits yet?

Thanks.
Neil

mccallr

Although you can't make a phone call using the voice feature button on the steering wheel while the system is downloading your phonebook, you can make a call manually by using your phone. And the call does use the system's speakers and microphone. So, if you want to make a phone call while the Sonata is downloading your contacts/phonebook, simply use the phone to initiate the call.
By the way, I made a call during a really bad storm yesterday (the rain was hitting the roof of the car so loudly that I thought the person on the phone wouldn't be able to hear me), but that wasn't the case at all. In fact, the person couldn't hear any noise whatsoever. I find this amazing since the microphone is located in the roof interior. The phone call quality of this Sonata bluetooth has been truly awesome! I do wish the system allowed you to turn off the "automatic phone book download" every time you turn on the radio, but I guess it does ensure the system updates any contacts you may have added.

sonatascott

So far my GLS is rattle free at about 3800 miles. I did hear of a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin for a rattle in the "right front passenger area". It is number 10-BD-005. The part number for the repair kit is 68239-13E00. They also mention a "special service tool" P/N J-43980-HMA. Good luck to you.

zornundo

I have the XM subscription on my 2009 Sonata. I love it! I drive upwards of 3,000 miles a month so I make sure to get my money's worth. I haven't decides whether or not to continute the service on my wifes new 2011 limited. She hardly drives it all. Maybe I should continue it just so I have some excuse to drive it some!

jlflemmons

If you let it expire, they will wait about 30 days then give a much better deal and with no charge to reactivate. The rate for my wife's Tucson dropped from something like $12 month with royalties and taxes to about $5 a month for 6 months.

denp3

They called me about 3 weeks after picking up each car, mine in April and my wives in July. They offered 6 months at 4.99 a month. I took it on mine, but my wife didn't want it on hers.

LASHAWN

I don't think they have an aftermarket nav kit for the Sonata or for any of their for that matter. If their going to install an aftermarket nav kit in your vehicle than they'd probably send to a local car audio store to have it done. If you really need an aftermarket nav unit, why not just buy a Garmin or do you really need a head unit?

grambo1980

Well thats what i have right now a garmin. I want the indash setup. I assumed they had it available as they offer it as an accessory package. =(

jlflemmons

How did the new compressor work out?

fish8

The AC/compressor seems to be working fine. But, seems like my creaking noise is back fir the 3rd time. I called the dealer and they all but advised me to bring it to another dealer. Honestly, not really enjoying my new car at this point. It has been in the shop 5 times now in 2 months. :-(

jlflemmons

Is there another dealer nearby? I count myself fortunate that the dealer in town is excellent, both for sales and service.

mccallr

Is the creaking noise coming from the right front (behind glovebox)? If so, there's a technical bulletin which basically affixes felt strips where the glovebox touches the frame when it's closed. Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems with my Sonata. It's so quiet.

fish8

The creaking is coming from the fuel tank and how the tank rubs the straps. I also have the rattle coming from the right dash area. Honestly, I don't even want to address that noise it only makes noise when going over a bump at a slow rate of speed. I just don't have much fight left in me at this point. I will just hold tight until my lease expires and jump ship.

ral2167

Hey-- don't give up-- the car is under warranty-- have them spray the straps on the gas tank with WD-40, or you crawl under there and do it; or get a blow torch and weld some additional support straps (make sure tank is empty).

That service bulletin on the glovebox rattle might help you with the other noise.

fish8

Not giving up yet. The first visit the dealer lubricated the straps the second visit entailed tightening and putting a strip in between the tank and straps. That's worked the best, but noise is still slightly present.

rousseau1

Has anyone noticed a problem with water dripping in the sunroof? I had this problem and was told by the dealer service manager and Hyundai field rep that this is normal and that that is what the gutter and drains are there to handle. I have never heard of leaking being acceptable, at any level. They have tried to remedy the problem several times but finally gave up, telling me it is normal operation. Car was less than a month old when problem was noticed, and they have had it ever since!

yankman04

I just leased a 2011 Hyndai Sonata - GLS with popular Equip Package + Rearview Mirror with HomeLink/Compass, Cargo Net, Cargo Mat, Mud Guards and IPod Cable. Sticker price is $22, 280. I thought I made a good deal - no money down - bank fee, and all taxes rolled in for $275/month. The only fee I had to pay upfront was the 1st month's lease ($275) and NYS Registration and Tag Fees ($301). I was very happy with the deal until I saw the $400 disposition fee in the contract. Is this a legit fee from Hyndai?

lostwrench1

An empty gasoline tank is far more explosive than a full one. I wouldn't bring a blow torch anywhere near the gas tank, empty or full.

moontrain

I have had my Limited for three months and I have had no problems and no rattles up to this point. I live in upstate New York so I had the car ziebarted ( under coated ).This probably sealed everything under the car.

jimbres

I don't own a Hyundai, but I had this problem years ago with a late 80s Accord that rarely saw the inside of a garage. When the car was 10 or 11 years old, the sunroof began to leak. I took the car to my independent mechanic, who found that dead leaves had clogged the sunroof drains. He cleaned out the drains, billed me $20, & I never had the problem again.

I simply wouldn't put up with a leaky sunroof on a new car. There is a solution to this problem, & it's your dealer's responsibility to find it. End of story.

marnick2011

The $400 disposition fee is indeed legitimate. It is standard on Hyundai leases. Of course if you purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease there is no disposition fee. Our dealer also told us he would waive the fee if we leased or purchased another Hyundai at the end of the lease period.

2011limited

Shocking.... Maybe Not:

'Sales of Honda-branded vehicles were down 10 per cent at 10,184, while sales of the luxury Acura brand fell 13 per cent to 1,431 units.

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. reported late Tuesday that its sales rose 9.7 per cent to 11,503 units'.

keyman2

Hi
I just read this post,I've been in and out of hospitals for my girlfrind.Didn't buy the Sonata yet but I have a great price $23,750 with Nav/Sunroof SE model.I don't know what color is good they all look pretty good to me?I was thinking now of the Black?or Harbor Grey?or Indigo Blue?are these nice colors?

nj2pa2nc

I love black and previously owned a car in that color. It looked beautiful when clean but it was very hard to keep it that way. Our 2011 sonata is venetian red

ral2167

indigo blue is ugly, imo. the others are fine

johnwho

The "best color" is a very personal choice.

My advice is to go to a dealer (or dealers) and see as many of the colors as you can, especially those that you might really consider.

The Phantom Black Metallic, for example, isn't just a deep black, it has metallic, sparkly, reflective specks in it.

Many folks like the blue or purple that comes through at times on the Pacific Blue Pearl and the Black Plum Pearl as both of these go through a "color changing" appearance sometimes.

The Iridescent Silver Blue Pearl is sometimes showing a light blue hue, sometimes an almost bright silver (I also see gold highlights), and other times a light gray according to the amount of light.

The Harbor Gray gives what some describe as a "classy" look and is one of the few colors (Black and White being the others) that allow the Wine interior.

The Indigo Blue Pearl has great appeal to those folks who prefer a blue vehicle, just as the Venetian Red does for red lovers. Both also seem to elicit "I normally do not like a blue/red car, but this is something I would consider" comments.

The Camel Pearl, Radiant Silver, and Pearl White each have a strong appeal to those who are drawn to those colors on a vehicle.

I've seen them all at various dealers and don't think there is a "loser" in the bunch. I have seen reds, blues, and even "whites" on some cars that I did not like, so its not like I'm not particular.

Personally, I prefer the Iridescent Silver Blue Pearl (which I have), the Harbor Gray, and the White, while my least favorites are the Pacific Blue Pearl and the Black Plum Pearl only because at some times I see them as a slightly off-black that doesn't work so much for me. Having said that, there were times when we saw those colors under the bright Florida sun and they looked great.

So, go see them. Decide on which combination (exterior/interior) seems best for you, and go for it.

Enjoy.

fish8

Made another appointment to bring my car in for the creaking noise for this Wed. I am going to call Hyundai Consumer Affairs tomorrow and have them open a case for this issue. had to do teh same thing for the AC and it finally got fixed. The dealer suggested I call them to see if they can get involved to determine once and for all what is causing this creaking noise. Today the noise was very noticeable when making a low speed turn. Hope it finally gets fixed.....

rexg

My SE has developed a slight creaking noise too. I first noticed it at ~1800 miles. It seems to be coming from the dash area -- around the stereo and HVAC controls or perhaps a little further to the right. I notice it during vehicle weight transfers -- acceleration from a stop and upon initial application of the brakes. Good luck on your next attempt to get the noise fixed. Keep us posted.

fish8

Sounds like the same noise, but my creaking is supposedly coming from the gas tank area. I am really going to press Hyundai to fix his or get me out of the car. I know the creaking is not a "major" problem, but, 6 visits to the dealer in 2 months is excessive in my book.

denp3

I have a harbor gray Limited. Good color, doesn't show the dirt.
I am very pleased with the color.

mccallr

I've only had my 2011 Sonata for about 3 weeks but finally took it on a small trip (Warner Robins, Georgia to Atlanta...and back [120 miles each way]). Going to Atlanta, I got 38.5 MPG and coming back, I got 40.5MPG. I live near the interstate so this mileage was totally highway driving, averaging 65MPH (55-74MPH, depending on speed limit). I confirmed the mileage by the reading on the trip computer and also dividing mileage by the gas pumped. My mileage around town shows 28 on the trip computer, but computes to 26 when I calculate it myself. My town isn't busy and doesn't have many lights so I'm guessing I would probably get 22-24 in traffic. I leave the trip computer set to INSTANT and try to keep the RPM at 2K or less when accelerating in town. I also back-off the gas pedal when I hit 40MPH and put on the cruise. I find that I get much better mileage when cruise is on, than when I keep the car steady at the same speed. I'm not sure why, but when I'm going 45MPH on a flat road with my foot on the gas pedal, it reads about 30-35MPG. As soon as I put the cruise on, it jumps to 40+ MPG. I'm never used the cruise before (while driving around town), but I am now. I really love this car. I find myself driving like an old lady (to get the mileage) but I don't mind. I just relax, put the "Watercolors" jazz station on, and enjoy the drive.

fish8

Opened another case with Hyundai consumer affairs this morn. Bringing the car in wed and they will contact the dealer tomorrow to determine the details. On thur they will call me to determine the next steps. If no fix is available they will escalate and hopefully get me out if this car.

johnxyz

Is the upcoming turbo-4 that is slated for the Sonata the same 2.0L engine that is available in the Genesis Coupe? Is that also the same engine in the Mitsuibishi EVO?

Also, is the 6 sp. ZF auto tranny better than the 5 sp. Aisin auto tranny in the Genesis Coupes? Do we know what auto transmission will be mated to to new turbo engine in the Sonata? Thanks

brian1

Looking at a 2011 Sonata SE with NAV (Black) sticker = $26,100. It is a dealer demo with 5,000 miles on it. Dealer only willing to do $25k. What is a fair expectation to buy this car for? thanks

jaimz

I'm thinking that's a terrible price. People have been getting the lmtd for less than 25K, including me! The SE should go for about 2k less. It seems that 25K is the most I'd pay for it WITH nav. Put 5,000 miles on it and we're talking a used vehicle basically. That's a lot of mileage....3-4 months of daily driving for most people.

jaimz

Averaged 70-75mph with several slow downs, hills, and a couple of stops along the way. Yep....and that's a net gain of about 2,000 feet by the way. I had about 1/4 tank left...remarkable.

The guy that split the gas with me (I paid for the gas down and he paid for the return trip) wants his money back for the unused gas. LMAO

brian1

they are really playing up the "Sonata shortage" and are trying to hold to sticker on new ones. The dealer claims there was a memo issued last week from Hyandai USA telling dealers not to discount the Sonata. Could be sales speak but maybe it is partially true. Not many sitting on lots in my area.