If you’re looking for a car that’s reliable and a good deal, then the Hyundai Sonata is an excellent option. But there are some mechanical problems that could make your ride less than enjoyable.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is prone to engine issues like seizures, bearing failure, knocking, and piston ring defects. It also has a tendency to have a weak starter motor.
Engine Seizures
2011 hyundai sonatas have been known to experience engine seizures, which is when the engine fails completely and cannot be restarted. This is a very serious problem that can cause a car to catch fire or crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai is recalling 470,000 Sonata sedans that have 2-liter or 2.4-liter engines.
During the manufacturing process, the automaker says metal debris may have not been fully removed from the crankshaft area. That can restrict oil flow to the connecting rod bearings, which can lead to them failing.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Many Hyundai owners have reported that their engines consume oil faster than is normal. This can lead to a variety of mechanical problems and could potentially result in an engine failure.
Excessive oil consumption can also lead to blue exhaust smoke. This is due to oil leaking past valve seals and making its way into the combustion chamber.
This problem has reportedly affected more than 20 Hyundai models, which is why a class-action lawsuit has been filed against the automaker. The suit claims that the company should have recalled these vehicles.
Rough Idling
When your car idles, it needs the right amount of fuel and air to run properly. If this is not happening, it may lead to a rough idle, which can be quite annoying.
A clogged filter can also cause this problem, because it can make it difficult for air to enter the engine. It can also use more fuel than necessary to run, which is why it’s important to keep your fuel filters clean.
Other causes for rough idling include bad spark plugs or improperly installed spark plug wires. This is a dangerous situation that could be expensive to repair.
Cracked Dashboard
Cracked dashboards are a common problem in many late-model cars that are exposed to harsh UV rays from the sun. These rays can cause the thin plastic or vinyl panels on the dash to fade, crack, and cave in.
This is especially true if the car has been driven in a sunny, hot environment.
A cracked dashboard can be a safety hazard and should be repaired immediately. However, it can be a costly repair to replace the entire dashboard.
Steering Issues
If your vehicle has trouble steering, it may be because of a damaged steering rack or power steering system. These systems are designed to make it easy to steer, but when they aren’t functioning properly, it can be difficult to drive your car safely.
Hyundai is recalling about 139,500 2011 Sonatas due to problems with the steering column shaft connections. They were either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened, which could cause the steering wheel to come loose and result in a loss of control.
The issue has also affected other Hyundai vehicles, including the Kia Soul. It’s part of a global recall announced last month.
Transmission Issues
The transmission delivers power from the engine to your wheels so that you can drive at a certain speed. If your transmission isn’t working properly, you’ll notice issues like shakiness or grinding when accelerating.
A check of the transmission oil level can help you spot a problem, but you may need to call your mechanic to have it checked out if you aren’t sure.
One of the most common Hyundai transmission problems is erratic shifting. This can occur when the transmission fluid level is too low or there is a problem with the input and output sensors.