Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

● Typical for this model

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:04:43.377Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 95
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 7
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 95 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2011	95
2012	155
2013	108
2014	28
2015	52
2016	132
2017	80
2018	9
2019	5
2020	16
2021	53
2022	19
2023	15
2024	9
2025	11
2026	2

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

41% · 39 reports

FIRE

Steering

19% · 18 reports

Service brakes

19% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

As I was gently applying my brakes in heavy freeway traffic, going about 50MPH, the brake pedal became soft and dropped to the floor. The brake failure warning light also started to flash and chime.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-14

Electrical system

18% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH

Power train

11% · 10 reports

Show complaint excerpts

I was coming off of an on ramp to get onto the highway and due to traffic I had to let off the gas. The vehicle suddenly accelerated by itself, causing me to nearly lose control of the vehicle. Another incident took place at a school crosswalk area.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-25

This began as a intermittent hesitant clunk, both during acceleration/deceleration in transitioning between electric motor / gas engine. It has progressed into an unexpected physical jump while going forward and reverse.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-01

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-04-13Seat belts17V152000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-11-06Seat belts17V617000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-08-30 Air bags may be disabled during crash
I
2018-08-21Defect petitionClosed 2019-05-10 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
R

2018-10-15Air bags, seat belts18V137000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-03-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2021-12-22 Non-crash Vehicle Fires
R

2020-09-28Equipment20V393000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-31Engine20V746000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
R

2024-04-10Service brakes, hydraulic23V651000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell,...

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 39 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 18 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V152000 · Seat belts
Recall 17V617000 · Seat belts
Recall 18V137000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 20V393000 · Equipment
Recall 20V746000 · Engine
Recall 23V651000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.