2011 Hyundai Sonata Airbags Problems

I purchased fgis car from a used car dealership, for over $6,000.00 , which is not a ton of money, but plenty enough to not have instant issues. Since my purchase in june 30, 2026, i have already had all of these issues occur. There is white smoke coming from the left tail pipe, it is sluggish when you push on the gas, there is black soot constantly on my rims that is extreamly hard to remove, the high pressure fuel pump jas failed, I can tell because the oil is higher then it was when o had the oil freshly changed, and it smells of gasoline.inside the oil. The exhaust has stron smell of gasoline. My steering wheel has a loud clinking noise everytime I go over a speed bump on pull into my driveway. Just so many items consistently needing repair or replacement, even though I just had the fuel system cleaned, the oil changed, and filters, and.oil filter too. I checked to see if any of my issues are covered by a recall warranty, because they all are recalled items for my car year, make, and model, but apparently Hyunfai is only covering these dangerous recall items for ul to 10 years. These items shkuld be covered longer, because my carfax states that at least one of these recalled items had already been changed in 2018, and is already broken again!! Hyundai should have covered these extreamly high wear out car parts for a longer period of time, or for the life of the vehicle, if every 5 years your replacing a $1000.00 part, not including labor, like the (HPFP) I was quoted by auto zone for over that price point!! "Ridiculous"! Another item is the air bag cover on the driver side windows area, of the body frame it is loose and keeps un-clipping, i am afraid that it is going to possibly just go off and kill me or something!! Very disappointed right now, that i cannot get any of these recalled items replaced by the manufacturer!!

NHTSA ID

11751926

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

The clock spring went bad causing failure of horn and all buttons on the steering wheel including cruise control. It also caused the airbag light to illuminate.

NHTSA ID

11745397

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The vehicle’s airbag warning light is illuminated. The steering wheel also makes a clicking noise, which appears related to an internal clock spring/coil connector failure. This defect may prevent the driver airbag from deploying properly in a crash, creating a serious safety risk. I contacted O’Brien Hyundai of Normal on 4/23/2026 and was denied repair assistance solely due to vehicle mileage. The vehicle has been well maintained, and this issue involves a critical safety component that should not fail under normal use. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about airbag system failure and occupant safety.

NHTSA ID

11733229

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

UNKNOWN - I noticed DASHBOARD crack over time and the AIR BAG light remain on at all times. The AIR BAG light on the passenger side shows OFF. The entire dashboard is cracked. I fear that I can no longer drive my car distances due to air bag issue. I did not report the issues to a dealer yet, I was waiting until next oil change time. I do not know the date that it started.

NHTSA ID

11710420

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

There was no accident .Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I don’t know of any incidents.

NHTSA ID

11709494

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed air bag clock spring. The contact was informed that the driver's air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact had received an unknown recall notification previously for the air bag. The contact was informed that he was nine days late for the coverage of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11694186

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

To Whom It May Concern, Subject: Formal Complaint – 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS Tail Light Meltdown / Fire Hazard Date: August 3, 2025 I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, specifically concerning the tail light assembly, which has melted and poses a potential fire hazard and traffic safety risk. Approximately a year and a half ago, I noticed melting in the tail light housing and took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership to address the issue. At that time, the car had approximately 208,000 miles. Despite the obvious manufacturing defect and safety implications, the dealership refused to repair or inspect the issue without charging a $275 inspection fee, stating the vehicle was out of warranty. I believe this to be an unfair and irresponsible business practice. Tail light assemblies should not melt under normal use, and such a defect could lead to: Electrical fires Brake light failure (increasing the risk of rear-end collisions) Potential traffic citations for inoperative brake lights Damage to other vehicles or individuals I have already notified Hyundai Motor Corporation about this issue, placing them on notice that should any damages or incidents occur as a result of this defect, they may be held liable. This is not a minor cosmetic issue but a major safety defect, and I strongly urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this is an isolated issue or part of a wider trend affecting Hyundai and Kia vehicles. If so, a safety recall may be warranted. I also intend to report this situation to the Indiana Attorney General's Office as a matter of consumer protection and product safety. I have been backwards and forwards with the Hyundai Corporation Via and Emails...... I look forward to a prompt response. Please!

NHTSA ID

11678048

Incident

Dec 5, 2023

Air bag light is not coming on at all.

NHTSA ID

11673110

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

Dashboard has large cracks all over it including where the passenger air bag is located. I am concerned about the pieces of plastic flying if the air bag deploys. Also concerned that the cracks could release the air bag at any time, even during normal driving. Dealer only suggested getting a dashboard cover, but that would negate the purpose of the air bag. My research showed that there are many other cases of the happening with Hyundai Sonata's 2011-2014.

NHTSA ID

11643255

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

Airbag light is on after a clock spring issue. Dealer is stating new airbag is needed for vehicle that has never had an accident. Airbag light was not on prior to clock spring malfunction. Clockspring was repaired, but airbag light remains on.

NHTSA ID

11636133

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

Car is overheating. Took it to a mechanic They replaced the thermostat but car is still overheating, jerking and so much more. The mechanic wants to charge more to fix it. I got a second opinion from another mechanic and after he reviewed the paperwork from the first mechanic. He searched my vin number and told me to contact this number because my vehicle is on a recall list. So I need someone to contact me about where and how we can get my vehicle fixed.

NHTSA ID

11617412

Incident

Sep 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel seized, and the electrical system became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) nor 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11616496

Incident

Aug 16, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

Dashboard cracked passenger seat around airbag word. Before weather got very hot outside was sitting in parking lot engine off, heard a loud noise and was not able to locate anything wrong. Thought it was the windshield that has a small crack in it. Noticed nothing. Several days later saw large lines through windshield around airbag. Looked inside car to see better. Several weeks later saw smaller crack on driver side dash nearest to door area. Did have oil changed on car on 4-19-24. This happened weeks later (the cracks). Did notify repair shop (auto dealer Priority) of issue. Next appt was 5-18-24 for new tires to be put on car.

NHTSA ID

11607464

Incident

May 5, 2024

I started my car and my steering wheel airbag deployed within a few seconds and injured me. Reason for deployment unknown

NHTSA ID

11588323

Incident

May 11, 2024

Engine seized at 82000 miles stranding me in the passing lane of Interstate 10. Was nearly hit by a truck.

NHTSA ID

11582141

Incident

Jun 6, 2023

My car airbag light came on. I called the dealership about the remedy that was already recalled under campaign number 18V137000 because my last visit I got told by the dealership that my ACU was bad for the car and that it was going to cost me upwards of $2000 to replace and the dead was no recall on my vehicle and then called corporate and they had told me that this had been taken care of back in 2016 when I did not on the vehicle this time in the second owner and that basically they would not cover to fix this issue and that any warranty that was extended ran out when I only had purchased the vehicle in November 2020 so now they are unwilling to fix the issue because they had stated that it was already previously fixed with the previous owner and then I could either basically pay to get it fixed or they weren’t gonna do anything about it I feel my safety at risk because in the event of crash airbags will not deploy and basically that they would not fix the problem even though it is under a National recall, and my car was manufactured within the manufacturing dates of the recall I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, and I also do not feel that I have to pay for that has been nationally recalled

NHTSA ID

11567754

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Dashboard cracked. Completely cracked into small pieces throughout the dashboard.

NHTSA ID

11565689

Incident

Jan 5, 2021

The dash cracked in many places.

NHTSA ID

11563508

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

My car had engine seized while driving on the road with no warning light prior nor other mechanical issues. When the engine seized, all mechanical powers are have lost power including brakes and power steering in which have almost caused a near accident at an early morning rushed hours. The vehicle's odometer reading at 120,836 and was up to date on all normal tune up performances. Other issues that have arise after purchasing the car are: warning light came on for airbag, real loud clunking sound on roof when hitting a bump on the road and engine will not start because of fuel line system issues. Cruise control had also stopped working after a year of purchased.

NHTSA ID

11547304

Incident

Sep 27, 2023

in July of 2022 the buttons on the steering wheel like cruise control trip/reset button as well as radio controls eventually all quit working did not become fully aware of this until I was on the interstate and was driving with the cruise control set and when I needed to turn off cruise control it wouldn't turn off by the steering wheel thankfully I know can hit the brakes and the car will shut it off however after this all happened the air bag light came on and stayed illuminated I called my dealer and they insisted that there was no recall on the CLOCK Spring in the steering wheel of my car and wanted me to pay out of pocket for an issue that they claim was non existint as well them also telling me all the recalls were taken care of when I purchased the vehicle in novemember of 2020 and im only the second owner had the car for 3 months and Hyundai stated that my vehicle had the knock sensor update and then a week later the motor went

NHTSA ID

11545941

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

Starting 6 months ago air bag light is on constantly. Horn stopped working, speed control doesn't work. The whole steering wheel and buttons with horn doesn't work.

NHTSA ID

11529643

Incident

Jun 29, 2023

Warning light for airbag continues to stay on , and cruise control does not work at all.

NHTSA ID

11524337

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V137000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the warning light was cleared; however, the light returned soon after. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 262,000.

NHTSA ID

11519258

Incident

Apr 20, 2023

Mileage

262,000 mi

The NHTSA has filed a Consent Order (RQ17-004) for a Engine Replacement due to safety concerns while driving the vehicle on the road, Vehicle may stall and cause / be involved in a accident. Please make this recall public so the affected vehicles can be properly repaired as the Consent Order states I have reviewed the Consent Order and I will not continue to drive this vehicle, I will not risk being involved in a accident The Hyundai dealership in Alexandria Virginia has refused to repair this recall under the Consent Order, My vehicle Vin# is [XXX] My vehicle has been at this dealership location for over 3 weeks and I was told that they were not going to perform this recall and I noted that If I pick up my vehicle and drive it away and the engine fails, stalls or stops in the middle of the highway and I survive I will have to file a lawsuit in this matter and the dealership still told me to pick up my vehicle. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11511357

Incident

Mar 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, there was an abnormal rattling and ticking noise detected. The air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The dealer requested the maintenance records but denied repair coverage due to old oil in the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11502854

Incident

Nov 1, 2022

Mileage

180,000 mi