Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I [redacted] purchased the vehicle from a dealership Mr. T's world test drive the car was fine left the dealership had to go back he change the brake lights made it back left to go to the store the next day had to pull over they had smoke coming from under the hood open the hood up the wires was on fire
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the low fuel light was illuminated. The contact stated that the alternator was replaced prior to the failure. The vehicle was refueled by a tow truck driver. The contact stated that after several days, the vehicle drove as needed; however, the failure reoccurred at a drive-thru. The vehicle was towed to a nearby hotel. The low fuel warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a week later. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was fuel leaking out of the fuel pump gasket. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the fuel pump was replaced. …
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update and the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that a failure related to the recall recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the contact was able to drive the vehicle again; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure, and an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds on four occasions. During the first occasion, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but approximately a year later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was advised to contact a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump and electrical wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
After doing some research, I am now aware that there was a recall 20V-746 or 21V-727 that my car was affected by & was never notified about. On 6/2/2022, I was driving and just exited the freeway. Smoke started coming out of the passengers side of the engine. Cars were honking at me & flames started coming out as I drove into a parking lot. I was terrified as my life was at risk & felt fortunate that this did not happen on the freeway. I feel lucky to have been able to escape this life threatening experience. There is now an open claim with my insurance. I had brake lights changed at Frank Hyundai on 4/08/2022 in National City, CA where they also ran a diagnostic check on the car. There was never mention of a recall & my car was cleared of any issues. In addition to the photos I have attached, I also have videos that I am not able to upload.
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, both her and her passenger smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle's cabin. The contact then noticed that flames were coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and both her and her passenger exited the vehicle. As the contact waited for a fire truck, the vehicle burned to the ground. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The vehicle's remains were towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that her vehicle was apart of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V934000(Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving the vehicle on the interstate, crossing the expansion joint on an overpass, the check engine light illuminated. Immediately following, smoke began coming from under the hood. Pulled off the side of the road to check, and flames were coming out of the car. Quickly removed what personal items that were possible while the car started becoming engulfed in flames. The car burned until the fire department arrived and put the vehicle out. While we cannot be certain, it is believed that the high voltage wiring chafed and arced leading to the fire. If it wouldn't have been possible to immediately pull to the shoulder, the car would have been engulfed while rolling and could have lead to death. The car is a total loss.
Smell of fuel & starting issues. The car has been taken to the dealer multiple times regarding gas fumes and they could not find anything. And it is currently at a mechanic shop to for same reason. When you start the car it doesnt take long before the whole car smells like gas & the smell is so strong it is suffocating. The car is health & fire risk. Also the car sometimes doesnt want to start for days but the starter, battery, alternator all work & even the mechanic doesnt know whats wrong with it. Apperantly there is no recall & if you search online there are alot of people with same cars complaining about gas smell & starting issues..
All the lights appear os dash. Tpms, taction control, maintenance check engine, , brake malfunction message power steering light. Car start beeping alarm. Transmision weard beheaving. Brakes weard, acceleration. Scare moments, stop the car. Dangerous driving. After 5 mjnutes problem desapear and afret 10 more milles problem appear again. Bring car to the dealer february 10th for diagnostic they charge 457.38 dolars fr diagnostic. Almost a month after they found anything nothing. Feel robbed by dealer.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the fuel tube; however, the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and a fuel odor was detected while the defroster was activated. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was fuel leaking in the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Fuel System complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 135 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 4% of the model year's 3,378 complaints. The component named most often is inverter (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Sonata fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Sonata fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 17 fires and 6 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.