Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 was driving on the interstate when all of a sudden I heard a loud noise that terrified me. I quickly realized the glass of my sunroof was gone. There were no warning signs at all and the sunroof was not open when this happened. After inspection it was clear that only the glass was missing and no other parts of the sunroof assembly. I called Hyundai and was told I could bring it in but it would be an out of pocket expense and would be at least a week before they could get to it. I wasn't sure of the date so I put today's date. N
All the electrical on the drivers side conti ues to fail. The blinker on the driver side only works if the headlights are on and the brake/blinker lights constantly go out even though the bulbs are fine.
While driving my 2011 Sonata, the windows fog up to a dangerous level where I can not clearly see the road, especially the front windshield. This happens at various times of the day and night in cold, hot, humid or raining, etc. Weather conditions. I am most affected at night while returning from the gym and I have to travel through winding, dark, deer infested wooded roads. No matter what temperature setting I place thermostat, it fogs! I have taken my car in several times with the same complaint and the dealer is aware and says multiple people have complained but they have no solution. Dealer says to match outside temp with inside car temp and leave A/C on. I followed the advice, I turn on the A/C in the winter and the heat in the summer and it is very uncomfortable but still doesn't effectively solve the dangerous problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that the air bag sensor needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired for the sensor. After leaving the dealer, the light illuminated again. In addition, the vehicle refused to start on one occasion and the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where they advised him that the ground cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the ground cable. The contact also stated that the front driver side window was open and could not be closed. The window failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving highway speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise above her head. Suddenly, the sun roof exploded while the slider was open. Glass fragments fell on the driver while the vehicle was in motion. There were no injuries. A diagnostic appointment was made with the dealer (allen turner Hyundai, 6000 pensacola blvd, pensacola, fl 32505, [phone]). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was unknown.
When I turn steering wheel it makes the loud sound. My windshield only works on fast mode. Try to call the place I got it from they don't know what's going on. They want to keep it over night but can't get ahold of anymore for them to get it. They will not return my calls. The been going on since I got the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at an unknown speed, the sun roof exploded without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and repaired, but the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
The morning of December 22,2016 about 7:30 am headed to work, suddenly I hear something sounding like a gun shot near my head!! My sunroof had exploded!! Scared the heck out of me!! I was driving about 45-55 MPH on a highway. I don't know how I did not wreck my car!!
Today I was driving down the road at a normal speed when I heard a loud bang. It was so frightening I thought I had been shot. I was starring straight ahead. There was no truck in front of me. I was on a two lane road divided with a grass medium with steel grids separating the sides. I immediately stopped the car to find out that the glass of the moon roof had shattered and had completely come out leaving a hole in the center of the roof. Fortunately, my inside visor was closed and the glass did not enter the car. The temperature had gone down to a chilly 60 degrees that night and warmed up during the day. I searched the area and found nothing to indicate a rock or an object having hit the glass. There was a hole in the middle of the roof. I called insurance and Hyundai dealership because the car is still under warranty. …
3x the driver window button is inoperable. Would turn off car and then it would again work. The worst issue is this: started up car this morning 7-9-12 (this is the 3rd occurrence) and the doors do not lock, then I put it in reverse and it goes about 2 feet and it applies the brakes. I noticed each time the gear console does not light up. The car actually does not go into gear. Each time I have turned off the ignition and restarted it and it works fine. It's going to the shop for the 30K check up and this will be brought up. The drivers window has been brought up and the dealer has said there was no problem. Wrong. There is when it doesn't work. I had one of these in 2001 and it too had electrical issues. My neighbor just sold their 05 Sonata due to electrical issues.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 1% of the model year's 3,378 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Sonata window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.