Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here.
Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and it carries 6 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 26 | 27% |
| Steering | 13 | 14% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 5 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 4% |
| Power train | 4 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 3% |
| Air bags | 3 | 3% |
| Air bags | 2 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle, and while insp
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upo
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. That contact stated that the ABS fuse had been replaced but the vehicle experienced unstated failures with the braking system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Cam
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contac
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the local dealer after a recall repair, the brakes were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The ve
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the front driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 De
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolong
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Fix: 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, 2
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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
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. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to inc
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deploy
Fix: 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. H
| Reliability raw | 44 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 62 | average |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 59 | average |
| Safety | 100 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 26 of them (27%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 44/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 62/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip, because the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here. Its overall ownership score is 65/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.