2011 Hyundai Sonata airbags problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V137000Feb 27, 2018580,058 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

  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 include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.

  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 deployment of these safety systems.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026GAAirbags

   The passenger frontal airbag deployed on its own while the vehicle was being driven, with no collision or impact that the driver is aware of. The driver airbag did not deploy. The incident occurred on October 4, 2026, at about 11:14 PM, shortly after the driver refueled at a gas station and was heading toward the highway. The airbag tore open the dashboard panel and cracked the windshield from the inside where the bag struck the glass. The driver brought the vehicle back to…

   NHTSA complaint #11769008 · source
2. Filed Jul 21, 2026CAAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11751926 · source
3. Filed Jun 20, 2026AZAirbagsOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control

   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 complaint #11745397 · source
4. Filed Apr 23, 2026ILAirbags

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11733229 · source
5. Filed Jan 12, 2026TXAirbags

   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 complaint #11710420 · source
6. Filed Jan 7, 2026TXAirbagsOther / Unknown

   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 complaint #11709494 · source
7. Filed Oct 17, 2025AZAirbags

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11694186 · source
8. Filed Aug 3, 2025INAirbagsLightingOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11678048 · source
9. Filed Feb 17, 2025NCAirbagsOther / Unknown

   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 complaint #11643255 · source
10. Filed Jan 15, 2025SCAirbags

    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 complaint #11636133 · source
11. Filed Oct 1, 2024ALAirbagsEngineOther / Unknown

    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 complaint #11617412 · source
12. Filed Sep 25, 2024100,000 miMDAirbagsEngineSeats & Seat Belts

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11616496 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology