2011 Hyundai Sonata brakes problems

Related recalls

• Recall 14V433000Jul 18, 2014133,075 vehicles
  SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 1, 2010. The affected vehicles may experience a brake fluid leak from the two brake lines that connect the brake system's master cylinder to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to insufficient seal between the inner brake hose and metal brake line fitting.

  Risk: If the brake lines leak brake sufficient fluid, the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate and longer stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake hoses with a revised service part, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 122.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 18, 2026TNFireBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I was heading to work when suddenly smoke started pouring from the air conditioning vents, and the ABS and traction control warning lights came on. I hit the brakes to pull over, only to realize I had lost braking power. I managed to steer to the side of the road as carefully as possible and bring the car to a stop—despite having no brakes and a fire burning under the hood. I tried downshifting to slow the vehicle, but the transmission didn't respond, and the cabin began…

   NHTSA complaint #11751236 · source
2. Filed Mar 25, 202680,000 miARTowedBrakes

   The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power, an alarm sounded for the braking system, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. After originally paying out-of-pocket for an ABS module at the dealer and was informed that the engine needed to be repaired and the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic repaired the vehicle.…

   NHTSA complaint #11727065 · source
3. Filed Dec 8, 2025149,000 miVABrakes

   The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was due to an unrepaired recall. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The repair was performed. The failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11703820 · source
4. Filed Nov 19, 2025VABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   The vehicle experiences a recurring defect where the brake light turns on suddenly and the engine shuts off while driving. The failure appears related to the braking system (brake switch circuit), electrical system (CAN-bus/ECU communication), and engine control (shutdown/stall). The system remains installed and is available for inspection upon request. The shutdown poses a serious safety risk, including possible rear-end collision or loss of power in traffic. The problem…

   NHTSA complaint #11700240 · source
5. Filed Oct 29, 2025NYBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Good day, please note that most of my communication with Hyundai has been over the phone. I sent one an email shortly after the event, and after following up on the phone, I received this following string separately. I can forward you more along the way, but Hyundai is in possession of the call recordings. I was hoping they would cover my repairs, my engine had a lifetime warranty, but during this process I learned that there was a recall for this car that I was never aware…

   NHTSA complaint #11696471 · source
6. Filed Sep 23, 2025GABrakes

   The issue has happened multiple times while driving, sitting in traffic, or parked idling. The Brake Light comes on and starts flashing, Alarm Chimes, Brake Pedal goes to the floor seems to not have any hydraulic pressure, the brakes grind like I have no brake pads, and essentially I have NO Brakes. If I turn the car off and on it goes back to normal. I took it to have it checked for a diagnostic code, there were none.

   NHTSA complaint #11689099 · source
7. Filed Aug 29, 2025150,728 miSCBrakes

   The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The brake pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with…

   NHTSA complaint #11683998 · source
8. Filed May 10, 2024120,000 miILTowedBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 80 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff and difficult to depress. The contact stated that her daughter accelerated to steer the vehicle away from slower traffic. The contact stated that her daughter depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond and started losing motive power. The contact stated that her daughter was able to…

   NHTSA complaint #11588051 · source
9. Filed Jan 22, 2024TXBrakes

   Abs unit still in need of remedy Engine emitting smoke and harsh smell no incident has occurred yet but there may be damage occurring to my vehicle

   NHTSA complaint #11567127 · source
10. Filed Jan 20, 2024UTBrakesElectrical SystemLighting

    I was gifted the car for graduation and immediately my brakes weren’t working right my interior electrical stopped working and my window switches stopped working as well as my lights for my car all went out including the brake lights changing the bulbs didn’t help and my check engine light stays on at all times.

    NHTSA complaint #11566680 · source
11. Filed Jan 5, 2024202,008 miLAFireBrakesElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I [XXX] 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 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint #11563843 · source
12. Filed Jan 2, 2024MABrakesAcceleration & Cruise Control

    This is a 'Stop Lamp Switch' issue. The car will randomly turn on the ABS light causing the ABS system to engage and not allow you to use the accelerator pedal. This is very dangerous as if you are about to merge on or off a highway the car does not allow you to correctly control your speed. This issue happens more prevalently at night time when the full beam headlights (auto or manually turn on when dark out), which is very concerning. This issue has been going on for a…

    NHTSA complaint #11563112 · 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