Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activate
Hyundai has told Consumer Reports that today they are launching a Customer Service Campaign to address steering pulling issues in 2011 Sonatas. The campaign is for owners of Sonatas with 18-inch wheels built roughly between September 2010 and May 2011. Customers will be notified over the next six to eight weeks, starting today.
Hyundai will inspect the entire suspension system and make adjustments, as needed, on impacted sedans. If that does not correct the complaint, the dealers will replace the struts and reprogram the electronic power steering. Hyundai believes the majority of complaints can be addressed through the suspension inspection and adjustment.
As we reported earlier, our 2011 Sonata Limited 2.0T drifts to the left on some roads. On our car, it could easily be countered by minor one-handed steering corrections, but it was an annoyance. A suspension alignment and a new front left strut improved matters and reduced complaints among our staff, but we still feel the car should track better. Other Sonata owners have had more severe symptoms and complaints.
Hopefully this service campaign remedies this flaw in the otherwise very pleasant and high-scoring Sonata.
Update: Since Sonatas with 18-inch wheels represented a large majority of the complaints, Hyundai focused this customer service campaign on those cars. We were told by Hyundai that Sonata owners with 16- or 17-inch wheels with the complaint should also go to the dealer and have the car checked. If the dealer can not resolve the issue, they should call the technical support line.
2012 Sonatas have updates to improve their tracking, including using the new struts and electric steering programming.
Related:
Hyundai still working on final fix for Sonata steering
2011 Hyundai Sonata steering update: New strut, similar alignment issue
2011 Hyundai Sonata owners and CR test drivers complain of steering alignment problems
—Tom Mutchler
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
