8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$720
Average Mileage:
93,050 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (18 reports)
  2. replace clock spring (4 reports)
  3. replace air bag module (1 reports)
  4. replace internal seat track assembly (1 reports)
  5. replace passenger side cushion with sensor (1 reports)
  6. replace rf assembly (1 reports)
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problem #27

Dec 192018

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles

I brought my 2011 Sonata to Atlantic Hyundai in Islip because there was a recall related to a short circuit in the airbag control unit. They said they fixed the airbag issue related to the recall, but then something with a wire assembly related to the airbag had come apart under the seat, and it would be $150 to fix. I thought the coincidence of an airbag recall related to a short circuit AND another airbag problem related to wires that had come apart was unusual coincidence, but I had the car fixed anyway.

Less than two weeks later, the airbag light on the dashboard came on again. I went back to the Atlantic Hyundai dealer. Now they said there is a short circuit in the airbag system (error B1322) and that the internal seat track failed, needing replacement. THREE airbag issues in ONE MONTH all related to short circuits and wire issues, but only one of the three was covered by the recall notice? Really? More coincidence?

I asked why was this new problem not detected when they fixed both the recall short circuit issue and the wire assembly airbag issue. Atlantic Hyundai said the problem must be intermittent.

I asked if the fix of the wire assembly caused the short circuit in the airbag system, and the Atlantic Hyundai dealer answered that the airbag light was not on when they gave me the car the last time it was fixed for the recall and wire issue, just a few weeks earlier. The short circuit is known as error code B1322 and related to a "confirmed internal seat tracking failure." The cost to fix at Atlantic Hyundai would be another $1,000.

- Mike G., Massapequa, US

problem #26

Mar 012017

Sonata GL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

HYUNDAI has a recall but not able to fix it. They said they reset the clock spring but it never fixed anything. Dealer said they would run a test on the airbag problem and only refund cost if was under warranty. My mechanic ran a test and said wire under seat showed high voltage and low voltage. He couldn't figure it out. It has to be the unit that controls the airbag.

- dpputter, Cherry Valley, US

problem #25

Jun 222018

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,000 miles

A few months ago, my air bag light came on going down the highway, not exceeding 35mph. No bumps or anything. I started to do some digging and found out Hyundai has recalled the air bag sensor. After some run around from the dealers they finally looked at it today. *side note: I already had my husband look at the codes and it was the Passenger Side Air Bag Sensor and Communication codes" The dealer translated this to "it could be part of the recall." So when I asked him to forget the recall for a minute, how much would it cost to fix my car if I paid for it, how much and when can it be fixed? His answer was Hyundai pulled all of the bad parts but hasn't fixed the part yet. So even though they claim only a small portion of the ones recalled are bad, there are NO parts to replace the main air bag component. My state inspection is due soon and the response was to hope there was a fix before that happens because without one, my light will be on and it'll fail inspection. Then I'll have a car payment, full coverage car insurance and a car I can't legally drive. They gave me a toll free number to call where it was also suggested to me to talk to the dealer about trading in my vehicle. No offense, but 1) they only offered me $1,200 for it and 2) I really don't want to purchase a vehicle from a company that isn't the lease bit concerned by this car. If anyone has any suggestions, PLEASE let me know.

- Caitlin R., Stuarts Draft, US

problem #24

Feb 062018

Sonata GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

Airbag light came on. I understand that the clockspring is a warrantied item now for 15 years which is a known issue. The dealer refused to even check to see if the computer error code is that issue. They want $130 for that. Very frustrating. Easy, check the diagnostic codes, if its clockspring then replace it and if its another issue, let me know how much.

Update from Nov 9, 2018: Hudson Hyundai, replaced the Clockspring and fixed the issue as now there was a second symptom of the controls on the steering wheel not working.

- Marjan J., Somerset, NJ, US

problem #23

Oct 092017

Sonata GLS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

Air bag light turned on in the morning while going to work but when going out for lunch the light turned off. But again while going home in the evening it turned back on and stayed on ever since. Never had any accidents, not sure why the light turned on.

- Sandeep K., Chicago, US

problem #22

Oct 072017

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,500 miles

Very concern. Airbag is for safety, light staying on is not safety. I purchased Hyundai because of high on safety. Do not need to get kill before something is mention. Also, when turn right or left signal on dashboard light flashes. There is surely some issues going on with this car and not 100,000 miles. Electrical issues should not be happening at this point. I take car to be service and oil change consistently.

- gattitsogbui, Columbia, US

problem #21

Jul 142017

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

Out of the blue the light came on. Dealership will replace clock spring under extended warranty but charges $1200 for replacing the passenger side seat cushion with sensor. Not happening, i will look for an after market and install myself probably going to cost me $250 for the part.

- michelt, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #20

Jun 082017

Sonata GLS V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

My airbag light stays on while driving , even if there is no passenger in the car. The light started by coming on then going off like normal then it came back on and now will not go off for no reason. My car hasn't been in any accident , the only thing currently done to the car was having my car looked at for the seatbelt recall.my car is no longer the warranty so I cant afford to return to the dealer. Wish there was a recall issued for this problem

- Jasmine J., Cincinnati, US

problem #19

Nov 182015

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

Air bag light is constantly on. Came on around 96,000 miles. Paid dealer $120 for diagnosis. Dealer said it would cost $1,000 to fix. My boss drives a 2011 KIA Sorento and just mentioned he received a letter stating KIA was extending the warranty on his vehicle to 15 years for the airbag system; evidently they have had a systemic failure of the clock springs. Makes me wonder if the same parts/system is used in the Hyundai as well? Anybody know the answer to that? If so, then why isn't Hyundai doing the same thing as KIA?

- tcyrus, Crestview, FL, US

problem #18

Aug 042016

Sonata GS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,941 miles

click to see larger images

air bag warning light on

The passenger side airbag light has come on and will not go off. I am not sure of the solution, but from looking at this sight Hyundai can add this to the myriad list of recalls that they have on the 2011 Lemon Sonata...because they have sold all of us Lemons.

- sassyscribe, Pasadena, MD, US

problem #17

Feb 272017

Sonata LS 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

On my way to work I stopped at the store and when I started my car and put it in drive all the dash lights came on and stayed on. The car was stuck in first gear and wouldn't shift. I had to pull over, shut my car off and start it again. After doing so, the passenger airbag warning light on the dash has been stuck on since, and the passenger on/off light keeps blinking on the passenger side unless I connect the seat belt. The light on the dash is on no matter what I do.

Bryan H

- Bryan H., Lansing, US

problem #16

Jan 112017

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

One fine day the airbag light turned on when I have never had an accident or crash. I am afraid that in case of an accident, the airbags may not deploy. This is a serious safety issue.

- Rakesh G., Tampa, FL, US

problem #15

Aug 042016

Sonata

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

service tech the air bag warning light on the dashboard can be fixed for $300

- jeanthequeen, Woodland, CA, US

problem #14

Nov 242016

Sonata Limited 2.4L L4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,023 miles

Car has 91000 miles, problem started after starter problem. Dealer fixed the starter problem with my extended warranty. At the same time dealer told me that alternator was bad so i got it fixed. After that lost my radio sound. Did reset but did not work. After above work, air bag light came on. Took it to dealer and they told me that it will cost me $374.00 to fix the sensor. I told them don't fix now. Also the drive shafts on both side are bad. They fixed it with $50.00 deductible with Hyundai warranty.

- Pramukh P., Mission Viejo, CA, US

problem #13

Sep 092016

Sonata SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,835 miles

My airbag light went on and immediately made the appt. with our Hyundai dealer for the same day. We were four months past the 5 year warranty with only 42,835 miles on the Sonata. The problem was diagnosed as a faulty clock spring and repaired for a total cost of $452.53. First off, we felt the cost was excessive, and second feel the problem should have been resolved at no cost to us. My feelings about this were reinforced when I went home and read all the complaints on your website about Sonata airbag issues. Prior to this, we were very happy that the Hyundai did not have Takata airbags, but perhaps we would have been better off with a recall.

This morning I called Consumer Affairs at Hyundai to voice my problem and was given a case number since I requested to speak to someone higher number and I am still waiting for a call back. The person I spoke to said they cannot extend the warranty, but the service manager at the dealership is the one who does that. I then proceeded to call the service manager who suggested I called Consumer Affairs because they have to authorize that. Naturally I proceeded to tell her that they put the responsibility on the dealer to resolve this issue and gave her the case number. She was very helpful in saying she was going to call them directly and try to get action on my complaint and was 100% on my side. The mechanic who did the repairs said we would get our money refunded if we traded in the car for a 2017. Seriously? Hopefully we get a positive outcome. If not, at least I am sharing my experience with others.

- Barbara G., Sarasota, FL, US

problem #12

Aug 252016

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,898 miles

I've been the owner of this car for a year exactly and never thought I would have to deal with so many issues of this car. My car was diagnosed when I FIRST bought the car June 2015 and now 1 year later I'm having to deal with so many ISSUES a major one BEING THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON!!!! I was driving the car the whole day and later about 6:30 pm I get in my car and turn it on and the light not only pops on but stays on. I was immediately scared because I thought that meant that the airbag would deploy at anytime so I hurried to my next destination and turned the car off. I grabbed my owners manual to read if the light stays on for more than 6 seconds to call my dealership so I did that where they told me that they would be able to look at the issue but I would have to come out of my pocket $179.00 and then I could decide if I wanted the problem fixed or not he also said that that meant THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY the event of an accident. My first thought was no way in heck was going to pay for something that has to be a defect my car has no accidents and I have been driving it with no airbag light problem. I THEN reached out to the Hyundai USA because I have had a bad experience with the dealerships diagnosing my car incorrectly sending me away without "taking time" to look into issues. The person I'm working with arranged for me to take my car for diagnostic free of charge and I did last week on Thursday to find out MY CLOCK SPRING WAS BROKEN i AM WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT STEP IS BUT I HIGHLY FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT ONE OUT OF MANY!!! I REGRET PURCHASING THIS CAR!!!!!

- misskd, Portland, OR, US

problem #11

Oct 302016

Sonata Limited 2.4L Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,600 miles

I bought the car new, it has never been in an accident, then suddenly the air bag light came on. For our safety I went to the out of town dealer a few days later only to find out It was diagnosed as needing a module assns1 part no 56900-3Q200 RY which needed to be ordered. COST $866.36 for the part because "it wasn't under warranty" just missed it, and labor charged was $126.30 to tell me why my air bag light came on. Never mind my piece of mind driving without the SAFETY air bags I paid for when I purchased this car new. So this was just received yesterday 18 days since the light came on, we reported it and scheduled to take it to get serviced. I now do plan on calling Hyundai complain/report this on a fairly new one owner car. Been fighting a seat belt retraction issue to. I plan on reporting this.

- Teresa R., Emporia, KS, US

problem #10

Aug 172016

Sonata Limited 2.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 89,500 miles

It is 2011 Sonata and has never been in an accident. The dash board light turned on few months ago after 5 1/2 years of owning the car. I took to the dealer and they ask for $160 for diagnostic and that amount will apply to the cost of fixing the problem if I decide to go ahead of fixing the airbag light problem, The dealer gave a rough estimate between $900 to $1200 to fix this airbag issues. They also said the the airbag only warranty for 6 years or 60,000 miles. I thought the airbag should be 10 years and 100,000 miles as Hyundai always advertised that. I searched on the web and there are a recall on airbag for Elantra but not Sonata. It is definitely a manufacture defect because this is the original airbag and the car has never been in any kind of accident as I mentioned above.

It seemed like the 10/100,000 warranty is just for advertisement purpose and they are not really standing behind their product or quality.

BTW - I exchanged some email with Hyundai Corporation but it did not go anywhere.

- Kh T., San Diego, CA, US

problem #9

Oct 182016

Sonata SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,143 miles

For the second time in three months, the Air Bag light is continually on.

I was told likely the clock spring needed replacement. I keep cars for over 100,000 miles and NEVER had this before. It is NOT covered under Hyundai's Warranty.

First time, diagnostic (cost of $117 to have done) showed the vehicle did not have the proper code input after battery replacement.

This second time, showing clock spring. I got estimates at two dealers in two different states. Estimate is $500 - $525.

This 2011 Sonata is in the shop more than all 9 of the other vehicles our household has ever had. And we keep vehicles until at least 100,000 miles. I HATE this car. Hyundai does not take responsibility for the shoddy product.

- Andrea M., Bristol, PA, US

problem #8

Aug 092016

Sonata SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,800 miles

My car now has 28, 000 miles on it. I took it to a Hyundai dealer to find out why my airbag light is on.

It is going to cost me approximately $1000. to fix. I prepaid for the parts (RF ASSEMBLY) $618. the labor will be determined when I take it in for repair. How the hell does a RF ASSEMBLY BREAK? When I went on-line to see if others were having problems I was surprised to see how many people there were complaining.

I think that these cars should be investigated and recalled for a manufacturer defect. I'm taking my car to be repaired this Friday 9/16/2016 and I'm going to ask them for the parts that were removed. It is frightening to think that if my car is in an accident that my passenger seat airbag will NOT deploy. My passengers sit in the back until it is fixed.

Update from Sep 19, 2016: I had Hyundai replace the RF Assembly as suggested and now the light is off at the cost of just under $1000.00.

I'm hoping that with enough complaints that there will be a recall and that my money will be replaced.

If an airbag light is lit it is important to know your airbag will NOT DEPLOY if in an accident.

- susangva, Sandston, VA, US

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