Following a complete engine and turbo replacement due to a manufacturer recall on my 2011 Hyundai Sonata (Limited w/ Turbo) my car was returned to me leaking fluid. I called the dealership that performed the recall work and took the car in for inspection. I was told that the transmission was leaking and would likely need to be replaced but that this had nothing to do with the engine replacement and that the two systems are completely independent of one another (yes they said that).

I called corporate Hyundai to voice my concern seeing as how my car had NEVER had a problem with the transmission prior to their dealership removing the engine and replacing it with a new one. It seems rather likely to me that something didn't get hooked up right during the install of the new engine and now I'm leaking fluid. Corporate Hyundai told me that the transmission is not covered under the extended 120,000 mile warranty and would be an out of pocket expense. They really didn't care about the workmanship from their dealership.

I'm sitting here feeling completely dumbfounded. I have a car note and no car to drive. I'm looking at at least $3000 to replace the transmission and no recourse for the poor work done by the dealership. Advice is welcomed.

History: I bought my car used from CarMax in Dec. of 2015 and had nothing but problems, literally one recall right after the other. Thankfully I purchased the warranty option from CarMax and so everything up to the engine seizing had been covered (I was over 100,000 miles at that point so my warranty through CarMax was up). I had all of my routine maintenance done at CarMax including all of my oil changes and a transmission fluid change in 2016. I have all of my service records from CarMax and nothing indicates there was ever a problem with the transmission until I got the car back from Northtowne Hyundai leaking like a sieve and slipping so badly that I can't drive it to or from work.

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE was a part of the major recall with the engine. It seized on me as I was driving, had it towed and was told that it needed an entire new engine. Did some research and found out it was part of a recall. Towed it to a Hyundai dealer and they did their thing and ended up replacing my engine at "NO CHARGE" to me...except that we had to replace the starter which was $500. They said because I had tried to start the car after the engine seized that the starter went bad...we had to pay $500. That was at the beginning of June. Now, we are approximately 2 months since the new engine and now the transmission is toast. We had them look at it and they said that the TCC Cylinoid and Harness needed to be replaced at the price of $600....but they couldn't guarentee that the transmission would go out if we replaced it. We opted to take it home and see if we could find someone to replace it for less money. It basically sat in my garage with minimal driving...we took it to Certified Transmission and they just called and said that the transmission needs to be replaced.

Did I mention that I bought this car used and have only had it for 18 months....and that we had to put new tire rods in a month after we bought it and front and back brakes as well.

I have contacted Hyundai personally and am waiting to hear back. I don't care what they do, but I want out of this car. They can take it back and wipe my loan...give me bluebook...I don't care but I am not spending another cent on this vehicle..

Now seeing all the problems with Sonata's from the time I bought mine, makes me wonder about how my complaints were handled. First was the transmission, then the head unit, then the A/C compressor, then other electrical issues. It spent a majority of time in the shop

Hyundai USA got involved. Simply gave me small token part way into the problems, but would not listen to me, simply made a "take it or Leave it" offer.

As problems continued, I went to Rick Case directly and asked to get out of the car, just break even. Deduct for use and millage,even trying to trade into another model Hyundai. I was not asking for anything other than to break even. I was offered $5,000 less than wholesale. Rick Case himself refused to try and resolve this issue. Another dealer paid enough for me to make a little of my money back.

I have more distrust in the dealer than the car.....and I will never buy another one.

I have always wondered how many other transmissions went out on the 2011 Sonata.

After 2 times, within almost a week apart, as increasing speed from a stop or slowing and turning onto a street and then increasing speed, the transmission seems like it is slipping. Like it doesn't know if it should move into the next gear. Some where between 2nd gear going into 3rd gear. I've had this car since new, serviced only by Hyundai for everything on a routine schedule, and it's close to having 87,000 miles.

I took it to Hyundai and they checked it out and said the computer didn't throw a code and no faulty light is displayed, so they can't do anything.

Then about 2 days later it was slipping again. I took it back to Hyundai & still no code and no faulty light displayed. They said they reset the computer and for me to drive normal for about 200 mph so the computer can reset to normal driving.

A week went by with no problems and then it started slipping on 2 separate occasions. Yesterday 8-28-15 it did it again. When it was in between gears slipping, I floored it to see what would happen, I was hoping to break it or throw a code.... and the rpms went up to 4000 rpm, but the car didn't move anywhere, it was still rolling like in neutral.

I just wish I would get a fault light or something. I am going to call Hyundai for another appt to see if it happened to throw a code.

Update from Nov 26, 2015: After about 3-4 months of sparatic transmission issues, I noticed the following when this occurs 1) Happens more when the fuel tank is about 1/4 full or less. 2) A noticable lag on the motor when it wants to start to freak out and at times during normal driving. 3) Eco light goes off 4) Happens from starting from a stop when driving in traffic (low speeds) about 15-25 MPH. 5) Happens when car has been running for a while (not when cold). 6) Right when it was jumping between gears, I floored the car and the RPM's when to 5 or 6 but the car didn't move, it was like in neutral. Beings that I work a lot and have been to Hyundai 3 times, it finally threw a code P0711 & Hyundai replaced the Transmission Temperature Sensor free of charge, after I signed a form that I am the original owner, gave copy of my car registration and drivers license. I have only had it back a day, but I did notice right away the car flows freely, like there is no lag on the motor, like there was before. Will report back in a month or so to update, if any more of the same issues.

Update from Oct 21, 2020: 10-21-20 My car has been fine and it was the transmission temperature sensor. I also saw this link https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/bad-transmission-fluid-temp-sensor.130014/

The most recent issue is, unfortunately, the most expensive. My car wouldn't start, but power was still available. There was a constant spinning sound even after releasing the push-to-start button. I had it towed to the only other dealership in town (will not use Hyundai of Louisville). I informed them that on several occasions, the transmission would "get stuck" between 2nd and 3rd gear - almost as if you were driving a manual transmission. I simply wanted them to look at it and make sure there wasn't a major issue. Keep in mind, I had the transmission flushed at about 75,000 miles and technicians told me there were "a lot of metal particles - in parts per million - in the fluid and it was good that I had chosen to do the flush or the engine would have locked up".

The dealership calls me back and says the battery is bad as well - just had that replaced a year ago. They replace it because they are "unable to get the car to start without doing so". Then they call back and say they "were able to recreate the transmission issue, but they couldn't diagnose why". They checked the fluid level and then flushed the transmission yet again. To no avail, they simply "can't figure out why the transmission is failing". I now need a new transmission. Now I have a hefty bill coming in at $3000.

I'm not bad-mouthing the Oxmoor Hyundai dealership. I am, however, expressing my disgust with this particular make and model. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

I've inquired about the class action lawsuits out there and will continue to do so. I encourage all owners of the 2011 sonata to do the same. Strength comes in numbers....

Once again...... Here lately when I am going from reverse or park it kinda jolts and the indicator lights on the steering display and then on the gear shift displays are not illuminated. Then it seems to skip first gear and goes to second. I then have to turn off and start, then seems to do okay. The other day went to put in park at the bank and it stays in reverse, was scared to take brake off. I went to take to dealership today but no ride home so have to go back. Very frustrated.

Already put over $700 new tires and put time into it. Only had a little over a year. Was not brand new. Thought this was a car I would have for years and had plans to give to daughter. Very frustrated. I have looked at per complaints and I am sure far and few between but I've been in shop 5 times in less than 6 months. Kind of stuck too. No lemon laws for used cars. Just stuck.