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2011 Sonata Tire Problems

99 messages,  Last post on May 02, 2013 at 9:58 PM

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Messages Page 6 of 10

#49 of 99 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping by dennis_h

Aug 31, 2012 (12:42 pm)

Hyundai Case # 4992124
 
I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata that currently has 28,000 miles on it. At about 16,000 miles, I noticed a warbling sound from my tires and it has been getting louder. I purchased a lifetime wheel alignment package with balancing and rotation from Firestone as soon as I purchased the car with 14,00 miles on it. I have had this car’s alignment checked 3 times and have had the tires balanced and rotated each time. The tires are severely cupped or chopped on the inside edge.
 
  The mechanic told me from the first time that I brought it in for alignment that everything is perfect except for the camber, which there is no adjustment for on these vehicles. It appears Hyundai tried to save a few bucks by not installing a camber adjustment bolt.
 
 Now I'm screwed and have to put a set of new tires on that will just do the same thing in another 10,000 miles or so. I have elevated this to Hyundi and opened a case. I will post the results once they "evaluate" my vehicle next week.

#50 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [dennis_h] by ryster

Sep 01, 2012 (7:46 am)

Replying to: dennis_h (Aug 31, 2012 12:42 pm)
While camber adjustment is not something that is "standard" on the 2011+ Sonata, it certainly is possible to adjust the camber. There is a camber bolt kit that can be installed in the front suspension to allow for camber adjustments to the front. The bolt replaces one of the existing strut mounting bolts, and permits the angle of the suspension to be changed. Change the angle of the strut/suspension, and you are effectively adjusting the camber of the wheel.
 
From what I have read, the camber of the rear wheels is readily adjustable without any supplemental kits.

#51 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [ryster] by dennis_h

Sep 01, 2012 (1:01 pm)

Replying to: ryster (Sep 01, 2012 7:46 am)
I was told that there was an adjustment kit available last week by the technician at Sears (Kuhmo authorized dealer) who inspected my tires. I brought that up to the Hyundia Service Manager and the dealership and he confirmed that that kit existis and they have put them in some of the Hyundia models. He then dicussed my issue with the Hyundia Regional Service Manager to see if they could install it in my vehicle. The RSM said they don't do that anymore and would not install it on my vehicle.
   
Just don't get why some engineer would decide this was not a necessary adjstment (when it is on all other cars) then they have an issue and want me to have this adjustment kit put on at my expense.
 
Thanks for the reply!

#52 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [dennis_h] by ryster

Sep 03, 2012 (11:51 am)

Replying to: dennis_h (Sep 01, 2012 1:01 pm)
You would think that since the dealer has identified a camber issue causing accelerated tire wear, the RSM would approve the camber kit in the interest of customer satisfaction. Actually, the RSM shouldn't even be involved. The dealer should have the power to install the kit under warranty. Especially considering the kit is available. It is an inexpensive, easy fix. They do not use the camber bolt kit for the left-pull issue, but that doesn't mean they couldn't use it for issues such as yours.
 
A few months ago while I was waiting at my dealer for an oil change, the service manager came out to inform someone else that they needed new tires. The customer complained that they seem to need new tires every 20,000 miles or so. The service manager responded that the alignment is perfect on their car with the exception of the camber. They went on to explain that the camber was static and that the tire wear they were experiencing was not unusual for the car. Basically just said "that's just the way it is. Get used to buying tires." I just shook my head in disbelief. The owner was not pleased and come right out and said this would be their last Hyundai. At that point the Service Manager took the customer behind closed doors.
 
This is where Hyundai vehicles tend to lose their overall value proposition. The buy-in is lower than the competition, but the ongoing maintenance and frequency of maintenance is where owners spend the difference. Hyundai will do whatever they can to get out of covering issues under "America's Best" warranty. While my 2011 Sonata has been reliable, I can't help but think it is largely due to the excessive amount of routine maintenance that I have put into the car. 9 routine maintenance services in the past 28 months. Easily $500 spent, plus another $700 for a new set of tires at 31,200 miles.
 
Other makes I have owned (Ford, GM, Chrysler, VW) would have only been on 4 or 5 services at this point. Plus, those makes will honor the warranty no questions asked based purely on vehicle age and mileage. Don't get me wrong. I would not hesitate to purchase another Hyundai, but it will not be the first choice on my shopping list.
 
I go in for my first unscheduled service tomorrow (random ESC failure light, and random battery malfunction light.) My Sonata is not altered in any way. Hopefully the car has stored some codes and will tell the dealer what went wrong. Otherwise, it could turn into a fiasco. Oddly enough, these warning lights started after the dealer installed the new tires and performed a four wheel alignment. No warning lights what-so-ever up to that point.

#53 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [ryster] by lceven

Sep 03, 2012 (8:26 pm)

Replying to: ryster (Sep 03, 2012 11:51 am)
60,000 miles on my 2011. At this point I have had three alignments, and rotated and balanced the tires every 6-7 thousand miles. The OE Kumos were trashed by 27, 000 miles. My Goodyears are now cupping as well. The vehicle has drifted to the left since early on, and the dealership insist nothing is wrong. Without a doubt, this has been the worst new car purchase I have made.

#54 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [lceven] by ryster

Sep 05, 2012 (9:00 am)

Replying to: lceven (Sep 03, 2012 8:26 pm)
The dealer was able to resolve my ESC system malfunction light. Turns out a code was stored for a brake switch/circuit failure. They replaced the brake switch under warranty and had me out in less than 45 minutes. Quick, easy, friendly service experience.
 
For the battery malfunction light, they found no stored codes. They started out by saying it could be a faulty/worn accessory belt (at 32,200 miles???), and if that is the case it wouldn't be covered under warranty (surprise, surprise.) They checked the belt and said it is fine, and since it uses a spring tensioner there is no adjustment required. The final answer was basically no fault found. My belt will squeal when it gets wet (especially when going through puddles 2 or 3 inches deep.) Again, this is "normal". Uh, okay. Great engineering, Hyundai!
 
Overall, my 2011 Sonata has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, albeit quirky. It has also been the most religiously maintained vehicle. Service at the dealer has been the best I have experienced over the past couple of decades.
 
I am hoping that the Michelin Primacy MXV4s I put on last longer than the OE Kumhos. My current plan is to trade the Sonata when it has around 60,000 miles on it. It would be nice to not have to put tires on right before trading it. If I do need to, I am getting cheap Nexen tires. I noticed at the dealer that the new 2013 Elantra GT had Nexen tires, and KIA is using them on the Optima. If Hyundai/KIA is using them OE, then that's good enough for me to throw a set on before trading the car.

#55 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [ryster] by dennis_h

Sep 05, 2012 (9:54 am)

Replying to: ryster (Sep 05, 2012 9:00 am)
I brought my Sonata to the dealership yesterday as directed by Hyundia for the case that I opened. One of the other issues was my wife complained that when she started the car and tried to shift, the vehicle would not shift until she turned it off and restarted. This was caused by a defective brake switch and had also thrown a code to the ECM. This was covered no problem under warranty, however; is another well known problem.
  As far as my tires, they dealership said they will get with the RSM after next week (he's on vacation) and will address the camber issue. They feel they should be able to get the camber adjustment kit installed and a new set of tires.... We'll see!!

#56 of 99 Re: 2011 Sonata - Severe Tire Cuping [dennis_h] by dennis_h

Sep 13, 2012 (9:27 am)

Replying to: dennis_h (Sep 05, 2012 9:54 am)
Hyundai Case # 4992124
 
Well, I got my answer from the Hyundai District Parts Service Manager (DPSM) today. He said they were going to do NOTHING! I called back to Hyundai Customer Service and spoke with Bert. He said there was nothing much more they could do because the DPSM's word is pretty much final. He said he would try to research further, but in other words, "don't hold my breath".
 
  So, here is where we stand... There appears to be a known problem with the Hyundai Sonata alignment based on posts throughout the internet) which causes the tires to wear uneven and cup on the inside. Hyundai did not make any provision to adjust the camber in the alignment. Their answer to date is "We are not going to do anything to help you out with the problem".
  Their Solution (so far to date): Go buy another set of tires for about $600.00, drive around for another 20k miles and when they start cupping and making all kinds of noise again, just go buy another set!
   Stay tuned boys and girls... this is not over yet.

#57 of 99 Tire noise by double_d2

Sep 28, 2012 (8:28 am)

Purchased this new 2011 sonata from local dealer. The care was great till about 10k, when road noise could be heard from the rear of the care. I first thought it was a rear wheel bearing, but finally found out it was the tires. Dealer told me to rotate the tires. After rotating the tires this loud noise moved to the front. This proved that the tires were going bad at 10k. They recommended a wheel alignment which cost $149 which was not covered under warranty. I said this is BS.
The service rep told me to drive the car till the next oil change and see if the noise would stop after the alignment (to wear tires down to normal). After 6k more the noise was unbearable. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME AFTER OWNING NUMEROUS CARS 15 TO BE EXACT, THAT I HAD TO REPLACE TIRES THIS SOON!!!! After reading these complaints, I think there is a definite problem. This is my first Hyundai and will sure be my last!!!!!

#58 of 99 Tire Noise by dennis_h

Sep 28, 2012 (10:42 am)

Well, after Hyundai refused to do anything with my Sonata, the Firestone dealer where I purchased my lifetime wheel alignment, balance, & rotation, offered me a really good deal on a new set of tires. I purchased the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus tires. I then went back to the Hyundai dealership with the alignment results (had the alignment checked after new tires installed) and had them verify that everything was within specifications even though the caster on the left front is negative 5.1 degrees and there is no adjustments that can be made.
 
   I am totally dissatisfied with Hyundai's handling of this situation. They refuse to assist me in any way. I went out of my way to purchase a Hyundai Sonata and I have to say that because they chose not to work with me, this will probably be the last Hyundai I purchase. Sounds like they are following the same path as the American car manufactures went down in the 80's and 90s.

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