Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2011 Hyundai Sonata — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2013 to Dec 2014
The most reported issue is steering problems (921 complaints). 116 complaints involved crashes. 111 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (14)
NHTSA Campaign: 18V934000
Component: ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V617000
Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V137000
Component: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V152000
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V433000
Component: 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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V190000
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.
Risk: With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai's number for this recall is 143.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V568000
Component: ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V629000
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Elantra vehicles manufactured November 12, 2010, to March 31, 2011, and Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to February 28, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
Risk: If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front coil springs, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed on November 17, 2015. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 133. Note: Vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere are eligible to be inspected and repaired.
NHTSA Campaign: 15V759000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V434000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
Risk: If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, 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 123.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V113000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V457000
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AT 1-787-999-3333.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V426000
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2010. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN EITHER IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED OR INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING OF THE CONNECTIONS COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE SEPARATION OR COMPROMISED ATTACHMENT OF THE CONNECTIONS, SUCH THAT THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF, OR REDUCTION IN, STEERING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY AND TORQUE. IN ADDITION DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWER STEERING SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V070000
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
HYUNDAI-KIA HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 11, 2009 THROUGH FEBRUARY 15, 2010. THE FRONT INSIDE DOOR LOCK SWITCH CAN REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION.
Risk: THE DOOR MAY NOT BE IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
Fix: HYUNDAI-KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY REPLACING LATCHES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 3357)
Engine →8 issues
After bringing your car in for routine service, the dealership's first diagnostic found no engine problems. However, within 30 minutes of picking it up, your check engine light started blinking and the car stopped running completely. A second diagnostic revealed a knock sensor issue that wasn't detected the first time. The dealership says the engine has too many miles for warranty coverage.
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Your engine suddenly stopped and died while driving due to a known manufacturing defect where debris can block oil flow to the rod bearings, causing engine knock and failure. Your Hyundai dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the manufacturer's extended warranty, even though Hyundai issued a major recall covering your vehicle's model year and engine size with a 10-year/120,000-mile warranty for this exact problem. The engine may need to be replaced, which typically involves removing the old engine and installing a new or remanufactured one.
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Your 2011 Hyundai Sonata's engine suddenly stopped working and is now completely locked up, making the car undrivable. Hyundai denied your warranty claim, claiming the engine came from a scrapped or rebuilt vehicle based on internal codes, but refused to provide proof or check the engine serial number against your car's VIN to verify this. Your vehicle history shows a clean title with no salvage or rebuild designation, yet Hyundai continues to deny coverage without documentation. The fix would require Hyundai to either replace the engine under warranty or provide documented proof of their claim.
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Your engine has lost compression in two cylinders due to scoring, causing shuddering and a loss of power while driving on the highway — a situation that could have led to an accident. You've contacted Hyundai and the dealership, but they've declined to cover repairs. The underlying issue appears to be poor oil circulation related to the piston rings and engine design.
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Your 2011 Hyundai Sonata lost all engine power while driving at 30 mph with no warning lights, and wouldn't restart. The dealer diagnosed complete engine failure and said it was related to a recall for your vehicle, but the manufacturer denied coverage, claiming poor maintenance caused the failure. Your engine will need to be replaced to get the car running again.
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Your 2011 Hyundai Sonata's 2.0T engine suddenly failed while driving at 90,000 miles, causing loss of power and abnormal noise that made it unsafe to continue driving. Before the failure, your vehicle had been consuming excessive oil and showed abnormal engine noise for about a minute beforehand, with no warning lights to alert you. A Hyundai dealership confirmed internal valve train damage, but the company denied your warranty claim. The repair will likely require complete engine replacement or internal engine rebuild.
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While making a left turn, your engine suddenly lost power and wouldn't run. After restarting it, you heard abnormal knocking and saw smoke under the hood. A dealer diagnosed a rod bearing failure, which typically results from inadequate engine oil maintenance. The repair wasn't completed due to lack of maintenance records, but the issue may involve replacing the engine or major internal components.
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Your oil warning light came on while driving on the freeway, and your engine suddenly lost all power and shut down completely, forcing you to coast across traffic lanes without being able to steer or brake normally—creating a serious collision risk. A mechanic confirmed your engine seized (the crankshaft won't turn), even though the timing chain appears intact. Hyundai technicians have documented this as an engine failure covered under their Service Campaign 953 and a settlement agreement for Theta engines.
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic →2 issues
Your car's braking system has failed multiple times, causing the vehicle to lose power, trigger a brake alarm, and limit your speed to 15 mph. This happened at least three times between the initial failure and January 2026 (at 80,000 miles), sometimes accompanied by loud squealing sounds. The ABS module has been replaced under recall and through independent repair, but the braking failures continue to recur. The repair will likely involve diagnosing and replacing faulty brake system components, possibly including the ABS module, brake pads, or related hydraulic parts.
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Your brake warning light came on and your engine shut off while driving. After the dealer performed a recall repair (Campaign 23V651000), the problem happened again. A second dealer diagnosed a failed hydraulic ABS booster sensor and replaced it, but the ABS warning light continues to turn on and off intermittently. The repair may involve replacing the ABS booster sensor, diagnostic work on the brake hydraulic system, or further investigation into related brake components.
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Structure →2 issues
Your 2011-2014 Sonata has developed severe rust on the underside of the vehicle, and a previous repair attempt (Service Campaign 946 in 2017) did not stop the problem—the rust has gotten worse. You're concerned that the structural metal is so corroded it could break while you're driving, creating a safety hazard. Hyundai has declined to repair it further because your vehicle has a branded title, despite the ongoing structural safety risk.
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Your vehicle's rear frame, near the passenger side, has developed severe corrosion while parked. The dealer inspected it but didn't diagnose or repair the problem, and the manufacturer opened a case to investigate. This corrosion could potentially affect the structural integrity of your vehicle over time.
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Steering,engine →1 issue
Your car experienced a grinding sensation in the steering wheel while driving at highway speeds, which a mechanic traced to failed rod bearings and wheel hubs. After those parts were replaced, your car made loud grinding noises at various speeds, the engine knocked and jerked during acceleration, the gas pedal became unresponsive, and the engine wouldn't restart. A mechanic diagnosed complete engine failure and recommended engine replacement, though the dealer denied the repair claim citing insufficient maintenance history.
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Electrical System,service Brakes,engine →1 issue
Your brake warning light suddenly turns on and your engine shuts off while you're driving, which has happened multiple times. This creates a serious safety risk because you could lose power in traffic or be hit from behind. The problem appears to involve your brake switch, electrical system, or engine control, but the dealership hasn't been able to diagnose it despite inspection. Fixing this will likely require a diagnostic scan of your electrical and brake systems, possibly including brake switch replacement or ECU reprogramming.
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Steering →1 issue
Your steering column may become loose due to a defective bushing, causing the steering to make banging noises and feel sloppy with excessive free play. This can make it harder to control the car precisely. The fix will likely involve replacing the worn steering column bushing.
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Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car was broken into by thieves who broke off your door handle and removed ignition components. A police report has been filed for this incident.
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Air Bags →1 issue
Your dashboard has developed cracks over time, and your airbag warning light stays on continuously, while the passenger-side airbag light shows off. You're concerned about driving long distances because of the airbag warning light. The dashboard cracks and airbag light issue should be diagnosed by a dealer to determine if there's an electrical or sensor problem affecting your airbag system.
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Fuel System, Gasoline →1 issue
Your car won't start, and you smell strong fuel odor coming from under the hood. An independent mechanic found that your fuel line is leaking. This is a safety concern that needs repair to prevent fuel leaks and potential fire hazards.
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Air Bags,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your driver-side airbag warning light stays on constantly, even though you haven't had any accidents. The passenger-side airbag indicator shows it's off. Additionally, your dashboard has developed cracks across both sides and the center. A mechanic will need to diagnose why the airbag warning light is illuminated, which could involve scanning the airbag system for fault codes or checking wiring and sensors.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your cruise control system isn't working because dirt is getting inside the mechanism and blocking it from functioning properly. This appears to be a design flaw that allows debris to enter where it shouldn't. The fix will likely involve cleaning out the dirt from the cruise control components or replacing the affected parts.
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Related Vehicles
Other Hyundai Sonata years:
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