2004 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 202 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 22 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 32 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SuspensionApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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 APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.
IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V124000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
202 reports, newest first.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2026
2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS front sub frame (K Frame) has rusted out but I guess for certain VIN numbers there was a recall. Mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in Michigan.
Suspension, Feb 17, 2026
On February, 16th 2026, I took my vehicle into the Automotive shop for an oil change. They inspected the car as well and they found that the front passenger side of the vehicle subframe has a substantial amount of the metal rusted through. The file attached was a photo of the repair invoice from Luke’s Auto in Upper Arlington, OH. I see that there is an open safety recall for this exact issue on the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Although this recall was sent out in 2009, am I able to take this to a local Hyundai dealership to have this fixed?
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2025
I got this car a Hyundai sonata 2004 about 2 to 3 years ago. At first I didn't notice the problem until a couple months into me having the car I was on the freeway and it suddenly felt like I was out of control of my car and the back end was like swerving like I was pulling a trailer. And ever since then it's gotten worse now my front right tire goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and there is a recall in it seems like almost every other state but Utah. For the exact issue that I'm having and I don't think that's right. I've had issues with this car ever since I got it. If you guys could look into this that would be great Also this form asks the approximate date that something happened it happens all of the time. To the point where I'm afraid to drive it at all. I also it's gotten so bad that sometimes when I'm going only 35 mph and I hit like a pothole it will severely swerve and I will lose control of my car or if I turn my car I turn my car my steering wheel the right way and I lost control of my car it started swerving and I was on a mountain..
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2025
My 2004 sonata which was manufactured 05/07/04. has front frame corrosion exactly like the 089 safety recall that hyundia issued already for 1998-2003. My car was manufactured a few months later and they are denying the repair because it doesn’t fall in their production dates.
Suspension, Jun 5, 2024
I currently own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata with a severe sub-fame deterioration, Unfortunately it does not fall under the so called salt belt states, That being said I don't know how Kansas does not fit that especially north east Kansas. Wondering if there's some way that they could reconsider on this matter and maybe get some help. I know the cars almost 20 yrs but it's in good shape with only 108000 miles on it. Thanks for any help with this matter. I was just informed by Hyundai that they would not do anything with it so I guess my only option is to drive it at my own risk and hope for the best. Regardless I'm very upset with there decision and that there okay with a persons life knowing this was a issues with many sonatas that probably didn't make the recall list.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Nov 30, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated her fiance was driving 20-25 MPH on a steep hill with her in the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that her fiance depressed the brake pedal to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, but the brake pedal went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's fiance veered to the left and intentionally hit a telephone pole to avoid crashing into a parked vehicle, and to prevent a more severe accident from occurring as the road was significantly steep. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a seatbelt mark. The contact's fiance was not wearing a seatbelt and hit his head against the windshield. The contact's fiance sustained a concussion, a laceration on the chin, a chipped front left upper tooth and bruises on the bottom teeth. The ambulance transported both the contact and her fiance to the hospital, where they received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 19, 2023
UNKNOWN, I recently purchased it from a dealership in Lemon Grove Cailfornia. Ever since I bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. It is a 2.7L motor DOHC and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. It has cause motor oil into my engine block and has coughed my heater core. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.
Suspension, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated she heard abnormal creaking and cracking sounds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent where it was diagnosed and determined that the front subframe, lower panels, and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 18, 2023
NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Hyundai Recall #089) - excessive corrosion, thinning of the metal and perforation of the front sub-frame steel, due to road salt, resulting in separation of the forward mounting of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. The recall was issued in 2009 for 1999-2004 Hyundai Sonatas. The present owner purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previous recall. The excessive corrosion and perforation of the sub-frame was brought to the owner's attention in December 2022 during a routine oil change by a Meineke shop and reported as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to Route 1 Hyundai in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for inspection and repair estimate on December 30, 2022 and an online complaint filed with Hyundai Motor America for the recall (Case #[XXX]). Following numerous email communications to Hyundai Consumer Affairs, it was confirmed by a National Consumer Affairs representative that the vehicle was covered in Hyundai Recall #089. Route 1 Hyundai took photos of the front sub-frame and H-frame, completed a report and submitted it to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America responded that they are declining assistance due to the failure being out of warranty caused by the time in service and mileage of the vehicle. The vehicle has 80,000 miles on the odometer. I am of the understanding that safety recalls are never out of date. Please verify if the response made by Hyundai Motor America is justified. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Feb 3, 2023
Air Bag autolight is on.
Suspension, Nov 17, 2022
The shocks and suspension in my car are almost nonexistent causing multiple almost car accidents
Suspension, Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while performing a 4-wheel alignment, the independent mechanic informed her that he was unable to complete the alignment successfully because the sub frame was severely corroded. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she heard and abnormal sound coming from the sub frame and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that she almost lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer who informed the contact that she needed to pay for the repair because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) or TSB Number: 12-01-029. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 310,000.
Suspension, Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2022
The front subframe has a hole in it it rusted for some reason and upon research there was a recall on this particular issue but now there isn’t one. I went to two dealerships and they informed me that Hyundai had recalls on this issue that’s why I’m confused on why when I search by my VIN there isn’t any open recalls. Just because they isn’t any open recalls on this doesn’t mean that people aren’t still experiencing this issue.
Service brakes, May 10, 2022
I own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. On 1/19/22, while driving the car, the brakes started failing. I was able to drive the car to my independent mechanic's shop and they repaired the brake issue with a fabrication and installation of the brake line. As my inspection was due, I made an appt with them to bring it back for inspection before the month was over. When I did bring it back however, another mechanic (who apparently had seen underneath the car when they did the brake work) stated that it would never pass inspection as the corrosion was severe. I then made an appt on 2/9 with the dealer who sold me the vehicle. The dealer however stated that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Suspension). I believe it should have been included in that recall and that I am entitled to the "Remedy" outlined in the NHTSA recall.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated and the fog lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Air, Structure, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, she noticed that her brakes were failing. The contact stated that she drove her vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to replace the brakes however, the mechanic informed her that her vehicle had a lot of corrosion on the brakes, and underneath the vehicle, which caused the brakes to fail. The contact stated that the mechanic did fabrication and installation of the brake line. The contact stated that she then took her vehicle to be inspected and was informed that the corrosion on the vehicle was too severe and the vehicle would not pass State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000
Service brakes, Apr 25, 2021
EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE IT SEEMS TO ACCELERATE FOR A SECOND BEFORE BRAKING. I HAVE DOUBLE CHECKED AND I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS ON ACCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER I START DRIVING (SO GOING UNDER 25 MPH) ON SIDE STREETS IN TOWN. I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT DATES THIS HAS HAPPENED.
Structure, Apr 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE LOCAL DEALER FAULKNER HYUNDAI (11500 ROOSEVELT BLVD, PHILADELPHIA) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE K-FRAME HAD SUSTAINED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Feb 20, 2021
I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER ON THE HAS BUDDY APP AND IT SAYS THAT I HAVE A RECALL FOR SUSPENSION BUT CALLED A DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT DOESN'T. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE WIRING TOO BECAUSE MY DOORS LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES MY SEAT GOES FORWARD AND BACK RANDOMLY MY SPEAKERS DON'T WORK. WHEN I HIT A BUMP JT FEELS LIKE MY TIRES ARE GONNA FALL OFF
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2021
THERE IS A RECALL ON 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR BAD SUBFRAMES THAT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE AT LEAST 2001. THE SUBFRAMES RUST AND ROT OUT! MY 2004 SONATA HAS ONLY 84K ORIGINAL MILES AND I RECENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO REPLACE A CONTROL ARM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO A ROTTED SUBFRAME! I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTORS OF AMERICA AND SPOKE WITH CONSUMER AFFAIRS. I WAS TOLD THAT ACCORDING TO THE VIN NUMBER ON MY CAR THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT ON MY CAR! THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND RECALL FOR THE VERY SAME ISSUE THAT I AM HAVING. HOW CAN THEY TELL ME THAT THE RECALL IS NOT APPLICABLE ? THERE PROBABLY HAS BEEN THOUSANDS OF 2001-2004 SONATA'S THAT HAVE HAD THE SUBFRAM REPLACED UNDER THIS RECALL .. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY HYUNDAI WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND COVER IT UNDER THE RECALL .. THIS CAR HAS 84660 MILES AND THE CAR IS OTHERWISE MINT ! NOT A SPECK OF RUST ON THE ORIGINAL BODY!
Suspension, Aug 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECENTLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN 07 OF 2020. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW RUSTED HOLES AND CORROSION IN THE SUB FRAME. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED AND SAW NUMEROUS INCIDENCES OF THE SAME ISSUE IN THAT MODEL VEHICLE. THE DEALER (D'ARCY HYUNDAI 2521 W JEFFERSON ST, JOLIET, IL 60435 (815) 725-5200) SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. DUE TO THE AGING OF THE VEHICLE, MILEAGE AND AN EXPIRED WARRANTY. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM NOT TO FIX THE SUB FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER GAVE A CASE NUMBER TO THE CONTACT AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER STILL UNREPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,727. *BF *AS
Suspension, Aug 22, 2020
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN I STARTED HEARING NOISES AND THE CAR STARTED STEERING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN I GOT MY CAR HOME , I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER SUBFRAME HAD COME LOOSE BECAUSE THE BOLTS HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE CROSS MEMBER HAD RUSTED. I DISCOVERED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL #XG350 IN JULY 2009. I PURCHASED MY HYUNDAI IN THE FALL OF 2009, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTICE. IS MY HYUNDAI STILL ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL REPAIR? WE LIKE OUR HYUNDAI AND IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST CARS WE HAVE OWNED. THE BODY AND MOTOR ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Suspension, Feb 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE CHECK AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER SUPERIOR HYUNDAI NORTH 5665 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014 (513) 870-9800, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 SUSPENSION AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Suspension, Nov 14, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE SLIGHTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE A-ROD WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OPEN RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.