2006 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 1,047 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 43 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJan 9, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2006-2011 Hyundai Azera and 2006 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Water may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short .
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2018. Owners may call Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 172.
Campaign 18V026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2013
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 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 and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.
Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.
Campaign 13V354000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 21, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DEFECTIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFT OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-787-999-4310.
Campaign 09V280000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 15, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V122000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 10, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 393,308 MY 2006-2008 SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE PURPOSE OF THE OCS IS TO DISABLE THE RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT FRONT AIR BAG WHEN IT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM OR SMALL CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG IS DISABLED TO PREVENT INJURIES TO A CHILD THAT MAY RESULT FROM A RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG INFLATION DURING A CRASH.
MISCLASSIFICATION OF A SMALL STATURE ADULT AS A CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG TO NOT INFLATE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT MERITS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO THE RIGHT FRONT OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE OCS DOES NOT PROPERLY RECOGNIZE A PROPERLY SEATED ADULT OCCUPANT. AFTER VERIFICATION, DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AND SHIP IT TO AN EVALUATION AND REPAIR FACILITY. THIS FACILITY WILL EVALUATE AND REPAIR OR REPROGRAM THE SEAT CUSHION AND OCS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 08V161000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 7, 2008
HYUNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 4,085 REPLACEMENT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON 2006-2008 SONATA AND AZERA VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ALIGNED PROPERLY AND FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
IMPROPER AIMING OF THE HEADLAMP MAY RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
HYUNDAI-KIA DEALERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR SUPPLY TO HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. NONE OF THE HEADLAMPS WERE SOLD AS RETAIL. AS A RESULT, AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WILL NOT BE ISSUED.
Campaign 08E021000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 26, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LABEL INSTALLED ON THE SUNVISORS HAD LOST ADHESION TO THE SUNVISORS AND HAD DISTORTED OR SEPARATED FROM THE SUN VISORS.
IF THE LABELS ARE DISTORTED OR MISSING, THE DRIVER OR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THAT MAY HELP PROTECT THEM IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUNVISOR ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 06V234000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 22, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INNER BEZELS OF THE HEADLAMPS WERE NOT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE TURN SIGNAL LENSES TO BE IMPROPERLY POSITIONED.
AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED TURN SIGNAL LENS MAY REDUCE THE INTENSITY OF THE TURN SIGNAL ILLUMINATION, REDUCING ITS VISIBILITY TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 06V180000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 29, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT BELT MAY INTERFERE WITH THE MANUAL SEAT BACK RECLINER KNOB AND COULD CAUSE THE FRONT MANUAL SEAT BACK RECLINER TO INADVERTENTLY RELEASE.
THE INADVERTENT RELEASE OF A FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL SEAT BACK RECLINER KNOB(S) FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 05V377000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control, automatic (asc)Jul 7, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.3 LITER ENGINES AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), THE ESC MAY HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED TO BE OVERSENSITIVE TO THE ONSET OF OVERSTEERING WHILE DRIVING ON BANKED CURVES, CAUSING INADVERTENT APPLICATION OF THE FRONT OUTSIDE BRAKE WHEN ESC ACTIVATION MAY NOT BE NEEDED.
THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SLOW AND MAY AFFECT THE PATH THAT THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING. BRAKE APPLICATION CAUSED BY INADVERTENT ESC ACTIVATION MAY RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ESC HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 05V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
86 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 15, 2022
My parking and tail lights do not turn off when I turn off the car when it's dark. I have to turn the headlight switch on and off several times to see if they will turn off. If they do not I have to disconnect the battery so it doesn't discharge. I was told this is a fuse panel issue. If this is a fuse panel issue then I'm concerned what else will go wrong with the fuse panel. If the lights stop working altogether then that will be a problem. I have not taken this vehicle to a dealer due to financial responsibilities. This all started without warning. At about the same time, my ESC turned off and will not come back on. Curious if this is connected.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 11, 2022
May 2019: Battery light came on and off for a few minutes. Car sputtered and engine quit. Replaced alternator and battery; problem went away. Feb 2022: Battery light came on and off for a few minutes. Car sputtered and engine quit. Replaced alternator and battery. This time the mechanic noticed that oil was leaking from the front valve cover gasket and was getting into the alternator; thus the most likely source of damage to alternator.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2020, fire
AROUND 5:30 PM DURING THE DAY I PARKED THE VEHICLE BY THE CURB ON THE STREET WITH NO LIGHTS ON AND NOTHING LEFT PLUGGED IN. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF THE WINDOWS WERE ROLLED ALL THE WAY UP AND THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. I LOCKED THE DOORS THEN WENT INSIDE THE APARTMENT AND ABOUT 30 MIN LATER THE NEIGHBORS INFORMED ME OF A FIRE INSIDE MY VEHICLE. I REACTED QUICKLY GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, RAN TO THE VEHICLE UNLOCKED THE DRIVER DOOR MANUALLY WITH THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT SPREAD. THE CENTER COUNSEL AND CENTER DASH AREA WITH CONTROLS FOR THE AC, AND RADIO WERE ALL BURNED AND MELTED DOWN. AFTER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FINALLY ARRIVED AND TOOK THEIR REPORT AND LEFT I RESEARCHED WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. I LEARNED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONGST THESE PARTICULAR TYPES OF VEHICLES AND IN 2016 THE FIRST RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED. THESE VEHICLES HAVE ABS MODULES AND HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS THAT ALLOW MOISTURE TO ENTER CAUSING CORROSION RESULTING IN A SHORT CIRCUIT. AND BECAUSE THEY STAY ELECTRICALLY POWERED WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS ON OR OFF THESE SHORT-CIRCUITS CAN START A FIRE. HYUNDAIS NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS 172.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 12, 2020
MY CAR BATTERY LIGHT WENT ON. I REPLACED THE BATTERY 2X, REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, CHECKED THE GROUND AND ALL CONNECTIONS. MY BATTERY LIGHT FLASHES, THEN GOES OFF THEN MY SEATBELT LIGHT BLINKS AND GOES OFF AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT GETTING THE POWER TO WIPE AND THE REAR DEFROSTER TURNS OFF EVERY TIME THE BATTERY LIGHT FLASHES. IVE BEEN TO 3 MECHANICS AND THEY ALL SAY BRING IT TO HYUNDAI. WHEN I BROUGHT IT THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL SO I LEFT THE SERVICE ROOM AND AM NOW ON THE NHTSA SITE.ALL OF THIS IS WHILE BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2020
REPLACED ALTERNATOR DUE TO FAULTY LEAK OIL GASKETS. OIL LEAKS ONTO ALTERNATOR IN 3.3 LITER V6 SONATA. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND ALTERNATOR IN LESS THAN A YR. I ALSO READ IN A AUTO FORUM OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME ISSUE. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS CAUSING CAR TO JUST DIE WITH LITTLE WARNING OTHER THAN BATTERY LIGHT LIGHTING UP ON DASHBOARD. VEHICLE BARELY MADE IT HOME.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 31, 2019
CAR STALLED AND LOCKED UP THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD IT IS THE ABS CONTROL MODULE THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE ABS MODULE RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED AS I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE UNTIL NOW.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 30, 2019
I'M HAVING A FEW ISSUES WITH MY CAR. SOME OF THE ISSUES I'M HAVING ARE: MY LIGHTING/HEADLIGHTS, MY FUEL LINES ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND CAUSE GAS TO LEAK FROM MY VEHICLE, IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT START OR TURN ALL THE WAY OVER, AND THE BRAKES ON MY CAR. I HAVE LOOKED UP SOME RECALLS FOR MY SPECIFIC TYPE OF CAR AND SOME OF THEM MATCH THE ISSUES OF WHICH I'M CURRENTLY HAVING. ALL OF THE ISSUES I HAVE ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND WOULD BE DANGEROUS FOR OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE HARMONIC BALANCER FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 9, 2019
I HAD 2006 SONATA ESC LIGHT POPPED UP AND SUDDENLY MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED WORKING MY CAR WAS IDEALIZED TO THE SPEED OF 20MPH I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE I WAS JUST SAVED TO MEET AN ACCIDENT. FUSE BOX STARTED HEATING AND IT BURNET I SHUTOFF ENGINE AND THEN STAYED THEIR FOR A WHILE AND THEN I WENT BACK HOME. I THOUGHT ONLY MY CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM BUT THERE ARE MANY MORE CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM NOT USING MY CAR SINCE I CHANGED TPS ASSEMBLY BREAKLIGHT SWITCH FUSE BUT STILL, PROBLEM RESIST THIS MAY CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT. PLEASE LOOK AFTER THIS SAFETY PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 10, 2018
WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AND THE KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION THE PARK LIGHTS STAY ON IN THE FRONT AND BACK, AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY LIT UP. I HAVE TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY TO GET THEM TO TURN OFF. AS SOON AS I HOOK THE BATTERY BACK UP THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2018
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE ESC AND ABS LIGHTS CONTINUE TO COME ON WITHOUT WARNING. THEY GO OFF ONCE I TURN THE VEHICLE OFF BUT SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING THEY COME BACK ON.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2017
IT ALL STARTED WITH 3 BAD ALTERNATORS. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS ALL BRAND NEW ALTERNATORS. IN THOSE 2 YEARS THE CAR HAD TROUBLE STARTING IN INTERMENTS. TURNING THE KEY 5-6 TIMES THE CAR WILL EVENTUALLY START. RECENTLY THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, AIR CONDITIONING, AND RADIO TURN OFF WHEN THE CAR IS SLOWING BY APPLYING THE BRAKE. COMPUTER PROMPTED NO CODE FOR A PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES WITH THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. WHAT IS THE MALFUNCTION?
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 8, 2017
A RED LIGHT APPEARED ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT STATED "AIR BAG" AND CONTINUES TO STAY LIT WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS AN AIRBAG OR SENSOR MALFUNCTION WITH THE VEHICLE. I AM MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP TODAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED FOR THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 11, 2017
ELECTRIC STABILIZATION RANDOMLY TURNS OFF ON ITS OWN AND WONT TURN BACK ON, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON, I'VE HAD 2 FLATS, AND SEVERAL REALLY LOW AIR TIRE MOMENTS; THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS COVERED BY THE LAST RECALL BUT WHEN I GOT THE LAST ONE I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE RECALL TAKEN CARE OF THEY SAID MY CAR WASN'T AFFECTED BY THE RECALL.
Electrical system, Feb 4, 2017
I HAVE A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA WHEN I GO TO LOCK THE DOOR THE LIGHTS STAY ON. I USE THE REMOTE AND MANUALLY AND THEY STILL STAY ON. THERE ARE TIMES THE LIGHTS WHEN FINALLY GO OFF THEY GO ON BY THEMSELVES WHEN PARKED. THIS PROBLEM IS FAIRLY COMMON ON 2006-2010. POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD! HOW COME NO RECALL! LRETIRING SOON AND WILL BE LOOKING FOR A NEW VEHICLE AND NEEDLESS TO SAY HYUNDAI WILL NOT BE ONE I WILL BE LOOKING AT.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 16, 2016
WHILE DRIVING, THE DAMPER PULLEY SEPERATES AND THE POWER STEERING FAILS ALONG WITH THE WATER PUMP AND THE ALTERNATOR. THIS DAMPER AS IT IS CALLED IS A DEVICE THAT DRIVES ALL THE BELT POWERED DEVICES ON THE ENGINE. I ASKED THE DEALER IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THE REPLY WAS NO. HOW CAN A POWER STEERING FAILURE NOT BE A RECALL? WHEN YOU ARE TURNING AND THE POWER STEERING FAILS I WOULD SAY THE MAJORITY OF DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE OUT OF THIS SITUATION. LOOK ONLINE AND VIEW ALL THE PLACES THAT LIST THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE THE VEHICLE STEERS VERY HARD AND IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.
Electrical system, May 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVE GASKET WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR AND THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V415000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,158. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 29, 2016
MY SONATA 3.3L V-6 ENGINE WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO BEGIN STALLING AND SLAMMING INTO 3RD GEAR FAIL SAFE MODE, LUCKILY I HAVE NOT BEEN REAR-ENDED DUE TO THIS YET! I HAVE READ UP EXTENSIVELY ON THIS AND FOUND MANY WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT ON WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM WEBSITE. IT APPEARS MANY DEALERSHIPS ARE AWARE AS THEY HAVE HAD VEHICLE IN TO BE PROBLEM SOLVED WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM MORE SO THAN A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. AFTER HAVING MY CAR INTO 4 DIFFERENT SHOPS INCLUDING A DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WITH NO FIX AND ONLY A 'IF WE CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM WE CAN'T FIX IT' RESPONSE I GET MAD. WE HAVE RULED OUT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE; TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, RELAYS, ETC. FOR 4 MONTHS IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOPS TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WHICH IS HAPPENING SO OFTEN NOW IT IS NOT SAFE AND I AM HAVING TO TAKE OUT A LOAN TO TRY AND BUY A NEW CARE. I CANNOT TRADE THIS IN DUE TO THE PROBLEM. WHEN IT IS RUNNING IT RUNS GREAT, UNTIL IT SLAMS INTO 3RD GEAR WITH NO WARMING AND YOU LOOSE ALL ACCELERATION OR IT DIES COMPLETELY. YOU CAN SHUT IT OFF AND RESTART IT AND IT RUNS AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED, UNTIL IT STALLS AGAIN. THE LAST MECHANIC HAVING VERIFIED EVERYTHING HE WAS TOLD TO CHECK HAS DETERMINED IT MUST BE IN THE COMPUTER. SOME INDIVIDUALS SAID EARLY ON THEY HAD THE COMPUTERS REPLACES (AT A BIG COST) ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. MY CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAS 118,000 MILES ON IT. I HATE HAVING TO GET RID OF THIS CAR BUT THERE IS NO WAY IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. HYUNDAI SEEMS TO BE IGNORING THIS COMPLAINT AS NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED AND NO HELP IN REPAIRING THE PROBLEM. TOO MANY CARS AT THE APRX MILEAGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND LEADS ME TO BELIEVE A RECALL IS IN ORDER OR FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MONTHS OF REPAIR TO FIX IT SHOULD BE MADE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Jan 22, 2016
MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THE CUP HOLDER IS LEVEL AND NEXT-TO THE GEAR SHIFTER. WHEN I BRAKE, OCCASIONALLY FLUID FROM A BEVERAGE MAY FALL ONTO AND INTO THE GEAR SHIFTER. THE SHIFTER ENCLOSURE ALLOWS FLUID TO FLOW INTO IT AND COLLECT AROUND A CONNECTOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS THAT END-UP COMMUNICATING TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER'AND THEN ONTO THE TRANSMISSION THAT I DOWNSHIFTED WHEN I DID NOT DOWN SHIFT. THE RESULT IS I HAVE TO FLIP OVER TO 'SHIFTRIONIC' MODE BECAUSE THE CAR IS PERFORMING LIKE I PUT IT IN THAT MODE WHEN I DID NOT. I TRY TO UPSHIFT BUT IT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY'I END UP BEING DISTRACTED TRYING TO PUT THE CAR IN THE RIGHT GEAR AND THE CAR ENDS UP GOING FASTER THAN I INTENDED. I GENERALLY DON'T NOTICE THE DOWNSHIFT UNTIL THE ENGINE STARTS ROARING'.DROPPING INTO SECOND GEAR ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY IS VERY UNSETTLING. AGAIN, I TRY TO MAINTAIN MY SPEED BY PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR AND ATTEMPTING TO UPSHIFT AND IT'S VERY DISTRACTING. I HAVE HAD A 'PLUS 5' DRIVER RATING FOR OVER 2 DECADES AND I OWN TWO OTHER CARS AND I NEVER BEEN TICKETED WITH EITHER CAR. BUT I RECENTLY HAVE BEEN TICKETED TWICE WITH THE SONATA AND IN BOTH CASES THE CAR DOWN-SHIFTED WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. THE PROBLEM STARTED SPORADICALLY ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND INITIALLY I DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. IT TAKES A LITTLE WHILE FOR THE BEVERAGE SPILL TO CREATE A SHIFTER MALFUNCTION, SO IT'S NOT OBVIOUS WHAT IS HAPPENING FOR A WHILE. THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT THERE ARE VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE. IT IS A SIMPLE BUT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2015
THE PARKING LIGHTS WILL AUTOMATICALLY COME ON BY ITSELF WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND THERE'S NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. I HAVE RETURNED TO MY CAR FROM WORK AND THE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON DRAINING THE BATTERY. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING THE PARKING LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND GO OFF AS WELL AS IN THE DASH WHEN THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. I HAVE VIDEO BUT IT'S NOT DOWNLOADING. *JS
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 16, 2015
I OWN A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA, AT 100,000 (HWY MILES) THE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS BECAME SQUEEKY AND DETATCHED FROM THE RUBBER BUSHINGS, MAKING A HORRIBLE RIDE AND CLUNKING SOUND WHEN I WOULD PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR. THIS PROBLEM MAKES THE CAR BOUNCY AND UNSTABLE. THERE IS ALSO A KNOCKING OR LOUD CLICKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE AT CRUSING SPEEDS, WHEN I BARLEY PUSH THE GAS PEDAL. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE AIR INTAKE CONTROL VALVE. IT GOES AWAY WHEN I ACCELERATE. THE RADIO AND CRUISE CONTROL ELECTORNICS SEEM TO WORK ONLY WHEN THEY WANT TOO!
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 7, 2015
OIL LEAK FROM ENGINE VALVE COVER - LEFT (FRONT) SIDE OF 3.3 V6. THIS IS DIRECTLY ABOVE ALTERNATOR. EVENTUALLY ALTERNATOR FAILS DUE TO SEVERE OIL/DIRT CONTAMINATION. FIRST NOTICED WHEN BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AT IDLE, SHOWING CHARGING PROBLEM. BY THEN DAMAGE IS DONE. VALVE COVER MUST BE REPLACED ALONG WITH ALTERNATOR OR PROBLEM WILL QUICKLY RECUR. *THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR HYUNDAI VERACRUZ WITH SAME ENGINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. SONATA IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON, WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS.
Electrical system, Oct 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 73,845. UPDATED 02/10/16*LJ HAD THE CAR TRADED IN UPDATED 05/23/18*JB
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2015
BURNING SMELL LIKELY ELECTRICAL APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH BOARD. CAR CHECKED BY MECHANIC ALL AROUND EXTERIOR- NOT FROM ANY COMPONENTS THERE. BURNING SMELL IDENTIFIED BY MECHANIC AS ELECTRICAL LIKELY PLASTIC INSULATION THAT IS BURNING. ONLY ELECTRICAL WORK DONE WAS BY HYUDAI RECALL TO CORRECT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT THAT AIRBAGS WERE NOT OPERATIONAL SPECIFICALLY THE DEFECT WAS TO HAVE NECESSITATED REMOVING THE PASSENGER SEAT AND FIXING/REPLACING A SENSOR. SINCE THAT WAS CORRECTED THE INSIDE LIGHT DOES NOT GO ON WHEN THE CAR DOOR OPENS. THE BURNING SMELL COMES ON AFTER THE CAR HAS WARMED UP -BEEN RUNNING TEN-15 MINUTES. SO FAR NO OTHER EFFECTS. I HAD HOPED THE BURNING SMELL WOULD GO AWAY. TODAY IS THREE WEEKS AND BURNING SMELL HAS NOT DIMINISHED FORCING ME TO OPEN WINDOWS TO VENT WHILE DRIVING. NOW I MUST MAKE A APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE DASHBOARD REMOVED TO LOCATE DEFECT.