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
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE TURNING RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT WATER GOT ONTO THE STEERING BELT AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THERE WAS MORE OF AN ISSUE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF DRIVE AND INTO PARK WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO PARK. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 25,651... UPDATED 08/15/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL. UPDATED 08/21/12
Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
IGNITION KEY DOES NOT TURN AT ALL. STEERING DID NOT LOCK UP INITIALLY, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THE KEY ALONG WITH STEERING, IT GOT LOCKED....EVEN AFTER THAT STEERING WOULD MOVE A BIT (NOT REALLY STALLED). CALLED AAA, COUPLE OF GUYS CAME OVER, TRIED TO UNLOCK THE IGNITION BY PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL AND MOVING(SHIFT OVERRIDE), BUT OF NO HELP. CALLED ONE OF MY FRIEND WHO HAS A HYUNDAI SONATA AS WELL, HE SAID IT HAPPENS OFTEN ON HIS CAR...HE TRIED FOR 10-15 MINS...GOT THE MAGICAL COMBINATION OF BRAKE, STEERING AND IGNITION KEY TURNS AND IT FINALLY WORKED. DID A SEARCH ON INTERNET AND APPARENTLY ITS NOT UNCOMMON FOR HYUNDAI'S AT ALL. HATE TO SPEND MONEY FOR A DESIGN FLAW FROM THE MANUFACTURER, ESPECIALLY AS THE CAR IS ONLY 5-6 YEARS OLD. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2012
HEADLIGHTS DIM MOMENTARILY, RADIO GOES OFF MOMENTARILY, PASSENGER SEAT SIDE KICK PANEL RELAY GOES "TICKING" MOMENTARILY, CAR JERKS MOMENTARILY WHEN GAS PEDAL IS APPLIED AND GEAR IS CHANGED FROM 1 TO 2 OR 2 TO 3 WHEN I JUST START MY JOURNEY (I.E. JUST START THE ENGINE AND START DRIVING, USUALLY). IF GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED WHILE ANY OR ALL OF THESE ARE HAPPENING, ABS, BRAKE AND ESC WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON THE DASHBOARD. THESE WARNING LIGHTS REMAIN ON TILL THE NEXT TIME I START A NEW JOURNEY AND WILL ONLY GO OFF IF THE PROBLEMS MENTIONED ABOVE DON'T HAPPEN AS THE GEAR CHANGES FROM 1 TO 2 OR 2 TO 3. I'VE BEEN TO A HYUNDAI DEALER COUNTLESS NUMBER OF TIMES. ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED. GROUND WIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED. THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PLEASE FIX THIS. IT HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM AND STILL IS CREATING PROBLEMS FOR HYUNDAI SONATA OWNERS. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND WOULD PREVENTS HER FROM TURNING ON THE IGNITION OR OPENING THE DOORS WITH THE AUTOMATIC KEY FOB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 102,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Jan 19, 2012
MY CAR IS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA AND LAST NIGHT MY CARS' HEADLIGHTS DIM OR SHUT OFF MOMENTARILY, THE FAN SPEED SEEMS TO DROP FOR A SECOND ALSO BUT NEVER SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF. I NOTICED LAST NIGHT MY TACHOMETER WOULD ONLY GO TO A 1 AT THE LOWEST. IT WOULD GO HIGHER AS I DROVE BUT NEVER BACK DOWN TOWARDS A 0 OR 1. YOU COULD FEEL THE HARSH VIBRATION AS I SAT AT A STOPLIGHT WHILE IT RESTED AT 1. I ALSO NOTICED THAT IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANS IS SLIPPING OR SOMETHING AS I TAKE OFF OR TRY TO TURN. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS WITH THIS CAR. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!! WHAT IF THE GAS PEDAL STICKS OR THE LIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING??? I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND YOU BET I WOULD SUE OR MY FAMILY WOULD ON MY BEHALF IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO US AS A RESULT OF HYUNDAI NOT ISSUING SOME KIND OF RECALL. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE ASAP AS TO AVOID ANY FUTURE PROBLEMS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BY A SIMPLE RECALL. *TT
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 23, 2011
DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN VEHICLE ENGINE SPEED DROPS TO APPROXIMATELY 1000 - 1100 RPM, HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM OR BRIEFLY SHUT OFF, RADIO WILL SHUT OFF, AND INTERIOR FAN SPEED WILL DROP. THIS HAPPENS FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND AND IS INTERMITTENT. FROM SEARCHES OF THE INTERNET, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ASSEMBLY. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN HANDLED VIA A RECALL, ESPECIALLY SINCE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING OFF OR SHUTTING OFF DURING NIGHT DRIVING IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS TO THIS CAR. IN ADDITION, PROBABLY DUE TO THIS VOLTAGE DROP PROBLEM, SEVERAL HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS ETC., HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS ALREADY COST ME SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS IN TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR, PRIOR TO LEARNING ABOUT THE CABLE ASSEMBLY. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OUTAGE INCLUDING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DIMMING LIGHTS, RADIO TURNS OFF/ON, AC SHUTS OFF/ON, DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME ON AND EVENTUALLY TURN ON (ENGINE, ABS LIGHTS, ETC...). THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR, 4-5 TIMES IN A 10-15 MINUTE DRIVE. USUALLY HAPPENS AT LOWER SPEEDS, WHEN DECELERATING/ACCELERATING, BUT NOT CONSISTENTLY. AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR LAST 3 MONTHS. AIR BAG LIGHT ISSUES COUPLE YRS AGO AND TOOK TO DEALER FOR RECALL ISSUE, ATTRIBUTED TO A SENSOR ISSUE, WHICH SEEMED TO FIX IT UNTIL RECENTLY. HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED 3 MONTHS AGO, WITHOUT IMPROVEMENT. 3 MECHANICS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY CAUSE. VERY FRUSTRATED! OTHERWISE CAR HAS DONE WELL. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED, AS I'VE NOTICED MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA V6 THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED ( THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED). THIS HAPPEN WHEN MY SON WAS DRIVING AS WELL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST HYUNDAI SONATA THAT THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPEN. I HAVE CHECKED A HYUNDAI FORUMWEBSITE ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL WITH HYUNDAI. HOWEVER, I WAS FORTUNE, I WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO MANAGE THE CAR OFF THE TO THE SIDEOF THE ROAD. *TR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2011
WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED OR EXCEL PEDAL WAS NOT APPLIED, ALL ELECTRICITY FUNCTION(RADIO, A/C, AND HEADLIGHT) WENT DOWN FOR A SECOND AND CAME BACK AGAIN. IT STARTED HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE MARKED OVER 100,000 MILES AND OCCURRED FREQUENTLY DURING DRIVING. EVEN AFTER CHANGING BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WHICH DEALER POINTED AS REASONS OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH WHOLE ELECTRICITY CHECK-UP, IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE DEALER COULDN'T POINT OUT THE REASON. I APPEAR THIS PROBLEM HERE FOR SERIOUS POTENTIAL ACCIDENT POSSIBILITY.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 21, 2011
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ILLUMINATED AND WON'T TURN OFF.
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2011
2006 SONATA HAS AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS MANIFEST THEMSELVES USUALLY WHEN THE GAS IS NOT BEING APPLIED. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM OR GO OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON; THE RADIO SOMETIMES WILL GO OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON; THE A/C FAN PERIODICALLY SOUNDS AS IF IT HAS TURNED OFF AND THEN COMES BACK ON; SEVERAL TIMES I NOTICED THE PARKING BRAKE/LOW BRAKE FLUID, (RARELY HIGH BEAM), ESC LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COME ON WHEN THE RADIO AND LIGHTS AND AC TURNED OFF AND THEN CAME BACK ON. AT TIMES THESE OUTAGES WILL OCCUR WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS USED. ALL THESE HAPPENINGS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT THEY SAY THEY CANT GET IT TO REPEAT THE SYMPTOMS OR FIND A PROBLEM AND THE COMPUTER DOES NOT SHOW A CODE INDICATING ANY PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2011
DASH BOARD AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WAS AN ERROR CODE THAT WAS NOT LONGER ACTIVE. A SENSOR MUST HAVE SET IT OFF, BUT THERE WAS NO LONGER A PROBLEM. A FEW WEEKS LATER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHO STATED OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) OR SENSOR THAT WAS PART OF SYSTEM REGISTERED AN ERROR AT SOME POINT IN THE PAST FEW DAYS AND THAT IS WHY THE LIGHT WENT ON. THEY STATED THERE WAS NO LONGER AN ERROR, BUT THAT THE SENSOR MUST BE GOING BAD AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE IT FAILED. REASON BEING, ONCE THE SENSOR FAILED, THE AIR BAGS (AT LEAST PASSENGER AIR BAG, POTENTIALLY WHOLE SYSTEM SHUT OFF SO DRIVER AS WELL?) WOULDN'T DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE SYSTEM WOULD SHUT OFF AS A RESULT OF A SENSOR FAILURE. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT SENSOR COULD NOT BE REPLACED INDIVIDUALLY, BUT THAT THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR IS PART OF THE OCS SYSTEM. THE QUOTED COST FOR THE PART (SEAT CUSHION WITH ELECTRONIC SENSING SYSTEM) WOULD BE AROUND $1500 TOTAL ($1350 FOR THE PART, $150 FOR THE LABOR). AS OF NOW AIR BAG LIGHT NOT ON, SENSOR HASN'T FAILED YET. ONCE IT DOES, NEED TO REPLACE IF WANT AIR BAG SYSTEM TO DEPLOY. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A RECALL. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ONLINE THAT HAVE THE 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAVEN'T HAD IT FIXED. AS A RESULT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE DRIVING AROUND IN A VEHICLE THAT SOME IF NOT ALL OF THE AIR BAGS WON'T DEPLOY IN (AND MOST IF NOT ALL OF THEM DON'T REALIZE IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG). THIS DESIGN FLAW COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. ALL INFORMATION I RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG LIGHT ISSUE WAS FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2011
2006 SONATA NOW HAS AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THESE PROBLEMS MANIFEST THEMSELVES USUALLY WHEN THE GAS IS NOT BEING APPLIED, BUT NOT NECESSARILY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON; THE RADIO SOMETIMES WILL GO OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON; THE A/C FAN SOMETIMES SOUNDS AS IF IT HAS TURNED OFF AND THEN COMES BACK ON; SEVERAL TIMES I NOTICED THE ESC LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT COME ON WHEN THE RADIO AND LIGHTS AND AC TURNED OFF AND THEN CAME BACK ON. AT TIMES THESE OUTAGES WILL OCCUR WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS USED. ALL THESE HAPPENINGS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T GET IT TO REPEAT THE SYMPTOMS OR FIND A PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 20, 2010
DURING COLD STARTS BATTERY & SEAT BELT LIGHTS COME ON. ALSO, POWER STEERING SEEMS TO NOT WORK. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE ALTERNATOR & BATTERY WERE REPLACED, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DAMPENER PULLEY REPLACED & CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Sep 26, 2010
I OWN A HYUNDAI SONATA 2006, AND JUST BEFORE IT GOT TO 80,000 MILES, THE AIR BAG LIGHT SUDDENLY WENT ON. IT HAS STAYED ON FOR A WEEK AS OF 9/25/10. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND IT SEEMS MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE HYUNDAI SONATAS AND IT IS VERY COSTLY TO FIX. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO WITH HYUNDAI, IF IT HAPPENS REPEATEDLY. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 25, 2010
LIGHTS ACROSS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL NOT GO OFF INCLUDING: ESC OFF, CHECK ENGINE, AIRBAGS AND ABS. THERE IS ALSO A VISIBILITY ISSUE REGARDING THE SUN VISOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THESE ARE ALL ISSUES THAT I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING AS WELL AND ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE IGNITION; HOWEVER, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN WHEN POSITIONED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SIX DIFFERENT TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO POSSIBLY REPAIR THE IGNITION DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A SLIGHT HESITATION AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO STALL. THAT WAS THE SECOND TIME THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE BELT GETTING WET BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 09/16-10 *BF THE CRANK PULLEY WAS REPLACED ON A SEPARATE OCCASIONS. UPDATED 09/20/10
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2010
LOW NOTE HORN FAILED AT 94K MILES. HIGH NOTE HORN WORKS, BUT IS MUCH LESS EASILY HEARD. THE LOW NOTE HORN WAS ALSO REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ON MY MOTHER'S CAR, SAME YEAR/MAKE/MODEL, AT ABOUT 32K MILES. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, May 24, 2010
COMPUTER PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. MY CAR WILL STOP A TURN MID-TURN AND THE DASH LIGHTS WILL FLASH ON MOMENTARILY. THE WHEEL WILL BIND AND I HAVE TO BRAKE HARD TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WHEEL SO I CAN COMPLETE THE TURN. THIS IS ALWAYS AT A MODERATE SPEED, BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT POSTED FOR THE ON/OFF RAMP, ETC. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES WITH EACH TIME ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH DUE TO LOSING CONTROL OF MY STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY BLEW ME OFF AND SAID I NEEDED TO CHANGE MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID. I HAD 3 OTHER SHOPS LOOK AT IT AND NO ONE COULD DETERMINE CAUSE. I HAD THE GREASE FITTINGS INSPECTED AS WELL AS TIE RODS/BALL JOINTS. ALL WERE REPORTED GOOD. MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE ABOUT 40,000 MILES. I TOOK MY CAR IN, THEY SAID THERE WAS A LEAK IN MY SUNROOF, FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY AND TURNED THE AIRBAG LIGHT OFF. IT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER 50,000 MILES (AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF MY WARRANTY) AND HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A FAULTY SEAT BELT CLIP AND I NEEDED TO PAY ABOUT $300 TO HAVE IT FIXED. I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND I'M SEEING THAT MANY MANY HYUNDAI SONATA OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THINGS....AIRBAG LIGHTS AND COMPUTER PROBLEMS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Apr 6, 2010
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE DEFECTIVE ENGINE-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND ERRATIC RPM READING INVOLVING REDUCE ACCELERATION FM OWNER OF A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA LX. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE TAIL LIGHTS BURNED OUT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE ESC LIGHT WOULD BLINK WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND DUE TO THE ESC LIGHT BEING ON , THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UN-DRIVABLE. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 13, 2010
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA 3RD BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING HAS A DESIGN PROBLEM WHICH DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THE BULB TO BE REPLACED BY THE OWNER. OF COURSE SHORT LIFE BULBS ARE USED SO THE LIGHT BURNS OUT QUICKLY. HYUNDAI'S SOLUTION IS TO BRING THE CAR INTO A DEALERSHIP AND PAY AROUND $75 FOR THEM TO TAKE OUT THE TRAY BETWEEN THE SEAT AND WINDOW TO GET TO THE BULB TO REPLACE. CONSEQUENTLY, WITH THE STRAINS OF THE ECONOMY MOST PEOPLE HAVE TO CHOOSE TO NOT REPLACE THE BULB. A PROPER DESIGN WOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE CAR OWNER TO REPLACE THE BULB. THIS PROBLEM STARTED BACK IN 2008. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2009
THE WHOLE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN MY 2006 SONATA IS ISN'T WORKING. ESPECIALLY THE LIGHTS OVER THE LAST 3 YEAR WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR, WE CAN'T COUNT HOW MANY LIGHTS BULBS WE HAVE REPLACED. THE DASH BOARD LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN EVER IT FEELS. WE THOUGHT THAT WE HAD WARRANTY BUT WE DON'T, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEIR ELECTRIC SYSTEM BECAUSE I HEARD A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT HYUNDAI. *TR
Parking brake, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 15, 2009
AT FIRST IT WAS THE RADIO, TURNING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF WHEN I WOULD TRY TO LOWER THE VOLUME IT WOULD BE LOUDER. MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND TURN ON AGAIN, MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT WILL TURN ON AS MY CAR WOULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT SIGN IS ON AND THE BAG IT IS NOT DEPLOYED. THE ABS, ESC AND OTHER GLOW LIGHTS WILL TURN ON; SOMETIMES I CANT ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS OR LOCK THE CAR WITH THE BUTTON. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT START, NO POWER AND IT RESETS MY CLOCK. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY ARE GREEDY MONEY HUNGRY '!@#$% WHO DO NOT CARE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS, I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR AND ITS BEEN THROUGH DIAGNOSTICS AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS THE ONLY THING FOUND WRONG. I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE CAR AT LEAST TWICE A DAY AND THREE TIMES ITS DIED COMPLETELY. THIS IS AN 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA IT SHOULD NOT GIVE ME THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 29, 2009
THAT'S THE PROBLEM THERE IS NO SERIOUS EVENT LEADING UP TO THE PROBLEM. IT IS HAPPENING BECAUSE THESES CARS ARE NOT BUILT FOR SAFETY. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AND THERE ARE SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS, HYUNDAI AND YOU ALL MAY NOT THINK SO BUT IT IS. IF IT WAS YOUR CAR THAT HAD ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS YOU WOULD BE COMPLAINING ALSO. PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE WITH MY HYUNDAI SONATA: PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ON EVERY TIME YOU CRANK UP, AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE DASH BOARD ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (SENSORS GOING BAD IN THE CAR). IF ITS NOT EQUIPPED FOR THE CAR DON'T TRY SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO HAVE PEOPLE SPENDING OUT OF THE POCKETS AND THEN PAYING FOR A CAR ALSO. RECALLS ON 06 HYUNDAI SONATA WHAT'S THE PURPOSE IF IT CANT BE FIXED EVERYTHING ON THE RECALL LIST IS HAPPENING TO MY CAR. IF I HAD A SECOND CHANCE I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUT THAT '!@#$% FROM HYUNDAI. *TR