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
1,047 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Feb 18, 2016
CLUNKING , TRUNKING AND SQUEAKING NOISE FROM FRONT SIDE SIDE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS OR TURNING.COMPLAINED TO DEALER IN 2008 AND 2011 .THEY TEST TEST DROVE AND SAID IT IS NORMAL OR CAN NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM.IN 2016 THEY ARE SAYING IT NEED REPLACEMENT OF FRONT UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS COSTING AROUND $2000. I SEE FROM DISCUSSION FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER MAY BE AVOIDING TO ADDRESS WHEN VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY.
Exterior lighting, Feb 5, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE LIGHTS, THE FUSE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08E021000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Engine, Feb 3, 2016
ON LAMBDA/LAMBDA II MPI SERIES ENGINES, ENGINE OIL CAN LEAK ONTO THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH COULD AFFECT CHARGING SYSTEM FUNCTION AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND NOT RESTART. THIS WOULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AS WELL AS AFFECT POWER BRAKING AND POWER STEERING SYSTEM FUNCTION, WHICH WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE STEERING AND BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT, POTENTIALLY INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. EVERY MAKE/MODEL OF VEHICLE THAT HAS THIS ENGINE HAS OIL LEAKS ON THE ALTERNATOR AND OTHER CRITICAL COMPONENTS (I'VE REPLACED 3 ALTERNATORS SO FAR! ~$200 EACH! + LABOR!!!) YET ONLY A CERTAIN YEAR OF THE "VERA CRUZ" RECEIVED A RECALL BECAUSE THE COST TO HYUNDAI WOULD BE HIGHER TO FIX THIS ISSUE ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES (AZERA, SANTE FE, AND MY SONATA ETC. MODELS)
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.
Structure, Jan 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES WERE DETACHED. THE INTERIOR REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS ALSO DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,533.
Air bags, Jan 9, 2016, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THE FRONT WAS SMASHED IN THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS AND THE AIRBAGS AND NOT THE PLOY AND I NEED HELP.
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
Air bags, Dec 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONNECTOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,411. UPDATED 04/08/16*LJ
Air bags, Dec 22, 2015
ON NOV. 7, 2013, I NOTIFIED HYUNDAI THAT WE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SONATA'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS). THE SYSTEM DID NOT CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE MY WIFE AS AN ADULT PASSENGER, EVEN THOUGH SHE CLEARLY EXCEEDED THE NECESSARY WEIGHT THRESHOLD DESIGNED TO ACTIVATE THE AIRBAG SENSOR. HYUNDAI, AFTER MECHANICAL/ELECTRONIC REVIEW, STATED THE OCS WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. IT WASN'T. WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE ON APRIL 1, 2014, AND AGAIN ON MAY 22, 2014, ONLY TO HAVE HYUNDAI TELL US THE OCS WAS OPERATING "OK". AGAIN, ON JULY 30, 2015, WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE, AS THE OCS WAS STILL MALFUNCTIONING. HYUNDAI, AT THAT TIME, PERFORMED A REPROGRAMMING. STILL THE OCS DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZE MY WIFE AS AN ADULT PASSENGER. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI AN ALMOST INNUMERABLE NUMBER OF TIMES IN REGARD TO THIS ISSUE. THOUGH HYUNDAI EVEN HAD AN ARBITRATOR DOCUMENT THE DEFECT, TO DATE WE STILL HAVE NO RESOLUTION. IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY WIFE, OR ANY OTHER ADULT PASSENGER, TO RIDE IN THE CAR. AND, AS ONE CAN SEE BY THE HISTORY, IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
Suspension, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 20, 2015
AIR BAG LIGHT IN INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES. ESC INDICATOR TURNS OFF AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. REAR SUSPENSION KNOCKS WHEN FUEL TANK IS LOW (I.E. NEAR EMPTY).
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!
Visibility/wiper, Dec 15, 2015
BOTH SUN VISORS FAILED DROPPING DOWN INTERFERING FRONT VISIBILITY. ONE WAS REPLACED AT DEALER UNDER WARRANTY BUT REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE OTHER ONE REPAIR.
Air bags, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY WITH AN OCCUPANT PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT. AFTER THE MOST RECENT REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,700.
Suspension, Nov 19, 2015
MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 83000 MILES AND ALREADY HAS BAD UPPER CONTROL ARM IN THE FRONT. I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS ISSUE THIS EARLY AND IT BEGAN WHEN I HAD LESS MILEAGE THAN 83000. I HEAR SQUEAKS WHEN GOING ON CRACKED PAVEMENT.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 02/10/16*LJ *TR
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.
Service brakes, Nov 6, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND A CRASH OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 03/11/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. UPDATED 04/05/16.*JB
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.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Oct 29, 2015
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT OF DRIVE BELT ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, PRIOR TO THE DRIVE BELTS BEING REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE BELTS WERE REPLACED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PERFORMING WELL WHEN DRIVEN. THERE WAS HARDNESS ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THERE WAS A SLIGHT, FAINT CHIRPING, FAINT GRINDING SOUND WHEN THE A/C WAS TURNED ON. THE MANAGER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE A/C/PANEL AND MAYBE A LOOSE FLAP. HOWEVER, THE NOISE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THE BELT THAT WAS INSTALLED WAS NOT THE CORRECT ONE FOR THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, AFTER THE ORIGINAL BELT WAS INSTALLED THE NOISE WAS STILL PRESENT, BUT NOT AS LOUD. ALSO, THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED DUE TO HEARING A NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS.*JB
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
Suspension, Oct 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS OUTWARDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS ABLE TO BE ADJUSTED BACK INTO PLACE, BUT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V354000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE CROSS MEMBER ASSEMBLY AND ONLY SPRAYED THE CROSS MEMBER WITH A COATING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Engine, Oct 23, 2015
IN JAN. 2015 IT WAS ON A 100 MILE HIGHWAY TRIP. UPON ARRIVAL HE NOTICED THE ENGINE DEVELOPED A KNOCKING NOISE. I FOUND MANY 2.4L HYUNDAI'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET. THE ENGINE WAS MADE IN INDIANA. IT SOUNDS THE SAME AS NHSTA CAMPAIGN #15V-568. IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. I CAN'T UPLOAD IT, BUT I HAVE VIDEO OF THE KNOCKING. I BELIEVE THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO EARLIER YEARS
Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 5, 2015
CAR HESITATE TO START. ONCE ON ESC OFF LIGHT IS ON AND YOU CAN GO ANY FASTER THAN 15MPH. IF YOU TURN THE CAR OFF AND CRANK IT AGAIN THE LIGHT GOES OFF BUT YOU CAN GO PASS 2500 REMEMBER OR ELSE IT BUCKS AND JERKS AND ENGINE REVS BUT YOU CAN'T INCREASE YOUR SPEED. IT HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF RECALL FOR THE 3.3 LIKE ENGINE, BUT HYUNDAI WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE MY ENGINE IS 2.4L. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HYUNDAI ON APRIL 25, 2015.
Engine, Oct 4, 2015
THE CAR WAS EXPERTLY MAINTAINED, FOLLOWED THE SEVERE DUTY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM UNTIL 125,000 MILES. METALLIC DEBRIS IN THE CRANKCASE CAUSED THE OIL PUMP NOT TO SPRAY OIL ONTO THE CONNECTING ROD BEARING CAUSING A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT WAS RECENTLY RECALLED ON THE NEWER 2011-UP THETA II. THE THETA I AND THETA II ARE THE EXACT SAME SHORT BLOCKS EXCEPT FOR THE THETA II'S DIRECT INJECTION SYSTEM. MY MECHANIC WHO DID THE REPAIR WAS VERY SURPRISED SINCE HE ALWAYS INSPECTED MY CAR ANNUALLY AND KNEW I USED TO BE A MECHANIC AND MAINTAINED ALL MY CARS LIKE CLOCKWORK. THE REPAIR COST WAS $4,113.53, SEE ATTACHED INVOICE. THE EXISTING RECALL SHOULD BE FOR ALL THETA ENGINE SINCE 2006-UP NOT JUST FOR THE 2011-UP.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE EVAP AND O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. ON ANOTHER DAY, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.