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.
Air bags, Oct 11, 2013
RE: OCSSETTLEMENT.HYUNDAI.COM DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: MY CAR MAKE AND MODEL IS INVOLVED IN THE HYUNDAI AIRBAG CLASS ACTION SUIT. I TOOK MY CAR SO THAT THE DEALER COULD DO THE RECALIBRATING TO THE SEAT ON 8/27/2013. THEY TOLD ME BEFORE THEY SENT IT TO CALIFORNIA FOR THE RECALIBRATING TO BE DONE TO THE SEAT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT DUE TO AN ACCIDENT THE IMPACT JARS THE SEAT CONNECTION AND CAUSES CODES AND THAT THE LIGHT WILL STILL ILLUMINATE WHEN IT CAME BACK AND IT IS. HE SAID I HAVE TO PAY SOME $600.00 TO GET SOMETHING REPAIRED AND THE ATTORNEY ADVISED AGAINST ME PAYING THAT IS NOT MY FAULT. THE ATTORNEY FOR THE CLASS ACTION ALREADY TOLD ME HYUNDAI IS COMING UP WITH ALL KINDS OF REASONS; EVEN THE INSPECTOR THEY SENT SEEMED BIASED FOR THE COMPANY. THE ATTORNEY ALSO STATED THAT THE CAR IS UNDER RECALL AND IF THE LIGHT IS ON WHATEVER THEY SAY DOESN'T MATTER THAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER ME SOMETHING UNDER THE SETTLEMENT AND THEY ARE NOT. THE CASE INVOLVES THE AIR BAG LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THERE IS SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM. SINCE THE LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, I AND WHOEVER RIDES WITH ME ARE IN DANGER BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. HYUNDAI WILL NOT REPAIR WITHOUT ME PAYING. I SHOULD NOT PAY. I HAVE NOT HAD AN IMPACT. I GOT A LETTER FROM HYUNDAI TODAY STATING I SHOULD KEEP THIS LETTER IN MY VEHICLE AND THEY LISTED THAT THIS CONTACT SHOULD BE WRITTEN IF I AM UNSATISFIED. I AM NOT SATISFIED AND FEEL I AM NOT GETTING THE OFFER OPTIONS IN WHICH I AM ENTITLED. PLEASE INFORM ME HOW I SHOULD PROCEED IF BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU DOES NOT COMPLY. I CALL THE ATTORNEY OVER THE CLASS ACTION AND THEY INFORM I SHOULD BE PERSISTENT AND I HAVE. BUT WITH HYUNDAI OVER THE INSPECTIONS, ETC., I FEEL THIS WILL NOT COME OUT FAIR. PLEASE INFORM WHAT I NEED TO DO. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Oct 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAG). THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE RECALL CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 20TH. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND COULD MALFUNCTION DURING A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Service brakes, Sep 23, 2013
AFTER EXITING A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT I ATTAINED A SPEED OF ABOUT 35MPH WHEN A TRAFFIC LITE ABOUT 100YDS AHEAD TURNED TO RED. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND AFTER A FEW YARDS APPLIED THE BRAKES ONLY TO FIND THE PEDAL GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR WITH LITTLE OR NO BRAKING ACTION. I GRABBED AND THE PULLED THE HAND BRAKE AS HARD AS REASONABLE WITHOUT BREAKING THE HANDLE OR DOING OTHER DAMAGE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH I STOPPED ABOUT 2-3 CAR LENGTHS SHORT OF AN ACCIDENT I'M SURE THAT USE OF THE HAND BRAKE PREVENTED A REAR END COLLISION. ONLY AFTER I HAD DRIVEN A FEW HUNDRED YARDS TO GET OFF THE ROADWAY DID THE RED BRAKE FAILURE LITE COME ON CONFIRMING THAT I HAD SURVIVED A SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE AS OPPOSED TO A SLOW LEAK FAILURE. WITH A RATHER SHAKY HAND, I GRABBED A FLASH LIGHT AND WHILE MY PASSENGER PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL I FOUND THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM A LOCATION ABOUT 16 INCHES IN FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE. THE CAR IS IN THE YARD NOW BUT W/O A LIFT THE LOCATION OF THE FAILURE IS UNKNOWN. HUNDAI DID NOT SEEMED TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEAR ACCIDENT STATING THERE ARE NO KNOWN BRAKE ISSUES BUT DID GIVE ME A CASE NUMBER FOR REFERENCE, THAT NUMBER IS 6046357. SINCE HUNDAI DID NOT SEEM TOO CONCERNED ABOUT NEAR ACCIDENT SO I WILL BE TAKING THE SONATA TO A LOCAL DEALER.
Service brakes, Sep 21, 2013
HAVE HAD AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH BRAKE LIGHTS GOING OUT... STOP LAMP SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. NOW I DON'T HAVE BRAKE LIGHTS .... SOMETHING IS VERY VERY WRONG WITH HYUNDAI'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF COURSE HYUNDAI SAYS MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED BY ANY RECALL... AND I HAVE TO PAY THEM TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONGS WITH THE CAR
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 7, 2013
A PART ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT BUCKLE HAS FAILED ONCE PER YEAR FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS. THE FAILURE OF THIS PART CAUSES THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO GO ON, RENDERING THE AIRBAG INEFFECTIVE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENS, BUT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FREQUENCY OF THE FAILURES. WE ALSO DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS REPAIR WAS COVERED TWICE, BUT NOT THE THIRD TIME SINCE THIS IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME PART AND THE TIME PERIOD IN BETWEEN PART FAILURES WAS ALMOST IDENTICAL.
Air bags, Sep 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT SENSOR WAS REPROGRAMMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FULLY REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 10/24/13*CN
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 27, 2013
UPPER CONTROL ARMS FAILED & WERE REPLACED 9/27/2012. THIS REQUIRED ANOTHER DEALER ALIGNMENT. FRONT TIRES THEN WORE OUT 6,200 MILES LATER. TIRES WORE DOWN TO METAL BELT CORE; COULD HAVE EASILY BLOWN OUT. I HAD 3 PREVIOUS DEALER ALIGNMENTS AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER IN APRIL 2013 THERE IS NO MORE CAMBER/CASTER ADJUSTMENT POSSIBLE, MY CAR IS "OUT OF SPECS", THAT I NEED A $650 AFTERMARKET CAMBER ADJUSTMENT KIT. DEALER TOLD ME TO ROTATE TIRES EVERY 3,500 MILES WHICH IS MUCH SOONER THEN THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED 7,500 MILES. I WAS TOLD TIRES WILL LOSE 50% OR MORE OF TREAD LIFE. MY APRIL 17, 2013 DEALER ALIGNMENT FAILED, COULD NOT BE DONE. I HAD DEALER ALIGNMENTS SEPT 26, 2012 (WITH NEW UPPER CONTROL ARMS), JAN 22, 2010, JULY 29, 2010, JULY 29, 2009. I HAVE GOOD PHOTOS OF THE SEVERE TIRE DAMAGE, STEEL BELTING CLEARLY VISIBLE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE DETAILED REPAIR RECORDS FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Structure, Aug 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,232.
Air bags, Seat belts, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 25, 2013
I TURNED THE CAR ON AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS INDICATED ALL AFFECTED PARTS LISTED ABOVE WENT ON. DROVE THE CAR FOR 3 MILES AND SHUT IT OFF FOR 2 HOURS. TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I'VE READ MANY OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE, BUT HAVEN'T SEEN A RESOLUTION THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUES GOD FORBID THE AIR BAGS DON'T EJECT IN A ACCIDENT. WHAT DO I DO?? *TR
Steering, Power train, Aug 19, 2013
THE TRANSMISSION INITIALLY WENT OUT ON MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I WENT TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE FROM THOSE REPAIRS AND AS I DROVE HOME APPROX 3 MILES I FELT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S RESPONSE, THEN THE STEERING GRABBED AS I MADE A RIGHT TURN AND DID NOT RELEASE ALMOST CAUSING ME TO STRIKE A VEHICLE. THE STEERING WAS "GRABBING" OR STICKING TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT, I RETURNED TO THE DEALER, THEIR INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING RACK "LET LOOSE", THE DEALER PUT IN 2 POWER STEERING PUMPS, AND TWO STEERING RACKS AND FLUSHED THE SYSTEM MULTIPLE TIMES. THE THIRD RACK SEEMED TO HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE HOWEVER THE DEALER COULD NOT SAY HOW OR WHY THIS HAPPENED OR WHAT CAUSED THIS ALTHOUGH I DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THE STEERING PRIOR TO DROPPING THE VEHICLE OFF FOR THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WORK. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS ISSUE AND COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY EXPLANATIONS TO THE CAUSE. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 18, 2013
THE VISOR ON MY CAR HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS NOW. AT FIRST IT WAS JUST ANNOYING WHILE DRIVING BUT I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN NOW. THE VISOR STAYS UP BY KEVLAR BUT I NEED TO REDO IT SINCE THE PLASTIC THREADS ARE NO LONGER HOLDING IT TOGETHER. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HOLD THE VISOR WITH MY LEFT HAND BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DESIGNED THE VISOR BADLY. ON A SUNNY DAY THE VISOR WON'T STAY IN THE POSITION PLACED BUT STAYS IN A VERTICAL POSITION, BLOCKING MY SIGHT. ALSO, THE CUP HOLDER DESIGN IS HORRIBLE. THE AFTERMARKET CUP HOLDERS WON'T EVEN FIT INSIDE. ONLY LARGE DIAMETER CUPS CAN BE HELD SECURELY. STANDARD CUPS ARE NOT HELD SECURE. I NEED TO BE CONSCIOUS OF WHERE THE CUP IS WHEN DRIVING. A CUP HOLDER SHOULD ACTUALLY HOLD THE CUP IN PLACE AND NOT CAUSE CONCERN TO THE DRIVER. *TR
Visibility, Aug 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR SUDDENLY FLOPPED OPEN. IT STARTLED ME AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE SUN VISOR HAS NOT STAYED UP EVER SINCE. THIS CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT BLOCKS MY LINE OF VISION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SHE APPROACHED A STOP SIGNAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO DECELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT INTERMITTENT ERRONEOUS ACCELERATION WAS EXPERIENCED. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND BECAME PERMANENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 13, 2013
NOTICED A SHIMMY VIBRATION LOUDER THAN NORMAL WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY, UPON EXITING ON MAIN ROAD HEARD VERY LOUD THUMP BANG ON LEFT REAR DRIVERS SIDE. I ASSUMED IT WAS A BLOW OUT AS I COULDN'T STEER THE CAR (PULLING TO RIGHT) BUT MANAGED TO MAKE INTO PARKING LOT OFF THE MAIN. UPON INSPECTION LEFT REAR TIRE STILL ON CAR NOT FLAT, BUT ON A TOTAL SLANT APPROX 45 DEGREE. I WAS VERY GLAD TO BE OFF HIGHWAY HOWEVER STILL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. AFTER TOWING TO GARAGE, MECHANIC CALLED ME LATER AND SAID THE ENTIRE REAR SUB-FRAME ROTTED AND BROKE FROM CAR NEEDING TO REPLACE EVERYTHING SUSPENSION SUB-FRAME, INCLUDING CONTROL ARMS, AND WOULD NEED AN ALIGNMENT, HE ALSO SAID THAT'S WHY MY TIRES WORE DOWN QUICKER THAN USUAL DUE TO SUSPENSION ISSUE. I DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER SINCE CAR NO LONGER ON WARRANTY, AFTER CHECKING THE INTERNET FOR USED PARTS (COULD NOT AFFORD NEW PARTS AS MECHANIC'S ESTIMATE WAS ALREADY AT THE $1800.00 MARK) WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ALREADY POSTED WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. I DID REPAIR THE CAR WITH A TOTAL BILL (USED/RECYCLED PARTS) FOR $1567.00. I STILL DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. WHY WOULD IT TAKE SO LONG TO HAVE A RECALL...IT IS OBVIOUS THIS IS A DEFECT WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS CRASH, FATALITY SERIOUS INJURY AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY HYUNDAI FOR REPAIR OR FULL REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR RELEASED INDEPENDENTLY WHICH DISTORTED THE VISION. THE VELCRO STRIPS WERE USED TO SECURE THE SUN VISOR IN AN UPWARD POSITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Suspension, Aug 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED AS THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A RUSTED REAR DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND THE CURRENT APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Visibility, Aug 1, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH, PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL, STARTLING DRIVER AND NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SUN VISOR REMAINS DOWN (WILL NOT STAY UP), CAUSING A CONSTANT DISTRACTION AT ALL HOURS AND RESTRICTING VISIBILITY. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN AFTER BEING PLACED IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SOLENOID HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jul 23, 2013
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A CLASS ACTION SUIT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT " OCS" ISSUE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS BEEN ATTEMPTING TO GET THE PASSENGER SEAT FIXED FOR YEARS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FAILED TO IDENTIFY WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DISABLED.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 21, 2013
DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT TIRE ALMOST WAS OFF THE CAR THANK GOODNESS THAT I WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY AND MY CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR . FIND OUT THAT MY CROSS MEMBER IN THE REAR OF MY CAR HAD SNAPPED NOW THIS IS A CAR THAT IS GARAGE KEPT AND TO THE CAR DEALER THAT I HAD BOUGHT IT FROM BRAND NEW AND SUPPOSE TO CHECK IT WITH A 10 POINT SYSTEM EVERYTIME I GET THE COUPON IN THE MAIL WHICH IS ABOUT EVERY 4 - 6 MONTHS WAS NEVER SEEN THE CRACK FROM READING THE INTERNET THIS IS NOT THE 1 ST CAR TO DO THIS . PLEASE TRY TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED . PLEASE MAKE THIS CAR SAFER BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED THANK YOU ! *TR
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 18, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. RECALL ID #09V122000 DEALER OFFERED NO HELP,SAID IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ,I WOULD HAVE TO ABSORB COST. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 14, 2013
EARLIER IN THE DAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH MY NEPHEW AND SISTER, THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT TIME I DROVE IT, THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AND WAS NOT ON AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, TURNING A CORNER, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK FROM THE DRIVER REAR SIDE. I STOPPED AND SAW A LARGE RUSTY METAL PIECE HAD DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ON THAT SIDE AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE ROAD, THE WHEEL WAS TIPPED OUT WOBBLY. I KNEW IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. I CALLED AAA AND HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE. DUE TO HOLIDAY WEEKEND, MY HUSBAND SAW THE MECHANIC ON MONDAY 7/8/13, WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS A REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION AND FAILURE. HE ADVISED US TO CHECK FOR A RECALL AS HE WAS FAMILIAR WITH A PRIOR FRONT FRAME RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO. HE HAD OTHER REPAIRS AHEAD OF US, SO WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC 15 MILES AWAY. WHEN OUR MECHANIC GOT IT ON THE LIFT WE WERE TOLD THE DAMAGE WAS VERY SEVERE: THE REAR END WAS ROTTED, NEEDING REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT OF REAR CROSSMEMBER, 2 UPPER AND 2 LOWER ARMS, L/R UPPER CONTROL ARM AND JOINT, WITH REAR SHOCKS AND MOUNTS, AND ALIGNMENT.WE CALLED HYUNDAI REGIONAL OFFICE, OPENED CASE # 5870260. THE AGENT REPORTED NO RECALLS AND THIS WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, BUT HE STATED HE WAS "VERY FAMILIAR" WITH THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM IN OTHER YEARS AND MODELS. HE ADVISED CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP, AS THEY MAY BE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING. (HERB CHAMBERS OF AUBURN, MA.) THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED US TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THEM AT OUR EXPENSE (40MI.) HIS LACK OF EMPATHY AND TELLING US THAT HYUNDAI WOULD TAKE LITTLE OR NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRS, OUTSIDE OF A RECALL, PROMPTED US TO HAVE OUR MECHANIC DO THE WORK. REPAIRS WERE DONE WITH HYUNDAI FACTORY PARTS, ($2,640 INCLUDING LABOR). WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A DEFECT WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY, AND/OR DEATH HAD IT HAPPENED IN ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 13, 2013
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON OUR 2006 SONATA STARTED INTERMITTENTLY GOING ON AND OFF SEVERAL YEARS AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER AT OUR REGULAR SERVICE. THEY CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT GET THE LIGHT TO COME ON. AT A LATER DATE THE LIGHT CAME ON PERMANENTLY WHILE DRIVING. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER IN 2010, WHO CHARGED ME $100 INSPECTION FEE. HE CONCLUDED THAT THE LIGHT WAS ON AS A RESULT OF A SEAT MALFUNCTION BUT TOLD US NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE LIGHT. IN JUNE 2013, WE WERE ON A TRIP TO THE EAST COAST AND NEEDED AXLE WORK (WHICH WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY AT 85,000 MILES) AND I AGAIN ASKED THAT DEALER TO CHECK THE SEAT BELT LIGHT. HE INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH SOME BOLTS IN THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS AND THAT MY AIR BAGS WERE NOT FUNCTIONAL AS LONG AS THE LIGHT WAS ON. EVEN THOUGH I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED DEALER WARRANT FOR THIS VEHICLE, I WAS AGAIN CHARGED FOR THE INSPECTION AND NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR WARRANTY COMPANY WILL STEP UP TO COVER THIS REPAIR. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MUCH MORE WIDESPREAD SAFETY PROBLEM THAN IT APPEARS AND THAT BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND TRADE KNOWS THIS LIFE THREATENING FLAW EXISTS. I AM APPALLED BY THE FREQUENCY OF AIRBAG COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN LODGED AND THAT THE DEALER WOULD ALLOW US TO DRIVE FOR YEARS WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF THESE SAFETY FEATURES. *TR
Structure, Jul 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2013
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON, THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I ONLY HAVE 38000 MILES ON THE CAR. *TR