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 25, 2012
DRIVER'S AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH STAYED ON, AND THE PASS AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF AT VARYING TIMES (W/PASS IN SEAT). IN 2010, IN THE SUMMER (?) THE DEALER REPLACED A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH UNDER RECALL. THE CAR MOST LIKELY HAD UNDER 80,000 MILES ON IT. AT THAT TIME I TOLD THE DEALER'S (VAN HORN HYUNDAI OF FOND DU LAC, WI) SERVICE PERSON ABOUT THE PASS AIRBAG LIGHT AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON IT. WHEN THE PASS LIGHT WOULD COME ON I WOULD STOP THE CAR AND TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE OFF POSITION. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR THE LIGHT WOULD USUALLY STAY OFF. *TR
Air bags, Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 14, 2012
THE DRIVER SIDE (AND THE PASSENGER SIDE) SUN VISOR FALL DOWN(DROOP) WHILE DRIVING AND HAS BEEN CAUSING SERIOUS VISIBILITY ISSUES. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: SWITCHES: BRAKE LIGHTS) WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN 2009 AND THE REPAIRS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ELECTRONIC STABILTY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER FOR IT TO TURN OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE FAILURE WOULD RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT A MECHANIC TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THEY BELIEVE THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE STOMP LAMP SWITCH FAILING AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 11/13/12 *CN UPDATED 11/28/2012 *JS
Vehicle speed control, Oct 3, 2012, crash
ON APRIL 13, 2012, JULY 18, 2012 AND AUGUST 3, 2012, WHILE MAKING A SLOW TURN INTO A PARKING AREA, MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY FOR NO REASON. IN EACH INSTANCE, AN ACCIDENT RESULTED WITH MAJOR DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY AND MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE 2006 SONATA. MY ONLY GUESS , IS THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S SPEED CONTROL. UPDATED 10/15/12 *BF
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Sep 30, 2012
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD STAYED ON WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT BLINKED ON AND OFF. THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT STOP WAS TO FASTEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OCS (OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM) SENSOR IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD "BURNT" ITSELF OUT. FAILURE TO REPLACE SENSOR WOULD CAUSE AIRBAGS TO FAIL. DID SOME INVESTIGATING AND FOUND THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS SENSOR BACK IN 2008. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR WAS "NOT" PART OF THE RECALL. MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT "ON THE LIST". SAME MAKE, SAME MODEL--NOT PART OF RECALL???? THE REPAIR COST $1000 FOR A NEW SEAT. HOW MANY OTHER OWNERS OF HYUNDAI VEHICLES ARE "NOT" PART OF RECALLS? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 18, 2012
I HAVE BEEN THE 1ST OWNER AND COMPLETED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT. ALWAYS A BIT BUMPY SHIFTING, BUT LAST THURSDAY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 40M ON FREEWAY ONCE PULLING OFF WOULD NOT STOP. CAR WANTS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE AT ABOUT 40MPH REGARDLESS IF FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO BRAKE. ONLY WAY TO STOP IS TO SLAM INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN IN PARK IT REVES AND HAS RPMS UP. REVERSE YOU ARE PULLING OUT AT 30 AND SLAMMING IN NEUTRAL BEFORE YOU CRASH AND THEN FORWARD THE SAME. THIS CAN NOT BE ISOLATED AND IS WORSE THAN A FLOOR MAT IN A TOYOTA. I CANT TAKE A FLOOR MAT OUT TO MAKE IT SAFE. PLEASE HELP, EVEN IF THEY FIX THE PROBLEM, THEY TELL ME THEY HAVE NO IDEA IS, HOW CAN I TRUST THAT MY DAUGHTER AND I ARE SAFE TO EVER BE IN THIS CAR AGAIN? THERE ARE 100'S OF POSTS ONLINE IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. MY CAR IS UNUSABLE WITH A PROBLEM NOT RELATED TO LACK OF CARE OR ACCIDENT. I HAVE A CAR I CAN'T SAFELY USE AND YET CANNOT AFFORD TO TRADE IT IN AT THIS POINT. NOR CAN I AFFORD THE HUNDREDS I HAVE ALREADY PAID TO FIX THE YET TO BE FIXED PROBLEM. SO FAR TWO SEPARATE SENSORS. SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY, ISN'T THIS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT? *TR *JS
Air bags, Sep 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY (CODE B1706). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED HOWEVER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THEY COULD REPAIR THE FAILURE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 5, 2012
I WAS JUST GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE AND WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN THE CAR MADE THIS CLUNKING NOISE AND THEN I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. I COULD NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR. AFTER I GOT THE CAR HOME, IT WAS LOOKED AT AND I WAS TOLD THE CONTROL ARM ROTTEN OFF THE SUB-FRAME FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2001-2004 HYUNDAI SONATAS. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND THEY DID NOT SEEM TO WANT TO HELP ME AND TOLD ME THIS HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE PAST. IT APPERAS TO ME THAT IF THEY RECALLED PREVIOUS MODELS THAT THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I AM VERY THANKFUL THAT THE CONTROL ARM DID NOT BRAKE WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING AT 65 MPH. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Sep 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,300. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ UPDATED 10/16/2012 *JS *TR
Air bags, Aug 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS LIGHTS WARNING LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AIR BAG SENSOR IN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,242.
Visibility, Aug 25, 2012
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA DROOPING SUN VISOR, COMES DOWN WHILE DRIVING. HYUNDAI WILL NOT RECALL THE SUN VISOR ALTHOUGH THIS IS KNOW PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HYUNDAI IS SHIFTING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REPAIR ONTO THE OWNER OF VEHICLE WHICH COSTS $80 PER SUN VISOR AND AN INSTALLATION OF $20 PER VISOR. BASICALLY, $200 FOR A PROBLEM THAT IS NOT THE DRIVERS FAULT, BUT A FAULTY DESIGN. *TR
Air bags, Aug 22, 2012
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL VEHICLE AIRBAG ISSUES *TGW SHORTLY AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN A 160 POUND PERSON WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM UNLESS THE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ACTIVATED INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE COURSE OF OWNERSHIP, BUT NOT FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO WARRANT THE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE FOR DAYS. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING VISIBLY WRONG WITH AIR BAG SYSTEM AND THE CODE WAS CLEARED. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER THE NEXT THE DAY, WHERE THE DEALER RECOMMENDING REPLACING OR REPAIRING THE SEAT AT A COST OF $1100. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VIN AND MODEL YEAR WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER THEN CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED HIS MODEL YEAR WAS INCLUDED AND A CASE FILE WOULD BE OPENED. RECALL # 08V161000 *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 20, 2012
JUNE 2008, SEATBELT LIGHT & AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR PASSENGER SEAT. CODE B1706, PASSENGER BUCKLE PRETENSIONER. PART WAS REPLACED BY HYUNDAI, UNDER WARRANTY. AUGUST 2012, MILEAGE 45,000 AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON INTERMITTENTLY, THEN PERMANENTLY. CODE B1706 PASSENGER BUCKLE PRETENSIONER, AGAIN. CONTACTED BOTH CORPORATE HYUNDAI AND DEALER AND TOLD NO WARRANTY ON THIS ITEM AND NO KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH IT. SEEMS THAT REPEATED FAILURES OF A COMPONENT OF THE SRS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AND PASSENGER SEAT IS RARELY USED, YET BUCKLE PRETENSIONER HAS FAILED TWICE!! I HAVE NOTICED REPEATED ENTRIES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM ON THE 2006 SONATA. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE BE SURE TO FILE A COMPLAINT HERE, EVEN IF YOU HAVE RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 15, 2012
THE ESC COMES ON EVERYDAY I START THE CAR THEN IT COMES OFF WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF COMPLETELY. *TR
Air bags, Aug 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO START AND ONCE STARTED, IT WAS RESISTANT TO BE TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT A FUSE IN THE JUNCTION BOX WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BLOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLACE THE FAILED FUSE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE JUNCTION BOX. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE JUNCTION BOX WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ UPDATED 10/15/2012 *JS
Visibility, Jul 29, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, I NOTICED THE WHITE LINE ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD CURVE SHARPLY INWARD TOWARD VEHICLE. THIS STARTLED ME. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THE ROAD CURVED, THEN IT MADE ME DIZZY. THOSE TWO FEELINGS LASTED ABOUT 5 SECONDS TOTAL, MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT TURNS OUT THE WINDSHIELD HAS VISUAL DISTORTIONS ALONG THE LOWER AND SIDE EDGES. I HAVE NOTICED THIS EFFECT IN ANOTHER SONATA AS WELL. *JS
Air bags, Jul 24, 2012
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT-REMAINS ON. SEPARATELY THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR LIGHT FLASHES UNTIL THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS CONNECTED-CINCHED. MY AUTO MECHANIC REPORTS THAT HYUNDAI VEHICLES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT CONNECTION SENSOR. ANOTHER MECHANIC REPORTS THAT A DEFECTIVE SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAY BE DEFECTIVE. BOTH MECHANICS ADVISE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A HYUNDAI SAFETY RECALL. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT I HAVE HAD DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS SINCE PRIOR TO 10/8/12 AT WHICH TIME I REPORTED TO HYUNDAI MOTORS USA AND A LOCAL DEALER THAT THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON. HYUNDAI MOTORS USA AT THAT TIME DENIED RESPONSIBILITY. HYUNDAI MOTORS TODAY 7/23/12 CONTINUED TO DENY RESPONSIBILITY. THIS NOW HAS COME TO SPECIAL ATTENTION AS THE VEHICLE, REGISTERED IN VERMONT, DUE TO THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINING ON, WILL NOT PASS NEW VERMONT INSPECTION REGULATIONS. A COMPLAINT TODAY HAS ALSO BEEN FILED WITH HYUNDAI MOTORS USA; CASE #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Service brakes, Jul 24, 2012
MY CAR STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS IN MAY THAT WHEN I LOOK THEM UP, ARE LISTED AS ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY HYUNDAI YET WHEN I CONTACTED HYUNDAI THESE WERE NOT OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. MY ABS/ESC LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. IF I TURN MY CAR OFF AND RE-START IT THEN THE LIGHT WILL BE GONE, ONLY TO COME ON AGAIN AT SOME POINT WHEN I'M DRIVING. I JUST GOT NEW BRAKES IN JANUARY AND MY BRAKES SEEM TO BE WORKING FINE. THE ONLY TIME I WAS CONCERNED WAS DURING A ROAD TRIP WHEN THE LIGHT WAS OFF, BUT CAME ON WHEN I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES ON THE HIGHWAY. MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AROUND THE SAME TIME THE BRAKE LIGHT STARTED CONSISTENTLY COMING ON. THIS LIGHT DOES NOT GO AWAY. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE A BACK BREAK LIGHT THAT IS OUT YET WHEN I TOOK IT TO GET A NEW BULB IT WAS WORKING JUST FINE. THEN THE NEXT DAY WHEN BACKING UP, I COULD SEE MY CAR'S REFLECTION IN A WINDOW AND THAT LIGHT WAS OUT, INDICATING SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL SHORT. TO TOP IT ALL OFF, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TODAY AND I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR IN THIS AFTERNOON TO SEE WHAT THAT IS. MY CAR IS UP TO DATE ON ALL MAINTENANCE. IN THE LAST 7 MONTHS I HAVE HAD NEW BRAKES, NEW SPARK PLUGS, AND A NEW BATTERY. I'M NOT SURE WHY THESE LIGHTS ARE ON BUT IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING TO SEE RECALLS FOR SOME OF THESE ISSUES, AND THEY JUST AREN'T ON MY CAR SPECIFICALLY. *TR
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
Air bags, Jul 5, 2012
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND SO IS THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT IS ON. *TR
Air bags, Jun 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SENSOR COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN A PASSENGER HAD THE SEAT BELT BUCKLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER RESET THE CODES TO THE AIR BAG SENSOR, BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000. UPDATED 08/27/12
Air bags, Jun 18, 2012
WHILE ON HIGHWAY, DASH BOARD AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN EARLY APRIL. DID NOT GO OUT. TOOK IT TO DEALER IN EARLY MAY, THEY GAVE ME A CODE B1448. SAID NEEDED TO HAVE $2200 REPAIR DONE. FOUND TECH SERVICE BULLETIN ON LINE THAT GOT THE SEAT REPROGRAMMED IN MID-MAY AT DEALER COST. "FIX" WAS TO REMOVE SEAT AND SEND IT BACK FOR REPROGRAMMING. EARLY JUNE: NOW, BOTH DASH AIR BAG LIGHT AND FLASHING PASSENGER SEAT LIGHT ARE ON WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ONLY WAY TO GET THE FLASHING TO STOP IS TO HOOK THE SEAT BELT. SECOND VISIT TO DEALER DOCUMENTED THAT CODE IS THE SAME FOR THE DASH LIGHT. NO EXPLANATION FOR PASSENGER LIGHT. NO PATH FORWARD FROM HYUNDAI CORPORATE, ACCORDING TO DEALER. NOW WHAT?. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jun 13, 2012
SUNVISOR BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER RETENTION CLIPS GAVE OUT. SUNVISORS NOW HANG DOWN AND WONT STAY IN PLACE. THE DEALER AND HYUNDAI REFUSE TO FIX A DESIGN DEFECT. *TR