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.
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2012
THE SAFETY LABELS ON THE VISORS HAVE CURLED UP AND LOST THEIR ADHESION TO THE VISORS MAKING THE LABELS UNREADABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON 4/26/05. A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL, CAMPAIGN ID NO. 06V234000 WAS ISSUED FOR THIS DEFECT FOR VEHICLES BUILT MAY 15, 2005 THROUGH AUGUST 2005. THIS RECALL WAS INADEQUATE TO INCLUDE ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. IT SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THESE EARLIER BUILT VEHICLES. *KB
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 30, 2012
AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ON TOOK IT TO THE DEALER 2 YEARS AGO (ESTIMATE), THEY RESET THE SENSOR AND FIDDLED WITH THE CABLE UNDER THE SEAT. IN AUGUST OF 2011 THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND REMAINED ON. TOOK IT IT THE DEALER WHO SCANNED THE CODES WHICH READ "B1701" AND "B1706" AIRBAG RESISTANCE TOO HIGH FROM THE SEAT BUCKLES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BUCKLE AT MY COST. MILEAGE 62,966 THERE SEEMS TO BE A HIGH INCIDENCE OF THIS OCCURRING AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. SEE ALSO: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2006/HYUNDAI/SONATA/10315909 HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2006/HYUNDAI/SONATA/SEAT_BELTS/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/HYUNDAI_AIRBAGS.HTML *TT
Air bags, Jan 27, 2012
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG FAILED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED ON 1/26/2012 AND HAPPENED ON A REPLACED SEAT, AS THIS SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED ON 10/10/2009 AND WAS REPORTED IN A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT THEN . THE ODI ID NUMBER IS 10289803. THE FIRST INSTANCE WAS NOT HELPED BY HYUNDAI, AS I REPLACED THE SEAT AT MY EXPENSE; NOT KNOWING THERE WAS A RECALL (AND NOT HAVING BEEN NOTIFIED BY HYUNDAI) I AM TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO RED HOAGLAND HYUNDAI DEALER IN WINTER HAVEN, FL. THIS COMING TUESDAY, 1/31/2012 TO SEE WHAT RECOURSE WILL HAPPEN AND WILL ADVISE NHTSA. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ON 01/31/12, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN, AFTER 150 MILES. UPDATED IVOQ 02/23/12. *JB *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 20, 2012
I PURCHASED A HYUNDAI SONATA IN 2006. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN A HUGE PROBLEM FROM THE YEAR I GOT IT AND STILL IS. IT STAYS ON ALL OF THE TIME. THE DEALER RESET IT A FEW TIMES AND THEN IN SEP 2008 THEY PUT IN A NEW SEAT BUCKLE. ONCE AGAIN THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE DEALER WANTS $125 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC (CODE IS ACTIVE B1706) AND SAID A NEW BUCKLE IS NEEDED, WHICH IS ANOTHER $179 PLUS LABOR. SO EVERY YEAR I AM GOING TO HAVE TO DROP OVER $300 FOR THE LIGHT TO BE TURNED OFF SO IT PASSES INSPECTION. THIS IS A SCAM. THE CONCERN IS WELL DOCUMENTED WITH THE DEALER SINCE THE DAY I GOT THE CAR. NOW THEY WON'T COVER IT AND THE LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER ABOUT 2 DAYS FROM BEING RESET. SO EVERY YEAR WHEN THE INSPECTION IS DUE, I HAVE TO PUT OUT THE MONEY OUT FOR A NEW BUCKLE AGAIN. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, I HAVE NO LITTLE KIDS OR CAR SEAT IN USE, AND I HAVE NEVER HAD THE AIRBAG GO OFF. NO IDEA HOW A SEAT BELT BUCKLES DIES ON ITS OWN AND ANNUALLY, TOO! THERE IS A RECALL OUT THERE BUT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE LIGHT GOING ON WHEN KIDS THAT DO NOT WEIGH ENOUGH TO TOGGLE THE AIRBAG LIGHT OFF, SO THE LIGHT STAYS ON. THAT RECALLS # IS08V161000. MANY FOLKS ONLINE AND IN FORUMS ARE REPORTING THE SAME AIRBAG PROBLEM. I THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THIS CONCERN AS IT KEEPS DUPLICATING OVER AND OVER AND OVER. RIGHT NOW, I AM PAYING FOR FIRESTONE TO DO REPLACE THE BUCKLE AND FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE THEY WARRANTY IT FOR 18 MONTHS AND THE DEALER WILL ONLY DO IT FOR 12. I NEED A NEW INSPECTION STICKER. RICHMOND, VA. *TT
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
Air bags, Jan 9, 2012
THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON..THE DEALER SAYS IT'S THE SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH IS A $1,400 REPAIR. WHEN YOU SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG WARNING GOES ON AND OFF BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL NUMBER IS 08V161000. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY TOLD ME ONLY CARS BUILT IN MAY AND JUNE OF 2006 WOULD BE HONORED FOR THE RECALL. MY CAR WAS BUILT IN JULY 2006 (ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE). WHY WOULD THEY ONLY RECALL CARS BUILT IN MAY AND JUNE? OBVIOUSLY THEY DID NOT KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTED DURING THE PRODUCTION OF MY CAR? WHAT MAKES MY CAR SEAT PARTS DIFFERENT FROM THOSE PRODUCED IN MAY AND JUNE? I ASKED IF THEY HAD PART NUMBERS THAT WERE IN THE RECALL AND IF THEY CHANGED DESIGN IN JULY? THEY COULD NOT OR WOULD NOT ANSWER ME. MY BET IS THEY ISSUED THE RECALL TO SATISFY A FEW IF ANY AND TURN-DOWN ALL OTHERS TO SAVE MONEY SINCE THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE SEAT HAS TO BE REMOVED AND SENT OUT TO BE CALIBRATED (COST ESTIMATE $1,400). THE BOTTOM LINE IS MY AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT IS ON AND HYUNDAI HAS A LONG LONG HISTORY OF AIR BAG ISSUES. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THEM TO HONOR MY CAR IN THE RECALL? IF I WERE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION MY AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
Air bags, Jan 8, 2012
I BOUGHT A USED CAR AT TARBOX AND THE CAR AT 60 WAS FEELING LIKE IT WAS SKIPPING THEN AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF BROUGHT IT BACK AND DEALER RESET IT AND SKIPPING STOPPED LIGHT STAYED OFF THEN THE SKIPPING CAME BACK I WAS CHECKING THE FUSE BOX AIRBAG FUSE WAS REMOVED SO I REPLACED WITH THE EXTRA FUSE RIGHT SIZE AND LIGHT STAYS ON BUT DEALER SAYS NOW OVER WARRANTY BUT I TOLD THEM I REPORTED BEFORE THIS AND FUSE WAS REMOVED IS THERE A RECALL THAT WAS OR WASN'T DONE ON THIS CAR. *TR
Air bags, Jan 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IN 2006, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER AT THAT TIME, THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AND AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,500. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ UPDATED 02/24/12
Air bags, Jan 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Visibility, Jan 2, 2012
I OWN A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA AND THE SUN VISOR HAS BROKEN TWICE, WHICH AFFECTS MY VIEW OF THE ROAD. THE VISOR IS UNABLE TO STAY UP AND OUT OF VIEW WHEN NOT IN USE. I'VE READ HYUNDAI ONLINE FORUMS AND IT SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH A LOT OF THIS MODEL AS WELL AS THE 2007 MODEL. I'VE HAD TO SLIDE OUT THE VISOR EXTENSION AND WEDGE IT BETWEEN BY REARVIEW MIRROR AND ROOF OF MY CAR, WHICH IS NOT A SAFE OPTION EITHER AS IT CAN BECOME UNWEDGED DURING DRIVING AND FALL DOWN AND BLOCK MY VIEW OF THE ROAD. IT HASN'T CAUSED AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME WHICH TERRIFIES ME. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Air bags, Dec 28, 2011
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TEN TIMES FOR THE DEFECT. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BUCKLES WERE REPLACED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION DUE TO THE SEAT BELTS NOT PROPERLY OPERATING BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,313. KMJ
Air bags, Dec 26, 2011
ONE MORNING THAT I STARTED THE CAR, MY AIRBAG LIGHT WOULDN'T GO OFF AFTER THE START-UP. IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE THIS LIGHT CAME ON, AND I BROUGHT IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALER'S SERVICE CENTER. AFTER THEIR DIAGNOSTIC, THEY SAID IT'S A SENSOR IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT HAD SHORTEN OUT AND IT'S CAUSING AIRBAG SIGN TO COME ON. THE MECHANIC ALSO TOLD ME THAT THIS MEANS THAT IN CASE OF ACCIDENT THAT MY DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAG WOULDN'T INFLATE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM AFTER READING SEVERAL WEBSITES ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AND YEAR'S AIRBAG LIGHT PROBLEM, BUT HYUNDAI IS KEEP DENYING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. ANOTHER THING THAT IT'S SHOCKING TO ME IS THAT IN CASE A PERSON IS DRIVING WITHOUT A SEATBELT, AIRBAG WOULDN'T INFLATE, JUST AS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE IN SEATBELT BUCKLE CAN CAUSE MALFUNCTION IN DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME..WHY WOULD A CAR MAKER WOULD EVER DESIGN A SYSTEM LIKE THIS? TO PUNISH PEOPLE WHO ARE DRIVING WITHOUT A SEATBELT? WHEN I ASKED THIS QUESTION, THE HYUNDAI DEALER REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT HE DOESN'T MAKE A CAR BUT THERE TO SELL IT! *TR
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
Air bags, Dec 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,500.
Air bags, Dec 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES TO HAVE THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM REPLACED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE MANUFACTURER CONTINUOUSLY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN AND WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Suspension, Structure, Nov 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE REAR STABILIZERS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 176,000. UPDATED 03/16/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED, BECAUSE THE FRAME WASN'T BROKEN. UPDATED 05/11/12 THE CONSUMER STTED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE SUBFRAME WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BY HYUNDAI. UPDATED 12/21/2012 *JS
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE COULD HEAR A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 06/07/12*LJ
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 21, 2011
THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. IT WAS REPORTED BACK TO ME THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR HAD FAILED, CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON (AND IT WAS NOT COVERED ON MY EXTENDED WARRANTY). FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE HYUNDAI SONATA 2006. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOUGH IT IS POTENTIALLY A VERY DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION. *TR
Air bags, Nov 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE MAT SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,949.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE WOULD GENERATE A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE TIMING CHAIN. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 19, 2011
DURING ROUTINE SERVICE INSPECTION THE DEALER MECHANICS REPORTED THE REAR DISK BRAKES WERE WORN "ALMOST METAL TO METAL". I REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS MYSELF. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OUTSIDE PAD WAS WORN ALMOST TO THE METAL BUT THE OTHER THREE PADS WERE WORN NOT MUCH AT ALL. I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS. THE BRAKES WORKED FINE BEFORE AND AFTER THE PADS WERE REPLACED. MY SON HAS THE EXACT SAME YEAR AND TYPE VEHICLE WITH SIMILAR MILEAGE THAT EXHIBITED THE VERY SAME PAD WORN IN A LIKE MANNER. *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
Air bags, Oct 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 11, 2011
DURING BRAKING, BRAKE ROTORS FAILED AND RESULTED IN DIFFICULTY BRAKING. GRINDING NOISE NOTICED FOR SEVERAL DAYS PRIOR. UPON CHECKING ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE WITH SONATA'S ONLINE, I DETERMINED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A PREVALENT ISSUE WITH SONATA BRAKE ROTORS PREMATURELY WEARING AWAY. AGAIN, IN 9/2011, I NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME REAR ROTORS, AND WILL HAVE TO GET THIS REPLACED. INITIAL COST WAS VERY HIGH, AS THE AUTO SHOP NOTED THAT THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS WERE BEYOND REPAIR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *KB
Seat belts, Oct 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT MODULE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.