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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 18, 2009
SMELLED A STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE CAR; ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD STARTING; THIS IS 3.3L V6 ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. THIS WAS ON AND BEFORE 22 SEP 2009 WITH ABOUT 48,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. GAS SMELL GETTING STRONGER AND PERSONAL MECHANIC FOUND RIGHT FRONT FUEL INJECTOR LEAKING, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. ALSO MILEAGE HAS DROPPED ABOUT 10 MPG DURING LONG ROAD TRIP. MECHANIC RECOMMENDS CHANGE OF FUEL INJECTOR O-RING SEAL(S) ON THE LEAKING INJECTOR AND ALL OTHERS (5 MORE). I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A WARRANTY REPAIR. STILL WAITING TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY/FIRE ISSUE WITH RAW FUEL BEING SPRAYED ON THE HOT ENGINE. *TR
Visibility, Dec 18, 2009
MY DRIVER-SIDE SUN VISOR IN MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA BEGAN HANGING LOWER AND LOWER UNTIL EVENTUALLY IT WOULD NEITHER STAY UP AGAINST THE ROOF OF THE CAR OR OUT TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD. THE VISOR NOW ONLY HANGS DOWN, WHICH OBSTRUCTS MY VIEW WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Visibility, Dec 15, 2009
WHILE DRIVING A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 30,000 MILES, THE DRIVER SIDE SUNVISOR JUST FLOPPED DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM ON I-95 AT 70 MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE VISOR BLOCKED THE DRIVERS VISION BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE "UP" POSITION. SINCE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A VACATION TRIP THAT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY PLANNED AND IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION, IT WAS NOT PRACTICAL TO GO TO A STRANGE DEALERSHIP. TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM ON THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP, I USED A "WOODEN CLOTHSPIN" CLIPPED TO THE VISOR AND PUT THE SUNVISOR TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND PUT THE CLOTHSPIN BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE HAND HOLD LOCATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE ROOF OF THE CAR. SINCE THE TRIP WAS GOING TO BE FOR ABOUT A WEEK, I LATER USED A RUBBER BAND TO KEEP THE VISOR HIGH ENOUGH TO ENTER AN EXIT THE DRIVER DOOR. THE VISOR WAS REPLACED AT THE DEALER BACK HOME AND I BECAME AWARE THAT THIS SEEMED TO BE A FREQUENT PROBLEM ON THIS CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND THIS AGENCY SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS SERIOUS OBSTRUCTION OF DRIVER VISIBILITY WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURS. OF ALL THE VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED IN THE LAST 40 YEARS, THIS IS THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 15, 2009
THE WHOLE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN MY 2006 SONATA IS ISN'T WORKING. ESPECIALLY THE LIGHTS OVER THE LAST 3 YEAR WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR, WE CAN'T COUNT HOW MANY LIGHTS BULBS WE HAVE REPLACED. THE DASH BOARD LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHEN EVER IT FEELS. WE THOUGHT THAT WE HAD WARRANTY BUT WE DON'T, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEIR ELECTRIC SYSTEM BECAUSE I HEARD A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT HYUNDAI. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 9, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE ENGINE AND ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, AND THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SWITCH AND THE ECU SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75000.
Visibility, Dec 6, 2009
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA SUN VISORS WILL NOT STAY UP. FALLS DOWN IN LINE OF VISION. STARTED WITH PASSENGER SIDE AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR AS I WAS <5000 MILES OVER WARRANTY. BASED ON INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI'S. SEEMS SOME HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TO 4 TIMES. *TR
Visibility, Nov 28, 2009
INTERIOR SUN VISORS FAIL AND DO NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. ON GOING PROBLEM. AN ORDER FOR REPLACEMENTS HAS BEEN BACK ORDERED ACCORDING TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF FAILURES. BECAUSE THE VISORS DROP DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY AND DO NOT STAY IN PLACE WHEN RAISED, THERE IS A SERIOUS HAZARD FROM VISION IMPAIRMENT. DRIVING WITH THE VISORS DOWN IMPAIRS VISION OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY FOR TALLER DRIVERS--BECAUSE THE VISORS BLOCK MORE OF THE NORMAL RANGE OF VISION. BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, THE VISORS ALSO CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY USED AS INTENDED IN ADVERSE LIGHTING CONDITIONS. *TR
Air bags, Nov 25, 2009
MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA AIRBAG SENSOR FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT ACTIVATE IF A FEMALE ADULT SITS IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR IT; VARIOUS INAPPROPRIATE RESPONSES ARE GIVEN, SUCH AS POOR POSTURE, INADEQUATE WEIGHT OR "HAVE THE PASSENGER SIT IN THE BACK." IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW. I HAVE MADE REPEATED VISITS TO MY DEALER, BUT NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED. IN ONE CASE, THE DEALER HELD THE CAR FOR OVER A WEEK AND SUPPOSEDLY SENT THE SEAT BACK TO HYUNDAI, BUT NOTHING CHANGED. DURING MY MOST RECENT DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER, HE SAID THAT THE SENSOR WOULD ONLY ACTIVATE IF THE PERSON IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WEIGHED OVER 130 POUNDS. THIS ELIMINATES ME - I WEIGH 115 POUNDS - OR MOST OF MY FEMALE FRIENDS. MY DAUGHTER WEIGHS OVER 130 POUNDS, BUT IT DOES NOT ACTIVATE FOR HER, EITHER. MOST OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS HAVE A WEIGHT "TRIGGER" OF 90 POUNDS. THE DEALER SAID THAT HYUNDAI WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT SET THE ACTIVATION/TRIGGER WEIGHT AT LESS THAN 130 POUNDS. THIS MEANS I CANNOT HAVE MOST OF MY GUESTS OR RELATIVES IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THIS DESIGN CHEATS A LARGE NUMBER OF ADULTS OF AIRBAG PROTECTION, AND CREATES AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. A HYUNDAI RECALL FALSELY CLAIMS THAT HYUNDAI WILL ADDRESS THE SITUATION, BUT THIS IS ONLY FOR SHOW - NO WORK IS DONE AND THE COMPANY INSTRUCTS THE DEALERS NOT TO REPAIR THE SEATS. THE DEALERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO SAY THAT FAILURE TO ACTIVATE IS NOT A DEFECT, AND THAT THE COMPANY CONSIDERS AN ACTIVATION WEIGHT OF OVER 130 POUNDS TO BE ACCEPTABLE. THE DEALERS ARE ALSO TOLD TO TEST THE SEAT THEMSELVES - THIS MEANS A LARGE MALE IS CHOSEN TO SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT, WHICH THEN ACTIVATES. *TR
Parking brake, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 15, 2009
AT FIRST IT WAS THE RADIO, TURNING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF WHEN I WOULD TRY TO LOWER THE VOLUME IT WOULD BE LOUDER. MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND TURN ON AGAIN, MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT WILL TURN ON AS MY CAR WOULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT SIGN IS ON AND THE BAG IT IS NOT DEPLOYED. THE ABS, ESC AND OTHER GLOW LIGHTS WILL TURN ON; SOMETIMES I CANT ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS OR LOCK THE CAR WITH THE BUTTON. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT START, NO POWER AND IT RESETS MY CLOCK. I HAVE GONE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY ARE GREEDY MONEY HUNGRY '!@#$% WHO DO NOT CARE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS, I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR AND ITS BEEN THROUGH DIAGNOSTICS AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS THE ONLY THING FOUND WRONG. I HAVE ISSUES WITH THE CAR AT LEAST TWICE A DAY AND THREE TIMES ITS DIED COMPLETELY. THIS IS AN 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA IT SHOULD NOT GIVE ME THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
Visibility, Nov 9, 2009
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA - DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR DEFECTIVE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 4, 2009
RECALL NOTICE FOR A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA CONCERNING MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP. *NJ THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT WHEN HE ARRIVED HE WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN CORRECTED WHEN HE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK THE PREVIOUS MONTH. *JB
Structure, Oct 30, 2009
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY SONATA. A CRACK HAS APPEARED ON THE DASH FOLLOWING THE OUTLINE OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND DASH I HAVE HAD TO PUT ON THE CAR FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. TO ME THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE WITH DASHES CRACKING AROUND MY AIRBAG. DEPLOYMENT OF THIS AIRBAG MAY BE FOREVER COMPROMISED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. AND THE FACT THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE THE EXACT SAME WAY SEEMS MORE THAN A COINCIDENCE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER COMPLAINT ON THIS SITE, THERE ARE MANY MORE LIKE ME EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOR SONATA DASHBOARD CRACK WILL BRING UP MANY POSTS FROM SONATA OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE MULTIPLE TIMES SUCH AS ME. I DON'T WANT TO TRUST MY YOUNG SON AND WIFE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN THAT COULD SHORTEN THEIR LIVES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Child seat, Oct 29, 2009
AIRBAG LIGHT ON TOOK CAR TO CARSPLUS, SHOP DIAG/ADVISE: FOUND DTC B1706 PASSENGER SEAT BEAT BUCKLE NEEDS REPLACED SPO BUCKLE FOR REPLACEMENT/ TECH COMPLETED DIAG AND FOUND SEAT BELT MODULE FAULTY/ RECOMMEND TO REPLACE/PARTS ORDERED- DATE 11/12/08/ (2) DATE 12/15/08 TOOK IN TO SHOP AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM AIRBAG LIGHT ON/ TECH DIAG/ FOUND FAULTY SEAT BUCKLE RECOMMEND TO REPLACE. NOTE: AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2009 CALLED DEALER AND MENTIONED PROBLEM FOR THE 3RD TIME SUGGESTED TO BRING IN, ASKED IS THERE A RECALL TECH SAID THERE IS NONE, I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I AM CONCERNED WITH SAFETY AND COST IF THIS IS CONTINUING PROBLEM WHICH I'LL BE STUCK WITH. *TR
Air bags, Oct 26, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, INDICATING THE AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS ,WHOM STATED THAT THE PRESSURE PLATE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT FAILED. THE SEAT WAS REPLACED AND THE SENSOR WAS RE-CODED,BUT THE FAILURE RESURFACED FOUR DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,366. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2009
MY2006 SONATAS AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON HAVE HAD IT AT 2 DEALERS 10 TIMES THEY KEEP RESETTING LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN 3 DAYS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 1 YEAR 11 MONTHS. ALSO ON FAST ACCELERATION ESC LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON,CAR LOSES POWER THEN YOU HAVE TO STOP SHUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTART CAR TO BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS PROBLEM ALMOST 2 YEARS. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILIES SAFETY IN A ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 21, 2009, crash
DRIVER OF 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA, MAKING UPHILL TURN INTO A FLAT PARKING SPACE EXPERIENCES ENGINE POWER SURGE THAT PROPELS VEHICLE OVER SIGN STANDARD, FLATTENING SIGN AND REQUIRING TOW TRUCK TO EXTRICATE VEHICLE. PHOTOS AVAILABLE. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AS RESEARCH HAS SHOWN SYNDICATED REPORTER JAMES R. HEALEY OF USATODAY NOTED SAME DANGEROUS POWER SURGE IN TEST VEHICLE IN JULY OF 2005. OWNER OF INCIDENT VEHICLE HAD SAME COMPLAINT AND ASKED DEALER TO CHECK DEFECT ON PRIOR OCCASION. DEALER SERVICE REPORTED NO PROBLEMS. IN THIS INCIDENT VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER FOR SAFETY AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, AGAIN DEALER SERVICE REPORTS NO PROBLEM OR RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Oct 19, 2009
THE "AIRBAG" LIGHTS REMAIN ON IN MY VEHICLE WHEN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES ARE BOTH OCCUPIED. I'M UNSURE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, IF THE AIRBAGS WILL ACTUALLY WORK. THIS MATTER NEED TO LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Visibility, Oct 19, 2009
BROKEN SUN VISOR BRACKET- HYUNDAI ISSUED A TSB BUT WILL NOT REPLACE VISOR IF VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID A CHILD CHASING A BALL WHICH BOUNCED ACROSS THE STREET I HIT MY HEAD ON THE EDGE OF THE SUN VISOR WHICH DANGLES DOWN. MY HEAD WOULD NOT HAVE HIT THE VISOR IF IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY. ALSO THE VISOR DANGLES BLOCKING YOUR VISION WHEN THE VISOR IS NOT NEEDED BUT IT WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. *TR
Visibility, Oct 17, 2009
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA - DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR HAS BROKEN FOR A 2ND TIME. REPLACED THE 1ST ONE IN OCTOBER 08 AT MY EXPENSE, THE PART WAS $127.00. WHEN I CALLED TO SEE IF IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY I WAS ADVISED IT WAS A COSMETIC ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. NOW I AM IN NEED OF ANOTHER ONE, BUT I THINK I WILL DO WITHOUT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR ANOTHER ONE. THE VISOR BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND AS I LOWERED IT I COULD HEAR IT CRACKING INSIDE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VISOR WON'T STAY UP OR DOWN, IT FALLS INTO YOUR LINE OF SIGHT. *TR
Air bags, Oct 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 65 MPH WITH AN OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE "AIR BAG" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IN ADDITION, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYED THE "ON" POSITION MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS). NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY SINCE THE OCS WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,700. UPDATED 11/10/09 *BF UPDATED 11/13/09.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Oct 14, 2009, crash
VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HAS ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE STOPPED, OPERATING FROM 0-50 MPH GOING FORWARD AND ALSO IN REVERSE AT MINIMAL SPEED CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 7, 2009
THIS ISSUE INVOLVES THE COMBUSTION OF A PLASTIC FUEL PUMP POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR INSIDE THE FUEL TANK OF A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. A PIN ON THE OUTER CONNECTOR WAS ALSO BURNT. THE PUMP ACTUALLY STILL WORKS - IT ONLY QUIT BECAUSE THE CONNECTORS BURNT - INCLUDING THE CONNECTOR INSIDE THE TANK TO THE POINT THAT AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION COULD NOT BE MADE. IF THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR WORE OUT AFTER SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES (USUALLY WELL OVER 100K IN MOST CARS - NOT 68K) THEN I MAY UNDERSTAND AN ARGUMENT FOR THE HYUNDAI SERVICE MANAGER'S CONTENTION THAT THIS IS "NORMAL WEAR". I BELIEVE THAT A CONNECTOR BURNING INSIDE A FUEL TANK IS NOT "NORMAL WEAR" AND IS ALSO LIKELY TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD. HYUNDAI MOTORS AND THE DEALERSHIP HAVE BOTH BEEN NOTIFIED OF MY CONCERNS AND THEY SHOW NO INDICATION OF DOING ANYTHING TO CORRECT IT OTHER THAN TO REPLACE THE PUMP AT MY EXPENSE - UNDOUBTEDLY WITH ONE OF THE SAME DESIGN. I TOOK THE OLD PUMP FROM THEIR SHOP AND I AM KEEPING IT FOR FUTURE EVIDENCE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN TRYING TO RE-START THE VEHICLE AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED. I DON'T PLAN ON KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 68K MILES BECAUSE I'M CONCERNED THAT WE MAY NEED AN UNDERTAKER INSTEAD OF A TOW TRUCK THE NEXT TIME. *TR
Air bags, Oct 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL; WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY. NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS RE-CONTACTED AND A TECHNICIAN ADVISED HER THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,418. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,970.
Visibility, Sep 28, 2009
I HAVE A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA AND THE ARM ON THE SUN VISOR CRACKED AND THE VISOR FELL WHILE I WAS DRIVING, OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW AND NEARLY CAUSING ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE SINCE DONE SOME RESEARCH, AND HYUNDAI SENT OUT A "TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN" TO DEALERS/SERVICE & PARTS MANAGERS ABOUT THIS VERY PROBLEM IN DECEMBER OF 2008. CUSTOMERS WEREN'T NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND I HAVE FOUND THAT IT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS (THERE ARE MESSAGE BOARDS ON HYUNDAI-FORUMS.COM ABOUT THE ISSUE). SOME ARE GETTING IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY (AFTER IT BREAKS & OBSTRUCTS VISIBILITY), HOWEVER, I JUST MISSED THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND AM EXPECTED TO PAY $83 JUST FOR THE PART TO REPLACE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HYUNDAI HAS BEEN AWARE OF. APPARENTLY IT'S NOT A BIG ENOUGH PROBLEM TO THEM TO WARRANT A RECALL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 17, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE REAR DECK STOP LIGHT IN THE BACK WAS INOPERATIVE. THE FAILURE TO NOTIFY OTHER DRIVERS OF INTENTIONS INCREASED THE RISK FOR A VEHICLE CRASH. A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT DESIGN AN ACCESS PORT, THEY WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE REAR DECK IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000.