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, May 26, 2009
AIRBAG LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS AIRBAG IS NOT WORKING. CALLED/CONTACTED HYUNDAI IN GUAM WHERE WE PURCHASED OUR SONATA 2006 ALL TO NO AVAIL. THEY JUST TOLD US THAT AS SOON AS OUR CAR IS OUTSIDE OF GUAM, OUR WARRANTY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. GERMAN DOES NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY SINCE WE DID NOT PURCHASE OUR CAR FROM A GERMAN DEALER. WE PURCHASED SONATA 2006 AND LATER THAT YEAR WE WERE RELOCATED IN GERMANY: HOHENFELS ARMY POST. *TR
Visibility, Apr 30, 2009
SUN VISORS WILL NOT REMAIN IN UP POSITION, FALLING INTO THE DRIVERS FIELD OF VISION. DRIVER MUST THEN DRIVE WITH ONE HAND WHILE HOLDING VISOR IN THE UP POSITION. VISOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRENTY, BUT THE REPLACEMENT HAS BROKEN IN THE SAME WAY. IT DISTRACTS THE DRIVER AND COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A WRECK. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2009
09V122000-I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO FIX THE CAR AS THEY HAVE NOT STARTED THEIR CAMPAIGN YET. MY CAR HAS NO BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE ABS/ESC LIGHT IS ON IN THE DASH ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I CANNOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE SHIFT RELEASE BUTTON. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 14, 2009
AIRBAG LIGHT / PROBLEM. TOOK CAR TO CAR PROS HYUNDAI, SEATTLE WA ON AURORA. ADVISED THEM MY AIRBAG LIGHT ALL OF A SUDDEN STAYS ON. THEY ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS SEAT BELT ISSUE AND SOME WIRING UNDER THE FLOOR BOARD. HYUNDAI ADVISED ME THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULDN'T WORK IF I WAS IN A ACCIDENT. ASKED THEM IF THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY SAID ONLY UP TO 60, 000 MILES. AND MY CAR IS OVER THAT. I ADVISED WHY AREN'T ALL SEAT BELT FUNCTIONS AND AIRBAGS COVERED THROUGH THE LIFE OF THE CAR. DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. ITS THE LAW THAT I HAVE TO WEAR A SEATBELT, WELL IT SHOULD BE A LAW THAT THE SEAT BELTS ARE WORKING PROPERLY AND AIRBAGS FOR THE LIFE OF VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2009
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR SLOW TURN, "CHECK ENGINE" AND "ESC OFF" LIGHT COME ON. THE VEHICLE ACTS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL, WITH NO GAS POWER OR BRAKE CONTROL, BUT THE CAR IS RUNNING AND ALL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS ARE WORKING (WINDOWS, RADIO, ETC). IT SHIMMIES AND SHAKES. YOU HAVE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET IT TO RUN PROPERLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND THEN SHUTS OFF. THIS STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE USED CAR IN 2006, AND IS INTERMITTENT BUT STILL HAS THE PROBLEM. IT WILL ACT UP SEVERAL TIMES A DAY FOR MONTHS THEN NOTHING. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE, HAVING TO STOP IN SINGLE LANES WITH NO SHOULDERS, ON RAILROAD TRACKS, OR INTERSECTIONS AND RESTART NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. TOOK TO MERCED CA HYUNDAI THEY REPLACED TSP WIRING, WHICH DID NOT HELP. OF COURSE IT APPEARED OK AS IT TAKES TIME FOR THE PROBLEM TO REPEAT. HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RETURN TO SHOP, WITH THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING TO TAKE TIME OFF WORK, DRIVE 30 MILES TO THE DEALER, AND PAY FOR CAR RENTAL. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND BOUGHT A FAIRLY NEW CAR TO BE RELIABLE. THIS WAS NOT IT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 29, 2009
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ADVISING OF A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH OF MY 2006 HYUNDIA SONATA. I FOLLOWED HYUNDIA'S INSTRUCTIONS AND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, COLONIAL HYUNDAI, DOWNINGTOWN, PA. THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 8, 2008 AND ADVISED ME THE PROBLEM WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL BUT WAS RATHER DUE TO ANOTHER PART. I WAS INFORMED I WOULD NEED A REPLACEMENT PASSENGER SEAT AT A COST OF $1,409.96. AT THAT TIME, THEY RECALIBRATED THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WENT OUT. HOWEVER, THE LIGHT RETURNED TO ILLUMINATION DAYS LATER. FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH THIS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *TR
Visibility, Mar 19, 2009
THE SUN VISORS IN MY VEHICLE HAVE BROKEN SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASING. THE DEALER HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT BUT THEY CONTINUE TO INSTALL THESE DEFECTIVE VISORS. WHEN THE VISOR BREAKS, IT HANGS DIRECTLY IN THE DRIVERS LINE OF SIGHT.
Structure, Equipment, Mar 17, 2009
HAD CAR IN SHOP IN FOR THE DASH TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING ALL THE WAY AROUND THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN 2007.THIS A 2006 MODEL HYUNDAI SONATA-DASH IS CRACKED AGAIN IN THE SAME AREA AS BEFORE COMPLETELY AROUND THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT FEAR THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT ACCIDENT DEALER STATES IT IS OWNERS PROBLEM & EXPENSE AS IT HAS BEEN JUST OVER 2 YEARS SINCE REPLACED THE FIRST TIME AND THERE IS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM-FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN MATERIAL & A SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY. *TR
Air bags, Mar 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW ON MARCH 21, 2006. BY APRIL OF 2006, HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THAT TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER WAS SLIGHTLY OUT OF THE WEIGHT RANGE, WHICH WAS WHY THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN OCTOBER OF 2008, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DECREASED THE AIR BAG SENSOR PRESSURE, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WANTS TO TRADE THE VEHICLE BACK BECAUSE THE DEALER CANNOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WILL NOT TRADE IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HONOR THE TOTAL COST VALUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2009
ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNTO THE GROUND. COOLANT BEGAN LEAKING 6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED NEW 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA V6. LEAKING STOPPED AND HAS NOW STARTED LEAKING AGAIN. *TR
Tires, Feb 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO MICHELIN EAGLE 102 TIRES, SIZE 215/60R16. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AFTER 5,000 MILES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SIDEWALLS HAVE BEGUN TO CRACK SIGNIFICANTLY. HE IS CONCERNED THAT THE TIRES WILL FAIL DUE TO THE CRACKS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,200. UPDATED 03/12/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/16/09. *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 16, 2009
PURCHASED A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA IN 2008. AIRBAG LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY GLOWED ON DASHBOARD. CONTACTED HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, AS HYUNDAI HAS A RECALL REGARDING AIRBAGS ON 2006 SONATAS. WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT CAR WAS 2000 MILES PAST MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE AIRBAG PROBLEM INSPECTED AT A COST OF 324.65 NOT INCLUDING PARTS OR ADDITIONAL LABOR. HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED AT DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOP. REPLACED FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY AND SENSOR. AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOW OFF. HAVE RETAINED ALL PARTS FOR INSPECTION AND FORWARDED COMPLAINT TO HYUNDAI MOTOR CO. *TR
Air bags, Feb 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER SIDE "AIR BAG OFF" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, AN OCCUPANT WAS POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY HAS NOT CORRECTED THE ISSUE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITH THE FREE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Feb 3, 2009, crash
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND HIT A DEER WITH THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Air bags, Jan 22, 2009
MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS THE AIR BAG LITE ON AFTER I START THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK THAT MY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY L/F PRETEENSIONER HAS HIGH RESISTANCE CAUSING THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO STAY ON. THIS ITEM IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND WOULD COST IN EXCESS OF $400.00. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I FEEL THIS ITEM SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE ITEM WOULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT AND CAN CAUSE THE SEATBELT TO AUTOMATICALLY RELEASE. THIS DEFINITELY SEEMS LIKE ITS A SAFETY ISSUE ITEM. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF SO THE ONLY CAUSE FOR MALFUNCTION TO AN ITEM LIKE THAT WOULD BE DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURING OF THE SEATBELT EQUIPMENT. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND ALTHOUGH IT HAS HIGH MILEAGE FROM HIGHWAY MILES IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Jan 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE AIR BAG INDICATOR AND OCS FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES, BUT THE INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO STATE THAT THE VEHICLE IS REPAIRED AND THERE IS NO FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE NEXT REPAIR. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK WITHIN FOUR DAYS. THE CONTACT HAS YET TO RECEIVE A CALL BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,743.
Structure, Dec 29, 2008
I OWN AN 06 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WAS HEARING A GROWLING NOISE WHICH BECAME LOUDER WITH INCREASED SPEED. AFTER GOING TO THE DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH THE HOPE OF IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM, I WAS INFORMED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TWO FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS (TO A TUNE OF $1100.00). I AM SHOCKED BY THIS CONSIDERING THIS IS A FARELY NEW VEHICLE. I READ COMPLAINT AND DEFECT REPORTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE WHICH SITED FRAME CORROSION ISSUES IN MODELS UP TO 2002. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE BUT MY CAR IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED OR INCLUDED BECAUSE IT IS A 2006 MODEL. I KNOW THAT HYUNDAI CLAIMS TO HAVE IMPROVED THE ENGINEERING OF THEIR NEWER MODELS; HOWEVER, IT JUST SEEMS IRONIC THAT I AM NEEDING TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARING (WHICH IS INCLUDED IN THE FRAME) AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES AS OF THIS DATE, BUT I WAS INFORMED THAT IF I DIDN'T REPLACE THESE BEARINGS THAT I AM IN JEOPARDY OF THE WHEELS FALLING OFF...WHICH COULD BE DETRIMENTAL AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 16, 2008
COMPLETE 4 WHEEL BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REQUIRED AT ONLY 27,000 MILES AT A COST OF $825. I AM A VERY SLOW AND CAREFUL DRIVER AND NOT HARD ON BRAKES. DEALER SAID ALL 4 WHEELS WERE METAL TO METAL AND HYUNDAI CLAIMS THIS IS A WEAR ITEM AND NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THIS IS WAY TOO SOON AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Air bags, Dec 10, 2008
NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT FORUM FOR THIS ISSUE, IF NOT, PLEASE DIRECT ME WHERE I CAN LODGE MY COMPLAINT. HYUNDAI MOTORS PROVIDED A WARRANTY REPAIR NOTICE FOR MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS STATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR (75 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE), THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNLESS I BROUGHT THE PERSON WHO SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT CAUSES THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO NOT STAY INDICATED. THE PERSON IS MY DAUGHTER, AND PULLING HER OUT OF SCHOOL JUST TO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS MALFUNCTIONING IS NOT A REASONABLE EXPECTATION SO THAT THE PRODUCE DEFECT CAN BE REPAIRED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR WILL NOT INDICATE CORRECTLY IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND MY DAUGHTER SITS IN THE CAR. *TR
Suspension, Dec 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SLIGHTLY RELEASED THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY PERFORMED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/12/09. *JB
Air bags, Dec 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 6-7 TIMES AND THEY INSPECTED THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS EVENTUALLY SHIPPED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE OCS. THE DEALER REINSTALLED THE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY SOON AFTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE OCS WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,650 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 01/08/09 *BF UPDATED 01/09/09*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2008
2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION WHEN PASSING ANOTHER CAR ABOUT 55MPH. ENGINE SEEMED TO RUN AWAY AND BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW CAR. ABOUT 3 TIMES THIS YEAR. TAKING CAR BACK TO HYUNDAI. *TR
Air bags, Nov 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. HYUNDAI STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT MUST WEIGH 128 LBS. IN ORDER FOR THE AIR BAG TO ACTIVATE. THE OCCUPANT REFERRED TO IN THIS COMPLAINT ONLY WEIGHED 105 LBS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND SPOKE WITH TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT CHANGE THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENT IN ORDER TO ACTIVATE HIS AIR BAG. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Air bags, Equipment, Nov 17, 2008
THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE OCS , OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM . ITS WHAT TELLS THE CAR TO TURN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE SEAT. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS LIKE THE LETTER STATED AND WAS TURNED AWAY SAYING IT WORKS FINE, EVEN THOUGH I HAD AN ADULT IN THE SEAT AND THE SYSTEM SAID THE AIR BAG WAS TURNED OFF . AFTER A FEW CALLS TO HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA, THE DEALER DECIDED TO SEND THE PASSENGER SEAT IN FOR TESTING . I RECEIVED MY CAR BACK FROM THE SHOP ON 10-27-08. THE FOLLOWING DAY MY 19 YEAR OLD WAS IN THE SEAT AND THE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED SAYING "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD RECTIFY THE SITUATION. TODAY IS 11-17-08 AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A PHONE CALL REGARDING THIS MATTER. THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO HELP ME , STATING THAT " WE FIXED IT ONCE AND ITS NOT OUR PROBLEM ANYMORE" I AM AT MY WITS END AS TO WHAT TO DO NOW . NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEY SIMPLY TELL ME TO DEAL WITH IT . *TR
Air bags, Nov 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE TECHNICIAN FURTHER STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT MUST BE POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,015.