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.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2007
ESC AND ABS LIGHT, SHIFTER CONTROL. *TR
Visibility, Nov 16, 2007
GLASS EXPLODED IN THE SUN ROOF. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 22, 2007
I HAD NOTICED AT FIRST THE CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD IN 2006 RIGHT AFTER I HAD PURCHASED MY CAR. THEY REPLACED THE DASHBOARD, BUT NOT CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME. WHEN I FINALLY GOT MY CAR BACK, I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS IN MY CAR ON, AT THAT TIME ALL OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OF MY CAR WENT OUT. THERE WERE WIRES THAT WERE APPARENTLY SWITCHED. AT THIS TIME I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND INFORMED THEM OF THE NEW PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY FIXED. AFTER THEY REPLACED THE DASHBOARD I STARTED TO HAVE PROBELMS WITH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHTS GOING ON.THE TURNED THEM OFF AND STATED IT WAS MY FAULT. ABOUT THREE MONTHS LATER BOTH AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. AT THIS TIME I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO LOOKED UP INFORMATION ON THE COMPUTER AND STATED THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN MY FAULT AGAIN. SOMEONE WENT OUT TO THE CAR AND SHUT THEM OFF BUT NO PAPERWORK WAS WRITTEN UP. THEN ANOTHER 3 MONTHS LATER THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN AND THERE WAS ANOTHER CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. I CALLED THE ORIGINAL DEALER AGAIN AND THEY ORDERED ANOTHER DASHBOARD FOR THE CAR. AT THIS TIME I ASKED THEM AGAIN TO CHECK TO SEE ABOUT THE AIRBAG LIGHTS. THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A WEEK NOW (I STILL DO NOT HAVE IT BACK). WHILE ALL THE AIR BAG LIGHTS ISSUE WAS HAPPENING, THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE ABS AND ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) LIGHTS ALSO COMING ON AND NOT GOING OFF. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THE THE ABS AND ESC LIGHT WAS COMING ON BECAUSE THERE IS A BRAKING ISSUE WITH THE CAR. AND THE AIRBAG LIGHTS THAT KEEP COMING ON AND STAYING ON IS BECAUSE OF A SENSOR ISSUE WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT. THEY ARE NOT SURE WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. THEY ARE ALSO NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE BRAKE ISSUE WITH THE ABS AND ESC LIGHTS. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2007
AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEM THE ENGINE STARTED TO SHOW THAT IT WAS GETTING HOT. I FOUND THAT YOU COULD MAKE THE TEMPERATURE GO UP AND DOWN JUST BY ADJUSTING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AC. THE CAR WOULD RUN FINE THEN THE TEMP WOULD RED LINE IN ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND DROP BACK TO NORMAL. AFTER THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER SHIP. THEY CHANGED EVERY THING IN THE CAR FROM THE DASH CLUSTER TO THE WATER SENSOR AND EVERY THING BETWEEN. AFTER 2.5 WEEKS THEY SENT AN ENGINEER FROM THERE MANUFACTURING FACILITY TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY FOUND THE GROUND BAD. I WAS GIVEN A LONER CAR AND THEY TOOK CAR OF ALL THE ISSUES UNDER WARRANTY.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Oct 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS LOUDER WHILE MAKING A TURN WITH A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE REAR. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS; THE FIRST TIME THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THE SECOND TIME THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT FAILED TO SOLVE THE FAILURE. AS OF OCTOBER 9, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,997. THE DEALER STATED THE FRONT RIGHT DOOR LOCK INOPERABLE, PASSENGER SEAT AREA MAKES A RATTLING SOUND, RIGHT TRUNK TRIM VIBRATES WHEN VEHICLE IN MOTION AND HEARS KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. UPDATED 10/23/07 *TR
Air bags, Sep 12, 2007
HYUNDAI SONAT GLS/ PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATES WHEN SEAT OCCUPIED. WE PURCHASED A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS IN JULY OF 2006, IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR EXCEPT FOR ONE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT. SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR, THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEACTIVATION SIGN WOULD COME ON WHEN MY WIFE WAS IN THE SEAT. THE MANUAL STATES THAT THE AIRBAG DEACTIVATES WHEN THE SEAT IS UNOCCUPIED OR A PASSENGER LESS THATN 50 LBS. MY WIFE WEIGHS 150 LBS PLUS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, HUMBLE HUNDAI: 1ST VISIT: I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT HE CHECKED IT AND NOTHING WAS WRONG, SO HE COULD NOT FIX IT ----PROBLEM CONTINUED 2ND VISIT: TOLD HIM WE WERE ON TRIP OF 50 MILES EACH WAY AND LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. HE SAID HE GOT THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE OF VARIOUS SIZES TO RIDE IN IT AND THE LIGHT WOULD NOT COME ON 3RD... CALLED THE NATIONAL HYUNDAI HEADQUARTERS.... YOUNG MAN ACTED LIKE HE DIDN'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT 4- STARTED ON TRIP, LIGHT CAME ON, SO..DECIDED TO TAKE IT AND SHOW IT TO SERVICE DEPT. TOOK IT BY DEALER, MGR. NOT IN.. INSISTED THAT SERVICE PERSON DOCUMENT THE FACT THAT HE SAW THE LIGHT ON. 5: CALLED HYUNDAI NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AGAIN, ASKED FOR A SUPERVISOR, SHE ASSURED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE ALLEVIATED 6. SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME AND ASKED ME TO BRING THE CAR IN. WE TOOK THE CAR IN. HIS SOLUTION WAS TO TAKE A SEAT OUT OF A CAR ON THE NEW CAR LOT AND SWAP IT OUT WITH MY SEAT. 7. THE PROBLEM IS BETTER BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON OCCASIONALLY, WE HAVE TRIED ALL THE TRICKS THEY SUGGESTED TO GET THE LIGHT OFF WHEN IT COMES ON. CONCLUSION: I TOLD EACH PERSON ABOVE THAT IF WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY AT F.W. SPEEDS, HAD AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG FAILED, I WAS HOLDING THEM RESPONSIBLE. I HAVE PUT THIS IN WRITING. HYUNDAI CONSIDERS THE PROBLEM SOLVED. IT IS NOT. I EVEN ASKED THEM TO DISCONNECT THE SAFETY FEATURE WHICH CAUSES THE AIR BAG TO DEACTIVATE. THEY REFUSED.
Power train, Sep 12, 2007
COMPLAINT CENTERS ON A PATTERN OF DECEPTIVE AND MISLEADING REPRESENTATIONS BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LAS VEGAS, PLANET HYUNDAI. CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THEM SHORTLY AFTER JULY 1, 2007, WITH A DRIVER COMPLAINT OF FAILURE TO UPSHIFT PROPERLY RESULTING IN EXCESSIVELY HIGH RPMS. DEALER RESPONDED BY RESETTING THE COMPUTER CODES AFTER CONSULTING WITH MANUFACTURER IN CALIFORNIA, ALLEGEDLY. CAR WAS RETURNED TO OWNER WITH PROMISE THAT IF THIS REOCCURRED, TRANSMISSION WOULD BE REPLACED, AS PER MANUFACTURERS DIRECTION. SUBSEQUENTLY, A WEEK LATER THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN ON THE DEALER'S LOT SINCE MIDDLE OF JULY, NO WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED, DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION, AND CAR HAS SUFFERED EXTENSIVE BODY DAMAGE WHILE ON THE LOT. DEALER ADAMANTLY REFUSES TO PERFORM WARRANTY WORK ON CAR.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 27, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,000. UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB
Air bags, Aug 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS RATES OF SPEED RANGING FROM APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 55MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,500.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A HUMMING NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN AND RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC. THE BRAKES WERE CHANGED, BUT THE NOISE RECURRED. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC NUMEROUS TIMES AND IS STILL WAITING FOR IT TO BE PROPERLY REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,967 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,053.
Air bags, Aug 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE SIDE AIR BAG WOULD DISABLE WHEN THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE SIZE OF THE PERSON WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE AIR BAG WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, HOWEVER HYUNDAI HAD NOT PROVIDED A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,713.
Air bags, Jul 17, 2007
PASSENGER AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WILL NOT ACTIVATE EVEN WHEN PASSENGER WEIGHING 165 LBS WAS SEATED AND RESTRAINED BY SEAT BELT. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR AIRBAG TO NOT ALWAYS BE ON AND ARE REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS A AN ERROR THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED BEFORE IT LET TO SERIOUS HARM OF ANY ADULT SITTING IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT.*AK
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE RADIO AND THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, BUT COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THEY HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE FOLLOWING PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED: THE ALTERNATOR, FUSE BOX, COMPUTER, ELECTRICAL HARNESS, AND THE BATTERY. THE FAILURE CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 15,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 13, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,000. THE VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKING. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, May 16, 2007
SINCE NEW, PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, HOWEVER, ONLY WHEN 120 POUND WIFE IN SEAT. TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES, NO PROBLEM FOUND. CONTACTED CONSUMER AFFAIRS OF HYUNDAI. HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SYSTEM WAS WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER TECHNICIAN ADVISED ME IF AIRBAG LIGHT OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH WIFE IN SEAT, SYSTEM DETERMINED NOT NECESSARY TO DEPLOY BAG. UNDER EXACT SAME CIRCUMSTANCES AIR BAG LIGHT MAY OR MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. NO PATTERN IN THE ON/OFF CIRCUMSTANCES. OWNER MANUAL STATED IF LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH PASSENGER IN SEAT, HAVE PASSENGER SIT IN BACK SEAT, AND YET DEALER CLAIMED OKAY TO SIT IN SEAT WITH WARNING ILLUMINATING. *AK
Air bags, May 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATES, EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 11,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB
Air bags, Apr 16, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT AND THE SENSOR/MODULE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL EXISTED. THE CONTACT HAS REPAIR INVOICES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 21,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *AK
Seat belts, Apr 3, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER'D SIDE SEAT BELT HARNESS FAILED TO SECURE THE PASSENGER DURING THE CRASH. THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 40,000.*AK
Air bags, Apr 3, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDICATOR ONLY ILLUMINATED WHEN A PASSENGER ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETECT ANY FAILURE, AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DUE TO THE PASSENGER SITTING INCORRECTLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 27,000.*AK
Air bags, Apr 3, 2007
I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY ON MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA LX. THERE ARE COUNTLESS TIMES THAT A PASSENGER IS SITTING NEXT TO WHILE I AM DRIVING AND THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" INDICATOR IS LIT SPECIFYING THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF AN ACCIDENT HAPPENS. I ASKED HYUNDAI ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THE "ECU HAS DETERMINED THAT YOUR PASSENGER IS SITTING IN A POSITION THAT WILL BE BETTER NOT TO HAVE THE AIRBAG DEPLOY. TRY ADJUSTING THE SEAT AND HAVE THE PASSENGER MOVE AROUND ETC". OR THEY TELL ME THAT MY PASSENGER DOES NOT WEIGHT ENOUGH (115 LBS IS PLENTY). THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN RECTIFYING THIS SITUATION. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 12, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA LX, HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A RACING ROARING NOISE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GO 10 MPH, BUT HE COULDN'T STOP IT. HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP. THE CONTACT SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR A FEW MINUTES, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE LET IT SIT. HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE HOME WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE CONTACT DID TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 2 OCCASIONS AND THE DEALERSHIP DID CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO MAKE SURE THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE TIGHTENED, AND TO CHECK AND CLEAN ALL TERMINALS. THIS WAS DONE IN JANUARY 10, 2007. THE CONTACT HASN'T HAD ANY OTHER PROBLEMS SINCE. THE CONTACT WANTED NHTSA TO BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, HE HAS SENT THE MANUFACTURER A LETTER REGARDING THIS PROBLEM ON 01/20/07 AND HADN'T GOTTEN ANY RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7050.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 19, 2007, crash
TL* - WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO ROAR LOUDLY. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND THE CONTACT TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE PEDAL WOULD ONLY GO DOWN APPROXIMATELY AN INCH. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO APPLY BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET, BUT WITH NO RESULTS. AT THIS POINT CONTACT WENT TO THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE ROAD CHANGING THE VEHICLE FROM AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO MANUAL MODE. THE CONTACT DOWN SHIFTED FROM 5 TO 4 GEAR WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING . AT THIS POINT CONTACT TURN THE IGNITION OFF, BUT THE ENGINE DIDN'T GO OFF CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH. TWICE BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCE THE BATTERY LOSING POWER TO THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED 24 HOURS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND THE SECOND WAS IN DECEMBER 06. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE COPIES OF INVOICE REPAIR AND POLICE REPORT. *JB UPDATED 02/21/07. *JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 26, 2006
AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY WHEN PASSENGER (130+ LBS) IS SEATED PROPERLY IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, INDICATING THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT GO OFF. HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPEATEDLY AND RANDOMLY SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE 9/05, AND HAVE REQUESTED ACTION AT EACH WARRANTY SERVICING. (22,500 MI CURRENTLY) EACH TIME THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THE DIAGNOSTICS DO NOT FIND A PROBLEM AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS WORKING PROPERLY. THEY SAY THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR RECALLS FROM HYUNDAI ON THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER THERE ARE AT LEAST 15 COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS OF 12/06. I AM VERY UPSET BY THIS APPARENT LACK OF CARING ON HYUNDAI'S PART ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR PASSENGERS. JUST BECAUSE THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM CAN'T BE REPRODUCED AT THE DEALER'S DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PASSENGERS ARE NOT EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. THERE HAS GOT TO BE A WAY TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM EVEN IF IT CAN'T BE OBSERVED IN THE MOMENT, EVEN IF IT MEANS REPLACING THE PARTS IN THE SEQUENCE TILL THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY. *NM
Air bags, Dec 26, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG LIGHT DIDN'T ALWAYS TURN ON WHEN SOMEONE SAT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MOST COMMON PASSENGER WEIGHED 120 LBS, AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME. IF THIS LIGHT WAS ON AT THE BEGINNING OF A TRIP IT USUALLY STAYED ON FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP. THE CONTACT SAID THAT HE NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ON 11/1/2006 ,AND HE TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP ON DECEMBER 1, 2006. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HIM THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A SEAT SENSOR FOR VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP GAVE HIM A LOANER VEHICLE, 2006 OR 2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE, AND HE NOTICED THAT THE SENSOR LIGHT HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS HIS SONATA. THE CONTACT DID TAKE THE SANTA FE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO GAVE HIM ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SECOND LOANER VEHICLE WAS A 2007 SONATA, AND HE NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIPHAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED HIM ON 12/26/06 TO INFORM HIM THAT ORDERED PART WAS IN, AND THE VEHICLE COULD BE BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIR. *AK
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Wheels, Dec 19, 2006
THIS COMPLAINT APPLIES TO A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED (NO OPTION FOR 2007 WAS AVAILABLE IN DROP DOWN MENU) (ISSUE 1) AT OR AROUND THE INITIAL FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY I BEGAN TO NOTICE ABRUPT VIBRATION AND SHAKING COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL; SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO FEEL IN THE SEAT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT THEY REPORTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND REPORTED THE VEHICLE TO BE IN MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATION. NONETHELESS, DEALER ATTEMPTED WHEEL BALANCE AND RADIAL FORCE BALANCE AS A "GOOD WILL GESTURE." PROBLEM IS NOW MORE ARTICULATED AND THE ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED. (ISSUE 2) ENGINE EMITS A RATTLE NOISE SIMILAR TO LIFTER CLATTER UPON START AND CONTINUES THROUGHOUT OPERATION; PARTICULARLY IN COLDER WEATHER. TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER WAS REPLACED AND ONE NOISE WAS RESOLVED BUT THE CONTINUAL NATURE OF THE LIFTER CLATTER REMAINS. DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED. (ISSUE 3) FUEL SLOSHING COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CLAIMS THIS TO BE NORMAL AND NOT A SAFETY RISK. SOUND IS MORE PRONOUNCED AT OR AROUND 3/4 TANK. BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY AND REMAINS UNRESOLVED. *NM