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, Dec 19, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT, IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP TWICE (MEDILD HYUNDAI), AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT SEAT COVER WAS THE REASON WHY THE LIGHT STILL ON. THE CONTACT SAID THAT SHE TOOK THE SEAT COVER OFF AND THE LIGHT STILL DID NOT GO OFF. CONTACT SAID THAT THE DEALER TOLD HER THAT A PERSON WOULD HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 110 POUNDS FOR THE AIR BAG TO WORK. THE CONTACT DOSE NOT HAVE RECORD OF SERVICE, BECAUSE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS CARBON MONOXIDE INFILTRATING IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING HEADACHES TO THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS. THE CONTACT MEASURED 999 PARTS PER MILLION OF CARBON MONOXIDE WITHIN THE CABIN. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM.*AK
Air bags, Dec 5, 2006
PASSENGER AIRBAG "OFF" LIGHT REMAINS LIT EVEN WHEN FRONT SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT. IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY OTHER OWNERS. *NM
Air bags, Electrical system, Nov 26, 2006
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR WORKS NORMALLY EXCEPT UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS CONCERNING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT: 1. PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED - INDICATOR IS OFF. 2. PASSENGER TEMPORARILY LEAVES SEAT - INDICATOR IS ON. 3. PASSENGER RETURNS TO SEAT - INDICATOR REMAINS ON. 4. INDICATOR REMAINS ON UNTIL THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED OFF AND THEN ON. OBVIOUSLY, THE PASSENGER IS IN MORTAL DANGER IF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF CONDITION ESCAPES NOTICE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. I ASKED SERVICE PERSONNEL ABOUT THIS AND THE ANSWER WAS, " OH, THAT'S NORMAL." IT MAY BE "NORMAL" BUT IT IS DANGEROUS DESIGN OR AN ERROR. *JB
Tires, Nov 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, THE THREE TIRES ON THE NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE HAD CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE SIDEWALL OF TIRE CRACKING WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED. THE TIRES WERE CRACKING AORUND THE RIM. UPDATED 12/15/06. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 16, 2006
WHEN FUEL TANK IS FULL AND CAR IS STOPPING AND ACCELERATING, BUBBLING SOUND COMES FROM THE FUEL TANK. I WENT DEALER BUT THEY SAID IT IS NORMAL AND THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER SERVICE, THEY SAID FUEL TANK MAKES SOUND BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHANGED MATERIAL OF THE TANK. THEY ALSO SAID OTHER CAR'S FUEL TANK MAKE SAME SOUND.*JB
Air bags, Nov 13, 2006
I HAVE HAD MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS SINCE OCTOBER 2005. FROM THE BEGINNING I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE SENSOR WILL NOT DETECT A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT (VARYING WEIGHTS) MANY TIMES THUS NOT ALLOWING THE AIRBAG TO BE TRIPPED IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. A HYUNDAI FORUM FOR OWNERS NOTES THIS PROBLEM IS BEING EXPERIENCED BY MANY MANY OTHER SONATA OWNERS. WE HAVE ALL COMPLAINED TO OUR DEALERS AND ARE BEING TOLD THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE OCCUPANT'S POSITION IN THE SEAT. MOVING AROUND DOESN'T HELP AT ALL. HYUNDAI IS WELL AWARE OF THIS SAFETY PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL OR TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM. A RECALL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ENACTED FOR ANOTHER MODEL BY HYUNDAI WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS BAD SENSORS AND IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED!!! *NM
Air bags, Nov 6, 2006
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM WRITING THIS IN REGARDS TO A SERVICE PROBLEM I AM ENCOUNTERING CONCERNING MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TWO TIMES FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM, AND TWO TIMES NOW I HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS THAT WHEN MY WIFE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT REMAINS ON. IT WORKS PROPERLY WHEN I AM IN THE SEAT. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THIS HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WITH THIS TYPE VEHICLE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE AND I WANT THIS DISCREPANCY FIXED. THE HYUNDAI COMPANY PRIDES ITSELF ON ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES. IF THEY DON'T WORK PROPERLY, I WOULD THINK YOU WOULD DO ALL YOU CAN TO FIX IT. AS FOR THIS SERVICE DEPARTMENT, I WILL NOT BE RETURNING IT THERE UNLESS IT IS FOR WARRANTY SERVICE. THE LAST TIME I HAD IT IN FOR THIS THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL SOMEONE FOR TECH ASSIST AND GET BACK WITH ME. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY EVER CONTACTED ANYONE, BUT I KNOW THEY DID NOT CALL BACK. BELOW IS MY INFORMATION: JAY MCKAY 2006 SONATA STEVENSON HYUNDAI, JACKSONVILLE NC IF YOU CANNOT HELP ME WITH THIS, PLEASE FORWARD TO APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT, OR LET ME KNOW WHO TO SEND IT TO.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 27, 2006
I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA IN JUNE 2006. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR I NOTICED UPON FILLING UP THE TANK WITH GAS I COULD HEAR A LOT OF NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. IT IS A LOUD SLOSHING OF THE GAS THAT CAN BE HEARD INSIDE THE CAR. IT SPLASHES BACK AND FORTH UPON STOPPING AND ACCELERATING AND IS LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD OVER THE RADIO. IT ALSO CREATES SUCH A NOISE THAT MAKES IT SEEM LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES ON THE LEFT SIDE. IT SOUNDS AT TIMES AS IF I AM DRAGGING SOMETHING WHEN STOPPING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES INQUIRING ABOUT THIS AND HAVE GOTTEN NO HELP. ON OCTOBER 16, 2006 I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO HYUNDAI TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM INSPECTED, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD SUPER SENSITIVE HEARING AND THAT IT IS A AND I QUOTE "A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE" AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT. I FEEL THAT I PURCHASED A NEW CAR AND I SHOULD NOT HEAR A PEEP OUT OF IT. THIS GREATLY CONCERNS ME BECAUSE I CAN TELL YOU SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THE CAR AND I AM NOT SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS WHEN I AM GETTING NOWHERE WITH HYUNDAI MYSELF. I AM ALSO CONCERNED SAFETY WISE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS DEALING WITH FUEL. ALTHOUGH THE NOISE STOPS WHEN THE TANK FALLS BELOW 1/2 I SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO FILL MY GAS TANK UP FOR FEAR OF WHAT COULD GO WRONG. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME. THANK YOU. *NM
Latches/locks/linkages, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED INDICATING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DIDN'T LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. UPDATED 11/21/06.*JB
Air bags, Oct 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED INDICATING IT WAS INOPERATIVE ALTHOUGH A PASSENGER WAS SEATED WITH THE SEAT BELT ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION WHO DETERMINED THE AIRBAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT BOTTOM. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 11, 2006
THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER ON MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE CHAIN TO GAIN SLACK CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 9, 2006
I NOTICED AROUND THIS TIME THAT THE LATCH HOLDING THE CENTER CONSOLE SHUT IN MY 06 SONATA WAS LOOSE. I TRIED TO PUT IT BACK INTO PLACE, BUT IT THEN BROKE FREE IN MY HANDS. THE CONSOLE WILL FLING OPEN OVER MOST SPEED BUMPS. I'M WORRIED IN A CRASH THAT ANYTHING INSIDE OF IT WILL FLY ALL OVER THE PLACE. PLUS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THIS TO SURPRISE THE DRIVER AND CAUSE A CRASH. A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WILL BE REPLACING THE WHOLE CONSOLE, BUT I WANTED TO FILE A REPORT AND SEE WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.
Air bags, Oct 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG ACTIVATION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE, WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND HELD A CONFERENCE CALL WITH A TECHNICIAN FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE SENSOR WAS WORKING WITHIN NORMAL OPERATING STANDARDS. THE SENSOR CONTINUED TO OPERATE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS.
Air bags, Oct 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE A PASSENGER WEIGHING BETWEEN 100 AND 250 POUNDS SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE LIGHT WAS RESET, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. UPDATED 10/18/2006 - THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER*NM
Electronic stability control, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2006
ISSUE FOR 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS V6 (1)DRIVING IN SAN FRANCISCO AREA WITH RESPECTING LOCAL TRAFFIC LAWS. (2)SUDDENLY ESC FAILED AND ENGINE LOST ITS POWER. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO 15 MILES/HOUR AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE MORE THAN 15 MILES/HOUR. IT CAUSED A CLOSE CHANCE OF REAR-COLLISION ACCIDENT. (3)DEALERSHIP REPLACED WITH NEW PARTS. LASTED 10 DAYS AND THE PROBLEMS HAVE CONTINUED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR OF CAMMISA HYUNDAI EXPLAINED TO ME, THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE REASONS FOR FAILURES. NO DATE FOR REPAIR HAS BEEN PROMISED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED TO THE OR FULL MARK, THERE WAS A CREAKING NOISE HEARD WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE. THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE SPARE TIRE WAS LOOSE AND THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. THE DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED THE SPARE TIRE, BUT THE NOISE PERSISTED. THE THIRD AND LAST TIME, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT BECAUSE THE GAS TANK WAS MADE OF PLASTIC, THE TANK MAY BE EXPANDING RESULTING IN THE CREAKING NOISE.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2006, fire
A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE OF MY TWO-MONTH-OLD 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE HOURS. ON THE NIGHT THAT THIS HAPPENED, I HAD DRIVEN MY SONATA THREE HOURS FROM ATLANTA, GA TO ALBANY, GA AND PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT ABOUT 5:30PM. I SUBSEQUENTLY RAN A LOCAL ERRAND AND PARKED MY CAR FOR THE EVENING AT 7:30PM. THE CAR WAS PARKED ABOUT 2.5-3 FEET BEHIND MY MOTHER'S 1994 CHEVROLET CORSICA. AROUND 12:30 MIDNIGHT, MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR WAS BANGING ON MY WINDOW, YELLING, "YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE!" FLAMES SHOT UP 5-6 FEET IN THE AIR AND IGNITED THE TRUNK OF MY MOTHER'S CAR. TREES NEARBY WERE SINGED, AND MELTED METAL AND RUBBER DAMAGED THE DRIVEWAY. THANKS TO MY NEIGHBOR'S QUICK ACTION, THE FLAMES DID NOT REACH THE FUEL TANK OF MY MOTHER'S CAR OR OUR HOUSE, THEREBY AVERTING A REAL DISASTER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE LOCAL SERVICE CENTER, MANUFACTURER AND INSURANCE COMPANY WERE NOT THE PARTIES RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FIRE. WIDER CONSUMER AWARENESS OF THE NHTSA AND THE COMPLAINT-TO-RECALL PROCESS WILL ENHANCE SAFETY BY ENCOURAGING ALL PARTIES TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AND RESPONSIBILITY. *NM
Air bags, Sep 25, 2006
SONATA FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR PROBLEM THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY FOR A 120 POUND PERSON AS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. IF YOU TURN THE ENGINE ON AND THEN A PASSENGER SITS DOWN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE SENSOR LIGHT ASSUMES NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIR BAG WON'T RELEASE IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. IF A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SITS IN THE SEAT AND THE CAR ENGINE IS TURNED ON THE SENSOR LIGHT WORKS. BUT IF THE PASSENGER GETS OUT OF THE SEAT WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL ON AND THEN RETURNS TO THE SEAT, THE SENSOR LIGHT DOES NOT WORK AGAIN.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT ANY SPEED ON BUMPY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE EXHAUST PIPE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS SECURE AND NOTHING SEEMED TO BE HITTING THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THREE OTHER VEHICLES WERE TEST DRIVEN AND THE SAME SOUND WAS PRESENT. AN EMPLOYEE WHO WORKED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S FACTORY INFORMED THE CONTACT THE FUEL TANK WAS HITTING THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/11/06. *JB
Air bags, Sep 11, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG WAS CALIBRATED TO DEACTIVATE WHEN A PERSON UNDER A CERTAIN WEIGHT SAT IN THE SEAT, THIS POSED A SAFETY ISSUE FOR FRAIL ELDERLY ADULTS AND ADULTS OF SMALL STATURE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE AIRBAG COULD BE RECALIBRATED.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2006, crash
MY HUSBAND AND I RENTED A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA V6 FROM AVIS CAR RENTAL IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI WHILE ON VACATION. WHILE RETURNING TO KANSAS CITY ON I-70, THE CAR IN THE LANE NEXT TO US BLEW A TIRE, LOST CONTROL, SPUN IN THE ROAD AND HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF OUR CAR WITH THE FRONT OF THEIR CAR, FORCING US OFF THE ROADWAY AND INTO THE MEDIAN OF THE INTERSTATE. I WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER DOOR STRUCK THE SIDE OF MY TORSO AS IT WAS CAVING IN, INJURING MY RIGHT SHOULDER AND NECK. ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI ADVERTISES BOTH SIDE IMPACT AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THIS HIGH-SPEED SIDE-IMPACT CRASH, RESULTING IN INJURY TO MY SHOULDER. WE DO NOT KNOW THE REPAIR STATUS OF THE RENTAL CAR, BUT HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY AVIS THAT THEY HAVE HIRED ENGINEERS TO REVIEW THE CAR AND DETERMINE WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
Air bags, Aug 15, 2006
I HAVE HAD MY 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2005. FROM THE BEGINNING I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE SENSOR WILL NOT DETECT MY WIFE OVER HALF OF THE TIME. I AM ON A HYUNDAI FORUM AND THIS PROBLEM IS BEING EXPERIENCED BY MANY MANY OTHER SONATA OWNERS. WE HAVE ALL COMPLAINED TO OUR DEALERS AND ARE BEING TOLD THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE OCCUPANT'S POSITION IN THE SEAT. MOVING AROUND DOESN'T HELP AT ALL. HYUNDAI IS WELL AWARE OF THIS SAFETY PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL OR TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB
Air bags, Aug 14, 2006
1) FRONT AIR BAG PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR RANDOMLY WORKS WHEN MY WIFE IS SITTING IN SEAT (SHE WEIGHS APPROX. 130LBS). IT'S BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE IN 06/2006. 2) I HAVE TO KEEP STOPPING VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART TO CLEAR OFF LIGHT (AND HOPE IT ACTUALLY IS ON WHEN THE LIGHT IS OUT). CONSEQUENCES IS THAT IF IT DOESN'T DEPLOY IF I EVER HAVE AN ACCIDENT, MY WIFE COULD GET KILLED (OR ANYONE ELSE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT). 3) I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE 3-4 TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED. THEY REPLACED THE SEAT CUSHION ONCE AND IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. HYUNDAI WANTS THE SEAT SENT TO THEM (SO THEY CAN "RE-PROGRAM" IT. I WANT A NEW SEAT SENT TO ME AND REPLACED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DO TO "RE-PROGRAM" IT, BUT IF I EVER TRADE THE VEHICLE, IT MIGHT NOT WORK FOR THE NEW CAR OWNERS (NOT A VERY GOOD SOLUTION). IF THE LIGHT STAYS ON (MEANING THE AIR BAG IS OFF) AND MY WIFE DOESN'T MOVE, I TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT, THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF 1/2 THE TIME. THEY BLAME IT ON THE WAY SHE SITS IN THE SEAT. BUT IF IT GOES OUT AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR AND SHE DOESN'T MOVE, THEN THIS DOESN'T HOLD TRUE. INCIDENT DATE IS APPROX FOR FIRST OCCURRENCE. IT HAS HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES TO LIST ALL DAYS (PROBABLY OVER 100 TIMES SO FAR). VIN CAN BE PROVIDED IF NECESSARY. *JB
Suspension, Aug 10, 2006
THUMPING NOISE AND VIBRATION FROM REAR SUSPENSION ON BUMPY ROADS. FEELS SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE IF THE GAS TANK WERE LOOSE, OR EXHAUST HIT UNDERCARRIAGE OF CAR, OR IF SPARE TIRE WERE LOOSE IN THE TRUNK. BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE IN WARMER WEATHER, AND AFTER 5000 MILES. SEEMS TO HAVE NO EFFECT ON HANDLING OR STABILITY. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS, BUT INSISTED THAT IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF SUSPENSION DESIGN AND NOTHING WAS WRONG NOR COULD ANYTHING BE DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM