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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, THE COOLING FAN SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE HOOD AND FENDERS TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. THE DEALER HAS NOT CALLED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED.
Suspension, Tires, Jul 7, 2006
AFTER OWNING THE CAR AND DRIVING IT FOR LESS THAN 100 MILES, THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION ON THE AROUND 60-75 MPH. THE TIRES WERE RE-BALANCED AND THE CONDITION REMAINS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND RE-BALANCED AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. WHEN I RETURNED AGAIN TO THE PURCHASING DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR A THIRD TIME, I WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE (GLS V-6) AND IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT MORE EVIDENT. WHEN I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE, THE PROBLEM REMAINS. *JB
Tires, Jun 30, 2006
I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS WITH MICHELIN TIRES. THE TIRES ARE WEATHER CRACKING ALREADY AFTER ONLY HALF A YEAR AND WITH 4350 MILES. *NM
Seat belts, Jun 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE USING THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IT CUTS INTO HER NECK. THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE SEAT BELT. THE DEALER STATED THE SEAT BELT WAS MANUFACTURED THAT WAY. UPDATED 7/3/2006 - *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 9, 2006
THE BRAKES ON MY "NEW" HYUNDAI SONATA IS THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WILL STOP BUT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL--THE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR. TOOK THE CAR TO THE AGENCY 5/31/06 AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS "NORMAL" FOR THIS CAR !!! DUH !!! BOUGHT THE CAR 5/02/06 HAVE LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON IT NOW. *NM
Air bags, Jun 8, 2006
RE NEW HYUNDAI SONATA 2006 WITH INTERMITTENT WARNING LIGHT WARNING THAT RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. COMPLAINED TO DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT 2 DAYS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY. THEY AT FIRST BLAMED HOW MY WIFE WAS SITTING, THEN SUGGESTED THAT SHE DID NOT WEIGH ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SEAT SENSOR. SHE WEIGHS 135 LB. & IT IS SUPPOSED TO ACTIVATE @ 80 LBS. NOW THEY SAY THEY CANNOT REPLACE OR REPAIR ANYTHING IN THE SYSTEM WITHOUT SEEING THE MALFUNCTION. I CANNOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE ON COMMAND! IT IS TOTALLY RANDOM & INTERMITTENT. THEY HAVE MADE NO TROUBLE SHOOTING ATTEMPTS. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, May 22, 2006
DOORS LOCK WITH KEYPAD WHILE DOORS ARE STILL OPEN. AFTER SHOPPING I BUCKLED MY SON IN HIS CAR SEAT AND PUT THE GROCERIES IN THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY I INADVERTENTLY HIT THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE KEYPAD AS I WAS PLACING MY SON IN HIS CAR SEAT. I SAT THE KEYS ON THE CENTER CONSOLE, CLOSED THE BACK DOOR AND WENT TO GET IN THE DRIVER DOOR AND THE KEYS WERE LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS MY TODDLER SON IN HIS CAR SEAT. I CALLED 911 AND AFTER ATTEMPTING FOR AN HOUR THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CHOICES WERE BREAK A WINDOW TO GET IN (THUS TRAUMATIZING MY SON) OR HAVE A PRIVATE CITIZEN ATTEMPT TO BREAK INTO THE VEHICLE. A LOCKSMITH WAS CALLED AFTER MY SON WAS IN THE CAR FOR A 1/2 HOUR AND HE NEVER SHOWED. A PRIVATE CITIZEN HAD TO TAKE TWO SCREW DRIVERS AND PRY THE DOOR OPEN TO BE ABLE TO REACH THE DOOR HANDLE AND GET THE DOOR OPEN, THUS RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IS NOT MY CONCERN. THE FACT THAT THE DOORS WILL LOCK WITH THE KEYPAD WHILE STILL OPEN IS THE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE OWNED HONDA AND FORD IN THE PAST AND NEITHER OF WHICH WILL OPEN WILL DO THE ABOVE. I ALSO KNOW PEOPLE THAT HAVE SATURN, TOYOTA, DODGE, AND CHEVROLET AND THESE VEHICLE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK WITH THE KEYPAD WHILE THE DOORS ARE OPEN EITHER. I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THE CAR IS DESIGNED THAT WAY. I LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY DIDN'T SEEM TO FEEL IT WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. IN MY OPINION THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF THE WEATHER WERE 90 DEGREES OR IF MY SON WAS AN INFANT CHILD. I FEEL THAT THE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED SO THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN TO ME OR ANY OTHER HYUNDAI OWNER. *JB
Structure, Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING AT ANYTIME THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER INDICATED THIS WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS RELEASED IT WOULD STOP. UPDATED 07/05/06 *JB
Air bags, May 5, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES EVERY TIME THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. NO MATTER WHAT THE WEIGHT IS OF THE PASSENGER OR HOW THE SEAT IS BEING SAT IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, UPON INSPECTION THE CONTACT WAS ASKED TO VIDEO TAPE THE PASSENGER TO ENSURE THE CORRECT SEATING POSITION WAS BEING MAINTAINED. THE VIDEO TAPE WAS OFFERED TO THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER.
Suspension, May 3, 2006
REAR SUSPENSION HAS ANNOYING AND LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS UNDER 40 MPH. STARTED NOTICING NOISE WITHIN 1000 MILES AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, WHICH WAS ON 10/26/05. MANUFACTURER HAS ADMITTED THE PROBLEM IN A BBB ARBITRATION HEARING, CASE NO. HYU0641565 DATED 04/27/06 AND STATED IT AS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO IN A TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS WITH A REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND OTHERS AS A PROBLEM. TOOK THE PROBLEM TO DEALERSHIP, WHO COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE AND DID NOT PUT IT ON THE WORK ORDERS. THEREFORE, I LOST THE ARBITRATION HEARING, EVEN THOUGH THEY TOLD ME PERSONALLY THAT HYUNDAI TOLD THEM NOT TO DO ANYTHING, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN TERMS OF THE THUMPING. WHAT AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER WOULD INCORPORATE A NOISE IN THEIR VEHICLES AS A SELLING FEATURE AND STATE IT'S A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE? IF HYUNDAI DOES NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION NOISE, THEN THEY DO NOT KNOW IF A SAFETY FACTOR IS INVOLVED. THE SUSPENSION COULD AND PROBABLY IS DEFECTIVE IN SOME WAY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, May 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A SUBTLE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE THAT MAKES THE OCCUPANTS ILL. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE DEALER, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER DID NOT DETECT AN ODOR, THE DEALER SUGGESTED USING AN AIR FRESHENER. *AK
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2006
BOUGHT A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA MARCH 18, 2006 AT OURISMAN HYUNDAI IN LAUREL, MD. A WEEK LATER, MARCH 25, 2006, HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE ENGINE OVER HEATED, WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, DUE TO THE FANS NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP ORDERED A FAN MODULE AND PLACED IT IN MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP ALLOWED ME TO TAKE ANOTHER BRAND NEW 2006 SONATA AS A LOANER UNTIL MY CAR WAS FIXED. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP I DID NOT WANT MY CAR BACK AND TO GIVE ME ANOTHER 2006 SONATA. AFTER DAYS OF CALLING BACK TO SEE IF THEY WOULD, THEY REFUSED. PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2006. APRIL 18, 2006 BOUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE A/C WAS NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE FANS ARE NOT WORKING AND THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THEY ARE RENTING A CAR FOR ME UNTIL MY CAR IS FIXED. *JB
Tires, Apr 10, 2006
RF TIRE EXHIBITED BLISTER ON SIDEWALL. AMERICA'S TIRE IN ROSEVILLE, CA STATED IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, BUT THE FAULT OF DRIVER. HENCE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED FREE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT REPLACED AT HALF PRICE. *NM
Air bags, Mar 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO SPECIFIC SPEED WITH A PASSENGER, THE AIR BAG LAMP ILLUMINATED COMMUNICATING TO THE CONTACT THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DISABLED. THE PASSENGER IS THE WIFE OF THE CONTACT WHICH WEIGHED ENOUGH TO KEEP THE AIR BAG ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS OPERATING NORMAL; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PASSENGER SHOULD CHANGE POSTURE AND SITTING POSITIONS WHILE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. UPDATED 4/17/2006 - THE AIR BAG FUNCTIONS PROPERLY INTERMITTENTLY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA IN OCTOBER 2005. THE VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A HIGH PITCHED WHINE AT 60-69 MPH (2,000 RPM). I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY HYUNDAI ENGINEERS THAT THE NOISE COMES FROM A DESIGN FLAW DEALING WITH THE VARIABLE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THEY ARE APPARENTLY AWARE OF THIS MATTER BUT ARE DOING NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. THE NOISE IS LOUD ENOUGH AND HIGH PITCHED ENOUGH THAT IT COULD AND DOES CAUSE A DRIVING DISTRACTION. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 15, 2006
1. REAR PASSENGER SIDE REPEAT RATTLING THUMPING NOISE IN SUSPENSION AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH CAUSING DISTURBANCE AND AGITATION TO CABIN DRIVER OR PASSENGERS 2. REAR PASSENGER SIDE DRONING-HUMMING ECHO NOISE MORE NOTICEABLE OVER 40 MPH AND AT STEADY MAINTAINED SPEED CAUSING DISTURBANCE AND AGITATION TO CABIN DRIVER OR PASSENGERS 3. SLOSHING NOISE OF GASOLINE IN GAS TANK AFTER THE GAS TANK IS FILLED AND A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED IN AND AROUND THE GAS TANK AREA AFTER THE GAS TANK IS FILLED CAUSING DISTURBANCE AND AGITATION TO CABIN DRIVER OR PASSENGERS. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jan 20, 2006
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF HEADLIGHT ISSUES. VEHICLE FROM FACTORY WAS BLINDING ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER ADJUSTED HEADLIGHTS SO LOW THAT THEY DID NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD FOR ANY REASONABLE DISTANCE. RETURN TRIP TO DEALER RESULTED IN HEADLIGHTS THAT DID AN EFFECTIVE JOB OF LIGHTING THE TREES ABOVE. THIRD TRIP TO DEALER HAS RESULTED IN HEADLIGHTS THAT DO NOT PROPERLY LIGHT THE ROAD FOR ANY DISTANCE. I HAVE ADJUSTED THEM ACCORDING TO THE PROCEDURE IN THE SERVICE MANUAL, AND THEY PERFORM SIMILARLY TO WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME FROM THE FACTORY. THEY AGAIN BLIND ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO THE POINT THAT I AM AGAIN BEING "FLASHED" BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT THE LIGHTS ARE VERY BRIGHT TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BY DRIVING TOWARDS THE SONATA IN ANOTHER VEHICLE ON A TWO LANE ROAD WHILE ANOTHER PERSON IS DRIVING THE SONATA. I HAVE RECEIVED CONCURRENCE THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS CONDITION VIA AN INTERNET NEWSGROUP. THE DEALER ALSO STATES THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS ON THIS ISSUE, AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE, AS THEY ARE "THE NEW EUROPEAN STYLE HEADLIGHTS, AND THEY ARE JUST BRIGHTER". *NM
Visibility, Nov 30, 2005
THE CARS ELECTRIC WINDOWS DO NOT ROLL DOWN DURING DAMP WEATHER BELOW FREEZING. WITH HEATER ON HIGH AND 25 MIN. LATER WORKED AFTER DOOR WAS CLOSED. THIS HAPPEN TWICE, NO ICE OR FROST ON ANY WINDOW. SEEMED TO BE INTERNAL. IF THIS WAS THE LAST ESCAPE ROUTE REMANDING, I WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR.*JB
Steering, Sep 23, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVER STEERS VERY BADLY. HE STATES THAT IF ONE BARELY TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL IT WILL LUNGE INTO THAT DIRECTION. HAS TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE IN THE DIRECTION CONSUMER WANTS IT TO GO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND HE WANTED THEM TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK BECAUSE HE DID NOT FEEL THAT HIS WIFE WAS SAFE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS GOING TO CONSIDER A BUY BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR PRESSURE TO THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE 30, BUT IT WAS 45. THIS WAS TO HAVE BEEN DONE AT PRIOR TO DELIVERY INSPECTION. THIS PROBLEM GETS WORSE WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN.*AK *NM
Air bags, Sep 21, 2005
PAGGENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED LIGHTED WHEN SEAT WAS OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT INDICATING THAT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AIR BAG WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR USE. CONCACT WITH DEALER GOT A REQUEST THAT CAR BE BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR SOLUTION TO PROBLEM.
Seat belts, Sep 7, 2005
THE SEAT-BELT WARNING CHIME ON THIS VEHICLE ACTIVATES THE MOMENT THE DRIVER'S BELT IS UNBUCKLED EVEN IF THE CAR IS AT REST, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IS IN PARK, AND THE PARKING BRAKE IS SET. THIS LOUD, GRATING CHIME REPEATS EVERY 6 SECS. ALTHOUGH I ASSUME THE SYSTEM MEETS CURRENT NHTSA RULES PER SE, THERE IS A SAFETY THREAT BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN MANY POSTS ON INTERNET FORUMS FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO KNOW HOW TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM BECAUSE THEY, LIKE MOST DRIVERS, HAVE OCCASION TO BE IN THE VEHICLE NOT IN TRAFFIC WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. EXAMPLES INCLUDE DRIVE-UP BANK TELLER AND ATM'S, DRIVE-THRU FOOD SERVICE LANES, AND IN PARKING LOTS WITH THE VEHICLE IDLING TO MAKE CELL PHONE SALES CALLS. SAFETY IS THREATENED BECAUSE IF THE CHIME IS DISCONNECTED THEN IT CAN'T WARN IF THE DRIVER TRULY FORGETS ONCE THE VEHICLE IS MOVED FROM REST OR IF THE DRIVER FORGETS THE KEY, WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE RISK OF JOY-RIDERS STEALING THE VEHICLE. ALSO, SHADE-TREE MECHANICS COULD DAMAGE THE SEAT-BELT PRETENSIONER SYSTEM WIRING TRYING TO "HOT-WIRE" THE BUCKLE SWITCH. I CALL ON THE NHTSA TO CALL ON HYUNDAI TO MODIFY THE SYSTEM AND THE PROMULGATE NEW RULES THAT WOULD REQUIRE THAT ADDITIONAL WARNING CHIMES AFTER THE FIRST TIMED CYCLE BE ALLOWED ONLY AFTER THERE ARE SIGNS THAT THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, SUCH AS SPEEDOMETER INPUT, THE VEHICLE'S BEING REMOVED FROM PARK OR SHIFTED INTO GEAR, OR THE PARKING BRAKE BEING RELEASED (FOR EXAMPLE, SIMILAR TO THE SYSTEM FOR THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER THAT I DRIVE AT WORK). *NM
Electronic stability control, Jul 28, 2005
WE BOUGHT OUR 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA ON TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2005. WE WERE DRIVING ON A WINDY ROAD ON SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2005. WE WERE UNSURE AFTER JUST TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP SIGN OF THE CORRECT DIRECTION SO WE WERE TRAVELING RELATIVELY SLOWLY FOR THIS ROAD AS WE WERE LOOKING AT THE MAILBOXES TO SEE IF THEY WERE INCREASING IN NUMBER. WE WERE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND IN A LEFT CURVE IN THE ROAD. THE BRAKES/WHEELS LOCKED , THERE WAS SOME RUBBER SCREECHING, AND THE BACK END OF THE CAR FISH TAILED. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT TO TURN THE ESC BUTTON OFF ON THE CAR FOR THE REMAINDER OF THAT TRIP. WE WERE IN CONTACT WITH THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT EVENING. WE WENT CAMPING THE NEXT DAY (SUNDAY) USING OUR TOW VEHICLE AND WE CALLED TO SET UP A TIME TO GET THE CAR IN. AT THE TIME MY HUSBAND ASKED IF THEY HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE OF ANY PROBLEMS OCCURRING LIKE THIS AND THE PERSON IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID A QUICK SEARCH AND STATED THE HE FOUND NONE. WHEN WE RETURNED HOME ON WENESDAY, JULY 27,2005 MY HUSBAND DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE COMPUTER AND FOUND SOME PROBLEMS ALREADY LINKED TO THIS CAR AND THIS PROBLEM. I PHONED YOUR ORGANIZATION THIS MORNING AND TALKED WITH THEM. I WAS ADVISED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER OF 05V316000. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ALONG WITH MY FRUSTRATION AND COMPLAINTS OF THIS CAR EVEN MAKING IT OFF THE LOT. IN A 10 - 15 MINUTE CONVERSATION I HAD WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THE CHIP WAS REPLACED , SUPPOSEDLY FIXING THE PROBLEM. *JB