2007 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 696 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 30 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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 lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Campaign 13V113000 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
Representative owner complaints
696 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 29, 2009
REAR BRAKE PADS WEAR OUT AT 25K MILES AND ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Air bags, Jul 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES EACH TIME THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS 4'9 AND WEIGHS 135 LBS., BUT WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS SEATED IN THE SEAT, IT WORKS FINE. THE DEALER FOUND NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THREE DEALERS. THE VEHICLE WAS ONCE SHIPPED TO ANOTHER STATE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED, BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,170 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/01/09 *BF
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 23, 2009
REAR BRAKES ON 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA ACQUIRED HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL, ODOR, AND WHEELS WERE HOT TO THE TOUCH AT 19,800 MILES. DEALER REPLACED BRAKES PADS AND RESURFACED ROTOR. SEEMS TO BE PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DUE TO DEFECTIVE REAR BRAKE MECHANISMS CAUSING THE PADS TO FREEZE AGAINST THE ROTORS. DEALER MAINTAINS THE BRAKES NEED "ADJUSTING" EVERY 10,000 MILES TO AVOID THE PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 20, 2009
PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR BRAKE CALIPER PADS DUE TO CORROSION ON CALIPER GUIDES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 16, 2009
REPLACING REAR BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS BECAUSE OF WORN PARTS ON VEHICLE WITH RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. *TR
Visibility, Jul 14, 2009
WHILE TRAVELING AT NIGHT ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT, THE DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN FROM ITS NORMAL STOWED POSITION AGAINST THE HEADLINER DIRECTLY INTO MY LINE OF VISION. THIS CAUSED A BRIEF LOSS OF VISION OF THE ROAD AHEAD AND A MOMENTARY LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. SUN VISOR WOULD NO LONGER STAY IN STOWED POSITION AND HAD TO BE FORCIBLY REMOVED IN ORDER TO SAFELY CONTINUE MY TRIP. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 13, 2009
PURCHASED HYUNDAI SONATA RECENTLY AND HEARD HIGH PITCHED CHIRP/SQUEAL SOUND IN REAR AREA OF CAR. SEARCHED INTERNET TO SEE IF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED. LEARNED THAT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR ISSUES WITH PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR DUE TO DEFECTIVE REAR BRAKE MECHANISMS. BRAKES APPEAR TO BE MALFUNCTIONING UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND FREEZING BRAKE PADS AGAINST ROTORS. ROTORS WEAR OUT FROM PREMATURE WEAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HYUNDAI UNRESPONSIVE TO CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS INDICATING ROAD SALT IS TO BLAME. THIS IS COSTING HUNDREDS OF AMERICANS HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY CONCERNS OF POTENTIALLY FAILING BRAKES CAUSING ACCIDENTS. INVESTIGATION AND ACTION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE DEFECT AND INITIATE A FORMAL RECALL FROM HYUNDAI. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 9, 2009
2007 HYUNDAI SONATA - 4 CYLINDER REAR BRAKES NOTICED SMELL & HEAT COMING FROM REAR WHEELS AFTER CAR WAS STOPPED. HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT FUEL MILEAGE HAS BEEN POOR FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. SUSPECTED PARK BRAKE STICKING, BUT TOOK TO DEALER TO INVESTIGATE. THEIR INVESTIGATION CAME BACK THAT REAR BRAKES WERE STICKING AND REAR BRAKE PADS WORN OUT AFTER 27,000 MILES. RECOMMENDED I HAVE THE REAR PADS & ROTORS REPLACED, AND SHOULD HAVE A "BRAKE SERVICE" DONE WHERE THEY DISASSEMBLE THE BRAKES, CLEAN AND REASSEMBLE. BRAKE SERVICE WAS DONE AND REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. REFUSED NEW ROTORS BASED ON A 2ND OPINION THAT THEY WERE FINE. I ASKED SERVICE MANAGER WHY THIS WOULD BE NECESSARY WITH SO FEW MILES ON THE CAR. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2004 MAZDA6 WITH REAR DISC BRAKES. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND TRADED IT WITH 70,000 MILES ON IT, HAVING SPEND $0 ON THE BRAKES. HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT ALL HYUNDAI SONATAS EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS AND UNLESS ANNUAL BRAKE SERVICE IS PERFORMED, I WILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR BRAKES STICKING. I VIEW THIS AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HYUNDAI CHARGES ME FOR THE BRAKE SERVICE, AND SINCE I DID NOT HAVE IT DONE DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, MY REAR BRAKES WERE STICKING ON , CAUSING MY POOR MILEAGE AND A REAR BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. NONE OF THIS WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND I AM NOW OUT APPROX $500 FOR WORK PERFORMED ON MY CAR, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT I WILL NOW NEED TO SPEND MONEY EACH YEAR TO HAVE A "BRAKE SERVICE" PERFORMED. A QUICK CHECK ON MESSAGE BOARDS ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE SEEING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE RECTIFIED BY HYUNDAI IN THE FORM OF A RECALL. I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE MONEY I HAVE SPENT, AND AN IMPROVED DESIGN SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED (SUCH AS ON MY MAZDA). *TR
Visibility, Equipment, Jun 30, 2009
I HAVE A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH A PROBLEM WITH THE SUN VISOR. IN THREE YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE TWICE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE ONCE. WHEN IT FAILS THE VISOR DROPS DOWN AND YOU CAN'T SEE PAST IT. I HAVE CHECKED THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND THIS IS A COMMON AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKES MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHENEVER THEY WERE APPLIED OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR OF THE DISC PADS. THE CONTACT WAS GOING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BY ANOTHER MECHANIC, UNTIL HE CONDUCTED RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME FAILURE. HE WILL WAIT TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THIS INVESTIGATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK WITH INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY HAVE NOT YET RETURNED HIS CALL. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR A WHILE AND THE BRAKES HAVE A STRANGE ODOR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 21,000. UPDATED 07/28/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STTED THE PADS AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED AND LUBRICATED. UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 12, 2009
REAR BRAKES CEASED (LEFT SIDE) WHICH CAUSES PAD TO WEAR OUT AND NEED REPLACEMENT AT 22,000 MILES!! NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY....CHARGED ME $173.95 +TAX TO REPAIR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A STOP, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS WERE CAKED WITH RUST. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN OUT PREMATURELY. THE PADS WERE SO CORRODED THAT THEY WERE GRINDING INTO THE ROTOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 16,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 9, 2009
BRAKES FAILING ON 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE BRAKES NEVER OPERATED CORRECTLY ON HER VEHICLE. SHE FELT AS IF THE BRAKES WERE STICKING AND DRAGGING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE PAD FAILED AND THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING METAL-ON-METAL. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PADS WERE NEAR FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS DUE TO SNOW MELTING SALTS THAT WERE RUSTING THE METAL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ESTIMATED THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $500 TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 22,000.
Air bags, Jun 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE OCS (AIR BAG DETECTION SYSTEM) IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS IMPROPERLY REPAIRED BY THE DEALER DUE TO A RECALL. THE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT DETECT WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,029.
Visibility, Jun 8, 2009
THE SUN VISORS IN THE 2007 HYUNDAI SONATAS ARE GETTING TO HOT AND MELTING. I HAVE TRIED TO PULL DOWN BOTH VISORS AND THE BOTH HAVE CRACKED AND BROKE. I AM A FAIRLY TALL PERSON AND NOW WHEN I PUSH THE VISORS BACK UP THEY CONTINUE TO FALL BACK DOWN IN FRONT OF MY FACE. I THINK THIS IS A FACTORY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT THEIR EXPENSE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 1, 2009
MY HUSBAND NOTICE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND GOING OFF AS WE WERE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 20,000 MILES. THIS HAPPENED MANY TIMES FOR BOTH MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND WAS TOLD THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SINCE WE DIDN'T NOTICE IT HAPPENING UNTIL WE WERE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY FOR AT LEAST A HALF HOUR, I WASN'T SURPRISED THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE TEST DRIVING IT AT SLOWER SPEEDS IN TOWN. SINCE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN FOR THE DEALERS, AND THE ABS LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DIDN'T COME ON WHEN IT HAPPENED, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AT 66,000 MILES, BOTH THE PASSENGER ABS LIGHT AND THE INSTRUMENT LIGHT HAVE COME ON AND WON'T GO OUT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT WAS FLASHING WHEN MY HUSBAND HAD HIS SEATBELT ON AND BUCKLED. I AM BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THIS WILL BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY BUT AM SURE THEY WILL SAY IT'S NOT COVERED AND WILL COST ME. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 1, 2009
A CHIRPING NOISE AND BURNING SMELL IN MY 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA SENT ME TO MY HYUNDAI DEALER. $400 LATER THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE BRAKES WERE RUSTY AND SEIZING UP. INVOICE SAID, "20442 LR PADS SEPARATING LOCKED IN SLIDES RESURFACED REAR ROTORS, REPLACED PADS, ADJUSTED PARK BRAKE, AND SERVICED FRONT BRAKES." MANAGER SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE WINTER SALT ON OUR NH ROADS AND THAT HE'D BEEN SEEING A LOT OF THESE BRAKE ISSUES AND HAD BEEN COMPLAINING TO HYUNDAI WITH NO RESULTS. MANAGER SAID I NEED TO HAVE THE RUST REMOVED FROM THE BRAKES EVERY 15,000 MILES. CHECKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT OTHER FOLKS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND I SEE THE SAME COMPLAINT HERE IN YOUR DATABASE. SEE HTTP://HYUNDAIFORUM.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=6314. *TR
Visibility, May 27, 2009
2007 HYUNDAI SONATA SUN VISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE. A PLASTIC PIECE BROKE AND THERE IS NO TENSION IN THE VISOR RESULTING IN THE VISOR BEING COMPLETELY VERTICAL AND ALWAYS IT THE LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE TO HOLD IT IN PLACE WITH MY HAND WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN ONLY ONE HAND ON THE WHEEL AND IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS. I'VE READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH HYUNDAI'S AND FEEL THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX THESE SAFETY PROBLEMS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 3, 2009
2007 SONATA W/ 34000 HIGHWAY MILES. CAR WAS MAKING A HIGH PITCHED SOUND FROM THE BACK LEFT, AND THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK WHEEL WAS BECOMING VERY HOT WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER, NAPLETON HYUNDAI BASICALLY SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE, I JUST NEED TO PAY FOR A WHOLE NEW SET OF BACK BRAKES. KNOWING THE HEAT WAS FROM THE PADS NOT RELEASING, I REFUSED THE WORK AND INVESTIGATED MYSELF. LIKE OTHER COMPLAINTS HERE, I FOUND THAT THE PADS ARE TOO TIGHT IN THE CALIPERS, AND ALSO ARE CORRODED. THE HEAT ISSUE ONLY MAKES THEM FIT TIGHTER. THE PAD GUIDES NEEDED TO BE LIGHTLY FILED AND COATED WITH ANTI-SEIZE TO FIT AND SLIDE PROPERLY. I GOOGLED THIS AND SCANNED THE HYUNDAI FORUMS, AND THE INTERNET IS LITTERED WITH SONATAS AND OTHER HYUNDAIS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HYUNDAI WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE, PREFERRING TO CHARGE CUSTOMERS FOR NEW BRAKES AND REGULAR BRAKE "LUBE" SERVICE. HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS ALSO DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A DESIGN FLAW. SOONER OR LATER THIS PROBLEM WILL CAUSE AN OVERHEATED WHEEL/TIRE TO FAIL, OR A WHEEL TO LOCK UP UNDER SLIPPERY ROADS, AND SOMEONE WILL BE OUT MORE THAN JUST REPAIR MONEY. *TR
Visibility, Apr 18, 2009
ON 4/17/09 AT ABOUT 2PM, I WAS TRAVELING IN A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA SOUTHBOUND AT 70MPH ON I-75 IN FLORIDA BETWEEN SR64 AND SR70. SMOOTH TRAFFIC FLOW, NO ROAD HAZARDS, BUMPS, POTHOLES OR DEBRIS. WEATHER 80 DEGREES, OVERCAST. I HAD MY AC ON, WINDOWS CLOSED AND SUNROOF/SUNSHADE CLOSED WHEN "BOOM" I HEARD AN EXPLOSION ABOVE MY HEAD FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF WIND. STARTLED, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, GOT OUT AND SAW THAT MY SUNROOF HAD LITERALLY EXPLODED UPWARD, WITH THE SHATTERED RIM EDGES INTACT. THANK GOD I HAD MY SUNSHADE CLOSED OR I MIGHT HAVE HAD GLASS FLY INTO MY EYES, BLINDING ME AND CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT. I DROVE HOME AND PUT A TARP ON IT BECAUSE IT WAS OVERCAST AND I WAS AFRAID OF RAIN DAMAGE. I HAVE USED THE SUNROOF ON ALMOST EVERY DAY WITHOUT INCIDENT, GRINDING NOISE, LEAK OR CONCERNS OF ANY KIND. I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT THIS SUNROOF EXPLOSION WAS CAUSED BY A STRUCTURAL OR MECHANICAL DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER THAT COULD HAVE LEAD TO A SERIOUS, POSSIBLY FATAL, ACCIDENT. I AM TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AND WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2009
NOTICED LOWER BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING BUT THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW WORKS PROPERLY. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND THEY ARE FINE. REPLACED FUSES ANYWAYS AND STILL NO RESOLUTION. REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH UNDER DASH BY BRAKE PEDAL AND STILL DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. I THINK THERE IS A RELAY THAT MAY BE BAD, BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO EXPLANATION FROM SEVERAL AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS. ALL OF THE BRAKE LIGHT BULBS (4 OF THEM) ARE FINE AND IT WOULD BE SURPRISING IF ALL 4 WENT BAD AT THE SAME TIME. ALL OTHER LIGHTS OPERATE PROPERLY INCLUDING TAILLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND REVERSE LIGHTS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 16, 2009
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM AS FAR AS VISIBILITY IS CONCERNED. THE LOW BEAMS DO NOT LIGHT UP DISTANCE BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT IS MADE. THERE IS BAR THAT CUTS THE LIGHT BEAM OFF AT THE TOP. WHEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER THEY SIMPLY ADJUSTED THE HEADLIGHTS WHICH WAS WORSE BECAUSE IN THE FOG THE LIGHTS WERE NOW AIMED STRAIGHT OUT DECREASING VISIBILITY AND MAKING IT DANGEROUS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 1, 2009
22,000 MILES ON MY HYUNDAI SONATA AND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE CALIPER STUCK. THE STUCK CALIPER LEFT THE PAD AGAINST THE ROTOR. BOTH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL ROTOR AND BOTH REAR BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY ALMOST $400 DOLLARS TO GET IT FIXED. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH ONLY 22,000 MILES HAVE A BRAKE PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 16, 2009
I HAVE 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 21,000 MILES. BRAKE PADS WERE STICKING CAUSING HAZARDOUS DRIVING AND BRAKING. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED 3 TIMES WITHIN 46,000 MILES ON MY PREVIOUS 2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT. I BELIEVE THE BRAKES ARE IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED WITH METALS WHICH CORRODE PREMATURELY IN SALT/SNOW. *TR