2009 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 460 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 21 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 26 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
Representative owner complaints
460 reports, newest first.
Power train, Mar 23, 2012
SEVERAL INSTANCES OF CLUTCH DROPPING TO FLOOR (USUALLY IN HIGH SPEED URBAN TRAFFIC) MAKING SHIFTING IMPOSSIBLE, AND LEADING TO PULLING ON TO SHOULDER AND ROLLING UNTIL ENGINE KILLS AT LOW SPEED. HAVE REPORTED TO HYUNDAI, AND TAKEN TO DEALER...THEY SAY WITHOUT DUPLICATING THE PROBLEM, THEY CAN'T FIX. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ABOUT A HALF DOZEN TIMES BETWEEN 10,000 AND 44,000 MILES. IT IS DANGEROUS.. I AM TRYING TO DOCUMENT WITH HYUNDAI AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AS THEY APPARENTLY ARE NOT INTERESTED UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE.. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 6, 2012
I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER ON 3/6/12, THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE SEIZING UP AND THAT I WOULD NEED NEW ROTORS DUE TO EXTREME RUST AND NEW PADS AFTER ONLY 16,500 MILES. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 3, 2012
THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE PAD WAS WORN DOWN PAPER THIN WHILE THE OTHER REAR PADS WERE ONLY 30% WORN. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, I FOUND THE PAD WAS STUCK TO THE PAD MOUNT/ANCHOR. IT WAS SO STUCK I HAD TO REMOVE THE WHOLE CALIPER AND HAMMER THE OLD PAD OUT. WHEN I EXPLAINED MY SITUATION TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT I SHOULD BRING MY CAR IN EVERY 15000 MILES TO INSPECT AND LUBE MY BRAKES. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS NOTHING ABOUT DISASSEMBLING AND RE-LUBING MY BRAKES EVERY 15000 MILES. I ALSO COMMENTED ON HOW UNREALISTIC IT IS FOR EVERY SONATA TO NEED A BRAKE LUBE EVERY 15000 MILES. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE BLEW OFF MY CONCERNS. I'M SURE THE DEALERSHIP WOULD LOVE TO SELL EVERYONE A BRAKE LUBE EVERY 15000 MILES, BUT THAT'S RIDICULOUS, ESPECIALLY FOR A SAFETY ITEM SUCH AS BRAKES. THIS SAFETY ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Suspension, Mar 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE CONTACT HEARD A VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN BECOME UNSTABLE AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WITH FORCE IN ORDER FOR IT TO REMAIN STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT AXLE HAD BECOME EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE DEALER VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,603 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,578.
Air bags, Feb 14, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH WHEN THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WILL FORWARD THE INFORMATION TO THE MANUFACTURER ON HIS BEHALF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Feb 7, 2012, crash
MY 2007 SONATA INVOLVED IN 2008 SIDE IMPACT; OVER $10000.00 IN DAMAGE; DRIVERS SIDE AND FEBRUARY 5, 2012 MY 2009 SONATA INVOLVED IN SIDE IMPACT AT 45 MPH OVER $10000.00 DAMAGE; DRIVERS SIDE. BOTH ACCIDENTS INVOLVED REPLACING BOTH DRIVERS SIDE DOORS AND REAR QUARTER PANELS. IN BOTH CASES THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HYUNDAI SAID CAR NOT HIT HARD ENOUGH. THE LATEST CRASH INJURED BOTH MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER. BOTH CRASHES SHOWED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS INTRUSION OF ABOUT 8 INCHES TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER WITH THE ENGINE OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 35 MINUTES BEFORE IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED AND TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD BE CALLING WITHIN 24 HOURS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,941.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING THE VEHICLE WHEN FUEL STARTED TO ESCAPE THE FILLER TANK AND SPLASH ON THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 17, 2011
THERE HAS BEEN AN ODOR OF GASOLINE ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED IT IS "WORSE" WHEN I FILL THE VEHICLE WITH GAS BUT THE PROBLEM OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN THAT. I DO NOT TOP OFF THE TANK. THE PUMP SHUTS OFF WHEN FULL, AND I STOP PUMPING. THIS ODOR STARTS WHEN SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT AND STAYS IN THE CABIN UNTIL I'M MOVING AGAIN. I THOUGHT IT ONLY STARTED WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT AND SAT FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, HOWEVER WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME AT SLOW SPEEDS (15-25 MPH) CONTINUOUS, THE SMELL WAS CONSTANT. LATELY IT IS SO BAD I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW. ONE TIME, I ALMOST PULLED OVER AT THE ROADSIDE, AND WAS GOING TO GET OUT OF MY CAR TO GET FRESH AIR, BUT THERE WAS TOO MUCH TRAFFIC. THERE ARE NO FUEL LEAKS THAT I CAN FIND. NO STANDING FUEL UNDER THE CAR AFTER I PARK. IT HAS DONE THIS MOST TIMES I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR TO MORE OR LESS DEGREES, BUT NOT EVERYTIME - MOST TIMES. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DEALER YET, BUT I WILL BE TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED. APPARENTLY THERE ARE QUITE A FEW OTHER OWNERS OF THIS CAR WHO HAVE NOTICED THIS SAME THING BASED ON A HYUNDAI INTERNET FORUMS. BUT I DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL 2010. I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE GAS ODOR. NOT ONLY ARE PASSENGERS HAVING TO INHALE THESE FUMES, BUT I'M WONDERING IF IT COULD BE A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FIRE/EXPLOSION. I'M NOT SO SURE THESE ARE JUST VERY FEW, ISOLATED INCIDENTS. I SEE A PROBLEM STARTING TO EMERGE. CERTAINLY, I WILL NOT DRIVE A CAR THAT I HAVE TO SMELL GAS FUMES NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT, NOT EVEN TO MENTION THE PROFOUND SAFETY PROBLEM THIS MAY CAUSE. *TR
Equipment, Oct 31, 2011
THE RADIO WAS CHANGE BY HYUNDAI BECAUSE THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILED AND NOW AFTER THE WARRANTY UP THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILED TO WORK THE VOICE DOES NOT GET LOUD. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 23, 2011
MY 2009 SONATA HAS 44000 MILES AND THE REAR BRAKES ARE GRINDING. THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE FRONT BRAKES LOOK BRAND NEW. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON CARS FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. REAR BRAKES JUST DON'T WEAR OUT FASTER THAN THE FRONT ONES. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TOMORROW AT THE DEALER BUT THEY TOLD ME IT IS NOT A COVERED ITEM BUT A WEAR ITEM. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CALIPERS STICKING AND CAUSING THE BRAKES TO WEAR OUT. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM. WHAT ROUTINE ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? IT IS NOT ON THE RECOMMENDED LIST AT ANY MILEAGE IN MY OWNERS MANUAL. THANKS GOD IT IS ONLY SOMETHING LIKE BRAKES AND NOT SOMETHING IMPORTANT LIKE THE RADIO GOING OUT. SARCASM IS HOW I DEAL WITH STRESS.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 22, 2011
REAR BRAKES: RUBBING, GRINDING, PREMATURE WEAR AND REDUCED BREAKING EFFECTIVENESS. REPLACEMENT OF REAR ROTORS AND PADS WERE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT TO PASS SAFETY INSPECTION. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE CALIPERS WERE NOT SEIZED OR STICKING BUT THAT DRIED OUT LUBRICATION ON SLIDES, PINS, SHIMS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE WEAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD EMIT A GRINDING NOISE WHENEVER THEY WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THE BRAKES AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 4, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT STARTED MAKING NOISES WHEN BRAKING AT ABOUT 18000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ROTORS AND I PAID TO HAVE THOSE TURNED(?). THE NOISE WENT AWAY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE NEXT TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS DEBRIS ON THE BRAKE PADS.(REALLY?) THE NOISE AGAIN WENT AWAY FOR A WEEK OR TWO. NEXT I WAS TOLD THE CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. AGAIN, A COUPLE OF WEEKS TILL I HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN. THE NEXT REPAIR WAS NEW FRONT PADS THAT MY DEALERSHIP GOT APPROVED FROM HYUNDAI WARRANTY. AGAIN NO NOISE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. NOW, AT 36000 MILES I NEED REAR BRAKES.IN BETWEEN THE TIMES MY CAR WAS REPAIRED, I ALSO TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 6 TIMES WHEN THEY EITHER COULD NOT HEAR A NOISE OR COULD NOT FIND THE NOISE. I LIVE IN FLORIDA, NO SALT ON THE ROADS. MOST OF MY MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR NEED REAR BRAKES BEFORE 100,000 MILES, EVEN IN CONNECTICUT. I HAVE LOOKED UP HYUNDAI BRAKE PROBLEMS ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BRAKES. THIS SHOULD BE MADE A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Sep 26, 2011
VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILED. ON LINE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING FOR THE SAME THING. THIS NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL. UPDATED 10/31/11 *BF UPDATED 11/08/11 *TR
Power train, Air bags, Sep 12, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH THE WHEELS LOCKED AND/OR THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STEER TO THE RIGHT AND CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT FENDER WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS SENDING A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 24, 2011
BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE. RIGHT REAR BRAKE CALIPER LOCKED UP WHEN SLOWING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE CALIPERS HAD SIGNIFICANT AND PREMATURE CORROSION WHICH IS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO STICK AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE CAR BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE BECAUSE BASED ON HIS RESEARCH THE BRAKES ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE WERE LIKELY DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY AND HE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIX THEM PROPERLY USING FACTORY OR AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PARTS. HE SPECULATED THAT SINCE THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN INUNDATED WITH THIS PROBLEM, THEY MAY HAVE SOME INSTALLATION TRICKS USING THE DEFECTIVE HYUNDAI CALIPERS. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THEN SPOKE WITH A HYUNDAI DEALER SERVICE REP AND THEY STATED THAT "THIS IS COMMON IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED, EVEN FOR SONATAS WITH LOWER MILES AND THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS TO CLEAN THE CALIPERS." I'M BRINGING THE SONATA TO THE DEALER ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 FOR REPAIR BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THE DISCUSSION WITH THE DEALER. *TR
Electrical system, Wheels, Aug 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REPLACING A FLAT TIRE SHE NOTICED THAT THE INSIDE WALL OF THE TIRE WAS WORN. THE MECHANIC THAT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A COTTER PIN THAT WAS INSTALLED BACKWARDS. ALSO, SHE ADDED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE TWO BATTERIES AFTER SHE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE CONSTANTLY NEEDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE JUMP STARTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,850 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Tires, Aug 16, 2011
WHILE PUTTING AIR IN MY TIRES THE VALVE STEM SNAPPED OFF. WHILE LOOKING CLOSER AT THE TIRE I NOTICED THAT THEIR WERE CRACKS IN THE SIDE WALLS OF BOTH FRONT TIRES. CRACKS THAT WERE UP TO 4 INCHES LONG AND RAN AS DEEP AS THE RE-ENFORCING LAYER. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO SOLUS SIZE 215/55R17. MY CAR IS A HYUNDAI SONATA, 2009, WITH 21,995 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT NEW. NOW THE TIRE DEALER CAN'T GET KUMHO TO CALL THEM BACK. I TAKE CARE OF MY CAR AND TIRES AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT 21 THOUSAND MILES. *KB
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2011
A FEW DAYS AFTER THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR TO WORK. WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING, SHE NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WAS AT ZERO READING WHILE THE CAR WAS DOING AT LEAST 25 MILES PER HOUR. SHE TURNED AROUND AND DROVE AN OLDER CAR INSTEAD. OVER THE WEEKEND, I DROVE THE HYUNDAI SONATA AROUND BUT THE SPEEDOMETER PROBLEM DID NOT SHOW UP. BUT THE FOLLOWING MONDAY AFTERNOON, I EXPERIENCED THIS SPEEDOMETER PROBLEM FIRST HAND. I NOTICED THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE FROM STOP WITH THE NEEDLE EITHER SLIGHTLY GOING UP OR NOT AT ALL. I WAS AT LEAST GOING 25 MILES PER HOUR ON AN EXPRESSWAY. THE NEEDLE CONTINUED TO BE STUCK AT ZERO UNTIL I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE, AND THEN MOMENTARILY, THE NEEDLE WOULD BOUNCE UP BETWEEN 20-30 MPH BEFORE GOING BACK TO ZERO AGAIN. *TR
Seats, Aug 12, 2011, crash
2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HEAD REST *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT IN A PARKING LOT. AS SHE BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, SECONDS LATER SHE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS WAITING FOR ANOTHER SPACE. THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. THE CONSUMER SOON REALIZED THERE WAS A BLIND SPOT CAUSED BY THE HEAD REST ON THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE CONSUMER STATED HER VIEW WAS COMPLETELY OBLITERATED BY THE HEAD REST IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE HEAD REST LINED UP PERFECTLY WITH THE REAR WINDOWS SUPPORT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THUS HID ANY CAR THAT WOULD BE SITTING THERE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA AND A GRINDING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID MY BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED, A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO, FROM THE DEALER WITH ABOUT 13,000 MILES. IT NOW HAS 37,000 MILES, THE MAJORITY BEING HIGHWAY MILES. I TOOK MY CAR TO ANOTHER CAR REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THE PRICE I WAS QUOTED FROM THE DEALER SEEMED UNREASONABLY HIGH. THE PLACE I TOOK MY CAR TO TOLD ME THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE CAR THEY NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CALIBER WAS STUCK AND THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO UNSTICK IT. THE MECHANIC SAID HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE ROTOR AND THE BRAKE PADS. HE SAID I SHOULD THINK ABOUT REPLACING THE CALIPERS. I ASKED WHY THEY WOULD GO BAD THIS SOON. HE SAID IT COULD BE A DEFECT, THAT THERE HAS BEEN A DEFECT REPORTED WITH THE HYUNDAI SANTA FE CALIPERS. I ASKED HIM IF THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER MY CAR WARRANTY. HE SAID I SHOULD CHECK WITH THE DEALER. FROM EVERYTHING I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET THE CALIPERS SHOULD NOT GO BAD THIS SOON. IF THEY DO, THEY CAUSE THE VERY PROBLEMS I AM HAVING. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND TOLD HIM WHAT THE OTHER MECHANIC FOUND IN REGARD TO THE CALIPER. HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CALIPER WHEN THEY LOOKED AT IT. THE FUNNY THING IS THAT THE PRICE THE DEALER QUOTED ME TO REPAIR JUST MY BRAKES AND ROTORS IS THE SAME PRICE THE OTHER MECHANIC QUOTED ME TO REPAIR THE ROTOR, BRAKES AND CALIPERS. I AM HAVING JUST THE BRAKES AND ROTORS DONE AT THIS TIME SINCE ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CALIPERS. IF THEY ARE NOT TELLING ME THE TRUTH, I WILL BE HAVING THIS BRAKE PROBLEM AGAIN. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 4, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 45000 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE PADS IN THE REAR AT 10,000 MILES . I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS AN ADDITIONAL 3 TIMES AND THE FRONT PADS ONLY ONCE. I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC AND AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR FOR OVER 45 YEARS AN NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WEAR OUT REAR BRAKES FASTER THAN THE FRONT ONES WITHOUT SOMETHING MAJOR WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM. I HAVE CHECKED THE CALIPERS AND THEY ARE NOT DRAGGING THE PADS AGAINST THE ROTORS. THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER HE SAID THIS WAS NORMAL, I DON'T THINK SO! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 3, 2011
AS I WAS DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, I NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES. IT BECAME WORSE AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND BRAKE, SO I PARKED THE CAR AS SOON AS I COULD. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN AWAY. THEY SAID I NEEDED NEW REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, BECAUSE THE ROTORS HAD BECOME TOO DAMAGED TO USE. I HAD THE HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION (I.E. A TYPICAL "SQUEAL") THAT WOULD HAVE ALERTED ME TO WEAR ON MY BRAKE PADS. THEY WERE SIMPLY GONE. I HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT, AS BRAKE FAILURE COULD HAVE OCCURRED HAD I NOT STOPPED DRIVING AND GOTTEN MY CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 38,000 MILES IS FAR TOO EARLY FOR REAR BRAKE PADS TO BE COMPLETELY WORN AWAY. I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY OTHER VEHICLE WHERE THE REAR BRAKE PADS WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY WORN AWAY AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SUSPECT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT HAS LED TO PREMATURE REAR BRAKE WEAR. THIS COULD HAVE LED TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 22, 2011
I OWN A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED EDITION. I BOUGHT IT ON APRIL 8, 2010 AND IT HAD 21K AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. ON JULY 17, 2011, (NOW AT 47K MILES) I NOTICED A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE TIRES AS THEY WENT AROUND. THIS NOISE GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE NEXT 3 DAYS AND I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. (I ALSO PURCHASED A GREAT 7YR WARRANTY WHICH COVERS BASICALLY ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEMS.) I DROPPED THE CAR OFF ON THE EVENING OF JULY 21, 2011 AND THE NEXT DAY THE DEALERSHIP CALLED ME TO INFORM ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR. THEY SAID THE CALIPER SLIDES WERE HANGING UP AND IT HAD CAUSED ALL MY BRAKES AND ROTORS TO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY OFFERED TO FIX "MY PROBLEM" FOR $520. I ASKED HOW THIS COULD POSSIBLE BE MY FAULT, I'VE OWNED SEVERAL CARS AND I'VE NEVER ONCE HEARD OF LUBING THE CALIPER SLIDES. THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH MY WARRANTY SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT IT COVERS FAULTY CALIPERS. THEN I FOUND THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.SONATABRAKEDEFECT.COM/INDEX.PHP/SONATADEFECT/SONATACOMMENTS.HTML AND I REALIZED I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. AS I READ FURTHER ON I REALIZED THAT HYUNDAI WILL NOT COVER THIS DEFECT BUT RECOMMENDS THAT YOU PAY THEM TO HAVE YOUR CALIPER SLIDES LUBED EVERY 15,000 MILES. WHEN I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP, WHICH I DID NOT ALLOW THEM TO FIX, I ASKED WHY I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THIS WAS A REQUIRED SERVICE IN ORDER TO PREVENT THIS ISSUE. I RECEIVED NO LOGICAL ANSWER. I ALSO ASKED THEM TO SHOW ME WHERE IN MY OWNERS MANUAL UNDER ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IT STATED THAT THE CALIPER SLIDES NEEDED TO BE LUBED AND THEY COULD NOT SHOW ME. THEY SAID IF I HAD BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO THEM FOR MAINTENANCE THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. THE WEAR ON THE BRAKES IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS AND UNSAFE. ALL PADS ARE WORN UNEVENLY AND IN EXCESS. ALL OF MY BRAKES ARE DESTROYED AND MUST BE REPLACED AT THIS POINT. *TT