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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 18, 2011
I BROUGHT MY 2009 HYUNDAI IN FOR 16,500 MILE CHECK AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY REAR BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE SHOES AND ROTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I TOLD THEM I HAD NOT NOTED ANY SYMPTOMS OF OR SOUND OF BRAKE FAILURE AND WOULD GET A SECOND OPINION. AT 18,701 MILES I NOTICED NOISE WHILE BREAKING AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY DRIVING WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. I TOLD HIM THAT I DO NOT EVER NEED TO USE THE EMERGENCY BREAK AND SURELY DIDN'T DRIVE WITH IT ON! HE THEN SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY RUST. I WOULDN'T EXPECT REAR BRAKES TO FAIL AT 16,000 MILES. AFTER CHECKING ON-LINE I FOUND IT IS A COMMON FAILURE WITH SONATA. I HAD TO PAY $423.00 TO REPAIR WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2011
REAR BRAKES FAILED ON 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA... ALSO HAD LOT OF NOISE, GRINDING, WAS ABLE TO STOP CAR BECAUSE FRONT BRAKES DID WORK. TOOK TO GARAGE TO HAVE PADS/ROTORS CHECKED TOLD IT WAS DEALER ISSUE CAR TOO KNEW/LOW MILES. STILL REPLACED ONE ROTOR AND PAD AS TOTALLY GONE. ONE TIRE WOULD NOT ROTATE PROPERLY. WENT TO DEALER - DEALER FINALLY ADMITTED CALIPER DEFECTIVE ON REAR BRAKES - TOLD CAR NOT DRIVABLE PARTS NOT IN STOCK - DRIVE CAR HOME - WILL CALL WHEN PARTS IN. BRAKES VERY, VERY HOT. REAR BRAKE TURNING ON AND OFF AT WILL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jun 26, 2011
MY 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA WILL SPEED UP WHEN I REMOVE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT WILL INCREASE THE RPM'S BY 1000 WHICH INCREASES THE SPEED OF THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES NOW TO THE POINT OF RETURNING MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. BUT, WITH 52,000 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT ALL. *TR
Power train, Jun 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT INTERMITTENTLY BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 13, 2011
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE BRAKES (REAR) ARE SUPPOSEDLY WORN OUT AT 16,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH THE FRONT BRAKES ARE "LIKE NEW". FROM READING ON LINE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE BRAKES THAT HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKOWLEDGE OR REPAIR. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS TIME FOR THE NHTA TO FORCE THE ISSUE. HOW IS IT THAT A MANUFACTURER CAN STONEWALL EVERYONE WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT? ALL ANY OF US GET FROM HYUNDAI IS THAT HTEY UNDERSTAND OUR CONCERN BUT THEY WILL DO NOTHING. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2011, fire
I STARTED MY CAR AND AS I STARTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SO I COULD PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE SMOKE SPEWED FROM MY DASHBOARD. I LOOKED UP UNDER THE DASH AND NOTICED THE WIRING HARNESS IN FLAMES. I EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THEY EXAMINED THE DAMAGE AND SAID TAT IT WOULD COST ME $4000 TO REPAIR IT AS I NEEDED A NEW WIRING HARNESS. HYUNDAI CLAIMS IT WASN'T A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND THEREHAS BEEN NO ALTERATIONS OR MODIFICATIONS, THE SAME WIRING HARNESS IS USED IN KIA WHICH HAS A RECALL ON A WIRING HARNESS. I AM IN POSSESSION OF THE BURNT HARNESS AND IT CLEARLY HAS KIA WRITTEN ON IT
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT TO THIRD GEAR AND DISCOVERED I HAD NO CLUTCH PEDAL. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT HALF HOUR TILL I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, WHERE I PARKED IT. A FEW HOURS LATER I STARTED TO GO HOME AND THE CLUTCH WORKED FINE. INDICATING THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT IN THE CLUTCH. I BELIEVE THE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER LOSES PRESSURE SOMEHOW CAUSING THE PROBLEM
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2011
I HAVE HAD 2 INSTANCES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. 1ST INCIDENT I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE AND THE CAR SHOT BACKWARD NARROWLY MISSING MY HOUSE. 2ND INCIDENT ABOUT A MONTH LATER I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR SHOT FORWARD & I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING A FENCE. BOTH INCIDENTS THE VEHICLE WAS GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THE VEHICLE JERKING OCCASIONALLY IN TRAFFIC WHEN YOU EASE UP ON THE GAS PEDAL.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE WHY THE REAR BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THE REAR BRAKES TO WEAR BEFORE THE FRONT BRAKES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,400. UPDATED 05/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/26/11
Service brakes, Electric, Equipment, Apr 20, 2011
7-09 REAR BRAKE PADS FROZEN TO CARRIERS: CLEANED AND REPLACED PADS AT 11, 488 MILES. 10-09 REAR RIGHT WHEEL NOT SPINNING FREELY: CLEAN AND ADJUST REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY AT 14,978 MILES. 3-11 BACK BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 30,625 MILES. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH EITHER THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM OR THE MATERIALS THAT ARE USED FOR THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY. I'VE DRIVEN CARS IN THE NEW ENGLAND AREA FOR 28 YEARS HAVING LIVED IN THE SAME AREA ALL 28 YEARS, AND HAVEN'T HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH THE CARS I'VE HAD. *TR
Suspension, Mar 23, 2011
HYUNDAI SONATA 2009 LIMITED FRONT LOUD THUD NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS AND WHEN TURNING RIGHT. THE THUD NOISE IS ONLY FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT STRUT. THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE. IS A PRETTY OBVIOUS NOISE. DEALER REPLACED RIGHT STRUT AND INSULATOR AND THE NOISE CONTINUES. DEALER SAY THEY CANNOT JUST CHANGE OUT PARTS UNLESS THEY FIND A PROBLEM. CAR ACTS LIKE THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS COMING APART WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT AND GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS. PROBLEMS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SOMETHING SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART ON THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING AND WHILE GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 23, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGERS SIDE AIR BAG WAS DISABLED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000. UPDATED 04/07/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND WHEN THE AIR BAG WAS IN THE DISABLED MODE, HE FOUND TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTART IT. UPDATED 04/08/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 18, 2011
PREMATURE REAR BRAKE WEAR AT 22K ON OCT 2010 CAUSED FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION AT DEALER. INSIDE REAR BRAKE PADS RUBBING. REPLACED PADS AND CLEANED SLIDERS MYSELF AND PASSED INSPECTION. REAR BRAKE PADS HUNG AGAIN ON MAR 2011 CAUSING HOT WHEEL. I REPLACED THE SLIDERS WITH NEW AND FILED THE METAL TABS OF PADS AND USED ANTI-SEIZE COMPOUND TO PREVENT STICKING. IF THIS DOESN'T WORK I'LL CONTACT HYUNDAI FOR CALIPER FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH HE HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ON GOING SINCE 2009. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON FOR THE FIRST TIME EACH DAY AND THEN BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Suspension, Feb 16, 2011
COMPLAINED ABOUT SUSPENSION TO DEALER ON MY 2009 (11500 MILES) WHEN PURCHASED (11/01/2010) THEY SAID IT WAS OK. BROUGHT THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER WITH COMPLAINT ON SUSPENSION AND ROAD NOISE FROM BUMPS IN ROAD. THE TEST DRIVE REVEALED A LINK ON THE SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED. NO IMPROVEMENT IN NOISE FROM BUMPS. THEY SAID THIS IS NORMAL. STILL NOT HAPPY WITH EITHER OF THE DEALER TESTS AND REPAIRS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR CALIPERS WERE STUCK AND UNABLE TO ROTATE DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING THE BRAKE PAD GUIDE TO FAIL. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE PAD GUIDE. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 4243771. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,442 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,618. UPDATED 3/14/11 *CN UPDATED 04/22/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 5, 2011
REAR BRAKE FAILURE ON A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. BRAKE SLIDES CLOG WITH DIRT OR RUST CAUSING THEM TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THEY EITHER GET STUCK IN THE APPLIED POSITION WHICH CAUSES THEM TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF METAL TO METAL CAUSING EXTREME HEAT AND POSSIBLE FIRE OR THEY STICK OPEN AND DO NOT ENGAGE WHEN APPLIED. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE NOT ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO THE TAILLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING. THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS STILL FUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER WHERE THE JUNCTION BOX WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME AND THE JUNCTION BOX WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO PERFORMED SEVERAL TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO WAS AWARE OF HER VISIT TO THE DEALER AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 03/11/11*LJ UPDATED 12/19/11 *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 29, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING HIS VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED DEALER FOR REGULAR SERVICE, THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS REAR BRAKES WERE WORN DUE TO THE CALIBER SENSOR FAILING. WHEN THE CALIBER SENSOR FAILED, THE WHEELS WOULD LOCK UP IF NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility, Dec 14, 2010
REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE COMMUTING INTO WORK THIS MORNING ON INTERSTATE I-95. THE GLASS REPAIR MAN STATED NEW CARS SOMETIMES HAVE A FAULTY WIRE THAT CAUSES THESE WINDOWS TO SHATTER. I WAS USING THE HEATER & HAD THE DEFROST ACTIVATED OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: 27 DEGREES C. 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. WEST PALM BEACH, FL. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2010, fire
2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATES WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE *TGW
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2010
2009 HYUNDAI SONATA REAR DRIVER SIDE BRAKE NOISE DUE TO THE "SLIDERS" ON THE CALIPER. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER (CAR HAS 35,000) TO PIN POINT NOISE. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS UNEVEN WEAR ON REAR BREAK PADS AND THAT THE SLIDERS ARE STICKING CAUSING THE PADS TO STAY COMPRESSED TO ROTOR. THEY OFFERED TO "LUBE" THEM FOR ME AND REPLACE PADS FOR OVER $200.00. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 12, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT ALSO DID NOT TIGHTEN DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE OF THE NON-DEPLOYMENT AND THE SEAT BELT. APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS LATER, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN ANOTHER CRASH IN WHICH SHE WAS REAR ENDED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AGAIN DID NOT TIGHTEN DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. SHE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO BE TREATED FOR SERIOUS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. IT WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 4, 2010
RIGHT REAR BRAKE PADS FROZE IN THE PAD MOUNTING BRACKET AND WORE DOWN PREMATURELY CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE PAD BACKING PLATE AND THE BRAKE ROTOR. BOTH MY LOCAL DEALER (SURESKY HYUNDAI OF GOSHEN NY) AND HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY REFUSED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. THEY ASSERTED THAT "NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS", SUCH AS BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, WERE ONLY COVERED FOR 12 MONTHS/12,000 MILES. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, BRAKE PADS SEIZING ON ONE WHEEL WHILE THE OTHER 3 WHEELS ARE FINE IS NOT A NORMAL MAINTENANCE EVENT! *TR