RoadVitals

2004 Hyundai Sonata Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
202
Latest Apr 29, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Hyundai Sonata, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

56
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS front sub frame (K Frame) has rusted out but I guess for certain VIN numbers there was a recall. Mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in Michigan.

NHTSA ID 11734599 · filed Apr 29, 2026

On February, 16th 2026, I took my vehicle into the Automotive shop for an oil change. They inspected the car as well and they found that the front passenger side of the vehicle subframe has a substantial amount of the metal rusted through. The file attached was a photo of the repair invoice from Luke’s Auto in Upper Arlington, OH. I see that there is an open safety recall for this exact issue on the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Although this recall was sent out in 2009, am I able to take this to a local Hyundai dealership to have this fixed?

NHTSA ID 11718609 · filed Feb 17, 2026
All 56 reports naming suspension

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

47
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The front subframe has a hole in it it rusted for some reason and upon research there was a recall on this particular issue but now there isn’t one. I went to two dealerships and they informed me that Hyundai had recalls on this issue that’s why I’m confused on why when I search by my VIN there isn’t any open recalls. Just because they isn’t any open recalls on this doesn’t mean that people aren’t still experiencing this issue.

NHTSA ID 11482239 · filed Aug 31, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, she noticed that her brakes were failing. The contact stated that she drove her vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to replace the brakes however, the mechanic informed her that her vehicle had a lot of corrosion on the brakes, and underneath the vehicle, which caused the brakes to fail. The contact stated that the mechanic did fabrication and installation of the brake line. The contact stated that she then took her vehicle to be inspected and was informed that the corrosion on the vehicle was too severe and the vehicle would not pass State Inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000

NHTSA ID 11451154 · filed Feb 9, 2022
All 47 reports naming body & structure

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated her fiance was driving 20-25 MPH on a steep hill with her in the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that her fiance depressed the brake pedal to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, but the brake pedal went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's fiance veered to the left and intentionally hit a telephone pole to avoid crashing into a parked vehicle, and to prevent a more severe accident from occurring as the road was significantly steep. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a seatbelt mark. The contact's fiance was not wearing a seatbelt and hit his head against the windshield. The contact's fiance sustained a concussion, a laceration on the chin, a chipped front left upper tooth and bruises on the bottom teeth. The ambulance transported both the contact and her fiance to the hospital, where they received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA ID 11557773 · filed Nov 30, 2023

Air Bag autolight is on.

NHTSA ID 11505474 · filed Feb 3, 2023
All 46 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNKNOWN, I recently purchased it from a dealership in Lemon Grove Cailfornia. Ever since I bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. It is a 2.7L motor DOHC and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. It has cause motor oil into my engine block and has coughed my heater core. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.

NHTSA ID 11545320 · filed Sep 19, 2023

I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER ON THE HAS BUDDY APP AND IT SAYS THAT I HAVE A RECALL FOR SUSPENSION BUT CALLED A DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT DOESN'T. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE WIRING TOO BECAUSE MY DOORS LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES MY SEAT GOES FORWARD AND BACK RANDOMLY MY SPEAKERS DON'T WORK. WHEN I HIT A BUMP JT FEELS LIKE MY TIRES ARE GONNA FALL OFF

NHTSA ID 11397102 · filed Feb 20, 2021
All 16 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated her fiance was driving 20-25 MPH on a steep hill with her in the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that her fiance depressed the brake pedal to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, but the brake pedal went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact's fiance veered to the left and intentionally hit a telephone pole to avoid crashing into a parked vehicle, and to prevent a more severe accident from occurring as the road was significantly steep. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a seatbelt mark. The contact's fiance was not wearing a seatbelt and hit his head against the windshield. The contact's fiance sustained a concussion, a laceration on the chin, a chipped front left upper tooth and bruises on the bottom teeth. The ambulance transported both the contact and her fiance to the hospital, where they received medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA ID 11557773 · filed Nov 30, 2023

I own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. On 1/19/22, while driving the car, the brakes started failing. I was able to drive the car to my independent mechanic's shop and they repaired the brake issue with a fabrication and installation of the brake line. As my inspection was due, I made an appt with them to bring it back for inspection before the month was over. When I did bring it back however, another mechanic (who apparently had seen underneath the car when they did the brake work) stated that it would never pass inspection as the corrosion was severe. I then made an appt on 2/9 with the dealer who sold me the vehicle. The dealer however stated that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Suspension). I believe it should have been included in that recall and that I am entitled to the "Remedy" outlined in the NHTSA recall.

NHTSA ID 11464039 · filed May 10, 2022
All 16 reports naming brakes

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME HANDLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PEELED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CUT HIS HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V171000 ( LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: DOORS: LATCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,500.

NHTSA ID 10420923 · filed Aug 22, 2011

AIRBAG SAFETY LIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10371188 · filed Dec 19, 2010
All 15 reports naming interior & seats

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS front sub frame (K Frame) has rusted out but I guess for certain VIN numbers there was a recall. Mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in Michigan.

NHTSA ID 11734599 · filed Apr 29, 2026

NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Hyundai Recall #089) - excessive corrosion, thinning of the metal and perforation of the front sub-frame steel, due to road salt, resulting in separation of the forward mounting of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. The recall was issued in 2009 for 1999-2004 Hyundai Sonatas. The present owner purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previous recall. The excessive corrosion and perforation of the sub-frame was brought to the owner's attention in December 2022 during a routine oil change by a Meineke shop and reported as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to Route 1 Hyundai in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for inspection and repair estimate on December 30, 2022 and an online complaint filed with Hyundai Motor America for the recall (Case #[XXX]). Following numerous email communications to Hyundai Consumer Affairs, it was confirmed by a National Consumer Affairs representative that the vehicle was covered in Hyundai Recall #089. Route 1 Hyundai took photos of the front sub-frame and H-frame, completed a report and submitted it to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America responded that they are declining assistance due to the failure being out of warranty caused by the time in service and mileage of the vehicle. The vehicle has 80,000 miles on the odometer. I am of the understanding that safety recalls are never out of date. Please verify if the response made by Hyundai Motor America is justified. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11517597 · filed Apr 18, 2023
All 13 reports naming steering

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I got this car a Hyundai sonata 2004 about 2 to 3 years ago. At first I didn't notice the problem until a couple months into me having the car I was on the freeway and it suddenly felt like I was out of control of my car and the back end was like swerving like I was pulling a trailer. And ever since then it's gotten worse now my front right tire goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and there is a recall in it seems like almost every other state but Utah. For the exact issue that I'm having and I don't think that's right. I've had issues with this car ever since I got it. If you guys could look into this that would be great Also this form asks the approximate date that something happened it happens all of the time. To the point where I'm afraid to drive it at all. I also it's gotten so bad that sometimes when I'm going only 35 mph and I hit like a pothole it will severely swerve and I will lose control of my car or if I turn my car I turn my car my steering wheel the right way and I lost control of my car it started swerving and I was on a mountain..

NHTSA ID 11681163 · filed Aug 17, 2025

NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Hyundai Recall #089) - excessive corrosion, thinning of the metal and perforation of the front sub-frame steel, due to road salt, resulting in separation of the forward mounting of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. The recall was issued in 2009 for 1999-2004 Hyundai Sonatas. The present owner purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previous recall. The excessive corrosion and perforation of the sub-frame was brought to the owner's attention in December 2022 during a routine oil change by a Meineke shop and reported as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to Route 1 Hyundai in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for inspection and repair estimate on December 30, 2022 and an online complaint filed with Hyundai Motor America for the recall (Case #[XXX]). Following numerous email communications to Hyundai Consumer Affairs, it was confirmed by a National Consumer Affairs representative that the vehicle was covered in Hyundai Recall #089. Route 1 Hyundai took photos of the front sub-frame and H-frame, completed a report and submitted it to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America responded that they are declining assistance due to the failure being out of warranty caused by the time in service and mileage of the vehicle. The vehicle has 80,000 miles on the odometer. I am of the understanding that safety recalls are never out of date. Please verify if the response made by Hyundai Motor America is justified. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11517597 · filed Apr 18, 2023
All 12 reports naming other / unspecified

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNKNOWN, I recently purchased it from a dealership in Lemon Grove Cailfornia. Ever since I bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. It is a 2.7L motor DOHC and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. It has cause motor oil into my engine block and has coughed my heater core. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.

NHTSA ID 11545320 · filed Sep 19, 2023

LEAKING VALVE COVER IS ALLOWING OIL TO LEAK DOWN ONTO THE ALTERNATOR. CAR CAN BE STATIONARY OR RUNNING. MOST NOTABLE WHEN CAR ENGINE IS RUNNING. OIL LEAKING ONTO ALTERNATOR CAN CAUSE ALTERNATOR TO SHORT. ALTERNATOR FAILED AND CAR BATTERY COULD NOT CHARGE BATTERY. CAR DIED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND SHE HAD TO PULL QUICKLY OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID 11182857 · filed Feb 27, 2019
All 10 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL SYSTEM CANNOT FUEL VEHICLE PROPERLY DUE TO POOR VENT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT.... NONE OF IT IS REPLACEABLE AS REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOLONGER AVAILABLE...

NHTSA ID 11074643 · filed Feb 24, 2018

SPLIT FUEL TANK ON THE SIDE, 2ND FUEL TANK TO FAIL IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. HYUNDAI CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANKS, BUT GOOGLE THE SONATA FUEL TANKS AND THERE IS A TON OF COMPLAINTS. HYUNDAI WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. NO RECALL, NO NOTHING. HOUSE AND GARAGE HAS SEVERE GAS SMELL AND A LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS ON THE FLOOR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10643153 · filed Oct 7, 2014
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OPERATE A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. IT EQUIPPED WITH SHIFTRONIC FEATURE, WHERE YOU ABLE TO OVERDRIVE A REGULAR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BY MANUALLY SWITCHING TO DESIRED GEAR. HOWEVER, IT HAS OWN LOGIC NOT TO ALLOW YOU TO SWITCH TO INAPPROPRIATE GEAR LEADING TO OVERSTRESS AND/OR DAMAGE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING ON SLIPPERY ROAD I USED ABOVE MENTIONED FEATURE TO SLOW DOWN A CAR WHEN APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION (SO-CALLED ENGINE BRAKE). AT SAME TIME I USED REGULAR BRAKES TOO SINCE ENGINE BRAKE IS NOT SO EFFECTIVE AND IT CAN'T STOP THE CAR COMPLETELY. MY CAR HAS ALSO NO ANTI BLOCKING SYSTEM (ABS) INSTALLED. *** AT THE MOMENT, WHEN ROAD WAS TOO SLIPPERY, FRONT WHEELS WERE BLOCKED FOR SHORT PERIOD. I EASED PEDAL LIKE IT'S NORMALLY REQUIRED FOR CARS NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS, BUT TRANSMISSION LOGIC ASSUMED THAT CAR IS STOPPED COMPLETELY AND SWITCHED TO THE FIRST GEAR AT SPEED AROUND 40 KM/H (25 MPH) WHICH LED THE FRONT WHEELS TO BLOCK PERMANENTLY AND DUE TO THAT I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. *** FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NOBODY AROUND AND I ONLY ENDED UP ON THE ROAD'S RIGHT SHOULDER. I REPEATED THIS SITUATION IN UNPOPULATED AREA AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN. (THE SHIFTRONIC'S LOGIC IS SWITCHING TRANSMISSION TO THE FIRST GEAR AUTOMATICALLY AFTER CAR IS STOPPED TO AVOID THE ENGINE STALL WHEN YOU START MOVING AGAIN) I THINK, THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF READER AT REAR WHEELS TO DETECT THAT CAR IS STILL MOVING OR ABS SYSTEM TO BE PRESENT AS STANDARD, NOT AS OPTIONAL FEATURE. OR, MAYBE, TRANSMISSION'S BEHAVIOR SHOULD BE UPDATED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10252179 · filed Dec 18, 2008

HYUNDAI SONATA, 5 SPEED, 2005, 4 CYLINDER, 47,500 MILES, APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS OLD. THERE WAS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE CLUTCH, BUT IT STILL ENGAGED. ONCE ENGAGED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO BUILD UP SPEED. TOOK IT TO KEY HYUNDAI, THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. WAS IMMEDIATELY TOLD THAT THEIR 5 YEAR, 60,000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY WOULD NOT BE IN EFFECT BECAUSE THIS WAS DUE TO NORMAL WEAR-AND-TEAR. THEY NEVER DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION TO LOOK AT THE INTERNALS. THEY GAVE ME THE CHOICE OF $1,100 FOR REPAIRS, AND $2,500 IF A NEW FLYWHEEL WAS NEEDED. SINCE IT WASN'T COVERED BY A WARRANTY, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC. HE DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION AND NOTED THAT THE FLYWHEEL CAME LOOSE FROM THE SHAFT IT WAS ATTACHED TO AND CAUSED WEAR TO THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY HOUSING. THE FLYWHEEL AND OTHER PARTS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE FLYWHEEL ALONE WILL COST $1050, AND THE ENTIRE JOB ABOUT $2300. NO AFTER MARKET FLYWHEELS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS VEHICLE. HYUNDAI SHOULD HAVE HONORED THEIR WARRANTY. I SPOKE WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE AT KEY HYUNDAI PLUS HYUNDAI USA CUSTOMER SERVICE. KEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT GOING TO BE WARRANTED AND CUSTOMER SERVICE WOULD ONLY REFER ME BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. NO ONE COULD GIVE ME INFORMATION ABOUT AN AVERAGE LIFE FOR THE CLUTCH. *TR

NHTSA ID 10218575 · filed Feb 19, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated and the fog lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID 11460738 · filed Apr 14, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER BULBS ON FOUR OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/08/15*LJ

NHTSA ID 10691526 · filed Mar 2, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO TAP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A FEW TIMES OR SHIFT INTO PARK FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

NHTSA ID 11157286 · filed Dec 10, 2018

BACKING INTO THE GARAGE, MY FOOT ON BRAKE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED TO HIGH RPM, THE CAR SHOT BACKWARDS, PROPELLING A HEAVY RUBBER MAT ON WHICH THE CAR IS NORMALLY PARKED OUT OF THE GARAGE AND INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE THEN IMPACTED AND CRASHED THROUGH THE REAR GARAGE WALL BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. I MANAGED TO PRY THE GEAR LEVER OUT OF REVERSE, HIT DRIVE INSTEAD AND SENT THE CAR, WHEELS STILL SPINNING AND LAYING DOWN RUBBER, FORWARD OUT OF THE GARAGE. ON ITS WAY OUT THE CAR SWIPED ALONG THE RIGHT SIDE THE GARAGE DOOR POST BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP IN THE DRIVEWAY. FINAL RESULT, SERIOUS DAMAGE TO BOTH THE CAR AND THE GARAGE. FORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT OCCUR IN TRAFFIC OR WITH PEDESTRIANS IN THE AREA. ON-LINE RESEARCH HAS SINCE SHOWN ME THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS WHERE HYUNDAI SONATAS HAVE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON THEIR OWN. SEE HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/HYUNDAI/SONATA/CAR-ACCELERATES-ON-ITS-OWN-PROBLEMS.PHP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10504759 · filed Mar 27, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TIRE VALVE STEM FAILED ON 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THERE WERE DEFECTIVE WHEEL COVERS. ALL TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE ON 11-10-2006. MILEAGE WA S37,063. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR TIRE ROTATION ON 6-21-2007. *AK ON 6-26-2007 WHILE TRAVELLING AT 70+ MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR IN THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. TOOK THE TIRE TO THE VENDOR. DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS A BROKEN VALVE STEM. VENDOR STATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE HYUNDAI WHEEL COVERS. AFFECTED TIRE WAS UNUSABLE DUE TO THE TIME IT TOOK TO GET STOPPED FROM 70+MPH AND WAS REPLACED. AFTER THAT EVENT, I BEGAN WATCHING THE WHEEL COVERS AND OBSERVED THAT THE WHEEL COVERS ROTATE ON THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING, AND BEND THE VALVE STEM WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE. I FREQUENTLY REMOVED AND RE-INSTALLED THE WHEEL COVERS TO RELIEVE THE FORCE ON THE VALVE STEM, ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD RE-OCCUR WITH LESS THAN 100 MILES OF DRIVING. I BECAME CONCERNED AND WORRIED TO DRIVE MY CAR AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS DUE TO THE POSSABILITY OF A POTENTIAL CRASH DUE TO THE RAPID LOSS OF AIR SHOULD ANOTHER VALVE STEM BREAK. CONSULTED THE INTERNET (GOOGLE) AND SEACHED FOR "HYUNADI SONATA VALVE STEM PROBLEMS." OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, FOUND THIS PROBLEM BEING INVESTIGATED ON 2002 - 2003 HYUNDAI SONATAS. SEE NHTSA "PE05-059 2002 - 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES 07-NOV-2005 " NOTE: TODAY, I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL HYUNDAI WHEEL COVERS WITH FTERMARKET WHEEL COVERS PURCHASED FROM AUTO ZONE. THESE WHEEL COVERS HAVE A CLOSE APPARENCE TO THE ORIGINALS AND APPEAR THAT THEY CANNOT BIND THE VALVE STEMS. A $29.95 FIX. MY OPINION IS THAT THE FACTORY HYUNDAI WHEEL COVERS ARE IMPROPERLY DESIGNED AND REPRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD. HAD I NOT BEEN AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER AND PAYING ATTENTION TO MY VEHICLE, I COULD HAVE EASILY WRECKED AT 70 MPH.

NHTSA ID 10196640 · filed Jul 17, 2007

I WAS DRIVING TO ARIZONA FROM TEXAS ON INTERSTATE 10 IN A RAIN STORM WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO FISHTAIL. I THOUGHT IT WAS HYDROPLANING, BUT IT WAS SOON TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL AND I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES. MY CAR STARTED SPINNING AND SPUN ACROSS THE 15 FOOT GRASSY MEDIAN WHICH SLOPED DOWN ABOUT TWO FEET, PROCEEDED ACROSS THE TWO LANES OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, CONTINUED DOWN A THREE FOOT SLOPED GRASSY MEDIAN ABOUT THREE FEET WIDE AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD. MY BACK TIRE HAD GONE FLAT!! WHEN I GOT TO ARIZONA I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO DISCOUNT TIRE (WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THE FIRST TWO TIRES) TO HAVE THE RIMS AND TIRES CHECKED. THEY CHANGED THE TIRE BUT COULD FIND NO NAIL OR ANY REASON FOR THE TIRE GOING FLAT. THE OTHER REAR TIRE ALSO HAD TO BE CHANGED BECAUSE THERE WERE CRACKS IN THE TIRE (THE 2 REAR TIRES HAD 20,000 MILES ON THEM). I WAS TOLD THE RIMS WERE DAMAGED, BUT NOT TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TWO FRONT TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 17,000 MILES BECAUSE THEY BOTH HAD BUBBLES. I BELIEVE I RECEIVED FOUR DEFECTIVE TIRES WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR BECAUSE THESE MICHELIN TIRES SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD FOR AROUND 50,000 MILES. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND A SITE OF UNHAPPY MICHELIN CUSTOMERS WITH THEIR HORROR STORIES. I PRINTED TEN PAGES OF COMPLAINTS, TWO VERY SIMILAR TO MINE WHERE THE TIRE WENT FLAT FOR NO APPARENT REASON, OTHERS THAT HAD BLOWOUTS ON ALMOST NEW TIRES. ONE CUSTOMER STATED THAT HE WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE TIRE (AS I WAS) AND ABOUT A WEEK LATER WHEN HE CALLED HE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE. HE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE POSTAL SERVICE THAT THE TIRE HAD BEEN DELIVERED AND IT WAS DATED AFTER THE CONVERSATION HE HAD WITH MICHELIN! JB

NHTSA ID 10170461 · filed Oct 10, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

UNKNOWN, I recently purchased it from a dealership in Lemon Grove Cailfornia. Ever since I bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. It is a 2.7L motor DOHC and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. It has cause motor oil into my engine block and has coughed my heater core. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.

NHTSA ID 11545320 · filed Sep 19, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO TAP THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL A FEW TIMES OR SHIFT INTO PARK FOR THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

NHTSA ID 11157286 · filed Dec 10, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID 10637971 · filed Sep 22, 2014

THE AC/HEATING ELECTRIC [FAN] CONTROL COMES ON WHEN IT WANTS TO BUT WILL NOT ACTIVATE WHEN TURNED ON. WHEN TAKEN TO A MECHANIC ON 3 OCCASIONS, IT ACTIVATES AND REMAINS ON FOR DAYS THEN STOPS AND WILL NOT COME ON AGAIN. MECHANICS DO NOT WANT TO WORK ON IT UNLESS IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. EVERYONE WANTS TO "INVESTIGATE" AND CHARGE ME ACCORDINGLY BUT NO ONE WANTS TO TELL ME THE ACTUAL PROBLEM. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR MANY MONTHS ON MY CAR, AS WELL AS OTHER HYUNDAI MODELS. THE UNRESOLVED SITUATION REMAINS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF WINDOW FOGGING AND LACK OF AIR FLOW THROUGH THE VENT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT AND REAR. LAST WINTER A PARTIALLY FOGGED WINDOW, WHILE THE FAN WAS RUNNING, CONTRIBUTED TO AN ACCIDENT DURING A VERY HEAVY RAIN STORM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10360482 · filed Oct 14, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY WIFE SOMEHOW GOT HER FOOT CAUGHT IN HER SANDAL AND TRYING TO GET IT UNSTUCK HIT A CONCRETE LIGHT POLE. THE AIRBAG SHOT WHITE POWDER OUT ,LIGHT WENT ON TO SHOW AIR BAG WENT OFF BUT IT NEVER DEPLOYED. HAD IT BEEN A WORSE ACCIDENT FATAL INJURY COULD HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF FAULTY AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING YET SHOWING IT DID BY ALL SYMPTOMS SUCH AS THE LIGHT, WHITE POWDER AND THE SEAT BELT CANNOT BE MOVED AND WILL NOT OPERATE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE NO MATTER IF UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10610058 · filed Jul 12, 2014

AIRBAG SAFETY LIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10371188 · filed Dec 19, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE HAD WATER DAMAGED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE AIR CONDITIONING HOSE SEALANT THAT ALLOWED WATER TO PENETRATE WHICH CAUSED MILDEW TO FORM ON THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE DAMAGED WIRING AND SEALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A YEAR AGO WATER PENETRATED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SEALANT AROUND THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE VIN INFORMATION WASN'T AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

NHTSA ID 10354522 · filed Sep 8, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .