2006 Hyundai Sonata Powertrain (other) Problems

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine issue with my 2006 Hyundai Sonata equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine. My vehicle experienced [engine knocking, stalling, and then seized up indicating complete Engine failure] without warning, posing a potential safety hazard while driving. The issue appears to be identical to the known manufacturing defects that Hyundai has acknowledged in its recall of 2013–2014 Sonata models with the same engine Class Type. Although my vehicle is not currently included in the official recall “ SONATA ENGINE RECALL CAMPAIGN it contains the Theta II MPI Engine which constitutes and Further solidifies proof of the ongoing Manufacturing Defects of Theta Model Engine design and exhibits the same symptoms of sudden engine failure. This raises concerns that the defect may affect a broader range of model years than Hyundai has acknowledged. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue and determine whether the scope of the current recall should be expanded to include earlier model years such as 2006. The defect creates a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers, and Hyundai should be held accountable for all affected vehicles—not just those produced within a narrow window.

NHTSA ID

11663025

Incident

May 16, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWLY DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE GEAR SHIFTER FROM NEUTRAL TO PARK WHICH FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND USED A ROCK TO CHOCK THE REAR WHEEL, DISENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE, AND SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE BATTERY TERMINALS WERE DISCONNECTED. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COLUMBUS SQUARE AUTO (61 BLINMAN ST, NEW LONDON, CT 06320, (860)442-1236) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFTER FUSED FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11387581

Incident

Jan 3, 2021

Mileage

102,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO BECOME JERKY AT 140,000 MILES. THIS OCCURED ON A VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING AND IN DRIVE, IT WOULD DELAY AND THEN JERK WHEN SHIFTING UP OR DOWN, SUCH AS WHEN THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING AFTER STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR (ESPECIALLY DURING TURNS OR ENTERING HIGHWAYS) OR WHEN THE CAR WAS DECLERATING (ESPECIALLY WHEN ON A CITY STREET, MOVING 40 MP4 OR LESS) AND NEITHER THE BRAKE OR ACCELERATOR WAS BEING APPLIED. THE CAR ALSO DELAYED AND JERKED HARD WHEN SHIFTING TO AND FROM REVERSE.

NHTSA ID

11246241

Incident

Jul 5, 2018

Mileage

145,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT MY CAR WOULDN'T GO IN REVERSE.IT HAS TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THERE.I DROVE AROUND TO THE STORE AND IT WON'T GO OVER 60MPH.

NHTSA ID

10938406

Incident

Dec 25, 2016

Mileage

174,497 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SWITCH INTO PARK AS THE ABS AND ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID

10652735

Incident

Nov 4, 2014

Mileage

130,000 mi

WHEN I STARTED THE CAR IN THE MORNING THE( ECO OFF) LIGHT CAME ON, AND THERE WAS NO POWER, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUTOFF THE IGNITION, WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME THAT THE CAR IS PARKED OVERNIGHT. THE SOLUTION IS ALWAYS THE SAME, PULL OVER AND CUTOFF THE IGNITION FOR A FEW SECONDS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10630142

Incident

Jul 7, 2014

Mileage

75,720 mi

THE SYSTEM WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED, THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. EVALUATION SHOWED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HAD FAILED AND WAS COVERED WITH ENGINE OIL WHICH HAD LEAKED FROM THE FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET ONTO THE ALTERNATOR. THIS FAILURE IS THE SAME AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V415000, WHICH COVERS ANOTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

10625745

Incident

Jul 30, 2014

Mileage

84,903 mi

VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE DISPLAY SHOWS PARK AND VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE, WHEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL DISPLAY SHOWS REVERSE AND VEHICLE WILL GO IN REVERSE, WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE DISPLAY SHOWS NEUTRAL. DRIVE IS COMPLETELY MISSING. *TR

NHTSA ID

10621047

Incident

Aug 8, 2014

Mileage

120,000 mi

FIRST OF ALL THE TIME AND MILEAGE ARE APPROXIMATE. WE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY IN TURNING OFF THE PARKING/DASHBOARD LIGHTS IN OUR 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. FLICKING THE STALK BACK AND FORTH A FEW TIMES WOULD EVENTUALLY TURN THEM OFF. I ASKED MY MECHANIC AND CALLED 2 LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERS AND ALL AGREED THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE/RELAY BOX. AFTER CONSULTING A FEW HYUNDAI FORUMS I LEARNED THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM AFFECTING SOME 2006 AND 2007 HYUNDIAS AND THAT OWNERS WERE PAYING BETWEEN $700 TO $1200 TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PART. MANY OWNERS ARE UPSET THAT HYUNDAI DOES NOT ISSUE A RECALL. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 THE STALK STOPPED WORKING. A CALL TO HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA NOT ONLY RESULTED IN NO HELP IN FINDING OUT WHICH FUSE WOULD DISABLE THE LIGHTS BUT ALSO ASSURED ME THAT HYUNDAI SEEMS TO EXPECT THE LIFE OF SUCH PARTS TO LAST JUST PAST THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION DATE. I DECIDED TO PULL OUT THE RELAY LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD WHICH TURNED OFF THE LIGHTS (AMONG OTHER THINGS). THE NEXT DAY WHEN MY WIFE LEFT WORK AFTER INSERTING THE RELAY BACK IN, SHE COULDN'T GET OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND SLOWLY THINGS STARTED TO STOP WORKING SUCH AS THE HEATED SEAT AND THE REAR DEFOGGER. ONCE HOME, I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, RECONNECTED THE BATTERY AND ROAD-TESTED THE CAR. EVERYTHING WORKED NORMAL; HOWEVER, THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2014 I BOUGHT A BATTERY QUICK-DISCONNECT AND WIRED THE OTHER END TO THE EXISTING HYUNDAI POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE. NOW, WHILE WE WAIT WEEKS (POSSIBLY MONTHS) TO HAVE THE MONEY TO GET THIS PART REPLACED, MY WIFE WILL HAVE TO LEAVE WORK AND IN A DARK PARKING LOT, RECONNECT THE BATTERY USING THIS QUICK-DISCONNECT TOOL. WHILE THE CAR SITS AT HOME AND AT HER PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, IT REMAINS UNLOCKED WITH NO ALARM, I CAN PROVIDE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THIS ALONG WITH OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID

10562578

Incident

Jun 1, 2012

Mileage

60,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION INITIALLY WENT OUT ON MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I WENT TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE FROM THOSE REPAIRS AND AS I DROVE HOME APPROX 3 MILES I FELT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S RESPONSE, THEN THE STEERING GRABBED AS I MADE A RIGHT TURN AND DID NOT RELEASE ALMOST CAUSING ME TO STRIKE A VEHICLE. THE STEERING WAS "GRABBING" OR STICKING TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT, I RETURNED TO THE DEALER, THEIR INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING RACK "LET LOOSE", THE DEALER PUT IN 2 POWER STEERING PUMPS, AND TWO STEERING RACKS AND FLUSHED THE SYSTEM MULTIPLE TIMES. THE THIRD RACK SEEMED TO HAVE RESOLVED THE ISSUE HOWEVER THE DEALER COULD NOT SAY HOW OR WHY THIS HAPPENED OR WHAT CAUSED THIS ALTHOUGH I DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THE STEERING PRIOR TO DROPPING THE VEHICLE OFF FOR THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WORK. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS ISSUE AND COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY EXPLANATIONS TO THE CAUSE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10536021

Incident

Jul 12, 2013

Mileage

78,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE, MY ESC LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TROUBLE STEERING THE CAR AND THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK END. I WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING IS CRACKED/RUSTED AND THAT THE WHEEL IS CROOKED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY UNDRIVEABLE. I HAD READ IN THE PAPER ABOUT RUST CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS AND BELIEVE THAT I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED TO SEE IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE 100,000 MILE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY (CAR HAS APPROX. 80,000 MILES ON IT), BUT WAS TOLD THAT THEY WEREN'T SURE. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED FOR REPAIR, BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE IT DONE, UNLESS IT IS COVERED. *TR

NHTSA ID

10508368

Incident

Apr 14, 2013

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE DEFECTIVE ENGINE-MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT AND ERRATIC RPM READING INVOLVING REDUCE ACCELERATION FM OWNER OF A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA LX. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, ONLY TO BE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE TAIL LIGHTS BURNED OUT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE ESC LIGHT WOULD BLINK WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND DUE TO THE ESC LIGHT BEING ON , THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME UN-DRIVABLE. *JB

NHTSA ID

10316455

Incident

Jun 1, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES, THE BRAKE MODULE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE STATION AND THEY DISCOVERED A DEFECTIVE MODULE. THE MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED SIX TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE STATION, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD TO CALL THE FACTORY FOR A SUGGESTION. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED AGAIN AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES SINCE. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

10240049

Incident

Oct 10, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH, THE SPEED WOULD DECREASE TO 20-30 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, BUT IT WOULD JERK REPEATEDLY WHILE IT DECELERATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED AND HAS TAKEN PLACE NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS. INITIALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED 1,400 MILES LATER. SECONDLY, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CYLINOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED 1,600 MILES LATER. THE THIRD DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER CYLINOID THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE REPAIR WAS MADE. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO JERK AT SPEEDS NO GREATER THAN 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE JERKED BACK TO 20 MPH AUTOMATICALLY. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND THE SUPERVISOR STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER BEFORE EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE FAILURE WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 188,000.

NHTSA ID

10239652

Incident

Jun 10, 2008

Mileage

38,000 mi

GOOD MORNING! I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY SONATA AND I NEED ASSISTANCE AND ADVISE. MY VEHICLE HAS BROKE DOWN WITH ME ON 3 OCCASIONS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE MY WARRANTY WILL BE RUNNING OUT AT 60,000 MILES AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY. THE BELT THAT GOES FROM THE A/C TO THE MOTOR AND THE ALTERNATOR CONTINUES TO FRAY AND BURN UP IN PIECES. AT THIS POINT THE CAR IS INOPERABLE. I WAS TOLD BY THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED THESE BELTS WITH CHAIN BELTS ON THE NEW SONATA'S BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. EVERYTIME I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN AND IT HAS HAPPENED (3) TIMES. I CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI COMPANY LAST THURSDAY AND NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME OR MADE AN ATTEMPT TO TALK WITH ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE WITH THIS MATTER. MARCIA SMITH *TR

NHTSA ID

10236237

Incident

Jul 24, 2008

Mileage

47,200 mi

THIS COMPLAINT APPLIES TO A 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED (NO OPTION FOR 2007 WAS AVAILABLE IN DROP DOWN MENU) (ISSUE 1) AT OR AROUND THE INITIAL FEW DAYS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY I BEGAN TO NOTICE ABRUPT VIBRATION AND SHAKING COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL; SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO FEEL IN THE SEAT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT THEY REPORTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND REPORTED THE VEHICLE TO BE IN MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATION. NONETHELESS, DEALER ATTEMPTED WHEEL BALANCE AND RADIAL FORCE BALANCE AS A "GOOD WILL GESTURE." PROBLEM IS NOW MORE ARTICULATED AND THE ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED. (ISSUE 2) ENGINE EMITS A RATTLE NOISE SIMILAR TO LIFTER CLATTER UPON START AND CONTINUES THROUGHOUT OPERATION; PARTICULARLY IN COLDER WEATHER. TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER WAS REPLACED AND ONE NOISE WAS RESOLVED BUT THE CONTINUAL NATURE OF THE LIFTER CLATTER REMAINS. DEALERSHIP AND HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED. (ISSUE 3) FUEL SLOSHING COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER CLAIMS THIS TO BE NORMAL AND NOT A SAFETY RISK. SOUND IS MORE PRONOUNCED AT OR AROUND 3/4 TANK. BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY AND REMAINS UNRESOLVED. *NM

NHTSA ID

10176541

Incident

Nov 25, 2006

Mileage

1 mi