2004 Hyundai Sonata

Above average

Owners filed 202 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Hyundai Sonata years to avoid. Which Hyundai Sonata years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
86,000 milesMedian miles at failure

154 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Hyundai Sonata problems

45 of the 202 complaints (22%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags42
11111
Suspension37
000
Structure › Body · body and frame20
100
Structure · body and frame9
006
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches8
006
Electrical System8
010
Steering7
000
Service Brakes · brakes5
100
Wheels4
100
Unknown or Other4
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Suspension09V124000
Filed Apr 16, 2009188,282 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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 APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.

Risk. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Apr 29, 2026MI

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.

Suspension
Filed Feb 17, 2026OH

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?

Suspension
Filed Aug 17, 2025UT

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..

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 26, 2025PA

My 2004 sonata which was manufactured 05/07/04. has front frame corrosion exactly like the 089 safety recall that hyundia issued already for 1998-2003. My car was manufactured a few months later and they are denying the repair because it doesn’t fall in their production dates.

Suspension
Filed Jun 5, 2024KS

I currently own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata with a severe sub-fame deterioration, Unfortunately it does not fall under the so called salt belt states, That being said I don't know how Kansas does not fit that especially north east Kansas. Wondering if there's some way that they could reconsider on this matter and maybe get some help. I know the cars almost 20 yrs but it's in good shape with only 108000 miles on it. Thanks for any help with this matter. I was just informed by Hyundai that they would not do anything with it so I guess my only option is to drive it at my own risk and hope for the best. Regardless I'm very upset with there decision and that there okay with a persons life knowing this was a issues with many sonatas that probably didn't make the recall list.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 30, 2023185,000 milesKY

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2023CA

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.

Suspension
Filed Apr 20, 2023147,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated she heard abnormal creaking and cracking sounds. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become more frequent. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent where it was diagnosed and determined that the front subframe, lower panels, and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 18, 2023VI

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 Redact

Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 2023AZ

Air Bag autolight is on.

Suspension
Filed Nov 17, 2022UT

The shocks and suspension in my car are almost nonexistent causing multiple almost car accidents

Suspension
Filed Oct 28, 2022310,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while performing a 4-wheel alignment, the independent mechanic informed her that he was unable to complete the alignment successfully because the sub frame was severely corroded. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she heard and abnormal sound coming from the sub frame and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that she almost lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer who informed the contact that she needed to pay for the repair because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) or TSB Number: 12-01-029. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 310,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2022148,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 2022PA

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.

Service Brakes
Filed May 10, 2022NY

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.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 14, 202292,000 milesNJ

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.

Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 2022122,000 milesNY

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

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2021117,000 milesOR

EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE IT SEEMS TO ACCELERATE FOR A SECOND BEFORE BRAKING. I HAVE DOUBLE CHECKED AND I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS ON ACCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER I START DRIVING (SO GOING UNDER 25 MPH) ON SIDE STREETS IN TOWN. I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT DATES THIS HAS HAPPENED.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 2, 202173,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE LOCAL DEALER FAULKNER HYUNDAI (11500 ROOSEVELT BLVD, PHILADELPHIA) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE K-FRAME HAD SUSTAINED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2021KY

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

Suspension
Filed Jan 4, 2021RI

THERE IS A RECALL ON 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR BAD SUBFRAMES THAT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE AT LEAST 2001. THE SUBFRAMES RUST AND ROT OUT! MY 2004 SONATA HAS ONLY 84K ORIGINAL MILES AND I RECENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO REPLACE A CONTROL ARM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO A ROTTED SUBFRAME! I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTORS OF AMERICA AND SPOKE WITH CONSUMER AFFAIRS. I WAS TOLD THAT ACCORDING TO THE VIN NUMBER ON MY CAR THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT ON MY CAR! THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND RECALL FOR THE VERY SAME ISSUE THAT I AM HAVING. HOW CAN THEY TELL ME THAT THE RECALL IS NOT APPLICABLE ? THERE PROBABLY HAS BEEN THOUSANDS OF 2001-2004 SONATA'S THAT HAVE HAD THE SUBFRAM REPLACED UNDER THIS RECALL .. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY HYUNDAI WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND COVER IT UNDER THE RECALL .. THIS CAR HAS 84660 MILES AND THE CAR IS OTHERWISE MINT ! NOT A SPECK OF RUST ON THE ORIGINAL BODY!

Suspension
Filed Aug 26, 202094,727 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECENTLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN 07 OF 2020. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW RUSTED HOLES AND CORROSION IN THE SUB FRAME. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED AND SAW NUMEROUS INCIDENCES OF THE SAME ISSUE IN THAT MODEL VEHICLE. THE DEALER (D'ARCY HYUNDAI 2521 W JEFFERSON ST, JOLIET, IL 60435 (815) 725-5200) SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. DUE TO THE AGING OF THE VEHICLE, MILEAGE AND AN EXPIRED WARRANTY. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM NOT TO FIX THE SUB FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER GAVE A CASE NUMBER TO THE CONTACT AND REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER STILL UNREPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,727. *BF *AS

Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 2020150,125 milesVA

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN I STARTED HEARING NOISES AND THE CAR STARTED STEERING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN I GOT MY CAR HOME , I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER SUBFRAME HAD COME LOOSE BECAUSE THE BOLTS HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND THE CROSS MEMBER HAD RUSTED. I DISCOVERED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD A RECALL #XG350 IN JULY 2009. I PURCHASED MY HYUNDAI IN THE FALL OF 2009, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTICE. IS MY HYUNDAI STILL ELIGIBLE FOR RECALL REPAIR? WE LIKE OUR HYUNDAI AND IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST CARS WE HAVE OWNED. THE BODY AND MOTOR ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Suspension
Filed Feb 14, 2020101,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE CHECK AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER SUPERIOR HYUNDAI NORTH 5665 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014 (513) 870-9800, WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 SUSPENSION AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Suspension
Filed Nov 14, 2019200,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE SLIGHTLY TURNED TO THE LEFT IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE A-ROD WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OPEN RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 19, 2019150,000 milesAZ

SUSPENSION: I HAVE CHANGED BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND NOW MY STRUTS AND SHOCKS ARE OUT I CALLED AND HAVE BEEN TOLD MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL BUT I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW THAT IS WHEN I HAVE A 2004 SONATA AND THAT IS THE CAR PART OF THE RECALL

Suspension
Filed Jul 14, 2019105,000 milesFL

SEVERE SUBFRAME CORROSION FOUND DURING INSPECTION OF CAR THAT WAS ORIGINALLY FROM ILLINOIS.

Steering
Filed Jul 10, 2019220 milesRI

I HAVE A 04 HYUNDAI SONATA WHICH WAS RECALLED FOR THE SUBFRAME ROT AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT DOESNT COME UP WITH MY VIN BUT IV HAD TO REPLACE 2 TIRED AND A TIE ROD AND THE SUB FRAME IS GETTING WORSE CAUSING MORE DAMAGE MY CAR PULLS BANGS AND ONE DAY MY WHOLE SUSPENSION WILL DETACH AND HOW IS IT NOT UNDER THE RECALL I HAVE A HOUSE AND TWO CHILDREN AND CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW CAR SO PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND

Steering
Filed Jun 9, 2019MS

TAKATA RECALL MY STEERING GET TIGHT WHILE I'M DRIVING WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO TURN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAYS

Air Bags
Filed Apr 27, 2019MA

SUBFRAME

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 20, 2019207,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER TIRES TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RELIABLE HYUNDAI (438 S INGRAM MILL RD, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD AND UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE SUBFRAME REMAINED RUSTED. THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 2019117,700 milesCA

THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT HAS GONE ON AND IS ALWAYS ON AT JUST 117,780 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON THIS HAS DISABLED ALL MY CAR AIRBAGS. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT. I ASKED MY PASSENGER TO READ ABOUT THIS IN MY USER MANUAL WHILE DRIVING.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 8, 2019207,000 milesMO

SUB FRAME ON FRONT PASSENGER RUSTED AND CORRODED. CAUSED DAMANGE TO CV AXLE ON SAME SIDE. CAUSED ALIGNMENT ISSUES ON FRONT END. CAUSES TIRES TO WEAR QUICKLY, WITHIN A WEEK. ANTI THEFT SYSTEM LOCKS THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSES ALARM TO SOUND WHILE DRIVING AND MUST OPEN OTHER DOORS AND STOP DRIVING TO STOP THE ALARM FROM GOING OFF, HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS COME ON WHEN BRAKE IS PRESSED AND GO OFF WHEN BRAKE IS RELEASED BUT THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT IN USE

Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 2019DE

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.

Steering
Filed Jan 19, 2019133,321 milesTN

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DUE TO STEERING ISSUES AND FRONT END NOISE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION CONCERNING THE FRONT CRADLE FRAME NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND NEAR THE CONCENTRIX BRAKE ADJUSTMENT FOR BOTH REAR TIRES PERTAINING TO THE SUBFRAME. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONTACT THE LOCAL DEALER FOR THE MANUFACTURER FOR A RECOMMENDATION.DEALER RECOMMENDS THE ENTIRE CRADLE BE REPLACED AS IT WILL NOT LAST MUCH LONGER AND CAN BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AS IT IS ALMOST RUSTED THROUGH AND THE REAR BRAKES CANNOT BE ADJUSTED DUE TO RUST. THERE IS A RECALL 09V124000 FOR THIS FOR CARS FROM THE RUSTBELT STATES BUT I AM IN TN AND IT IS NOT COVERED. I AM IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH EAST TN AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED AS WE ALSO GET SNOW AND THEY SALT THE ROADS. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION AND HYUNDAI NEEDS TO HAVE THIS FIXED AS OBVIOUSLY FROM THE COMPLAINTS THERE IS LOTS OF THIS. MFG IN SEPT OF 2003 SO IT IS WITHIN THE TIME FRAME

Power Train
Filed Dec 10, 2018215,000 milesOH

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 27, 2018MA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION CONCERNING THE FRONT FRAME, REAR FRAME, NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE, AND NEAR THE FRONT REAR TIRE TIE RODS PERTAINING TO THE SUBFRAME. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR A RECOMMENDATION. THE MANUFACTURER HAD KEY HYUNDAI OF SALEM (470 S BROADWAY, SALEM, NH 03079, (603) 841-3099) SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ON AUGUST 28, 2018 TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08016 (SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO REMEDY AND ADVISED THAT THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2018175,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE VIOLENTLY AND AN ABNORMAL SQUEALING SOUND WAS HEARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT CAME TO A STOP BY THE CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED INVER GROVE HYUNDAI AT (888) 706-5928 (LOCATED AT 1290 50TH ST E, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN 55077), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 28, 201886,000 milesPA

THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY RECALLS RECALL NUMBER 09V124000 BUT, HYUNDAI SAYS MY CAR MISS BY 2 WEEKS CUT OFF IS NOV. 20 2003, MY VEHICLE DATE IS DEC. 19 2003

Suspension
Filed Apr 24, 201860,937 milesRI

MY CAR HAS FAILED THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO A RUSTED SUB-FRAME. HYUNDAI HAS RECALLED MAY OF THESE CARS (SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL) DUE TO THIS ISSUE YET REFUSES TO COVER MINE AS THEY SAY IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. IT HAS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS THOSE THAT WERE RECALLED. I HAVE TRIED TWICE UNSUCCESSFULLY TO HAVE THEM CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THERE ARE 2 CASE NUMBERS, 11190286 & 100927.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 24, 2018130,000 milesPA

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

Steering
Filed Oct 26, 2017200,000 milesVA

THE 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT SUB FRAME RUSTING TO THE POINT WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION MOUNT RUST TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATES FROM IT'S MOUNTING BRACKET WHICH CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS FOR CARS THAT WERE SOLD OR REGISTERED IN THE SALT BELT STATES. EVERY STATE IN MY AREA ARE LISTED EXCEPT MY STATE OF VIRGINIA. MY CARS SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH TO WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM IT'S BRACKETS WHILE MOVING ENTERING AN EXIT ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY I95 CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE WHICH ISN'T COVERED. THE RECALL IS 09V124000. I BELIEVE VIRGINIA SHOULD BE ADDED TO THIS RECALL DUE TO IT BEING IN THE SAME AREA AS THE OTHER STATES WITH THE SAME WEATHER PATTERN.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 17, 2017166,327 milesIL

WORN REAR TIRES PROMPTED PURCHASE OF NEW TIRES. TIRE TECHNICIANS NOTED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND THAT THE VEHICE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BOTH REAR TIRES ARE IN JEOPARDY BUT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE IS BY FAR THE WORSE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAKING ODD NOISES ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AND SOME VIBRATION AT SPWEDS OVER 40MPH. FORTUNATELY THE THE TIRES DIDN'T FALL OFF WHILE IN MOTION.

Suspension
Filed Aug 15, 2017OH

MY WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF MY SUBFRAME IS RUSTED I'VE RESEARCHED A LOT ON THIS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND VERY UNCOMMON IT'S CAUSING MY WHEEL TO PULL AND I CURRENTLY CAN'T DRIVE IT

Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 2017MA

I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON AND A COWORKER HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH HERS. WITH THE LIGHT BEING ON IT PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING AN INSPECTION STICKER IN MY STATE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS AND THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS ON NEWER SONATAS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 22, 2017160,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO ANY TIME TOWING LOT IN LEWISTON, MAINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 11, 2017MA

I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA AND AIR BAG LIGHT SUDDENLY WENT ON THEN OFF. THEN IT WENT BACK ON A FEW MINUTES LATER AND HAS BEEN ON FOR 2 YEARS NOW.

Structure › Body
Filed May 4, 2017188,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WAS UNSTABLE AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRADLE HAD A LARGE RUST SPOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 30, 2017127,949 milesPA

SUSPENSION FAILURE JULY 2016-BOTH ENGINE MOUNTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS FAILED. REPLACED 2016 JULY. APRIL 2017 BOTH ENGINE MOUNTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS FAILED AGAIN. IN ADDITION VIOLENT JERKING WHILE DRIVING,THEN LOSS OF POWER. USUALLY OCCURRED GOING UP HILLS,COMING OFF FROM MAKING A TURN OR DRIVING SPEEDS UNDER 25MPH.BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON UNABLE TO INDICATE STOPPING TO OTHER CARS.UNABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE AND MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON WHETHER DRIVING OR IN PARK. JERKING DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN GEAR,BUT WHILE DRIVING SPEED DECREASES RAPIDLY AND CAR BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER. SUSPENSION FEELS LOSE IN ADDITION THERE ARE NOISES AS IF BOLTS ARE BROKEN. PER A RECALL SEARCH CAMPAIGN 089 IS OPEN MEANING UNDER BODY ISN'T COATED. UPON FURTHER READING OF THE CAMPAIGN SUSPENSION FAILURE CAN OCCUR AND OTHER ISSUES. UNSURE IF ALL RELATED,BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS,AND JERKING OCCURRED THE SAME TIME AS SUSPENSION FAILED,WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED.HUGE SAFETY ISSUES FOR THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS AROUND,ESPECIALLY WHEN JERKING OCCURS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED,PER AN INTERNET SEARCH THESE ISSUES ARE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR. ALL ISSUES SEEN ONLINE HAPPEN WITH CARS AT OR AROUND THE 130,000 MILE MARK.

Suspension
Filed Apr 24, 2017120,859 milesOH

HYUNDAI RECALLED 2001 TO 2004 SONATAS. WHEN WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID HYUNDAI DENIED THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER SAID IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL. I WANT THE RECALL EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THIS VIN.

Complaints 1-50 of 202, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202517000Routine
202447100Routine
202388200Routine
202295310Routine
2021135400Routine
2020182410Routine
2019162060Routine
20183751131Fatalities reported
20177683111Fatalities reported
20167296281Fatalities reported
20151,1549482Do not drive
20147507400High concern
20131,9179981Fatalities reported
20121,5598951Fatalities reported
20113,380141123Fatalities reported
2010345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
20084255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004 — this page202120Above average
2003199620Routine
2002320740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 16, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.