Owners filed 696 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 7 times.
When it fails
06400064,000 milesMedian miles at failure
568 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
215
13
0
9
Visibility
95
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
55
1
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
39
0
1
0
Visibility/Wiper
31
0
0
0
Engine
31
0
2
0
Service Brakes
28
4
2
0
Electrical System
24
1
0
1
Seat Belts
18
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal
14
2
0
3
7 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear13V354000
Filed Aug 12, 2013364,502 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Apr 1, 20131,712,336 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DEFECTIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFT OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Risk. ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-787-999-4310.
Filed Apr 15, 2009532,633 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 532,633 MY 2006-2007 ACCENT, ENTOURAGE, SONATA, MY 2007 AZERA, ELANTRA AND SANTA FE, MY 2005-2007 TUCSON AND MY 2007-2008 VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Risk. ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Air Bags08V161000
Filed Apr 10, 2008393,308 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 393,308 MY 2006-2008 SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE PURPOSE OF THE OCS IS TO DISABLE THE RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT FRONT AIR BAG WHEN IT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM OR SMALL CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG IS DISABLED TO PREVENT INJURIES TO A CHILD THAT MAY RESULT FROM A RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG INFLATION DURING A CRASH.
Risk. MISCLASSIFICATION OF A SMALL STATURE ADULT AS A CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG TO NOT INFLATE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT MERITS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO THE RIGHT FRONT OCCUPANT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE OCS DOES NOT PROPERLY RECOGNIZE A PROPERLY SEATED ADULT OCCUPANT. AFTER VERIFICATION, DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AND SHIP IT TO AN EVALUATION AND REPAIR FACILITY. THIS FACILITY WILL EVALUATE AND REPAIR OR REPROGRAM THE SEAT CUSHION AND OCS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E021000
Filed Mar 7, 20084,085 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company
Defect. HYUNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 4,085 REPLACEMENT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON 2006-2008 SONATA AND AZERA VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ALIGNED PROPERLY AND FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. IMPROPER AIMING OF THE HEADLAMP MAY RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. HYUNDAI-KIA DEALERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR SUPPLY TO HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. NONE OF THE HEADLAMPS WERE SOLD AS RETAIL. AS A RESULT, AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WILL NOT BE ISSUED.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 2026107,000 milesDE
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was previously illuminated. Additionally, the seat belt warning light was activated for the passenger’s seat while the seat was unoccupied. The contact was concerned that the safety restraint system (SRS) might not function correctly in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 11, 2026IN
I have a 2007 Hyundai Sonata SE v6 3.3L and on January 9th, 2026 I had an incident where on the road my charging system light on signifying alternator failure. I made it home, but the battery was dead which was recently purchased. After recharging the battery I conducted tests with a multimeter and have determined the alternator has failed. The alternator has accrued a coating of oil overtime that was unknown until my research into the matter of root cause. Hyundai manufactures a V6 engine family called Lamba in which a version called Lambda MPi G6DB was introduced in 2007–2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (CM) and 2005–2009 Hyundai Sonata (NF) models. In 2023 Hyundai issued a recall for the 2007-2009 Santa Fe for a Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair where oil drips from the valve cover directly onto the alternator causing it to fail. I have a 2007 Hyundai Sonata 3.3L V6 engine where the very same issue has occurred with photo evidence that has caused my alternator to fail and have tested the issue. This vehicle model was not included in the recall despite the engine being exactly the same as the recalled model, the year being the exact same as the Santa Fe, and the alternator in the exact placement where the oil drips into the alternator causing failure just like the Santa Fe recall. The Santa Fe recall with the same issue is documented with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below: [XXX] Hyundai has yet to issue the same recall for the Hyundai Sonata brand of vehicles, des
Air Bags
Filed Jul 31, 2025AZ
The airbag warning light in my car is always ON, it won't go OFF. It was repaired by Hyundai service center under an extended warranty a few years back but now they said that they won't fix it again.
Suspension
Filed Nov 25, 2024TX
Unknown
Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2024181,416 milesTX
The contact's daughter owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the front passenger's side seat cushion assembly needed to be replaced due to the occupant classification system (OCS) failure. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags). The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired because the part had been discontinued. The dealer referred the contact to the junkyard to purchase the parts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same assessment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 181,416.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 11, 2024MI
While driving on expressway the red Air Bag light went on for no apparent reason and will not turn off. I tried to reset by disconnecting the car battery, but it's still on. This happened about 2 months ago. The car has never had a bag actuate I had heard that air bag malfunctions and some emission problems are covered regardless of age or mileage as long as they have not been tampered.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 24, 2024OH
Brake lights on and traction control light on, engine light on
Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2024133,379 milesWI
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 133,379.
Seat Belts
Filed Dec 22, 2023TX
Red “airbag” light on dash illuminated while driving. Code read as B1706: passenger buckle pretensioner. May have been covered under Hyundai’s 15yr/250k warranty but owners never notified since not official recall. Although, this defect may not affect airbags themselves it causes “airbag” light to remain illuminated until addressed. Driving with the “airbag” light continuously illuminated may pose risk to unsafe conditions due to unknown new airbag codes since “airbag” light already illuminated with buckle pretensioner code B1706.
Tires
Filed Jul 18, 2023SC
Car began to pull like out of align but upon inspection by tire repair shop it was discovered that the tread was separating on all 4 tires. had 2 replaced at the time. After a few hundred miles the other 2 tires failed in the rear causing the car to shake violently. My kids were on thier way home to Columbus,Ga from Beaufort,S.C. had to leave car there Statesboro, Ga.
Engine
Filed May 19, 2023MA
2007 Hyundai Sonata- Consumers son is emailing on behalf of his elderly mother. He is requesting any kind of help in reference to a catastrophic engine failure. Complaint has been filed with the MA Attorney Generals Office and the email mentions a current NHTSA investigation into the 2007 Sonata.
Exterior Lighting
Filed May 2, 2023AR
I have been encountering issues with my 2007 Hyundai Sonata SE in the following manners: 1- At times the brake lights will be on and the car will have anyone inside. 2- My ESC OFF light comes on will not go off. 3- When using my headlights the cruise control will not work. (Specifically when the automatic lights would come on the cruise goes off) 4-At random times the key will not turn. All the above mentioned issues concern the electrical system!, Speed Control!, and lighting systems. All are available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others has been put at risk because of system failures causing the car to operate improperly and dangerously. I have not had the extra money to take it to the dealership. No other reports have been made. The only warning light is the ESC OFF light comes on occasionally. This light began coming on 6 months ago.
Engine
Filed Apr 5, 2023114,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while performing a daily check on the vehicle, the contact became aware that oil was leaking onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic replaced the driver’s side valve cover gasket. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not under recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 17, 2022IA
2007 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 2022MD
Air Bag light is ON due to bad OCS - OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM on the passenger seat. It is a safety issue and airbags wont deploy in case of an accident. Passenger seat bealt light is blinking even withoit passenger. Problem has been confirmed by the service center and reported to the manafacturer. There is an open campain 083 for Sonatas with this issue but not all vehicles are included, VIN of my vehicle is not included even if it has the same issues as described in the campain.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 19, 2022210,075 milesTX
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light illuminated causing the brakes to lock-up and the vehicle to not accelerate as needed. The contact stated that she waited until the vehicle cooled down for the vehicle to operate normally. The contact was then able to drive the vehicle home safely. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V122000 (Exterior Lighting) and that she had to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The contact agreed to the repair but was later informed that the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted and was working with the contact. The failure mileage was 210,075.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 16, 202283,000 milesRI
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Engine
Filed May 5, 2022151,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle drove sluggish and unresponsive and would not properly accelerate. Upon inspection it was discovered that engine oil from the valve cover gasket had leaked onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator was damaged due to the presence of oil inside and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced by the manufacturer to prevent the failure from occurring but the failure had occurred on two separate occasions. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 3, 2022OK
I recently purchased this vehicle from my father. I believe there is a faulty sensor in the passenger airbag sensor for their OCS (occupant classification system). The warning lamp for 'Air Bag' stays on when operating the vehicle. When starting the vehicle with no passenger, the lamp to show there is no passenger comes on but then turns off. It does the same thing with a passenger in the seat. The lamp to show there is no passenger used to stay lit, when there is no passenger. I have tried to address the issue with Hyundai about 2 or 3 times by calling customer service by phone and they told me all 3 times that there are no "open recalls for this vehicle at this time." But I can clearly see through records that recall no. 08V161000 addressed this very issue. I will attempt to make an appointment with one of their Hyundai dealerships but I believe there is a safety issue here. Thanks!
Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 2022169,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
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: Aug 12, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.