1996 HYUNDAI SONATA

1 recalls, 37 complaints - 50 TSBs

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Defect Description

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

THIS CONTAMINATION INTERFERES WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING. INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.

74,965 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Complaint Statistics

37 total complaints 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	5
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4
AIR BAGS	3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR	2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION	1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	1
TIRES	1

A CONSUMER?S FIVE YEAR STEP DAUGHTER WAS KILLED BY THE AIR BAG THAT DEPLOYED IN A 5 MPH COLLISION ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE, THIS REPORT WAS WRITTEN IN BY CLARENCE DITLOW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY, 202-328-7700, 1825 CONNECTICUT AVE NW, ... Read more

1 deaths

Incident date: Mar 19, 2002

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Incident date: Jul 20, 2001

MY ENGINE QUITE AT A LIGHT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FINE. IT HAD BEEN ABOUT 4,000 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE. *AK

Incident date: Jan 24, 2001

FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE. NLM

Incident date: Jan 24, 2001

CONSUMER WAS CHARGED FOR RECALL REPAIR 97V-026 FOR THE INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM

DOOR LOCK WOULD KEEP LOCKING ON ITS OWN. WHEN EITHER IN OR OUT OF VEHICLE LOCKS WOULD EITHER KEEP DRIVER/PASSENGER IN/OR LOCKED OUT. HAD DOOR LOCKS REPAIRED 5 TIMES, BUT PROBLEM KEEPS REAPPEARING. MECHANIC INDICATED TO BRING IT IN WHEN IT HAPPENS, BUT IT'S NOT RESOLVED. DEALER URGED CONSUMER TO TA... Read more

WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH TRANSMISSION STOPPED CHANGING GEARS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO DECELERATE, AND LOSING ALL POWER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION. ALSO, HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. *AK AXLE BROKE , DEFROST MALFUNCTIONS AND C... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 1998

CAR WANTS TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFIC LIGHT .NEW TRANSMISSION IN CAR . PROBLEM STILL APPEARS.*AK

Incident date: Jun 15, 1998

CAR WANTS TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFIC LIGHT .NEW TRANSMISSION IN CAR . PROBLEM STILL APPEARS.*AK

Incident date: Mar 12, 1998

THE POWER-STEERING PUMP S LEAKING DOWN INTO THE ALTERNATOR, AND SHORTING IT OUT. DEALER LOOKED AT IT THREE TIMES AND REPLACED THE HIGH PSI LINE GOING INTO THE PUMP, AS WELL AS THE CRUSH WASHERS. THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED. THE THIRD TIME THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PSI LINE AGAI... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 1998

VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO AUTO REPAIR CENTER FOR THE SAME REOCCURRING PROBLEM AT LEAST 10 DIFFERENT TIMES. CAR CUTS OFF AT CRUISE SPEEDS CAR/ BUCKS AND RESTARTS, CAR DIES WHEN YOU TURN CORNERS AT LOW SPEEDS AND YOU MUST PUT CAR IN NUTREL TO RESTART. *AK

Incident date: Feb 1, 1996

IGNITION SWITCH SHORT-CIRCUITED.

Incident date: Jun 14, 1997

TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TWO TIMES.

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON. ONE OF THE AIR BAGS WAS REPLACED, BUT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. THE VEHICLE WILL BE SERVICED THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Sep 20, 1998

AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FAILED.

WATER LEAKS FROM UNDERHOOD INTO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE SHIMMIES AND SHAKES . THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Incident date: Mar 1, 1998

CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMING ON. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP AND PROBLEM CANNOT BE RESOLVED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1998

CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH RIGHT TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. BULB WOULD LAST EIGHT MONTH OR LESS. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPLACING BULB AT THE COST TO CONSUMER.*AK

Incident date: Jul 3, 1998

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED BATTERY BLOWING UP WHILE SITTING IN VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WAS IDLING. CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, LOOK UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THE BATTERY IN PIECES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Incident date: Mar 1, 1997

VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING. AS SOON AS CONSUMER SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 1997

VEHICLE WOULD STALL EVERY TIME A/C IS USED. DEALER NOTIFIED AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AT THIS TIME. *AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 1997

VEHICLE WOULD STALL EVERY TIME A/C IS USED. DEALER NOTIFIED AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED AT THIS TIME. *AK

Incident date: Sep 18, 1997

TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO MISSING BOLT.

Incident date: Aug 28, 1997

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Incident date: Oct 14, 1997

VALVE COVER GASKETS FAILED.

Incident date: Feb 10, 1997

SPARK PLUGS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, CAUSING SLUGGISH ACCELERATION.

Incident date: Feb 10, 1997

BRAKES MAKE SQUEAKING NOISE AND PEDAL GOES TOO FAR TOWARDS THE FLOOR, REPAIRS MADE HOWEVER PROBLEMS STILL EXIST.

Incident date: Jul 2, 1996

TRANSMISSION, BRAKE, ENGINE, AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE.

Incident date: Jul 2, 1996

TRANSMISSION, BRAKE, ENGINE, AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE.

Incident date: Jul 2, 1996

TRANSMISSION, BRAKE, ENGINE, AND AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE.

Incident date: Jul 30, 1997

WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 65MPH AND TURNS CORNERS THE CAR STALLS. OWNER WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO START IT UP AGAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, AND THERE IS STILL STALLING. *AK

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 HYUNDAI SONATA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	22.0	Regular	$2,850
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	16.0	23.0	19.0	Regular	$3,300

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 HYUNDAI SONATA

50 manufacturer communications from 39 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	5
350000 EQUIPMENT	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	4
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	3
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2
105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT	2
105100 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT	2

130000 VISIBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside th

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.

200000 WHEELS

This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the a??Tire Balance Data Sheeta?? must be fully completed including imbalance and Road For

190000 TIRES

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the la

350000 EQUIPMENT

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

200000 WHEELS

This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.

190000 TIRES

This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: a?? A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. a?? A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:

100000 POWER TRAIN

The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bullet

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects v

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and m

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON COMPONENTS, ATTRIBUTES, AND PRECAUTIONS OF THE 7-SPEED DRY-TYPE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT).

046000 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

HYUNDAI: ALL SONATA HYBRIDS. BRAKE BLEEDING PROCEDURE. *RM

063130 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. *KB

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

PRE-CONDITIONS FOR READINESS MONITORS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OBD-II READINESS TEST DRIVE CYCLE. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE FOR CLIFFORD AND DEI SECURITY SYSTEM. *JG

063130 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

INFORMATION ON EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION. *SLC

073200 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

INFORMATION ON FUEL INJECTOR CONFIGURATION. *YC

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SHOP MANUAL ON DOHC SPARK PLUG WIRE ROUTING. *YC

161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WIND NOISE IN THE AREA AROUND THE RIGHT

140000 AIR BAGS

SUBJECT ON AIRBAG REPAIR KIT PART NUMBERS. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

PROVIDED PROCEDURES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A BLOCK HEATER. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SHOP MANUAL CORRECTION ON CYLINDER HEAD BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *YC

105100 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AND IDLE SWITCH ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE. *YC

105100 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:UNIVERSAL JOINT

MODIFIED TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULES. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO THE CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATION. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

EXPERIENCING MILD ENGINE SURGE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT

106200 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

INFORMATION CONCERNING FAULT CODES CAUSED BY THE TRANSAXLE TESTER. *AK

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE HARSH SHIFTING UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS. *TT

105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

MODIFIED TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULES. *TW

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IDLE SPEED CONTROL ACTUATOR (SHOP MANUAL CORRECTION). *TW

136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

RECALL 97V-026 - THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR THERMAL SWITCH CIRCUIT CONTACT POINTS MUST BE CLEANED ON CERTAIN HYUNDAI VEHICLES WHICH FALL INTO THE FOLLOWING PRODUTION RANGES TO CORRECT A POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT INTERRUPTION OF WIPER OPERATION

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

AUDIO SYSTEM CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT. *TW

105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

SHIFT CONDITION CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT IN INHIBITOR SWITCH. *TW

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE. *TW

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE CYLINDER HEAD TORQUE SEQUENCE FOR IN-LINE 4 CYLINDER ENGINES NOTED IN THE LISTED SHOP MANUALS IS INCORRECT. *JD

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

MILD ENGINE SURGE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Air bags may be disabled during crash

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash.On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyun... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Electronic Parking Brake

The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on September 3, 2016 based on four reports alleging the rear brakes locked or applied while driving without brake pedal application. One of the reports alleged a fire in the right rear wheel area.The vehicles subject to the investigation ... are equipped with an optional Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). In this system, an electric motor applies the parking brake by moving the rear brake pads (pads) against the brake rotors (rotors) when activated by the EPB control switch. The EPB is released by the control switch or by selecting a drive gear with the transmission shifter when the ignition is on.If the EPB has not been used within 1000 kilometers (621 miles) the system is designed to perform an Automatic Adjustment Function (AAF) of the pads to check for proper clearance. This function is a pad adjustment only and is preformed with the vehicle in park with the ignition off. It does not set the parking brake or turn the brake indicator light on. Hyundai has identified an error within the EPB control logic that can cause the pads to remain in contact with the rotors at various levels of force after the AAF is completed. This condition could cause the rear brakes to drag at the next drive cycle and may generate some levels of heat and smoke. The EPB control logic error affects model year 2016 vehicles produced from the start of production through March 16, 2016.Vehicles produced from March 17, 2016 incorporate an updated EPB control logic to prevent brake pad drag. On May 11, 2016 Hyundai notified its dealer network of Service Campaign TFF to update the EPB control logic in the affected vehicle population. Dealers will reflash the EPB software to prevent brake pad drag.There are no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this issue. The incident that alleged fire could not be confirmed as there were no repairs to the vehicle other than replacement of the rear brake rotors and pads.ODI is closing this investigation based on the manufacturer's Service Campaign of the affected vehicles and in consideration that the the effect of brake drag in this instance does not appear to present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa/complaints under the following identification (ODI)numbers: 10820359, 10854476, 10875764, 10892736, and 10928478Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction

On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner s... ystem, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR NHTSA safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, seRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Steering Shaft Separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is aware of 7 complaints and field reports and 10 warranty claims on the subject vehicles that allege the intermediate steering shaft became loose or in some cases separated from the upper steering column and/or the steering gearbox, causing (or potentially ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LACERATION HAZARD

THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATION AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION.THE RECALL AFFECTS 91,202 MY 2002-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JANUARY 28, 2002, THROUGH MARCH 22, 2003.THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION WAS DEFINED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S USE OF A NEW SUPPLIER FOR THE CHRO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION, PE08-029, ON APRIL 22, 2008, BASED ON 40 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES.COMPLAINTS DESCRIBE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME IN THE A... REA WHERE THE RIGHT-FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM IS ATTACHED.IN SOME VEHICLES, SUB-FRAME CORROSION HAS CAUSED COMPLETE OR PARTIAL DETACHMENT OF THE CONTROL ARM, RESULTING IN WHEEL COLLAPSE OR SEPARATION. IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE08-029, HYUNDAI PROVIDED OWNER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA FOR APPROXIMATELY 197,906 MY 1999 THROUGH 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES SOLD OR LEASED IN THE UNITED STATES.THE BASE WARRANTY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS 60 MONTHS OR 60,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO THE ROAD SALTS MAY RESULT IN CORROSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUBFRAME.HYUNDAI REDESIGNED THE SUB-FRAME EARLY IN THE MY 2004 PRODUCTION (NOVEMBER 2003) TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH PREMATURE CORROSION OF THE CROSSMEMBER NEAR THE RIGHT-FRONT SUSPENSION ATTACHMENT. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF BOTH COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA FOR THE MY 1999 THROUGH 2002 SONATA VEHICLES SHOWS THAT THE FAILURE RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 PERCENT OF VEHICLE SALES AND OVER 90 PERCENT OFCOMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT (NOTE:FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTS IN A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME AND THERE IS AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE DETECTED (BY INSPECTION, STEERING FEEL OR TIRE WEAR ANOMALIES) AND REPAIRED BEFORE IT REACHES A STATE WHERE A SAFETY RELATED INCIDENT MAY OCCUR.HYUNDAI IDENTIFIED 4 ALLEGATIONS OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT AND 1 ALLEGATION OF A CRASH; WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND DROVE INTO A YARD.THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES.ODI RECEIVED A SEPARATE ALLEGATION OF A CRASH, WHERE THE COMPLAINANT ALLEGED THAT WHILE DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE AT 65 MPH ON A FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME FRACTURED AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WENT OFF THE ROAD.AGAIN, NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.APPROXIMATELY ONE-THIRD OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGE THAT THE SUB-FRAME CORROSION RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR A VEHICLE DISABLEMENT DUE TO WHEEL COLLAPSE OR SEPARATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-016) COVERING MY 1999 THROUGH EARLY-2004 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES IN SALT-BELT STATES AND EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT SUB-FRAME DESIGN TO FURTHER ASSESS THE FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE05-059, BASED ON NINE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURES.THE ALLEGED VALVE STEM FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY AFTER TIRE REPLACEMENT FROM THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) TIRE (MICHELIN 205/65R15 ENERGY MXV4 PLUS) TO ... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1999

IMPROPER FRONTAL AIR BAG PERFORMANCE

HYUNDAI HAS RECEIVED 49 REPORTS FROM CUSTOMERS STATING THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.EXAMINATION OF SUPLIMENTAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ODI BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REPORTED CASES IT APPEARED THAT THE NECESSARY AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET.THE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1989

PASS.RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAIL

There is no summary currently available

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the HYUNDAI SONATA across all model years (1989, 2026).

141 Total Recalls

22,165 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

1,201 Reported Crashes

681 Reported Fires

27 Reported Deaths

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	2	View
2025	0	20	View
2024	1	71	View
2023	2	136	View
2022	3	139	View
2021	4	170	View
2020	4	258	View
2019	0	206	View
2018	1	544	View
2017	3	995	View
2016	6	992	View
2015	9	1,642	View
2014	7	1,077	View
2013	9	2,641	View
2012	8	2,272	View
2011	14	4,609	View
2010	2	415	View
2009	2	612	View
2008	5	554	View
2007	7	906	View
2006	11	1,422	View
2005	1	217	View
2004	1	288	View
2003	6	249	View
2002	7	407	View
2001	3	293	View
2000	4	378	View
1999	4	187	View
1998	1	68	View
1997	2	74	View
1996 (current)	1	37
1995	2	93	View
1994	1	7	View
1993	1	46	View
1992	1	43	View
1991	1	41	View
1990	3	25	View
1989	3	18	View
1987	0	4	View

Other HYUNDAI Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SANTA FE	153	9,962	View
ELANTRA	133	11,853	View
PALISADE	124	2,704	View
TUCSON	95	8,074	View
SONATA HYBRID	67	1,129	View
IONIQ 5	66	1,865	View
ACCENT	64	2,745	View
SANTA FE HYBRID	57	347	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1996 HYUNDAI SONATA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 HYUNDAI SONATA

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 HYUNDAI SONATA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models