2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

2 recalls, 140 complaints - 33 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Defect Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Consequence

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were... Read more

85,043 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Defect Description

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

Consequence

An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer ... Read more

52,109 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

Complaint Statistics

140 total complaints 8 crashes 5 fires 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	18
POWER TRAIN	9
STEERING	9
SERVICE BRAKES	7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	6
SEAT BELTS	5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	4

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

I own a 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL. Over approximately three years, the vehicle experienced four separate incidents involving sudden loss of engine power and recurring fuel injector/powertrain problems. Three of these incidents occurred while the vehicle was being driven on interstate highways, creatin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-40 MPH, the vehicle was sputtering and shaking abnormally. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); but the VIN... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

The engine of this car has been under recall for multiple issues during the time we have owned it. The most recent issue that was experienced was total engine failure and electrical malfunction while driving on a busy street near train tracks. The vehicle was making a loud banging sound moments bef... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

This is an extremely common issue plaguing Hyundai & Kia vehicles with the Theta III 2.5L Turbo engine, Such as Kia K5 GT, Hyundai Sante Fe, Hyundai Santa Cruz, & Hyundai Sonata N-Line. Its a failing ITM (integrated thermal management) unit or otherwise known as an ITMS unit. There is a rod within ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

Incident date: Apr 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact replaced the battery. The contact stated while attempti... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2026

On March 21st, while driving my Hyundai vehicle, I noticed the vehicle began making a ticking sound. After stopping the vehicle, it slowly began catching on fire. The fire ultimately spread and resulted in the vehicle becoming a total loss. This created a serious safety concern and placed me at risk... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, several other unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the hybrid system was inoperable and faile... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2025

The car locked with the keys inside. This has happened multiple times. My young children were strapped into their car seats outside in the summer heat when the door locked with the keys inside. We had to have firemen/police come help. Thankfully we were able to locate the second set of keys within... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2025

Unknown. This was a certified preowned vehicle that was purchased on December 18, 2024. We have had NUMEROUS issues with the car since purchase but the most concerning has been the door actuators. The front door actuators on both sides failed in less than a year from date of purchase. I was told ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

Consistent steering wheel shake between 60-65 mph. This is a very well known issue on the 2010-2024 4Runners and it drives me and many others crazy, and feels unsafe to drive with. Will happen almost anytime I’m on the highway. My vehicle only has 48k miles. This needs to be addressed.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

Reported this previously, but more information was gathered, thanks to collision mechanic who guessed immediately when he heard 2023 hybrid Sonata - he said "they're notorious for it." Was at a stand still in a parking space/lot I know well. Cautious driver, watch my speed, very aware of other drive... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

Incident Description: While assisting a child seated in the third row, my wife leaned between the second-row seatback and the vehicle’s side pillar to unbuckle the child’s seatbelt. During this time, the second-row “3rd-row access” button was accidentally pressed, which triggered the automat... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

The fuel injectors are failing, the vehicle smells of gasoline fumes in the cabin if the vehicle and we are now getting check engine lights due to emissions which I contribute to the failing fuel injectors which have been under recall for quite some time now and Ford does not seem to want to fix thi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

Recall 286 my vehicle suffered from this causing heat module failure misfire in cylinder 2 and high pressure in gas tank. Sports Hyundai had previously done a 180 day repair under recall 9b1 for an expanded gas tank after the repair the car suffered from the updated recall 286 . I brang to the deale... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

The radio display jumps around from stations to other displays without being touch and will cut on by itself.

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

I had a recall performed last year because my car wouldn’t drive no matter what gear I shifted it into, that was the shifter cable recall. This December I was driving and the car started to roll backwards and now no matter what gear I shifted in unless it was in e brake.

Incident date: Dec 22, 2025

Vehicle WITHOUT WARNING will start to jerk then go into “limp” mode. Pressing on gas pedal makes the revving noise but with not physical movement made. This has happened on MULTIPLE occasions (13 times in 4 months) including in the snow and on the interstate while driving at 70mph where no shoul... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2025

The onstar module failed. Also controlling the pedestrian px Proximity sensor and crosstraffic sensor. When driving slowly waiting a parking lot the vehicle locked up on the brakes with the warning message pedestrian alert. The area was clear. No pedestrians were in the vicinity This would be th... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

I was driving on a 4 lane major artery on 12 / 30/2025 traveling approximately 50 mph. Heard a loud bang and car loss power and suddenly slowed. Vehicles behind me had to swerve to miss hitting me. The vehicle could move approximately 5 mph afterward. We pulled off the road onto a side road. We ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

The car shifts into neutral on the freeway.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

The 2nd stage of this truck was not completed and the title was done in fraud in 2015 by Jon Hall Chevy in Daytona. I need this inspected as it shouldn't be on the road. Only 1 MCO without water Marks on it. this is a 2 stage truck should have 2. but nope only one we are getting the run around.

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

I took this vehicle to the dealership for two recalls, but there is no remedy available. I Keep having these issues, every time I drive my vehicle to keep cutting off sometime it wouldn’t start and the warning light for the battery pops up, I am really scared to drive this vehicle and also I’m ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

While driving, the vehicle intermittently emits an extremely loud, high-pitched static or screeching noise through the speakers. The sound is sudden, piercing, and startling. Most concerning, this occurs even when the audio system volume is turned completely off. Because the noise is so loud and un... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

Due to excessive corrosion the spring/strut broke while driving. The tire is off at an angle and could have come completely off endangering the driver and other drivers. There was no warning light or any other indication that this was going to happen. The car was taken to a local garage and at th... Read more

Incident date: Oct 26, 2023

Dear Sir/Madam, For the 3rd time now, my transmission is being rebuilt. After purchasing it from the dealership and it was still under warranty GMC Bakersfield rebuilt the transmission, then again in 2020 at 119,000 miles it broke down again and All Automatic in Bakersfield rebuilt it for $3500 a... Read more

Incident date: Oct 26, 2023

VEHICLE: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross L FWD MILEAGE: 40,000 miles DATE OF FAILURE: [Insert date] DEFECT DESCRIPTION: My vehicle's coolant bypass valve (part #16671-F2010) has failed, causing coolant leaks and triggering error codes. An independent shop diagnosed the issue as a defective coolant bypass... Read more

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

The locking mechanism that keeps the seat belt safely locked into place is malfunctioning. I have to ensure the belt is firmly in place and will not tug out of the lock before going anywhere. The seatbelt will not lock in place properly.

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

This has happened twice. Once in November 2025 and then in January 2026. With super cruise engaged while going around a curve super cruse disengages and the steering wheel turns to driving straight. You have about one or two seconds to take control or crash. This happened while driving about 70 mph... Read more

Incident date: Nov 19, 2024

The vehicle fuel tank was punctured and then patched with JB Weld Epoxy. This vehicle was sold to me by a private owner that did not disclose this information to me. The safety of my family as well as thousands of others were at risk as the vehicle was parked in several parking garages of large buil... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

The front passenger seat, occupant detection system wiring harness was never repaired by the dealer I had taken the vehicle to the dealer several years ago and he gave me a $8000 estimate to replace the electrical system!

Incident date: Dec 20, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX350. The contact purchased the vehicle, and it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 127,832. The contact stated that at the time of registration, it was discov... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The message "Reduced Engine Power” was displa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2025

My Toyota Landcruiser First Edition was locked and parked directly in front of my residence, right in front of my bedroom window. Thief broke the rear window, climbed in, and took 25 minutes to start the car before driving off without the factory alarm ever sounding. I reasonably believed a premiu... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2025

2019-2021 Ford Edge & Lincoln Nautilus equipped with the 8F35 transmission for defective failures. Ford issued TSB 21-2389, but it does not resolve the issue.

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control function unexpectedly disengaged, and the service ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was an audible chime during the failure. The c... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

The contact's mother owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the contact stated that the vehicle was wobbling. The contact stated that the wobbling ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated that water had leaked through the windshield and into the air filter compartment, onto several wires for different electrical systems in the vehicle, and onto emissions components, which affected the engine timing. The contact stated that whil... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

FSD was unable to avoid object in road, may be due to how the adaptive headlights work as I was unable to see the object as well FSD/adaptive headlights may may it hard or impossible to see objects on road at night No In the process of a insurance claim No

Crash

Incident date: Sep 7, 2025

Incident date: Sep 7, 2025

I bought this car because of the Honda name and it’s been a disappointment. Not only does my display flicker in and out, my heater has completely gone out. The heater box and connecting wires need to be replaced, which to me is a factory default, but nope it’s coming out of pocket. And beaches o... Read more

Incident date: Oct 13, 2025

The mileage fails to read accurately. It occasionally doesn't display at all or reads 999999. Compass is sometimes incorrect. Thermometer is incorrect.

Incident date: Sep 26, 2025

I was driving and my car stopped running took it to the dealership find out. It has a recall never got a recall letter because I wasn’t the first owner and now they refuse to fix my car.

Incident date: Sep 26, 2025

The drivers seat does not have enough padding. I was driving in New Jersey on the thruway and because the seat does not have enough cushion I tried to adjust myself and that caused me to go into other lane. Luckily no accident but this is definitely a safety issue. I do have pictures to show of the ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

Vehicle Fire Summary – Arvada, CO On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], the Arvada Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire on [XXX] . The vehicle involved was a 2013 gray Subaru Impreza WRX. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to t... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 12, 2025

Fire

Showing 50 of 140 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

2023 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	9.7%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	38.0	32.0	Regular	$1,900
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	33.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: 293.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

33 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
100000 POWER TRAIN	10
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	9
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
130000 VISIBILITY	2
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	2
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)	2
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	1
353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE	1

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Engine Control Module (ECM) and/or the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for 2020-2023MY Sonata (DN8/DN8a) vehicles to improve operation of the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system. Under certain

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming

130000 VISIBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or displays a message that reads a??Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefullya?? on the cluster alo

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides information to diagnose the push button shifter operation.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin is issued to provide the extended battery diagnosis procedure using GDS-M. This battery diagnosis function displays the various battery-related faults such as: a?? Internal short circuit a?? Battery deterioration a?? Malfun

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

If you are servicing an 8-speed front-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with automatic transaxle with one or more of the DTC or symptoms listed below, refer to the Service Procedure to diagnose the condition. a?? DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES: a??

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for certain vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) that improves the touch point learning variation. Certain 8W

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin outlines changes to the service procedure regarding the replacement of 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) and associated transmission control unit (TCU). These changes only apply to vehicles equipped with Theta 2.5T

100000 POWER TRAIN

This TSB provides information to diagnose the push button shifter operation. If you are servicing a vehicle with any symptoms listed below or DTCs (listed on Page 2) , follow the Service Procedure on Page 3. SYMPTOMS: a?? a??Shifter System

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

If you are servicing an 8-speed DCT front-wheel-drive vehicle with the DTC or symptoms listed below, refer to the Service Procedure to diagnose the condition. a?? DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES: a?? P070500 - Transmission range sensor circuit m

114900 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:POSITION/LIMIT SENSOR/SWITCH

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

103300 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

100000 POWER TRAIN

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Service Information bulletin provides information on how to update the Apple Carplay software from Hyundaia??s Navigation Updates page. The current version of Google Maps has 10 times the data transmission compared to the previous vers

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the GDI injector(s) in certain 21-23MY Sonata, 21-22MY Santa Fe, certain 22MY Santa Cruz, and certain 21-23MY Tucson equipped with 2.5L GDI engines with one or more misfire DTC(s) due to i

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides service procedures to prevent possible moisture intrusion of the HP EOP (High Flow Electric Oil Pump) connector when servicing the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). If moisture enters the HF EOP connector,

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can becom

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the procedure to repair poor pin tension at joint connector JE102 in certain Sonata (1.6 T-GDI engine) with one or more DTC.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the procedure to repair poor pin tension at joint connector JE202 in certain Sonata (2.5L GDI engine) with one or more DTC.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

If you are servicing an 8-speed vehicle with a a??Check Enginea?? light on and one or more of the DTC listed, follow the service procedure and replace the related solenoid and harness.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the GDI injector(s) in certain 21-23MY Sonata, 21-22MY Santa Fe, certain 22MY Santa Cruz, and certain MY21-23 Tucson equipped with 2.5L GDI engines with one or more misfire DTC(s) due to i

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software update for Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles to revise the logic for the following DTC : a?? DTC P00B7 a?? Engine Coolant Flow Low/Performance

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

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

22,246 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

1,204 Reported Crashes

689 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	72	View
2023 (current)	2	140
2022	3	142	View
2021	4	179	View
2020	4	262	View
2019	0	209	View
2018	1	546	View
2017	3	1,002	View
2016	6	996	View
2015	9	1,658	View
2014	7	1,079	View
2013	9	2,650	View
2012	8	2,280	View
2011	14	4,618	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	1	37	View
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

2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 HYUNDAI SONATA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, HYUNDAI SONATA

HYUNDAI SONATA - All Years Overview

HYUNDAI SONATA - Year by Year

Other HYUNDAI Models