2009 Hyundai Sonata Complaint Log

2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATES WIRING HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE *TGW

I STARTED MY CAR AND AS I STARTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SO I COULD PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE SMOKE SPEWED FROM MY DASHBOARD. I LOOKED UP UNDER THE DASH AND NOTICED THE WIRING HARNESS IN FLAMES. I EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A HYUNDAI DEALER. THEY EXAMINED THE DAMAGE AND SAID TAT IT WOULD COST ME $4000 TO REPAIR IT AS I NEEDED A NEW WIRING HARNESS. HYUNDAI CLAIMS IT WASN'T A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND THEREHAS BEEN NO ALTERATIONS OR MODIFICATIONS, THE SAME WIRING HARNESS IS USED IN KIA WHICH HAS A RECALL ON A WIRING HARNESS. I AM IN POSSESSION OF THE BURNT HARNESS AND IT CLEARLY HAS KIA WRITTEN ON IT

WHILE SLOWING AT AROUND 25-30 MPH THE CAR WOULD "JERK" FORCEFULLY LIKE A SUDDEN STOP. THIS HAPPENED EVERY DAY. IT WOULD IMPROVE AS IT WARMED UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN EXCUSES (THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED FLUSHED-AT MY EXPENSE, MY DRIVING HABITS, ETC). FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY ADMITTED THE ISSUE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED AFTER THEY "RESET" AND FLUSHED THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMED TO GET BETTER. I STILL FEEL THE "JERK" IN THE DOWNSHIFT, BUT IT IS NOT AS BAD AS IT WAS. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST $100.00 JUST FOR THEM TO "LOOK AT IT" EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGERS SIDE AIR BAG WAS DISABLED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000. UPDATED 04/07/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND WHEN THE AIR BAG WAS IN THE DISABLED MODE, HE FOUND TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTART IT. UPDATED 04/08/11

HYUNDAI SONATA 2009 LIMITED FRONT LOUD THUD NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS AND WHEN TURNING RIGHT. THE THUD NOISE IS ONLY FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT STRUT. THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE. IS A PRETTY OBVIOUS NOISE. DEALER REPLACED RIGHT STRUT AND INSULATOR AND THE NOISE CONTINUES. DEALER SAY THEY CANNOT JUST CHANGE OUT PARTS UNLESS THEY FIND A PROBLEM. CAR ACTS LIKE THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS COMING APART WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT AND GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS. PROBLEMS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SOMETHING SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART ON THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING AND WHILE GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS. *TR

AFTER HAVING BRAKE PADS CHANGED. SMELLED BURNING SMELL WITH IN A MONTH AND BRAKE PADS WERE WORN DOWN. HAD PADS CHANGED AGAIN. NOW, MONTH LATER, SMELLED BURNING SMELL AGAIN LIKE THE PADS ARE STICKING. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE BRAKES THAT THEY ARE STICKING LIKE THIS UNDER 50,000 MILES. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE IGNITION THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE DURING THE THIRD DIAGNOSTIC TEST; HOWEVER, THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS A SQUEAKING AND GRINDING NOISE IN THE BRAKES. THE PIN THAT CONTROLS THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS BECAME WORN. THE PIN ALSO CONTROLLED THE MOVEMENT IN THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND WHEN IT DOES NOT MOVE IT DETERIORATES THE CALIPERS AND ROTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AT HER EXPENSE SINCE THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 28,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ENTERING ONTO A HIGHWAY INTO THE LEFT LANE, UNEXPECTEDLY THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION WHEN ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY, FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. AFTER PLACING THE GEAR SELECTOR INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REDUCE SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,300.

I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH A 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2010, I WAS TRAVELING ON ROUTE295 SOUTH IN RI WHEN I TRIED TO SHIFT FROM 4TH GEAR TO 5TH GEAR. I PRESSED MY CLUTCH IN AND TRIED TO SHIFT, THE CLUTCH NEVER CAME BACK UP AND MY CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. I COULDN'T GET THE CLUTCH TO COME BACK AND THE CAR LOST ITS SPEED DOWN TO ABOUT 5-10 MILES PER HOUR, IF THAT. THE PERSON BEHIND ME WENT AROUND ME BUT THE WOMAN BEHIND HIM SMASHED INTO ME DOING AROUND 70MPH. HER CAR PUSHED MINE FORWARD AND INTO THE NEXT LANE. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. LUCKILY, I WALKED AWAY WITH A BRUISED LEFT ARM AND THAT WAS ALL. MY HUSBAND HAD CALLED OUR DEALERSHIP A FEW TIMES REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT BECAUSE IT DIDN'T STICK ALL THE TIME, THEY COULDN'T TELL US WHAT WAS WRONG. MY CAR IS AN ABSOLUTE MESS RIGHT NOW AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED. *TR

THE CLUTCH ON MY 5 SPEED 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA IS SPORADICALLY DROPPING TO THE FLOOR AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO CHANGE GEARS. I WAS NEARLY HIT FROM BEHIND, AS THE CAR BEHIND ME ASSUMED I'D BE ACCELERATING, BUT WHEN THE CLUTCH DROPS (WITHOUT MUCH RESISTANCE) THE LINKAGE LOCKS AND I CAN'T CHANGE GEARS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY, AND HE SAID THEY HAD NO PROBLEM WITH IT, BUT THE AFTER-MARKET FLOOR MAT WAS CAUSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO GET CAUGHT. I REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT WHEN I WENT TO PICK-UP MY CAR (SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED FOR THE DAY), AND, IN THEIR PARKING LOT, GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE CLUTCH PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AND I COULD NOT CHANGE GEARS, UNTIL I HIT THE CLUTCH A FEW MORE TIMES! I WENT INSIDE TO COMPLAIN TO THE SALES STAFF. THEY SAID I HAD TO BRING IT IN TOMORROW. APPARENTLY, HYUNDAI IS HAVING LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THEIR CLUTCHES, BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT, BECAUSE IT IS COSTLY TO TAKE APART THE TRANSMISSION TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG. WE BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE 10-YEAR POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY! THIS IS DANGEROUS AND IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! *TR

CLUTCH PEDAL STICKS TO FLOOR. VERY SCARY. IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES. AND HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER. THEY SAY ALL IS FINE. I COULD NOT STOP MY CAR. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NOT ANYONE IN FRONT OF ME WHEN IT HAPPENED. MY CAR IS A 5 SPEED MAL. I SEE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

I WAS HEADING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY CAR WAS HIT ON LEFT FRONT SIDE BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. THAT ALSO TRIGGERED ANOTHER COLLISION IN WHICH MY CAR HIT ANOTHER CAR PARKED ON THE STREET. THE HOOD WAS GRAVELY DAMAGED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CRITICAL ISSUE WAS THAT NO AIRBAG, WHATSOEVER, WAS INFLATED TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR. *TR

I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT STARTED MAKING NOISES WHEN BRAKING AT ABOUT 18000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ROTORS AND I PAID TO HAVE THOSE TURNED(?). THE NOISE WENT AWAY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE NEXT TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS DEBRIS ON THE BRAKE PADS.(REALLY?) THE NOISE AGAIN WENT AWAY FOR A WEEK OR TWO. NEXT I WAS TOLD THE CALIPERS NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. AGAIN, A COUPLE OF WEEKS TILL I HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN. THE NEXT REPAIR WAS NEW FRONT PADS THAT MY DEALERSHIP GOT APPROVED FROM HYUNDAI WARRANTY. AGAIN NO NOISE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. NOW, AT 36000 MILES I NEED REAR BRAKES.IN BETWEEN THE TIMES MY CAR WAS REPAIRED, I ALSO TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 6 TIMES WHEN THEY EITHER COULD NOT HEAR A NOISE OR COULD NOT FIND THE NOISE. I LIVE IN FLORIDA, NO SALT ON THE ROADS. MOST OF MY MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR NEED REAR BRAKES BEFORE 100,000 MILES, EVEN IN CONNECTICUT. I HAVE LOOKED UP HYUNDAI BRAKE PROBLEMS ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BRAKES. THIS SHOULD BE MADE A SAFETY ISSUE, NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEEDS OF 20 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE BRAKE PADS TO FRACTURE AND SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CALIPERS WERE RUBBING INTO THE ROTORS, CAUSING IT TO MAKE AN UNUSUAL GRINDING NOISE. THE FRONT BRAKES WERE NOT AFFECTED, ALLOWING THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

.ON JAN 24, 2009, I PURCHASED A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED FROM THE FAIRFAX HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP' LOCATED IN FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA. ON MAR 27, 2010, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MY 15, 000 MILE SERVICE. I INFORMED THE DEALER THAT I DID NOT LIKE THE WAY IN WHICH MY LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS WEARING, AND REQUESTED THAT THEY LOOK AT THE WHEEL AND ADVISE ME ACCORDINGLY. THE DEALER LATER ADVISED ME THAT I NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, AND FURTHER ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT DONE ON THAT VISIT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT HIS TECHNICIAN WAD ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEMS PERFORMING THE ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE LEFT FRONT CAMBER AND TOW WERE OFF. CONSEQUENTLY, HE ADVISED ME THAT THE TECHNICIAN WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE ORIGINAL LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE. BETWEEN 2010 & 2014, THE NEGATIVE WEARING OF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE CONTINUED. THIS REQUIRED ME TO ROTATE MY LEFT FRONT TIRE CONSTANTLY, AND TO CHANGE MY TIRES FREQUENTLY. ON MAR 10, 2015, MY LEFT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT COLLAPSED, AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. I WAS LATER ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC THAT FAIRFAX HYUNDAI' INSTALLED AN OFF- THE- MARKET- UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT WHEN THEY PERFORMED THE ALIGNMENT AND UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, THE MECHANIC FURTHER ADVISED ME THAT IT APPEARS THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE DEALER INSTALLED AN OFF- THE- MARKET- UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT TO CORRECT THE MANUFACTURE DEFECT. 'FAIRFAX HYUNDAI NEVER INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE INSTALLING AN OFF-THE-MARKET PART TO MY VEHICLE. I LEARNED THIS FACT FROM MY MECHANIC FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT AN OFF- THE- MARKET- UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT WAS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE., AND THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MANUFACTURE DEFECT ON MY VEHICLE. *TR

RETURNED CAR TO DEALER 16 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE DUE TO GRINDING NOISE FROM WHEELS. BRAKE CALIPERS HAD LOCKED UP, DESTROYING PADS AND SCORING THE ROTORS. BRAKES SERVICED AGAIN IN 2012 AND 2013 FOR WORN PADS AND GRINDING NOISE. BRAKES FAILED AGAIN IN JUNE 2014 REQUIRING NEW PADS AND ROTORS, FRONT AND REAR. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER DUE TO A BURNING SMELL IN DECEMBER 2014. FOUND RIGHT REAR CALIPER HAD SEIZED. REPLACED CALIPER AND PAD. AGAIN BURNING SMELL IN JANUARY 2015. DEALER FOUND LEFT REAR CALIPER HAD SEIZED. REPLACED CALIPER, PADS, AND ROTOR. CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA WHO STATES THIS IS NORMAL. ALSO STATE THAT DESIGN DEFECTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER HYUNDAI WARRANTY. *TR

2009 HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 4 CYL. WHILE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON, WHEN RESUMING SPEED AFTER SLOWING DOWN FOR TRAFFIC, CAR CONTINUED ON THRU SET RESUME SPEED (70) TO 80+. CONTROL REESTABLISHED BY SHUTTING OFF CRUISE CONTROL. THIS DID NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIMES BUT IT DID HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES, MAR. 12 - 14, 2010. IT HAD NOT OCCURRED BEFORE. WE HAVE NOT USED CRUISE CONTROL SINCE. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE. UNRESOLVED. *TR

MY 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 15000 MILES ON IT STARTED TO HAVE NOISY REAR BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THIS HAD BEEN A RENTAL VEHICLE IT MAY HAVE SAT ON A LOT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND THE "SLIDES" FROZE IN PLACE NOT ALLOWING THE BRAKES TO RELEASE RESULTING IN PREMATURE BRAKE AND ROTOR FAILURE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A LIFE/SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. I DON'T THINK A VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE TO BE DRIVEN A MINIMUM NUMBER OF MILES TO PREVENT THE BRAKES FROM FAILING IN 15000 MILES. *TR

1. DRIVING FROM HARRISBURG TO POTTSTOWN PA 2. NON-RESPONDING THROTTLE AT 60 MPH. PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER, SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE. WORKED OK FOR A FEW MILES; AGAIN, THE THROTTLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. 3. FOUND INTERNAL FAILURE WITH THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPLACED. *TR

1) WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCLINE. THERE WAS A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR. 2) THE ENGINE APPEARED TO TURN OFF, HOWEVER THE ELECTRONICS NEVER TURNED OFF. POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE ONCE THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. 3) I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR, BUT IT WOULDN'T START. YOU COULD HEAR THE ENGINE TRYING TO START. I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED IT INTO A PARKING SPACE. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER I SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM OR DETECT THAT ANYTHING HAD OCCURRED. *TR

I PURCHASED A 2009 SONATA FOR MY WIFE'S SAFETY, DRIVING THE ROADS OF TEXAS TO AND FROM WORK. I NOTIFIED HYUNDAI ABOUT A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTROL DESIGN FLAW.. THE SONATA MANUAL IS SELF-EXPLANATORY STARTING AT PAGE 1-101 - ADDRESSING KNOWN AND FREQUENT FOGGING ALL WINDOWS ISSUES. BRIEFLY, IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE TO ASK THE DRIVER, WHILE DRIVING, TAKE ONE HAND OFF THE WHEEL, LOOK DOWN, FIND, READ AND MANUALLY RESET MULTIPLE EXACT POSITIONS IN TEMPERATURE, A/C AND FAN SPEEDS TO DEFOG ALL WINDOWS. AT 70 MILES, OR ANY MPH--THIS IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. SONATA HYUNDAI WINDOWS FOG QUICKLY, COMPLETELY AND FREQUENTLY BLINDING THE DRIVER NECESSITATING DISTRACTING CHANGES TO BE MADE TO BALANCE MULTIPLE CHANGES IN OUTSIDE TO INSIDE TEMPS ALONG ROADS. DEFOGGING IS ACHIEVED--ONLY-- WITH OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE VENTS OPEN. LIFE THREATENING MANEUVERS TO DRIVE SAFELY ARE DISTRACTIONS DESIGNED INTO THE HYUNDAI INSTRUMENT CONTROL SYSTEM. IN ALL MY YEARS I HAVE NOT FOUND SUCH AN INCOMPETENT, UNSAFE, UNREASONABLE AND LIFE THREATENING DESIGN IN ANY AUTOMOBILE, OR OVER THE ROAD RIG I OWNED. IF HYUNDA'S ANSWER IS THEY CANNOT FIX OR REPROGRAM THE SYSTEM, I AM SELLING THE CAR AS QUICKLY AS THEY SAY NO. THIS DESIGN IS A DEATH TRAP, UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND A THREAT TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT INTERMITTENTLY BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

2009 HYUNDAI SONATA-2 FRONT END COLLISIONS AIR BAGS NEVER CAME OUT FOR EITHER. FRONT END WORK DONE AFTER 1ST FRONT END COLLISION. AIR BAGS DID NOT COME OUT DURING 2ND COLISION EITHER. CONCERNED WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT COME OUT FOR EITHER ACCIDENT. *TR

WHEN FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH GAS IT ALWAYS SPILLS OUT AS IF SOMETHING IS BLOCKING THE INPUT OF GASOLINE. I WOULD CONSIDER THIS A HAZARD/SAFETY ISSUE. MANY GAS STATION ATTENDANTS HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS A PROBLEM THEY SEE WITH MOST HYUNDAI SONATAS POSSIBLY OF THE SAME YEAR? I'VE CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND THEY WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS. THEY WANT YOU TO JUMP THROUGH HOOPS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. *TR

TIRES ARE CUPPING TERRIBLY. I HAVE REPLACED SO MANY TIRES DUE TO THIS ISSUES. HAD ALIGNMENT DONE AND PROBLEM STILL EXIST.

I HAVE A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 45000 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME I REPLACED THE PADS IN THE REAR AT 10,000 MILES . I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE PADS AN ADDITIONAL 3 TIMES AND THE FRONT PADS ONLY ONCE. I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC AND AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTOR FOR OVER 45 YEARS AN NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WEAR OUT REAR BRAKES FASTER THAN THE FRONT ONES WITHOUT SOMETHING MAJOR WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM. I HAVE CHECKED THE CALIPERS AND THEY ARE NOT DRAGGING THE PADS AGAINST THE ROTORS. THE FIRST TIME I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER HE SAID THIS WAS NORMAL, I DON'T THINK SO! *TR

THERE HAS BEEN AN ODOR OF GASOLINE ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED IT IS "WORSE" WHEN I FILL THE VEHICLE WITH GAS BUT THE PROBLEM OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN THAT. I DO NOT TOP OFF THE TANK. THE PUMP SHUTS OFF WHEN FULL, AND I STOP PUMPING. THIS ODOR STARTS WHEN SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT AND STAYS IN THE CABIN UNTIL I'M MOVING AGAIN. I THOUGHT IT ONLY STARTED WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT AND SAT FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, HOWEVER WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME AT SLOW SPEEDS (15-25 MPH) CONTINUOUS, THE SMELL WAS CONSTANT. LATELY IT IS SO BAD I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW. ONE TIME, I ALMOST PULLED OVER AT THE ROADSIDE, AND WAS GOING TO GET OUT OF MY CAR TO GET FRESH AIR, BUT THERE WAS TOO MUCH TRAFFIC. THERE ARE NO FUEL LEAKS THAT I CAN FIND. NO STANDING FUEL UNDER THE CAR AFTER I PARK. IT HAS DONE THIS MOST TIMES I'VE DRIVEN THE CAR TO MORE OR LESS DEGREES, BUT NOT EVERYTIME - MOST TIMES. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DEALER YET, BUT I WILL BE TAKING IT IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED. APPARENTLY THERE ARE QUITE A FEW OTHER OWNERS OF THIS CAR WHO HAVE NOTICED THIS SAME THING BASED ON A HYUNDAI INTERNET FORUMS. BUT I DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL 2010. I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE GAS ODOR. NOT ONLY ARE PASSENGERS HAVING TO INHALE THESE FUMES, BUT I'M WONDERING IF IT COULD BE A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FIRE/EXPLOSION. I'M NOT SO SURE THESE ARE JUST VERY FEW, ISOLATED INCIDENTS. I SEE A PROBLEM STARTING TO EMERGE. CERTAINLY, I WILL NOT DRIVE A CAR THAT I HAVE TO SMELL GAS FUMES NEARLY EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT, NOT EVEN TO MENTION THE PROFOUND SAFETY PROBLEM THIS MAY CAUSE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOTIFIED, AND THE REPRESENTATIVES CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE IS 90BLS AND WHEN SHE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. SOMETIMES, THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF. UPDATED 10/29/09

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE NOT ILLUMINATING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO THE TAILLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING. THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS STILL FUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALER WHERE THE JUNCTION BOX WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME AND THE JUNCTION BOX WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN ENERGY MICRO TIRES, SIZES P215-60R16-94. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES WERE CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE DOT AND VIN NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,450 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,450.

PURCHASED A 2009 SONATA IN SPETEMBER OF 2008, THE AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT DRAIN AND HAS DEVELOPED A MOLD SMELL WHEN AIR IS ON. RETURNED TO DEALER, THEY WANT TO "CLEAN" EVAPORATOR WITH A FOAM CLEANER AT A COST OF OVER $100.00. THE TECH SAID TO DRIVE CAR IN THE OUTSIDE AIR CIRCULATOR AND NOT THE RECYCLE AIR ENGAGED, SINCE I REFUSED THE "CLEANSING". THIS MAKING ME SICK, FRIEND HAS A 2009 SANTA FE WITH SAME ISSUE. *TR

IN-DASH OE CD CHANGER MADE CRACKING SOUND WHEN FIRST CD WAS INSERTED AND DISPLAYED MECH ERROR MESSAGE ON DISPLAY. NEVER USED BEFORE. HAD IPOD CONNECTION SO NEVER USED THE INFINITY DISC CHANGER TILL MANY MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH SHE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT BELT ALSO DID NOT TIGHTEN DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE OF THE NON-DEPLOYMENT AND THE SEAT BELT. APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS LATER, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN ANOTHER CRASH IN WHICH SHE WAS REAR ENDED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AGAIN DID NOT TIGHTEN DURING THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. SHE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO BE TREATED FOR SERIOUS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. IT WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

STRUT NOISE SOUNDS LIKE WORE OUT ON NEW 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. FEAR THEY MAY BRAKE AND CAUSE ME TO HAVE A WRECK. LOUD NOISE OVER BUMPS UNDER CAR. *TR

RIGHT REAR BRAKE PADS FROZE IN THE PAD MOUNTING BRACKET AND WORE DOWN PREMATURELY CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE PAD BACKING PLATE AND THE BRAKE ROTOR. BOTH MY LOCAL DEALER (SURESKY HYUNDAI OF GOSHEN NY) AND HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY REFUSED TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. THEY ASSERTED THAT "NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS", SUCH AS BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, WERE ONLY COVERED FOR 12 MONTHS/12,000 MILES. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, BRAKE PADS SEIZING ON ONE WHEEL WHILE THE OTHER 3 WHEELS ARE FINE IS NOT A NORMAL MAINTENANCE EVENT! *TR

THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN WHEN PASSING A SHORT LINE OF CARS, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE SPEEDS OF OVER 80 MPH BEFORE THE IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF AND TURNED BACK ON RESULTING IN NORMALITY. *TR

ERRATIC SHIFTING. SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD INTO A HIGHER GEAR WHEN COMING TO A STOP, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO HIT CAR AHEAD OF ME. ALSO FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED CAUSING RUMBLE. I AM AN EXCEPTIONALLY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER, MILDLY ACCELERATES AND BRAKES GRADUALLY WELL AHEAD OF STOPPING. I HAD THE COMPUTER UPGRADE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING CAR AT SURESKY IN GOSHEN, NY. THIS FAILED TO CORRECT PROBLEM AND I DON'T HAVE THE TIME NOR WANT TO CONTINUALLY SPEND MY SATURDAYS SITTING FOR HOURS IN THE SERVICE AREA WAITING ROOM. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND IT SEEMS THAT HYUNDAI CHOOSES NOT TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS MY THIRD AND WILL BE THE LAST HYUNDAI PURCHASE. *TR

THE LIGHT EMITTED BY THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS IS SO FOCUSED AS TO CREATE A TUNNEL EFFECT. THIS NON-DIFFUSED LIGHT DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ANY ILLUMINATION OTHER THAN STRAIGHT AHEAD AND NO HIGHER THAN THE LEVEL OF THE HEADLAMP. IN CONDITIONS OF TOTAL DARKNESS, IT IS AS IF YOUR ARE WEARING A LONG BRIMMED CAP WITH BLINDERS. AS YOU DRIVE UP OR DOWN A HILL, THE LIGHT SHINES "INTO" THE RISE OR DIP IN THE ROAD. WHEN GOING AROUND A CORNER, THE LIGHT DOES NOT "LEAD" THE VEHICLE AROUND THE BEND, IT "LAGS" BEHIND CREATING A DARK ZONE AS THE CAR GOES AROUND THE BEND. WHEN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE SWITCHED ON, THE TUNNEL EFFECT DISAPPEARS. HYUNDAI HAS SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE LAMPS OR WITH THEIR DESIGN. THEY CONTEND THAT IT IS A DESIGN FEATURE OF THE PARTICULAR LAMPS AND THAT THEY ARE EFFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE DARK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH DOWNHILL WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 80 MPH. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND THEY ALSO COULD NOT ASSIST. HE BELIEVES THAT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD BE A SAFETY RISK DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HE ALSO BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS WELL AS A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OTHER CONSUMERS THAT WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 10/06/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/08/09.

SEVERAL INSTANCES OF CLUTCH DROPPING TO FLOOR (USUALLY IN HIGH SPEED URBAN TRAFFIC) MAKING SHIFTING IMPOSSIBLE, AND LEADING TO PULLING ON TO SHOULDER AND ROLLING UNTIL ENGINE KILLS AT LOW SPEED. HAVE REPORTED TO HYUNDAI, AND TAKEN TO DEALER...THEY SAY WITHOUT DUPLICATING THE PROBLEM, THEY CAN'T FIX. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED ABOUT A HALF DOZEN TIMES BETWEEN 10,000 AND 44,000 MILES. IT IS DANGEROUS.. I AM TRYING TO DOCUMENT WITH HYUNDAI AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AS THEY APPARENTLY ARE NOT INTERESTED UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE.. *TR

2008 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH UNDER 25,000 MILES ON IT ALREADY NEEDS A REAR BRAKE JOB. WAS TOLD BY OUR DEALER THAT IT IS NORMAL BECAUSE IT IS A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. WAS TOLD HYUNDAI WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT, HOWEVER, SOME DEALERS WILL FIX IT FOR NO CHARGE BECAUSE IT IS SO RIDICULOUS. THE DEALER WE BOUGHT THE CARS FROM WILL NOT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, HE SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND BEGAN APPROACHING A CURB WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. THE DRIVER TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKES THEN HE ENGAGED THE BRAKES AGAIN IN ORDER TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED EXTREME DIFFICULTY WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 765 MILES.

JUNE 3, 2009 CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN UP TO APPROX 65 MPH WHEN DRIVER WAS PRESSING ACCELERATOR AT 30 MPH, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP - DRIVER STOOD ON BRAKES, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, PULLED UP PARKING BRAKE, GOT OFF ROAD AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. DEALER MADE NO REPAIR-SAID THEIR COMPUTER SHOWED NOTHING WRONG. AUGUST 12, 2009 CAR LOST ALL POWER AND ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON - STEERED CAR OFF ROAD. NO REPAIR MADE - DEALER TIGHTENED GAS CAP- SAID COMPUTER SHOWED NOTHING ELSE WRONG. AUGUST 17, 2009 CAR LOST POWER AGAIN - STEERED OFF ROAD. DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY. JUNE 24, 2010 CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN UP TO 65 MPH WHEN DRIVER PRESSED ACCELERATOR WHILE GOING 40 MPH, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP - DRIVER STOOD ON BRAKES, SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, PULLED UP PARKING BRAKE, GOT OFF ROAD AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. DRIVER CALLED 911 AND SPOKE TO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER - NO REPAIR MADE, THEIR COMPUTER SHOWED NOTHING WRONG. DEALER DELIVERED CAR TO MY HOUSE, I HAVE KEPT IT OFF THE ROAD. CAN'T DRIVE IT, TRADE IT, OR SELL IT BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR

PURCHASED CAR BRAND NEW FIRST MONTH I HAD IT KEPT BUCKING WHILE DRIVING, MAINLY FIRST THING IN MORNING, WHILE DRIVING FELT LIKE BRAKES ARE ON FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HOLDING BACK CAR FROM GOING, WON'T PASS OTHER CARS PROPERLY NO POWER I COMPLAINED THROUGHOUT PAST YEARS AND NEVER SHOWED ANY PROBLEMS AT HYUNDAI'S SERVICE CENTER EXCEPT LAST TIME WENT THERE WITH HUSBAND WHO DEMANDED THEY FIX TRANSMISSION ISSUES AS WE WERE NOT PICKING UP CAR UNTIL FIXED. RECEIVED A CALL TRANSMISSION CENSOR WAS BAD AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM INSTALLED A NEW ONE AND RAN FINE NO PROBLEMS BUT IT STARTED UP AGAIN BUCKING, NO POWER, BRAKES FEEL LIKE ON. *TR

2009 HYUNDAI SONATA SOUNDS LIKE IT NEEDS NEW SHOCKS/STRUTS RIGHT OFF THE CAR LOT NOTICED AS SOON AS WE DROVE IT HOME FROM SIGNING THE PAPERS - LESS THAN 20 MILES ON IT TECH SAID MANY HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME THING BUT NO FIX HE TOLD ME TO COMPLAIN TO HYUNDAI CALLED AND THEY SAID SORRY THAT'S THE WAY THEY ARE THAT ITS OPERATING AS DESIGNED - JUST RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 2002 SONATA - SUSPENSION IS FAULTY MUST BE REPLACED SAFETY HAZARD - WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE I BOUGHT THE 2009. REGRET PURCHASE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE GEARS BY ENGAGING THE CLUTCH BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES LATER WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE GEARS AND THE CLUTCH BECAME STUCK IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION. HE HAD TO MANUALLY RELEASE THE CLUTCH BY USING HIS FOOT TO RELEASE THE CLUTCH TO CONTINUE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,500.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH HE HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN ON GOING SINCE 2009. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON FOR THE FIRST TIME EACH DAY AND THEN BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TINT BLOCKED 15% OF THE UPPER HALF OF THE WINDOW. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE TINT WOULD OBSTRUCT 50% OF THE CONTACTS VIEW OF THE ROAD. HIS VIEW WAS EXTREMELY OPAQUE DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS ON PASSING VEHICLES. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE WITH HIS FACE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO THE WINDSHIELD IN ORDER TO SEE. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

BAD PULL TO THE LEFT REPLCE FRONT STRUT,SPRING NOISES WHILE DRIVEING,TIRES FEATHERING,NO STABILITY WHILE DRIVING,ANY KIND OF BUMPS YOU ARE ALL OVER THE ROAD,SHIMMY IN STEERING WHEEL,WITH TWO PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT THE CAR LIFTS UP IN FRONT AND STABILITY WHILE DRIVING IS EVEN WORSE.THIS HAS BEEN OCCURING SINCE IT WAS NEW,EASY TO LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE,REPLACED RF STRUT,BALANCED TIRES ,NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE ALIGNMENT RACK,DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES ALL TIRES FEATHERING BUT SAY THEY CANT FIX IT