2004 Hyundai Sonata problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (44) · Air Bags (32) · Structure:body (13)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Hyundai Sonata model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
154 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (54)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-10-08 · 26-EM-016H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. all internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operatio
Engine 2026-10-07 · 26-EM-015H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. all internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operatio
Air Bags 2026-04-10 · DTN DL · Other
the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by jilin province detiannuo automobile safety system co., ltd. (dtn). these inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehi
Air Bags 2026-04-10 · DTN DCS · Other
the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by jilin province detiannuo automobile safety system co., ltd. (dtn), that have been identified in u.s. vehicles following prior
Exterior Lighting 2025-11-06 · 25-BD-012H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 the lamp assembly. lamp assembly replacement is not necessary
Visibility/Wiper 2024-02-14 · 24-BD-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, w
Showing the 6 most recent of 54 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-04-29 · Unknown Or Other“2004 hyundai sonata gls front sub frame (k frame) has rusted out but i guess for certain vin numbers there was a recall. mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in michigan.…”
2026-02-17 · Suspension“on february, 16th 2026, i took my vehicle into the automotive shop for an oil change. they inspected the car as well and they found that the front passenger side of the vehicle subframe has a substantial amount of the metal rusted through. the file attached was a photo of the repair invoice from luke’s auto in upper arlington, oh. i see that there…”
2025-08-17 · Wheels“i got this car a hyundai sonata 2004 about 2 to 3 years ago. at first i didn't notice the problem until a couple months into me having the car i was on the freeway and it suddenly felt like i was out of control of my car and the back end was like swerving like i was pulling a trailer. and ever since then it's gotten worse now my front right tire go…”
2025-03-26 · Unknown Or Other“my 2004 sonata which was manufactured 05/07/04. has front frame corrosion exactly like the 089 safety recall that hyundia issued already for 1998-2003. my car was manufactured a few months later and they are denying the repair because it doesn’t fall in their production dates.…”
2024-06-05 · Suspension“i currently own a 2004 hyundai sonata with a severe sub-fame deterioration, unfortunately it does not fall under the so called salt belt states, that being said i don't know how kansas does not fit that especially north east kansas. wondering if there's some way that they could reconsider on this matter and maybe get some help. i know the cars almo…”
2023-11-30 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 185,000 mi · 💥 crash“the contact owns a 2004 hyundai sonata. the contact stated her fiance was driving 20-25 mph on a steep hill with her in the front passenger's side seat. the contact stated that her fiance depressed the brake pedal to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, but the brake pedal went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond. the con…”
2023-09-19 · Power Train“unknown, i recently purchased it from a dealership in lemon grove cailfornia. ever since i bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. it is a 2.7l motor dohc and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. it has cause motor oil into my engine block and has coughed my heater core. als…”
2023-04-20 · Suspension · 147,000 mi“the contact owns a 2004 hyundai sonata. the contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. the contact stated she heard abnormal creaking and cracking sounds. the contact stated no warning light was illuminated. the contact stated that the failure had become more frequent.…”
2023-04-18 · Wheels“nhtsa campaign 09v124000 (hyundai recall #089) - excessive corrosion, thinning of the metal and perforation of the front sub-frame steel, due to road salt, resulting in separation of the forward mounting of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. the recall was issued in 2009 for 1999-2004 hyundai sonatas. the present owner purchase…”
2022-11-17 · Suspension“the shocks and suspension in my car are almost nonexistent causing multiple almost car accidents…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.