HYUNDAI SONATA · model year

2004 HYUNDAI SONATA

285 NHTSA complaints, 36 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004HYUNDAISONATA carries 285 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 36 crashes, 2 fires, 44 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 SONATA is suspension with 52 filings, followed by air bags (43) and structure:body (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2004 SONATA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

285
Complaints
36
Crashes
2
Fires
44
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

285 filings

Crashes Reported

36 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION52
AIR BAGS43
STRUCTURE:BODY22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
STRUCTURE13
STEERING12
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
WHEELS10
SERVICE BRAKES7
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5

Recalls (1)

09V12400016/04/2009

SUSPENSION

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, O

Recent Complaints

20260217SUSPENSION

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 is an open safety recall for this exact issue on the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Although this recall was sent out in 2009, am I able to take this to a local Hyundai dealership to have this fixed?

20250817SUSPENSION

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 goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and there is a recall in it seems like almost every other state but Utah. For the exact issue that I'm having and I don't think that's right. I've had issues with this car ever since I got it. If you guys could look into this that would be great Also this form asks the approximate date that something happened it happens all of the time. To the point where I'm afraid to drive it at all. I also it's gotten

20250817WHEELS

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 goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and there is a recall in it seems like almost every other state but Utah. For the exact issue that I'm having and I don't think that's right. I've had issues with this car ever since I got it. If you guys could look into this that would be great Also this form asks the approximate date that something happened it happens all of the time. To the point where I'm afraid to drive it at all. I also it's gotten

20250817UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and there is a recall in it seems like almost every other state but Utah. For the exact issue that I'm having and I don't think that's right. I've had issues with this car ever since I got it. If you guys could look into this that would be great Also this form asks the approximate date that something happened it happens all of the time. To the point where I'm afraid to drive it at all. I also it's gotten

20250326UNKNOWN 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.

20240605SUSPENSION

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 almost 20 yrs but it's in good shape with only 108000 miles on it. Thanks for any help with this matter. I was just informed by Hyundai that they would not do anything with it so I guess my only option is to drive it at my own risk and hope for the best. Regardless I'm very upset with there decision and that there okay with a persons life knowing this was a issues with many sonatas that probably didn't make the recall list.

20231130CrashAIR BAGS

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 contact's fiance veered to the left and intentionally hit a telephone pole to avoid crashing into a parked vehicle, and to prevent a more severe accident from occurring as the road was significantly steep. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a seatbelt mark. The contact's fiance was not wearing a seatbelt and hit his head against the windshield. The contact's fiance sustained a concussion, a laceration on the chin, a chipped front left upper tooth and bruises on the bottom teeth. The ambulance transported both the contact and her fiance to the hospital, where they received medical assista

Mileage: 185,000

20231130CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 contact's fiance veered to the left and intentionally hit a telephone pole to avoid crashing into a parked vehicle, and to prevent a more severe accident from occurring as the road was significantly steep. The brake warning light was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a seatbelt mark. The contact's fiance was not wearing a seatbelt and hit his head against the windshield. The contact's fiance sustained a concussion, a laceration on the chin, a chipped front left upper tooth and bruises on the bottom teeth. The ambulance transported both the contact and her fiance to the hospital, where they received medical assista

Mileage: 185,000

20230919ENGINE

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. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.

20230919ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.

20230919POWER 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. Also blown head gasket. I have hired certified ASE mechanics to replace parts and then I run into another problem.

20230420SUSPENSION

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. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent where it was diagnosed and determined that the front subframe, lower panels, and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Mileage: 147,000

20230418SUSPENSION

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 purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previous recall. The excessive corrosion and perforation of the sub-frame was brought to the owner's attention in December 2022 during a routine oil change by a Meineke shop and reported as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to Route 1 Hyundai in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for inspection and repair estimate on December 30, 2022 and an online complaint filed with Hyundai Motor America for the recall (Case #[XXX]). Following numerous email communications to Hyundai Consumer Affairs, it was confirmed by a National Consumer Affairs representative that the vehicle was covered in Hyundai Recall

20230418WHEELS

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 purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previous recall. The excessive corrosion and perforation of the sub-frame was brought to the owner's attention in December 2022 during a routine oil change by a Meineke shop and reported as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to Route 1 Hyundai in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for inspection and repair estimate on December 30, 2022 and an online complaint filed with Hyundai Motor America for the recall (Case #[XXX]). Following numerous email communications to Hyundai Consumer Affairs, it was confirmed by a National Consumer Affairs representative that the vehicle was covered in Hyundai Recall

20230418STEERING

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 purchased the vehicle in 2014 with no knowledge of previous recall. The excessive corrosion and perforation of the sub-frame was brought to the owner's attention in December 2022 during a routine oil change by a Meineke shop and reported as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to Route 1 Hyundai in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for inspection and repair estimate on December 30, 2022 and an online complaint filed with Hyundai Motor America for the recall (Case #[XXX]). Following numerous email communications to Hyundai Consumer Affairs, it was confirmed by a National Consumer Affairs representative that the vehicle was covered in Hyundai Recall

20230203AIR BAGS

Air Bag autolight is on.

20221117SUSPENSION

The shocks and suspension in my car are almost nonexistent causing multiple almost car accidents

20221028SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while performing a 4-wheel alignment, the independent mechanic informed her that he was unable to complete the alignment successfully because the sub frame was severely corroded. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she heard and abnormal sound coming from the sub frame and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated that she almost lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer who informed the contact that she needed to pay for the repair because the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) or TSB Number: 12-01-029. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 310,000.

Mileage: 310,000

20220909SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Mileage: 148,000

20220831STRUCTURE:BODY

The front subframe has a hole in it it rusted for some reason and upon research there was a recall on this particular issue but now there isn’t one. I went to two dealerships and they informed me that Hyundai had recalls on this issue that’s why I’m confused on why when I search by my VIN there isn’t any open recalls. Just because they isn’t any open recalls on this doesn’t mean that people aren’t still experiencing this issue.

Compare 2004HYUNDAISONATA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA have?
The 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA has 285 NHTSA complaints, 36 crashes, 2 fires, 44 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Yes, the 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA?
The most-complained component for the 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA is SUSPENSION with 52 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.