Sign inCreate free garage
Research · Midsize Cars

2004 Hyundai SonataRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 202 owner complaints for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Most complaints involve suspension (56) and structure (47). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
20–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2009
Owner complaints
202
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension

Free remedy

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, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.

SuspensionReported Apr 16, 2009NHTSA 09V124000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

202 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2004 – Apr 2026
  1. Suspension56
  2. Structure47
  3. Air bags46
  4. Electrical system17
  5. Steering13
  6. Wheels13
  7. Latches/locks/linkages12
  8. Power train10
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sonata model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199624
199752
199850
1999170
2000278
2001219
2002326
2003199
2004202
2005165
20061,047
2007696
2008425
2009460
2010345
20113,380
20121,559
20131,917
2014751
20151,156
2016728
2017769
2018375
2019162
2020183
2021135
202296
202388
202448
202517
20263
Crashes reported
22
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
32
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

56 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11734599

Structure

47 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2022Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11482239

Air bags

46 reports15 crashes1 fire
“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 assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 30, 2023Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11557773
All 2004 Sonata problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.7L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonata
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$2,700386
Sonata
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192822$2,850404
Sonata
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172520$3,100444
Sonata
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182520$3,100444
  • Sonata
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 28 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Sonata
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1161
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2004 Sonata questions

How many recalls does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2004 Hyundai Sonata problems?

Owners filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (56), structure (47), air bags (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Hyundai Sonata at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026