Problems · NHTSA complaints

2004 Hyundai Sonata problems

Owners filed 202 complaints about the 2004 Hyundai Sonata with NHTSA between Sep 2004 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is suspension (56).

Complaints
202
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
22
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
32
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Service brakes7
  11. Engine5
  12. Exterior lighting5
  13. Vehicle speed control5
  14. Engine and engine cooling5

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20045
20058
200611
20074
200810
200921
201012
201110
20126
201311
201420
201517
201615
201711
20186
201911
20203
20214
20227
20235
20241
20252
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Suspension

56 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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

Electrical system

17 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2023Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11545320

Steering

13 reports
“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 #089. Route 1 Hyundai took photos of the front sub-frame and H-frame, completed a report and submitted it to Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America responded that they are…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2023Steering, Suspension, WheelsODI 11517597

Wheels

13 reports1 crash
“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 so bad that sometimes when I'm going only 35 mph and I hit like a pothole it will severely swerve and I will lose control of my car or if I turn my car I turn my car my steering…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 17, 2025Suspension, Wheels, Unknown or otherODI 11681163
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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