VehicleVerdict

2004 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Hyundai Sonata sits mid-pack among Sonata years: 288 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 206, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 44 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (56), body & structure (48), and airbags (46), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

288

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

36

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

44

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sonata years?

Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted4,608 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 18 complaints1990: 25 complaints1991: 41 complaints1992: 43 complaints1993: 46 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 93 complaints1996: 37 complaints1997: 74 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 187 complaints2000: 378 complaints2001: 293 complaints2002: 407 complaints2003: 249 complaints2004: 288 complaints2005: 217 complaints2006: 1,422 complaints2007: 906 complaints2008: 554 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 415 complaints2011: 4,608 complaints2012: 2,272 complaints2013: 2,635 complaints2014: 1,077 complaints2015: 1,636 complaints2016: 991 complaints2017: 991 complaints2018: 540 complaints2019: 205 complaints2020: 254 complaints2021: 169 complaints2022: 138 complaints2023: 136 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Sonata NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension5619%
Body & Structure4817%
Airbags4616%
Electrical System176%
Tires & Wheels176%
Brakes166%
Latches & Locks135%
Steering135%
Other135%
Engine103%
Transmission103%
Fuel System83%
Speed Control52%
Lighting52%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Seat Belts41%
Seats21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V124000SuspensionApril 16, 2009 · 188,282 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING ON CLEAR PAVED STREET @ APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN LOUD CRACKLING NOISE OF FRONT RIGHT FELL TO PAVEMENT. NO LOSS OF CONTROL, MERELY STEERED VEHICLE OFF MAIN LANE OF STREET. NO STRUCTURE OR OBJECT FOUND ON PAVED STREET FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 YDS TO FINAL POINT OF EXITING OFF OF STREET. WITNESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 13, 2012 · crash

“DRIVING ON CLEAR PAVED STREET @ APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN LOUD CRACKLING NOISE OF FRONT RIGHT FELL TO PAVEMENT. NO LOSS OF CONTROL, MERELY STEERED VEHICLE OFF MAIN LANE OF STREET. NO STRUCTURE OR OBJECT FOUND ON PAVED STREET FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 YDS TO FINAL POINT OF EXITING OFF OF STREET. WITNESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 13, 2012 · crash

“CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BECAME UNATTACHED IN THE COLLISION.*AK THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL BY CAR. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 20, 2004 · crash

“DROVE CAR 3 MILES FROM POINT A TO POINT B. IT WAS PARKED AT POINT B FOR APPROX 45 MINUTES. THEN DRIVEN 300FT TO POINT C. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I SMELLED SOMETHING UNUSUAL BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS THE AUTO SHOP NEXT DOOR. WHEN I WENT INTO THE STORE, AN EMPLOYEE LOOKED THROUGH THE GLASS WINDOW AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 27, 2007 · fire

“DRIVING ON CLEAR PAVED STREET @ APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN LOUD CRACKLING NOISE OF FRONT RIGHT FELL TO PAVEMENT. NO LOSS OF CONTROL, MERELY STEERED VEHICLE OFF MAIN LANE OF STREET. NO STRUCTURE OR OBJECT FOUND ON PAVED STREET FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 YDS TO FINAL POINT OF EXITING OFF OF STREET. WITNESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 13, 2012 · crash

2004 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2004 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sonata: 288 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2004 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (56 complaints), body & structure (48 complaints), airbags (46 complaints).

Does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Hyundai Sonata under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.