2005 Hyundai Sonata
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Sonata › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Hyundai Sonata. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Hyundai Sonata. Newest first.
Hyundai IS recalling 3,011 model year 2005-2007 elantra, tucson, sonata, azera and accent vehicles. a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal IS depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal IS released. a defective stop lamp switch may also affect the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Any of these malfunctions could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. the recall began on september 2, 2009. owners may contact hyundai of puerto rico customer service at 1-787-999-4310.
Owner complaints
165 complaints26 involved a crash2 involved a fire27 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Air Bag light stays on and cannot pass stare inspection without repair. NHSTA site has 54 reports of this issue and dealer cannot figure out how to repair. What can be done?
- Engine · Suspension
My car's engine cradle, cross member or subframe is rusted out and the OEM replacement for my VIN number won't fit it correctly I'm getting really upset because this could be dangerous for me and my two young kids. I've already paid the mechanic $600 for the replacement part when it really only…
My car's engine cradle, cross member or subframe is rusted out and the OEM replacement for my VIN number won't fit it correctly I'm getting really upset because this could be dangerous for me and my two young kids. I've already paid the mechanic $600 for the replacement part when it really only costs $450 at the most and the two he has ordered before have both been either too big and it says that it is the correct replacement part. What is going on?!!! If something isn't fixed soon and something happens to me or my kids there is going to be a lawsuit.
- Structure › Body
I took my car to the mechanic for a “once over” before driving from New Jersey to North Carolina. This car has only 41,000 original miles on it as we bought it new in 2005. Upon inspection, the mechanic came back with certain repairs that are needed due to age; but he was extremely concerned about…
I took my car to the mechanic for a “once over” before driving from New Jersey to North Carolina. This car has only 41,000 original miles on it as we bought it new in 2005. Upon inspection, the mechanic came back with certain repairs that are needed due to age; but he was extremely concerned about a severe safety issue that the subframe had rotted out and needed to be replaced. This is a known corrosion issue with other years of manufacture for this model. There was a class action suit for this specific issue for 1999 to 2004 Sonatas. The subframe threatens to collapse from rust at any time and is an extreme hazard to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. There was absolutely no warning of this issue prior to this inspection, making it even more dangerous as it affects many drivers who are unaware of the issue.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Severely rusted out and corroded front subframe, only noticed it on accident very recently, and my car is the last year of a generation that was recalled for this very issue within the Salt Belt- I live right at the bottom outskirts of the Salt Belt in NKY, and my car is the only year not recalled…
Severely rusted out and corroded front subframe, only noticed it on accident very recently, and my car is the last year of a generation that was recalled for this very issue within the Salt Belt- I live right at the bottom outskirts of the Salt Belt in NKY, and my car is the only year not recalled for subframe corrosion. It's bad and I'm freaked out and can't afford it unless I figure out how to do it myself without prematurely dying due to a dropped engine or something similar (premature because if I don't get it fixed soon I reckon that fate isn't too far off)
- Unknown or other
Clunking sound when turning corners, took to mechanic, sub frame rotted through. Unsafe to drive.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle rode over a pothole which caused a fracture in the subframe. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and was informed that the failure was caused by…
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle rode over a pothole which caused a fracture in the subframe. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and was informed that the failure was caused by severe salt corrosion. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. Consumer stated part# FC112 is used for 2003, 2004 AND 2005. 2003 AND 2004 of the same make and model are already recalled for the same issue with the subframe having rust due to excessive salt exposure, but SOMEHOW the 2005 which is EXACTLY the same part and problem has not been recalled.
- Suspension
My mechanic just took a picture of the subframe of the car which is almost completely rusted through. He said that this is extremely dangerous and that if it was to break while driving the car, I would loose control. I have seen numerous complaints about this on the 2005 Hyundai Sonata on the internet which makes me think this is a common issue.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Upon inspecting the undercarriage of my vehicle found the right side of Front Subframe Cradle Suspension rotted almost completely through. When researching for issues pertaining to this model found a TSA was issued , after a lawsuit in California, for the years prior and after my vehicle. The…
Upon inspecting the undercarriage of my vehicle found the right side of Front Subframe Cradle Suspension rotted almost completely through. When researching for issues pertaining to this model found a TSA was issued , after a lawsuit in California, for the years prior and after my vehicle. The damage is concurrent with the TSA bulletin but excluded. How does a manufacturer whom obviously is aware of an ongoing issue allow so many people, families and children, drive and risk their lives on our public roadways. Is their a subclass recall that will aid those like myself take corrective action.
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while having a state inspection performed, the inspector informed the contact that the sub-frame was completely rusted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the…
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while having a state inspection performed, the inspector informed the contact that the sub-frame was completely rusted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
- Suspension
I had taken my 2005 Hundai Sonata to my local mechanic for a tire alignment, and it is then when I was told that the front subframe was rusted from the inside. There was no indicator of this beforehand, and had it been let be, I could have lost control of the car while driving and been in an accident.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Both the rear and front subframe have holes from rust which has started to cause numerous other issues such has ball joints tie rod ends
- Air bags
The air bag light IS on and it won't go off. This IS all the time when the car IS stationary, or moving. When you turn the car on and off, it's still on.
- Suspension
2005 hyundai sonata front sub-frame failure. The sub frame has rusted through and while driving it broke. This could have caused a terrible accident. Hyundai was sued in a class action lawsuit for model years 1999-2004 in united states district court of california. My model year was not included in…
2005 hyundai sonata front sub-frame failure. The sub frame has rusted through and while driving it broke. This could have caused a terrible accident. Hyundai was sued in a class action lawsuit for model years 1999-2004 in united states district court of california. My model year was not included in this lawsuit. However, my sonata has the same issue. I have made several attempts to contact hyundai asking that they repair my vehicle. Listed below IS a partial list of my correspondence with them. 1/29/2020 called hyundai talked to danielle to file initial complaint, she instructed me to take the vehicle to my local dealer ( mike miller of peoria, il ) for and inspection. 2/3/2020 ' p.a. Denied [xx] from hyundai said they will do a one time extended warranty to fix the defect. But they did not fix the vehicle. 2/5/2020 ' request that hyundai consumer affairs call me. 2/6/2020 ' [xxx] (from the warranty team) says it will cost $2,019 to fix 2/10/2020 ' filed a complaint with the bbb 2/13/2020 ' response letter from bbb 2/25/2020 ' response to my complaint letter to hyundai motor america. Acknowledging receipt of complaint. 4/7/2020 sent a letter to vp [xxx] coo ' no response. This letter mentioned the class action lawsuit that was settled on model years 1999-2004 case #[xxx]. Filed in the state of california. 6/29/2020 received a call from [xxx] (service manager at mike miller hyundai) he threatened to have my vehicle towed as abandoned. I offered to pay 676.23 (half of the parts cost) to have them fix the vehicle. He stated he would speak with consumer affairs and get back to me. 7/6/2020 ' I called [xxx] to get an update. because of the serious nature, I would like hyundai to complete the repair at no charge. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was notified that the subframe was completely rusted. The contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 09v124000 (suspension). The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was notified that the subframe was completely rusted. The contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 09v124000 (suspension). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000. *ln*jb
- Suspension
Rust holes through engine cradle or sub frame. This car has only 39,900 miles on it and was well maintained. While getting oil changed the mechanic showed me the problem and told me to contact the hyundai dealer and tell them about it. I called and they told me there was nothing they would do, I had to pay for the repairs.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
While changing my oil on the weekend, I noticed severe corrosion failures with the front subframe on the right side of my car. (See attached photos). One area was in front of the lower control arm and another area IS behind the control arm. It looks like the subframe will fail at any moment and the…
While changing my oil on the weekend, I noticed severe corrosion failures with the front subframe on the right side of my car. (See attached photos). One area was in front of the lower control arm and another area IS behind the control arm. It looks like the subframe will fail at any moment and the control arm would be free to move anywhere. This would significantly affect control of the vehicle and be a serious safety concern. I see this part has already had a recall for 2001 to 2004 hyundai sonatas which IS the same body and frame style as the 2005 vehicle. Recall #09v124000.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the rear brake lights were always illuminated, which drained the battery. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
My hyundai sonata 2005 IS very unsafe! The whole frame of the car IS rotted out. I was driving on the expressway with my children in the car and my tire blew! A nice man drive off from the other side of highway came around to put a spare on. I took the car got a new tire and alignment. Then a few…
My hyundai sonata 2005 IS very unsafe! The whole frame of the car IS rotted out. I was driving on the expressway with my children in the car and my tire blew! A nice man drive off from the other side of highway came around to put a spare on. I took the car got a new tire and alignment. Then a few months later my whole sterling wheel IS turned to left and car IS pulling horribly to right and my right tire IS bent in. I took it in to get checked asap. They looked at it and to my utter belief my car IS rotted out! Unsafe ! I feel this IS a real issue for hyundai! There are many drivers out there with the same issue and hyundai IS doing nothing to help! You made these vehicles. Now please help us drive safely with our families! So we can go to our jobs and continue raising our families. Please do something soon. I start a new job august 27 2019. I will need a safe car I am a dependable, reliable , nanny. So you see I depend I my safe vehicle for all my little loves I'm my car on a daily basis. Stand by your hyundai name and do something good. Help us please. Thank you. Remember it was your manufacturing that caused this to happen! So please help. ( not sure exactly how long those holes and rotted out frame were lingering) until all this went wrong with tires...
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. While the contact was replacing the brakes on his vehicle at his home, he noticed the subframe was completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to elyria hyundai (845 leona st, elyria, oh 44035, (440) 374-8700) where it was determined that the subframe was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. While the contact was replacing the brakes on his vehicle at his home, he noticed the subframe was completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to elyria hyundai (845 leona st, elyria, oh 44035, (440) 374-8700) where it was determined that the subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 15927053. The failure mileage was 49,429.
- Suspension
Front subframe severe rust throughout the frame
- Structure › Body
The front subfrrame IS rust and corrosion very bad
- Air bags
Airbag light stays on. I have taken it back to dealer several times and has not been fix car IS out of warranty.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Rust underneath engine part of body front passenger side I think this metal support break anytime while driving in rain
- Steering · Unknown or other
"Takata recall" I thought I needed a new inner tie rod on my 2005 hyundai sonata. when I went to the shop the mechanic told me you have bigger problems. " your sub-frame on this car IS rusted out and the car IS unsafe to drive." with that information, I called the hyundai support number, they…
"Takata recall" I thought I needed a new inner tie rod on my 2005 hyundai sonata. when I went to the shop the mechanic told me you have bigger problems. " your sub-frame on this car IS rusted out and the car IS unsafe to drive." with that information, I called the hyundai support number, they gave me a reference number, I then went to the hyundai dealership to get an estimate for repairs and to see if hyundai would repair the subframe. the dealership told me that hyundai corporation refused to pay any goodwill money to fix the car but they did tell me, " our advice: " IS to not drive the car, it IS unsafe." this IS not a mechanical issue this IS a safety issue, and even though I did not find any recalls for 2005 subframe, it was obvious that hyundai knew they did have a slew of sonatas that had a serious subframe corrosion problem. in my bit of research, there has been a definite problem with the sonatas and the subframe rotting out, all different years and mileage and age that hyundai did repair the cars that I found on edmonds.com and on the internet.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to shut off. After exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake lights were illuminated. The contact opened the hub cap and switched the wires in order to turn off the lights. Hub hyundai of katy…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to shut off. After exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake lights were illuminated. The contact opened the hub cap and switched the wires in order to turn off the lights. Hub hyundai of katy (877- 773-4656, located at 17007 katy fwy, houston, tx 77094) was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the exterior lighting recall and to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 09v280000 (exterior lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251285This 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, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
- 10247189This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10235566Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.
- 10230904This 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 in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
- 10217258Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard.
- 10217251Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
- 10196546Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicles owners manual. Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result in reduced durability. Hyundai does not approve the use of any aftermarket ATF or gear oil additives.
- 10190044This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
- 10190038This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10183963This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10183960This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. The Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.
- 10178175This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
- 10176182This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
- 10176178This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
- 10174808This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
- 10174807The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10173546This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
- 10172142This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
- 10170883This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bulletin provides physical differences between the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port.
- 10169370The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects vehicles within the blind spot zone and gives off an alarm (visual and audible). The two magnetic radar sensors provide these functions for BSD/BCW: ? Senses other vehicles in the BSD/BCW zone and turns on the BSD/BCW warning lamp for the driver. The warning lamp starts blinking, along with an audible sound, when the driver turns on the turn signal lamp to enter the lane where another vehicle is driving.
- 10167253This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
- 10160098This bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Once the VIN has been programmed to the ECM/PCM, it cannot be removed or overwritten.
- 10128154This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10128153This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10128119This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10128118This SKU is an Air Conditioning Bypass Pulley. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for potential bracket cracking. Bracket cracks may cause the engine drive belt to slip or jump off the pulley causing loss of power steering assist and electrical system charging.
- 10082725This bulletin provides information on components, attributes, and precautions of the 7-speed dry-type dual clutch transmission (dct).
- 10082455"The pcm or tcm contains logic to adjust solenoid duty and line pressure as needed to compensate for normal clutch wear over the life of the transaxle. This bulletin provides the procedures necessary to reset (erase) and relearn the pcm/tcm adaptive values. After the following repairs have been completed, the pcm/tcm adaptive values must be reset in order to provide optimum shift quality. If the procedure IS not performed, the transmission may experience a shift flare or harsh shift. H replace automatic transaxle or pcm/tcm h reprogram or exchange a pcm/tcm from another vehicle"
- 10040957Hyundai: all sonata hybrids. Brake bleeding procedure.
- 10032908Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may result in the following symptoms-check engine light illuminated; transaxle held in 3RD gear fail safe.
- 10031008Hyundai service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Stop lamp switch replacement (campaign 092). This bulletin describes the procedure to remove, replace, and adjust the stop lamp switch.
- 10030984Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit or multiple inputs). An improperly adjusted or improperly operating range switch may result in the above mentioned conditions. Malfunction indicator light (mil) illuminated; impossible engine start in p or n.
- 10020912Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) list.
- 10020878Exhaust gas recirculation (egr) system diagnosis.
- 10019637ABS pump self-check noise.
- 10018184Automatic transaxle diagnostic trouble codes list.
- 10016983Steering angle sensor centering procedure.
- 10016981Ecm reprogramming for warm ambient (summer) cold start driveability. These vehicles may exhibit a brief driveability condition during the initial startup and drive when the engine IS cold.
- 10015980Wheel alignment specifications.
Every Hyundai Sonata model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.