← New search

2009 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sonata years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata are substantially higher than the model-year median of 161.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

375 reports with mileage · 85 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports11 fire reports20 injury reports

Power Train complaints

41 reports
Clear category filter
100 miles · May 13, 2014
Power Train

PURCHASED CAR BRAND NEW FIRST MONTH I HAD IT KEPT BUCKING WHILE DRIVING, MAINLY FIRST THING IN MORNING, WHILE DRIVING FELT LIKE BRAKES ARE ON FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HOLDING BACK CAR FROM GOING, WON'T PASS OTHER CARS PROPERLY NO POWER I COMPLAINED THROUGHOUT PAST YEARS AND NEVER SHOWED ANY PROBLEMS AT HYUNDAI'S SERVICE CENTER…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED CAR BRAND NEW FIRST MONTH I HAD IT KEPT BUCKING WHILE DRIVING, MAINLY FIRST THING IN MORNING, WHILE DRIVING FELT LIKE BRAKES ARE ON FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HOLDING BACK CAR FROM GOING, WON'T PASS OTHER CARS PROPERLY NO POWER I COMPLAINED THROUGHOUT PAST YEARS AND NEVER SHOWED ANY PROBLEMS AT HYUNDAI'S SERVICE CENTER EXCEPT LAST TIME WENT THERE WITH HUSBAND WHO DEMANDED THEY FIX TRANSMISSION ISSUES AS WE WERE NOT PICKING UP CAR UNTIL FIXED. RECEIVED A CALL TRANSMISSION CENSOR WAS BAD AND WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM INSTALLED A NEW ONE AND RAN FINE NO PROBLEMS BUT IT STARTED UP AGAIN BUCKING, NO POWER, BRAKES FEEL LIKE ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588212

35,000 miles · Apr 30, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT I PURCHASED SAID VEHICLE NEW AND AT AROUND 35000 MILES I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT WHEN I SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK ON THE DOWN SHIFT, WHICH IS NOT NORMAL. ON 01-19-2012 I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED FROM . I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THA…

Read full complaint

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT I PURCHASED SAID VEHICLE NEW AND AT AROUND 35000 MILES I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT WHEN I SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK ON THE DOWN SHIFT, WHICH IS NOT NORMAL. ON 01-19-2012 I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED FROM . I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON AND THAT ONCE MY COMPUTER IS RESET IT SHOULD GO AWAY, AND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THAT ISSUE. ON 03-19-2012 I WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE SO THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH FACTORY RECONDITIONED TRANSMISSION. NOW WITH 74000 MILE THE CAR IS BACK FOR THE 5 TH TIME FOR THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS MY CAR AND I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE DEALER OR HYUNDAI CORPORATION FOR TWO WEEKS. I BELIEVE THAT HYUNDAI CORPORATION KNEW THE PROBLEM EXISTED AND NEGLECTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM OTHER WISE A NEW CAR WITH 35000 MILES SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THE MECHANICS DON'T KNOW HOW TO REMEDY THE FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HYUNDAI AND THERE HANDLING OF THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE, AND NEW SOFTWARE IS NOT GOING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, THE BANDS IN THE TRANSMISSION ARE WORN NOW, THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE. THIS IS JUST PUTTING A BAND AID ON A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. ONE DOES NOT ANTICIPATE ANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH A BRAND NEW CAR WITH ONLY 35000 MILES. WHAT GOOD IS A 10 YEAR 100.000 MILE WARRANTY WHEN YOU START HAVING THESE PROBLEM AT 35000 MILES. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON-LINE AND THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SAME CAR, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE.THIS IS A DISGRACE HYUNDAI CORPORATION I PURCHASED SAID VEHICLE FROM ATLANTIC HYUNDAI INC. LOCATED AT 193-205 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, WEST ISLIP NY 11795. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATION SEVERAL TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585694

90,250 miles · Nov 22, 2013
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I NOTICED A SHUDDERING AT 90,250 MILES, WHILE TRAVELING DURING THE WINTER AT AROUND 30-45 MPH, BUT WAS VERY INTERMITTENT, AND WOULD GO AWAY. THEN ON 10/9/2013 AT 102,515 MILES, FROM PARK, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. I COULD HEAR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT, BUT IT WAS NOT DISENGAGING FROM PARK. PER HYU…

Read full complaint

I NOTICED A SHUDDERING AT 90,250 MILES, WHILE TRAVELING DURING THE WINTER AT AROUND 30-45 MPH, BUT WAS VERY INTERMITTENT, AND WOULD GO AWAY. THEN ON 10/9/2013 AT 102,515 MILES, FROM PARK, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. I COULD HEAR THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT, BUT IT WAS NOT DISENGAGING FROM PARK. PER HYUNDAI SERVICE TECHNICIAN, THE TRANSMISSION WAS "JUNK" AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATE, DURING WHICH TIME I WAS INFORMED THEY DIDN'T HAVE MY INFORMATION IN THEIR SYSTEM AND THAT IN FACT THERE WERE 2 RECALLS THAT THEY FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF, AND WAS TOLD THAT IF I ALLOWED THE HYUNDAI SERVICE TO DO THE REPAIR RIGHT THEN, THAT I WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR THEIR POLICY REIMBURSEMENT. ONE OF THE RECALLS WAS AN ECM AND TCM SOFTWARE UPDATE IN WHICH SYMPTOMS WERE IMPROPER CLUTCHING AND DE-CLUTCHING OF GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. THAT SHIFT QUALITY OVER TIME CAUSED UNDO STRESS ON THE GEARING CAUSING MY FAILURE. THE REPAIR WAS MADE, I THEN HAD TO PAY UPFRONT, AND A WEEK LATER THEY'VE DENIED MY POLICY REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM DUE TO FLUID BEING THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. I THEN PROVIDED THEM WITH FURTHER DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THEIR OWN TECHNICIAN RE-USED 5 QUARTS OF MY ORIGINAL FLUID ON THE REPAIR ORDER, AND THAT I FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE RECORD THAT WAS SUGGESTED BY THEIR OWN TECHNICIANS ADVICE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. DRAIN AND FILL EVERY 30,000 MILES. THE LAST DRAIN AND FILL WAS ON JUNE 14, 2013. HYUNDAI DID NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY FLUID ANALYSIS OR SPECS TO SUPPORT THEIR DENIAL OF MY POLICY REIMBURSEMENT. I SAVED THE AGENTS VOICEMAIL OF THE DENIAL IN WHICH SHE STATED DUE TO "COLOR" AND THAT ALONE, WAS THE REASON WHY THE CLAIM WAS DENIED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553298

37,778 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Power TrainService Brakes

I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED FROM THE PADS CONSTANTLY RUBBING ON THEM. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM HERE WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I SEE. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT BELIEVE THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE ROTORS AND TOLD ME THE FRONT BRAKES USUALLY WEAR FIRST. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE IN TWICE F…

Read full complaint

I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THE ROTORS WERE WARPED FROM THE PADS CONSTANTLY RUBBING ON THEM. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM HERE WITH THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I SEE. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT BELIEVE THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE ROTORS AND TOLD ME THE FRONT BRAKES USUALLY WEAR FIRST. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE IN TWICE FOR THE ROUGH DONE SHIFTING THAT OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. THE DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE TRANSMISSION BOTH TIMES BUT THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ESC LIGHT STAYING ON BUT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552776

50 miles · Aug 25, 2013
Power TrainService Brakes

ERRATIC SHIFTING. SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD INTO A HIGHER GEAR WHEN COMING TO A STOP, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO HIT CAR AHEAD OF ME. ALSO FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED CAUSING RUMBLE. I AM AN EXCEPTIONALLY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER, MILDLY ACCELERATES AND BRAKES GRADUALLY WELL AHEAD OF STOPPING. I HAD THE COMPUTER UPGRADE THAT WAS SUPPOSED…

Read full complaint

ERRATIC SHIFTING. SOMETIMES LURCHES FORWARD INTO A HIGHER GEAR WHEN COMING TO A STOP, NEARLY CAUSING ME TO HIT CAR AHEAD OF ME. ALSO FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED CAUSING RUMBLE. I AM AN EXCEPTIONALLY CONSERVATIVE DRIVER, MILDLY ACCELERATES AND BRAKES GRADUALLY WELL AHEAD OF STOPPING. I HAD THE COMPUTER UPGRADE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO CORRECT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING CAR AT SURESKY IN GOSHEN, NY. THIS FAILED TO CORRECT PROBLEM AND I DON'T HAVE THE TIME NOR WANT TO CONTINUALLY SPEND MY SATURDAYS SITTING FOR HOURS IN THE SERVICE AREA WAITING ROOM. I HAVE READ MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND IT SEEMS THAT HYUNDAI CHOOSES NOT TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS MY THIRD AND WILL BE THE LAST HYUNDAI PURCHASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10537116

19,000 miles · Aug 2, 2013
Power Train

I HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR JERKING RATHER HARD WITH THE AUTO-TRANNY DOWNSHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR WHENEVER I SLOWED DOWN. THIS SOMEWHAT STOPPED WHEN THE CAR GOT WARMED UP, GUESSING MORE SPECIFICALLY WHEN THE TRANNY HEATED UP. I SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. I'M IN A WARMER CLIMATE SINCE AND HAVEN'T SEEN IT BUT WILL SEE HOW IT …

Read full complaint

I HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY CAR JERKING RATHER HARD WITH THE AUTO-TRANNY DOWNSHIFTED FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR WHENEVER I SLOWED DOWN. THIS SOMEWHAT STOPPED WHEN THE CAR GOT WARMED UP, GUESSING MORE SPECIFICALLY WHEN THE TRANNY HEATED UP. I SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. I'M IN A WARMER CLIMATE SINCE AND HAVEN'T SEEN IT BUT WILL SEE HOW IT BEHAVES THIS WINTER IN AUSTIN, TX VERSUS LAS CRUCES, NM. I THINK IT MAY HAVE STOPPED ABOUT THE SAME TIME A) IT GOT A LITTLE WARMER OUT AND B) I SIMULTANEOUSLY STOPPED PUTTING IN IT NEUTRAL AT STOPLIGHTS (TRYING TO SAVE MY CLUTCH FROM WEAR AT THE TIME.) PERHAPS IT USED THIS "NEUTRAL" INFO IN ITS COMPUTATION FOR THE TRANNY COMPUTER AND THAT WAS THIS ISSUE. OR MAYBE IT WAS THE COLD AND I STILL WILL FIND I HAVE THE PROBLEM. OR BOTH. NOT SURE BUT WANTED TO PUT THIS OUT THERE SINCE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE BUT AM PROBABLY THE ONLY WITH THE PROBLEM WHO WAS PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AT LIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10533302

72,000 miles · Jul 20, 2013
EnginePower TrainSuspensionCrashInjury

THE VEHICLE WAS AQUA PLANNING, THE DRIVER LOST A COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS BOUNCING BETWEEN ROAD SIDES, LEFT AND RIGHT - 3 TIMES. THE CAR HIT THE GATE RAILS 3 TIMES. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT AND THE SEAT BELTS APPEARED NOT TO BE LOCKED AT THE MOMENT OF ACCIDENT. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER'S BODY MOVED FR…

Read full complaint

THE VEHICLE WAS AQUA PLANNING, THE DRIVER LOST A COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS BOUNCING BETWEEN ROAD SIDES, LEFT AND RIGHT - 3 TIMES. THE CAR HIT THE GATE RAILS 3 TIMES. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT AND THE SEAT BELTS APPEARED NOT TO BE LOCKED AT THE MOMENT OF ACCIDENT. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER'S BODY MOVED FREELY IN THE CAR AND HIT THE LEFT RIB AND INTERNAL ORGANS, AND HIT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FACE, INCLUDING CHEEK BONE AND NOSE. THE PASSENGER'S FACE WAS SEVERELY BRUISED AND SWOLLEN. BESIDES, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAD A WHIPLASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525883

43,000 miles · Jul 17, 2013
Power TrainService BrakesWheels

HEARD SQUEALING AND HOWLING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES HUNG UP AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTOR ($189.00). I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND NOTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I PURCHASED THE ITEMS AND WHEN THEY WERE GOING TO BE REPLACED WE DISCOVERED T…

Read full complaint

HEARD SQUEALING AND HOWLING FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES HUNG UP AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTOR ($189.00). I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND NOTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I PURCHASED THE ITEMS AND WHEN THEY WERE GOING TO BE REPLACED WE DISCOVERED THE DUST BOOT WAS PULLED OUT OF THE CALIPER (WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT EVERY 7000 MILES THE CALIPERS WOULD NEED REBUILT. I'VE BEEN DRIVING AND GREW UP AROUND GARAGES AND NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525301

30,000 miles · Apr 16, 2013
EnginePower Train

WHILE SLOWING AT AROUND 25-30 MPH THE CAR WOULD "JERK" FORCEFULLY LIKE A SUDDEN STOP. THIS HAPPENED EVERY DAY. IT WOULD IMPROVE AS IT WARMED UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN EXCUSES (THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED FLUSHED-AT MY EXPENSE, MY DRIVING HABITS, ETC). FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE SERVICE …

Read full complaint

WHILE SLOWING AT AROUND 25-30 MPH THE CAR WOULD "JERK" FORCEFULLY LIKE A SUDDEN STOP. THIS HAPPENED EVERY DAY. IT WOULD IMPROVE AS IT WARMED UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS GIVEN EXCUSES (THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED FLUSHED-AT MY EXPENSE, MY DRIVING HABITS, ETC). FINALLY AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY ADMITTED THE ISSUE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED AFTER THEY "RESET" AND FLUSHED THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION. IT SEEMED TO GET BETTER. I STILL FEEL THE "JERK" IN THE DOWNSHIFT, BUT IT IS NOT AS BAD AS IT WAS. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS GOING TO COST $100.00 JUST FOR THEM TO "LOOK AT IT" EVEN THOUGH IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508373

55,000 miles · Mar 7, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,00…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10501954

Official recalls

2

13V354000 · Suspension:rear

Aug 12, 2013

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or currently registered in, 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 and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE13007 · Rear Control Arm Failure

Opened Mar 25, 2013 · Closed Aug 20, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles (approximately 24,000) produced beginning on September 27, 2005 through November 22, 2010 that are registered in and operated or originally sold in the following 20 salt belt states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Hyundai will also inform dealers to inspect/repair vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere. Hyundai is conducting the recall to remedy a defect involving internal corrosion of the rear sub frame that may lead to separation of the rear upper/lower control arm(s) at their respective mounting points and/or separation of the axle from the transaxle where they meet.This could result in a loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle disablement which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.In response to NHTSA?s Information Request (IR) letter, Hyundai stated the Azera vehicles utilizes the identical cross member and upper/lower rear control arm components as the subject (Sonata) vehicles.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Hyundai, ODI identified 19 non-duplicative reports alleging excessive corrosion of the rear sub frame. All of the complaint vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in one of the salt belt states.Of these 19 reports, 9 alleged either a suspension component separation or a fracture of the vehicle's rear cross member assembly.Similarly, ODI identified 8 warranty claims of rear sub frame replacement in data submitted by Hyundai due to excessive corrosion, all of which involved vehicles originally sold or operated in a salt belt state. Based on Hyundai's decision to conduct a safety recall, (13V-354) this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10535115, 10534110, 10525976, 10524726, 10521520, 10508368, 10505463, 10490073, 10486752, 10486435, 1048354, 10473922, and 10437887.