2004 Hyundai Sonata
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 202
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 202 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1,047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3,377 |
| 2012 | 1,557 |
| 2013 | 1,912 |
| 2014 | 746 |
| 2015 | 1,148 |
| 2016 | 726 |
| 2017 | 764 |
| 2018 | 374 |
| 2019 | 162 |
| 2020 | 178 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 87 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
28% · 56 reportsMost commonly citing wheel bearing and control arm.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-27
Also filed under Wheels
There is a recall on the 2004 Hyundai Sonata NHTSA vehicle safety recalls recall number 09V124000 but, Hyundai says my car miss by 2 weeks cut off is nov. 20 2003, my vehicle date is dec. 19…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-28
My car has failed the state safety inspection due to a rusted sub-frame. Hyundai has recalled may of these cars (Same year, make and model) due to this issue yet refuses to cover mine as they say it was not part of the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-24
Structure
24% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
The chrome on the inside door handles are cracking & peeling. I have cut my finger twice now on the sharp edges. Also, the paint is coming off the molding around the outside door handle on the rear driver side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-11
Air bags
23% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-30
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
2004 Hyundai Sonata was involved in a severe side impact, struck by a Dodge durango. Impact was centered on the drivers side door and resulted in an approximyate 1 foot of intrusion. Max crush occurred just forward of the b-pillar.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-08
While driving on I97, a vw cabriolet changed from 2/3 of exit to right to pulling directly in front of me perpendicular.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-09-14
Electrical system
8% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Service brakes
8% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2008-08-21Engineering analysisClosed 2009-04-20 Front sub-frame corrosion
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R
2009-07-17Suspension09V124000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 56 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 46 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09V124000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Hyundai Sonata is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hyundai Sonata?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.