2004 Hyundai Sonata

▲ Better than typical

2004 Hyundai Sonata
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

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	1047
2007	696
2008	425
2009	460
2010	345
2011	3375
2012	1556
2013	1904
2014	743
2015	1141
2016	721
2017	761
2018	369
2019	159
2020	174
2021	129
2022	91
2023	85
2024	45
2025	16
2026	2

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SUSPENSION 28%

28% of complaints: suspension — 56 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wheel bearing and control arm.

CRASH

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, 20120927

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 2003

NHTSA ODI report, 20180428

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, 20180424

STRUCTURE 24%

24% of complaints: structure — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASH INJURY

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. *TR *JS

NHTSA ODI report, 20120311

AIR BAGS 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 20231130

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, 20041108

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, 20040914

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

CRASH FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20080821 — EA (closed 20090420)

FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION

R 20090717 — suspension

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, M

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 INCORPO

Campaign 09V124000 — check if this car was fixed