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 PER YEAR
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 | 66 |
| 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 | 3368 |
| 2012 | 1551 |
| 2013 | 1895 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 1123 |
| 2016 | 717 |
| 2017 | 758 |
| 2018 | 364 |
| 2019 | 153 |
| 2020 | 165 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: suspension — 53 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
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
21% of complaints: air bags — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
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
11% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: structure — 13 distinct reports on file.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V124000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.