2004 Hyundai Sonata recalls and problems

The 2004 Hyundai Sonata has 1 safety recall and 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
202
Crashes / fires
22 / 2
Injuries / deaths
32 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Recall 09V-124: Suspension

Reported Apr 16, 2009 · 188,282 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

Problem: 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, 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 applied in these jurisdictions during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front sub-frame on the vehicles, and may result in thinning or perforation of the sub-frame steel. The corrosion is frequently visible and often discovered during inspection or routine maintenance, and owners may also hear noises or notice tire misalignment and steering pull. If these signals are undetected or unheeded, the corrosion may progress and the forward mounting of the lower control arm may detach from the sub-frame.

Risk: If that happens, the vehicle may lose drive power to the wheels, and the front wheel may make contact with the fender or wheel well, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 incorporates additional holes in the upper and lower panels. If the front sub-frame does not require replacement, the dealer will add drainage holes to the sub-frame and will treat the sub-frame with rust-proofing material to stop the corrosion process. This procedure will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact the hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

2004 Hyundai Sonata problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension56
Structure48
Air Bags46
Electrical System17
Wheels14
Latches/Locks/Linkages13
Steering13
Unknown or Other12
Power Train10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Service Brakes7
Fuel System, Gasoline5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 22
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 7
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 4
  • Wheels › Hub — 3
  • Structure › Body › Door — 3
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Hyundai Sonata complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Apr 29, 2026
2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS front sub frame (K Frame) has rusted out but I guess for certain VIN numbers there was a recall. Mine has the same issue and has caused suspension issues with the control arms and axles, subframe has snapped due to rusting in Michigan.
Suspension · reported Feb 17, 2026
On February, 16th 2026, I took my vehicle into the Automotive shop for an oil change. They inspected the car as well and they found that the front passenger side of the vehicle subframe has a substantial amount of the metal rusted through. The file attached was a photo of the repair invoice from Luke’s Auto in Upper Arlington, OH. I see that there is an open safety recall for this exact issue on the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Although this recall was sent out in 2009, am I able to take this to a local Hyundai dealership to have this fixed?
Suspension · reported Aug 17, 2025
I got this car a Hyundai sonata 2004 about 2 to 3 years ago. At first I didn't notice the problem until a couple months into me having the car I was on the freeway and it suddenly felt like I was out of control of my car and the back end was like swerving like I was pulling a trailer. And ever since then it's gotten worse now my front right tire goes flat randomly. A friend mechanic of mine looked at it and said that it is a suspension He just doesn't know what part of the suspension. This is dangerous because I could lose control of my car I have at any time. That could be detrimental and…
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 26, 2025
My 2004 sonata which was manufactured 05/07/04. has front frame corrosion exactly like the 089 safety recall that hyundia issued already for 1998-2003. My car was manufactured a few months later and they are denying the repair because it doesn’t fall in their production dates.
Suspension · reported Jun 5, 2024
I currently own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata with a severe sub-fame deterioration, Unfortunately it does not fall under the so called salt belt states, That being said I don't know how Kansas does not fit that especially north east Kansas. Wondering if there's some way that they could reconsider on this matter and maybe get some help. I know the cars almost 20 yrs but it's in good shape with only 108000 miles on it. Thanks for any help with this matter. I was just informed by Hyundai that they would not do anything with it so I guess my only option is to drive it at my own risk and hope for the best.…

Other Hyundai Sonata years

Compare all Hyundai Sonata years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata: 09V-124 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Hyundai Sonata?

Owners report suspension problems most often (56 reports), followed by structure (48). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.