2004 HYUNDAI SONATA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. This model year has 201 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2004 Hyundai Sonata Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Suspension Failures
Structural Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 55 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 47 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 46 | 15 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 16 | 6 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 201 most recent complaints
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 rep…
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 tra…
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.
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 r…
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. The contact stated that her fiance depressed the brake pedal to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, but the brake pedal w…
UNKNOWN, I recently purchased it from a dealership in Lemon Grove Cailfornia. Ever since I bought it,it has never had a catalytic converter and only one muffler. It is a 2.7L motor DOHC and requires 2 catalytic converters and dual exhaust due to the double overhead cam. It has ca…
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The contact stated she heard abnormal creaking and cracking sounds. The contact stated no warning light was illu…
NHTSA Campaign 09V124000 (Hyundai Recall #089) - excessive corrosion, thinning of the metal and perforation of the front sub-frame steel, due to road salt, resulting in separation of the forward mounting of the lower control arm increasing the risk of a crash. The recall was iss…
Air Bag autolight is on.
The shocks and suspension in my car are almost nonexistent causing multiple almost car accidents
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while performing a 4-wheel alignment, the independent mechanic informed her that he was unable to complete the alignment successfully because the sub frame was severely corroded. Additionally, the contact stated that…
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, she was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V12…
The front subframe has a hole in it it rusted for some reason and upon research there was a recall on this particular issue but now there isn’t one. I went to two dealerships and they informed me that Hyundai had recalls on this issue that’s why I’m confused on why when I search …
I own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. On 1/19/22, while driving the car, the brakes started failing. I was able to drive the car to my independent mechanic's shop and they repaired the brake issue with a fabrication and installation of the brake line. As my inspection was due, I made an …
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated and the fog lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle w…
The contact owns a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, she noticed that her brakes were failing. The contact stated that she drove her vehicle to an independent mechanic who attempted to replace the brakes however, the mechanic informed her tha…
EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE IT SEEMS TO ACCELERATE FOR A SECOND BEFORE BRAKING. I HAVE DOUBLE CHECKED AND I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS ON ACCIDENT. IT HAS HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER I START DRIVING (SO GOING UNDER 25 MPH) ON SIDE STREETS IN TOWN. I AM UNSURE OF THE EXACT D…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT THE LOCAL DEALER FAULKNER HYUNDAI (11500 ROOSEVELT BLVD, PHILADELPHIA) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE K-FRAME HAD SUSTAINED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS…
I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER ON THE HAS BUDDY APP AND IT SAYS THAT I HAVE A RECALL FOR SUSPENSION BUT CALLED A DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT IT DOESN'T. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE WIRING TOO BECAUSE MY DOORS LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES MY SEAT GOES FORWARD AND BACK RANDOMLY MY SPEAKERS DON'T WO…
THERE IS A RECALL ON 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR BAD SUBFRAMES THAT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE SINCE AT LEAST 2001. THE SUBFRAMES RUST AND ROT OUT! MY 2004 SONATA HAS ONLY 84K ORIGINAL MILES AND I RECENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO REPLACE A CONTROL ARM AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE RE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata.
Recalls for 2004 Hyundai Sonata
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2004 Hyundai Sonata — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2004 Hyundai Sonata reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2004 Hyundai Sonata has 201 NHTSA owner complaints, 22 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Suspension Failures (55 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hyundai Sonata?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (55 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (47 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (46 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Hyundai Sonata?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Hyundai Sonata?▾
The 2004 Hyundai Sonata has 22 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 201 total NHTSA complaints. 32 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. The largest issue: SUSPENSION. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Hyundai Sonata?▾
The 2004 Hyundai Sonata has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Suspension Failures issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Sonata reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2004 Hyundai Sonata
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.