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2005 Hyundai Sonata problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Hyundai Sonata is airbags, typically around 67,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sonata model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
79/100
Owner complaints
165
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
49
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20-23mpg

The worst 2005 Hyundai Sonata problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Hyundai Sonata

Airbag light 33No deployment 12Headlights 10Ball joint 7Door locks 7Stalling 6Check engine light 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2005 Hyundai Sonata mention

B1382 4

Recalls 1

Exterior lightingReported July 21, 2009 · 3,011 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai is recalling 3,011 model year 2005-2007 elantra, tucson, sonata, azera and accent vehicles. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A defective stop lamp switch may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission would not be able to be shift out of the "park" position. It may also cause the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.
Risk
Any of these malfunctions could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on september 2, 2009. Owners may contact hyundai of puerto rico customer service at 1‑787‑999‑4310.

Recall number 09V280000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata 49

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 49 bulletins for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata

2005 Hyundai Sonata fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD19-2027-2822-23
2.7L 6‑cylFWD17-182520

What 2005 Hyundai Sonata owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Airbags · VA

Air Bag light stays on and cannot pass stare inspection without repair. NHSTA site has 54 reports of this issue and dealer cannot figure out how to repair. What can be done?

Filed Dec 19, 2023 · Engine, Suspension · OH

My car's engine cradle, cross member or subframe is rusted out and the OEM replacement for my VIN number won't fit it correctly I'm getting really upset because this could be dangerous for me and my two young kids. I've already paid the mechanic $600 for the replacement part when it really only costs $450 at the most and the two he has ordered before have both been either too big and it says that it is the correct replacement part. What is going on?!!! If something isn't fixed soon and something happens to me or my kids there is going to be a lawsuit.

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Body · NJ

I took my car to the mechanic for a “once over” before driving from New Jersey to North Carolina. This car has only 41,000 original miles on it as we bought it new in 2005. Upon inspection, the mechanic came back with certain repairs that are needed due to age; but he was extremely concerned about a severe safety issue that the subframe had rotted out and needed to be replaced. This is a known corrosion issue with other years of manufacture for this model. There was a class action suit for this specific issue for 1999 to 2004 Sonatas. The subframe threatens to collapse from rust at any time and is an extreme hazard to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. There was absolutely no warning of this issue prior to this inspection, making it even more dangerous as it affects many drivers who are unaware of the issue.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Body, Suspension · KY

Severely rusted out and corroded front subframe, only noticed it on accident very recently, and my car is the last year of a generation that was recalled for this very issue within the Salt Belt- I live right at the bottom outskirts of the Salt Belt in NKY, and my car is the only year not recalled for subframe corrosion. It's bad and I'm freaked out and can't afford it unless I figure out how to do it myself without prematurely dying due to a dropped engine or something similar (premature because if I don't get it fixed soon I reckon that fate isn't too far off)

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · NJ

Clunking sound when turning corners, took to mechanic, sub frame rotted through. Unsafe to drive.

Filed Jan 27, 2022 · Suspension · 134,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle rode over a pothole which caused a fracture in the subframe. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and was informed that the failure was caused by severe salt corrosion. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. Consumer stated part# FC112 is used for 2003, 2004 AND 2005. 2003 AND 2004 of the same make and model are already recalled for the same issue with the subframe having rust due to excessive salt exposure, but SOMEHOW the 2005 which is EXACTLY the same part and problem has not been recalled.

Filed Oct 23, 2021 · Suspension · MD

My mechanic just took a picture of the subframe of the car which is almost completely rusted through. He said that this is extremely dangerous and that if it was to break while driving the car, I would loose control. I have seen numerous complaints about this on the 2005 Hyundai Sonata on the internet which makes me think this is a common issue.

Filed Oct 13, 2021 · Body, Suspension · NY

Upon inspecting the undercarriage of my vehicle found the right side of Front Subframe Cradle Suspension rotted almost completely through. When researching for issues pertaining to this model found a TSA was issued , after a lawsuit in California, for the years prior and after my vehicle. The damage is concurrent with the TSA bulletin but excluded. How does a manufacturer whom obviously is aware of an ongoing issue allow so many people, families and children, drive and risk their lives on our public roadways. Is their a subclass recall that will aid those like myself take corrective action.

Filed Aug 27, 2021 · Suspension · 129,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while having a state inspection performed, the inspector informed the contact that the sub-frame was completely rusted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V124000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Suspension · CT

I had taken my 2005 Hundai Sonata to my local mechanic for a tire alignment, and it is then when I was told that the front subframe was rusted from the inside. There was no indicator of this beforehand, and had it been let be, I could have lost control of the car while driving and been in an accident.

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Compare the 2005 Hyundai Sonata

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Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2005 Hyundai Sonata

Is the 2005 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Owners have filed 165 complaints about the 2005 Hyundai Sonata, fewer than a typical Sonata model year.

What is the 2005 Hyundai Sonata year score?

The 2005 Hyundai Sonata scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Sonata: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Hyundai Sonata?

Airbags, with 55 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles. Next is body (30).

How many recalls does the 2005 Hyundai Sonata have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Hyundai Sonata have bad airbags?

The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (435 complaints), 2011 (419 complaints) and 2007 (257 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Hyundai Sonata get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Hyundai Sonata range from 20 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 27-28 highway.

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