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2006 Hyundai Sonata electrical complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 86, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2006 Hyundai Sonata electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 13, 2018 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · FL

While driving down the highway the ESC and ABS lights continue to come on without warning. They go off once I turn the vehicle off but shortly after driving they come back on.

Filed Aug 28, 2017 · Electrical · 200,300 miles · AL

It all started with 3 bad alternators. The alternator was replaced 3 times in 2 years all brand new alternators. In those 2 years the car had trouble starting in interments. Turning the key 5-6 times the car will eventually start. Recently the car's headlights, air conditioning, and radio turn off when the car is slowing by applying the brake. Computer prompted no code for a problem. I have read about these same issues with the same make, model, and year. What is the malfunction?

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 160,000 miles · CT

A red light appeared on my instrument panel that stated "air bag" and continues to stay lit when vehicle is driven. I am not sure if it is an airbag or sensor malfunction with the vehicle. I am making an appointment with the dealership today to have the vehicle checked for this issue.

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 145,000 miles · VA

Electric stabilization randomly turns off on its own and wont turn back on, the low tire pressure light has never come on, I've had 2 flats, and several really low air tire moments; this happens regularly. I thought it was covered by the last recall but when I got the last one I took my car to the dealership to get the recall taken care of they said my car wasn't affected by the recall.

Filed Feb 4, 2017 · Electrical · NY

I have a 2006 hyundai sonata when I go to lock the door the lights stay on. I use the remote and manually and they still stay on. There are times the lights when finally go off they go on by themselves when parked. This problem is fairly common on 2006-2010. Possible fire hazard! How come no recall! Lretiring soon and will be looking for a new vehicle and needless to say hyundai will not be one I will be looking at.

Filed Jul 16, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 32,564 miles · WI

While driving, the damper pulley seperates and the power steering fails along with the water pump and the alternator. This damper as it is called is a device that drives all the belt powered devices on the engine. I asked the dealer if there was a recall on this and the reply was no. How can a power steering failure not be a recall? When you are turning and the power steering fails I would say the majority of drivers would not be able to steer the vehicle out of this situation. Look online and view all the places that list this problem. This is a big safety issue the vehicle steers very hard and is difficult to control.

Filed May 24, 2016 · Electrical · 59,158 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 hyundai sonata. While driving the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the drive gasket was leaking onto the alternator and the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v415000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 59,158. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Apr 29, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · IL

My sonata 3.3l v-6 engine with what appears to be a very common and dangerous problem. This vehicle seems to begin stalling and slamming into 3rd gear fail safe mode, luckily I have not been rear-ended due to this yet! I have read up extensively on this and found many with the same complaint on www.carcomplaints.com website. It appears many dealerships are aware as they have had vehicle in to be problem solved with what appears to be an electrical problem more so than a mechanical problem. After having my car into 4 different shops including a dealership the first time it happened with no fix and only a 'if we can't replicate the problem we can't fix it' response I get mad. We have ruled out everything possible; transmission, engine, relays, etc. For 4 months it has been in and out of shops trying to diagnose the problem. Which is happening so often now it is not safe and I am having to take out a loan to try and buy a new care. I cannot trade this in due to the problem. When it is running it runs great, until it slams into 3rd gear with no warming and you loose all acceleration or it dies completely. You can shut it off and restart it and it runs as if nothing happened, until it stalls again. The last mechanic having verified everything he was told to check has determined it must be in the computer. Some individuals said early on they had the computers replaces (at a big cost) only to have it happen again. My car is 10 years old and only has 118,000 miles on it. I hate having to get rid of this car but there is no way it is safe to drive in this condition. Hyundai seems to be ignoring this complaint as no recall has been issued and no help in repairing the problem. Too many cars at the aprx mileage with the same problem and leads me to believe a recall is in order or financial reimbursement for the months of repair to fix it should be made. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 22, 2016 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · VA

My 2006 hyundai sonata has a design problem. The cup holder is level and next-to the gear shifter. When I brake, occasionally fluid from a beverage may fall onto and into the gear shifter. The shifter enclosure allows fluid to flow into it and collect around a connector providing electrical signals that end-up communicating to the car's computer'and then onto the transmission that I downshifted when I did not down shift. The result is I have to flip over to 'shiftrionic' mode because the car is performing like I put it in that mode when I did not. I try to upshift but it does not work properly'I end up being distracted trying to put the car in the right gear and the car ends up going faster than I intended. I generally don't notice the downshift until the engine starts roaring'.dropping into second gear especially on the highway is very unsettling. Again, I try to maintain my speed by pressing on the accelerator and attempting to upshift and it's very distracting. I have had a 'plus 5' driver rating for over 2 decades and I own two other cars and I never been ticketed with either car. But I recently have been ticketed twice with the sonata and in both cases the car down-shifted without my knowledge. The problem started sporadically about 2 years ago and initially I did not know the cause of the problem. It takes a little while for the beverage spill to create a shifter malfunction, so it's not obvious what is happening for a while. The problem is so common that there are videos on youtube to identify and address the issue. It is a simple but potentially dangerous design flaw.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 130,000 miles · PA

The parking lights will automatically come on by itself when the car is off and there's no key in the ignition. I have returned to my car from work and the lights would be on draining the battery. In addition, while driving the parking lights will come on and go off as well as in the dash when the switch is in the off position. I have video but it's not downloading.

Filed Dec 16, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

I own a 2006 hyundai sonata, at 100,000 (hwy miles) the front upper control arms became squeeky and detatched from the rubber bushings, making a horrible ride and clunking sound when I would put the car into gear. This problem makes the car bouncy and unstable. There is also a knocking or loud clicking sound in the engine at crusing speeds, when I barley push the gas pedal. It sounds like the air intake control valve. It goes away when I accelerate. The radio and cruise control electornics seem to work only when they want too!

Filed Nov 7, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

Oil leak from engine valve cover - left (front) side of 3.3 v6. This is directly above alternator. Eventually alternator fails due to severe oil/dirt contamination. First noticed when battery light comes on at idle, showing charging problem. By then damage is done. Valve cover must be replaced along with alternator or problem will quickly recur. *there is currently a recall for hyundai veracruz with same engine for the same problem. Sonata is not included, but a quick internet search shows this to be a common, well-known problem for many years.

Filed Oct 30, 2015 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH at night, the headlights and instrument panel operated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2015 · Electrical · 73,845 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician was unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 73,845. Updated 02/10/16*lj had the car traded in updated 05/23/18

Filed Sep 23, 2015 · Electrical · 108,500 miles · NY

Burning smell likely electrical appears to be coming from under the dash board. Car checked by mechanic all around exterior- not from any components there. Burning smell identified by mechanic as electrical likely plastic insulation that is burning. Only electrical work done was by hyudai recall to correct air bag warning light that airbags were not operational specifically the defect was to have necessitated removing the passenger seat and fixing/replacing a sensor. Since that was corrected the inside light does not go on when the car door opens. The burning smell comes on after the car has warmed up -been running ten-15 minutes. So far no other effects. I had hoped the burning smell would go away. Today is three weeks and burning smell has not diminished forcing me to open windows to vent while driving. Now I must make a appointment to have the dashboard removed to locate defect.

Filed Jul 6, 2015 · Electrical · 2,073 miles · OH

This sonata had electric problems from the very beginning (climate control, light bulbs, brake lights, side mirror control, window control, cabin lights, etc.). Most of the light bulbs have been replaced many times either by the dealer when it was still covered by warranty or by myself. The most recent round of replacement was on july 3 for the passenger side headlight, driver's side turn light (yellow) and rear left back off light. I finally started to question if the fuses were misplaced. After checking carefully the fuse types and labeled specifications of both the engine and cabin fuse panels, I found three fuses in the cabin panel were not the same as the owner's manual described. They are (wrong fuses in the parentheses): fs19 20a (25a), fs6 10a (15a), and fs5 25a (20a). I rearranged all three fuses according to the specification on the owner's manual (p. 6-41). Hyundai should be legally and financially responsible for these problems, which occurred during the assembly but LED to countless frustrations and even safety problems when those lights were down frequently.

Filed May 4, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 115,000 miles · NC

Went to crank car put it in reverse battery light came home n had no steering for a minutes this has happened 3 times so far.

Filed Apr 23, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 122,245 miles · IL

I turned on ignition and, as usual, all dash lights came on then disappeared, as usual. However, the "passenger air bag off" light returned on and the warning chimes have been ringing ever since .if a passenger sits on the passenger seat then the light stays off. Jiggling of wires underneath the seat do not fix the problem.

Filed Apr 20, 2015 · Electrical, Seat belts · 74,377 miles · GA

This is the second repair of buckle assy- front (first repair was performed in 2009). I paid for the second repair on 6/25/14 as the maintenance manager said it was a one-time recall and would not be covered under warranty. (part: 88840-0a000-qs) needed it done for safety so I paid; but, it bothered me that it was a recall and I had paid nearly $260. I called the dealership after the first of the year (2015) and after talking to a couple of people found there was an extended warranty that should cover the cost. After numerous calls, mailing invoice with check number, faxing same on 3/20/15, I got a phone call today requiring me to upload a file to a particular website. I called and went thru 2 more people, one of whom had my hard copy invoice document in hand, could not enter my personal info. (phone #, address, email address) and, was not in the dept. That handled the "campaign" refund; she transferred me to "sweetie" who still insisted I must create a jpg file of my invoice to post to the new website. (I am 62 but figured it out, others won't. I have doggedly pursued my refund but hyundai is making it nearly impossible (which I told them). Today is 4/20/15. Waiting for next ridiculous requirement. Too many phone numbers and websites to list here. Also had valve cover oil leak repaired on 6/25/14 and based on a complaint seen on this site, I am waiting for a second occurrence. Installed 22453-3c110 gasket-rocker cover lh, replaced valve cover gasket. We can complain all day but nobody is streamlining the recall repair process. At least I finally discovered this website which I am saving to favorites.

Filed Apr 6, 2015 · Electrical · 93,700 miles · FL

Driving on my way to an early lab appointment 645 am. When I got about 2 miles from destination doing 40 MPH, when the check engine light came on. Followed by the ESC light, battery light, airbag light, seatbelt light blinking, and lights on dash dimming., when I stopped at the traffic light, the speed odometer still read 40. When light turned green, I went to step on gas, and car would hardly move, I was able to get off road safely. I turned car off, dead. I walked from where I left car, to appointment almost 2 miles each way .I am a heart patient[ have an artificial valve and a defibrillator\ and this episode upset me. I read today,that this happens to hyundai sonatas. When I got back to the vehicle, I arranged it to be towed to a mechanic. Is there a recall on this, if so we have never received one, this vehicle has been owned by us since 2009.

Filed Mar 29, 2015 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 65,248 miles · OH

Under regular driving conditions the brake pedal would become so hard that they could not be pressed down, the speed would decline to 5 miles per hour and the car would start smoking. The ABS and ESC light would come and wouldn't go off until car is turned off. This s due to a faulty ABS hecu unit (hydraulic and electronic control unit) and the right front upper control arm. I contacted hyundai who wouldn't pay the dealer to fix my 2006 hyundai sonata gls v6 with 65,263 miles. They advised that the isn't under warranty, however, the ABS hecu unit is faulty. This is a safety concern for myself and fellow drivers.

Filed Feb 14, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 111,907 miles · WA

Oil leaked from valve cover onto alternator. Engine stalled and left me stranded on rural mountain road. Finally got towed home. Mechanic says it will cost nearly $1000 to replace valve cover gaskets and alternator. Car is 2006 hyundai sonata with 3.3l 6cyl engine. I believe that this is the same engine and same problem that prompted the recall on 2007 hyundai veracruz the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v415000. The existing recall should be expanded to include more hyundai vehicle models that exhibit the same problem.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 108,596 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 hyundai sonata. While driving 20 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated. In addition, while accelerating, the speedometer displayed various gears being shifted and there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,596.

Filed Aug 16, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 84,903 miles · MD

The system warning lamps illuminated, then the engine shut off and would not restart. Evaluation showed that the alternator had failed and was covered with engine oil which had leaked from the front valve cover gasket onto the alternator. This failure is the same as the federal safety agency campaign number 14v415000, which covers another hyundai vehicle.

Filed Aug 14, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 57,301 miles · OH

In 12/21/09 airbag system light kept coming on. Took it to the dealer. They stated chip related to air bag system under the passenger seat was broken and I was not covered under warranty. Invoice # [xxx] (dennis hyundai of dublin) repairs estimated at $500 to $900. Called hyundai with a complaint. The service manager then called we had a meeting. I paid $ 175.03 to replace the chip. They also repaired passenger seat per the federal safety agency recall 13v‑354 (note the recall repair only worked for about a year). After the warranty expired I took the vehicle to both the dealer and local repair shops. The airbag light would come one and then sometimes when I stopped reset its self or the dealer/repair shop could reset the light. The electrical wiring system started to act up after the 60,000 mile warranty period expired. The ABS light comes on then goes off the radio will come in loud the get quiet. The constant however is the airbag system light. I had the seat belt (driver side) changed (twice) in 2011 as the first replacement in did not work. The airbag light was off for a short time and then came back on. It will not reset so the airbag light is always on. I have always felt this problem should be covered by hyundai. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Electrical · 57,000 miles · CT

Airbag light is on and the authorized service centre diagnosed that it is the driver seat belt problem hence need to replace the seat belt for around $500. When I searched on internet I found that this is the factory problem hence I think it should be company recalled and should be fix for free.

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Electrical, Seat belts · 54,000 miles · MA

Air bag light stays on. Dealer unsure of cause. Suspects sensor in seatbelt. May prevent airbag from deployment.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · SC

Under normal driving, vehicle suddenly sputtered a bit and then the check engine light and electronic stability control light came on. The car then would barely move over 15-20 MPH. We found out that these are the classic symptoms of a tps issue, for which hyundai issued tsb 10-fl-010. We have had the vehicle at the dealership for all of the recommended repairs from that tsb twice with no resolution to the problem. My concern is that this problem occurs randomly and without warning. At least twice it has occurred on the interstate, and I felt we were lucky to get off to the side without another car running into us. I am extremely worried that the next time this happens we won't be as fortunate, and someone can be seriously hurt. This is also a very common issue with hyundais. Frankly, I would not be surprised if someone has already been hurt because of this. I am also surprised hyundai has not issued a recall or found a better solution to this problem. I believe this is a very serious problem and urgent safety issue. In fact, we would like to get rid of the car, but we cannot afford to buy another car, nor am I too keen on inflicting this problem on some other unsuspecting person thinking they are buying a good, reliable car. Please try to pressure hyundai to come up with a better solution.

Filed Feb 13, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 55,000 miles · FL

Head lights dims, flickers, dashboard lights dims, radio shut off when slowing speed, sometimes brakes light come on.

Filed Feb 2, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 60,000 miles · PA

First of all the time and mileage are approximate. We experienced difficulty in turning off the parking/dashboard lights in our 2006 hyundai sonata. Flicking the stalk back and forth a few times would eventually turn them off. I asked my mechanic and called 2 local hyundai dealers and all agreed the only solution is to replace the entire fuse/relay box. After consulting a few hyundai forums I learned that this was a problem affecting some 2006 and 2007 hyundias and that owners were paying between $700 to $1200 to replace the faulty part. Many owners are upset that hyundai does not issue a recall. On monday, january 27, 2014 the stalk stopped working. A call to hyundai north america not only resulted in no help in finding out which fuse would disable the lights but also assured me that hyundai seems to expect the life of such parts to last just past the warranty expiration date. I decided to pull out the relay located under the dashboard which turned off the lights (among other things). The next day when my wife left work after inserting the relay back in, she couldn't get out of first gear and slowly things started to stop working such as the heated seat and the rear defogger. Once home, I disconnected the battery, waited a few minutes, reconnected the battery and road-tested the car. Everything worked normal; however, this is the only way to turn off the lights. On sunday, february 2, 2014 I bought a battery quick-disconnect and wired the other end to the existing hyundai positive battery cable. Now, while we wait weeks (possibly months) to have the money to get this part replaced, my wife will have to leave work and in a dark parking lot, reconnect the battery using this quick-disconnect tool. While the car sits at home and at her place of employment, it remains unlocked with no alarm, I can provide digital pictures of this along with other complaints about the car.

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