The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and noticed that engine oil was leaking onto the ground and the coolant level was abnormally low. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a valve cover leak. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was not contacted. In addition, the contact stated that several other unknown repairs were made; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact related the failure to an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
2006 Hyundai Sonata engine problems
73 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 73
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine6
- Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys3
- Exhaust system2
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
- Engine: gasoline1
- Cooling system: fan1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Hyundai Sonata engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Hyundai Sonata engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
What 2006 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine issue with my 2006 Hyundai Sonata equipped with a 2.4L GDI engine. My vehicle experienced [engine knocking, stalling, and then seized up indicating complete Engine failure] without warning, posing a potential safety hazard while driving. The issue appears to be identical to the known manufacturing defects that Hyundai has acknowledged in its recall of 2013–2014 Sonata models with the same engine Class Type. Although my vehicle is not currently included in the official recall “ SONATA ENGINE RECALL CAMPAIGN it contains the Theta II MPI Engine which constitutes and Further solidifies proof of the ongoing Manufacturing Defects of Theta Model Engine design and exhibits the same symptoms of sudden engine failure. This raises concerns that the defect may affect a broader range of model years than Hyundai has acknowledged. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this issue and determine whether the scope of the current recall should be expanded to include earlier model years such as 2006. The defect creates a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers, and Hyundai should be held accountable for all affected vehicles—not just those produced within a narrow window.
Unknown
My son was driving and heard loud pop and saw flames coming from hood fire department put out fire car is complete loss
May 2019: Battery light came on and off for a few minutes. Car sputtered and engine quit. Replaced alternator and battery; problem went away. Feb 2022: Battery light came on and off for a few minutes. Car sputtered and engine quit. Replaced alternator and battery. This time the mechanic noticed that oil was leaking from the front valve cover gasket and was getting into the alternator; thus the most likely source of damage to alternator.
Driving on the highway and my car just died out of no where took it to get looked at only to find out the engine died car got so hot it had to sit over night to cool. Also was driving one day and rook a turn amd my brakes wouldn't stop took it in and found out the entire brake line was corroded had to spend thousands to get it fixed.
My vehicle was moving upon coming to a stop. I tried the brake system but my car wouldn't stop and caused an accident. That's what I remember.
I heard really loud sound in the engine but there's no check engine light. After of few days of driving and the day I decided to bring it to the mechanic, few miles away from the shop the the loud noise in the engine is gone then check engine show up and the oil pan appears. The mechanic said it was the oil pump and they said there's a metal shaving inside the engine, when they drain the engine oil.
The brakes on my 2006 hyundai sonata failed on me as I was driving. My car seemed to have not been working properly.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 hyundai sonata. While driving highway speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal noise and smoke emitted from the engine compartment. The failure occurred without warning. The contact was able to safely maneuver from the highway to a parking lot. The contact exited the vehicle and observed flames underneath the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. There were no injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v026000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Questions about the 2006 Hyundai Sonata engine
Does the 2006 Hyundai Sonata have engine problems?
Owners have filed 73 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2006 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2006 Hyundai Sonata engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Hyundai Sonata have bad engine?
The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (1,012 complaints), 2013 (778 complaints) and 2015 (650 complaints).
Other 2006 Hyundai Sonata problems
Airbags 435Visibility 186Seat belts 102Electrical 86Suspension 86Brakes 85Driver assistance 61Lights 45Body 44Acceleration 39Steering 35Fuel system 22Transmission 22Seats 13Wheels 10Tires 8Locks 6
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