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Suspension
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…
2004 Hyundai SonataProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 202 owner complaints about the 2004 Hyundai Sonata, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Hyundai Sonata has problems
202 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
56Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
47Structure10 crash/fire/injury
46Air bags15 crash/fire/injury
17Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
13Wheels
13Steering
12Latches/locks/linkages
10Power train
8Service brakes, hydraulic
5113 other systems11 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 56 | 1 |
| Structure | 47 | 10 |
| Air bags | 46 | 15 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 2 |
| Wheels | 13 | 1 |
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 12 | 6 |
| Power train | 10 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 3 |
| 13 other systems | 51 | 11 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2004 Hyundai Sonata recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Mileage at failure
When do suspension problems start?
105kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 43 suspension complaints. 42% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles18under 100k miles25100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other Sonata year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonata median. How we score
11162922263662349491242762053201992021651,0476964254603453,3801,5591,9217501,157730769375162183135988848173
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2004 Hyundai Sonata safety ratings
2004 Hyundai Sonata 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2004 Hyundai Sonata, and the recalls they led to.
- FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSIONLed to recall 09V-124
In owners' words
What Sonata owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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…
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…
Own a 2004 Sonata?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.