FaultScore

2006 Hyundai Sonata airbag problems

444 of the 1,422 complaints about the 2006 Hyundai Sonata are about the airbag system — 31% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 70,000 miles.

F

444

Complaints

19

Crashes

1

Fires

13

Injuries

Exactly what failed

AIR Bags 375 84.5%
Frontal 45 10.1%
Sensor/Control Module 20 4.5%
Side/Window 2 0.5%
On-Off Switch Assembly 1 0.2%
Occupant Classification 1 0.2%

Airbags across every Hyundai Sonata year

1995 16 0.8%
1999 31 1.5%
2000 44 2.2%
2001 49 2.4%
2002 53 2.6%
2003 45 2.2%
2004 46 2.3%
2005 57 2.8%
2006 444 21.9%
2007 259 12.8%
2008 139 6.9%
2009 31 1.5%
2010 20 1.0%
2011 418 20.7%
2012 170 8.4%
2013 102 5.0%
2014 31 1.5%
2015 25 1.2%
2016 21 1.0%
2017 22 1.1%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 140,000 miles Las Vegas, NV

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11607317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Oreland, PA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11520229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kelseyville, CA

AIR BAGS

Passenger occupant classification sensor fails to properly identify whether an adult or child is sitting in the front passenger seat causing the airbag to deploy when it shouldn't. If a child is in the front passenger seat and we get into an accident, the child could be hurt or killed by the airbag. We brought it into the Hyundai dealership after receiving a recall notice that it may fail to properly detect whether a child is in the seat or not. At the time of the recall, the dealerships instructions were to place a certain amount of weight on the seat and if the airbag was still disabled then it was determined to be working correctly. I have since been made aware of a Hyundai TSB that came out a couple of years later that stated in all cases the seat cushion was to be removed and sent back to Hyundai for recalibration. In June 2021 the airbag light came on due to a code B1448. In September 2021 I found another TSB by Hyundai stating that they have extended the warranty on the passenger OCS to 15 years, unlimited mileage. The inspection report for the B1448 was on June 7, 2021 and we purchased the car in July 2006. When I called the closest Hyundai dealership regarding the issue they said I was 2 months past the 15 year warranty and there was nothing they could do. I explained that that the code presented itself before the 15 year warranty. It upsets me that I took it in for the airbag recall and the faulty OCS was not replaced at that time. Now I'm stuck driving around a car with the airbag light on or purchase an OCS emulator to fool the system into thinking there is someone sitting in the seat. While this won't fix the problem of the airbag deploying when it shouldn't it doesn't fix the root cause of a faulty OCS mat that Hyundai is well aware of. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11478910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Rancho Mirage, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was related to the seat belt which was repaired before; however, the air bag light continued to remain illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11476301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oxon Hill, MD Fire

AIR BAGS

I financed my 2006 Hyundai Sonata from a Maryland state car dealer. At the time of my purchase, the dealer didn’t disclose to me that the vehicle had a branded title. The branded title was discovered by Toco Warranty when I requested a auto extended warranty quote. I contacted the MVA, and was informed that it’s illegal to finance a vehicle in the state of Maryland with a branded title since the actual miles are unknown and this is required by dealers in Maryland in order to finance vehicles to consumers. Although I was no longer required to make payments to the dealer, my vehicle has a ABS malfunction, brake line failure, that has caused brake fluid leakage and brake failure as well as a critical control arm needed repair. I’m disabled and on a fixed income, and purchased this vehicle to assist in getting to and from medical appointments. The total cost of repair from Mr. Tire Auto service centers estimâtes at $2700 and Triple AAA Auto repair centers estimates $ 4700 with $ 2800 to get my vehicle in safe driving condition. Because of my low fixed income, I’m unable to make another vehicle purchase without at least $4,600 for a down payment and I don’t have the money for a new purchase nor to make needed repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11473277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lancaster, CA

AIR BAGS

The red warning airbag light stays on and it’s visible as I drive. Does this mean the airbags are not going to work should I be involved in an auto accident?

NHTSA complaint #11470550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Suffolk, VA

AIR BAGS

The airbag light in my car stays illuminated and I’m not sure why. No auto/body shops will touch it and the dealership is backed up so bad it’ll be a month and a half before someone can look at it. My car can’t pass inspection like this and if I were to get into an accident it would be extremely dangerous if the airbags didn’t go off.

NHTSA complaint #11458760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Providence, RI

AIR BAGS

My AIR BAG warning light is constantly illuminated. I went on line and found Hyundai 2006 Sonata recall RCONL-08V161-6944 and recall RCONL-08V161-9148 which covers this problem. I also found Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin Number 15-BE-002 which provides the service procedures to repair this symptom. Can't believe it simply involves two inexpensive wire ties. The recall letter states that this problem will be repaired at "no charge to you" and Hyundai will "provide you with a vehicle while your vehicle is being serviced. I am unable to pass my states (RI) vehicle inspection without this repair. I took my car to a local Hyundai dealer and was told that when my VIN number was inputted, my vehicle was not included in this recall and there would be a $150.00 diagnostic fee on top of any repair fees. I am not going to pay hundreds of dollars to insert two cable ties, especially when this problem has already been recognized as a Hyundai problem.

NHTSA complaint #11438917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Range, WI

AIR BAGS

Airbag light is on all of the time on my car. I was told some of these cars were recalled for this issue, but it looks like mine was not a part of that recall. It will cost around $1900 to repair, which is currently about half of the value of the car. The vehicle has not been in any crash and prior to the light coming on there were no other issues. It seems as though this is a pretty common issue with this particular vehicle and I feel like the manufacturer should help with repair/replacement since this is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11435599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Myers, FL

AIR BAGS

2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ILLUMINATED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A FAULTY SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAT. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #11431057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Myers, FL

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ILLUMINATED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A FAULTY SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAT. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA complaint #11431057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cheyenne, WY

AIR BAGS

My airbag light has come on. The censor in the passenger seat has failed and isn't recognizing the weight of the passenger. The recall is active for several 2006 Hyundai Sonatas, but when I enter my VIN, my Sonata does not show that recall. The problem has been confirmed by the Hyundai dealership. It is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11429845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tempe, AZ

AIR BAGS

The airbag light is ON. Malfunction in Occupant Classification Sensor is detected by the Hyundai dealer.

NHTSA complaint #11420604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 158,000 miles Sebring, FL

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DOESN'T ALWAYS SECURELY CLICK DOWN, AND THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY WORKS. THE BUSHING IN THE REAR SPINDLE IS SEVERLY WORN AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SWAY AND BOUNCE ON ROAD MAKING IT HARD TO CONTROL.

NHTSA complaint #11415684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 41,900 miles Bayonne, NJ

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HUDSON HYUNDAI (977 COMMUNIPAW AVE, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07304) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,900.

NHTSA complaint #11397898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 98,000 miles Central, SC

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI OF ANDERSON (1925 PEARMAN DAIRY RD, ANDERSON, SC 29625) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V161000 (SEATS). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED HOWEVER, THE SEAT SENSOR WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

NHTSA complaint #11386902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Glastonbury, CT

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. THIS IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR, BUT MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR ALL VEHICLES AFFECTED.

NHTSA complaint #11359970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 193,000 miles Cary, NC

AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT(DRIVER SIDE) TURNED ON BY ITSELF DURING DRIVING, AND STAYED ON(SOMETIME TURNED OFF BY ITSELF TOO). HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ALMOST A WEEK.

NHTSA complaint #11354503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,000 miles Mayaguez, PR

AIR BAGS

PASSENGER OCCUPANT WEIGHT SENSOR IS SHOWING AN TROUBLE. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT REMAIN ON ALWAYS. I TAKE THE CAR INTO A HYUNDAI DEALER WITH THE RECALL I ENCLOSED AND THEY DONT APPROVE IT.

NHTSA complaint #11301932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Palm Beach, FL

AIR BAGS

PASSENGER OCCUPANT WEIGHT SENSOR IS SHOWING AN TROUBLE CODE B1448. NO DAMAGE TO SEAT OR ANY REASON WHY THIS SHOULD HAPPEN. WHY SHOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A MALFUNCTIONING SENSOR?

NHTSA complaint #11278396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles NEW Britain, CT

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON, THE DAEALER SAY THERE IS NO RECALLON THE AIR BAG FOR MY CAR. AT ONE POINT I RECIEVED A NOTICE BUT DONT REMEMBER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER DUE TO MY BEING OUT OF TOWN THAN IN. THE LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME WHILE THE IGNITIONIS ON. NOT THE PASSENGER BUT THE DRIVER SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #11245547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shelton, CT

AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. KEY HYUNDAI MILFORD CT SENT SEAT OUT FOR RECALIBRATION AT 40,000 MILES. THEY REPLACED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES AT 45,000 MILES. AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ON. KEY HYUNDAI TOLD US THEY CANNOT HELP. NOW KEY TELLS US THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES MUST BE REPLACE, AGAIN, AT OUR COST. HYUNDAI CORPORATE WON'T HELP. WE ARE DRIVING WITH AN APPARENTLY IN-OPERABLE AIRBAG SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #11245060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Bartlett, IL

AIR BAGS

THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND IS THERE WHEN YOU TURN THE IGNITION ON AND WHILE DRIVING IT DOESN'T GO AWAY

NHTSA complaint #11241733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,000 miles West Haven, CT

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL 1)WHEN THE ENGINE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET IN A SPEED OF 25 MPH OR LOWER WHOLE BODY IS SHAKING AND VIBRATING LIKE PULLING UP AND DOWN CONTINUOUSLY. 2)IN MOTION SOMETIMES ENGINE IS DOING SOME DIFFERENT KIND OF NICE AND IT LOSES ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. 3) AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. 4) OVERALL MY CAR IS GIVING SO LESS MILEAGE THAN EXPECTED BY YOU .

NHTSA complaint #11240748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,470 miles Elyria, OH

AIR BAGS

ESC/ABS LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND WAS HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR ACCELERATION WAS HARD AND BRAKING SEEMED TO GO DOWN LOW ENOUGH TO SCARE YOU. I MADE IT HOME THE LIGHTS WENT OFF BUT BACK ON ANOTHER DOING THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHERE ACCELERATION SEEMED TO BE DRAGGING ANF BRAKES FELT LOW THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NOW I DO NOT DRIVE IT SINCE THESE LIGHTS COME ON OFTEN. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED AND DTC CODES SHOW MULTIPLE CODE FOR ABS, ESC, AIRBAGS ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN FIXED BUT THAT DID NOT HELP THE ESC/ABS LIGHT STILL COME AND MAKE BRAKING/ACCELERATION HARD AT TIMES.

NHTSA complaint #11220314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30 miles SAN Antono, TX

AIR BAGS

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. IT CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH ERRATICALLY. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. THE SEVICE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY.

NHTSA complaint #11217038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stockbridge, GA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL: MY AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, NOW IT WILL NOT GO OFF.

NHTSA complaint #11210607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 147,000 miles Wayland, MI

AIR BAGS

AS I WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS GOING ON AND OFF THEN STAYING OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT IS NOW STEADILY ON. ALSO, SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLE LIGHT NOW FLASHES CONTINUOUSLY, AND ONLY GOES OUT OF I BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT OR OF SOMEONE SITS ON SEAT AND BUCKLES IT. I ENTERED THE VIN ON HYUNDAI WEBSITE AND THEY VERIFY NO OPEN RECALLS. THIS ISSUE INITIALLY STARTED AT IDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY SHORTLY AFTER START THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11184151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple City, CA

AIR BAGS

MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY CAR TURNED ON ONE MORNING WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT

NHTSA complaint #11183602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Temple City, CA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED ONE TSB REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WANTED TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11182366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2006 Hyundai Sonata problems

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