Options

Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

1139140142144145152

Comments

  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    However as I frequently do 75-80+ with favorable "smokie" conditions, I could get a little less at about 30mpg

    I think that's a little optimistic. It doesn't take much 75-80mph driving to hurt your mileage. The Sonata is a tall, wide, heavy car. It takes a lot more fuel to run at those speeds than a smaller car.
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    I have not done any sustainable hwy driving conditions(i.e. a few hundred miles trip) yet -will see what mpg she gives then.
  • aneeshaneesh Member Posts: 43
    I own a 2006 Sonata GLS with 4SP-AT.....this happen to me twice when I was parking...the ABS and ESC off sign went on but it went away after I started the car again. Does anybody know why this might've happened?
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    This has been happening to quite a few of the new generation Sonatas... Me included. On the other Sonata forum one member had it taken care of reporting "replaced the Switch Assembly - Stop Lamp, part # 93810-3K00"...
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    The September 2007 issue of C & D has a long term test of the 2006 Sonata V6 LX after 40,000 miles. Report was very POSITIVE with NO unscheduled(warranty) repairs and lots of praises for the Sonata. The web link is not available yet - maybe at a later time.
  • edmund2001edmund2001 Member Posts: 21
    I just read the C&D long term test on the Frank Sonatra. Good one! A very positive review though I do agree with them that the suspension could use some refining.
    $336 sounds pretty steep for a fuel filter & a "fuel tank air filter?" Even they never heard of it. Good article!!!
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    That "fuel tank air filter and fuel filter" for $336 sounds like a dealer rip-off. I do my own PM and repairs and have been for the past 35 years - so I avoid such rip offs that the average owner experiences.

    My 1 month old 2007 Sonata V6 Limited does not have that suspension issue described and is a joy to drive. I believe that it was corrected since then as 2006 was a first year model which is always prone to bugs.
  • duke16duke16 Member Posts: 36
    My Sonata Limited was assembled on 5-14-2006.It has the famous problem of the '06,feels like the rear schocks are dead.Didn't at first though.I have to take in to dealer to have replaced.
  • falsafifalsafi Member Posts: 8
    In Owner's manual they say:

    Window lock (Driver's side)
    In order to prevent operation of the
    passenger front and rear windows, a
    window lock switch is provided on the
    armrest of the driver's door.


    But this switch also disables operation of other windows from drivers armrest!!! :mad: Why? :confuse: I just wish to prevent my children from playing with their power windows, but at the same time, being able to control their windows from my keys! Is there something wrong with my Sonata wiring? If not, has anybody changed thewiring so that operation is like other cars?
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    Don't pop a vein or blow a gasket or something. There is an easy solution to that. Just tell your children to leave the windows alone. Works for me every time. Try it.
  • craigbrookscraigbrooks Member Posts: 420
    I noticed the same thing! I just make sure all windows are rolled up when I lock them. If not I sneak in afterward and roll them up. BTW I don't lock them for the for young ones just for the people I work with. :P
  • douglascdouglasc Member Posts: 3
    My 2006 was assembled in 2005. Shocks weren't dead but made a clunking noise when going over bumps at low speed. Found out there was a recall that my dealer was reading as not applying to mine. Replacing rear shocks solved problem.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Check for the TSB on your car. I think you'll find that the rear shock replacement to take car of the "clunking" should have been covered by the warranty.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Just picked up my new 2007 Sonata this week. Have only driven it about 600kms. Here are a few things I've noticed so far that I'm not happy about.

    The safety belt alert bell is much too loud. Can't hear myself think when that thing is dinging away. Is there any way of turning in down?

    On the other hand, the turn indicators are the opposite & much too quiet. I can't tell you how many times when I make a turn & they don't cancel out, I've left the signals going b/c I don't hear it clicking. Must drive cars behind me nuts.

    I'm also having such a hard time activating the remote for trunk. Tried both of them that came with the car. It seems that the signal to the trunk is weak. I have to push it several times for it to open. Also, I don't think the hydraulics on the hinges are strong enough either b/c the trunk doesn't even pop up slightly. I have to push my fingers under the slight opening & really pull up on the trunk lid. Shouldn't have to bear that much weight............should I?

    After my trip of some 600 kms, I've noticed that the chrome exhaust are turning slighly yellow. Anyone else experiencing that?

    Car came with 17" Michelins. I find on rough country roads & over railway tracks the ride is very hard & rough. I owned an Acura previously. It had 16" wheels & they glided with ease over rough terrain & railway tracks.

    I'm sure most of you have this grip, but I sure would have liked to be able to change stations & tracks of music on the steering wheel. Any suggestions as to if this can be changed (without an engineering degree & mucho dollars)

    Well, I think that's enough for owning this car for less than a week.

    OTHERWISE!!!!! So far I'm a happy camper.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Have you tried pressing and holding the trunk release button depressed for a couple of seconds?

    Looks like you got one of the earlier 2007 models, before the steering wheel audio controls were changed to add a station/track selector.

    Be sure to check the tire pressures. Sometimes dealers overinflate them (that's how they come off the truck).

    You might ask the dealer to check the trunk lid. It should not take much pressure to lift the lid once it's unlocked. But probably more pressure than with spring-loaded hinges that you might be used to.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    1.) Seat belt warning too loud?...simply put them on before starting the car.
    2.) Trunk release: some brands require two (2) distinct presses to unlatch. Some require a prolonged "press" on the release button. Off hand I don't know what Hyundai requires but I seem to recall a rental Kia Optima required a "press X 2" or two distinct presses. If all else fails read the owners manual.
    3.) Trunk pop-up: What weight? the trunk lid isn't that heavy and yes once popped open it is your job to lift it open.
    4.) Chrome exhaust tips: they are slightly changing color (not permanently however) due to exhaust heat and exit of exhaust gasses at that point. They should wax clean again. This is a totally normal thing.
    5.) quiet turn signal "on" warning? Can't help you there except remembering they are on and cancelling manually.
    6.)The low profile 17" tires this car is equipped with ARE harsher due to minimal sidewall construction. The less sidewall the less flex over bumps (simply because there isn't any sidewall there to take some of the harshness out). This has been noted by others and isn't peculiar to Hyundai. About all you can do here is either replace the new tires with ones that have more of a side wall or grin and bear it until they wear out then replace them with tires of another size.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    We have 16" tires on ours, and they ride jet smooth and very quiet. When you choose the 17's, the bit of extra noise and bumpiness go with the territory.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Hi,

    Thanks for the info.

    Re: Seat belt warning. I always put my belt on before even starting the car, but occasionally when parked I have to turn around & attend to the baby in the back seat & have to take the belt off in order to reach her. Between her crying & the bell ringing.....yikes, it's stressful.

    Re: (3) Trunk pop-up. If you're a man, the weight may be insignificant, but I'm a small woman & when I'm trying to put the baby stroller into the trunk, I can't even get my fingers under the lip to even try to lift it let alone the weight of it.

    But, thanks again for your thoughts. :)
  • wanna_azzywanna_azzy Member Posts: 41
    I always lift my trunk lid from above the license plate. That way, no fingerprints on the lid. My wife is small as well, and has not mentioned any problems. I do agree the belt chime is loud, but have read it's a 3 hour job to remove/quiet it(involves removing entire dash). Try stuffing napkins tightly up under the ashtray. Helps a little. ;)
  • craigbrookscraigbrooks Member Posts: 420
    Welcome to the world of SAFETY by Hyundai. That ding is annoying. Especially if you are sitting idling waiting for someone. Those with an 06 know what I mean. They changed the chime timing late 06 if I'm not mistaken.

    BTW welcome to the club!

    Oh yeah stick a cookie in the kids mouth....easier than quieting the chime. :P
  • oinktrntoinktrnt Member Posts: 22
    "The safety belt alert bell is much too loud. Can't hear myself think when that thing is dinging away. Is there any way of turning in down?"

    The only way I know to shut it up is to fasten your seatbelt whether you are in the car or not.

    "On the other hand, the turn indicators are the opposite & much too quiet."

    I agree with you on this. My previous car, a Focus had much louder turn signals. This was good when you would be driving. However, when waiting at a long traffic signal, it would become nearly as annoying as the Sonota’s seatbelt bell!

    "I'm also having such a hard time activating the remote for trunk."

    Most owners have discovered you have to hold down the ‘trunk’ button for a couple of seconds. I suspect this is another Hyundai safety precaution to prevent accidental engagement, say like you’re driving on a bumpy road and the key fob brushes up against your knee.

    "Car came with 17" Michelins. I find on rough country roads & over railway tracks the ride is very hard & rough. I owned an Acura previously. It had 16" wheels & they glided with ease over rough terrain & railway tracks."

    With that size wheel, I assume you have a V6, which I believe has a firmer suspension that the I4. I think the 17s ride is harsher as well.
  • twa22twa22 Member Posts: 1
    I have a new 2007 Sonata and haven't been happy with it. So far it has been to the shop at least three times - once for a bad sensor, once for a bad 12 volt plug-in (?), and then for a seat covering problem. Now I'm having trouble with the driver's seat. The button that allows the seat to recline has quit working! It is lowered all the way down. Now, I don't drive like that. Anyone else had that problem? I reckon I'll take it to the dealer for the fourth time in six months.
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Your experience certainly seem atypical.

    Maybe you have a :lemon: .
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    There I go again being condescending..something I was accused of by another woman not too long ago on another topic.
    Anyhow, the trunk, if I remember correctly, has gas assist lifters and only needs a start in the form of...well...a small amount of force to start the process then the lifters take over and hiss their way to full open with no further intervention. Closing is another story.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the info.

    I checked the assembly date on my 2007 Sonata GLS Premium & found out is WAS assembled on July 16, 2006! I just bought it last mth.(July 31/07). How can they say this car is NEW & a 2007 model? It's a year old now!

    You mentioned that mine is an "earlier" model before the audio controls were changed. Do they change features on the same year models? If so, if one buys a 2007 car, shouldn't it have all the features of the most recent off the assembly line? I'm really confused.

    I feel like I've been taken advantage of in their selling me an "old" model car.

    What's your thoughts? :(
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    The 2007's usually hit the dealership showrooms in mid to late 2006 for the model year of the 2007 since you just bought your 2007 in 2007 it may have been sitting on a dealers lot since late 2006. Just like the 2008's are now hitting the showrooms and its 2007 same goes if someone waits till 2008 to buy a 2008 their build date will be in 2007.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The current generation Sonata debuted in the U.S. in the spring of 2005 as a 2006 model. It appears that Hyundai is introducing the next-year Sonatas pretty early in the year, e.g. June, because of that. So it looks like you did buy one of the early 2007 models.

    How can they say it's new? Was it ever purchased by someone, or titled? If not, it's new. I see some dealers (not Hyundai dealers) in my area advertising "new" 2006 models! They are in fact "new" cars. But they depreciate quite a bit the minute someone drives them off the lot, so they're heavily discounted.

    Sometimes new features are introduced mid-way into a model year. This is true for the XM radio and the beefed-up audio controls on the wheel for the 2007 Sonata. When Hyundai announced the 2007 Sonata, they said that the XM radio and audio controls were "late availability", meaning that the early 2007 cars (like yours) didn't have those features. But you know what? There was a price increase when the XM radio and additional audio controls were added. So it's not like you paid for something you didn't get.

    You were only taken advantage of if the sales rep or someone at the dealership told you your car had XM radio and the newer audio controls, when it didn't. And in that case there are legal remedies, if you want to pursue them. Otherwise, why not just enjoy your new Sonata?
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Well, if it was labeled on the window sticker as a 2007 and it had less than 10 miles (or as much as 100 miles if dealer traded) when you bought it and was never titled it technically IS new. Hyundai and other manufacturers start making "next years" model in the current calender year i.e. 2008's are being made as we speak er...type. For one reason or another yours hung around the dealer lot for a longer than normal amount of time before you bought it, but that isn't unheard of.
    Do features change within any given model year? You bet!! Read the fine print on any manufacturers brochure and it will say to the effect..."Specifications are subject to change". Hyundai as well as others make what is known as running changes during any model assembly cycle. They can modify...add..subtract any component of the car they deem necessary.
    Have you been taken advantage of? Nope!! you bought a new 2007 car (unless there are details yet to be forthcoming)and that is what you got. The fact you got an early version doesn't really count unless you know about "running changes" and absolutely wanted the "latest and greatest" and were willing to check build dates to get it.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Thanks so much for the info & the fast education I'm getting about new cars.

    This may be a silly question, but why would a "new" 2007 car, built in July, 2006 still be sitting in the dealer's lotat the end of the car season? Don't they sell the oldest ones first? This dealer only had 2 GLS Premium Sonata's left when I bought mine. I chose mine by colour of the two. Didn't even consider the assembly date. :blush:
  • macakavamacakava Member Posts: 775
    Just like in real life between man and woman in finding an attractive soulmate in each other, the dealer has to find a customer who is attracted to that particular car with the specific options & color at a price that it can be sold for a profit. :)
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Yes, another poster summed it up in a man/woman "match made in heaven" story. Do they sell the oldest ones first? Well, as you now know..not necessarily. They (the dealer) would like to of course because they buy the cars from the manufacturer just like you and I do but at a lot lower cost though. They have to pay for insurance while they sit there unsold and also pay for advertising and interest on the loans they take out to buy a large inventory. All this plus normal operating costs, employee salaries, and a bunch of other fees and costs that I never could figure out. So the longer a car sits unsold the more it costs for its care and feeding until the dealer may place it on sale or discount the price more than some others that are "newer" or have not been on the lot as long.
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    I'm totally with you on this, sonotaowner... Which should teach us all to take a look at the manufacturing date, next time we purchase a new car....

    ...But, what's done is done. The car is new, and titled as a 2007, not a 2006 -- which is in YOUR interest for resale value. Just get over it, and enjoy the car...
  • geffengeffen Member Posts: 278
    I couldn't agree more, your car is brand new just manufactured in 2006 as i said in a previous email, the 2008's are flooding into the showrooms as of right now and they will have a build date of sometime in 2007, now if you were to buy your 2008 car/truck in the year 2008 it will still be brand new but it'll have a build date of 2007, really makes no difference its still brand new.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    This may be a silly question, but why would a "new" 2007 car, built in July, 2006 still be sitting in the dealer's lotat the end of the car season?

    Most of the sitting may not have been at the dealer. Hyundai's Alabama assembly plant has a parking lot the size of a small town where cars wait to be distributed. Your car may have been manufactured several months before it got to your dealer.

    When I was dealing for mine, it had 3 miles on it, and I noticed the "born on date" was Jan 29 of 06. We drove it home on Feb 18 of 06. I hope you enjoy yours as much as we have ours.
  • vabearvabear Member Posts: 18
    I agree, new cars are built and may sit a long time on the factory lot. I was at the local Hyundai dealers a coupe of weeks ago and they had a 2006 Azera limited (new) discounted $9000 before any rebate. Cars are like homes the home is not sold until the deal closes and the deed is recorded.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Sorry, but what is the TSB? :confuse:

    Thanks,
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Hi,

    Thanks for the info.

    I shud tell you that I did not "choose" the 17" tires. That's the way is came & I didn't know there was any option, nor did I know that 17" tire had such a hard ride.

    My question now is, why do they put 17" tires on in the first place?
  • mamamia2mamamia2 Member Posts: 707
    Because MANY actually prefer the low profile 17" tires. They are more sporty, and have better grip. I'm sure you could find someone to swap your tires with....
  • bhmr59bhmr59 Member Posts: 1,602
    Technical Service Bulletin.

    You can find Hyundai Service (I think it's hyundaiservice.com) on line. You'll have to register-it's free.

    Or simply call you Hyundai dealer to tell him about your problem and that you understand that this is an issue covered by Hyundai's warranty.
  • iwantacariwantacar Member Posts: 7
    Hi Sonataowner,
    I have the 16" wheels on my 06 Sonata. If you wish, perhaps we could swap my 16s for your 17s. My wheels are in great shape, no dings of any kind.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    My question now is, why do they put 17" tires on in the first place?

    Because some folks put more value on style that comfort. :D

    Personally, I can hardly notice the difference between 16's and 17's. But then, I'm not very style conscious.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Thanks guys for your input.

    I've only had my car for less than 2 wks. I think I'd like to stay with the 17" tires for now. I just didn't realize that 17" tires had such a hard ride & the reasons for it.

    Thanks again. :)
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    I've always looked at the build date when buying. My Civic had a June '06 date and I bought it on the the 17th with like 3 miles. I really thought most folks would check this stuff out. As for the 17" tires, i'm sure there is a size with a taller sidewall...say a 60 or 65 series which will slove that harshness problem. A plus 0 tire would definitely fit. I have in my favorites, I think, a tire size fitment chart so folks can check on different sized tires.

    The Sandman :)
  • qs84qs84 Member Posts: 10
    I finally went in myself and was told that I was the third one in a week that required a switch to be changed out for the power seat recliner.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    It's me again............"sonataowner".

    You indicated that earlier 2007 models did not include the station/track selector. I went to my Dealer who advised that he understood that as of June, 2006 this feature WAS included. My car was made July 21, 2006. He's currently checking with Hyundai to find out why.

    I've since noticed that the telescopic steering wheel & the rear air/heat vent features are not included in this vehicle either.

    My criteria to the Sales Mgr. when buying my car was I wanted a 2007 Sonota GLS V6 Premium with EVERYTHING that was available on this car. Unfortunately, the 2007 brochure gives "detailed" specs. on the GLS V6, but specific details on what is included with the "Premium" was not printed anywhere. So I don't know "exactly" what's included. I thought my criteria would cover everything.

    Anyhow, can anyone tell me why I didn't get some of those items? I'll ask my Dealer eventually, but I'm afraid of getting shafted by the Mgr. or a Sales Rep.

    Thanks. :confuse:
  • duke16duke16 Member Posts: 36
    I don't think that the telecopic steering wheel was on any model,except the '07 ltd.None of the Sonota models offer rear a/c or heat vents.Your dealer sales man is wrong about the station track selector.
  • sonotaownersonotaowner Member Posts: 18
    Hi,

    Thanks for the feedback.

    Isn't the "Premium" the name of the fully loaded GLS V6? What then, is the "Limited"? I thought that term was used on the 2008 rendition.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    "Premium" may be a fully-loaded GLS V6, but if a feature isn't available on a GLS, it doesn't matter how many fancy adjectives are appended to "GLS". As noted, telescopic wheels, rear air vents, and (for awhile on the 2007 models, yes, the person you talked with at your dealer was wrong) enhanced steering wheel audio controls aren't on the GLS.

    The Limited is the top trim line for the 2007 and 2008 Sonata. Comes with leather and auto climate control standard, for example. And a telescopic wheel.

    Buying tip for next time: Don't trust what a sales rep tells you about the equipment on a car. They could be wrong, accidentally or intentionally. Verify for yourself that the car you are buying has the equipment you think it has.
  • hotrod54hotrod54 Member Posts: 82
    Au contraire...all Sonatas have vents under the front seats that force air to the rear cabin...they are ducts that come through the carpet right at floor level :)
  • atlbuyeratlbuyer Member Posts: 16
    Hi all,
    I just bought an 07 SE 2 wks ago. I already have to go in to get a minor problem checked out. There seems to be insulation/weather stripping that is sticking out where the dashboard meets the window.

    Anyway, I didn't opt for the extended warrant, but has anyone researched 3rd party warranties? Or know where I can get more information. I checked Warranty Direct.com, but their rates were pretty high. Thanks :shades:
Sign In or Register to comment.