Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

backy

The "passenger airbag off" light is because of government-mandated safety regulations. Hyundai had no choice but to put that in, so any complaints about it should be sent to your U.S. Representative or Senator, not Hyundai.

w9cw

acurattle wrote: "but I do have some 5" circular markings on the middle of the rear window, where a rubber pad or suction cup was perhaps once applied. Anyone else have that? Standard glass cleaner seems to remove it only temporarily."

I may be wrong on this, but I thought I saw a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) on the removal of the suction cup marks on the windows on the Hyundai service website. As a Hyundai owner, you now have full access to Hyundai's service website for TSB's and online service manuals. Quite unique in the industry . . . it sounds like most of your complaints are due to poor dealer prep.

I will check again on this, but you may wish to investigate this yourself.

targettuning

with regard to the heated seats..they are indeed "on" or "off" but I think they are only intended to keep you comfortable until the heater warms the car up not for full time use. I guess though there are people who use them in that manner. Someone had mentioned a 5 in diameter circular mark on the rear window...this is from the suction cup on the piece of machinery (robotic arm?) that installs the windshield and rear glass. It should have been removed on dealer prep.

acurattle

You are right, I found the TSB #04-80-002, Round Marks On The Inside Glass Surfaces. Thanks, w9cw! It says to scrub the glass 2 or 3 times with good quality glass cleaner and clean cloth. If that doesn't remove the mark, "Auto Glass Stripper"will have to be used. I'll refer it to my dealer if it comes to that.

lxlover

I got my LX, fully loaded, a week before Thanksgiving. Sticker was 24,895 and I got it for 20,850 - no haggling required. Factored in were the rebates being offered at the time.

krika

Oh there lies the mystery! There is a huge circular mark (like a ring) with 4 dots inside it, exactly in the middle of my rear windshield. I didn't notice it when I purchased the car, but after about a month the mark appeared. I thought it was a mark left by aliens (like crop circles) :P Now I think it could be from the suction cup, and it appeared a month later because of the settling of dust/dirt on the windshield (just guessing).

krika

The CD changer in my LX is dead now :sick: . The CDs are stuck and the system displays - 'Disc Drive Error' The service personnel at the dealership ordered for a replacement. Two weeks later it arrived today. Left my car at the dealership, and in the evening when I went to pick up the car, I am told that the wrong system was delivered. Mine is a 6-CD changer and the unit they ordered was one-disc system. These guys even removed the old one and put in the new one, turned on the car and system, but no sound. That was when they realized they ordered for the wrong one. Can anyone be more reckless and stupid :mad: . Isn't this their JOB!!!!!!! Are they sitting in the UN and dealing with world peace while doing repairs as a part time job!!!!! This is irresponsible and unpardonable. In doing this replacement they manage to put scratches on the dashboard and grease on the leather seats . I mean isn't there any means to distinguish a 6-CD changer from a single-disc player, atleast the carton of the system should have it written on. Ok, I can go on and on complaining about this.

backy

Yes, you can go on and on complaining about it, but you are complaining to the wrong people. Someone made a mistake. They happen--these service techs are human, too. Personally I don't get very upset when a dealership goofs like this. I have made some mistakes in my life--have you? What is important to me is how the dealership responds when I complain about the mistake (multiple mistakes in this case). Suppose the service manager were to say, "I am very sorry that happened. Let me try to make it up to you. First, we will repair the damage to the dashboard and clean your seats. We will also fully detail the car, fill it with gas, and give you five free oil changes. When you bring it in to replace the CD changer, we will give you an Azera as a free loaner." That kind of treatment (or something like it) would tell me that the dealership really is interested in giving quality service, even though they messed up this one time, and will work hard to regain my loyalty.

targettuning

great reply...If this happened to me I would probably "vent" too but to complain to someone other than the offending dealer service manager or maybe the store general manager is counter-productive. Well written.

krika

Yes man, what you say is right. I was too pissed off yesterday. But talking about 'mistakes' there is no philosophical conclusion to it. This is not just an err, its err due to negligence. Ok, the service manager listens (I doubt if he really does) to my complaint - I say the CD changer is stuck. I don't say the CD player is stuck. I say I got 6 CDs stuck in there, is it possible for him to take the CDs out. He says - no, the whole system has to be sent to Hyundai and they will open it to retreive the CDs and send them back. They take the car into the service room, and 2 hrs later they come out saying its gone for good they have to replace it. Ok, till this moment I guess more than 3 people might have been involved. Its time to order for the replacement. What else would be on your busy mind - or let me put this way - what else can confuse you. Its a fully loaded LX - Package 3 (i.e. Sunroof and 6CD-changer) How can they end up ordering for a single-CD player unless its gross negligence. They don't even pay attention to what car they are working on and what are its features. Its just like the salesman who said sonata has a timing belt. There I go again - complaining to the wrong people. But again if they really want to give quality service they won't make this gross negligence in the first place, why bother trying to regain loyalty. Oh man, I am totally pissed off again. I think I should stop before I get replies saying I am freaking out. Thanks for listening guys.

johnjj

Has anyone gotten a loaner car from their dealership when they have had to leave their 2006 Sonata overnight for repairs?
I had to leave my car overnight (they didn't want me driving the car), while they ordered parts for the power steering, but my dealer said Hyundai doesn't provide for a loaner for in warranty repairs. I'll have to check the manual.
John

xenon666

My experience has been that offering a loaner is a dealer policy. Some dealers offer, some don't. The dealers that do have loaners may require an advanced appointment and/or a major vehicle service.

stockmanjoe

You are right to be angry - to be sure. Treat the good people (and there are lots) with kindness and respect and patience when you work with them. You get more with honey than vinegar and alot of issues can be solved this way.

But for the butt holes and arrogant types who try to bully you, you must unleash with a fury rarely seen. You must show them you are a force to be reckoned with. Raise your voice, create a scene, demand to speak to the owner (not his lackys). This is particularly effective in the middle of the sales floor I have found. I've only had to use it twice but it was very effective. Its fun to see those young cocky salesmangers run for cover!!

zen2

Man, you're freaking out. It's a CD CHANGER! You CAN
drive the car without it. I'd hate to see what would
happen if you left the dealership after a brake job,
and your brakes did not work at all, as you were coming
down a hill, as what happened to me at a TOYOTA dealership.
Get a grip.

mtnman1

I agree that it is how the Dealership responds to you. The local Hyundai Dealership that I bought my 2003 Sonata LX from has a great Service Department. At just over 6000 miles I started to notice a ticking noise coming from the engine that I never noticed before. I took it into the Dealership for an oil change and mentioned it to them. When I came back to pick it up they told me that the #6 Cylinder Rod Bearing came apart. They ordered a new engine and also gave me a Santa Fe as a free loaner for the two weeks it was in the garage. They never once gave me any hassle. I didn't have to ask for the loaner. I was very upset, but because they handled everything professionally and treated me with respect I was impressed. I have 25000 miles on the car now and outside of the Electrochromatic Mirror going bad, it's been a reliable, though boring, car.

haefr

I fail to understand why others are berating you for the service department's stupid screwup. They're supposed to be skilled experts in the servicing of Hyundais. You bought a new car. The in-dash CD changer tanked after having gobbled several CDs (which you may never see again despite the service manager's assurances they'll be returned). The person(s) responsible for ordering the replacement unit sleepwalked through their job (all the while drawing their normal hourly pay). And you're supposed to smile thoughtfully and make allowances for this screwup? (Hint - you're NOT being unreasonable.) As a sidenote, the last time I had a take-yer-money-ship change my engine oil (over thirty years ago), the semi-trained service monkey overfilled the engine by two full quarts. The service manager's reaction when I pointed the error out? "Well, you bought a Plymouth, not a Rolls-Royce." (Like, ya gotta spend over a hundred-big to get service personnel who give a rat's behind? Yeah, that's really a logical response...)

nivek911

I received a loaner for three days while my 06 was in the shop waiting for a new Fuse Box. I checked on their policy before I purchased as it was my first time with that dealership.

backy

No one is "berating" this fellow. But we are sharing some opinions on what we would do in a similar situation. Getting all upset about a mistake like this will certainly help raise one's blood pressure, but I don't think it will help rectify the situation.

I took one of my Hyundais into the dealer recently for something or other and pointed out that the driver's sun visor was broken. There was a tiny crack in the soft plastic near the hinge, and the door over the mirror was broken (absued, I suspect). They looked at it and said, no problem, we'll order a new one under warranty. I never got a call when the part came in, so when I was in the neighborhood a few weeks later I stopped in and checked. They had never ordered the part. So they apologized and said they'd order it again. I never got a card in the mail for that one, either. But I went in for an oil change and asked about the visor. They had ordered it--but it was for the passenger side. They apologized again and said they'd order the right part. I didn't receive a card on this one, either, so I called them after a couple of weeks and they said, yes, they had the part. I went in a few days later and they popped it on.

So they made several mistakes here. But this was a sun visor. These were what I consider little mistakes. And they apologized, didn't say something out of line like, "What did you expect, this isn't a Rolls-Royce." It's really not worth getting all worked up over.

sonatame

Hey I have spent a tremendous amount of time at the "top Audi service department" in the state of MO and don't kid yourself, you hear all kinds of horror stories. Last time in a lady was coming back because her 2005 cabriolet top was fixed and when she took got home she noticed screws poppin through the top of her roof (used wrong screws). The technician who drove my car to the rack decided to squak my tires on his 20 ft drive. Work associates A6 power seat failed and they ordered the wrong color seat. All in all no matter how much you pay for a car or where you buy it, it is still a people business and unfortunately people make mistakes.

desertguy

The fact that you are never notified that an ordered part is in, is my biggest headache with all the various service depts. that I have dealt with. It was really bad with my Jaguar because the only dealer was 80 miles away. A part would come in and I would not be notified. Sometimes the part would go back after two weeks. Ridiculous!

Dealers just don't stock many parts anymore. I guess we are lucky they keep oil filters in stock. :P

edmund2001

Boy, you sure have a high tolerance for incompetence. What makes you think they will be any more careful & diligent when they have to order say a critical engine part & because of their foul ups your car is out of commission for weeks. Actions speak louder than words. I'd switch to another dealer service department pronto!!!

desertguy

Remember, many of us don't live in big cities with multiple dealers to choose from. We are stuck with our local dealer for the most part.

eradano

i also had the 6 disc cd changer die on me about a month after i bought the car, and when the service center ordered the replacement, they got the wrong one as well. the service guys said that they were sent the wrong part and at first i didn't believe them, but i found out that the same thing happened to another person, and hearing it here again makes it a third time. unless we all live within a few miles of each other, i'm starting to belive the guy.

of course the service rep where i got my car was totally apologetic about the whole thing and had them disconnect it until a new unit could be had (it would make this really loud grinding sound at startup, and at random intervals while i was driving, which would scare the hell out of any passengers).

as for when you'll get you're cd's back... hehe.. i got my car in june, the cd player died in july and i just got them back in december... almost forgot about them too.

lemonade2

Question for the original poster with the CD problem.

Were the CD's that got stuck ones that you burned yourself and put the press on labels on? If they were then the fact that they got stuck is probably your fault as car CD player are known to have this problem with home made CD's.

If they were store bought CD's...well then...NEVER MIND

krika

Hey eradano, that is exactly what happened to my cd changer. it makes the same griding sound at startup, but the radio works, so i use the radio for time being. oh man, i am worried about the cds because i have some rare favorites in them which i don't have a backup of...

Ok, does this mean that the CD changer in sonata sucks!!!! definitely not worth the $550...

krika

Yes, I burned the CDs myself (5 out of 6) but i DID NOT put any labels! Just wrote on them with sharpie. Nobody can miss that huge warning sticker on the face of the player when you get the car new - it says not to use labels on CDs. I am very careful about it. But if any burned CD (unlabeled) will cause the problem then truly the CD changer is a worthless piece of junk.

moodperson

Can you tell me where I can find the site that tells me which TSBs there are? I am also interested in seeing a service manual online. Any ideas?

backy

If my car is out of commission for weeks because of their error and they give me a free loaner, it's no big deal and in fact that's a lot of miles NOT put on my car. If they don't give me a free loaner, that is when I raise holy heck.

The funny thing is, I did switch dealers about a year ago after over four years with my original dealer. I didn't dump them because of the mistakes they made--and they made a few. I dumped them because of their attitude. The last straw was when I brought the car in for a problem that had happened 3 years before, and it took them three tries to fix it right. I showed the service writer all the paperwork on that and pointed out what they did that eventually fixed the problem. He said, "OK, thanks." When I picked up the car, it was clear all they had done was squirt a little lube in the part instead of replacing some bushings, which was the fix for this problem. Another thing that contributed to my decision is that they stopped offering free round-trip shuttles from the dealer to my office about five miles away. They would only take me there, not bring me back. So since this dealer I go to now is only a few miles from my house and the original dealer is 25 miles away, I said, "See ya!" This other dealer has been much better on the attitude, so I can forgive a few mistakes. And they offer free car washes and a free shuttle back to my house.

eradano

hey krika, you mentioned that your cd changer only makes the sound at start up, and at first mine did too. just keep in mine that mine eventually did it while driving, so don't get too freaked out if you suddenly hear it. as for the cd's themselves, i was able to go back to where they were servicing the car and talk to the actual guy trying to fix it as well as look at the unit myself. what happened to mine was that one cd fell into the slot below it, which already had a cd in it, and this caused the unit to jam (i don't try to hit potholes, and i go slowly over bumps so we guessed that it was a defective unit). the service rep was able to pull two out but i had to wait for the rest of them because i didn't want him damaging them because they were rare. (nothing like spending 40 bucks on a cd on ebay and having your car almost eat it the week after you get it!).

don't worry though, they all came back fine and not a scratch on any (nicely bubble wrapped in a non-descript package).

so keep hope alive, and remember - don't freak out if you hear that noise while you're driving, (it scared the hell out of me for a second when it first happened!).

add on- none of mine were burn't cd's

zen2

http://www.hmaservice.com

haefr

"Yes, I burned the CDs myself (5 out of 6) but i DID NOT put any labels! Just wrote on them with sharpie."

Then, you were NOT to blame. I do exactly the same thing with the CD player in my '03 Sonata and have never had a problem. (so far - knock on wood... On the '03 cars, Hyundai only warranted car audio products for the first 3 yrs./36,000 miles.) The prior generation Sonatas used a CD player or changer supplied by Clarion - not exactly a company known for reliable electronics and CD transports in my opinion based on other Clarion products I've owned over the years. (Ya' have to wonder about a company that at one time supplied entry-level DIN AM/FM radio/CD players in blister packaging hung from hooks for ~$60.00 at WalMart...) I don't know whether Clarion currently supplies car audio products to Hyundai.

sonatame

My sales agent guaranteed me a loaner car even if I am just getting my oil changed. My Dealer is doing what the Mercedes dealer up the street is doing by also giving life time washings. You just drive up and they will wash your car immediately.

I noticed that several of you have participated in the Sedan versus Sedan discussion and I was wondering if the 5-star crash rating influenced any of your decisions to buy the Sonata.

jnt

Haefr,

If it makes you feel any better, the current radio in the Sonata with "Mach DSP" logo is made by Visteon. It is for sure has better AM/FM receiver than the low cost older Clarion design. Hyundai normally has multiple suppliers on sound systems. So depending on option, you may get one or another. Any OEM radio, Clarion or Visteon, is better than the Walmart 's $60.00 chinese designed or even the Walmart's $120.00 Pioneer radio. These aftermarket radios may not work at extreme temperature conditions and may not withstand stringent vehicle environtments. These consumer rate products are specified for 0 C to 70 C operation range. Whereas, the OEM radio must work between -40C to 85C.

jt

jbmf

Hello everyone, I just picked up a 2006 Sonata GLS - Luxury, which is the LX is the states. We don't get the 6 disc CD changer in Canada? I don't know why. First, I would like to thank all the posters here whose feedback really helped me make a decision, so Thank You. Secondly, my question is that I took the car in silver yet the car looks baby blue in the sunlight and sometimes even at night in the moonlight. Has anyone else noticed this? Not that I have anything against baby blue, but I want a silver car. I brought it to the dealers attention but I am not sure what they can do about this, they have not gotten back to me yet. Has anyone seen this before? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

sonatame

Secondly, my question is that I took the car in silver yet the car looks baby blue in the sunlight and sometimes even at night in the moonlight.

Sorry, I have not noticed the blue tint on the silver Sonata, I have basic black at home, but Honda does the same type of thing with their metallic black. From a distance they look black but when you get up close in the sunlight you can see the blue. It might be the flaking they use.

bobbee

What kind of mpg do most people get with the v6, 50%city/50% hwy ? I see some posts at 18 and others at 28.

lawrence45

I would check that you didn't get a "silver blue" Sonata instead of a "bright silver" one. Silver blue and arctic white are two recently introduced colors. From my experience I have seen that under certain lighting conditions (certain frequencies) you might see a blue tint in an object that is gray/silver. It may also be possible that the paint used for your car and others was a little off.

jbmf

Thank You for your reply. FYI, when I went to the dealer I pulled the color pallette and put it against the car. We checked the color code of the car and made sure I had the right pallette. The color was not the same. What is the re-course in such a situation. I certainly don't want my new car repainted. I only have the car for 1 week. Will they replace it for another color car? I bought it so it is not a lease.

sonatame

Will they replace it for another color car? I bought it so it is not a lease.

Not sure what Canadian car contracts look like, but in the US your contract has the VIN number of the car you are purchasing that you initial to verify that it is the car you intend to purchase. Unless this was an order and delivery type situation, I am not sure you would have any recourse. If the dealer misled you in anyway about the color of the car and stated on the contract that it was silver and not the Artic Silver mentioned earlier then you would have a case for them to give you the car you specified. Unfortunately I spend a lot of time writing contracts.

jbmf

Thank You, they had no silver sonata's on the lot. I bought from the color palette at the dealers office. The VIN specified that the color was the same one listed on the color palette that I saw. When you put the palette next to the car, it is not the same. Do I have a point?

sonatame

I would think that you have a case and they should provide you with a new car that has the right color. I would not settle for a new paint job, but a new car with the correct color. Since I am not an expert in Canadian law, I would contact the dealer to give them one more chance before contacting a lawyer or Hyundai North America.

snakeweasel

When you put the palette next to the car, it is not the same. Do I have a point?

The question I have is how close are they? Batches of paint might have a slight variance from one to another, and the printing process for the palette might not be exact. This might lead to the paint on the car and on the palate being close but not an exact match.

jojoe

Hi,if your from Canada you cannot get any silver colour other than Crystal Silver.I have this colour and it is exactly as expected and yes it shows a tinge of blue in certain conditions.This colour was picked by Hyundai from a Silver used by Mercedes.In the States you can get other silver colours but not here.Your colour is as it is supposed to be.Here go to the Canada Hyundai site.
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/HYUNDAI/Pages/Documents/type1/DocumentAction.aspx?D- ispatch=Display&DocumentID=205&LanguageID=en

lawrence45

Though the reproduction of color is difficult, after looking at the Canadian Hyundai website it looks like the CRYSTAL SILVER is similar or the same as the SILVER BLUE available in the U.S. What you wanted was BRIGHT SILVER. Whether you have any recourse or not I don't know. If the dealer is nice and your mileage is very low, maybe they will take it back and give you a new car they have in stock or perhaps one that they have been using for test drives. If you have a choice of color, try the STEEL GREY. My Sonata is that color and it is quite classy looking.

bhmr59

One other thought: Every paint sample I have seen "printed", whether house paint or automobile paint, has had a disclaimer saying that the actual color may differ from the sample. i.e. the samples give an idea of what the actual color will look like.

Also, didn't you look at the color of the car before finalizing the purchase?

Actually, I think the color you got is quite attractive. My '05 is "bright silver" but I like your car's color better. Steel Grey was my first choice but the dealer I bought from didn't have it at the time.

jojoe

There is no other colour of silver here in Canada.Its Crystal Silver plain and simple.The States have other silver shades,but not here,not yet anyway.So I doubt there is any recourse,unless the dealer offers another colour because of possible confusion.One should not sign on the dotted line until one is fully statisfied with ones choices.As far as the colour goes,well anyone that has seem ours thinks its a great colour and so do we,thats why we picked it.

blnewto

What kind of mpg do most people get with the v6, 50%city/50% hwy ? I see some posts at 18 and others at 28.
We're getting close to 30 on the hwy and 26 in town. Our car now has over 3000 miles.

silverfox1

Just curious, do you live in a warm climate zone? My city mileage with short trips in cold Wisconsin has ranged from 16-19 mpg. I also have to use reformulated gas and I believe it also contributes to my low mileage. I have just over 3300 miles on my Sonata LX with a V6. I took an earlier trip to MO and got 28 mpg on the road. I again believe the better gas helped in this situation.

jbmf

I actually had to sign on Dec 29th & give the down payment to get certain benefits & privledges(90 days to pay, DVD player, etc.) Those promos are not offered in Jan. I was supposed to pick-up the car Jan 3rd. They did not get the car until Jan. 16th. I picked it up at night. I did the best inspection I could and all was well, but, the next day I saw the blue in the sunlight. I examined it for a few days to make sure I wasn't just being nitpicky, as some people are accused of being. Sure enough, after checking in several different lighting conditions, it's much too Baby Blue. When the dealer opened again on monday, I brought the issue to their attention. I hope they do something. I don't intend to purhase a car I love to drive, but don't like to look at. I would like to thank everyone for their input. I found it helpful. Regards J.

pnjfksx

I am going out of state next Tuesday to pick up my new Sonata at Fitzmall.com. Does anyone have suggestions on what to check before heading out on the long drive home?

Thanks!