Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

mamamia2

So you claim your new Sonatra is just as much of a crap as the Hondas and Toyotas?

Yes, true, the EARLY Japanese cars were BAD CARS. And today they are numero uno in the world.

BTW, Samsung, a Korean company, is today the one NIGHTMARE of Intel... I know it from an engineer working for Intel... Samsung has been working on the development of a chip that Intel just can't manage to create, and it makes Intel's developers crazy....

edmund2001

It's true that a new Sonata is priced thousands less than comparable Accord's and Camry's but as I told the salesman when I was buying mine, "I'm going to get killed on the resale or trade in" but I went & took the plunge anyway. (I guess when you stop and think about it, how many new cars do maintain a strong resale value?) I believe that it is going to take a little more time for Hyundai to turn people's perception around but they are getting close. (A year ago I never thought I would buy a Hyundai.) This new Sonata is a big step in the right direction.

bhmr59

Assuming Hyundai continues building quality and value packed cars, more people will consider a new Hyundai. As this happens, its trade-in/resale value will also improve.

So, my '05 in 3 years should have a good resale in relation to what I paid for it new. In fact, it's pretty good now. Look at the used car ads, either private or dealer sale offers.

But, I don't plan on replacing it in 3 years. After 10 months & 6500 miles nothing has gone wrong.

johnap2

I can see the point about residual value being less than other cars, but this is only applicable if buying a new vehicle every few years is important to a particular person.

I generally hold onto a vehicle until it is costing too much to repair or it is rusting into the ground. I plan on holding onto this Sonata unless it is ruined in a crash, it develops a huge rash of problems post-warranty, or it outlasts me. I can use it as a "work" car when it is no longer appealing to me. This way I can go out and get a new car and still have the long-lasting value I am seeking in this Sonata.

Hopefully, time will allow Hyundai's brand perception to become synonymous with not only value, but long-term reliability. It would be great to be able to put 300,000 miles on a Sonata much like many, many Honda Accord owners have done with minimal repair costs.

schdy

Don't be fooled by history. I just traded in my 2002 Sonata and I was given 10,000 dollars which is only $7000 less than I paid 5 yrs ago. Hyundai cars are increasing their resale value. That's why you can now lease a Hyundai for a small monthly payt. Resale value is much higher than in prior yrs.

jnt

Nobody else experiencing my problem with radio static when they turn on the rear defroster?
dgovermiller,

Your radio has static noise with the defroster on is a common problem with vehicle that has in-glass AM/FM antenna. If you look at your rear defroster wire in the back glass, there is a isolated wire pattern on the top area: that is your AM/FM antenna. This type of antenna is called active antenna since it must use 12V to power a small antenna module (between the antenna and radio). Any vehicle electrical noise will be coupled to the 12 V and get to the radio AM/FM antenna input. You probably notice it more in AM mode (Power window on/off, brake on/off,..). The old Sonata model used the good old whip antenna. Therefore it is less susceptible to vehicle electronics noise.

jt

stockmanjoe

No vibrations from my gas pedal. I have a click when the car exactly like clock work hits 10 miles an hour when you first start off. I hear that is a test of the ABS system or the ESC system. Anybody else hear that?

snakeweasel

Not sure about the ESC but ABS systems should do a self check when you first start off at a slow speed in forward. If you listen for it you should hear it. It should also do a self check the first time you drive off after it engages.

haefr

"I just traded in my 2002 Sonata and I was given 10,000 dollars which is only $7000 less than I paid 5 yrs ago."

If I could get $10,000 for my 3 1/2 year old '03 Sonata GL V6, I'd be over to Rock Honda in Fontana faster than you could say, "What was that blur?..." By the way, what did you trade for? Another Hyundai?

mamamia2

Yes, there is a very slight vibration SOMETIMES that if you really "listen" to it, you'd feel it....

...And my wife's '05 Accord has it too... And several Accord owners were questioning it too...

Both cars have the new "drive by wire" throttle, that eliminates the mechanical connection between the gas pedal and the engine. So one has to guess that this slight vibration is just part of the way this new technology was designed.

sundazed

My dealer recommends a lubricate chassis at each service and at certain intervals a Militec oil lubricant and a MOC fuel treatment. This is on a 2006 Sonata. It sounds like padding to me but would be interested in other opinions. I would have submitted this to the maintenance forum but it looks like it is dead.

stockmanjoe

Thx Snake. Yes it is definately a sound that is supposed to be there I am sure it is the check you are talking about. Isn't it nice to have all those "Kool-Aide drinking" Honda people gone

stockmanjoe

Snake speaks the truth. I own a Honda Pilot 2003. Bought it in the summer of 2003 when they were hot so paid near MSRP - bummer, but wife insisted on it.

The sales people were nice enough but hearing how great Honda was and Honda this and Honda that ad nuseum. Kind of turned me off from buying another one. The Pilot has been far from perfect: its had several recalls, doesn't auto lock when you get going - a great feature for a wife and kid mobile, crappy warranty, no roadside assistance.

The horn was gong off for no appararent reason the other day we have 38K on it but less than three years but of course it is out of warranty. The dealership did cover it though.

sonatame

I am really happy you looked up the correct spelling and still missed the point. I would put my Sonata up against any of the other asian or american sedans.

carfax

What part of the chassis do they lubricate, because grease fittings don't exist on most vehicles, unless there has been an after market part installed on your car(ball joint, universal joint etc.) Oil lubricate in my opinion is a waste of hard earned money unless you are a race car driver. For every day driving regular filter and oil changes are fine for the modern motors. To days motors run a lot cleaner and cooler then some of the engines of years ago. Fuel treatment may help if you do a lot of city driving or if your car sits around without being driven for long periods at a time.
Put over a 1oo,ooo on the Elantra i had and have 75,000 on my Sonata and only replaced oxygen sensor on Elantra and MAF sensor on the Sonata. Just did the oil changes.

dixonn

I purchased my Sonata LX in late November and have had only one issue arise. After a car wash the other day I drove home. About halfway home my ambient temp reading went up to 140 degrees and stayed there. The computer kicked in the air conditioning even though my interior temp was set at 70 degrees. Even an hour later the ambient temp still read 140 degrees. The next day the temp was back to near actual. My dealer says that unless I bring the vehicle in with the high reading that they will not be able to charge Hyundai with the repair. I am not certain if they have developed new temp sensors or if they are just replacing an old one with a new one. I live in Wisconsin and was told that this is an issue in the midwest due to snow and salt on the roads. Does anyone have any experience with this??
Any info or advice you have would be appreciated.
Thanks.

fury3

I had my sensor run up 14 degrees above what it was supposed to be. I called the dealer and the head tech also has an '06 Sonata. He had the same problem you described. He ordered a new sensor for me. 3 days later and a half hour at the dealership all is well. I believe the head tech said they were developing a new sensor. All in all, yours doesn't work right so fight to get it replaced.

I have to admit that I really like my dealership. I had only one issue besides the temp sensor. Pulling to one side, solved. I get free lifetime washes, convienient. I had an auto start intalled by them, it works perfectly. The guy's are knowledgable, friendly and the waiting room's got a couple of leather couches and a wide screen TV. Nice place to hang while waiting for an oil change.

silverfox1

I have an 06 Sonata LX and live in Wisconsin. I purchased my car from Arrow Hyundai the end of October. My temperature sensor seems to work OK but reads 3 degrees higher than it should. The only problem I had was a defective windshield washer pump which Arrow took care of. What is your gas mileage in city and highway? I do short trips and with our weather my city mileage is in the 17- 19 mpg range. Have hit 16 if the car is not warmed up on my short trips. Car otherwise is great.

tb88

I sounds to me like a shameless robbery in plain day light
Tell this moron to lubricate his...
Better yet, don't take your car there anymore... who knows what else he will come up with!

tb88

...I just traded in my 2002 Sonata and I was given 10,000 dollars.

Where? in Africa?

... Resale value is much higher than in prior yrs...

Great! It's better to hold on to them forever, from now on!

edmund2001

Component Description:
1. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) Bulletin Number: 0501015
Bulletin Date: DEC 2005

Vehicle: 2006 Hyundai Sonata
Summary:
PCM REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS FOR REDUCING DOWNSHIFT TIME (CAMPAIGN T15). ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10018729 )

My 2006 Sonata LX seems slow on downshifting. I found the above in a technical service bulletin listing on the Edmunds site. Does this mean the service dept. can re program my trans for a faster downshift time? Has anyone had this done?

hdsit

Have had right driving shaft and hub shifted 10 feb. 06 - in other words, now every rotating parts that i think can cause my problem, have been replaced. Still same problem.¨
Now i really dont know what to do next...

hdsit

Update :
Have just had a long talk to Hyundai Denmark technician.

He is now in the opinion that all Sonata 3.3 have this problem, maybe not at the axact same speed-interval, but all have it more or less. All vehicels in the same model he had tried had the problem. That is something of a claim i think...
I told him that i find it strange, that i should be the only one, not only here in Denmark, who have this problem, as all 3.3 sonata's sold to date have this problem.

A lot of things have now been tried to solve my problem, but now it is a question about taking a descision he said: Can i live with it or should the car be sold back (with a considerable lose in money for me) as he cliamed: all have it, therefore it would not be a solution to give me a replace, and when the car i build with this "feature" Hyundai cannot be responsible for it, why i can't cancel the deal and get my money back.
I can of course not get a written statement from Hyundai that says: "This model have problems with jumping/bumping at certain speedranges"
- I dont think his statements can hold in the court, if the case should go so far, but i think it unfortunately says something about Hyundai in Denmark.
Also strange that none of all the hundreds of tests i have been written, says nothing about this "feature" or special construction that this model apparently have. Have called severeal other dealers here in Denmark, and no one have heard about it, and they have no complaints about it at all.

I'm not at mechanic and therfore i dont have a lot of techical knowhow about how this car is build up, but i have a conviction that problems like mine, have a solution, i just dont cant see what the solution can be for now.

As it stays now and here: I can learn to live with the car as it is with it's ride (as if i need to get my tyres balanced), or i can take the case to court...
I must admit that i am sick and tired of this situation, that i now for more than six months have been trying to get a solution for.
I still think that the car, in all other areas, is just almost perfect, and a great step forward compared to my previous 2,7 aut. Sonata. And that is of course one of the reasons why i have gone so far i my attempts to get the car drive as it should, and of course also is able to.
i must also admit that i dont think i ever can learn to live with my current problem, as i think it is too annoying, and spoil my totaly enjoy of the car.

I'm at a milestone, and i'm not sure what road to take...
Anyone have a real good solution...?

bobad

Anyone have a real good solution...?

hdsit,

Have you driven other Sonata's equipped exactly as yours? If so, do you feel the same vibration, or not?

Have you driven with a Hyundai tech in your car, and in other identical cars and agreed on the vibration and/or lack of vibration?

If other Sonata's drive vibration free (to your satisfaction), I think you have a right to a new car. You should file a formal complaint with Hyundai, asking for a new car. If they refuse, tell them very politely that you intend to take it to court. I think they will help you in order to avoid tarnishing the good reputation they are trying to build.

A loaded question to Hyundai would be, "Is it Hyundai's intention for some cars to have significantly more vibration than others"?

Best of luck.

bbloom

Hi,
I'm interested in an '06 Sonata LX that has 6k mi, being sold by a private party. The Hyundai dealer salesman mentioned that the 10-yr/100K warranty for the drive train will be reduced to the 5-yr/60k warranty (same as bumper/bumper), when transferred to another owner.

Can someone please confirm (via email) that the salesman is correct? Thx.

edmund2001

Yes, it's true that the powertrain is covered for 10 years/100K miles for the original owner only. It's spelled out on page 19 of the 2006 owners's handbook & warranty information booklet.

johnjj

I agree with bobad, drive other cars like yours to verify all have the same problem. If they don't, ask to trade for one that doesn't have your problem.

Here in the United States of America we have a "Lemon Law". If a dealer can't, or fails, to solve a problem with a new car purchase, that dealer is required by law to take the car back and refund your money. But, the dealer may be awarded some fees for the use of the car while you had it.

I can't tell you what to do in Denmark. Good luck.
John

hdsit

We have something totaly similar to "Lemon Law" here in Denmark. Anyway i find i strange that his claim, that all car in this model, have this problem more or less, does not apply in this case. If that should be true, then i dont understand why i'm the only one who has noticed the problem, both here in Denmark and in USA. I would expect this and other forums would be flooded with complaints, if his claim should be true, that this is a common problem with this model.

mc229

I have this problem too, and it's easily noted - I'll be driving along and feel like it's too wobbly, then I look down and it's only in the speeds of 40-45 mph. Every time. Doesn't matter which gear (I've held it in 3rd, 4th, and 5th on the Shiftronic and it still does it).
I've had it in to the service dept. for fixes many times, and they had to adjust alignment, wheel balance, etc. It's still not perfect but I live with it.
Couple weeks ago, I had it in for 15,000 mile service, and they told me, unprompted, that Hyundai had been investigating my problem and told them that certain shipments of Sonatas had been tied down too hard to trucks during shipping, and that was what was causing the problem. Even though yours is overseas, I'm sure you might've had that problem come up with yours. Worth looking into if it bothers you that much - I'm sure not every one was tied down too hard (so they might be able to find you a suitable replacement that hadn't been).

danf1

For the most part, you are right about the Lemon Law. What you need to do is substitute "manufacturer" for dealer. Dealers do not build cars, therefore we do not warranty cars.

bobad

"For the most part, you are right about the Lemon Law. What you need to do is substitute "manufacturer" for dealer. Dealers do not build cars, therefore we do not warranty cars."

Correct. God forbid we would ask a dealer to go to bat for us, or stand behind the product they sell. No wonder it takes so long for a good product to get the good reputation it deserves.

pocono35

Just called a buddy of mine who is a service advisor for Hyundai. His dealership has sold many, many 06 Hyundais. He informs me that the 3.3 engine and the overall reliability of the Sonata has been flawless. He informs me that he has never heard of any such problems and wonders if someone is being a Hyundai-hater?

pocono35

One of my clients bought an 06 GLS nearly six months ago and commutes nearly 900 miles a week to NJ from here. This is his first Hyundai. He informs me his car is 'a perfect working machine that has surprised me beyond what I could've believed'. That is with over 20,000 miles on it with only one issue related to a seatbelt recall.

zen2

Before I got my Sonata, I test drove one that had this
type vibration. I took the salesman out and told him
to take it to 40 mph and take his foot off the accelerator,
and he immediately reproduced it. The passenger seat
actually vibrated. They could not explain it, and said it
would take a while to get it in the shop to look at it.
So, I drove several others, 4 and 6 cylinders, and none
had this vibration. I settled for 6 cyl. steel gray,
although I really liked the golden beige. That is why I
would never buy a car unless I take it out for an
extensive test drive, minimum 20 miles, city and interstate
driving, along with some good potholes. I was burned
once with this kind of problem many years ago, and
don't want it again. I would contact the Denmark
head of sales, and the Denmark consumer affairs office,
if they have anything like that.

joe97

Make sure you have your tire pressure adjusted to proper psi as stated. You would notice a huge difference and that could be the cause for vibration.

94hawkskin

I'm in the dealership yesterday waiting on an oil change and a lady that just bought an 06 Sonata was being shown around the dealership. Part of the tour included a meeting with the service manager. She wanted the service intervals for her car. The service manager gave her a mileage schedule, which he specifically pointed out the 60,000 timing belt change.

Having heard this conversation, I got up after the lady left and asked the manager if the 06 SOnata has a timing belt or chain and he said belt and that only the Azera has a chain. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to look like a smart allic and I wasn't even 100% sure myself.

I presume the 06 Sonata has a timing chain. Am I wrong?

joe97

You are correct. The 06 Sonata and Azera both have timing chain, which most can agree, is much better than the belt.

mamamia2

That guy at the dealership was simply planning to make money on this poor lady, selling her all kind of BS about service that she would "need" on her car....

Not the first time I hear and read about clients who are regarded as idiots (women, old people, teenagers), taken advantage by car dealers.

That's why whenever I shop for a car, I treat them like con artists, never trust them, and will do my best to CHEAT THEM.

hdsit

HI - Mine is Korean build, and have therefore been transported with ship, and with trucks. Did they say something about what could be done with the problem. What parts that was injured and need replacement? Knowing that would help me a lot. (have already had front driving shaft hubs and bearings replaced)...

mc229

I didn't really push the issue any further that day because I'm generally pretty happy with how my car rides these days - I don't keep it in that speed range very often so it's not as big of a problem for me. However, since I'm there pretty frequently due to all the miles I accumulate, I'll ask them what parts were affected by the shipping, and what could be done to fix your car. They're pretty straight-forward about everything, so hopefully they will have some kind of idea as to what can be done. I'll let you know when I hear anything.

hdsit

Sounds great. On wednesday i'm going to an impartial servicecenter (an union for car-customers here in Denmark FDM, where i can get tests performed, techical and legal support). As far as this has gone so far, my primary wish is that it can be fixed by replacing eventually damaged parts, second: to get a replace car without this problem. A lot of my driving, between 30-50%, is within the problemrange, thats why i just wont accept it as it is for now...

jimstrenk

Yes. I've been experiencing the same thing here in Chicago. My sensor is always higher than reported temperatures.

I've taken it to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the ambient temperature sensor is bad and need of replacement.

It took about two weeks for the part to come in. However, when I arrived for service to replace the sensor, I was informed that the "new" sensor was of the "old" design. It now week 2 waiting for a replacement for what was finally shipped.

Calling the parts department, I now find out that the redesigned part is on back order with no ETA.

I've reported the problem of slow part delivery times in an earlier post.

So, according to the service writer at my dealership that a redesigned part is being made, and that many people have had problems with the ambient temperature sensor reporting incorrect readings. As to when it may arrive, no one knows at the moment. I suspect it may be another 2 or more weeks before the part arrives here in Chicago.

Contact your dealer and have them order the part. Then make an appointment to have the original sensor replaced.

Good Luck.

tb88

"...and asked the manager if the 06 Sonata has a timing belt or chain and he said belt and that only the Azera has a chain. "

It happened to me a few months ago.
You have to remember that those salespeople are doing a job they probably don't like that much... and which doesn't pay that much either: I don't think they care to learn about the inner components of every car! I don't think they are the brightest either!

They are told to throw at you the BEST WARRANTY : 10 yrs/100,000 miles around; but they fail to mention that in order for the warranty to be valid one must be taken to the cleaner by his dealer for 5-10 years; in maintenance Rip-offs!

snakeweasel

They are told to throw at you the BEST WARRANTY : 10 yrs/100,000 miles around; but they fail to mention that in order for the warranty to be valid one must be taken to the cleaner by his dealer for 5-10 years; in maintenance Rip-offs!

Nope as long as you can prove that factory recommended maintenance has been done they will honor the warranty.

94hawkskin

It wasn't even a salesperson that came up with this lie, it was the Services Manager who is in charge of working on the cars. That is what surprised me.

lightfootfl

That is scary, I'm glad the service manager I spoke with knows better than that.

94hawkskin

It has me scared as well. I'm not the most mechanically inclined and this is the only Hyundai dealership within 70 miles. Needless to say I will be making sure they only do what HYUNDAI recommends at my service intervals.

mamamia2

I had encountered several times a situation when mechanics at a dealership (Honda but others too) are playing the experts, while talking BS... That's part of the "reliability" of car dealerships...

I change my oil and repair my cars at a local Shell station, with people whom I learn to trust over the years. So sometimes, when I need the dealership to fix something, I turn to my Shell guy for a "2nd opinion"...

kman54

">Heres my take on my new 2006 Sonata LX...

After 1500 miles I must say I am very happy with this purchase. I have had only one service issue which was hard to track down and involved a crimped seal on the fuel pump which caused CEL problems. I am very thankful that the cars diagnostic system coded this vapor leak as a spark could have had disaster all over it. It was a tough one for the tech to locate but sure glad he did.

Other than that this is one heck of a car. The build quality is great and fun to drive. The fuel economy is average at best, 22.9 mixed and 27.8 HWY, but I knew that going in and have no complaints as I really enjoy this smooth and responsive engine.

I am really glad the car has such a great warranty although I feel Hyundai Dealers are raking it in trying to add those 7500 mile checkups to the warranty schedule.

I bought the deep blue Sonata and just love to bring out that shine!

It looks like I am another happy Sonata owner and have a lot of good company in this forum!

backy

It isn't just Hyundai dealers that try to make money offering services that aren't on the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. It's a widespread practice. "Just say no" if you don't want them.