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2009 Hyundai Sonata

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sonata years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata are substantially higher than the model-year median of 161.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

375 reports with mileage · 85 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports11 fire reports20 injury reports

What owners actually said

460 reports
85,000 miles · Apr 28, 2017
Electrical System

THIS IS MY SECOND OFFICIAL COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS. I DROVE THROUGH A LARGE PUDDLE AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN BUT RECOVERED AFTER THE LIGHT WENT OFF. I HAVE LOOKED AROUND AND MANY HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS, WITH DIFFERENT MODELS AND YEARS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME ISSUE. IS ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT THIS YET? OR DO DRIVE…

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THIS IS MY SECOND OFFICIAL COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS. I DROVE THROUGH A LARGE PUDDLE AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR SLOWED DOWN BUT RECOVERED AFTER THE LIGHT WENT OFF. I HAVE LOOKED AROUND AND MANY HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS, WITH DIFFERENT MODELS AND YEARS COMPLAIN OF THE SAME ISSUE. IS ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT THIS YET? OR DO DRIVERS HAVE TO DIE FIRST. PLEASE HELP US. -[XXX]PREVIOUS COMPLAINT # 10954232 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ODI #10981244

69,156 miles · Apr 24, 2017
Unknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING (THE CAR WAS IN MOTION) THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR HAS A PROPENSITY TO DROP, BLOCKING THE VISION FROM THE DRIVER. THE SUN VISOR NOW DOES NOT STAY IN AN UP-RIGHT POSITION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE SUN VISOR BLOCKS YOUR VISION.

NHTSA ODI #10980188

73,000 miles · Apr 10, 2017
Service Brakes

I OWN A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE OPERATING I NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN SPEED, COASTING, FUEL ECONOMY, AND BRAKING DISTANCE. UPON PARKING MY CAR I SMELLED BURNING BRAKES. AS I WALKED PAST THE DRIVER REAR TIRE I COULD FEEL THE HEAT RADIATING FROM THE TIRE. I DIDN'T DARE TOUCH THE RIM FOR FEAR IT WOULD BURN ME. DIAGN…

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I OWN A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE OPERATING I NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN SPEED, COASTING, FUEL ECONOMY, AND BRAKING DISTANCE. UPON PARKING MY CAR I SMELLED BURNING BRAKES. AS I WALKED PAST THE DRIVER REAR TIRE I COULD FEEL THE HEAT RADIATING FROM THE TIRE. I DIDN'T DARE TOUCH THE RIM FOR FEAR IT WOULD BURN ME. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A SEIZED REAR DRIVER BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED RUINED THE REAR BRAKES AND PUT UNDUE STRESS ON THE FRONT BRAKES. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM AS THEY HAD ALL BECOME A SAFETY HAZARD. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH COVERED THE REAR CALIPER REPLACEMENT BUT NOTHING ELSE. BURNING THROUGH BRAKES IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVEN'T NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #10971671

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2017
Engine

OUR CAR, A 2009 HYUNDAI SONOTA, HAS HAD THE SAME ENGINE ISSUES AS THE HYUNDAI RECALL SET FORTH ON APRIL OF 2017. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP, WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE SYMPTOMS OF THE CAR ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE IN THE 2017 RECALL, BUT WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP, OUR VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECA…

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OUR CAR, A 2009 HYUNDAI SONOTA, HAS HAD THE SAME ENGINE ISSUES AS THE HYUNDAI RECALL SET FORTH ON APRIL OF 2017. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP, WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE SYMPTOMS OF THE CAR ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE IN THE 2017 RECALL, BUT WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP, OUR VEHICLE'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WE MAINTAINED THE CAR PROPERLY AS SET BY THE DEALERSHIP (OIL CHANGES, ETC.).

NHTSA ODI #10971188

95 miles · Mar 13, 2017
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND HAS BEEN FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. MY BOYFRIEND'S FRIEND HAS THE SAME CAR, SAME YEAR AND HIS IS WORSE THAN MINE. MY CONCERN IS THIS IS WHERE AIRBAG IS LOCATED.

NHTSA ODI #10960384

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2017
Service Brakes

STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT. ON 01/14/17 I HAD AN APPOINTMENT AT PLAZA HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 2700 NOSTRAND AVE, BROOKLYN NY 11210 TO REPLACE MY STOP LAMP SWITCH. THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART IN STOCK AT THAT TIME. THE PART WAS ORDERED ON 01/14/2017 AND AS OF THIS WRITING (02/17/2017) THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE PART AND HAVE NO ESTIM…

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STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT. ON 01/14/17 I HAD AN APPOINTMENT AT PLAZA HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 2700 NOSTRAND AVE, BROOKLYN NY 11210 TO REPLACE MY STOP LAMP SWITCH. THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART IN STOCK AT THAT TIME. THE PART WAS ORDERED ON 01/14/2017 AND AS OF THIS WRITING (02/17/2017) THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE PART AND HAVE NO ESTIMATED TIME OR ARRIVAL ON THE PART. NO ONE EVEN NOTIFIED ME THAT THE CAMPAIGN WAS NOT COMPLETED. I HAD TO COME BACK IN THE FOLLOWING DAY 01/15/2017 BECAUSE MY BREAK LIGHTS WERE NOT TURNING OFF. AT THAT TIME THEY ATTEMPTED TO CHARGE ME FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, BUT I ADVISED THE MANAGER THAT I WAS THERE LESS THAN 24 HOURS AGO TO ADDRESS THE STOP LAMP SWITCH, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE ISSUE. THEY TOLD ME AT THAT TIME THAT THE PART WAS STILL ON ORDER. THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME AN ETA. I CALLED HYUNDAI'S CORPORATE OFFICE, AND THEY COULD NOT GET AN ANSWER FROM PLAZA AUTO EITHER. THIS IS A SERIOUS RECALL AS IT EFFECTS MY ABILITY TO SIGNAL THAT I'M BREAKING. I WILL ATTEMPT TO GO TO ANOTHER SERVICE DEPARTMENT OR REMEDY MYSELF, BUT I THINK THAT THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10955202

115,000 miles · Feb 16, 2017
Service Brakes

REAR BRAKE CALIPERS HAVE SEIZED AT LEAST 7 TIMES, CAUSING ME TO NEED TO REPLACE THEM. I'M AT 115,000 MILES AND HAVE HAD THE LEFT ONE SEIZE, DESTROYING THE ROTOR AND PAD 4 TIMES, AND THE RIGHT ONE SEIZE 3 TIMES (ONCE RECURRING WITHIN 15,000 MILES OF REPLACEMENT). THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT DIFFERENT SHOPS, BUT THE PROBLEM KEE…

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REAR BRAKE CALIPERS HAVE SEIZED AT LEAST 7 TIMES, CAUSING ME TO NEED TO REPLACE THEM. I'M AT 115,000 MILES AND HAVE HAD THE LEFT ONE SEIZE, DESTROYING THE ROTOR AND PAD 4 TIMES, AND THE RIGHT ONE SEIZE 3 TIMES (ONCE RECURRING WITHIN 15,000 MILES OF REPLACEMENT). THE CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT DIFFERENT SHOPS, BUT THE PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING. FIRST TIME OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER 30,000 MILES. OCCURS EVERY 1-2 YEARS SINCE THEN. MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE IS NOW (CAR IS BEING REPAIRED THIS MORNING, LEFT REAR CALIPER/ROTOR/PAD). NOTICED MASSIVE SHIMMYING THIS TIME. PREVIOUS TIMES HAVE BEEN NOTICED FROM: GRINDING NOISE, CAR WON'T ACCELERATE OVER 10 MPH (LOCKED IN ENGAGED BRAKE MODE THAT TIME), AND SEVERE BUCKING WHILE BEING DRIVEN.

NHTSA ODI #10955007

82,000 miles · Feb 13, 2017
Engine

WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DEEP PUDDLE (3-4 INCHES), THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AS THE ENGINE STALLS AND I LOSE ALL POWER ACCESSORIES. ONCE I RESTART THE ENGINE, THE BATTERY LIGHT GOES OUT AFTER A SHORT TIME AND ALL IS GOOD AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR I'VE HAD THE CAR. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT HAPPENS AT …

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WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A DEEP PUDDLE (3-4 INCHES), THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AS THE ENGINE STALLS AND I LOSE ALL POWER ACCESSORIES. ONCE I RESTART THE ENGINE, THE BATTERY LIGHT GOES OUT AFTER A SHORT TIME AND ALL IS GOOD AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR I'VE HAD THE CAR. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT HAPPENS AT THE WRONG TIME, I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STEER AWAY FROM TROUBLE.

NHTSA ODI #10954232

48,000 miles · Jan 9, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRING A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION WOULD INADVERTENTLY RESTART WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE STARTER MOTOR COULD BE HEARD RE-ENGAGING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY. AFTER…

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TL* THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRING A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE IGNITION WOULD INADVERTENTLY RESTART WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE STARTER MOTOR COULD BE HEARD RE-ENGAGING. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF NORMAL OPERATION THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW KEY CYLINDER AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 04/12/17 *LJ *AS

NHTSA ODI #10943923

60,000 miles · Dec 21, 2016
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AN ABNORMAL ODOR WAS PRESENT OUTSIDE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CALIPER FAILED AND NEED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AN ABNORMAL ODOR WAS PRESENT OUTSIDE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CALIPER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER 7,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 05/17/17 *BF *CN

NHTSA ODI #10936702

Official recalls

2

13V354000 · Suspension:rear

Aug 12, 2013

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE13007 · Rear Control Arm Failure

Opened Mar 25, 2013 · Closed Aug 20, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:rear

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles (approximately 24,000) produced beginning on September 27, 2005 through November 22, 2010 that are registered in and operated or originally sold in the following 20 salt belt states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.Hyundai will also inform dealers to inspect/repair vehicles that were previously registered in salt belt states but are currently registered elsewhere. Hyundai is conducting the recall to remedy a defect involving internal corrosion of the rear sub frame that may lead to separation of the rear upper/lower control arm(s) at their respective mounting points and/or separation of the axle from the transaxle where they meet.This could result in a loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle disablement which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.In response to NHTSA?s Information Request (IR) letter, Hyundai stated the Azera vehicles utilizes the identical cross member and upper/lower rear control arm components as the subject (Sonata) vehicles.In analysis of both Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and consumer complaint data submitted to Hyundai, ODI identified 19 non-duplicative reports alleging excessive corrosion of the rear sub frame. All of the complaint vehicles were either originally sold or registered at the time of the incident in one of the salt belt states.Of these 19 reports, 9 alleged either a suspension component separation or a fracture of the vehicle's rear cross member assembly.Similarly, ODI identified 8 warranty claims of rear sub frame replacement in data submitted by Hyundai due to excessive corrosion, all of which involved vehicles originally sold or operated in a salt belt state. Based on Hyundai's decision to conduct a safety recall, (13V-354) this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10535115, 10534110, 10525976, 10524726, 10521520, 10508368, 10505463, 10490073, 10486752, 10486435, 1048354, 10473922, and 10437887.