NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
345 reports25,000 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON I-4 IN FLORIDA AND A GMC PICKUP TRUCK HIT ME IN THE REAR OF MY CAR A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE GMC TRUCK WAS GOING 70-78 MPH WHEN IT HIT ME. NONE OF MY SIDE OR ANY OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. IT HAPPENED ON 12/23/16. YOUR LOWER DATE CODE WOULDN'T LET ME INSERT THIS DATE. SUPER GOVER…
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I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON I-4 IN FLORIDA AND A GMC PICKUP TRUCK HIT ME IN THE REAR OF MY CAR A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE GMC TRUCK WAS GOING 70-78 MPH WHEN IT HIT ME. NONE OF MY SIDE OR ANY OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. IT HAPPENED ON 12/23/16. YOUR LOWER DATE CODE WOULDN'T LET ME INSERT THIS DATE. SUPER GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY.
NHTSA ODI #10939470
140,000 miles · Dec 31, 2016
Structure
TODAY THE THIRD DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN ON MY HYUNDAI SONATA IN SIX YEAR. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAKE AND MODEL.
NHTSA ODI #10938929
100,300 miles · Nov 14, 2016
Structure
THE DOOR HANDLES KEEP BREAKING OFF. TWO YEARS AGO THE THE BACK PASSANGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF IN MY HAND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THERE WAS NO SNAPPING SOUND JUST A DOOR HANDLE NOT ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. WE PAID OUT OF POCKET AND GOT THIS FIXED SINCE IT IS UNSAFE SINCE EMERGENCY HELP WOULD NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE BACK SEAT I…
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THE DOOR HANDLES KEEP BREAKING OFF. TWO YEARS AGO THE THE BACK PASSANGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF IN MY HAND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THERE WAS NO SNAPPING SOUND JUST A DOOR HANDLE NOT ATTACHED TO THE DOOR. WE PAID OUT OF POCKET AND GOT THIS FIXED SINCE IT IS UNSAFE SINCE EMERGENCY HELP WOULD NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE BACK SEAT IF THE PASSENGERS WERE INCAPACITATED. THEN TODAY THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF IN MY HAND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. WE ARE ONCE AGAIN GOING TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THIS FIXED SINCE IT IS UNSAFE IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO ANYONE IN THE BACK SEAT, INCLUDING CHILDREN. EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NOT USED (BARELY ANY PRESSURE WAS USED), NO SOUNDS ACCOMPANIED THE BREAKAGE, AND THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE DOOR PREVIOUSLY. THERE WAS NO LEGITIMATE REASON FOR THE DOOR HANDLES TO BREAK.
NHTSA ODI #10926026
103,000 miles · Nov 9, 2016
Electrical System
WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY OVER EVERYTHING COMES ON AND EVERYTHING WORKS EXCEPT THE STARTER. I HAVE REPLACED 3 STARTERS AND THE CAR DOESN'T EVEN HAVE 103,000 MILES ON IT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF OUTSIDE OF THE STORE. I CAME BACK OUT TURNED THE KEY AND NOTHING. I WAS STRANDED AGAIN! I'M THINKING IT'S SOMETHING ELSE.
NHTSA ODI #10925267
38,007 miles · Nov 3, 2016
StructureInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, THE CHROME SPLIT AND CREATED TWO RAZOR SHARP EDGES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD THREE LACERATIONS ON HIS POINTER FINGER, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, THE CHROME SPLIT AND CREATED TWO RAZOR SHARP EDGES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD THREE LACERATIONS ON HIS POINTER FINGER, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,007.
NHTSA ODI #10924059
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2016
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER DOORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10920616
29,000 miles · Oct 24, 2016
Structure
EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAK AND DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE VEHICLE. IN AN ACCIDENT SITUATION, RESCUE PERSONNEL WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GAIN EASY ACCESS TO RENDER AID. BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN AND NOW A REAR DOOR! NO WARNING AND HYUNDAI DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT. NUMEROUS REPORTS OF SAME PROBLEM ON INTERNET. HA…
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EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAK AND DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE VEHICLE. IN AN ACCIDENT SITUATION, RESCUE PERSONNEL WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GAIN EASY ACCESS TO RENDER AID. BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN AND NOW A REAR DOOR! NO WARNING AND HYUNDAI DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT. NUMEROUS REPORTS OF SAME PROBLEM ON INTERNET. HANDLE SIMPLY BREAKS WHEN OPENING DOOR. APR-OCT 2016
NHTSA ODI #10918661
60,000 miles · Oct 19, 2016
Structure
CAR DOOR HANDLES BRAKING OFF. 2/14 LEFT FRONT DOOR HANDLE 5/15 RIGHT FRONT DOOR HANDLE BROKE 5/15 DRIVER REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE. 4/16 FRONT RIGHT DOOR PASSENGER AGAIN BROKE. NOW 10/16 REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE.... THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED OR FIXED BY DEALER NO CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DO NOT HAVE CH…
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CAR DOOR HANDLES BRAKING OFF. 2/14 LEFT FRONT DOOR HANDLE 5/15 RIGHT FRONT DOOR HANDLE BROKE 5/15 DRIVER REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE. 4/16 FRONT RIGHT DOOR PASSENGER AGAIN BROKE. NOW 10/16 REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE.... THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED OR FIXED BY DEALER NO CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN AND RARELY EVEN USE BACK DOOR THE PLASTIC IS CHEAP AND CRUMBLES. DEALER WANT $250 TO FIX . THIS NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED WITHOUT CHARGE OR START USING BETTER QUALITY PARTS
NHTSA ODI #10917365
81,182 miles · Oct 16, 2016
Structure
OK, I AM ANOTHER 2010 SONATA OWNER WITH REPEATED DOOR HANDLE BREAKING AND DETACHING FROM THE CAR ISSUE. MY UNCLE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW AND GAVE IT TO ME ON 11/9/15. WHILE HIS, HE HAD TO REPLACE 3 DOOR HANDLES, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. YESTERDAY, (10/15/16) THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF AGAIN. ORIG…
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OK, I AM ANOTHER 2010 SONATA OWNER WITH REPEATED DOOR HANDLE BREAKING AND DETACHING FROM THE CAR ISSUE. MY UNCLE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW AND GAVE IT TO ME ON 11/9/15. WHILE HIS, HE HAD TO REPLACE 3 DOOR HANDLES, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. YESTERDAY, (10/15/16) THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF AGAIN. ORIGINALLY, ALL THE HANDLE BREAKS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE. NOW, THE CAR HAS 81,182 MILES ON IT. BUT IT SHOULD BE COVERED BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN REPLACED BEFORE. YOU ARE AWARE, THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HYUNDAI SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL ALL THESE CARS AND RECTIFY THIS ONGOING ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE INDEED. IN A CRASH, EMERGENCY PERSONNEL COULD NOT ENTER THE CAR, SHOULD IT BE ON IT'S SIDE AND THE EXPOSED DOORS HAVE BROKEN HANDLES. THERE ARE COMPLAINTS ON HERE CITING 2 OR MORE HANDLES BROKEN AT THE SAME TIME. MY UNCLE IS SINGLE AND SO AM I. THE PASSENGER DOORS ON THIS CAR ARE NOT, HAVE NOT, BEEN USED THAT OFTEN AS I SELDOM HAVE PASSENGERS. IT IS UNSPEAKABLE THAT HYUNDAI SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. AGAIN THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT DENIES ENTRANCE TO THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE DO NOT TURN A DEAF EAR TO THOUSANDS OF CAR OWNERS WITH THIS CONCERN. THANK, YOU
NHTSA ODI #10916353
35,000 miles · Oct 14, 2016
Structure
DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WITHOUT ANY WEAR AND TEAR
NHTSA ODI #10916052
Official recalls
2Aug 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.
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
3DP22003 · 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.
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