An engine sensor went bad before 20,000 miles.
Radio started cutting out, was bad switch and whole radio was replaced.
Headlight control stalk was replaced because sometimes headlights would not turn on.
Rear hubs/bearings went bad at 52,000 miles.
All four brake rotors are warped at 55,000 miles.
Plastic hook on front floor to hold down floor mat ripped out.
Original battery only lasted 2 years.
The warranty makes it worthwhile. All problems were covered by warranty except for the battery and the brake repairs (rotors and pads).
Why couldn't Hyundai include a headlights-on warning signal? My cars from decades before had this - even a cheap 1988 Mazda 323 had it.
The ride is Americanized - too cushy and rolling for my tastes. From what I hear, not like they are in the Korean market. Some riders feel a bit carsick, especially in the back.
Auto transmission is not very good at kick-downs.
Air conditioner does not get cold enough.
On the plus-side, it basically does its job well for providing comfort for several people over distances. I've taken it on long vacations and it's good for that.
I'm the author of this review. Now that my Sonata has 122,000 miles on it, my review would be less enthusiastic. Crankshaft sensor went, and I think some other sensor went since my review. Engine mounts broke. A sparkplug and wireset change costs $450, I do it myself, and it's not fun, though now I have it down to an art. Wheel bearings went out again. On a long trip, the plastic wheel arch on the front broke off from where its leading edge attaches to the front underside of the car. I had to go buy some tin snips and just cut it off because it was dragging on the highway! The fake plastic chrome is peeling off the inside door release handles, and the paint on the outside mirror stalks (not the mirrors themselves) has completely flaked off. My Sonata is now out of the extended powertrain warranty, so I'll probably sell it this year - and I expect to get next to nothing for it. Oh well, $20,000 for 8 years of driving it (not including the extra maintenance/repair costs).
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