2005 Hyundai Sonata GL from North America - Comments

Took car back the next day after purchasing because of engine vibration. The dealer said problem was common with this year and model and couldn't be fixed. Came back another day and was told it was a factory defect and there was nothing they could do. Was also told they had had several such complaints and there was a lady there at that time saying her new Sonata had died while stopped at a freeway entrance which was very distressing for her. They again said Hyundai knew of the problem and were working on it, but that would take a great deal of time, so is no help to present owners. Even though I brought the car back within 24 hours, they said the car is now used and they cannot reimburse us or exchange without penalty to us. We are now waiting to here from them as to whether they can come up with a satisfactory solution, but am pessimistic.

My 2004 Sonata, the same car, I believe, as your 2005, displays none of the vibration you speak of. Sitting at idle at a stop with the transmission engaged, it does vibrate a miniscule amount, but so does every other automatic I can recall. Place it in neutral and the engine is super smooth. There is absolutely no vibration while driving, the car is silent on the highway.

So, if "this problem was common with this year and model", maybe you should try another dealer.

I just purchased a 2005 Sonata. It has a manual transmission and drives extremely well. None of the problems that you have indicated. Sounds like the dealer is just giving you the run-around.

June 7, 2005.

My (new) 2002 Hyundai Sonata (5 speed) drove like a 'charm', until, at a little over 15,000 miles, I had to have my car towed from downtown Atlanta to the Dealership in Duluth. My car had been driving a little 'rough' into town and it progressively got worse; when I shifted gears to take off after stopping at a light; my car would not move ONE inch.

I will make this brief as far as the history of my Sonata 5-speed. Hyundai repaired the clutch and flywheel at this time; I incurred no expense; the cost was approx $1,743.00. Again, my car has fallen apart on me; (I am a very experienced driver of 5-speed; no fault of mine). At a little over 37,000 miles the same has occurred. In addition to the Hyundai Service Manager calling me to report that my clutch is bad; I had an independent mechanic diagnose the problem: "Flywheel is damaged and has caused the clutch to fail". I think this car is one step closer to 'scrap metal'. Hyundai will not repair and I certainly will not sink approx $2000 to repair an obvious defective manufacture problem -- only to have it occur again. This has been a nightmare for me. As much as I've enjoyed driving a 5-speed, I am now looking into driving an automatic.

I bought a 2005 Sonata GLS 2 months ago and had to bring it in for rotor turning the next day. I only moved down to the Sonata because I just didn't want leather seats anymore. They look great, but feel hot/cold. Also a much better price/zero financing sweetened the deal. I love this car as it is quiet, powerful, great looking, and handles wonderfully. If you are having problem with any new car, try another dealership if possible. Makes all the difference in the world.

I am having the exact problems that you are explaining both with vibrating quality of the car and lack of dealership responsibility. Have you determined what is causing this vibration? They have stated that the 4 cyl 2005, have a "natural vibrating characteristic." I'm sure this wasn't the intention of the engineers designing this, rather I believe, that this is an unintentional problem that no one wants to take responsibility for.

I've had this problem before. Once with a 4 cylinder Sonata model year 2000. And with 2 Skoda Octavias. In all cases the fault was traced to a malfunctioning ECU. Once replaced the fault was gone. Also engine vibrations can be caused by unbalanced Camshafts and Crankshafts, or faulty engine mounts. The Dealer should tell you if the ECU is at fault by using his diagnostic equipment. Unfortunately the other two faults require replacement (crankshaft/Camshaft) and are expensive. Hence the Dealers reluctance to investigate the matter further.

Persist in complaining. Write to Hyundai, write to any of the automotive consumer groups. If the problem you have is due to a design or manufacturing fault, you are legally entitled to have yours cars repaired under warranty. If Hyundai prides itself for their warranties and customer care, then its in their best interest to maintain its reputation, or loose it from bad press. If one dealer fails you, then try another, then another, until you get the service you deserve. Good luck, Martin.

Just would like to thank you for the honest reviews. I was considering this vehicle as my next car. You folks have saved me some head-aches.

I have a 2000 Sonata with 94000 KM's on it. I just had one problem so far - that is at 48000 KM's the Crankshaft Sensor failed; but was replaced free of cost being under warranty. Otherwise so far great! I do the normal oil change and take it for the regular servicing as mentioned in the service book. I am just going to buy a new one; it looks somewhat like the Accord, but that's fine with me.

I have a 2006 GL Sonata with 2000 miles. No problems as yet. Do enjoy the spunk it has on the road. I have found the trunk lid is difficult (heavy) to open. The front seat I find on the short side. Could be tiring on any extended trip. Over all a winner.

Just bought 2005 Sonata with 26000 km from an authorized dealer. 5 weeks later, the steering wheel began to shake noticeably while idle. Now, a week later, it became much worse and also with some rattling sound. From what I read it's a common problem, and dealerships are reluctant to fix it... Please advice of what might be the problem be...

Dennis.

Oscord @ hotmail. com.

I just traded my 2005 Sonata in on a 2007 Sportage 4WD so can tell you what 2 years of Sonata ownership for me had been.

I had to have the brakes turned as soon as I bought it. No issues again until 2 years later when a bushing in the rear suspension failed and it made a squeaking noise. Also, notable pulsation of the brakes that required new front and rear rotors and new front brake pads at only 27,000 miles. My dealership covered the bushings and 2 of the rotors (which had been turned when the car was brand new). I only had to pay for 2 rotors and front brake pads for cost to me of $300.

Engine was very responsive, peppy and quiet. Ride was great for this price car. Interior had no issues and held up well. I was able to take the car from Ohio to North Carolina for a vacation and fit luggage for a family of 4 using the trunk and a rooftop luggage carrier.

Overall, I would have no reservation buying another Sonata. I truly loved the car, but my work now requires me to drive through the snow belt areas of Ohio and I needed 4WD.

We have a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. We bought it new and it now has close to 60,000 miles.

We have had very few problems with the car - and every issue has been covered under warranty. If you do the routine maintenance, this car gets great mileage, has get up and go, and is fun to drive!

I bought my 05 Sonata in Feb/05, presently it has 33,600 miles. Runs extremely well, no complaints what so ever. My oil is faithfully done @ 3M and tire rotation @ every 5M. My only dealer related warranty work has been to replace a malfunctioning power door lock. Excellent relationship with service personnel. Best vehicle for the money.