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Electrical systemPart report

2004 Hyundai Sonata Electrical system Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
8%of 202 total for the year
Median mileage
98,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Hyundai Sonata, 8% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Emergency flashers on my 2004 Hyundai Sonata began flashing for no apparent reason and could not be turned off (ignition was off), this continued for 15-30 minutes from the time it was noticed (neighbors knocked at the door to report that the flashers had been left on). The occurrence repeated several times throughout the night and the next day. Accessing the vehicle using the keyless entry, the doors re-locked themselves, and this repeated each time I unlocked them. …”

NHTSA complaint #10448060, filed 2012-02, 99,549 miles

“The AC/heating electric [fan] control comes on when it wants to but will not activate when turned on. When taken to a mechanic on 3 occasions, it activates and remains on for days then stops and will not come on again. Mechanics do not want to work on it unless it does not work at all. Everyone wants to investigate and charge me accordingly but no one wants to tell me the actual problem. This had been going on for many months on my car, as well as other Hyundai models. …”

NHTSA complaint #10360482, filed 2010-10, 70,000 miles

“Drove car 3 miles from point a to point b. It was parked at point b for approx 45 minutes. Then driven 300ft to point c. When I got out of the car, I smelled something unusual but I thought it was the auto shop next door. When I went into the store, an employee looked through the glass window and shouted someone's car is on fire. I looked and saw it was my vehicle. There was smoke coming out of the hood. The car no longer starts. I will write again to update on diagnosis from Hyundai.”

NHTSA complaint #10243618, filed 2008-09, 96,500 miles

“Sub frame on front passenger rusted and corroded. Caused damange to cv axle on same side. Caused alignment issues on front end. Causes tires to wear quickly, within a week. Anti theft system locks the car while driving and causes alarm to sound while driving and must open other doors and stop driving to stop the alarm from going off, headlights and dash lights and tail lights come on when brake is pressed and go off when brake is released but this problem only happens when headlights are not in use”

NHTSA complaint #11185120, filed 2019-03, 207,000 miles

“Suspension failure july 2016-both engine mounts and lower control arms failed. Replaced 2016 july. April 2017 both engine mounts and lower control arms failed again. In addition violent jerking while driving,then loss of power. Usually occurred going up hills,coming off from making a turn or driving speeds under 25mph.brake lights remain on unable to indicate stopping to other cars.unable to safely drive and maneuver the vehicle. Brake lights remain on whether driving or in park. …”

NHTSA complaint #10981531, filed 2017-04, 127,949 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202516%
20241940%
20231214%
20221718%
20211813%
20204022%
2019127%
20186016%
2017658%
20168912%
201516714%
201413518%
201326114%
201223515%
201144413%
2010165%
20096113%
2008328%
2007517%
2006868%
20051912%
2004178%
20031910%
2002237%
200194%
20003713%
1999119%
199848%
1997510%
1996522%
1995812%
1993727%
199215%
1991517%
1990319%
198919%

Other parts of the 2004 Hyundai Sonata

Suspension
56 complaints
Body and structure
47 complaints
Air bags
46 complaints
Brakes
16 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Wheels
13 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
12 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Engine
5 complaints
Engine cooling
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology