2006 Hyundai Sonata Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,047 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,170miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, 3% of the 1,047 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,170 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oil leaked from valve cover onto alternator. Engine stalled and left me stranded on rural mountain road. Finally got towed home. Mechanic says it will cost nearly $1000 to replace valve cover gaskets and alternator. Car is 2006 Hyundai Sonata with 3.3l 6cyl engine. I believe that this is the same engine and same problem that prompted the recall on 2007 Hyundai veracruz NHTSA campaign number: 14v415000. The existing recall should be expanded to include more Hyundai vehicle models that exhibit the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10683466, filed 2015-02, 111,907 miles“I was driving home and slowed to let someone in front of me turn left into a grocery parking lot. The car suddenly started surging mad I could not stop it with the brake pedal all the way to floor. However, I did hit the car in font of me, with no damage to her car. I had popped the front right side of the bumper on my car. So we went on with our business when she found no damage to her vehicle. I had to turn the car off to stop the car from moving. I called the dealer glenn Hyundai and told them of the incident, they in turn told me this would be nearly impossible for this to happen! …”
NHTSA complaint #10723980, filed 2015-06, 133,793 miles“My 2006 Sonata v6 started sounding like a diesel when started after sitting for several hours. This clattering sound continues for 4-5 miles before subsiding. This started when the car had approx. 25,000 mi. I have had it in two different dealers for a total of 6 times. They changed the timing belt tensioner a couple of times, changed an AC reed valve, and last time replaced the valve lifters, which they said were badly worn. None of these efforts fixed the problem. It continues to get worse. I am taking it in again this week for try #7.”
NHTSA complaint #10419494, filed 2011-08, 25,000 miles“My car is a 2006 Hyundai Sonata and last night my cars' headlights dim or shut off momentarily, the fan speed seems to drop for a second also but never shuts completely off. I noticed last night my tachometer would only go to a 1 at the lowest. It would go higher as I drove but never back down towards a 0 or 1. You could feel the harsh vibration as I sat at a stoplight while it rested at 1. I also noticed that it feels like the trans is slipping or something as I take off or try to turn. This is the first time I have ever experienced this with this car. This is extremely dangerous!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10444576, filed 2012-01, 100,000 miles“Good morning! I am having problems with my Sonata and I need assistance and advise. My vehicle has broke down with me on 3 occasions with the same problem. I am concerned because my warranty will be running out at 60,000 miles and I am concerned about my safety. The belt that goes from the A/C to the motor and the alternator continues to fray and burn up in pieces. At this point the car is inoperable. I was told by the Hyundai dealership that they have replaced these belts with chain belts on the new Sonata's because of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10236237, filed 2008-07, 47,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or…
- 10190044Mar 30, 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance…
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10038212Dec 1, 2010Hyundai: a revised procedure for replacing the timing chain tensioners.
- 10034649Aug 1, 2010Hyundai: dtc p2135/p0638 or cold engine rpm fluctuation; tps replacement and ecm update. Some 2.7l, 3.3l or 3.8l engines in models identified in the applicability list may…
- 10033970Jul 1, 2010Hyundai: check engine light p2138, p2127, p2122 dtc with p2106. Replace the accelerator pedal sensor assembly.
- 10032908Oct 1, 2009Hyundai: ata solenoid diagnostic trouble codes p0740, p0741, p0742, p0743, p0746, p0748, p0750, p0755, p0760, p0765, p0770. Incorrect operation of the transaxle solenoids may…
- 10032793Oct 1, 2009Hyundai: some vehicles may experience a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with the etc (electronic throttle control) system related dtc p2135 ( forced limited power) or dtc…
- 10030984Jul 1, 2009Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 8 | 5% |
| 2018 | 14 | 4% |
| 2017 | 19 | 2% |
| 2016 | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 | 21 | 2% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 11 | 1% |
| 2011 | 45 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 30 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 11% |
| 2000 | 31 | 11% |
| 1999 | 23 | 19% |
| 1998 | 4 | 8% |
| 1997 | 7 | 14% |
| 1996 | 6 | 26% |
| 1995 | 9 | 14% |
| 1993 | 9 | 35% |
| 1992 | 4 | 18% |
| 1991 | 6 | 21% |
| 1989 | 5 | 45% |
Other parts of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata
435 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
186 complaintsSeat belts
102 complaintsElectrical system
86 complaintsSuspension
86 complaintsBrakes
85 complaintsElectronic stability control
59 complaintsExterior lighting
45 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsBody and structure
44 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsSteering
35 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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