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Hyundai XG350Model year report

2004 Hyundai XG350 Problems

Complaints
91filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
50,000miles, 75 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
18 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 15 city / 24 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Hyundai XG350 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe unintended acceleration while braking or at low speed, a persistent airbag warning light that returns after repairs, and rust-related front subframe corrosion that some report led to control arm or axle problems. Many of these complaints were filed at relatively low mileage, while the rust and suspension reports tend to appear on higher-mileage cars in states that use road salt.

  1. Vehicle speed control

    Unintended acceleration while braking or slowing

    • 18 complaints (20%)
    • median 25,804 mi at 2.9 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2016

    Owners describe the engine revving and the car surging forward while their foot is on the brake, usually at low speed, at a stop light, in a parking lot, or while coming to a stop. Several report having to shift into park or shut the engine off to regain control, and some describe low-speed impacts with the vehicle in front. According to the complaints, dealers commonly said they could not reproduce the problem, while in a few cases a throttle position sensor was replaced and the symptom returned. Widely spread from a few thousand miles to over 100,000 miles, with many reports below 50,000 miles and most occurring at low speed or during braking.

    What to check: During a test drive, check how the car behaves when braking from a crawl in a parking lot, and ask the seller whether the throttle position sensor or any engine software has been serviced for this symptom.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While at slower speed trying to slow down by applying brakes ,car accelerated on its own..seems like brake had no effect to slow down the car..as I was about to hit car in front of mine , I shifted auto transmission stick of my car in parking mode while feet on brake..I was scared hell..never had happened like this ever driving.”

    NHTSA complaint #10306220, filed 2010-02, 91,000 miles

    “We have a 2004 Hyundai xg 350, on at least a half a dozen occasions, while coming to a stop, the car would suddenly accelerate and would not stop while pressing on the brake, luckily we were able to avoid any accidents. We took it to our local Hyundai dealer on 10/20/10, they told us it was the throttle position sensor, they replaced it, said it was fixed. Yesterday, 11/28/10, it did the exact same thing again, only this time we weren't as lucky. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10368264, filed 2010-11, 50,000 miles
  2. Air bags

    Airbag light stays on after repairs

    • 18 complaints (20%)
    • median 51,131 mi at 5.5 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,200 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2005–2017

    The airbag warning light comes on and stays on, sometimes after the seat is moved or after unrelated service. Complaints describe dealers tightening or resecuring a connector under the seat, replacing sensors, clock springs, or seat components, and the light returning within weeks or months. Owners also report being told the system may not deploy while the light is on, and being quoted substantial repair costs once the car is out of warranty. Reported from as low as a few hundred miles up to over 130,000 miles, with many cases appearing around 30,000 to 90,000 miles and often recurring after a prior repair.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Turn the key to the run position before starting and confirm the airbag lamp goes out, then slide both front seats through their full travel and recheck; ask for records of any connector or sensor repairs.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a Hyundai XG350 2004 model. I have had it in for service with the air bag light 10 times. They have replaced the seat belt, seat base sensor, seat back assembly and the steering wheel clock spring. Do you think it is safe to drive, will it deploy in case of a crash?”

    NHTSA complaint #10228823, filed 2008-05, 1,000 miles

    “The airbag light illuminated in my car shortly after purchasing it used. It was still under warranty and the dealer fixed it, saying something came unplugged under the seat. The light came on approximately a year later, when the car was no longer under warranty. I had to go to the dealer to have the problem diagnosed again and this time they said there was something wrong with a sensor in the door and they would have to take apart the door to fix it. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10448423, filed 2012-02, 29,000 miles
  3. Body and structure

    Front subframe rust and corrosion

    • 16 complaints (18%)
    • median 120,000 mi at 10.5 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • filed 2009–2023

    Owners in states that use road salt describe severe corrosion of the front subframe and cross member, in some cases found during a wheel alignment, inspection, or routine service. Some complaints describe the lower control arm separating, the wheel contacting the wheel well, or an axle snapping, after which the car had to be towed. Several owners note their vehicle identification number was not covered by the subframe recall affecting certain states, even though they report similar corrosion. Mostly reported between roughly 70,000 and 200,000 miles on older cars, with several complaints tied to vehicles driven in states that use road salt.

    Recall 09V1240001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Have the car put on a lift and inspect the front subframe, cross member, and control arm mounting points for flaking or thinning metal, and check by VIN whether the vehicle was built for or registered in a recall state.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “There is a recall for the this vehicle but Hyundai does not have it for my VIN.I brought the car in for a wheel alignment and the repair shop told me that the sub frame is rotted away this is the recall that they had for vehicles the same years as mine. I've been informed this is a very very dangerous unfortunately we cannot afford buy new car.”

    NHTSA complaint #11256198, filed 2019-09, 90,000 miles

    “There is visible rust/corrosion damage of the front sub- frame of my vehicle. The front subframe has thinned at rusted location. The rusted sub-frame is chewed half of my sub-frame. I am worried that corrosion may progress and may detach from the sub-frame, eventually increasing safety risk. I have noticed steering pull.”

    NHTSA complaint #11253914, filed 2019-09, 152,000 miles
  4. Brakes

    Brake vibration, noise, and low pedal

    • 13 complaints (14%)
    • median 35,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2004–2017

    Owners describe steering wheel shake and vibration when braking, traced to front rotors that were resurfaced or replaced and then warped again. Others report squealing or grinding from a brake pad that separated from its backing plate, or a pedal that felt soft and did not stop the car. Some complaints describe brakes that appeared to apply on their own or a parking brake handle that broke during release. Most reports fall between roughly 2,000 and 45,000 miles, with a smaller number at higher mileage.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed during the test drive and feel for pedal pulsing or wheel shake, look at rotor condition and pad thickness, and ask when the rotors were last replaced rather than resurfaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My emergency brake handle with part of the metal rod still intake broke off while releasing it. It was only after the fact that I recalled a few times when I had thought I had released it but the indicator light still remained on. I called my dealer they ordered a brake pedal assembly and handle since it is all one unit. I expressed my concern that this must be a defect to both the dealer and corporate but since I was out of the warranty period I was told there was nothing they could do. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10283349, filed 2009-09, 94,251 miles

    “I have had my car in the dealership due to warping of my front rotors. Both times the dealer machined the rotors. I currently have 24,500 miles on my vehicle.”

    NHTSA complaint #10150287, filed 2006-02, 24,500 miles
  5. Electrical system

    Stuck trunk lid and lighting or electrical faults

    • 11 complaints (12%)
    • median 17,852 mi at 2.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2003–2015

    A few owners describe the trunk support struts failing so the lid dropped suddenly, and others report electrical faults including an intermittent turn signal, a dim or unreadable climate display in daylight, a rear defogger grid that broke and interfered with radio reception, and in one case a fire originating near the sunroof or dome light switches. Complaints also mention seat heaters that stopped working after the warranty expired. Reported from very low mileage (a few thousand miles) up to around 75,000 miles, with no single mileage pattern.

    What to check: Open and close the trunk and confirm the lid stays up on its own, cycle the turn signals, defogger, and seat heaters, and look at the climate display in daylight before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The electric seat heaters do not work. While the car was under warrenty the dealership relpaced a fuse as a fix. One week later they had to replace the heating pad in the seat.(removing the seat). Later, while the car wsa still under warrenty, they replaced a fuse. After the car passed 60,000 miles, (off warrenty), both seats heaters did not work. I was told the fix would cost me $600.00....”

    NHTSA complaint #10284637, filed 2009-09, 63,000 miles

    “Am radio reception became very weak when my 2004 xg350l was about 16 months old. One day, there was noticeably more static on all but the 2 strongest stations, compared with all the previous days. I live in a metropolitan area, and there are plenty of stations with a strong enough signal to get clear reception on my wife's car, and my previous car, circa 1992. I am scheduling an appointment to have the dealer look at it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10154492, filed 2006-04, 4,000 miles

Buying note. Given the reports here, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent shop is worth the cost on this model year, with particular attention to subframe corrosion by VIN and recall coverage in your state. Ask for service records on the throttle body or throttle position sensor and on airbag connector repairs, since owners frequently report these symptoms returning.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 91 consumer complaints for the 2004 Hyundai XG350. 75 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 16 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 37 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (4), Steering (4), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (2), Wheels (2), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Vehicle speed control: “I was driving and rusted subframe collapsed control arm & right axel broke also power steering belt broke. I was able to get over nearly having an accident. I had my car repaired in 2010 as per recall yet I tried to push for sub frame replacement over repair at that time with no luck. I believe these sub frames that were repaired should be replaced. This is an extremely dangerous situation I could have been killed!”

NHTSA complaint #10559216, filed 2014-01, 136,000 miles

Air bags: “My airbag warning light comes on and will not go out. I took my car to capitol heights Hyundai dealer in maryland and was told that my passenger airbag did not have suspension. The cost to repair this will be $3400.00. I believe that this should be a recall on the airbag on the passenger side. Was also told that there is a part to the airbag that is a recall but of course my code did not fall within this repair. There must be a better way to handle this.”

NHTSA complaint #10583324, filed 2014-04, 75,506 miles

Brakes: “Complaints from wife that car makes annoying squeezing or squealing sounds,car was just nys inspected with no problems. Finally took apart from brakes. Found lh inside brake pad had rusted and come free from backing plate.”

NHTSA complaint #10170810, filed 2006-10, 40,000 miles

Suspension: “The lower control arm completely separated from the frame of the car while I was driving down the road. No property damage or other vehicle involved, but the car is un-drivable. I have since researched that Hyundai has had some previous issues with frames rusting out and failures similar to what I experienced. Thank god I was not traveling at a high rate of speed. I can send pictures if necessary.”

NHTSA complaint #10547724, filed 2013-10, 120,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

49% of the 75 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 94,251 miles.

15%0–1016%10–2519%25–5015%50–7515%75–10016%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (75 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 50,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’0413’07’10’13’16’19’24
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Hyundai XG350. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
XG 350 · sedan not rated5 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2004 Hyundai XG350 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
XG350 FWD3.5L 6-cyl5-speed automatic152418$3,700

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2004 Hyundai XG350 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 37 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 37 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai XG350

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200514435,0000—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20049150,0001—18Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20032017,0003—18—Stable
20026060,0003—19Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Hyundai XG350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Hyundai XG350?

Owners of this model year most often describe unintended acceleration while braking or at low speed, a persistent airbag warning light that returns after repairs, and rust-related front subframe corrosion that some report led to control arm or axle problems. The issues reported most often: Unintended acceleration while braking or slowing; Airbag light stays on after repairs; Front subframe rust and corrosion.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Hyundai XG350 have?

NHTSA recorded 91 consumer complaints for the 2004 Hyundai XG350 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2004 Hyundai XG350 is reported most often?

Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 22 complaints (24% of the total), followed by air bags with 21.

Has the 2004 Hyundai XG350 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Hyundai XG350 get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Hyundai XG350 (XG350, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Hyundai XG350 reported?

Among the 75 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 94,251 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.