Customer Reviews On 2004 Hyundai Sonata Problems

The Hyundai Sonata 2004 is certainly a roomy and comfortable mid-sized sedan whose quality and elegance will surprise you, when you get in and take a look at the very first time. Even though its cost was less than the other popular brands at that time, it is packed with many features and offers a cozy seating experience.

Although considered reliable, 2004 Hyundai Sonata Problems come up from time to time. Consumers raise several issues about their Sonatas, which are collaboratively delivered here for your reference. If you are facing similar issues with your Sonata, take the action items accordingly.

Common 2004 Hyundai Sonata Problems

1. Parking Lights Don’t Turn Off

Parking lights fail to turn off at times, all the time, or intermittently.

Consequence: The battery gets drained eventually.
Fix: The main problem is in the cabin fuse box. It is necessary to replace the fuse box completely to solve the problem.

2. Noise on Startup

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Too much noise from the engine on start-up, even after several hours of the shut-down of the engine.

Consequence: Unpleasant driving experience.
Fix: If the noise lasts for over 5 or 6 seconds after starting the engine, switch off the engine and check for the level of engine oil. If the oil level seems to be right, then the problem might be due to timing chain tensioner. Hyundai has developed a better version of the tensioner recently. You can contact your dealer to get it replaced.

3. Faulty Turn ON of Check Engine Light

The Check Engine Light, also known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, is a signal which indicates that there is a major problem with your car’s engine. Any driver would panic to see the Check Engine Lights turn ON, as it is certain to cause a big hole in your pocket. But the CEL light turn problem in the 2004 Hyundai Sonata was due to a faulty accelerator pedal switch.

Consequence: An unnecessary panic from your end.
Fix: Problems related to the accelerator pedal position switch can cause the Check Engine Light (CEL) to illuminate. An improved switch has been developed by Hyundai to address this problem. Contact your dealer to get it replaced.

4. Premature Failure of the Timing Belt

Premature failure of the timing belt has been reported by many customers who own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata.

Consequence: When the timing belt fails while driving, it can cause a devastating effect on the engine.
Fix: Ensure that the timing belt is regularly inspected during each manufacturer’s recommended schedule of maintenance. Get the timing belt replaced if necessary.

5. Rough Idling

Rough engine idling is a symptom of a possible engine issue that is yet to occur. The rough idling problem was encountered severely in the 2004 Hyundai Sonata.

Consequence: Rough idling can be a symptom of exhaust problems, loss of power in the car, or a hole in the air intake valve.
Fix: A defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) switching valve on the 2.7L V6 and 2.4L V4 cylinder has been identified to be the reason for rough idling. Hyundai recommends the replacement of the faulty EGR switching valve.

6. Damage of the Crankshaft Sensor

Premature timing belt failure may result in serious engine damage. When you take your vehicle to a service station to get the issue resolved, it is highly recommended to inspect the condition of the crankshaft sensor. A timing belt failure will certainly result in damage to the crankshaft sensor as well.

Consequence: The car does not start or start with difficulty. Mileage goes poor, as the car lacks the power to run.
Fix: The crankshaft sensor has to be replaced. The service type and cost depend on the vehicle.

7. Rust Formation at Front Suspension Mounting Points

Internal corrosion of the subframe results in thinning of the subframe steel.

Consequence: The corrosion may progress from the forward mounting points towards the lower control arm, which causes it to detach from the subframe. As a result, the drive power to the wheels is lost, and the front wheel may make contact with the wheel well. This highly increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai has announced a recall of vehicles having this issue. The dealer will coat the subframe with rust-proof material free of charge.

8. Speed Sensor Failure

Speed sensor failure in the transmission.

Consequence: Automatic transmission does not shift properly, and the check engine light illuminates.
Fix: Replacement of speed sensors is required. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.

9. Brake Light Won’t Turn Off

Car brake lights stay ON even after the car is turned off

Consequence: Battery drains out.
Fix: Check the brake light switch on the brake pedal. Replacement of the switch would be necessary. Another possible cause could be an issue with the vehicle’s overall electrical system. In this case, a thorough inspection by a professional and necessary repair would bring a solution to the problem.

10. Car Doesn’t Start on Fuel Fill-up

The car doesn’t start even after fill up. If it starts, it does not idle. The problem recurs even after fuel pump replacement.

Consequences: It is definitely an issue of a kind.
Fix: Get the EVAP system scan tested. The engine is flooded with fuel through the EVAP after fill up. While starting the car, hold the accelerator pedal halfway to the floor. This is a temporary solution to fix this problem until you get it examined by a mechanic.

11. Alternator Failure

Premature failure of the alternator is noticed.

Consequence: The vehicle faces difficulty in starting, even after the battery is fully charged.
Fix: Hyundai has developed an improved alternator. Check for recall or get it replaced from the dealer. The new alternator would be requiring a different diameter drive belt.

12. Problem with the charging system

The battery drains quickly. But no problem is found with the alternator and CPU.

Consequence: Lights and signals do not work.
Fix: Check the crank pulley or harmonic balancer and ensure that the rubber is not broken. If the problem still exists, get it checked by a mechanic.

13. Remote Fails to Open the Trunk

Remote works fine everywhere else but fails to open the trunk alone.

Consequence: Not a major problem,
Fix: Check the main switch of the trunk. It could have been turned off inadvertently.

How do you avoid problems with your 2004 Hyundai Sonata?

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If you own a 2004 Hyundai Sonata or are considering buying a used Sonata, there are certain things that you can do to avoid the occurrence of the most common problems.

While buying a used 2004 Hyundai Sonata, have a trusted mechanic to perform a thorough inspection on the vehicle. This will make you aware of the existing minor problems, which would help in identifying repair issues with the car later.
Perform scheduled maintenance on your car. This will help the parts to last longer and avoid common problems.
If you live in a heavily snowy region, wash the car regularly to avoid corrosion due to road salts.
Sync with the frequent recall announcements to address any of the major safety issues to which you’re Hyundai Sonata 2004 is prone to.

Conclusion

Even though the 2004 Hyundai Sonata problems are majorly non-mechanical, do not take the minor issues casually. Address them on time to have a safe ride in your favorite car. We recommend you take your car for a tune-up at your nearby automobile repair center to know the problems, even if you are not able to figure them out.

We hope that this guide has helped you obtain a solution for your 2004 Hyundai Sonata problems. Do follow our latest posts on Best OBD2 Bluetooth, Best Octane Booster, Best Synthetic Oil, Best Coolant, Best 10-inch Subwoofer and Best Car Buffer. Pass your feedback and experiences below in the comment section. Subscribe to our blog for up-to-date information about automobiles. Cheers!