Model year guide

2004 Hyundai Sonata

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Hyundai Sonata is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 71 on record.

2004 Hyundai Sonata — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Hyundai Sonata at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints202
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,705

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Hyundai Sonata recalls 1

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #09V124000 · 16/04/2009

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN …

Fix: DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPL…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Hyundai Sonata common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2004 Hyundai Sonata MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,913

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,705
High
$3,100

From 66 comparable 2004 Hyundai Sonata listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Hyundai Sonata costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,565
Depreciation (5 yrs)$850
Total$15,415
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,705) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,042), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Hyundai Sonata trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS · Base · V6 · Deluxe (GL) · LX · Super Deluxe (GLS)
Engines
2.7L 6-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl

2004 Hyundai Sonata vehicles on record

Other Hyundai Sonata model years

2004 Hyundai Sonata — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2004 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, steering, wheels.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Hyundai Sonata get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Hyundai Sonata at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2004 Hyundai Sonata worth?

Comparable 2004 Hyundai Sonata listings run roughly $700–$3,100, typically around $1,705 (from 66 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.