Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake pedal would fail to respond intermittently, causing her to depress it excessively. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the brakes; however, after the repair, the brake pedal failed to operate. The contact stated that the head lamps also had failed to operate as needed. The bulbs were replaced; however, the driver's side headlamp failure recurred. The bulb was replaced; however, the low-beam failed to illuminate and the high-beam was illuminating with inadequate lighting. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was pushed back to the residence with assistance. …
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered the ABS module and caused an electrical short. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V026000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving into the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. The failure caused the vehicle to roll to a stop instead of stopping immediately. The brake failure warning light was illuminated. The contact, who is a certified mechanic, inspected the vehicle and found that the rear brake lines and the cross over line was completely rusted and there was a hole from the rust in the lines. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
I have had several things wrong with other models and my 06 hyundai Sonata having the exact same thing happening but the dealer ship wont even acknowledge the words from my mouth, or I get the speech outta your pocket. When I start my car its normal till I put it in drive, it starts pushing the brakes jerking my car leaving black marks in the road onetime. Its happening everyday for 7 months then after the brakes thing its like my car dies then esc light on my dash will light up and it drives normal. Then the sway bar, bushing and struts have went bad 4 times in the past year. The brakelines rusted into and currently going through the second time fixing them. pour brake fluild in and it does no good still none. The headlights bulbs have been replaced 3 times in 2 years now. they may stay bright for 3 months or so then they go dim so dim you cant see black ice till your up on it.
I have a 06 sonata 2.4l that had rear control arms rotted out plus the subframe. And my esc light is on not really sure what to wit that. But my car is down now due to rear control arms needed replaced.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. While driving highway speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal noise and smoke emitted from the engine compartment. The failure occurred without warning. The contact was able to safely maneuver from the highway to a parking lot. The contact exited the vehicle and observed flames underneath the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. There were no injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V026000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 10 MPH, the brakes failed and a crash occurred. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 58,000. Updated 03/11/16 the consumer stated when the brake was applied, the pedal went all the way to the floor. Updated 04/05/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 30 MPH the brake pedal failed to depress and the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Updated 03/29/17
On March 9th, 2015, I was driving home from work after picking up my infant daughter from daycare when several warning lights illuminated on the dashboard of my 2006 Hyundai Sonata; the airbag, ABS, and ESC off warning lights. In preparation for the upcoming left turn into my neighborhood, I tapped the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and coast to the intersection. The cruise control did not disengage. I applied more pressure to the brake pedal to slow down, but upon releasing the brake the vehicle returned to the set cruise speed. I now applied as much pressure as I possibly could to the brake pedal and the cruise control set light did not disengage. The Sonata downshifted and revved up to 4K RPM attempting to overpower my braking. At this point it was too late to avoid the intersection. …
Sudden unexpected acceleration with no power brake. Acceleration of vehicle on it's own. When in park and neutral vehicle idles fine and power brakes work. With foot on brake and placing the vehicle in drive or reverse it accelerated immediately to uncontrollable speeds with no foot on the gas pedal. At the same time you lose power brake and it is impossible to control unless the driver puts the vehicle in neutral, then power brake engages and acceleration stops. This happened to my daughter's car on 4/24/18. Thankfully there was no accident. I also tested the car and it is uncontrollable. Experienced no problems or warnings prior to this. No check engine light before or after this incident. I had the car towed to my auto repair shop. Got the car on the lift and put it in drive. It immediately accelerated on it's own and reached 80 miles per hour quickly. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2006-2011 Hyundai Azera and 2006 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Water may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short .
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge.
Brake complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, 8% of the model year's 1,047 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Hyundai Sonata brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-026 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Jan 9, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Hyundai Sonata brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.