Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was a loud popping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle. The contact became aware that the driver's side front ball joint had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an autobody shop to be repaired but the contact thought that there was a recall for the lower control arm ball joint that might have caused the failure. The vehicle was instead towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver's side front ball joint needed to be replaced out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
My 2009 Hyundai Sonata was taken to the Hyundai of Lincolnwood dealership on May 19th. The certified technician formally diagnosed severe structural corrosion on both front and rear subframes (engine cradles), declaring the vehicle completely unsafe to drive. The dealership is withholding the vehicle under safety custody but refuses to provide a loaner or rental car. Hyundai Motor America states the replacement parts are on indefinite backorder with no ETA, leaving me stranded with no safe alternative transportation since May 19th. This severe structural corrosion poses an imminent risk of suspension failure while driving
Takata recall. Accident happened on a highway going 60 miles an hour. A deer came out of the ditch, missed the deer. My daughter swerved into the ditch and launched over a gravel road and did a nose dive into a bean field. Crashing the front end of the car. The car is totaled.
I had taken the vehicle for alignment. They said bolts related to rear tie rods were rusted and they could not do it. I took it to another mechanic for inspection and possible repair. He said the same. In addition he also said that the struts are leaking. I looked into the history of my vehicle, as I bought it used 2 years ago. I found that the vehicle had been recalled in 2013 for suspension related issues. And some 239000 vehicles were affected. I believe its the same issue which has resurfaced again. The vehicle is perfectly fine otherwise. By the way I have a salvage title of the vehicle on my name if that is important information.
Rear end of vehicle sways around as if driving on ice. Feels exactly like descriptions of issue with recall 13V354000. Hyundai says vehicle is not included in recall. Excessive play in rear end, and very noticeable burning smell coming from rear end after driving. Causing excessive wear of rear brakes and tires. Has caused rear brake hoses to fail. Occasionally brake pedal sinks to floor while driving in stop and go traffic. While traveling at highway speeds, vehicle feels as if a gust of wind could send it off the road. Need to do a ton of steering to keep the car going straight. Front end was aligned 25,000 miles ago.
The vehicle was aqua planning, the driver lost a complete control over the vehicle. The car was bouncing between road sides, left and right - 3 times. The car hit the gate rails 3 times. None of the air bags came out and the seat belts appeared not to be locked at the moment of accident. As a result the passenger's body moved freely in the car and hit the left rib and internal organs, and hit the right side of the face, including cheek bone and nose. The passenger's face was severely bruised and swollen. Besides, both driver and passenger had a whiplash.
Rear control arm components are faulty and require $2K in replacing entire control arm component. Hyundai states it is not covered under #113 due to currently not being registered in a "salt state" however recall is exact issue as current issue with my car. Problem was recently identified after multiple trips to the shop to determine issue with the car. Car has issue with control, braking and shaking while in transit as well as a burning smell from the rear end.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken for routine maintenance, the technician discovered that the sub frame, control arm, sway bar in links, and the rear assist arms were severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 35 MPH, the front upper control arm fractured without warning. The vehicle was towed to the residence of a family member. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,200.
Hyundai Sonata 2009 limited front loud thud noise when going over small bumps and when turning right. The thud noise is only from the passenger side front strut. There is a big difference when you hit a bump on the drivers side and the passenger side. Is a pretty obvious noise. Dealer replaced right strut and insulator and the noise continues. Dealer say they cannot just change out parts unless they find a problem. Car acts like the front suspension is coming apart when turning to the right and going over small bumps. Problems is a safety issue because something seems to be falling apart on the front end when turning and while going over small bumps.
Related recalls
Suspension › Rear
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine,…
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151.
NHTSA investigations
Rear Control Arm Failure
In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles…
Suspension complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2009 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the suspension of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 5% of the model year's 460 complaints. The component named most often is front (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Hyundai Sonata suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-354 (rear, Aug 12, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Hyundai Sonata suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to suspension 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.