Seat complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 16 | 9% | 80,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% | 157,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2015 | 14 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% | 186,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% | 0 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 0% | 50,000 miles |
| 2011 | 15 | 0% | 67,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% | 117,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 2% | 63,000 miles |
| 2007 | 19 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 1% | 95,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% | 28,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 111,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% | 114,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% | 86,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the fuel failed to go into the tank. The seat failed to move. The engine light illuminated. The vehicle stalled. While driving, the fuel gauge went from full to empty. The contact received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank had expanded. The vehicle was repaired approximately eight months later. The contact called another local dealer. Ourisman Hyundai Bowie, 2404 Crain Hwy A, Bowie, MD 20716, who was unable to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer instructed the dealer to keep the vehicle due to it being a fire risk. The manufacturer was contacted regarding a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the frame on the front driver's seat was cracked. The contact inspected the seat. The contact lifted the cushion and became aware that the bolts were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,458.
The driver's seat / passenger seat assembly, including seat rails, mounting brackets, and Smart Junction Box (SJB) connections if electrical adjustment was involved, completely failed during a crash. The seat lifted off the floor anchors and almost entirely came apart, including both the seat cushion (where you sit) and the backrest, leaving the occupant crushed within the collapsed seat structure, resulting in catastrophic injuries. During the crash, the seat collapsed and disassembled, exposing the occupant to extreme trauma. This caused: Pelvic fracture Broken femur, hip, and back Collapsed lung and punctured liver Foreign object from the seat mechanism punctured pelvic bone The failure directly contributed to life-threatening injuries that would not have occurred if the seat had remained securely anchored. The malfunction posed an immediate risk of death and permanent disability. …
I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The trunk is stuck closed and I am unable to open it using the key fob or the button on the trunk itself. Additionally, the button to fold down the rear seats is located inside the trunk, which makes it impossible to access the trunk from the rear seats. I have also tried using the keyhole on the trunk, but it does not work either. This is a serious safety issue that poses a risk to myself and others on the road. In the event of an emergency, I may need quick access to the trunk to retrieve necessary items or a spare tire, but due to the malfunction, I am unable to do so.
The powered driver seat returning from a reclined position can get stuck in the recline position for some unknown reason. The seat motor, electrical wiring system and the switch have all been examined and replaced and yet for some unknown reason it continues to occur. Two different mechanics thought it was the switch for the seat being faulty but its been replaced twice and still this issue can occur where the seat after reclining any amount the seat will remain in that recline position for an extended period of time (multiple days) and can if reclined completely, remain in the full reclined position unable to return in the direction so as to raise it to a normal seated position. The seat switch will only recline but will not return back to the seated position to any degree. …
My vehicle rattles and knocks all the time. It has a little over 65000 miles and has done this for years. I have taken it to the dealership and told it supposed to sound like that. The car has no power what so ever climbing hills and my gas mileage keeps going down. I have heard this is a common problem but I want it fixed as I dont fee this car is reliable as it has quit running one time before because of this problem. Something needs to be done before someones car cuts off and causes an accident and someone get killed. It does this anytime you give the car throttle. The second thing is the poor stitching in the leather seats. My seats started coming apart at the seams and the dealer says its not covered under warranty but I purchased a full 10 year 100000 mile warranty. …
Left driver side rear and front headlamps would burn out, after time noticed the left headlamp flickering 9n and off while driving at night in auto mode, also inside dash lights dimming, also left driver side seat will not adjust, this is a Hazzard for myself and others while driving at night, with lights malfunctioning, was pulled over by highway patrol, and given a warning to fix headlamp.Issue has not been inspected by anyone and the vehicle can be inspected upon request, no dash or warning lights have came on.
The driver's seat lost a bolt and the seat was no longer bolted down at the back, although sitting on it would lower it. I took it to a mechanic and they re-attached the screw and bolt but were unable to do so in a way that the seat operates properly. It still lifts when I get out of the car and lowers when I sit down. This is available for inspection if needed. The safety concern is that in the event of an accident, the seat may detach from the base of the car. The problem has been reproduced by an independent service center. The work was done in Feb 2022. The vehicle hasn't been inspected by any others. There were no warnings or other symptoms before or after the event.
Related recalls (1)
Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
On certain passenger vehicles, the front seat belt May interfere with the manual seat back recliner knob and could cause the front manual seat back recliner to inadvertently release.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual seat back recliner knob(s) free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2005. Owners May contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Sonata years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (19), 2020 (16), 2011 (15), 2015 (14) and 2006 (13) model years. Seat complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Sonata seat problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 05V-377 (recliner, Aug 29, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Sonata seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › recliner (5 mentions), followed by the mid/rear assembly (1).
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.