Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 12 | 9% | 13,000 miles |
| 2020 | 7 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 1% | 17,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% | 25,000 miles |
| 2016 | 10 | 1% | 44,000 miles |
| 2015 | 30 | 3% | 52,000 miles |
| 2014 | 10 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2013 | 21 | 1% | 59,000 miles |
| 2012 | 22 | 1% | 6,000 miles |
| 2011 | 24 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 19 | 4% | 69,000 miles |
| 2008 | 96 | 23% | 57,000 miles |
| 2007 | 141 | 20% | 60,000 miles |
| 2006 | 186 | 18% | 65,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% | 4,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% | 79,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 4% | 62,000 miles |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% | — |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% | 77,000 miles |
| 1998 | 9 | 18% | 70,000 miles |
| 1997 | 5 | 10% | 118,000 miles |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 5% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in freezing weather conditions, the front windshield wiper fluid would not properly spray onto the front window and the window could not be cleaned, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact indicated that the failure was present on both the front driver and passenger-side windshield wipers. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 400.
I am experiencing an electrical malfunction with the driver-side door controls and side mirrors on my 2022 Hyundai Sonata Limited. The buttons on the driver's door panel intermittently stop responding, and the lights on the panel flicker. At the same time, the side mirrors move up and down randomly, without any input from me. This issue occurs while the vehicle is both stationary and in motion. This malfunction affects the visibility and safe operation of the vehicle, as it can disrupt mirror adjustments while driving. I am concerned that this could be a potential safety hazard, especially at night or in high-traffic situations. I have researched online and found that other Hyundai owners have reported similar electrical issues with door controls and mirrors in recent models. …
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while traveling at highway speeds, a tiny pebble hit his windshield which caused a minor ding on the middle of the driver's side windshield. Over time, the ding spread from the driver's side to the lane assist sensor located in the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that the crack spread vertically and horizontally across his windshield. He stated that the crack had obstructed his vision while driving at various speeds. The dealer was initially notified of the failure and informed him that he had to have the vehicle repaired by a recommended third party. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 23,000.
The contact owned a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof suddenly fractured. The contact stated that there was no external cause to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact decided to trade the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,300.
Wiring harness under fuse box is not making a consistent connection and is causing the blower amp to overheat and disconnect. When this happen, cabin air doesn't blow and the front and rear defrost stops working. The only way to make the blower engage is by removing the fuse box cover and tapping the 30 amp fuse things. I've taken my car to the dealership for this specific problem 5 separate times, and it was supposed to be corrected. Due to this poor connection, I am now about $1200 into repairs / replacing parts that aren't the root cause. I am not taking my car back to the dealership for a 6th time to have it "fixed" but the service guy looked me in the face and said "you should trade it. We see this issue all the time in sonatas and elantras. It won't be fixed". …
Improperly seated strip fuse High Resistance Connection on the IG-2 40amp blower motor fuse receptacle causing melting of plastic fuse box components and ultimately failure of blower motor circuit and potentially loss of other circuits. Loss of blower motor leads to loss of cabin HVAC as well as loss of front windshield defrost ability during adverse driving conditions. Not only does this pose a potential electrical fire hazard, but a safety hazard due to inability to clear windshield from loss of defrost feature. Brief research finds this to be a very common problem with these vehicles. Manufacturer's recommendation is complete replacement of engine bay wiring harness. Problem begins as intermittent, but leads to total circuit failure over time if not identified.
Safety Concern - Damage to Windshield During Manufacturer Recall Repair (Z05) My vehicle was brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership on January 14, 2026 for a manufacturer-directed paint recall repair (Campaign Z05), which required removal and reinstallation of the windshield as part of the procedure. The repair was originally expected to be completed between January 14 and January 28, 2026. However, I received no explanation for the delay during that period. On February 13, 2026 - nearly one month after check-in - I was informed for the first time that the windshield had cracked during the reinstallation process while the vehicle was in the dealership's custody. As of March 18, 2026, the windshield has not been replaced, and the vehicle remains at the dealership without this safety-critical component restored. …
I respectfully submit the following additional information.In connection with this matter, the dealer in question asserted in writing that I "should have refused to participate" in the manufacturer-authorized "Z05 Service Campaign"-a measure designed to prevent potential damage-and characterized the program as nothing more than "free paint work." Service campaigns administered by manufacturers are conducted within the framework of federal safety regulations pursuant to Title 49, Chapter 301 of the U.S. Code; they are neither optional nor merely cosmetic in nature. Rather, they constitute systematic procedures intended to preserve vehicle integrity and support public safety. …
Related recalls (3)
Visibility › Windshield
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles manufactured December 8, 2014, to August 18, 2015, and Hyundai Sonata vehicles manufactured May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2016, equipped with the panoramic sunroof option.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wind deflector anchor plate, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Sonata years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (186), 2007 (141), 2008 (96), 2015 (30) and 2011 (24) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Sonata window & wiper problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 21V00M000 (windshield, Dec 28, 2021); 16V-726 (sun/moon roof assembly, Oct 11, 2016); 97V-026 (motor, Feb 26, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Sonata window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the sun/moon roof assembly (53 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (25).
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.