DecodedCars2006 Hyundai Sonata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Gl, 4dr Sedan Gl V6/Gls
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,254–3,459 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 40% better than the average 2006 large car (17.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints302 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 88 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Hyundai Sonata is a large car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.3L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,254 lb (4dr Sedan Gl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 40% better than the 2006 large car average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 302 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 2.0 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.3L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 23 to 25
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Sonata →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Gl | 189 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 107.5 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,254 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan Gl V6/Gls | 189 in | 72 in | 58.3 in | 107.5 in | 61.4 / 60.6 in | 3,459 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +40% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +34% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Sonata | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +17% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Jan 9, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V026000 · 87,854 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 .
- Risk
- An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Fix
- 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. The recall began on February 19, 2018. Owners may call Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 172.
Suspension › Rear · Aug 12, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V354000 · 364,502 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 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 and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.
- Risk
- Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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. Hyundai's recall number is 113.
Not every 2006 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 121 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Suspension — 44 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Service Brakes — 34 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 112,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sonata years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sonata | 51 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sonata | 51 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 28 |
| 2024 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2023 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 103 |
| 2022 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2021 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 190 |
| 2020 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 198 |
| 2019 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 172 |
| 2018 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 384 |
| 2017 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 880 |
| 2016 Sonata | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 887 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →