10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,000 miles

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problem #2

Dec 172008

Sonata

  • 22,000 miles
I operate a 2004 Hyundai Sonata. It equipped with shiftronic feature, where you able to overdrive a regular automatic transmission by manually switching to desired gear. However, it has own logic not to allow you to switch to inappropriate gear leading to overstress and/or damage engine or transmission. While driving on slippery road I used above mentioned feature to slow down a car when approaching an intersection (so-called engine brake). At same time I used regular brakes too since engine brake is not so effective and it can't stop the car completely. My car has also no anti blocking system (ABS) installed. *** at the moment, when road was too slippery, front wheels were blocked for short period. I eased pedal like it's normally required for cars not equipped with ABS, but transmission logic assumed that car is stopped completely and switched to the first gear at speed around 40 km/H (25 mph) which led the front wheels to block permanently and due to that I lost control of the car. *** fortunately, there was nobody around and I only ended up on the road's right shoulder. I repeated this situation in unpopulated area and it happened again and again. (the shiftronic's logic is switching transmission to the first gear automatically after car is stopped to avoid the engine stall when you start moving again) I think, there should be some sort of reader at rear wheels to detect that car is still moving or ABS system to be present as standard, not as optional feature. Or, maybe, transmission's behavior should be updated.

- Vancouver, Bc, 00, USA

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problem #1

Jun 152006

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles
: the contact stated after having a flat tire due to a road hazard, the dealer performed an inspection and it was determined the tread depth was depleted. The tires were replaced. The tires were Michelin mxd4 plus H 205/165/115. Additionally, the automatic transmission was slipping into gears without warning while driving various speeds. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The automatic transmission seized and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle is currently awaiting replacement of the automatic transmission.

- Port Jefferson Station, NY, USA

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