Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 2007 Hyundai Sonata

Oil leak from valve cover gasket dropped on alternator. Damage to alternator caused vehicle to shut off while going 60mph on an interstate. Multiple lights on the dash illuminated (including the engine and battery lights, the seat belt light started flashing), I lost power to the radio and the lights inside the car stopped working, quickly after these two issues started I lost the ability to accelerate (again, while going 60mph on an interstate). Verbatim text from complaint 14v415000 for the Hyundai veracruz (including the model year 2007)- "an unexpected failure of motive power while driving increases the risk of a crash. " I believe that this recall should be expanded to other Hyundai vehicles as there are a number of other complaints online for Sonatas for multiple years, including 2007. My local dealership quoted me $1372. 43 to replace the alternator, valve cover gasket, and battery (attached).

I first noticed the valve cover gasket leaking onto the alternator at about 121,000 miles and at 140. 000 miles I had the valve cover gasket replaced, thermostat, intake plennom gasket also. And had the alternator replaced after it failed because of the oil leaking onto it at 156,092. Luckily I just drove by my mechanics garage at about 50 mph and about a mile passed his garage the car started to buck and stall and all the dash board lights were flashing along with the cd turning on and off along with the seat belt light which was flashing on and off when it was buckled for about 1 month prior to this failure. I actually made it to his garage before it shut down in his parking lot.

For the second time, I have had oil leaking out of the valve cover or timing belt cover onto the alternator. So much so, that the alternator becomes soaked and "shorts out" according to a Hyundai dealer. Mechanics who have repaired this all agree that this is a hazard and public safety issue. "fire risk" and "sudden complete loss of control at highway speeds" were both mentioned. Hyundai states that my vehicle is out of warranty due to mileage and says that there is no recall for this problem despite the obvious risks that their mechanics and other mechanics mention. After very little effort in researching this problem on the internet, it immediately became obvious that this is a common recall for Hyundai concerning this engine(3. 3l v6). The recalls name other Hyundai products but for some reason skip my vehicle even though two reps at Hyundai customer service state that "you are describing the exact same problem". We have spent close to $1000 on this one issue in the last year. It nearly caused my wife to be stranded on the interstate 10hrs from home. And Hyundai admits that it is an issue but because my VIN is not listed, they refuse to help fix or refund any thing that has already been spent on this manufacture defect. Again, I emphasize that this is a public safety hazard that needs to be addressed. Despite recent repair, this problem still continues. The vehicle was traveling at 70mph each time this issue occurred. I have records of repair from independent mechanics and statement from Hyundai stating this problem. This occurred at 118,000 and 132,000 miles. It seems like it occurred prior to this as well(looking for records).

Same problem as described in 14v415000 Hyundai veracruz recall. While driving the esc warning light on, then intermittent battery + seat belt indicating alternator failure, caused by leaking valve cover. Can cause sudden failure. This defect is not isolated to the veracruz and perhaps the recall should be broadened.

-the contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact had his vehicle repaired according to recall# 08v161000 (air bags). After the repair he noticed that when an occupant sits in the right passenger seat, the front air bag does not detect the presence of an adult. The manufacturer was notified, and a representative concluded that they are unaware of how to remedy the failure. The failure and current mileages were 35,000. Updated 11/23/09 the idler pulley bearing was replaced in the engine. Updated 11/24/09.

Numerous issues from almost day one with this car. 1) within less than a month after purchase of this vehicle, passenger airbag light was coming on even with someone weighing well over 100 lbs in seat. Dealership brushed it off as 'someone sitting in the seat incorrectly'. The light stayed on for so long, with the dealerships refusing to do anything, that we feel it eventually burned out. 2) engine light came on very early in ownership as well and dealerships refused to resolve. Had to have fuel system replaced at one point because car completely died while driving with plenty of fuel. 3) replace headlamps, brake lamps, and tag lamps on a regular basis. On at least a monthly basis we are replacing 1 or 2 lights. We've been pulled over numerous times because a light has failed. 4) driver door automatic lock no longer works. 5) airbag light on driver side came on around 2013 or 2014 and remains on. 6) passenger side visor doesn't stay up when not in use. Driver side visor is starting to do the same. 7) passenger seat belt light constantly flashes even when seat is empty.