Two problems related to software have been reported for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata based on all problems reported for the 2009 Sonata.
I noticed a shuddering at 90,250 miles, while traveling during the winter at around 30-45 mph, but was very intermittent, and would go away. Then on 10/9/2013 at 102,515 miles, from park, the transmission would not engage into reverse or drive. I could hear the transmission shift, but it was not disengaging from park. Per Hyundai service technician, the transmission was "junk" and would need to be replaced. I contacted Hyundai corporate, during which time I was informed they didn't have my information in their system and that in fact there were 2 recalls that they failed to notify me of, and was told that if I allowed the Hyundai service to do the repair right then, that I would be eligible for their policy reimbursement. One of the recalls was an ecm and tcm software update in which symptoms were improper clutching and DE-clutching of gears when accelerating and decelerating. That shift quality over time caused undo stress on the gearing causing my failure. The repair was made, I then had to pay upfront, and a week later they've denied my policy reimbursement claim due to fluid being the cause of failure. I then provided them with further documentation showing that their own technician re-used 5 quarts of my original fluid on the repair order, and that I followed the maintenance record that was suggested by their own technicians advice when I purchased the vehicle. Drain and fill every 30,000 miles. The last drain and fill was on June 14, 2013. Hyundai did not provide me with any fluid analysis or specs to support their denial of my policy reimbursement. I saved the agents voicemail of the denial in which she stated due to "color" and that alone, was the reason why the claim was denied.
Please be advised that I purchased said vehicle new and at around 35000 miles I started to notice that when I slowed down and came to a stop the transmission would jerk on the down shift, which is not normal. On 01-19-2012 I brought my car to the dealer where I purchased from . I was informed that this problem is common and that once my computer is reset it should go away, and there is a service bulletin on that issue. On 03-19-2012 I was having the same issue so the transmission was replaced with factory reconditioned transmission. Now with 74000 mile the car is back for the 5 th time for the same transmission problem. The dealer has my car and I have not heard from the dealer or Hyundai corporation for two weeks. I believe that Hyundai corporation knew the problem existed and neglected to fix the problem other wise a new car with 35000 miles should not have this problem and the mechanics don't know how to remedy the faulty transmission. I am very disappointed with Hyundai and there handling of this problem. I believe the damage has been done, and new software is not going to fix this problem, the bands in the transmission are worn now, the damage has been done. This is just putting a band aid on a serious problem and a manufacturing defect. One does not anticipate any serious problems with a brand new car with only 35000 miles. What good is a 10 year 100. 000 mile warranty when you start having these problem at 35000 miles. I have done some research on-line and there are others who have the same problem with same car, I am not the only one. This is a disgrace Hyundai corporation I purchased said vehicle from atlantic Hyundai inc. Located at 193-205 sunrise highway, west islip NY 11795. I have also contacted Hyundai corporation several times but to no avail.