Hyundai Sonata Recall R/2005/122: Brakes May Apply Prematurely, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 24 Oct 2005
- Launched
- 550
- vehicles in the UK
- 51b018
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Hyundai recalled Sonata vehicles built between 18 August 2004 and 4 May 2005. Due to the oversensitivity of the ESP system. The dealer will install upgraded softwear. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to the oversensitivity of the ESP system. It is possble in extenuating circumstances that the brakes can apply prematurely and cause the vehicle to slow down.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BRAKES MAY APPLY PREMATURELY Defect: Due to the oversensitivity of the ESP system. It is possble in extenuating circumstances that the brakes can apply prematurely and cause the vehicle to slow down. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles to install upgraded softwear.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: brakes may apply prematurely.
The Fix
The dealer will install upgraded softwear.
Are You Affected?
Sonata built between 18 August 2004 and 4 May 2005 may be included. Hyundai estimates 550 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Hyundai, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Hyundai.
- Book with any franchised Hyundai dealer, quoting the campaign code 51b018 or the DVSA reference R/2005/122. See how to get a Hyundai recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grandeur, SonataAn electrical short circuit may occur inside the ABS module | Urgent | R/2018/085 | |
| Grandeur, SonataWheels may misalign | Book soon | R/2013/136 | |
| SonataBrake lights may become inoperative | Urgent | R/2009/115 | |
| SonataWiring concern in SRS loom | Urgent | R/2003/064 | |
| SonataPossible unintentional deployment of both side air bags | Urgent | R/2003/063 |
This is one of 102 Hyundai recalls in DVSA’s data. The Hyundai recall launched before it was R/2004/152 on 29 Nov 2004, for premature wear of the hand brake cable. The one launched after it was R/2005/123 on 24 Oct 2005, for parking brake may not engage. You can also see every Hyundai recall, all recalls launched in 2005 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2005/122, launched 24 October 2005. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.