RoadVitals

2001 Hyundai Sonata Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
205
Latest Dec 25, 2021
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Hyundai Sonata, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

69
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Upper rear control arm is connected to the subframe of the car and it’s rotted/ rusted out where the bushing goes to hold the control arm in place. Where am I supposed to mount the bushing now since it’s no longer there.

NHTSA ID 11444930 · filed Dec 25, 2021

CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATED/ BROKE FROM THE SUBFRAME. CALLED HYUNDAI AS MECHANIC SAID THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED UNDER A RECALL THAT CAME OUT SEVERAL YEARS AGO FOR "BECAUSE OF A POTENTIAL CORROSION RISK INVOLVING THE FRONT SUB-FRAME...CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVER POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL." "SEPARATION OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH" THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER YESTERDAY AND FORTUNATELY SHE DID NOT CRASH AS SHE WAS NOT IN A POPULATED AREA, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. WHY IS THIS PARTICULAR 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. IT NEEDS TO BE COVERED AND COVERED ASAP. PLEASE ASSIST. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT COLUMBIA FAMILY AUTO CARE IN JESSUP MD 301-362-0777

NHTSA ID 11113063 · filed Jul 23, 2018
All 69 reports naming body & structure

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

47
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIRBAG RED LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. RESTRAINING STRAP IN REAR-LEFT SEAT DOES NOT ENGAGE.

NHTSA ID 11110104 · filed Jul 8, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11075013 · filed Feb 26, 2018
All 47 reports naming airbags

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Upper rear control arm is connected to the subframe of the car and it’s rotted/ rusted out where the bushing goes to hold the control arm in place. Where am I supposed to mount the bushing now since it’s no longer there.

NHTSA ID 11444930 · filed Dec 25, 2021

RECENTLY I HAD A SITUATION WHERE I WAS DRIVING ON COUNTY ROAD WAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY COLLAPSED AND CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. TO SAY THE LEAST, I WAS A LITTLE SHOOK UP. I GOT OUT THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAD LODGED AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE CAR WOULD GO INTO GEAR BUT IT WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE SO I TURNED IT OFF. A DRIVER OF A GREEN SEDAN CAR WAS BEHIND ME AND I WAS TRYING TO WAVE HER AROUND ME BUT SHE STOPPED AND ASSISTED ME INTO GETTING MY CAR OFF THE STREET BY PUSHING MY CAR WHILE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. I AM ONLY TELLING YOU THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI THOMPSON THAT MY CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER IT WAS TOWED THERE. I WENT THERE THE NEXT DAY AND THE CAR DID START BUT IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR WHICH WAS A SURPRISE TO ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND TALK TO YOU TO SEE IF THAT DAMAGE WOULD BE COVER UNDER THE RECALL FOR REPLACING THE ENGINE CRADLE. AFTER HYUNDAI THOMPSON REPAIRED MY CAR I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK FOR A ROARING NOISE CAUSED BY THE WHEEL BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT JAMMED AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL WHEN THE AXLE SNAPPED OFF THE SUBFRAME. THEY ALSO COULD NOT PREFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. I ALSO TOOK IT FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION AND IT FAILED DUE TO SOME ITEMS I FEEL ARE RELATED TO THE REPAIR OF REPLACING THE SUBFRAME LIKE THE WHEEL BEARING, THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT, BOTH FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND THE OUTER TIE RODS MISSING COTTER KEYS. I WANT TO KNOW MY RIGHTS CONCERNING THIS RECALL AND I ALSO WANT MY CAR IN THE DRIVING CONDITION BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. CASE # 15551136 WITH HYUNDAI.

NHTSA ID 11220217 · filed Jun 14, 2019
All 29 reports naming suspension

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR AND LEAKED OUT FLUID THROUGH A STEEL RUSTED BRAKE LINE ON DRIVER SIDE , I HAD THE STEEL LINE REPLACED, A MONTH LATER SAME INCIDENT THANK GOD IT HAPPENED AGAIN ONLY THE OPPOSITE SIDE THE BRAKE LINE LEAKED . IF THIS HAPPENED IN AN EMERGENCY STOP I MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHARE THIS .

NHTSA ID 10779253 · filed Oct 2, 2015

HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 PUSH BUTTON START. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. YESTERDAY I WENT INTO MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO START MY CAR. I HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON THREE TIMES BEFORE ACTUALLY STARTED UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 2 HOURS. 5 DAYS PRIOR MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL ON THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THEY ,THE DEALERSHIP, PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND REPLACED THE STOPLAMP SWITCH. AS RESULT MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT WITH THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE. THIS IS CRAZY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10554273 · filed Dec 1, 2013
All 24 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPRX 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD DE CELERATE. I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN PUT BACK ON TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE. ALSO AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR WOULD BANG INTO GEAR FROM PARK AND INTO REVERSE. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW OUT OF THE SHOWROOM WITH 10 MILES ON IT AND 6 MONTHS LATER A NEW TRANSMISSION. ( WELL WE WERE TOLD AT THE TIME IT WAS BRAND NEW, I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A REBUILT) SHAME ON THE DEALER FOR LYING TO CUSTOMERS. THE CAR DID OK TILL ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. THE CAR WILL DECELERATE AND I HAVE TO DO WHAT I STATED ABOVE. THEN CANT GET OUT OF PARK AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. A NEW BRAKE SWITCH WAS PUT IN AND THE CAR WAS FINE FOR 7 FULL DAYS AND ON THE 8TH DAY SAME THING. SO BACK WE GO TO THE DEALERS AND THEY ARE REALLY RUDE AND NOT HAPPY TO SEE ME AT ALL . ( I DON'T' WANT TO SEE THEM EITHER) I WAS TOLD SAME PROBLEM AND ANOTHER SWITCH HAS BEEN PUT IN THIS IS THE THIRD ONE. THE OTHER ISSUE IS WE ARE NOT BEING NOTIFIED OF RECALLS. AND THE DEALERSHIP IS SO RUDE. WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER ONE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10557819 · filed Dec 30, 2013

I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER DRIVING ONLY 10MPH, MY ENGINE CRADLE DROPPED DOWN THERE FOR SMASHING THROUGH MY FRONT AXEL, AND TURNING IN BOTH OF MY FRONT WHEELS. NOT REALIZING WHAT HAPPENED I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO A REPAIR SHOP. BOTH TIRES POPPED. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND PAID AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT TO GET A TOW TO A REPAIR SHOP. I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR 2 WEEKS WHILE THEY REPLIED MY VEHICLE WHICH COST ME ALMOST $1,300. MY INSURE COMPANY WOULD NOT TOTAL OUT MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO SALT CORROSION AND RUST (WARE AND TEAR). DID I MENTION I WAS ON VACATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED? $$$. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS TROUBLE SHOOTING SOMEHOW (151,000 MILES). IT'S HAVING TROUBLE SWITCHING GEARS AND IT HITS PRETTY HARD WHEN IT FINALLY DOES. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON, SOMETIMES THIS HELPS SOMETIMES IT DOES. MY RPM SHOT UP TO 4 OR 5 WHICH BURNS GAS LIKE CRAZY. THE RUST ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND BOTTOM IS UNFIXIBLE. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES REALLY BAD AT SPEEDS 60+. MY REAR STRUTS ARE RUSTED AND NEED REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505488 · filed Apr 3, 2013
All 24 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPRX 30 MPH. THE CAR WOULD DE CELERATE. I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN PUT BACK ON TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE. ALSO AT THE SAME TIME THE CAR WOULD BANG INTO GEAR FROM PARK AND INTO REVERSE. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW OUT OF THE SHOWROOM WITH 10 MILES ON IT AND 6 MONTHS LATER A NEW TRANSMISSION. ( WELL WE WERE TOLD AT THE TIME IT WAS BRAND NEW, I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT IT WAS A REBUILT) SHAME ON THE DEALER FOR LYING TO CUSTOMERS. THE CAR DID OK TILL ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. THE CAR WILL DECELERATE AND I HAVE TO DO WHAT I STATED ABOVE. THEN CANT GET OUT OF PARK AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. A NEW BRAKE SWITCH WAS PUT IN AND THE CAR WAS FINE FOR 7 FULL DAYS AND ON THE 8TH DAY SAME THING. SO BACK WE GO TO THE DEALERS AND THEY ARE REALLY RUDE AND NOT HAPPY TO SEE ME AT ALL . ( I DON'T' WANT TO SEE THEM EITHER) I WAS TOLD SAME PROBLEM AND ANOTHER SWITCH HAS BEEN PUT IN THIS IS THE THIRD ONE. THE OTHER ISSUE IS WE ARE NOT BEING NOTIFIED OF RECALLS. AND THE DEALERSHIP IS SO RUDE. WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER ONE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10557819 · filed Dec 30, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. EVEN AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP BY USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,300. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10383235 · filed Feb 18, 2011
All 13 reports naming driver assistance

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ONGOING PROBLEM WHERE MY CAR JERKS AND THE RPM'S GO UP TO 4-5 BEFORE MY CAR WILL EVEN MOVE IN WHICH CASE I AM THROW FORWARD DUE TO THE GEARS NOT SHIFTING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED! *TR

NHTSA ID 10359482 · filed Oct 6, 2010

RE- 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA I WAS ON WAY TO WORK GOING 93 NORTH TOWARDS BOSTON 1 EXIT AWAY FROM WORK WHEN I WENT OVER 3 SMALL BUMPS ON HIGHWAY NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, YET MY TIRES FELT AS IF THEY WERE NOT STABLE I WAS ONLY GOING 60 SLOWED DOWN TO 30 TOOK OFF RAMP 1 BLOCK AWAY FROM WORK, THEN COMPLETELY STOPPED AT A CROSS STREET INTERSECTION TO TAKE A RIGHT. I PROCEEDED THEN I FLEW FORWARD IN MY CAR. MY CAR STOPPED SHORT FOR A SECOND I THOUGHT I HIT MY SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL OR REVERSE, THAT WAS NOT THE CASE, I WAS IN DRIVE. PUT CAR IN PARK IT MADE A SEARING UNGODLY SOUND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR JUST AS TWO MEN CAME RUNNING OVER TO HELP ME. WE NOTICED THE TIRE COMPLETELY AGAINST INSIDE WHEEL FRAME. I JUST HAD A RIM REPLACED NOT EVEN 1 MONTH AGO AND NEW BRAKES AND TIRES YET I WASN'T SURE WHAT THIS TIRE LIKE THAT MEANT. I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I SEEM TO BE HAVING TO REPLACE SO MANY THINGS, ONE RIGHT AFTER ANOTHER, HOWEVER I WAS TOLD AFTER TOWING CAR TO FIRESTONE THAT MY WHOLE CAR UNDERCARRIAGE FRAME SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND THAT THE AXLE IS SNAPPED AND MAY EVEN HAVE DAMAGED TRANSMISSION I CALLED HYUNDAI TO PUT A COMPLAINT IN. THEY TOLD ME I HAVE A RECALL ON MY CAR WHEN THEY LOOKED UP MY CAR BY THE VIN YET I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. THEY SEEMED QUITE CARING AND EMPATHIC TO MY SITUATION, YET THE LAST QUESTION THEY ASKED ME, BLEW ME AWAY. CHRISTINE THE OPERATOR FROM HYUNDAI ASKED ME ONE MORE QUESTION MS.__ WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO GET OUT OF THIS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WHAT A QUESTION, I ASKED IF I SHOULD GET A LAWYER, AND WAS IT AN VOLUNTARY OR INVOLUNTARY RECALL SHE SAID THAT HYUNDAI PUT THIS RECALL INTO EFFECTS AFTER THE COMPANY REALIZED AND FOUND THAT THEY MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE CORROSIVE SITUATION, YET ON THE WEB THEY WERE OBVIOUSLY INVESTIGATED FIRST THEN DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT. SHE SAID RECALLS STARTED IN JULY OF 09 AND ARE STILL BEING ISSUED TO DATE, SHE SAID SHE'D MAIL ME A PACKET TO FILL OUT AND SEND BACK -OH JOY!! CANT WAIT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10324910 · filed Apr 11, 2010
All 13 reports naming transmission

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY STREET WHEN THE DRIVERS CV AXLE POPPED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. I GOT THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND REMOVED THE WHEEL TO FIND THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED COMPLETELY INTO. I KNOW THERE ARE RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS EXACT ISSUE ON THIS TYPE OF CAR

NHTSA ID 11155290 · filed Dec 1, 2018

WAS INFORMED APPROXIMATELY 2006-2007 BY GOOD SAMARITAN, BILL OSTERHAGE, THAT HIS DAUGHTER'S 2002 HYUNDAI FRONT TIRE ROD AXIAL BROKE D/T MAJOR CORROSIVE ISSUES WITH FRAME DEFECTS. HE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY FOR CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT TO BE STARTED D/T SAFETY ISSUES TO PREVENT DEATH TO OTHERS & REPAIR FRAME TO ROB CAREY AT ROB.CAREY @ATT.NET & [email protected]. FROM 2006- UNTIL 2009 DURING ROUTINE OIL CHANGES, I ASKED KERRY HYUNDAI IN ALEXANDRIA, KY TO CHECK MY FRAME D/T VISUAL RUST & ABOUT RECALL. HYUNDAI FINALLY ADMITTED AFTER MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IN A LETTER TO ME ON 6/24/09 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON 4/16/09 AND MY FRAME TO BE REPLACED. 8/15/16 I LOST CONTROL OF MY 2001 SONATA, HYUNDAI WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY DURING RUSH HOUR D/T MAJOR CORROSIVE ISSUES CAUSING RIGHT REAR TIRE ROD TO BREAK. I DID TWO 360 DEGREE TURNS FROM FAST LANE TO SLOW LANE. GRACE OF GOD I DIDN'T CRASH OR CAUSE ANY ACCIDENTS. FILLED REPORT WITH HYUNDAI DEALER & CORPORATION 8/16/16. CORPORATION STATED THAT THERE IS CORROSIVE SETTLEMENT FOR FRONT FRAME AND ANOTHER FOR THE REAR FRAME. HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS AND HYUNDAI CORPORATION HAS NOT CONTACTED ME BACK, BUT STATED COMPLIANT ALONE WITH PICTURES TAKEN BY DEALER HAS BEEN SENT TO "REGIONAL AGENT". MANAGER OF SERVICE DEPARTMENT FROM DEALERSHIP AT KERRY HYUNDAI ALEXANDRIA, KY, JEFF, STATED "THE MATTER IS OUT OF HIS HANDS AND REPRESENTATIVE FROM HYUNDAI CORPORATION IS TO HANDLE MATTER. ALSO, JEFF, MANAGER OF SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT KERRY HYUNDAI, STATED "DAMAGE TO FRAME COST MORE THAN WHAT CARE IS WORTH". MECHANIC AT KERRY HYUNDAI STATED THAT "HYUNDAI HAS MAJOR ISSUE WITH FRAMES, THIS IS THE THIRD ONE THIS MONTH, OF AUGUST, THAT HAS COME IN D/T CORROSIVE DEFECTS, AND ONE OF THE CARS WAS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD". PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. LIFE IS A PRECIOUS GIFT AND NO MONETARY AMOUNT CAN REPLACEMENT IT.

NHTSA ID 10903063 · filed Sep 1, 2016
All 10 reports naming steering

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS WERE FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ID 10454568 · filed Apr 9, 2012

I HAVE A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS AND I HAVE BEEN THROUGH NO LESS THAN 4 DRIVER'S SIDE VISORS BECAUSE THE PLASTIC AROUND THE ELBOW THAT CONNECTS TO THE CEILING BREAKS AND THE VISOR BECOMES NO LONGER OPERABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10360176 · filed Oct 12, 2010
All 9 reports naming visibility

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SENSOR RIGHT FRONT,SENSOR FOUND IT FAULTY,THIS SENSOR IS UNDER THE FABRIC OF SEAT.LIGHT IS ALL WAYS ON.

NHTSA ID 10967070 · filed Mar 19, 2017

THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE CAME UNLATCHED AND FLEW UP WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN, BENT THE HOOD AND SMASHED THE WINDSHIELD. THE HOOD HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN SEVERAL WEEKS, THE LAST TIME BEING WHEN THE CAR WAS SERVICED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10359988 · filed Oct 11, 2010
All 9 reports naming interior & seats

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 PUSH BUTTON START. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. YESTERDAY I WENT INTO MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO START MY CAR. I HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON THREE TIMES BEFORE ACTUALLY STARTED UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 2 HOURS. 5 DAYS PRIOR MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL ON THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THEY ,THE DEALERSHIP, PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND REPLACED THE STOPLAMP SWITCH. AS RESULT MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT WITH THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE. THIS IS CRAZY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10554273 · filed Dec 1, 2013

MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS GIVEN ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS FROM THE TIME I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT AND AS SOON AS I HIT THE 60,000 MILE MARK (THE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY ENDED AT THIS POINT), THE CAR CONSTANTLY HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. THE AIRBAGS WERE FIXED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE BRAKES HAD A LOUD SQUEAK AND DEALER REPLACED (UNDER WARRANTY AT THAT TIME). THE SIDE FRONT WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BEEN FIXED TWICE AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR IS BROKEN AND I HAD TO PUT TAPE ON IT SO THAT IT WILL STAY UP. THE TIMING BELT WENT OUT AFTER THE WARRANTY. SOME KIND OF COIL BROKE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS TURNING ON. I STOPPED TAKING IT TO THE DEALER AFTER THE CAR BROKE DOWN, HAD IT TOWED, DEALER IN LAUREL, MD CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED IT, CHARGED ME $768, PICKED UP CAR, SAME PROBLEM, ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON AND TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER. DEALER SAID THERE WAS YET ANOTHER PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT AND THEY CHARGED ME OVER $500. STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS CHARGED $45 FOR THE REPAIR. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. I JUST SPENT $435 ON ANOTHER REPAIR. NOW, AFTER EACH REPAIR, I JUST WAIT FOR THE ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN ON AGAIN FOR THE NEXT EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND YET I'M STILL MAKING CAR PAYMENTS. ABSOLUTE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER HAD. *JB

NHTSA ID 10155865 · filed Apr 22, 2006
All 8 reports naming electrical

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECENTLY I HAD A SITUATION WHERE I WAS DRIVING ON COUNTY ROAD WAY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY COLLAPSED AND CAME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. TO SAY THE LEAST, I WAS A LITTLE SHOOK UP. I GOT OUT THE CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAD LODGED AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL. THE CAR WOULD GO INTO GEAR BUT IT WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE SO I TURNED IT OFF. A DRIVER OF A GREEN SEDAN CAR WAS BEHIND ME AND I WAS TRYING TO WAVE HER AROUND ME BUT SHE STOPPED AND ASSISTED ME INTO GETTING MY CAR OFF THE STREET BY PUSHING MY CAR WHILE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. I AM ONLY TELLING YOU THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI THOMPSON THAT MY CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER IT WAS TOWED THERE. I WENT THERE THE NEXT DAY AND THE CAR DID START BUT IT WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR WHICH WAS A SURPRISE TO ME. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION AND TALK TO YOU TO SEE IF THAT DAMAGE WOULD BE COVER UNDER THE RECALL FOR REPLACING THE ENGINE CRADLE. AFTER HYUNDAI THOMPSON REPAIRED MY CAR I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK FOR A ROARING NOISE CAUSED BY THE WHEEL BEARING IN THE WHEEL THAT JAMMED AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL WHEN THE AXLE SNAPPED OFF THE SUBFRAME. THEY ALSO COULD NOT PREFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. I ALSO TOOK IT FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION AND IT FAILED DUE TO SOME ITEMS I FEEL ARE RELATED TO THE REPAIR OF REPLACING THE SUBFRAME LIKE THE WHEEL BEARING, THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT, BOTH FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND THE OUTER TIE RODS MISSING COTTER KEYS. I WANT TO KNOW MY RIGHTS CONCERNING THIS RECALL AND I ALSO WANT MY CAR IN THE DRIVING CONDITION BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. CASE # 15551136 WITH HYUNDAI.

NHTSA ID 11220217 · filed Jun 14, 2019

I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY STREET WHEN THE DRIVERS CV AXLE POPPED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. I GOT THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND REMOVED THE WHEEL TO FIND THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED COMPLETELY INTO. I KNOW THERE ARE RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS EXACT ISSUE ON THIS TYPE OF CAR

NHTSA ID 11155290 · filed Dec 1, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BAD FUEL VAPOR SMELL IN CABIN, NO CHECK ENG LIGHT ON. CHECKED ENG LIGHT AT AUTO ZONE ANYWAY, CODE SAID VAPOR VALVE GOING TO CANISTER/DUMP AFTER WARM UP. HYUNDAI BY PHONE SAID CANISTER NEEDED REPLACED($400+). I LIVE ON DISABILITY SSI, TOO EXPENSIVE. TOOK TO SMALL GARAGE, AFTER LIFTING, BOTTOM OF GAS TANK WAS WET WITH GAS(BY THE EXHAUST). ONE GUY WENT TO ACCESS POINT FOR FUEL TANK FOR REPLACING FUEL PUMP. A 6 INCH RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THE LINE OUT OF THE FUEL TANK CONNECTING TO METAL RAIL FUEL LINE BENT AT OVER 90 DEGREES, HAD A HOLE AT THE WEAKEST POINT, IN THE INSIDE BEND. I AM NOT THE FIRST OWNER, BUT [XXX], COULD ONLY DRIVE IT AFTER MIDNIGHT IN HOT SUMMER. CODE EXPLAINED CAR AFTER WARM UP OPENS THIS VALVE TO DUMP VAPOR BUILD UP IN CANISTER. SOUNDS RIGHT, CODE AND EVERYTHING, AFTER I FINALLY HAD THEM CHECK FOR CODES WITHOUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOT COMING ON. SUCH A CHEAP COST OF A RUBBER HOSE COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A BRADED FLEXIBLE METAL CONNECTION. [XXX], I'M LUCKY. I GAVE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REPAIR GUY OVER THE PHONE THE ENGINE CODE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10919367 · filed Oct 27, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED FIFTY PERCENT OF THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE UNDER BODY RUST, BOTH THE BRAKE LINES AND THE FUEL LINES WERE CORRODED. THE DEALER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING THE UNDER BODY, BRAKE AND FUEL LINES. THE MANUFACTURER ASSISTED WITH THE REPAIR OF THE UNDER BODY ONLY AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRING THE BRAKES AND FUEL LINES. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

NHTSA ID 10442171 · filed Jan 3, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIRBAG RED LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. RESTRAINING STRAP IN REAR-LEFT SEAT DOES NOT ENGAGE.

NHTSA ID 11110104 · filed Jul 8, 2018

I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER DRIVING ONLY 10MPH, MY ENGINE CRADLE DROPPED DOWN THERE FOR SMASHING THROUGH MY FRONT AXEL, AND TURNING IN BOTH OF MY FRONT WHEELS. NOT REALIZING WHAT HAPPENED I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO A REPAIR SHOP. BOTH TIRES POPPED. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND PAID AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT TO GET A TOW TO A REPAIR SHOP. I WAS WITHOUT A CAR FOR 2 WEEKS WHILE THEY REPLIED MY VEHICLE WHICH COST ME ALMOST $1,300. MY INSURE COMPANY WOULD NOT TOTAL OUT MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO SALT CORROSION AND RUST (WARE AND TEAR). DID I MENTION I WAS ON VACATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED? $$$. NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS TROUBLE SHOOTING SOMEHOW (151,000 MILES). IT'S HAVING TROUBLE SWITCHING GEARS AND IT HITS PRETTY HARD WHEN IT FINALLY DOES. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON, SOMETIMES THIS HELPS SOMETIMES IT DOES. MY RPM SHOT UP TO 4 OR 5 WHICH BURNS GAS LIKE CRAZY. THE RUST ON THE REAR WHEEL WELLS AND BOTTOM IS UNFIXIBLE. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES REALLY BAD AT SPEEDS 60+. MY REAR STRUTS ARE RUSTED AND NEED REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505488 · filed Apr 3, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING AND WITHIN 15 MINUTES MY HYUNDAI RIPPED THROUGH 2 TIRES. LUCKILY I FIGURED SOMETHING WAS UP AND WAS TAKING BACK ROADS WHEN THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED PARTS OF THE RUBBER FROM THE TIRES WERE IN THE ROAD. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND APPARENTLY THE CRADLE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED APART CAUSING THE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE ISSUES. I AM IN THE SALT BELT STATES SO IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RUST/CORROSION RECALL 089. I UNDERSTAND IT HAS MANY MILES BUT IT WAS RUNNING REALLY WELL UNTIL THIS AND SHOULD BE COVERED IN THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10534294 · filed Aug 8, 2013

2000 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH A DEFECTIVE SUB FRAME. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR EXPENSES ON THE REPAIR OF THE SUB-FRAME. HE ALSO BELIEVES THAT HYUNDAI NEEDS TO PUT OUT A RECALL ON THEM AND GET THEM FIXED DUE TO CONCERNS WITH THE SUB-FRAME.*KB THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE WAS DRIVING, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO SLIDE TO AN IMMEDIATE HALT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED FRAME WHICH RUSTED AND ROTTED SO BADLY THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD FALLEN OFF THE FRAME, THE AXLE RIPPED FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND THE WHEEL HAD SLAMMED INTO THE WHEEL HOUSING AND QUARTER PANEL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE PRIOR TO THE FRAME DAMAGE, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A FLAT TIRE WHICH WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10208371 · filed Nov 8, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIRBAG RED LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. RESTRAINING STRAP IN REAR-LEFT SEAT DOES NOT ENGAGE.

NHTSA ID 11110104 · filed Jul 8, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE THE LATCH SYSTEM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT TO ATTACH THE CHILD SEAT. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT ENOUGH TO TIGHTLY SECURE THE SEAT IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHILD SEAT TECHNICIAN, WHOM CONCLUDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESIGNED TO PROPERLY SECURE AN INFANT CHILD SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT NONE OF THE VEHICLES FROM 2001-2009 HAVE THE LATCH SYSTEM IN THE BACK SEAT TO ACCOMMODATE AN INFANT CHILD SEAT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.

NHTSA ID 10291152 · filed Nov 5, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

HYUNDAI SONATA 2011 PUSH BUTTON START. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. YESTERDAY I WENT INTO MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO START MY CAR. I HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON THREE TIMES BEFORE ACTUALLY STARTED UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 2 HOURS. 5 DAYS PRIOR MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL ON THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. AN EXISTING RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V113000) INDICATES THAT FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA THE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THEY ,THE DEALERSHIP, PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND REPLACED THE STOPLAMP SWITCH. AS RESULT MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT SWITCH POINT CONTACT WITH THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE. THIS IS CRAZY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10554273 · filed Dec 1, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES' THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT KEEPS FREEZING UP. CONSUMER SAYS THERE IS A TERRIBLE ODOR THAT GETS INTO THE MOUTH AND IRRITATES THE EYES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ID 8023621 · filed Dec 3, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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