RoadVitals

2001 Hyundai Sonata Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints 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.
29
Latest Dec 25, 2021
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 205 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2001 Hyundai Sonata submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 29 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming suspension

The 25 most recent of 29, in the owner's own words

Body & structureSuspension
Filed Dec 25, 2021

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
Incident
Oct 1, 2021
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jun 14, 2019

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
Incident
Jan 30, 2019
Mileage
152,565 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 1, 2018

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
Incident
Sep 25, 2018
Mileage
151,035 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jul 23, 2018

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
Incident
Jul 22, 2018
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Dec 29, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH WAS CRUMBLING DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND TO THE DEALER (HYUNDAI OF CHANTILLY, 14848 STONECROFT CENTER CT, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, (703) 480-9000). THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS TO PROVIDE A FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE TO DETERMINE THEIR SOLUTION FOR THE DEALER'S REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

NHTSA ID
11057343
Incident
Sep 4, 2017
Mileage
133,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Apr 28, 2016

MY CAR HAS A REAR RUST PROBLEM THAT HAS LEFT THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. THE SUPPORT FOR THE WHEEL HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE REAR WHEELS ARE TILTING IN. I DID LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT SWAYED FOR ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO THE OTHER LANE AND BACK. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 45 MPH ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH A SPEAD LIMIT OF 45 TO 55. WHEN I WOULD HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE CAR SWERVED UNCONTROLABLY THE RUST IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS IGNORING. I HAVE HAD THE FRONT OF THE CAR IN FOR THE ORIGINAL RECALL FOR THE FRONT SUBFRAME. DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS RECALL ALLOWS THE MECHANIC TO DRILL HOLES IN THE SUBFRAME TO HELP THE MOISTER ESCAPE. SOUNDS LIKE A TEMPORARY FIX TO A SERIOUS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DESIGN DID NOT ALLOW FOR MOISTURE PROBLEMS. YET THE PROBLEM IS ROAD SALT ACCORDING TO THE ORIGINAL LAW SUIT. BUT THEN WHY DRILL HOLES IF THE MOISTURE IS COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE HOLES ARE NOT DRILLED FOR ANY REASON EXCEPT TO ALLOW MOISTURE TO ESCAPE FROM A POORLY DESIGNED SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE CARS INHERENT PROBLEM. WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET TERRIFIED OR DIE. REALLY THIS NEEDS TO GET DONE BY OUR GOVERNMENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. LIKE THE PINTO GAS TANK DESIGN.

NHTSA ID
10861938
Incident
Apr 26, 2016
Mileage
143,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 13, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

NHTSA ID
10672145
Incident
Jan 13, 2015
Mileage
153,000 mi
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 16, 2014

MY CARS FRONT SUBFRAME BROKE DUE TO CORROSION AND AXLE FELL APART WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10664658
Incident
Dec 13, 2014
Mileage
119,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 28, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE AND THE FRONT SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10650715
Incident
Oct 20, 2014
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jan 12, 2014

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE WHEEL AND ASSEMBLY BROKE FREE FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR WHICH WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND DROPPED THE CAR TO THE GROUND PUSHED THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WHEEL WELL. AFTER RESEARCHING THE MAKE AND MODEL THEIR IS A RECALL PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE BUT ONLY APPLIES TO THE SALT BELT. MY CAR WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD AND OPERATED IN VIRGINIA FOR 7 YEARS. THIS ISSUE WITH THE SUB FRAME IS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS THE RECALL BUT DUE TO THE CAR NOT BEING TITLED IN THE SALT BELT, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS DRIVEN THROUGH THE SO CALLED SALT BELT, HYUNDAI IS SAYING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I BELIEVE ALL CARS THAT EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AS IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS LUCKY I WASN'T GOING FAST AS IT COULD HAVE JEOPARDIZED MY LIFE OR ANYONE ELSE'S THAT WAS TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10559495
Incident
Jan 10, 2014
Mileage
110,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Sep 23, 2013

I WAS TRYING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, AS I SWERVED THE CAR FISH TAILED. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HIT THE CURB, AT WHICH POINT THE TIRE ACTUALLY BUCKLED UNDER THE CAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP. WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE CAR AT FIRST WE BELIEVED WE ONLY NEEDED THE REAR TIRE ASSEMBLY. WE THEN DISCOVERED THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE SUB FRAME ASSEMBLY. HE TOLD ME THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED AND ROTTED AND HE BELIEVE THAT WAS WHY THERE WAS SO MUCH DAMAGE. THEN I WAS TOLD BY A FRIEND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA SUB FRAME. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS THE FRONT SUB FRAME. WHEN READING THE DESCRIPTION OF WHAT WAS OCCURRING IN THE RECALL OF THE FRONT SUB FRAME LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THE SAME MAYBE OCCURRING TO THE REAR SUB FRAME.

NHTSA ID
10544917
Incident
Sep 21, 2013
Mileage
126,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Sep 9, 2013

I TOOK MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. THEY CALLED ME TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TELL ME THAT THE CROSS MEMBER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS RUSTED BADLY AND MAY BE CRACKED. THEY TOOK PICTURES AND CONTACTED HYUNDAI TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM, AS THEY HAD "NEVER" SEEN IT BEFORE. HYUNDAI HAS TOLD THEM I AM ON MY OWN FOR REPAIRING IT. RIDICULOUS, THERE IS A RECALL FOR CARS JUST ACROSS THE RIVER IN MN FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING 75 MPH AND IT BROKE. HOW ABOUT A LITTLE RESPONSIBILITY HYUNDAI?? I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN FOR ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AS REQUIRED, SO IT IS NOT NEGLIGENCE ON OUR PART. *TR

NHTSA ID
10542664
Incident
Aug 30, 2013
Mileage
91,624 mi
Body & structureOther / unspecifiedSteering+2 more
Filed Aug 8, 2013

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
Incident
Aug 7, 2013
Mileage
170,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 25, 2013

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE WHEEL JERKED HARD TO THE RIGHT, PULLED OVER AND TIRE WAS TURNED IN. HAD TO DRIVE IN REVERSE 2 MILES BACK TO MY HOUSE. HAD LOCAL SHOP FIX AND THEY SAID IT IS RUSTED BAD UNDERNEATH AND REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT A ARM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10531859
Incident
Jul 5, 2013
Mileage
80,866 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 13, 2013

HYUNDAI WONT PAY FOR THE TIRES THAT HAD TO BE REPLACES MANY TIMES OR A CAR TO DRIVE WHILE MINE WAS IN THE SHOP ITS THEIR FAULT THEIR LACK OF QUALITY BUILD OF THE CAR. THE DEALER IS FIXING THE FRAME DUE TO THE RECALL NO CHARGE TO ME BUT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW TIRES AND A CAR TO DRIVE TILL MINE IS FIXED AND TO REALINE AFTER I JUST FEEL THAT'S UNFAIR.. IT ALL SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON THE RECALL.. I WONT OWN ONE AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10519716
Incident
Apr 17, 2013
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Apr 3, 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
Incident
May 29, 2010
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 14, 2012

I BOUGHT THIS USED 2001 SONOTA FROM A LOCAL GUY WHO REBUILDS CARS FOR RESALE. I UNDERSTOOD THAT IT CAME WITH A SALVAGED TITLE. HOWEVER, I WAS ASSURED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO OPERATE. SIX WEEKS, 4,000 MI. LATER I HIT A POT WHOLE ON MY STREET AND DAMAGED THE STEERING. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND DISCOVERED THE R-SIDE SUB-FRAME WAS BROKEN DUE TO CORROSION. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALLOWING A VEHICLE THAT HAS A POSSIBLE R-SIDE SUB-FRAME RECALLED, TO NEVER GET FIXED AND PLACED BACK ON THE ROAD? FORTUNATELY, IT BROKE AT A LOW SPEED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10470551
Incident
Aug 1, 2012
Mileage
82,142 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 3, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A HOLE CORRODED IN THE FRONT SUB FRAME. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10446400
Incident
Jan 20, 2012
Mileage
100,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 27, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 09/07/2011 *LN *TR

NHTSA ID
10409009
Incident
Jun 1, 2011
Mileage
120,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Mar 22, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN THE FRAME BUCKLED AND THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN COLLAPSING OUTWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIFTING FROM SIDE TO SIDE FOR SOME TIME WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.

NHTSA ID
10392458
Incident
Mar 21, 2011
Mileage
130,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Dec 11, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS MISALIGNED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED, AND THAT THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LINING TO THIN. HE FILED REPORT NUMBER 3787345 WITH THE MANUFACTURER. HE WAS ADVISED BY A REPRESENTATIVE THAT HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL #09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $1,150,000 .THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/12/10. *LJ UPDATED 01/13/10.*JB

NHTSA ID
10295376
Incident
Dec 4, 2009
Mileage
116,000 mi
BrakesSuspension
Filed Oct 6, 2009

COMPLETE FAILURE OF BRAKE SYSTEM DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION OF BRAKE LINES. THE 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA LINES CAME APART DUE TO RUST. REPORTED INCIDENT TO HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE DATED: 4-14-09 ID# 09V124000 ACTION# EA08016, WHICH INCLUDED QUALITY ISSUES WITH CARS SUSPENSION DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. WAS NOTIFIED BY DEALER TODAY THAT HYUNDAI WAS NOT COVERING THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE LINES, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY CALLED OUT IN THE RECALL. FORTUNATELY, MY SON AND I WERE IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED, PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE BRAKE LINE, WHICH HAD RUSTED THROUGH. I'M NOT SURE OF THE SCOPE OF THIS DEFECTIVE, BUT OBVIOUSLY HAD WE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE OR DEATH EXPERIENCE. THANKFULLY GOD WAS WATCHING OVER US. PLEASE INVESTIGATE SIMILAR BRAKE FAILURES ON THIS VEHICLE. ALSO IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP US RESOLVE THIS MATTER WE HYUNDAI IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10286505
Incident
Sep 29, 2009
Mileage
136,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 28, 2009

AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING A USED 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA, I NOTICED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST / CORROSION ON THE ENGINE CRADLE AND SUB - FRAME. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 74000 MILES ON IT BUT DOES NOT APPEAR AS IF IT WILL LAST MUCH LONGER. I AM ABLE TO POKE MY FINGERS THROUGH THE METAL AND PIECES FALL OUT OF THE STEEL ASSEMBLY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10275186
Incident
Jun 25, 2009
Mileage
73,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Apr 28, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $800. HER STATE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 141,000. UPDATED 05/04/09 *BF UPDATED 05/04/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10267083
Incident
Feb 28, 2008
Mileage
141,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Nov 29, 2008

DRIVING 2001 SONATA CAR WAS SWAYING ON ROAD WHEN GOING ON TURNS WAS NOT WORKING WITH STEERING IN TIMELY MANNER. HAD MECHANIC LOOK AT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. HE FOUND ON PASSENGERS SIDE OF CAR THE LOWER FRAME RUSTED FROM INSIDE OUT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES AND IS NOW ONLY SEMI ATTACHED SO THE ASSEMBLY MOVES AROUND. THERE IS A HUGE HOLE IN FRAME. CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AS WHOLE ASSEMBLY WILL FALL OFF. AS YOU CAN SEE CAR IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE CAR ONLY HAS 111000. MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS IN MY DRIVEWAY HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN APART ALL PARTS ARE ORIGINAL NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. CAN'T BE DRIVEN AS IS. I NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SAME NATURE I DON'T CONSIDER THIS CONDITION ACCEPTABLE IN A 7 YEAR OLD CAR FRAMES SHOULD LAST MANY MORE YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10250148
Incident
Nov 24, 2008
Mileage
11,100 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .