2000 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 278 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 20 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SuspensionApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE 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 DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V124000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 9, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION THAT LEADS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION COULD RESULT FROM MOTION OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WHICH MOUNT TO THE ADJUSTABLE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS AND COULD PREVENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING A CRASH WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR.
NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MORE SECURELY FASTEN THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTORS TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 02V105000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 6, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COULD ILLUMINATE DUE TO MOTION OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR THAT MOUNT TO THE ADJUSTABLE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG(S).
THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.
DEALERS WILL MORE SECURELY FASTEN THE FRONT SEAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND CONNECTORS TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL OCCUR IN SIX MAILINGS ON MAY 27, JUNE 3, JUNE 10, JUNE 17, JUNE 24, AND JULY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 01V347000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringSep 11, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES AND ALL ELANTRA MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOW-SPEED ENGINE STALLING, WHICH COULD OCCUR IF THE MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) SENSOR ELECTRICAL SIGNAL IS INTERRUPTED AS A RESULT OF ENGINE VIBRATION TRANSMITTED TO THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.
Campaign 00V259001 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
278 reports, newest first.
Structure, Jun 27, 2008
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON JUNE 9, 2008. SHE HAD TO STOP SUDDENLY AND HEARD A POP IN FRONT END OF CAR. CAR SWERVED TO RIGHT AND SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS GOING TO HIT ANOTHER CAR. DROVE CAR SLOWLY TO HATFIELD HYUNDAI. THEY HAD A LONG WAIT FOR THE PART, AND WE GOT THE CAR BACK ON JUNE 26, 2008. THE SERVICE ORDER SAID "REPLACE THE SUB-FRAME IT WAS VERY RUSTY." THE CAR IS A 2000 SONATA AND HAD 116,844 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. THIS IS IN LINE WITH YOUR INVESTIGATION PE08029. THEY DID NOT CHARGE US FOR THE REPAIR.
Structure, Jun 27, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC DUE TO A NOISE CAUSED BY THE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HIM THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH SUPPORTED THE ENGINE, WAS RUSTING. THE MECHANIC ALSO NOTICED A HOLE IN THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME BEHIND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. THE FAILURES ARE NEARLY IDENTICAL TO THE ONES NOTED IN INVESTIGATION NUMBER PE08029. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 148,000. UPDATED 07/22/08 *BF UPDATED 07/21/08
Structure, Jun 27, 2008
I HAVE A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH SEVERE SUBFRAME RUSTING WHICH WAS DISCOVERED WHEN CAR WAS INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR IS NOT INSPECTABLE.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 22, 2008
THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. I WAS HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOTIFIED DURING SERVICE THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END SUSPENSION AND FRAME ON MY CAR IS RUSTED OUT. WHEN I LOOKED AT IT, THERE WERE LARGE RUST HOLES APPARENT IN THE CROSSMEMBERS AND EVERY WELD I COULD SEE IS COMPLETELY COVERED IN RUST. MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR AN EIGHT YEAR OLD CAR AND THAT IT MAY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE IT MUCH LONGER FOR FEAR THAT THE SUSPENSION OR FRAME WILL COLLAPSE. *TR
Structure, Jun 19, 2008
WENT FOR OIL CHANGE AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED EXTREME ROT ON THE FRONT SUB FRAME WHICH HOLDS UP THE ENGINE AND HOLDS THE TIRES AND STRUTS. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AWAITING PARTS WHICH I WAS TOLD WERE ON BACKORDER SINCE MAY 19, 2008. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE DEFECT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2000 HYUNDAI SONATAS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 17, 2008
MY SON WAS GETTING ON THE ON RAMP TO I-35 TURNING TO THE RIGHT. HE WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MPH AND THE CAR MADE A NOISE AND STARTED GRINDING. HE PULLED IT OFF TO THE SIDE AND CALLED ME. I CALLED MY OTHER SON WHO IS A MECHANIC TO GO AND TAKE A LOOK AT IT, HE SAID THAT IT LOOKED LIKE A BEARING HAD WORN OUT AND CAME APART AND IT NEEDED TOWED. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A TRUSTED SERVICE STATION THAT PUT IT ON THE LIFT AND SAID THE FRONT SUBFRAME/CROSSMEMBER HAD RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM AND CV AXLE TO COME APART. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. WELL OUR CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE SERVICE STATION FOR EIGHT MONTHS WAITING FOR A USED SUBFRAME THAT ISN'T RUSTED THROUGH. THEY THE SERVICE STATION HAS ORDERED 4 USED SUBFRAMES AND ALL HAVE BEEN RUSTED THROUGH. MY BROTHER RUNS A BODY SHOP IN N.C. AND HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE FOR US AND CANT FIND ANY THAT AREN'T RUSTED. SUPPOSEDLY AS SOON AS THERE IS ONE THAT ISN'T RUSTED ITS SENT TO "THE SALT BELT" FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR A CAR THAT SHOULD NOT NEED IT. OUR FAMILY HAS 2 CARS ONE 13 YEARS OLDER THAN THIS SONATA AND ONE 16 YEARS OLDER THAN THIS SONATA. THEIR FRAMES AREN'T RUSTED THROUGH BOTH HAVE BEEN OUTSIDE IN THE SALT AND SNOW MORE THAN THIS SONATA. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM THIS PART SHOULD BE THE LAST THING TO RUST THROUGH ON A CAR. FROM THE COMPLAINTS I'VE READ ON THIS SITE AND OTHERS HYUNDAI IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. HYUNDAI WANTS 13 HUNDRED DOLLARS JUST FOR THE SUBFRAME AND ITS ABOUT THE SAME FOR LABOR. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BECAUSE OF THIS. *TR
Structure, Jun 14, 2008
THE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS RUSTED AND BROKE IN HALF CAUSING MY HALF SHAFT TO BRAKE APART AND CAUSING THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT TIRE TO COME DETACHED AND MY CAR WAS STUCK AND NOT DRIVABLE! *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 10, 2008
SUSPENSION SYSTEM SUDDENLY COLLAPSED ON RIGHT SIDE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN PARKING LOT IN FAIRFAX, VA. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. HAD TO BE TOWED TO HYUNDAI DEALER. DEALER STATED THAT TIE ROD AND ENGINE CRADLE DAMAGED. I HAD ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THAT I HAD HIT SOMETHING DURING A RECENT THUNDERSTORM WHEN TREE BRANCHES FELL, BUT NOW I KNOW OTHERWISE. HAVE READ REPORTS ON THE INTERNET OF NUMEROUS INCIDENCES LIKE THIS ONE. I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE ROAD. *TR
Structure, Jun 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT HEARD A SNAP AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS LAYING INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME FAILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
Structure, May 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE RUSTED THROUGH THE A FRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. ON MAY 29, 2008, THE CV JOINTS FAILED. WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Structure, May 23, 2008
MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE PULLED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. UPON EXAMINATION I FOUND THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED APART. IT WASN'T DRIVABLE, HAD A MECHANIC FRIEND LOOK AT IT AND HE SHOWED ME WHERE IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. LUCKILY HE WAS ABLE TO FIX IT HIMSELF BY TAKING OFF THE ARM AND COMPLETELY REDOING IT. NOT SURE OF DETAILS BUT HE WELDED IT BACK TOGETHER AND FIXED IT. *TR
Structure, May 10, 2008
GOT THE SONATA IN 2006. WAS DILIGENT WITH THE OIL CHANGING AND THE WORKS. IT GOT TO 127K MILES SO WE TOOK IT IN FOR THE 120MI SERVICE AS WE INTEND TO HAVE THE CAR IN ITS GOOD CONDITION .. SEEMED OK.. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 2 WEEKS MY WIFE RESUMED TO USE IT TO GO TO WORK. SHE SAID ABOUT IT NEEDING ANOTHER ALIGNMENT CHECK COZ IT WAS DRIVING FUNNY. SAID WE'LL HAVE IT CHECK ON HER NEXT DAY OFF WORK. MY WIFE DRIVES 39 MILES TO WORK ON FREEWAY (I-70; 670. US-315), IT IS NO LAUGHING MATTER WHEN SOMEONE IS DRIVING 65 MPH MERGING AND CHANGING LANES DURING RUSH HOUR AND START LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. SHE WAS TRYING TO GET TO THE SHOULDER BUT SHE COULDN'T EVEN STEER IT AND ONE BIG CLUNK SOUND THE CAR STOPPED, THE FRONT RIGHT TEAR WAS OFF. LUCKILY SHE WASN'T INJURED, BUT SHE WAS SO SHAKEN UP, SHE DIDN'T EVEN REACH THE SIDE ROAD, AND SHE COULD EASILY B STRUCK BY OTHER CARS, POLICE HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. AS WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS HERE, MY MECHANIC SAID ITS THE SUBFRAME AND WE CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THEIR DEALERS WHILE THEY REVIEW THE INCIDENT. IM SO SHOCKED ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS ON HERE, THIS SHOULD B PUT OUT AND NOT LET PEOPLE GO THROUGH THIS. I WAS THINKING WHAT IF SHE HAS OUR CHILD WITH HER LIKE SHE USUALLY DOES... *TR
Structure, May 8, 2008
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HAD TO SUDDENLY TURN MY STEERING WHEEL QUICKLY TO THE RIGHT. UPON DOING SO, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND WAS UNABLE TO STEER MY CAR. IT WAS TAKEN TO A HYUNDAI SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT AND LET EVERYTHING COME DOWN ON MY SUSPENSION. THE COST OF THE REPAIRS WOULD BE $1,883.00. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT GAVE ME THE NUMBER OF HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS (1-800-633-5151). I CALLED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND THEY WERE HANDLING THEM ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND FORWARDED MY CASE TO THE REGIONAL INVESTIGATOR. WITHIN 2 DAYS, I WAS CALLED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TOLD THAT HYUNDAI AGREED THAT IT WAS A MAJOR RUST PROBLEM AND AGREED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE ON MY CAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ASSEMBLY WAS FALLING OFF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A RUSTED ENGINE CRADLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE STATION AND THEY REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLY. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE, THE CONTACT STILL HEARD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE SHOP AND, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE ENGINE CRADLE WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND TO BE OUT OF PLACE DUE TO RUST. THE ENTIRE WHEEL ROTATED WHILE THE DRIVER SIDE REMAINED STATIONARY. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE CRADLE TO RUST. THERE IS A CURRENT INVESTIGATION (PE08029) FOR THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 129,358.
Structure, May 6, 2008
MY SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS TRAVELING 10-15 M/HR RETURNING HOME FROM WORK AND HAS SHE TURNED ONTO OUR STREET OUR 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA HAD A COMPLETED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL COLLAPSE/SEPARATION FROM THE CAR. UPON INSPECTION AT OUR LOCAL GARAGE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THIS WAS A RESULT OF COMPLETE SUBFRAME RUSTING OF MY SONATA. THIS WAS A VERY EXPENSE REPAIR (MAT'L COSTS ALONE WERE $1,600.00) AND MORE IMPORTANT I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY HYUNDAI. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ACTION I CAN TAKE ON THIS (LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE) BECAUSE OF THE HIGH MILEAGE (117,049 MILES), BUT A CAR SUBFRAME SHOULD NOT RUST OUT LIKE THIS IN 8 YEARS. *TR
Structure, May 1, 2008
I WAS CALLED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC THIS EVENING TO COME LOOK AT MY 2000 SONATA WHILE IT WAS ON THE RACK TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR AND BELTS. HE TOLD ME I HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND NEEDED TO COME SEE IT FOR MYSELF. THERE IS A RUSTED OUT SECTION OF THE UNIBODY SUBFRAME ON THE RIGHT FRONT JUST UNDER WHERE THE SWAYBAR ATTACHES. YOU CAN PUSH THE METAL AND IT FALLS APART. IT GOES AROUND, ALMOST LIKE A SEAM, BUT HAS NOT MADE IT ALL THE WAY, YET. THE LEFT FRONT IS ALSO SHOWING SIGNS OF SPOT RUSTING. I WAS GOING TO CONTACT A BODY SHOP TO SEE IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED AND WAS SEARCHING ONLINE FOR ADVISE WHEN I BEGAN NOTICING THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. I WAS LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON REPAIRING THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GOT HURT. WHILE RESEARCHING ONLINE I NOTICED THAT THERE IS AN NHTSA ODI PRELIMINARY EVALUATION THAT HAS JUST BEGUN CONCERNING REPORTS SIMILAR TO MINE. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER FOR EVALUATION AND NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT HAS BEEN SEEN BY A HYUNDAI DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REGIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HYUNDAI WOULD CONTACT ME AFTER THAT. I AM TAKING IT TO THEM ON MAY 2. MY HYUNDAI CASE # IS 3282801. *TR
Structure, Apr 29, 2008
FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY CAR AND I NEED IT TO GET TO WORK. *TR
Structure, Apr 17, 2008
I TOOK MY CAR TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC ON 3/19/2008 BECAUSE THE CAR WAS MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS AND IT WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY. HE TOOK IT FOR A DRIVE W/ MYSELF IN THE CAR. IT MADE NO NOISE AND IT DID NOT "PULL". HE REASSURED THAT EVERYTHING WAS OK AT THAT TIME, HOWEVER, IF IT BECAME A PROBLEM TO LET HIM KNOW. THE SQUEAKING RETURNED INTERMITTENTLY. A LITTLE OVER A WEEK LATER ON 3/28/2008, I WAS DRIVING FROM MY HOME IN SCRANTON, PA TO MY SON'S DR'S APPOINTMENT IN PHILADELPHIA, PA. I WAS ON THE PA TURNPIKE FOR A LITTLE OVER AN HOUR, DURING WHICH TIME I NOTED TO MY MOTHER (DRIVING WITH ME) THAT THE CAR WAS GOING STRAIGHT, HOWEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT. UPON GETTING ONTO THE SCHUYLKILL EXPRESSWAY I HEARD A SQUEAL ON THE TIGHT LEFT TURN (A VERY DANGEROUS, HIGH TRAFFIC HIGHWAY) AND STAYED ON THAT FOR APPROX ANOTHER 10MILES. I TURNED ONTO ANOTHER HIGHWAY. IMMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY I STOPPED AT THE FIRST INTERSECTION. AFTER STOPPING I TRIED TO PULL OUT AND THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE, SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. WHILE I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION (THE COPS EVEN DROVE RIGHT ON BY), I WAS FRANTIC CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT IF HAD HAPPENED SECONDS SOONER, IT WOULD NO DOUBT HAVE BEEN TRAGIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING NOT ONLY MYSELF, MY MOTHER AND MY EIGHT YEAR OLD SON BUT ALSO OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE MECHANIC, WHO EVALUATED THE CAR THE PREVIOUS WEEK, STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS "ROTTED AND RUSTED OUT" WHICH RESULTED IN THE AXLE DROPPING OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. HE COULDN'T FIND USED PARTS. THE JUNK YARDS SAID ALL OF THE '99 AND '00 SONATAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE PUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IN GRAVE DANGER. NO THERE WAS NO CRASH AND NO THERE WAS NO PROPERTY DAMAGE. THAT WAS ONLY DUE TO THE FORTUNATE TIMING OF THIS INCIDENT. PLEASE CONTACT HYUNDAI TO RECALL THIS PART NO ONE SHOULD BE PUT IN THIS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. *TR
Structure, Apr 5, 2008
VEHICLE BEGAN KNOCKING AS IF SOMETHING HIT IT FROM UNDERNEATH. ALSO, STEERING SUDDENLY WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND FRONT END FELT VERY LOOSE. MECHANIC DISCOVERED A HOLE IN SUBFRAME APPROX. ONE FOOT IN SIZE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST/CORROSION ON PASSENGER SIDE. AS A RESULT MOTOR IS LOOSE AND VEHICLE IS VERY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. MECHANIC SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS THREE TIMES ON THIS MODEL ONLY; ALSO SAID THAT FRAME DESIGN IS SUCH THAT WATER COLLECTS ON TOP AND CANNOT DRAIN. VEHICLE IS 2000 AND ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES. APPARENTLY THIS IS HAPPENING TO THIS MAKE/MODEL OF CERTAIN YEARS, YET NO TSB'S OR RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. *TR
Structure, Apr 2, 2008
PULLING UP TO A LEFT TURN INTO THE DAYTONA SAM'S CLUB, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND LOWER WISHBONE ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE'S SUB-FRAME AND MY WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SUB-FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT FROM THE INSIDE. THERE IS NOT A SPECK OF RUST ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE CAR! IT WAS BY GOD'S GRACE THAT I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15MPH FOR JUST MOMENTS EARLIER I WAS DOING 70MPH ON I95! MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHICALLY DEADLY! IT ONLY HAD ABOUT 58,500 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE SEPARATION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SOMEONE WHO USED TO WORK FOR HYUNDAI THAT THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT BECAUSE HYUNDAI USED RECYCLED METAL TO MANUFACTURE THESE FRAMES WITHOUT USING RUST INHIBITORS. I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN STORAGE AND I HAVE CLEAR PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE RUST HOLES WHERE THE WISHBONE BOLTS PULLED OUT OF THE SUB-FRAME AND I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO YOU. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC DEFECT AND HYUNDAI IS BURYING ITS HEAD IN THE SAND. I CONTACTED THEM AND THEIR ATTITUDE WAS THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM SINCE I WAS THE SECOND OWNER. I CONTACTED THEM TWICE, AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE, BUT THEY NEVER CALLED ME AGAIN. I HAVE OVER $2000 IN REPAIRS TO REPLACE THIS SUB-FRAME AND MAKE THE VEHICLE DRIVABLE; NOT INCLUDING THE BODY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE WHEEL HITTING THE RIGHT FENDER. HYUNDAI IS CONDUCTING ITSELF IN A WHOLLY RECKLESS MANOR AS THIS DEFECT CAN, AND PROBABLY WILL, TAKE HUMAN LIVES AS THESE SUB-FRAMES RUST APART! THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE WITH OTHER PROBLEMS, BUT NONE I WOULD CONTACT NHTSA OVER THESE SINCE THEY ARE NOT-SAFETY RELATED, BUT HOWEVER, THIS ISSUE HAS A HUGE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF LIFE AND MUST BE ADDRESSED! *TR
Structure, Mar 27, 2008
THE CAR WAS NOT STEERING CORRECTLY AND WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT FIXED. THE MECHANIC SAID THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE ALIGNMENT BUT THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS RUSTED. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON IT, BUT BECAUSE WE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNERS WE ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. IT WILL COST US AROUND $2000 TO HAVE FIXED, AND WE ARE NOT SURE IT WILL EVEN BE ABLE TO BE FIXED. THE MECHANIC SAID WE ARE LUCKY THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT FALL OUT, THE CRADLE WAS SO RUSTED. AT THIS POINT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR AND, AGAIN WE ARE UNSURE IT CAN EVEN BE FIXED. *TR
Structure, Mar 18, 2008
I'VE HAD A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR, AND RECENTLY I HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR WHAT I THOUGHT WAS JUST AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM BECAUSE THE INSIDE OF MY TIRES WHERE WEARING OUT TOO FAST. SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE/TRANS CRADLE(SUB-FRAME) WAS ALMOST TOTALLY RUST OUT AND THAT IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY FOR A VERY LONG TIME(WHICH ALSO MEANT THAT THE DEALER I GOT THE LOAN FROM SOLD ME THE CAR KNOWING IT WAS IN BAD SHAPE). IT WAS RUSTED OUT SO BAD THAT THE CONTROL ARMS WHERE ABOUT TO FALL OFF AND THAT THE CAR WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER I GOT THE CAR FROM DOES NOT COVER THOSE PARTS UNDER THE SERVICE AGREEMENT(THE CAR IS OUT OF MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY WITH OVER 137000 MILES). SO I TOOK THE CAR TO A FRAME SHOP THAT WANTED OVER $1800 TO INSTALL THE CRADLE AND CONTROL ARMS. THE END OF THE STORY IS THAT I'M STILL DRIVE THE CAR, BECAUSE ITS MY ONLY WAY TO WORK, AND STILL TRYING TO SAVE MONEY TO GET THE THING FIXED. I'M JUST WANDERING WHICH POT HOLE I HIT IS GOING TO KNOCK THE CONTROL ARMS OFF THE REST OF THE WAY. *TR
Structure, Feb 10, 2008
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME TOTALLY RUSTED RESULTING IN SUSPENSION AND STEERING RACK COMING APART. *TR
Structure, Jan 31, 2008
I'M SEEKING HELP GETTING HYUNDAI USA MOTOR CO. TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS NECESSARY TO MAKE MY 2000 SONATA SAFE TO DRIVE AND TO TRY AND START AN INVESTIGATION OF THE NEED OF A RECALL ON ALL SIMILAR SONATA MODELS 1999 ' 2001 AND POSSIBLY 2002 ' 2005 AS WELL. THE PROBLEM IS THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS NOT DESIGNED WITH SUFFICIENT CORROSION RESISTANCE AND IS ROTTING AWAY. HYUNDAI CUSTOMER AFFAIRS (1-800-633-5151) STATES THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS 8 YEARS OLD AND HAS 120K MILES ON IT THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THAT AN AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER HAS CERTAIN LIABILITIES FOR SAFETY AND THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLES THEY PRODUCE BEYOND THE NORMAL WARRANTY PERIOD. THE FIRST I NEW OF THE ISSUE WAS WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE NEXT MORNING I JACKED THE FRONT OF THE CAR UP THINKING A WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE OR SOMETHING. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW THE 'ELBOW' THAT COMES FROM THE FLOORBOARD AREA TO THE WHEEL WAS ROTTED THROUGH ON THE CORNER AND SPLITTING DOWN THE SEAM. THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS ALSO CORRODED BUT NOT NEARLY AS BAD. I CALLED HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER FOR EVALUATION. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE SUB-FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD COST $2300. AFTER SEVERAL PHONE CALLS BACK TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS THEY WON'T CHANGE THEIR OPINION THAT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. SINCE THEY HAVE HAD TO FIX THIS ON OTHER VEHICLES SHOULDN'T THE DEALERS BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE CORRODED SUB-FRAME. MY SONATA WAS AT THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BETWEEN 2003 -2006 AND THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MY MAIN CONCERN IS THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE DRIVING CARS THAT THE FRAME HAS BEEN WEAKENED BY CORROSION AND COULD HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IF I HAD HIT A POTHOLE ON THE INTERSTATE INSTEAD OF IN A PARKING LOT, MY WIFE'S LAWYER COULD VERY WELL BE ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE INSTEAD OF ME. *TR
Structure, Jan 14, 2008
DURING A ROUTINE REPAIR, FOR MY 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA,IT WAS NOTED THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME CALLED THE "CROSSMEMBER" WAS ROTTED AND PITTED. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED AND WELL MAINTAINED. WE CONTACT HYUNDAI DIRECTLY. THE INSTRUCTED US TO BRING THE CAR TO A DEALER TO VERIFY THE DAMAGE. AFTER PAYING $74. OR THE DIAGNOSIS, THE DEALER CONTACTED THE REGISTRY WHO REMOVED OUR CAR INSPECTION STICKER. HYUNDAI THEN DECLINED TO COVER OR SHARE ANY COST OF THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS BEYOND THE 100,000 MILES OF THE WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS 129,000 MILES. *TR