2001 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 219 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 28 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 21 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
Representative owner complaints
219 reports, newest first.
Structure, Mar 12, 2009
I HIT A POTHOLE AND THE RIGHT FRONT BEGAN TO PULL, UPON TAKING THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP THE FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED THROUGH ON THERE RIGHT SIDE AND ALMOST AS BAD ON THE LEFT SIDE. *TR
Structure, Mar 2, 2009
THE CAR WAS SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT AND WHEN WE WENT OUT TO START THE ENGINE IT TURNED OVER BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE SO WE TOWED IT TO A LOCAL GOODYEAR REPAIR GARAGE WHERE THEY REPORT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE MOTOR DROPPED AND BENT THE AXLE. THEY CANNOT FIND A USED UNDERCARRIAGE THAT ISN'T RUSTED THROUGH. WE HAVE REPORTED THIS TO HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY HAVE GIVEN US A CASE NUMBER (3122110) BUT REPORT THAT THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR
Structure, Feb 26, 2009
I HAVE A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA I PURCHASED IN 2005 USED FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, AND DIDN'T HAVE A WARRANTY ON THE CAR. I TOOK IT IN TO MY LOCAL GARAGE IN JANUARY 2009 SO THEY COULD CHECK OUT A NOISE MY CAR IS MAKING. THEY SAID THAT WHEN THEY PUT IT UP ON THE LIFT, THEY SAW THAT MY CRADLE IS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THAT MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION IN JUNE AND REPLACING IT WOULD BE ABOUT THE COST OF MY CAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. HYUNDAI SHOULD HAVE MADE A RECALL SO I DON'T HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR RIGHT NOW. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT AND WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY PAY FOR THE PART, NOT THE LABOR. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK, BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Feb 12, 2009
UNDERFRAME OF 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH. *TR
Structure, Feb 5, 2009
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM TORE OUT OF SUB FRAME CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL OUT OF CONTROL INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. BOTH AXLES WERE DESTROYED. HYUNDAI WILL PAY FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT BUT NO OTHER COSTS. THE AXLES , 2 TOWS. 1 TO MY HOME THE 2ND TO DEALERSHIP OR THE CAR RENTAL THAT THEY ARRANGED AND ORIGINALLY SAID THEY PAY FOR. MY CASE MANAGER WILL NOT TAKE MY CALLS NOR WILL ANYBODY EXPLAIN WHY THEY WONT PAY FOR THE DAMAGES THERE OWN DEALER SAID WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE FRAME. *TR
Structure, Jan 28, 2009
I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE HAS RUSTED ON MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. IT ONLY HAS 85K MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT TO ME. I FIRST NOTICED IT WHEN I GOT NEW TIRES, THERE WAS A SLIGHT PULL TO MY CAR. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR ALIGNMENT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS USELESS TO GO THROUGH WITH THE ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE ENGINE CRADLE BEING RUSTED OUT. SINCE THEN I HAVE PUT MY CAR OUT AND HAVE HAD TO RIDE MY MOTORCYCLE TO AND FROM WORK SINCE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY FOR REPAIRS. *TR
Structure, Jan 24, 2009
FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF FRONT SUBFRAME IS RUSTED AND BROKEN. ALIGNMENT AND STEERING IS WAY OFF . WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE SINCE FRAME DAMAGE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR
Structure, Dec 30, 2008
BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BREAK. REPLACED BOTH. CAR THEN EXPERIENCED BROKEN LEFT AXLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARE WHICH WAS ATTRIBUTED TO CRACK IN SUB FRAME. SUB FRAME REPLACE WITH AXLE AND CONTROL ARM. ARE THERE ANY RECALL ON SUBFRAME FOR 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS? CAR HAS NOT EXPERIENCE ANY FRONT END COLLISION IN HISTORY OF OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE. CAR BOUGHT NEW AT DEALERSHIP. *TR
Structure, Dec 15, 2008
2001 HYUNDAI SONATA V6, WITH UNDER 120K MILES. TIRES REPLACED FOR WEAR AND ALIGNMENT PERFORMED ON WEEK OF 12/08/2008. MECHANIC POINTED OUT ALIGNMENT A MOOT POINT DUE TO RIGHT SUB FRAME, AKA K-FRAME,AKA ENGINE FRAME, AKA RIGHT WHEEL SUSPENSION MOUNT WAS RUSTED THROUGH TO POINT OF BEING ABLE TO ENTER RUST CAVITY WITH ALL FINGERS. THIS RESULTING TO CRACKED SUBFRAME AT WHEEL WELL SIDE WERE SUSPENSION IS MOUNTED. SOME COMPLAINANTS REPORT LEAKING POWER STEERING LINE FROM OVEREXTENDED DISTANCE FROM FRAME STRETCH . THIS ALSO IS A PROBLEM IN SANTE FE. I IMAGINE THE SAME K FRAME BEING USED A COST SAVING MEASURE. I'M NOW WAITING FOR HYUNDAI AMERICA TO RESPOND TO MY CASE #3460531. DON'T YOU BELIEVE ANYONE WHO DISCOUNTS THIS AS BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS NOT COSMETIC BODY RUST THROUGH , BUT A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND NHTSA WILL BE ISSUING A RECALL ONCE THE BODY BAG COUNTS BEGIN BEING ATTRIBUTED TO THIS NATIONAL PROBLEM. SOME REPS ARE SAYING IT'S A SALT BELT SALES PROBLEM BUT THIS CONSISTS OF 60% OF THEIR SALES AND THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE GOOD FOR POORLY ENGINEERED STEEL CONSTRUCTION. IT APPEARS THE SALT WATER ENTERED FRONT OF FRAME BUT NEVER COULD EXIT DUE TO NO EXIT HOLES TOWARDS REAR OF FRAME. OXYGEN EXPOSURE TOOK CARE OF THE REST. *TR
Structure, Dec 9, 2008
I TOOK MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND MY MECHANIC SHOWED ME THAT THERE IS A FIST-SIZED HOLE IN THE FRONT RIGHT SUB FRAME UNDER MY CAR. CURRENTLY, I DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO FIX MY VEHICLE AND IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION THE NEXT TIME AROUND. I WOULD LIKE HYUNDAI TO PAY FOR THIS DAMAGE BECAUSE A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT BE RUSTING OUT! *TR
Suspension, Structure, 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
Steering, Structure, Nov 20, 2008
I PURCHASED MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS V6 IN 2002 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS FROM IT, BUT THIS IS THE WORST SO FAR. MY CAR STARTED JERKING TERRIBLY WHEN I HIT ANY KIND OF BUMP OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND MY STEERING WHEEL WAS OFF CENTER WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND NOTICED THE FRAME WAS ROTTING, THEREFORE I WAS DRIVING IT TO MY MECHANIC AND AS I PUSHED THE BRAKE TO STOP, THE RIGHT/FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME/AXLE. THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE FRAME AROUND THE AXLE. I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THEY GAVE ME A CLAIM # AND SAID SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS, SO WE WILL SEE. *TR
Structure, Nov 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING POORLY AND SHE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT EITHER THE UNDERCARRIAGE OR THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Structure, Oct 24, 2008
2001 HYUNDAI SONATA- RUST IS ON THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND WE WERE TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IT WAS HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE WHEELS WILL BECOME DETACHED AT ANY BUMP ALONG THE ROAD. THE STEERING IS ALSO JERKY AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT STRAIGHT ANYMORE AND THE TWO FRONT TIRES ARE POINTING INWARD AND WEARING VERY FAST ON THE INNER MOST PART OF THE TIRES. IS THERE SOME TYPE OF RECALL OR INVESTIGATION GOING ON FOR THIS MATTER? ARE THERE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME MODEL OF CAR AS MINE? IS THERE ANY COMPENSATION THAT IS DUE TO ME? WE HAVE HEARD FROM A FRIEND THAT THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION GOING ON WITH THIS MATTER (NHTSA NUMBER PE08029) PLEASE GET BACK TO ME ASAP. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Oct 17, 2008
476947. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAM POSITION POSITION SENSOR FAILED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE ENGINE HARNESS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 87,000. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF UPDATED 11/26/08. *JB
Structure, Oct 14, 2008
DROVE OVER A CRACK IN THE ROAD, FELT AND HEARD SNAPPING, TOOK TO MECHANIC, WAS TOLD RIGHT SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT SO BAD THAT IT SNAPPED. *TR
Structure, Sep 23, 2008
2001 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH 82,000 MILE SUB FRAME (CRADLE) RUSTED THRU CAUSING CONTROL ARMS TO PUSH THRU CRADLE. CAR WAS ALL OVER AND OFF THE THE ROAD. *TR
Structure, Sep 23, 2008
2001 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS - THE VEHICLE SPRANG A LEAK UNDERNEATH OF STEERING FLUID. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC HE PUT IT UP ON THE LIFT, FOUND A PROBLEM WITH THE SUBFRAME BEING SO WEAK AND RUSTED THAT WE CAN'T DRIVE IT. MY MECHANIC CALLED A LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER WHO SAID THE WHOLE PROBLEM WAS COVERED (INCL STEERING LEAK CAUSED BY BENDING SUBFRAME). I THEN TOWED IT TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY CALLED TO TELL ME I NEEDED TO PREBUY OVER $2000, SUBFRAME NOT COVERED. HAMPTON HYUNDAI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 177 LAFAYETTE ROAD. I FOUND TWO OTHER DEALERSHIPS WHO SAY BOTH PROBLEMS SHOULD BE COVERED. I AM ORIGINAL AND PRESENT OWNER, UNDER 93,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Sep 17, 2008
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA A CAR I BOUGHT NEW IN FLORIDA AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN FLORIDA. MY ENGINE CARRIAGE RUSTED THROUGH AND SNAPPED THE CONTROL ARM ON MY CAR AND THE ENTIRE WHEEL CAME OFF SENDING ME INTO TWO LANES OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP I AM WAITING TO HEAR IF HYUNDAI WILL REPAIR THE HUGE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. NOT TO MENTION I WAS ALMOST KILLED DUE TO THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS NOW. LIVES ARE AT RISK. IT IS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR
Structure, Sep 6, 2008, crash
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA, MY RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE OFF, SEPARATING MY WHEEL / IT COLLAPSED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME THIS AND SHOWED ME HOW SEVERE THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. IT BROKE OFF, HE NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE IT. PLEASE HELP. IS THIS A RECALL THAT I DIDN'T GET? *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 29, 2008
MY 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA'S SUBFRAME RUSTED TO THE POINT OF WHERE THERE WERE 7 IN" HOLES COMPLETELY THROUGH- THIS CAUSED THE LOWER SWING ARM TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION FAILED. THIS OCCURRED WHILE MY TWO CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR. BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE DAMAGED. DEALER DID NOT REPLACE TIRES, DID NOT PAY FOR TOWING OR ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION- GARY ROME HYUNDAI, HOLYOKE MA. *TR
Structure, Aug 13, 2008
IN 2007 A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE WAS BEING PERFORMED ON THE CAR AND IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A 1-2 INCH ROTTED HOLE THE RIGHT SIDE SUBFRAME. LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THERE WEREN'T ANY RECALLS, SO HE WELDED ON A NEW PIECE OF METAL FOR SUPPORT. TODAY (8/13/08) ANOTHER OIL CHANGE WAS BEING DONE AND IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE IS NOW A 2-3 INCH HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE SUBFRAME THAT WASN'T VISIBLE A YEAR AGO. MECHANIC HIGHLY RECOMMENDS REPLACING THE FRONT SUBFRAME. REF PE08029. *TR
Steering, Structure, Aug 10, 2008
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2008, I BROUGHT IN MY 2001 GLS V6 HYUNDAI SONATA TO BALISE HYUNDAI OF CAPE COD IN HYANNIS, MA. MY CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 166,500 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME. I WAS LOOKING TO GET A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR REPLACED. DURING THEIR DIAGNOSTICS, WITH THE CAR ON A LIFT, THEY NOTICED TWO THINGS. ONE, A POWER STEERING LEAK WAS OCCURRING MOST LIKELY BECAUSE OF A CORRODED POWER STEERING LINE NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUBFRAME. TWO, IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA OF THE SUSPECTED HOSE FAILURE, THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH ON TWO SIDES OF THE PIECE. THE MAIN HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME IS FIST-SIZE OR LARGER AND THE SECOND IS NOT GOOD. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME ISSUE WAS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND WARNED ME OF WHAT COULD HAPPENED SHOULD IT FAIL. THEY ALSO TOLD ME ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES THAT REPLACING IT COULD BRING. THEY TOLD THAT THEY WERE HIGHLY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ME DRIVING OFF THE LOT WITH THE CAR WITH THE SUBFRAME IN THAT CONDITION BECAUSE IT COULD GO AT ANY TIME. WHEN THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS TO MY CAR, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY MIGHT DO THE SERVICE ON THE SUBFRAME FOR FREE. THEY HAD TO GET APPROVAL FROM A REGIONAL REP OR SUCH PERSON. HOWEVER, AS OF TODAY, SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALER. TODAY, I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH INTO REPLACING THE SUBFRAME AND FINDING THE PART. WHEN I DID A YAHOO! SEARCH FOR "SONATA SUBFRAME", I CAME ACROSS THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM. I, THANKFULLY, HAVE NOT HAD A FAILURE OR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION, YET. *TR