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2001 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 205 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Hyundai Sonata, most often about the body and structure (34% of complaints, typically around 113,000 miles). It is 16th of 27 Sonata model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2001 Hyundai Sonata problems
Body and structure
69 complaints · 34%Half of these problems showed up before 113,000 miles. Parts named most often: frame and members, body.
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…
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…
Air bags
47 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
I heard a repetitive clicking sound and turned my radio off to listen. The noise didn't change when I slowed down and I resumed my normal speed of 60 MPH. After a few seconds the car slowly & gradually began pulling to the left. I was unable to steer the vehicle at all and was moving into the shoulder and median…
Air bag warning light illuminated on dashboard, 3rd occurrence. Dealer troubleshooting indicated passenger airbag wiring harness required replacement (not related to previous lights). Out of warranty coverage by 2,269 miles. I believe manufacturer should cover this defect. Dealer informed me that if not corrected air…
Suspension
29 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 120,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
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…
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…
Engine
24 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 62,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
: the contact stated without warning the vehicle stalled, on five occasions. This happened while driving at no particular speed. The vehicle had to be pulled over and towed to the dealership. The final time, the dealership determined there was a rotor in the crankshaft sensor that was dented. The crankshaft sensor was…
I bought this car new. Less than 4000 miles ago, I was at the dealership to correct a "check engine light" condition, which was fixed under warranty. I was told that at the mileage the car was at I needed routine service on the transmission under terms of the warranty. This was done. I was also told that my serpentine…
Brakes
23 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock, disc.
'm asking for a letter stating that the ABS braking system will be activated no matter if one, two, three,or all four wheels go through a small puddle. It does not say it in the manual. The reason I'm asking is my son was involved in a car accident ,which the right front and right rear tires passed through a small…
I bought my 2001 Hyundai Sonata less than 2 years ago. Since that time I have had to replace both window motors, front and rear brakes, timing belt and all tires. I would have thought that a brand new car would be trouble-free (that's why I chose Hyundai, because of the great warranty) however, it appears that is not…
Transmission
18 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 69,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, manual transmission.
Failure of transmission to shift, or drop out of gear at highway speeds. Told it is the input speed sensor. Common failure on this vehicle.
: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the automatic transmission shifted gears erratically and the vehicle operated at a reduced speed without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined the input speed sensor of the automatic transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not…
Speed control
13 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages.
I heard a repetitive clicking sound and turned my radio off to listen. The noise didn't change when I slowed down and I resumed my normal speed of 60 MPH. After a few seconds the car slowly & gradually began pulling to the left. I was unable to steer the vehicle at all and was moving into the shoulder and median…
Tl 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…
Steering
10 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 119,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist.
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…
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
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Suspension
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 ce
Full defect summary
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 lo
Air bags: side/window
Risk: Non-deployment of the SRS side impact air bag could increase the risk of injury during a side impact crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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).
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Front sub-frame corrosion
Summary
In a letter dated april 14, 2009, hyundai-kia america technical center, inc (hyundai) notified NHTSA that hyundaiis conducting a safety recall of model year (my) 1999 through 2004 hyundai sonata vehicles manufactured prior to november 20, 2003 that are registered and operated in the following salt belt states and the district of columbia: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin.hyundai is recalling the vehicles to remedy a condition where internal corrosion of the front subframe may lead to separation of the lower
Front sub-frame corrosion
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation, pe08-029, on april 22, 2008, based on 40 consumer complaints alleging front sub-frame corrosion in model year (my) 1999 through 2002 hyundai sonata vehicles.complaints describe severe corrosion of the vehicle sub-frame in the area where the right-front lower control arm is attached.in some vehicles, sub-frame corrosion has caused complete or partial detachment of the control arm, resulting in wheel collapse or separation. In response to odi's information request letter for pe08-029, hyundai provided owner complaints, field reports, and warranty claim data for approximately 197,906 my 1999 through 2002 subject vehicles s
Questions about the 2001 Hyundai Sonata
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Hyundai Sonata?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (69 complaints, typically around 113,000 miles); air bags (47 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles); suspension (29 complaints, typically around 120,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Hyundai Sonata have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 16, 2009 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Hyundai Sonata?
- It is 16th of 27 Sonata model years by number of complaints, with 205 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.