Total Complaints
293 filings
HYUNDAI SONATA · model year
293 NHTSA complaints, 34 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2001HYUNDAISONATA carries 293 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 34 crashes, 0 fires, 30 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 SONATA is structure:frame and members with 51 filings, followed by air bags (27) and suspension (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2001 SONATA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
293 filings
Crashes Reported
34 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 51 |
| AIR BAGS | 27 |
| SUSPENSION | 22 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 11 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 9 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 9 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 9 |
| STEERING | 9 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 9 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7 |
| AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 6 |
| WHEELS | 6 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 5 |
SUSPENSION
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, O
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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 CUS
AIR BAGS
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
Upper rear control arm is connected to the subframe of the car and itâs rotted/ rusted out where the bushing goes to hold the control arm in place. Where am I supposed to mount the bushing now since itâs no longer there.
Upper rear control arm is connected to the subframe of the car and itâs rotted/ rusted out where the bushing goes to hold the control arm in place. Where am I supposed to mount the bushing now since itâs no longer there.
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 THOMPS
Mileage: 152,565
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 THOMPS
Mileage: 152,565
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 THOMPS
Mileage: 152,565
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
Mileage: 151,035
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
Mileage: 151,035
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
Mileage: 151,035
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
Mileage: 130,000
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
Mileage: 130,000
AIRBAG RED LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. RESTRAINING STRAP IN REAR-LEFT SEAT DOES NOT ENGAGE.
Mileage: 66,667
AIRBAG RED LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. RESTRAINING STRAP IN REAR-LEFT SEAT DOES NOT ENGAGE.
Mileage: 66,667
AIRBAG RED LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE. RESTRAINING STRAP IN REAR-LEFT SEAT DOES NOT ENGAGE.
Mileage: 66,667
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.
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.
Mileage: 133,000
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.
Mileage: 133,000
PASSENGER SENSOR RIGHT FRONT,SENSOR FOUND IT FAULTY,THIS SENSOR IS UNDER THE FABRIC OF SEAT.LIGHT IS ALL WAYS ON.
Mileage: 114,259
PASSENGER SENSOR RIGHT FRONT,SENSOR FOUND IT FAULTY,THIS SENSOR IS UNDER THE FABRIC OF SEAT.LIGHT IS ALL WAYS ON.
Mileage: 114,259
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
Mileage: 160,000
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 & AMYW@HBSSLAW.COM. 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.
Mileage: 196,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.