2001 Hyundai Sonata recalls and problems

The 2001 Hyundai Sonata has 3 safety recalls and 205 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
205
Crashes / fires
27 / 0
Injuries / deaths
21 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Recall 09V-124: Suspension

Reported Apr 16, 2009 · 188,282 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor Company

Problem: 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.

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 center at 1-800-633-5151.

Recall 02V-105: Air Bags

Reported Apr 9, 2002 · 145,355 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 01V-347: Air Bags

Reported Nov 6, 2001 · 86,513 vehicles affected · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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).

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.

2001 Hyundai Sonata problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure71
Air Bags49
Suspension29
Engine and Engine Cooling24
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
Power Train19
Vehicle Speed Control13
Electrical System10
Steering10
Visibility9
Wheels6
Latches/Locks/Linkages5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Frame and Members — 51
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 9
  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 7
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 6
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Hyundai Sonata complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported 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.
Suspension · at 152,565 miles · reported 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…
Steering · at 151,035 miles · reported 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
Air Bags · reported Feb 26, 2018
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.
Air Bags · at 223,000 miles · reported Jun 2, 2016
My son was in an accident in which someone pulled out of a side road into his path of travel. The front of the hyundai from just past the grill on driver's side to entire passenger side hit the front driver wheel forward on the other car. Neither the steering wheel nor the passenger side airbag deployed in my hyundai. He hit with such force the steering wheel was bowed and steering column was broken along with the bottom of the dash where his knees hit.

Other Hyundai Sonata years

Compare all Hyundai Sonata years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Hyundai Sonata: 09V-124 (suspension), 02V-105 (air bags), 01V-347 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Hyundai Sonata?

Owners report structure problems most often (71 reports), followed by air bags (49). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.