2000 Hyundai Sonata
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 22 |
| 1993 | 26 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 68 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1997 | 49 |
| 1998 | 49 |
| 1999 | 124 |
| 2000 | 276 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 319 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 202 |
| 2005 | 165 |
| 2006 | 1047 |
| 2007 | 696 |
| 2008 | 425 |
| 2009 | 460 |
| 2010 | 345 |
| 2011 | 3375 |
| 2012 | 1556 |
| 2013 | 1904 |
| 2014 | 743 |
| 2015 | 1141 |
| 2016 | 721 |
| 2017 | 761 |
| 2018 | 369 |
| 2019 | 159 |
| 2020 | 174 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
41% of complaints: structure — 113 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING AND STABILITY UNSTABLE. MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME IS RUSTY AND CRACKED. THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS REPLACED AROUND 2010 BECAUSE OF A RECALL. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP LOSE TRACTION AND BECOMES UNSTABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190308
Also filed under SUSPENSION
24% of complaints: suspension — 65 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.
CRASH16% of complaints: air bags — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS HEADING EASTBOUND GOING ABOUT 40 MPH. AN SUV WAS HEADING WESTBOUND AND ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE SUV STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND TOTALED THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I AM SUPPOSED TO HAVE SIDE AND FRONT AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120602
I PURCHASED A NEW 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS FROM SCHAUMBURG HYUNDAI (IL) IN NOVEMBER 2000, AND HAD EXISTING DAMAGE OR TRAFFIC CRASHES WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL ON 10/07/2002, WHEN I WAS FORCED OFF THE ROADWAY BY A TRUCK AND STRUCK THE SIDE OF A ROCKY...
NHTSA ODI report, 20030505
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING NO BRAKING ABILITY, AND RESULTING IN A CRASH. ALSO, AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HIT THE HEAD RESTRAINT WHICH FLEW INTO THE REAR SEAT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000314
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FOR TWO DAYS WHILE DRIVING SMELLED STRONG CHEMICAL FUMES, AFTER LITTLE WHILE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030630
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, THE FLAMES ORIGINATED FROM THE DASHBOARD AREA, POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TS *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20021108
GAS LIGHT DON'T WORK, THE ODOMETER DON'T WORK, WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR LIGHTS DIME AND THE CAR ALMOST DIES... *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120625
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.
Campaign 00V259001 — check if this car was fixed
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 B
Remedy: 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,
Campaign 01V347000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WI
Remedy: 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 V
Campaign 02V105000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
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, M
Remedy: 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 INCORPO
Campaign 09V124000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (113 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V259001 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V347000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V105000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V124000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Hyundai Sonata is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Hyundai Sonata have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.