2001 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 | 66 |
| 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 | 3368 |
| 2012 | 1551 |
| 2013 | 1895 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 1123 |
| 2016 | 717 |
| 2017 | 758 |
| 2018 | 364 |
| 2019 | 153 |
| 2020 | 165 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: structure — 51 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160602
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BRIDGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150715
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141201
11% of complaints: suspension — 22 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171229
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY ,RESULTING IN A COLLISION, AND CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED THE DAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20010711
4% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171229
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2001 Hyundai Sonata — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- 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
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Hyundai Sonata is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Hyundai Sonata?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Hyundai Sonata have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.