Frame Rust problems of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

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. Want to know if the replacement frame has a warranty. Want to keep the car still runs great. 170,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 5 mph, the front passenger side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an auto shop where the failure was diagnosed as a control arm failure and rusted subframe. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

No signs of possible problem prior to being unable to drive the vehicle. The driver lost control of the vehicle when driving in a parking lot and was able to avoid additional damage and injury. The vehicle was then towed to a local auto repair shop that diagnosed the problem as a subframe rust issue on the driver's side, which did not allow the control arms to function.

Hyundai 2000 Sonata subframe rust caused wheel failure.

Backing out of drive, right front fell. I am told the sub frame is rusted.

Our 17 yr old daughter was driving 35-40 mph when all of the sudden the car started shaking violently and the ability to steer the car was non existent. She fought with the steering to try to get it off the very busy road without success. Car had to be towed to our mechanic who found the sub frame had rusted out. The car then had to be towed at our expense to the dealer. We now have to rent a car for the duration the Sonata is in the shop. Hyundai is not taking any responsibility for towing or rental expenses, or any other damage to the car. This recall was issued in April of 2009, it is now October 2009, why were we not notified of this very serious recall? thank heavens nothing serious happened to our daughter. Hyundai needs to take more responsibility for this I for one feel there should be a class action suit brought upon Hyundai and cover every car in all states regardless of "salt" and make restitution for all expenses incurred, such as towing, car rental and all other vehicle expenses that were caused as a result of too little too late. Bottom line, they are negligent by not sending all owners of record a recall notice!!!! we are the original owners of this car, same address and phone number that they have on record in their database. . . Why were we not notified???? they need to be held accountable.

I was approaching a red light and when I pressed my brakes my driving axle separated from my front driver's side tire. After that happened a mechanic lifted my car up and we saw that the frame was almost completely covered with rust. I called the customer service number for the company that makes the vehicle where I was informed that the vehicle frame is under recall and is to be replaced. Once the vehicle was taken to the car dealership, the service department informed me that the bolts had seized to the frame because of the rust and the only way to replace the frame would be to cut the bolts off. By doing so other parts would have to be replaced resulting in fees coming to a total of $3500, which is more than the value of the car. Because the frame was under recall, I was under the assumption that all damage to the car resulting from the recalled frame would be covered but the dealership refuses to cover the parts and labor resulting from the rusty frame.

Frame rusted out on right front passenger side. Right front wheel came loose collapsed, breaking trans axle. . . . . Repair costs over $2000. 00. . . Not. . . Including possible damage to transmission, if I did get frame repaired. . . Many conversations with Hyundai, never told there was a recall on this problem with this vehicle. . . Junked car. . . . Found out about recall nbr-78622 after getting rid of the car. . . . Hyundai told me, since I no longer own the car. . . . I am out of luck. . . .

Rusted subframe on Hyundai Sonata GLS caused cv joint to come off while driving 10 mph, company only paying to fix subframe, Hyundai not paying for tow or rental car.

We talk to consumer affair and gave them the VIN # and they told us that the car was not cover in the USA that the car was made out side the USA and that we needed to call canada or new mexico to see what they will do, sub frame rust under our 2000 Hyundai Sonata right wheel is almost off and we have not fixed the car we are needing to find what we need to do on this matter please email me to let us know what needs to be done.

I have a 2000 Sonata with 128,165 miles with a sub-frame rust problem. The right side lower control a-arm is separating from the sub-frame with more than one rust hole evident in the sub-frame. It was discovered by our local alignment shop. Took the car to them for an alignment because the car pulls to the right and tires squeal while negotiating right turns. Upon their inspection they pointed out the rust and a-arm separation from the sub-frame as well as pointed out how the wheel actually was sitting more than an inch rearward. After they pointed that out it was very obvious the wheel was not even close to being centered in the wheel well. Nothing has been repaired as I am researching options available; specifically to see if Hyundai will correct this safety issue.

2000 Hyundai Sonata sub frame rusted out, this vehicle is used by my son to commute to college daily and it's a miracle that he didn't have an accident. The right front tire also needs replacing even though it is almost new due to the damage caused by the sub-frame literally falling apart . I see this has been investigated before, why was no recall issued?.

On 2/22/09 I noticed the front tires on my 2000 Hyundai Sonata were very worn and the wires were showing . The tires were in good shape when they were rotated to the front 1/29/09. After getting several quotes on new tires, I choose our local Hyundai dealer to replace the tires. The car was taken in on 2/25/09 to the local Hyundai dealer to have tires replaced. After the tech had replaced the tires, he was going to check the alignment. Upon checking the alignment he notice that the frame by the front passenger tire was rusted out and cracked. He recommended not doing the alignment and stated the car wasn't safe to drive. The next day 2/26/09 I contacted dealership by phone about an estimate to fix the problem, they gave me a quote of $ 1300. 00 for new subframe and to replace it then do an alignment. After deciding I really didn't want to pay that much money, I went to a local body shop later that morning to get an estimate. The body shop owner gave me an estimate of $ 1035. 00 to replace with a new subframe and recommended possibly using a used part from a salvage yard, if he could find one. The car was taken to the body shop and left there the next day 2/27/09. When I went to pick the car up the owner stated that " he had tried several savage yards to find a used subframe and couldn' t find one because the 1999 and 2000 Hyundai Sonata were notorious for rusting out on the subframe and my only choice was getting a new subframe and replacing it for $ 1035. 87". Later that evening I done some more research on the internet about subframes on 2000 Hyundai Sonatas. I learned that it was very common problem that the subframe rusted out on the 1999-2002 Hyundai Sonatas from your web site and many others. I learned that n. H. T. S. A has began an investigation into the matter and I wanted to notify n. H. T. S. A about the problem that I am also having with my vehicle. I notified Hyundai on 2/27/09 by phone about my problem and I am waiting for a response.

The engine cradle has a fist sized hole rusted out of it causing the passenger side wheel to bow outward and the alignment is completely out. This car has less than 100,000 miles and is less than 10 years old, the frame should not be rusted out already.

2 weeks ago I noticed the car pulling to the right as if the alignment was off. As I was driving the car started pulling very hard to the right and could hear the tire squealing. I slowed down to turn into a parking lot and the car dropped slightly and wouldn't move. It was making a grinding sound. I noticed the tire on the passenger side wasn't aligned properly. It was broken. After having the car towed to a auto shop. (cv pros) ed told me that the problem happened because the frame rusted out. He showed me where the rust broke the front suspension bar is what I think he called it. He said that was the reason that the wheel came loose and that a car of only 9 years old should not rust completely through in that amount of time. After checking the web sight "lemon laws" I found where there were many complaint of 1999 through 2002 Hyundai Sonatas prompted a federal probe because of the same problem.

2000 Hyundai Sonata front sub frame passenger side, large hole rusted through sub frame assembly right behind lower control arm. Car just aligned and is now out of alignment,took it back to mechanic and he showed me the hole in sub frame,right wheel is now about 2 inches set back and caster is kicked out at bottom of tire,looks very dangerous, am taking car to dealer to se if they will repair, I am original owner car has 88,000 miles dealer seems to be aware of the problem, I believe I have just caught the problem in time before injuries may have occurred, I am reporting this problem only in the hope others may be so lucky, the wheel could separate and create a real problem for anyone driving the car, I feel the manufacturer should recall the car to fix issue before someone gets killed.

I have a 2000 Hyundai Sonata and took it to meineke, they told me the whole front subframe was rotted out and needed to be replaced, which would cost 1750. 00. The car us no longer under warranty but from what I have read, there is a defect with the metal Hyundai has used with some of its models, especially the Sonata. If it is a defect, is the car going to be recalled. I feel the dealership should fix this without any cost to me. What is the status of the complaint, is there a recall on the horizon. I don't have 1750. 00 to fix my car and have to take it off the road because it is to dangerous to drive. The engine is literally falling out of the bottom of the car, the mechanic at meineke showed me that both sides of the sub frame was rusted and the tires were slanted out because of the stress of the engine on the rusted frame. I literally could have been in a serious accident. Please let me know if Hyundai is responsible for fixing this defect.

The sub frame has rusted out on my 2000 Hyundai Sonata. I have been told it is very dangerous to drive. I purchased this car 5 yrs ago from a dealer in lexington, ky. I have been told it is highly unusual that a car that is 8 yrs. Old would have such a severe problem and that I should not keep the car, or that I should replace the frame which will be very expensive to do.

I am the owner of a 2000 Hyundai Sonata GLS v6 and on November 1, 2008 I was traveling home with my cousin when while negotiating a left turn my steering became very difficult and I heard a very loud screeching sound coming from my car. I narrowly escaped an accident as my car began dangerously careening towards a ditch on the right side of the road I was turning onto. From that point on, my steering was severely compromised and I was required to hold the steering wheel almost a full rotation to the left in order to drive in a relatively straight line. When I arrived home, I noticed that my front right wheel was resting at a strange angle, pointing slightly outwards to the right even when all of the other wheels were straight. My uncle, a car mechanic, took a look at the car and informed me that the entire sub frame had rotted and that my front right wheel was on the verge of coming off as the control arm was rusting off of the frame and that the car was not able to be fixed. After further researching the problem, I came across many online articles highlighting problems with 1999-2004 Hyundai Sonatas and eventually found your defect page that described exactly what had happened to I and many other owners of earlier Hyundai Sonatas. I feel that Hyundai should take responsibility for its faulty models that could have severely injured my passenger and I and could eventually prove to be fatal to others unaware of the problem with their abnormally rotting sub frames. I appreciate your time and effort and hope you can assist others and I in finding a solution to this urgent problem.

Tires started squealing about 9/12; got worse, driving very, very loosely so took to shop on 9/25. Shop said there was 'frame damage. " towed to frame shop same day. 9/29 frame shop advised the engine cradle and a-frame were nearly rusted through completely and car was 99% failed. 9/30 received information via web blog regarding numerous occurrences of this specific failure in a narrow range of years/models for mfgr. Called Hyundai to open a case to get them to repair, although vehicle is not under warranty, they have repaired numerous others out of warranty for the same issue.

I was on my way to work, when I drove over a pot hole and the front end on my car is now resting on my tires due to severe rust in the frame.

Subframe rusted out on 2000 Hyundai Sonata.

I am posting this to complain about my 2000 Hyundai Sonata. The front sub-frame is completely rusted out. The car is not drivable and is unsafe. I was driving on u. S rt 19 in wv and the front tire became so far out of alignment that the inner tread worn complete through the belt resulting in deflation.

Rusted frame, unsafe to drive.

Took my 2000 Hyundai Sonata to have tires aligned on a Friday morning and was total the frame was rusted but I had a bent tie rod and it needed fixed first. Left the tire shop and before going 10 miles I was stopped at a traffic light and when the light turned green I pressed on the gas and then I heard a loud pop and the car did not move. Luckily the vehicle was not moving when this happened or I could have been hurt and I could have hurt someone else. When I got out to see what happened , my right side tire was bent out I had the car towed to a garage to have what I thought was to have the tie rod fixed, the mechanic called me on Monday to tell me that it was not the tie rod that it was the sub frame that was rusted out on both sides, and I should take it back to the dealer because this should never happen. I then had the car towed to the dealership to have them check it. On Wednesday when I checked on the car I was told that the parts were ordered, that it would be considered a policy adjustment, I then wanted to know if I could be given a car since this was nothing that I did to the car and I was without transportation. Of course I was told that, that was not policy and no loaner car would be given.

Rust hole in sub frame found while doing an oil change.

I have a 2000 Hyundai Sonata with severe subframe rusting which was discovered when car was inspected. I was told that my car is not inspectable.

This complaint involves a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. I was having routine maintenance done on the vehicle and was notified during service that the entire front end suspension and frame on my car is rusted out. When I looked at it, there were large rust holes apparent in the crossmembers and every weld I could see is completely covered in rust. My mechanic advised me that this is not normal for an eight year old car and that it may be unsafe to drive it much longer for fear that the suspension or frame will collapse.

My wife was driving to work on June 9, 2008. She had to stop suddenly and heard a pop in front end of car. Car swerved to right and she thought she was going to hit another car. Drove car slowly to hatfield Hyundai. They had a long wait for the part, and we got the car back on June 26, 2008. The service order said "replace the sub-frame it was very rusty. " the car is a 2000 Sonata and had 116,844 miles on it when this incident occurred. This is in line with your investigation pe08029. They did not charge us for the repair.

When I was at the grade school picking up my daughter, the car started to lurch and then stopped. I got out and the front tire on the passenger side was twisted to the side. The right axle had blown out. I could no longer drive the car. I was in the process of moving back to illinois at the end of may I had to rent a car dolly to tow the car behind the u-haul. Upon taking it to our automotive repair shop, he called us the next day to say that the front right frame cradle had rusted in half. We went to take a look and yes it was rusted through the cradle with a spot the size of an orange the frame had broken in half. We have finally gotten to the Hyundai dealer. They have said that they will fix the axle and the frame. But the 2 front tires are now not any good 1 of which was new, they will not replace either of them. They said that tire dealer that put the new one on should of noticed the problem and so it is their fault. Also when the tow truck went to pull the car up on the flat bed the front right tire gave way and bent under the car in the process doing damage to the front fender, this also Hyundai said that it was the fault of the tow truck driver and that they would not pay to fixed it. As of today July 9, 2008 I am not sure what is going to be fixed or not.

I was driving down the road when I had to suddenly turn my steering wheel quickly to the right. Upon doing so, I heard a loud noise, and was unable to steer my car. It was taken to a Hyundai service department, and I was told that the sub frame had rusted out and let everything come down on my suspension. The cost of the repairs would be $1,883. 00. The service department gave me the number of Hyundai consumer affairs (1-800-633-5151). I called them and was told that there was a problem, and they were handling them on a case by case basis. They gave me a case number and forwarded my case to the regional investigator. Within 2 days, I was called by the service department and told that Hyundai agreed that it was a major rust problem and agreed to pay for the repairs to be done on my car.

Frame has rusted out can no longer drive my car and I need it to get to work.

Hello. I own a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. I took it for an inspection in April of 2008. It failed due to the subframe being rusted. The mechanic showed me the rust. It was a fist-sized rust hole on the subframe. I believe it was on the drivers side (not sure). I got a quote for $1400 from a Hyundai dealership to replace the subframe. Hyundai representatives then made a good will gesture and decided to pay for the replacement of the subframe in full. It took six weeks for the subframe to arrive at the shop. Also, I was told the bolts that hold the subframe to frame of the car were rusted as well, they are being replaced. The car has 85,300 miles on it and I am the second owner. I believe the first owner lived in new york, I live in pennsylvania. Ive been reading about this issue and some people have mentioned how their tires went bald quickly and seemed out of alignment. I had a similar issue in that the tires wore unevenly and caused the car to veer significantly to the right. I dont know if this could be an early sign of the weakening of the subframe, I just wanted to mention it. I believe there is an ongoing investigation to this problem. It is NHTSA action # pe08029.

My seventeen year old daughter was traveling 10-15 m/hr returning home from work and has she turned onto our street our 2000 Hyundai Sonata had a completed right front wheel collapse/separation from the car. Upon inspection at our local garage it was determined that this was a result of complete subframe rusting of my Sonata. This was a very expense repair (mat'l costs alone were $1,600. 00) and more important I feel this is a safety issue that should be addressed by Hyundai. I'm not sure what action I can take on this (looking for guidance) because of the high mileage (117,049 miles), but a car subframe should not rust out like this in 8 years.

Front passenger side sub frame totally rusted resulting in suspension and steering rack coming apart.