Frame And Members problems of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata - part 1

37 problems related to frame and members have been reported for the 2001 Hyundai Sonata. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata based on all problems reported for the 2001 Sonata.

1 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 04/10/2012

On 4/10/12 went to get car inspected and it failed was told rear sub frame rotten. Called and talked to Hyundai motor America to see if they could help. We had the sub frame in front replaced by lia Hyundai in Jan 2010 when there was a recall. I don't get why the rear was not recall if that rusted out too. Now I'm looking at $700-$800 to have it fix. I feel that if this is the problem with these cars this should of been replaced when I did the front. I have talked to these people about this and no one seems to call you back with answer when they say they will check into it and will call me back. I called them for 3 days now and it's the same answer. This car is running great except for the subframe. Please if you can help me with this problem. I would like them to at least pay something to help me with this. I work three jobs and can't afford to lose them right now with no car.

2 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/21/2011

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was traveling 30 mph when the frame buckled and the front wheels began collapsing outward. The contact stated that the vehicle had been drifting from side to side for some time when the vehicle was being driven. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 130,000.

3 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2010

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at 5 mph, the front driver's side tire and wheel completely separated from the vehicle. The contact was in a parking lot at the time of the failure and was able to avoid an accident. A tow truck was called and upon arrival, the driver noticed that the entire front end of the vehicle was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility. The manufacturer advised having the vehicle towed to an authorized dealer for repairs. The current and failure mileages were approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

4 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2010

I own a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. Last night my daughter was driving the car and noticed the steering wheel was pulling very badly to the right. When I got a chance to look at it this afternoon I noticed the front right frame was almost completely rusted through.

5 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/22/2010

Noticed an issue in January 2010: took car to a auto-repair shop for repair; new tires and alignment service. On 03/22/2010 while leaving a shopping mall the vehicle lost control and veared a hard left into a cement light pole in the middle of the parking lot. (I was able to apply the brakes in time and turn the vehicle) only damage was to the front driver side bumper and quarter-panel, body damage only. I then tried to drive the vehicle which at that point operated in drivable condition. On my way to the auto-repair (less then 1 mile away) my vehicle completely broke down in the middle of an intersection in another shopping plaza. The car was then towed to the auto-repair shop, which then later called and explained that the frame of the car was cracked and the whieel was detatched. I called the dealership and they took the matter very lightly telling me to just bring the car in (the vehicle was not drivable). I call my towing company and towed the vehicle to the dealership and now awaiting response. I was not offered a loaner, nor did the manager know of any recall, neither did I, something I had to investigate for myself. (luckily I was not on the highway when this happen or I would not be here today.

6 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 10/23/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. While driving the vehicle would drift towards the right. Upon further inspection he discovered that because the right side of the sub-frame was corroded , it caused the engine to tilt towards the right. He was in the process of contacting the dealer and the manufacturer. The current and the failure mileages were 98,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.

7 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2009

I was driving down the street and the frame snapped on the front right hand side luckily there was not an accident. This should be a recall on the vehicle its an 01 with 68,000 miles.

8 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. While replacing the tires on the vehicle, the contact noticed that the alignment was not gripping correctly. He examined underneath the vehicle and noticed that the frame on both of the front wheel suspension mounts were rusted. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a mechanic. Through online research, the contact discovered that this was a very common failure with his type of vehicle. He believes that a recall should be issued by the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 140,000.

9 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2009

I took my car to a mechanic today to have the brake pads replaced and he found a corroded hole in the sub-frame assembly. He mentioned this was recalled by Hyundai last year but I was never notified of such a recall and I'm upset as this could have caused a very serious accident. Why was I not notified of the recall first of all, and what is Hyundai going to do to fix my car?.

10 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 04/24/2009

I own a 20001 Hyundai Sonata. I took it to the repair shop for a front end alignment because the car was pulling badly to the right and was informed that the subframe on the right front is severely rusted. It was recommended that I not continue to drive this car because it is extremely dangerous to do so.

11 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 04/13/2009

Was told by mechanic that my frame is rotting out. Has holes size of golf ball not to mention lines 5-6" of rot. Mechanic informed me that he will no longer work on the car as it is too dangerous for me to drive it and suggests I get a new car.

12 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 04/10/2009

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. The contact took her vehicle to a local service station and was advised by a technician that the front subframe had excessive corrosion. She called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The contact is currently waiting for a response. The failure and current mileages were 89,300.

13 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2009

In February I had gone to have my oil changed by my uncle who works at a shop in franklin he had put my car up on the lift and looked it over to ensure there wasn't any major problems in which he concluded there was not. On March 20th 09 I went to pep boys to have 4 new tires put on and an alignment done. On March 24th I was driving my son home and notice the car was making a odd noise and figured I should get it looked at. I went home and about an hour later I went to pull out of the driveway to take my car to my uncles shop when I heard a terrible loud noise so I put the car in park the conclusion was that my axle broke off and my subframe was completely rotted and my engine was almost on the ground.

14 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2009

Vehicle steering wheel started to unalign counter clockwise in the last week,then a noise from the front right wheel, then my wife pulled into the garage when I noticed the front passenger wheel on a tilt. I looked under the car and there is a huge 4" hole of rust right through the frame.

15 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2009

I was driving down the road at 30mph and the car started swerving left and right like 'crazy'. I pulled over and noticed the drivers side front wheel was bent even though wheels were straight. I looked underneath the car and there was crack all the way through the subframe of the car where the lower torque arm attaches to the wheel. The torque arm looked fine but where it attached was rusted so much it broke. I touched this area and noticed a fist sized hole of metal had rusted away. Hyundai apparently used very cheap metal when building their product. I checked the other side and noticed the same problem. The other front wheel side is about ready to break too and fall off the car. I managed to make it home trying my best to stay in one lane which was very hard and didn't always do that. I will take some pictures later.

16 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2009

I have a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. I just bought new tires for my car and wanted them to do an alignment as I thought it really needed one. Come to find out from the mechanic, my car is unsafe to drive because my engine cradle (sub frame) is completely rusted in half which was throwing off my alignment. I see that there have been many complaints about this exact same thing, why has this safety issue not been recalled?.

17 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2009

2001 Hyundai Sonata bought less than 4 years ago has severe rotting in the subframe. Mechanic says it is extremely dangerous and considers it a deathtrap. I've had one problem after another since I bought this car and I just don't understand why this car hasn't been recalled as of yet. So many people have experienced many of the same problems with this model it is appalling. I am completely disgusted in the fact that this degree of rot does not happen in 3 years and most definitely was sold to me this way. I was not told by the dealer of any rot in the subframe when I purchased this vehicle, how is that legal??? something needs to be done about the all to common problems with this car or do people have to lose their lives in an accident before this is taken seriously?.

18 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2009

I hit a pothole and the right front began to pull, upon taking the car to a repair shop the found that the front subframe was rotted through on there right side and almost as bad on the left side.

19 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2009

The car was sitting in the parking lot and when we went out to start the engine it turned over but it wouldn't move so we towed it to a local goodyear repair garage where they report that the undercarriage has rusted through and the motor dropped and bent the axle. They cannot find a used undercarriage that isn't rusted through. We have reported this to Hyundai consumer affairs and they have given us a case number (3122110) but report that this car has not been recalled.

20 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 02/12/2009

Underframe of 2001 Hyundai Sonata rusted right through.

21 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2009

While making a right hand turn the drivers side lower control arm tore out of sub frame causing vehicle to pull out of control into oncoming traffic lane. Both axles were destroyed. Hyundai will pay for frame replacement but no other costs. The axles , 2 tows. 1 to my home the 2nd to dealership or the car rental that they arranged and originally said they pay for. My case manager will not take my calls nor will anybody explain why they wont pay for the damages there own dealer said was caused by defective frame.

22 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 01/31/2009

I have a 2001 Hyundai Sonata I purchased in 2005 used from a Toyota dealership, and didn't have a warranty on the car. I took it in to my local garage in January 2009 so they could check out a noise my car is making. They said that when they put it up on the lift, they saw that my cradle is severely rusted and that my car will not pass inspection in June and replacing it would be about the cost of my car. I have researched online and found that many others are having the same problem. Hyundai should have made a recall so I don't have to purchase a new car right now. Thank you.

23 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2008

2001 Hyundai Sonata v6, with under 120k miles. Tires replaced for wear and alignment performed on week of 12/08/2008. Mechanic pointed out alignment a moot point due to right sub frame, aka k-frame,aka engine frame, aka right wheel suspension mount was rusted through to point of being able to enter rust cavity with all fingers. This resulting to cracked subframe at wheel well side were suspension is mounted. Some complainants report leaking power steering line from overextended distance from frame stretch . This also is a problem in sante fe. I imagine the same k frame being used a cost saving measure. I'm now waiting for Hyundai America to respond to my case #3460531. Don't you believe anyone who discounts this as being out of warranty. This is not cosmetic body rust through , but a major safety issue and NHTSA will be issuing a recall once the body bag counts begin being attributed to this national problem. Some reps are saying it's a salt belt sales problem but this consists of 60% of their sales and they are going to have to make good for poorly engineered steel construction. It appears the salt water entered front of frame but never could exit due to no exit holes towards rear of frame. Oxygen exposure took care of the rest.

24 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2008

I took my 2001 Hyundai Sonata for an oil change and my mechanic showed me that there is a fist-sized hole in the front right sub frame under my car. Currently, I do not have the funds to fix my vehicle and it will not pass inspection the next time around. I would like Hyundai to pay for this damage because a vehicle that is only 7 years old should not be rusting out!.

25 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2008

I purchased my 2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS v6 in 2002 and have had nothing but problems from it, but this is the worst so far. My car started jerking terribly when I hit any kind of bump or uneven pavement and my steering wheel was off center when driving straight. I had someone look underneath the car and noticed the frame was rotting, therefore I was driving it to my mechanic and as I pushed the brake to stop, the right/front wheel separated from the frame/axle. There was corrosion on the frame around the axle. I called Hyundai and they gave me a claim # and said someone would contact me within 3-5 business days, so we will see.

26 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 10/24/2008

2001 Hyundai Sonata- rust is on the front sub-frame and we were told by a mechanic that it was highly dangerous to drive because the wheels will become detached at any bump along the road. The steering is also jerky and the steering wheel is not straight anymore and the two front tires are pointing inward and wearing very fast on the inner most part of the tires. Is there some type of recall or investigation going on for this matter? are there other complaints on the same model of car as mine? is there any compensation that is due to me? we have heard from a friend that there was an investigation going on with this matter (NHTSA number pe08029) please get back to me ASAP. Thank you.

27 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2008

2001 Hyundai Sonata with 82,000 mile sub frame (cradle) rusted thru causing control arms to push thru cradle. Car was all over and off the the road.

28 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2008

2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS - the vehicle sprang a leak underneath of steering fluid. I took it to my local mechanic he put it up on the lift, found a problem with the subframe being so weak and rusted that we can't drive it. My mechanic called a local Hyundai dealer who said the whole problem was covered (incl steering leak caused by bending subframe). I then towed it to where I bought it from and they called to tell me I needed to prebuy over $2000, subframe not covered. Hampton Hyundai, new hampshire, 177 lafayette road. I found two other dealerships who say both problems should be covered. I am original and present owner, under 93,000 miles.

29 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2008

I was driving my 2001 Hyundai Sonata a car I bought new in florida and has always been in florida. My engine carriage rusted through and snapped the control arm on my car and the entire wheel came off sending me into two lanes of oncoming traffic. It was taken to Hyundai dealership I am waiting to hear if Hyundai will repair the huge damage to my car. Not to mention I was almost killed due to this catastrophic failure. The NHTSA needs to take action on this now. Lives are at risk. It is a catastrophic failure.

30 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2008

Both tie rod ends break. Replaced both. Car then experienced broken left axle and lower control are which was attributed to crack in sub frame. Sub frame replace with axle and control arm. Are there any recall on subframe for 2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS? car has not experience any front end collision in history of ownership of vehicle. Car bought new at dealership.

31 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2008

While driving my 2001 Hyundai Sonata, my right front lower control arm broke off, separating my wheel / it collapsed. The tow truck driver told me this and showed me how severe the sub frame was corroded. It broke off, he never saw anything like it. Please help. Is this a recall that I didn't get?.

32 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 08/30/2008

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 55 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The engine began to reduce power without assistance. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven cautiously to an authorized dealer for inspection and they replaced the frame cross member assembly and speed sensor. The failure mileage was 124,000 and current mileage was 130,000. Updated 04-23-09 updated 04/30/09.

33 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 08/13/2008

In 2007 a routine oil change was being performed on the car and it was noticed that there was a 1-2 inch rotted hole the right side subframe. Local mechanic said there weren't any recalls, so he welded on a new piece of metal for support. Today (8/13/08) another oil change was being done and it was noticed that there is now a 2-3 inch hole on the left side subframe that wasn't visible a year ago. Mechanic highly recommends replacing the front subframe. Ref pe08029.

34 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2008

I have noticed that the engine cradle has rusted on my 2001 Hyundai Sonata. It only has 85k miles. This seems to be a manufacturing defect to me. I first noticed it when I got new tires, there was a slight pull to my car. I brought it in for alignment and was told it was useless to go through with the alignment due to the engine cradle being rusted out. Since then I have put my car out and have had to ride my motorcycle to and from work since I do not have the money for repairs.

35 Frame And Members problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2008

While changing the oil a large hole in the right side of the frame where the front suspension connect to was found. It is all rusted through. I was told not to drive the car by the mechanic. I have attempted to get a new part from the junk yard and the three replacements they found were rusted in the same place. I called the Hyundai dealer and they said it was around $1500. 00 to fix the problem. I called their customer care to find out if there was a recall and they said not at this time.


Other Structure related problems of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata


Safety Ratings of Sonata Cars
Fuel Economy of Sonata Vehicles
Sonata Service Bulletins
Sonata Safety Recalls
Sonata Defect Investigations