Frame Rust Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 2

Hyundai Sonata owners have reported 112 problems related to frame rust (under the structure category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Hyundai Sonata based on all problems reported for the Sonata.

36 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 05/12/2009

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.

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37 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 04/26/2009

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.

38 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 04/09/2009

The car was pulling to the right and thought I needed a wheel alignment but after coming back from taking my children to school the car stopped in front of my house and started making a rattling sound when I put it in gear (reverse and drive ) I thought is was axle that may have slipped out of place. The car was taken to mechanic who said I had a lot of rust and a whole in my frame and the rust started to fall off the car frame. I called the consume affairs dept for Hyundai and they picked up the car and took it to a Hyundai dealership to hopefully get fixed. They wanted to charge me $2,100. 00 for the repairs.

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39 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 03/26/2009

The issue is identical to the one on record for structure issues on this car. While driving the front passenger wheel and it's assembly flew off from the car. The car had been having some steering difficulty's and I was actually bringing it in to the firestone station- it actually happened right in front of the firestone center. The tire arm connecting to the frame was totally rusted out. The price to fix the car will be totally astronomical. There should be no reason that the car would rust out and cause that damage- it is 10 years old. We had even bought the extra rust package on the car. I or someone else could have been killed and serious damage. Luckily, I am a firefighter and am used to handling vehicles. I believe Hyundai should compensate somehow and should be held liable. Why were we never notifies that there was an issue?????.

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40 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 03/18/2009

2001 Hyundai Sonata frame rusted at front swing arm, both sides. 109k miles.

41 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 03/17/2009

My frame on my car rusted through leaving my car sitting on my tires literally! while driving through town. I have called the Hyundai manufacturer and they took down information, I am now waiting on the decision if it will cost me anything or not.

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42 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 03/09/2009

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.

43 Frame Rust problem of the 2004 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 03/01/2009

Hyundai '04 Sonata - bought new at key Hyundai branford CT received recall notice re rusting subframes. Issues I've had over last 12 months: steering wheel pulling to one side - alignment way off - fixed, problem recurred. Intermittent noises coming from ?wheels steering column, esp. When turning corners - seems to be two separate distinct noises. Recently steering wh. With rhythmic shimmy, intermittent. Took car into key h. For inspection - told it needs new subframe (6 hr. Job) but no alignment will be done, no loaner or rental would be given. Called Hyundai cust. Center. Told that an alignment, rental ". . Wasn't part of the deal" they put the onus on NHTSA - says you didn't tell them they had to do any more than replace the s. F. My regular mechanic says that it is worrisome that no alignment will be done. "how can they do all that front end work and not realign the wheels?" regarding a replacement vehicle for the day, considering the subfr. Has turned out to be major 'lemon', you'd think as a gesture of good will, Hyundai would pay another $25 - 30 for a rental. Their cust. Assis. Centre is a joke. The girl handling calls knows nothing about mechanics, has no authority and just keeps saying she's sorry but this is NHTSA's deal, not Hyundai. Another issue- with the s. F. Recall notice, I received a 2nd notice chrome handles peeling on inside door. Mine peeled the first year I had the car - abrasion to my finger. I taped the handle and didn't complain. The service manager last week told me recall goes to '03 models (why did I get the notice?) and says I can pay $90 for chrome replacement. And by the way, also handed me $2500 worth of other work I need - I don't, according to my mechanic. Guess h. Trying to recoup money some way, since they have to replace the s. F. Free. Bottom line: this is my 2nd h. And my last-lost faith& worried that they will not do proper job on recall work. Will pay for rental and alignment myself. Any suggestions?.

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44 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/26/2009

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?.

45 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/22/2009

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.

46 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/09/2009

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.

47 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/08/2009

1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS. Car felt like it was hydroplaning without it raining or snowing. Felt like it the steering was out of control. Noticed that right tire was sticking out of the well so I went to have the front tires replaced and aligned. While replacing front tires the mechanic noticed that the tires bend inward. They could not do the alignment as he felt something was broken on the frame. Referred to an auto body shop. The mechanic informed that the subframe had holes throughout due to rust and rot. He has seen this before with the same make, model, and year of the car. The car is completely unsafe to drive and was informed that the wheels or engine could fall out at anytime. Also informed that a subframe should not rust or rot. I researched online and found that numerous complaints have been made due to this subframe issue. Contacted the Hyundai national line directly and opened up a case# 3505497. Awaiting the outcome at this time.

48 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/08/2009

1999 Hyundai Sonata. Driving down the highway at 65 mph and the right front passenger side of my car collapsed due to rusted sub frame which broke the axle and control arm. Luckily no one was killed, but this was an alarming incident I have never experienced before with any car. This is dangerous. This is a serious problem.

49 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 02/03/2009

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.

50 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/22/2009

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.

51 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/07/2009

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.

52 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 01/01/2009

Severe right side subframe rust problem on a 99 Hyundai Sonata nothing has been done to correct the problem .

53 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/24/2008

Driving 2001 Sonata car was swaying on road when going on turns was not working with steering in timely manner. Had mechanic look at to see what was wrong. He found on passengers side of car the lower frame rusted from inside out where the lower control arm attaches and is now only semi attached so the assembly moves around. There is a huge hole in frame. Car is no longer safe to drive as whole assembly will fall off. As you can see car is only 7 years old. This is unacceptable car only has 111000. Miles on it. The car is in my driveway has not been taken apart all parts are original not sure what to do. Can't be driven as is. I noticed other complaints of same nature I don't consider this condition acceptable in a 7 year old car frames should last many more years.

54 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/20/2008

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.

55 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/13/2008

Noticed that the tires were getting misaligned and the car keeps pulling to the right. Finally took the tire off and noticed that the passenger side sub-frame is rusted all the way through where all the suspension attachments are barely holding in its place. Nothing has been done to fix the issue at this moment due to its repair cost vs what the vehicle is worth.

56 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/11/2008

The contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving poorly and she took it to a mechanic. After inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic stated that either the undercarriage or the frame was rusted. The dealer repaired the vehicle for free. The failure mileage was 117,000.

57 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/06/2008

Subframe rusted completely through. Luckily this was discovered during a repair of a power steering failure. This is a common complaint regarding the 1999-2004 Sonata in high salt areas and Hyundai is apparently replacing the frame out of warrant (mine was under an extended warranty anyway). I believe this should be a full recall to protect those who are otherwise unaware of this defect which has caused, in some cases, wheel separations. Dealer told me that the part had a large hole completely through the frame.

58 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 11/01/2008

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.

59 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 10/21/2008

My husband was driving my Hyundai Sonata 1999 with 61000 miles and suddenly the car was completely disabled. He was parked in the middle of the road. We call a tow truck and took the car to the mechanic. The mechanic said that he never ever ever saw a frame with so much rust and corrosion not even cars older and much miles than mine. The frame have holes all over. With all the extreme corrosion and rust the right sub frame is broken in half. The mechanic told me that he doesn't know how me and my children didn't have an accident because I'm the one who drives that car. After the mechanic saw my car we called another tow truck and we sent the car to the dealership. I'm waiting for a response from the dealership and see if Hyundai will take responsibility of the damage this is causing me because I know that car is defected. In the meantime I don't have a car which gives a lot problems to me and my family.

60 Frame Rust problem of the 2002 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 10/15/2008

Took my 2002 Hyundai Sonata to our local repair shop for state inspection and he told my husband that my subframe was completely rusted out. . . He could stick his fingers all the way through the frame. He said it was very dangerous and to call our local Hyundai dealer. I did and the service guy there said to bring it in for inspection. That they have identified the rusting out of Sonata subframes as a problem and under "goodwill". . . . They will fix it for free, unless the car has been wrecked. Told him my car was not wrecked. . . . In for state inspection only. I have just recently noticed when driving my Sonata the steering wheel shaking very bad. . . . Especially when breaking on a hill. I thought maybe my brakes were going bad. No!!! it was my rusted out subframe. I believe there should be a class-action lawsuit filed. I have to take my Sonata to the dealership in 5 days so they can order a new subframe. Thankfully, none of my family has been injured because of this. What I want to know is. . . . . Why hasn't their been a recall on this for Sonatas???? is Hyundai going to wait for fatalities before they take action??? our mechanic told us the engine could fall off and/or our tires could break off while driving. And we don't do alot of city driving. . . . Mainly highway driving and my 17-year old son has been driving this Sonata. I thank god nothing happened while he was driving the Sonata. Please respond to me ASAP. There needs to be a recall now!! I am contacting other Sonata owners who've had the same problem and we are getting a class-action lawsuit together.

61 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 10/11/2008

Drove over a crack in the road, felt and heard snapping, took to mechanic, was told right subframe rusted out so bad that it snapped.

62 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/23/2008

Hyundai Sonata 1999 right side sub frame rusted and car became non drivable, took car to crown Hyundai st pete fla for oil change, dealership advised that sub frame had rusted through, and advised to contact Hyundai America for repair authorization at 1-800-633-5151 did this, current case #54326 car at dealership waiting for repair authorization from Hyundai America.

63 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/22/2008

Front subframe prematurely rusted and vehicle is not safe to use.

64 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/12/2008

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.

65 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/09/2008

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.

66 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 09/06/2008

Subframe rusted out on 2000 Hyundai Sonata.

67 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/28/2008

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.

68 Frame Rust problem of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/26/2008

My 2001 Hyundai Sonata's subframe rusted to the point of where there were 7 in" holes completely through- this caused the lower swing arm to detach from the frame and subsequently the vehicle suspension failed. This occurred while my two children were in the car. Both front tires were damaged. Dealer did not replace tires, did not pay for towing or alternate transportation- gary rome Hyundai, holyoke MA.

69 Frame Rust problem of the 1999 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/25/2008

I had absolutely no idea of a problem and there were no symptoms until my "backyard" mechanic, while he was replacing my brake rotors, mentioned the frame where the front passenger wheel connects to the frame was almost rusted through. I took it to the Hyundai dealership and they were aware of the problem. They fixed it and told me they replaced the complete front sub frame, they also called it the engine cradle, and on the paperwork they replaced 62405-38100 cross member and two bolts. They commented "150542 replace the k frame it is very rusty" the dealer assured me they completely inspected the underside of the vehicle and found no other rust of consequence. They also assured me no components were damaged or needed replacement. This was performed with no cost to me.

70 Frame Rust problem of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata

Failure Date: 08/11/2008

Rusted frame, unsafe to drive.


Other Common Structure related problems of Hyundai Sonata


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