NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frame AND Members
2863.6%
Front
613.6%
Side/Window
24.5%
Driveline
24.5%
Body
24.5%
Engine
24.5%
Underbody Shields
12.3%
Gasoline
12.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
23.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
46.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1829.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2845.9%
150,000+ miles
914.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2003peak 6Jul 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08016Opened 21 Aug 2008Closed 20 Apr 2009STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2009, HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC (HYUNDAI) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT HYUNDAIIS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2004 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 20, 2003 THAT ARE REGISTERED AND OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING SALT BELT STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN.HYUNDAI IS RECALLING THE VEHICLES TO RE...
DP03001Opened 26 Mar 2003Closed 1 Aug 2003AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
IMPROPER FRONTAL AIR BAG PERFORMANCE
HYUNDAI HAS RECEIVED 49 REPORTS FROM CUSTOMERS STATING THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.EXAMINATION OF SUPLIMENTAL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ODI BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE REPORTED CASES IT APPEARED THAT THE NECESSARY AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT THRESHOLD WAS NOT MET.THERE HAVE BEEN NO FATAL INCIDENTS OR REPORTS OF SERIOUS INJURY AS A RESULT OF BEING IN A FRONTAL CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION REMEDY OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS DEFINED BY THE PETITI...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 112,000 milesPickerington, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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?????
NHTSA complaint #10263247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesPickerington, OH1 injured
WHEELS
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?????
NHTSA complaint #10263247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesPickerington, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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?????
NHTSA complaint #10263247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG IN MY 1999 HYUNDAI, SONATA. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS TOTAL JUNE 1, 2003. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10023368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesRush, KY7 killed
AIR BAGS
PURCHASED CAR AUGUST 16TH 2001 SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE OF WHICH I PURCHASED IT WYATT JOHNSON HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN CLARKSVILLE TN . AT THAT TIME THE O2 SENSOR HAD WENT BAD SO THAT WAS REPLACED AND WE WERE ALSO ADVISED THAT IT WAS WAY PAST DUE ON TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH WAS THEIR FAULT SO THEY REPLACED THAT AS WELL. A FEW MONTHS WENT BY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THESE WERE ONCE REPLACED AGAIN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE CAR. ALSO ABOUT 4 TO 5 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THE CAR WAS SPUTTERING AND THEN WOULD NOT START BECAUSE THE SPARK PLUGS WIRES WERE FRIED AS IF THEY HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE SO THEY TOO REPLACED THAT WITH ALL NEW ONES. I ASKED THE MANAGER THERE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT CONSIDERING IT HAD 34,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT HE STATED THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. WELL NOW SINCE THEN WE HAVE MOVED AND THE SAME PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON OF WHICH WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THIS THAT IT WAS A RECALL, THERE IS THE ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WILL NOT EVEN START I HAVE A 13 MONTH OLD BABY AND NOTHING TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10016967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesRush, KY7 killed
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
PURCHASED CAR AUGUST 16TH 2001 SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE OF WHICH I PURCHASED IT WYATT JOHNSON HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN CLARKSVILLE TN . AT THAT TIME THE O2 SENSOR HAD WENT BAD SO THAT WAS REPLACED AND WE WERE ALSO ADVISED THAT IT WAS WAY PAST DUE ON TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH WAS THEIR FAULT SO THEY REPLACED THAT AS WELL. A FEW MONTHS WENT BY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THESE WERE ONCE REPLACED AGAIN ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE CAR. ALSO ABOUT 4 TO 5 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THE CAR WAS SPUTTERING AND THEN WOULD NOT START BECAUSE THE SPARK PLUGS WIRES WERE FRIED AS IF THEY HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE SO THEY TOO REPLACED THAT WITH ALL NEW ONES. I ASKED THE MANAGER THERE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT CONSIDERING IT HAD 34,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT HE STATED THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. WELL NOW SINCE THEN WE HAVE MOVED AND THE SAME PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON OF WHICH WE NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THIS THAT IT WAS A RECALL, THERE IS THE ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WILL NOT EVEN START I HAVE A 13 MONTH OLD BABY AND NOTHING TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10016967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesRadcliff, KY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08016 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10735598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRadcliff, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08016 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10735598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,200 milesFayetteville, NC
SUSPENSION
I OWN A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTING THROUGH, PRESENTING A SEVERE SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THERE IS CURRENTLY A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL SHOWING FOR THE 2001-2004 MODEL FROM YOUR INVESTIGATION. SHOULDN'T THE 1999 BE INCLUDED DUE TO IT HAVING MANY COMPLAINTS DUE TO THIS CORROSION ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MARYLAND AND OWNED IN VIRGINIA FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. IT ALSO HAS BEEN IN OUT OF VIRGINIA FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS WHERE SALT IS APPLIED TO ROADWAYS LIKELY CONTRIBUTING THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10505528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,200 milesFayetteville, NC
STRUCTURE
I OWN A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTING THROUGH, PRESENTING A SEVERE SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THERE IS CURRENTLY A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL SHOWING FOR THE 2001-2004 MODEL FROM YOUR INVESTIGATION. SHOULDN'T THE 1999 BE INCLUDED DUE TO IT HAVING MANY COMPLAINTS DUE TO THIS CORROSION ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MARYLAND AND OWNED IN VIRGINIA FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. IT ALSO HAS BEEN IN OUT OF VIRGINIA FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS WHERE SALT IS APPLIED TO ROADWAYS LIKELY CONTRIBUTING THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10505528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorktown, VA
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
1999 HYUNDAI SONAT GLS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AFTER BEING WORKED ON BY HYUNDAI DEALER 10-15 TIMES. WAS WORKED ON WITHOUT ISSUE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY WITH NO SUCCESS. ONCE EXTENDED WARRENTY EXPIRED, THE DEALER THEN KNEW THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW WIRE HARNESS FOR ABOUT $1000. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN SUGGESTED THAT I HARD -WIRE THE WIRE HARNESS TO GET AROUND THE CONNECTOR ISSUE. IS THERE A RECOURSE TO AN AIRBAG PROBLKEM THAT HAS BEEN WORKED ON AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES?
NHTSA complaint #10393016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,150 milesLincoln, NE
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, AND I SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT. THE MORNING BEFORE THE SCHEDULED ALIGNMENT, I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK WHEN THE RIGHT INNER CV JOINT DISINTEGRATED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED SEVERE SUBFRAME CORROSION RESULTING IN THE CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING THE CV JOINT TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. NHTSA AND HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL IN 2009, CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000. HOWEVER, THE STATE I RESIDE IN (NEBRASKA) IS NOT LISTED AS A "SALT BELT" STATE AND IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. NEBRASKA DOES INDEED USE SALT ON THE ROADS, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAULT AND POTENTIAL RESULTS MATCHES EXACTLY WITH THE RUST AND CORROSION ON MY VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME AND THE RESULTS. I BELIEVE IT LIKELY THAT THERE ARE OTHER MOTORISTS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WHO ARE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS HIDDEN AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS FAULT. THE HYUNDAI DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HELP ME SO FAR WITH A FAULT RESOLUTION PER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10361117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,150 milesLincoln, NE
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, AND I SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT. THE MORNING BEFORE THE SCHEDULED ALIGNMENT, I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK WHEN THE RIGHT INNER CV JOINT DISINTEGRATED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED SEVERE SUBFRAME CORROSION RESULTING IN THE CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING THE CV JOINT TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. NHTSA AND HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL IN 2009, CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000. HOWEVER, THE STATE I RESIDE IN (NEBRASKA) IS NOT LISTED AS A "SALT BELT" STATE AND IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. NEBRASKA DOES INDEED USE SALT ON THE ROADS, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAULT AND POTENTIAL RESULTS MATCHES EXACTLY WITH THE RUST AND CORROSION ON MY VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME AND THE RESULTS. I BELIEVE IT LIKELY THAT THERE ARE OTHER MOTORISTS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WHO ARE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS HIDDEN AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS FAULT. THE HYUNDAI DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HELP ME SO FAR WITH A FAULT RESOLUTION PER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10361117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,150 milesLincoln, NE
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, AND I SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT. THE MORNING BEFORE THE SCHEDULED ALIGNMENT, I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK WHEN THE RIGHT INNER CV JOINT DISINTEGRATED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED SEVERE SUBFRAME CORROSION RESULTING IN THE CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING THE CV JOINT TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. NHTSA AND HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL IN 2009, CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000. HOWEVER, THE STATE I RESIDE IN (NEBRASKA) IS NOT LISTED AS A "SALT BELT" STATE AND IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. NEBRASKA DOES INDEED USE SALT ON THE ROADS, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAULT AND POTENTIAL RESULTS MATCHES EXACTLY WITH THE RUST AND CORROSION ON MY VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME AND THE RESULTS. I BELIEVE IT LIKELY THAT THERE ARE OTHER MOTORISTS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WHO ARE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS HIDDEN AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS FAULT. THE HYUNDAI DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HELP ME SO FAR WITH A FAULT RESOLUTION PER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10361117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,150 milesLincoln, NE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEM, AND I SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT. THE MORNING BEFORE THE SCHEDULED ALIGNMENT, I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK WHEN THE RIGHT INNER CV JOINT DISINTEGRATED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED SEVERE SUBFRAME CORROSION RESULTING IN THE CONTROL ARM MOUNT SEPARATING FROM THE SUBFRAME, CAUSING THE CV JOINT TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. NHTSA AND HYUNDAI ISSUED A RECALL IN 2009, CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000. HOWEVER, THE STATE I RESIDE IN (NEBRASKA) IS NOT LISTED AS A "SALT BELT" STATE AND IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. NEBRASKA DOES INDEED USE SALT ON THE ROADS, AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FAULT AND POTENTIAL RESULTS MATCHES EXACTLY WITH THE RUST AND CORROSION ON MY VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME AND THE RESULTS. I BELIEVE IT LIKELY THAT THERE ARE OTHER MOTORISTS IN THE STATE OF NEBRASKA WHO ARE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS HIDDEN AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS FAULT. THE HYUNDAI DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO HELP ME SO FAR WITH A FAULT RESOLUTION PER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10361117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,500 milesNaples, FL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SUBFRAME ON A 1999 SONATA PURCHASED NEW IN IOWA AND DRIVEN THERE FOR 4 YEARS. IT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE CAUSING STEERING CONTROL ARMS AND DRIVE AXLE TO BREAK LOOSE FROM VEHICLE AND MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 089. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 09V124000. I AM GETTING NO RESPONSE AS TO IF THEY WILL COVER THIS DAMAGE AND REPLACE SUBFRAME FROM THE LOCAL DEALER TAMIAMI HYUNDAI IN NAPLES, FL AND HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER 3 TIMES TO NO AVAIL. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND IT WOULD HAVE ROLLED. NEVER SINCE I OWNED THE VEHICLE WAS TOLD OF THIS RECALL AND THEY CURRENTLY STATE THE VIN OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING SHOWN IN THE RECALL LIST, BUT IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN IOWA SO IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #10359329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,500 milesNaples, FL
SUSPENSION
I HAVE A DEFECTIVE SUBFRAME ON A 1999 SONATA PURCHASED NEW IN IOWA AND DRIVEN THERE FOR 4 YEARS. IT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE CAUSING STEERING CONTROL ARMS AND DRIVE AXLE TO BREAK LOOSE FROM VEHICLE AND MAKING VEHICLE INOPERABLE. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 089. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 09V124000. I AM GETTING NO RESPONSE AS TO IF THEY WILL COVER THIS DAMAGE AND REPLACE SUBFRAME FROM THE LOCAL DEALER TAMIAMI HYUNDAI IN NAPLES, FL AND HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER 3 TIMES TO NO AVAIL. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND IT WOULD HAVE ROLLED. NEVER SINCE I OWNED THE VEHICLE WAS TOLD OF THIS RECALL AND THEY CURRENTLY STATE THE VIN OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING SHOWN IN THE RECALL LIST, BUT IT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN IOWA SO IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #10359329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAtlanta, GA
STRUCTURE
I OWN A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS RUSTED THROUGH, PRESENTING A SEVERE SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THERE IS CURRENTLY A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL DUE TO THIS CORROSION ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND DRIVEN IN MINNESOTA FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS WHERE SALT IS APPLIED TO ROADWAYS LIKELY CONTRIBUTING THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN GEORGIA AND THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO MAKE THE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10302041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesValrico, FL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ON 1 OCT 2009 MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS FROM HIS HIGH SCHOOL TO PICK UP HIS SISTER AT THE DAYCARE JUST DOWN THE ROAD. UPON PULLING INTO THE DAYCARE PARKING LOT HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY. HE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT TO SEE IF HE HAD HIT SOMETHING OR TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT HAD HAPPENED. UPON INSPECTION THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE A-FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OF THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO BREAK COMPLETELY OFF. THANKFULLY HE WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED OR IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR EVEN FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPON RESEARCH IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 THAT ADDRESSES THIS SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER IT LOOKS LIKE IT DOESN'T COVER A RECALL OF THE 1999 MODEL AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT THOMAS.KEYSER@JCSE.MIL OR AT 813-451-6532. I?M HIGHLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY FOR ANYONE THAT DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY RECALL CAMPAIGN AS THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED IN MISSOURI.
NHTSA complaint #10286010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesValrico, FL
SUSPENSION
ON 1 OCT 2009 MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS FROM HIS HIGH SCHOOL TO PICK UP HIS SISTER AT THE DAYCARE JUST DOWN THE ROAD. UPON PULLING INTO THE DAYCARE PARKING LOT HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY. HE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT TO SEE IF HE HAD HIT SOMETHING OR TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT HAD HAPPENED. UPON INSPECTION THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE A-FRAME HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT OF THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO BREAK COMPLETELY OFF. THANKFULLY HE WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED OR IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR EVEN FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPON RESEARCH IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 THAT ADDRESSES THIS SAME ISSUE, HOWEVER IT LOOKS LIKE IT DOESN'T COVER A RECALL OF THE 1999 MODEL AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE. YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT THOMAS.KEYSER@JCSE.MIL OR AT 813-451-6532. I?M HIGHLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY FOR ANYONE THAT DRIVES THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY RECALL CAMPAIGN AS THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED IN MISSOURI.
NHTSA complaint #10286010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,395 milesSunprairie, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. COULD BARELY DRIVE TO THE SHOP. THEY FOUND OUT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE TIRE WHICH WERE NEW JUST 3 MONTHS AGO WERE TOTALLY BALD. THE CAR, A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA, IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10275119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,395 milesSunprairie, WI
TIRES
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. COULD BARELY DRIVE TO THE SHOP. THEY FOUND OUT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO BAD IT WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE TIRE WHICH WERE NEW JUST 3 MONTHS AGO WERE TOTALLY BALD. THE CAR, A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA, IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10275119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,828 milesOmaha, NE
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS A BAD GRINDING NOISE WHEN EVER WE TURNED A CORNER. THIS HAPPENED AS MY WIFE WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK. I TOOK IT TO TEST DRIVE AND WAS SURPRISED WITH HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO CONTROL. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE. HE WAS ABLE TO FIND A USED SUB FRAME TO REPLACE IT AND I DID SAVE THE OLD SUB FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #10266750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesPickerington, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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?????
NHTSA complaint #10263247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesPickerington, OH1 injured
WHEELS
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?????
NHTSA complaint #10263247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesPickerington, OH1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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?????
NHTSA complaint #10263247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBeachwood, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10258188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesJanesville, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I NOTICED MY LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION ON MY 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS SQUEAKING LOUDLY WHILE DRIVING CITY SPEEDS. MY MECHANIC NOTICED RUSTY AREA AROUND SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM, ETC. LABELED IT AS A PRIORITY REPAIR FOR SAFETY REASONS. I PREVIOUSLY HAD THE COMPLETE REAR WHEEL HUB REPLACED BECAUSE OF CORROSION A FEW YEARS AGO, TOO. I HAVE NOT GONE TO A HYUNDAI DEALER YET SO I'M NOT SURE HOW TO PROCEED FROM HERE.
NHTSA complaint #10258011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,451 milesAnderson, IN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1999 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME IS ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU. I CAUGHT IT BEFORE I WRECKED THE CAR OR RAN INTO SOMEONE DUE TO IT RESTING APART. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING IT IS VERY SAFE AND LEFT ALONE COULD CAUSE FATAL INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10253901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesTallahassee, FL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I HAVE A 1999 HYUNDAI SONATA WHICH BROKE DOWN YESTERDAY DUE BADLY RUSTED HUGE HOLE ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME. THIS MADE THE VEHICLE DISABLED AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. THIS ALSO RESULTED IN THE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL JOINTS THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE WHOLE FRONT FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THERE WOULD BE A LOT OF EXPENSE TO FIX THE CAR. I WAS READING ABOUT THE SIMILAR PROBLEMS FOR THE SONATA CARS THAT WERE MADE DURING THE 1999-2002 WERE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THE MATTER. PLEASE ADVICE ME THE FURTHER COURSES OF ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10250144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10248783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.