NHTSA vehicle safety data

2000 Hyundai Sonata Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2000 Hyundai Sonata has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 276 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Hyundai dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2000 Hyundai Sonata, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2000 Hyundai Sonata owner complaints

Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Hyundai Sonata, describing incidents dated January 15, 2000 to January 5, 2022.

Most-cited components

Structure 109 complaints
Suspension 64 complaints
Air Bags 42 complaints
Electrical System 36 complaints
Engine 31 complaints
Power Train 19 complaints

Of the 276 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 276 complaints, owners report 15 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11458173 · Filed March 24, 2022
Rt passenger side wheel clunks when turning, loud noise when moving took to dealer they found nothing wrong. I returned to dealer again a couple weeks later to confirm my a arm needs repairs, safety issues airbag’s light remaining lit told repairs not available for year and make iwas told to deal…
ODI #11185436 · Filed March 8, 2019
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…
ODI #11100758 · Filed June 10, 2018
I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN AIRBAG RECALL ON SOME MODEL CARS, I DRIVE A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS THAT HAS AN AIRBAG LIGHT ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE, I SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT, OR WHAT TO DO, PLEASE ADVISE. THIS AIRBAG LITE ON THE DASHBOARD GOES ON AS SOON AS I START…

Read all 276 complaints

Owner-reported

2000 Hyundai Sonata mileage at failure

172 of the 276 complaints on file for the 2000 Hyundai Sonata give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Structure	Median 115,000 miles	Middle half 90,000–135,000 miles	Based on 93 complaints
Suspension	Median 120,000 miles	Middle half 95,000–150,000 miles	Based on 45 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2000 Hyundai Sonata in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA08-016: FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
Closed April 20, 2009
- Recall 09V-124
Preliminary Evaluation PE08-029: FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION
Closed August 21, 2008

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

FRONT SUB-FRAME CORROSION

NHTSA #09V124000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice

Reported April 16, 2009 · Hyundai Motor Company

Potentially affected: 188,282 vehicles

Hyundai campaign 089 · Owners notified July 17, 2009 · Vehicles built September 15, 1998 – November 20, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.

Safety consequence

IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

Notes

HYUNDAI RECALL NO. 089.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

HYUNDAI/AIR BAG WIRING

NHTSA #02V105000 · Air Bags — Side/Window · NHTSA notice

Reported April 9, 2002 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 145,355 vehicles

Owners notified May 28, 2002 · Vehicles built March 1, 1998 – July 23, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION THAT LEADS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION COULD RESULT FROM MOTION OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR WHICH MOUNT TO THE ADJUSTABLE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS AND COULD PREVENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING A CRASH WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR.

Safety consequence

NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL MORE SECURELY FASTEN THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTORS TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HYUNDAI/SRS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT

NHTSA #01V347000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported November 6, 2001 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 86,513 vehicles

Owners notified May 27, 2002 · Vehicles built March 1, 1998 – November 22, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COULD ILLUMINATE DUE TO MOTION OF THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR THAT MOUNT TO THE ADJUSTABLE SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION ONLY RELATES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG(S).

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE SUCH DEPLOYMENT SHOULD OCCUR. NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY DURING AN ACCIDENT WHERE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL MORE SECURELY FASTEN THE FRONT SEAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS AND CONNECTORS TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL OCCUR IN SIX MAILINGS ON MAY 27, JUNE 3, JUNE 10, JUNE 17, JUNE 24, AND JULY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HYUNDAI/ENGINE STALLING

NHTSA #00V259001 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported September 11, 2000 · HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 165,977 vehicles

Hyundai campaign 039/040 · Owners notified November 18, 2000 · Vehicles built July 1, 1998 – July 4, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5 LITER V-6 ENGINES AND ALL ELANTRA MODEL VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOW-SPEED ENGINE STALLING, WHICH COULD OCCUR IF THE MAF (MASS AIR FLOW) SENSOR ELECTRICAL SIGNAL IS INTERRUPTED AS A RESULT OF ENGINE VIBRATION TRANSMITTED TO THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE MAF SENSOR CONNECTOR WIRING HARNESS.

Notes

HYUNDAI RECALL NOS. 039 AND 040.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2000 Hyundai Sonata 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

2 investigations

276 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Hyundai Sonata.

Suspension; Power Train; Air Bags

ODI #11458173

Incident: January 5, 2022 · Filed: March 24, 2022

Rt passenger side wheel clunks when turning, loud noise when moving took to dealer they found nothing wrong. I returned to dealer again a couple weeks later to confirm my a arm needs repairs, safety issues airbag’s light remaining lit told repairs not available for year and make iwas told to deal with it by dealer even if it was a safety issue, driving car doesn’t matter what speed my back end sounds like it is falling apart and my car will slam out or into gear I have reviewed recalls and safety issues and I have been told that they have been closed even if my car is currently having issues with the vehicle recalls ie..slamming in and out of gear, arm issues and clunky noises on turns and driving,rear end clunk sounds like no shocks or struts

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11185436

Incident: February 19, 2018 · Filed: March 8, 2019

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

Air Bags

ODI #11100758

Incident: May 3, 2018 · Filed: June 10, 2018

I UNDERSTAND THERE IS AN AIRBAG RECALL ON SOME MODEL CARS, I DRIVE A 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS THAT HAS AN AIRBAG LIGHT ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE, I SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT, OR WHAT TO DO, PLEASE ADVISE. THIS AIRBAG LITE ON THE DASHBOARD GOES ON AS SOON AS I START THE ENGINE, AND STAYS ON ALL THE TIME THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THIS AIRBAG LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF UNTIL I TURN THE ENGINE OFF.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #10960047

Incident: February 20, 2017 · Filed: March 10, 2017

TL* 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.

Power Train; Air Bags

ODI #10957154

Incident: February 12, 2017 · Filed: February 27, 2017

"TAKADA RECALL " TRANSMISSION DON'T SHIFT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON IT IS SUCK IN 3RD GEAR NEXT TIME START CAR NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAR SHIFTS BUT BANGS HARD IN AND OUT OF NEXT GEAR THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CAR IS STUCK IN THIRD GEAR.ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON ALL TIME.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #10702994

Incident: March 31, 2015 · Filed: March 31, 2015

WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ON SIDE ROAD, THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM PULLED COMPLETELY OUT OF THE FRAME. INSPECTION AFTER FOUND LARGE HOLE RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRAME RAIL. INSPECTED RIGHT SIDE AND FRAME HAS SAME TYPE OF RUSTED AND MISSING FRAME SEGMENTS. THANKFULLY THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED AND NOT ON THE INTERSTATE WHERE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. DOING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEGINNING WITH 1999 MODEL. *TR

Suspension

ODI #10694558

Incident: December 1, 2008 · Filed: March 24, 2015

2000 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RUSTED REAR CROSS MEMBER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN DECEMBER 2008, THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER BECAME RUSTED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER AS IT WAS UNDER RECALL DUE TO RUST. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR CROSS MEMBER FRAME RUSTED AND ABOUT TO BREAK APART. WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. AND THE COST TO REPLACE IT, WAS $3,000. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10662459

Incident: December 4, 2014 · Filed: December 5, 2014

THE FUEL TANK ON 2000 HYUNDAI SONATA IS CRACKED AND LEAKING GASOLINE. THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CABIN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HAZMAT TEAM RESPONDED. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN AN EXPLOSION IF THE GAS VAPORS IGNITED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR HYUNDAI SONATA. THE FUEL TANK CAN CRACK AND LEAK GASOLINE. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY 2000 SONATA. THE CAR IS NOW AT A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY ARE REPLACING THE SUBRAME BECAUSE IT HAS A RECALL FOR SEVER RUST. THEY DO NOT WANT TO RECALL THE ISSUE WITH THE RUSTED, CRACKED FUEL TANK. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #10660127

Incident: October 21, 2013 · Filed: November 21, 2014

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. DEALER (TAYLOR HYUNDAI) DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR BAG RECALL ON THIS MODEL. *TR

Suspension; Structure; Wheels

ODI #10595385

Incident: May 23, 2014 · Filed: June 1, 2014

WHEN DRIVING TO WORK THE WHEEL START TO PULL. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I TOOK A LOOK AT THE FRAME THERE WAS A 2 INCH CRACK IN ONE SIDE AND A 1/4 INCH BY 20 INCH CRACK IN THE OTHER SIDE. WHEN I TOUCH IT THE FRAME WAS ROTTEN. *TR

Other Hyundai Sonata model years

Check your 2000 Hyundai Sonata VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Hyundai Sonata at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Hyundai VIN