3.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,085 miles

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problem #3

Apr 082006

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
My 2001 Hyundai Sonata was bought new. It has given me nothing but problems from the time I drove it off the lot and as soon as I hit the 60,000 mile mark (the bumper-to-bumper warranty ended at this point), the car constantly has something wrong with it. I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs. The airbags were fixed by the dealer because there was a problem. The brakes had a loud squeak and dealer replaced (under warranty at that time). The side front window motors have been fixed twice and now the passenger side window motor is broken and I had to put tape on it so that it will stay up. The timing belt went out after the warranty. Some kind of coil broke and needed replacement. The engine light is always turning on. I stopped taking it to the dealer after the car broke down, had it towed, dealer in laurel, md claimed to have fixed it, charged me $768, picked up car, same problem, engine light still on and took it back to dealer. Dealer said there was yet another problem. They said they fixed it and they charged me over $500. Still the same problem. I took the car to a mechanic and was charged $45 for the repair. There have been several other problems that I have had to pay for repairs. I just spent $435 on another repair. Now, after each repair, I just wait for the engine light to turn on again for the next expensive repair and yet I'm still making car payments. Absolute worst car I have ever had.

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #2

Jan 062005

Sonata 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,255 miles
I bought this car new. Less than 4000 miles ago, I was at the dealership to correct a "check engine light" condition, which was fixed under warranty. I was told that at the mileage the car was at I needed routine service on the transmission under terms of the warranty. This was done. I was also told that my serpentine belt and spark plugs were due to be replaced. I was not reminded that my timing belt had to be inspected before 60000 miles. While driving at 65 mph, the engine stopped running. It was towed to the dealership. I was told that the timing belt had failed causing catastrophic damage to the engine and that since I now had 60255 miles on the car, and had not had the timing belt replaced, the 100000 mile warranty was void and they would not cover any damage. I was informed that the damage to the motor was more than $5000 and Hyundai was not responsible for any of that cost. Hyundai Consumer Affairs, after one week, still has not answered my phone calls.

- Ocoee, FL, USA

problem #1

Aug 192003

Sonata

  • Manual transmission
  • 54,000 miles
I bought my 2001 Hyundai Sonata less than 2 years ago. Since that time I have had to replace both window motors, front and rear brakes, timing belt and all tires. I would have thought that a brand new car would be trouble-free (that's why I chose Hyundai, because of the great warranty) however, it appears that is not the case. My car recently broke down on my way home from work, had to be towed and was in for repair for a week (timing belt), which was a huge inconvenience and expense for me. I am now looking for a suitable trade-in for my Hyundai and would not recommend one to friends and family members.

- California City, CA, USA