2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 from North America

Summary:

Wish I hadn't bought it

Faults:

In first three years, power window motors were replaced twice, each front door. Oxygen sensor replaced three times. Tires were dry rotted after two years.

Fourth and fifth year, paint started peeling/oxidizing from the back bumper and side moldings. All except tires were repaired/replaced under warranty.

Sixth and seventh years, both front and rear variable speed sensors broke and needed replacing. These keep the car in gear (or not, as happened on the freeway), but are not covered under warranty. Paint is peeling on the roof and inside the door handles. The radio antenna has problems going up and down. The dealer offered to replace the motor for only $340. I laughed at them.

Eighth year, rack and pinion leaked oil and needed replacing. Chrome on the inside door handles is peeling and will cut you if you open the door wrong.

General Comments:

I love the way it handles, and the way it looks (ignoring the peeling paint).

I only have 35200 miles, and am searching for a new car. The engine train warranty doesn't mean anything because the engine itself doesn't break, just everything around it. I thought I could hold out for the ten year warranty, but I think it's time to cut my losses. Maybe someone will take it for scrap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd June, 2009

25th Jun 2009, 15:42

Hey man (or woman for that matter), I hate to burden you with this but all these are MINOR problems. And the reason why your tires are dryrotting and you antennae doesn't work at times is because you don't drive it enough, If that's all the mileage you've put on it in 8 years, then you need to drive it more often to keep things functioning properly. If you can't handle spending money on your car then I recommend you invest in a bus schedule because whatever new car you choose, it's going to cost you money as well. Get used to it. They are ALL man made you know!!

2001 Hyundai Sonata from North America

Summary:

Extremely disappointed and feel cheated. Not worth the money

Faults:

Air Bag on passenger light went on. Airbags not functional.

Air conditioner went out after 8,000 miles. Condenser defect.

Passenger window does not roll up or down. Defective cable on window motor after 3 years.

Overheating problems after 5 years. Had to replace water pump.

Crankshaft Positioning Sensor went out. This was a major problem where the car would not start and required major maintenance to fix.

General Comments:

Have you ever heard of a car being cursed? This car is definetely skunked with lots of annoying problems. The engine has performed well however little attention was given to the design of other important components on the car. Air bags went defective after one year. Air conditioner went out after 6 months (bad condensor).Window on passenger side would not open or close (bad motor cable on window). Not to mention the open/closing switch on the drivers side window is very erratic and is in need of replacment. The biggest problem occurred when the car died on the highway after 75,000 miles of use in which the Crankshaft Positioning Sensor went out. What a major repair!

Now after 5 years this bad lemon car is having overheating problems.

Never again will I buy a Hyundai. Period!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th October, 2007

2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Nice car for the price..

Faults:

The most frustrating problem is that the power window regulator/motor has gone out on 3 of the four windows. It has gone out twice on the driver's side door. The first one went out while in warranty at about 58,000 miles. The next three happened out of warranty. I had a chance to see the broken motor pulley after one of the repairs. It had completely disintegrated. It was so brittle, it fell apart in my hand. In my opinion this is a manufacturer defect and should have been part of a recall.

The power antenna motor failed at about 78,000 miles.

Both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced. One at 80,000 and the other at about 110,000.

The airbag light stays on. That started at about 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

Based on the price I paid, I'm not complaining since I have 130K on it.. If I can get 70,000 miles without major repairs, I will be very satisfied.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2006

23rd Jun 2009, 03:07

You were awfully lucky to get that many miles without major problems. Wish I'd bought your car instead!