2001 Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder from North America
Summary:
Piece of junk
Faults:
Battery had to be replaced in less than 2 years. Dealer replaced it at no charge.
Driver's side window would not go up, required new cables.
Passenger's side window would not go up, required new cables.
Clear-coat started to lift and eventually peeled off the bumper. Dealer would not help me because I had 38,000 miles on the car. Called Hyundai, received a case number and never could get a representative to call me. I gave up. Paint is now peeling everywhere.
Tint on windows peeled and bubbled. Looks horrible. This was an after market item, but was included with the car purchase. Dealer will not replace.
Back doors wouldn't open. It took 4 service visits to get the part right for just one power door!
Windshield wipers stop in the middle of the windshield when in use. Replacing the motor did not resolve the problem entirely. Works now on fast speed, but often can't get them to go down. Intermittent setting just stops anywhere on the windshield.
Radio speakers need replacement. Problems started after about 4 years.
Car died on interstate and was told I needed a battery after an expensive tow. Paid Hyundai dealer over $140 and it stalled the next day. Turned out to be the alternator. This was at 55K miles.
New problem today. Another door won't open. This time it is the front passenger door. Car has approx 55,600 miles.
General Comments:
Engine is very sluggish, but has run okay for over 5 years.
Most of my problems have been with the power locks and the power windows. Told it is the heat, but never had this problem with other cars in Florida.
Brakes have always squeaked since 20K miles, so it's hard to know when they need to be replaced. Told it must be "sand" or "dust" but never had this problem with any other car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 8th October, 2006
23rd Feb 2007, 03:07
Just one question.. What did you expect when buying a Korean car? It's not a Japanese you know... if you want a reliable car that will last you BUY A Japanese.
HYUNDAI AND KIA ARE THE SAME COMPANY. 10-15 years ago... Koreans had trouble installing stereo systems in their cars because electronis were too "complicated". And you expected that a Hyundai would be reliable. Damn... next time read the reviews about the car before you buy it.
Go to Toyota, Honda, whatever... any Japanese company... and buy yourself a real car. And by the way...I'm not Asian, I'm American, so don't think I'm "Patriotic about cars" like some Americans are. And then you see them on these damn surveys saying how bad their cars are.
BUY A Japanese <PeAcE>