I also own a 2001 Sonata. I just got notice in the mail yesterday about a recall. It has something to do with the air bag light being on. It will effect the side air bags going off - make sure you call your dealer. My air bag light has been on for a few months, now I know why. The car didn't start on me a couple of times - I had to jiggle the wire to the alternator and then it turned on just fine. Also, both my headlights went out after a year and three months (not at the same time, but close enought). After all this, I WOULD BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI UNTIL I CAN AFFORD SOMETHING IN AT LEAST THE 30's (thousands). It's a big car comfortable car for the price. It runs well, and is good on gas. The sound system is pretty decent too. When I first got it people thought it was some kind of new luxury car and didn't even think it was a Hyundai. I personally never thought I would get one. It's was the best choice for the money ($15,500 for a 2001 in Sept. of 2000). I would like to get a 2002.

I am very unhappy with my 2000 Hyundai Sonata. I've had to replace the transmission, my headlights have gone out alternately at least six times. They have replaced the alternator. I've had to replace the brake drums and yet, there is still a squeal noise coming from the brakes. The major recurring problem are the headlights. At this time they are both out. I owned a Hyundai Elantra previously and had no problems with it except fogging of the windows. To add to this the dealership took over three weeks to replace the transmission and it didn't go past second gear. When I picked up the car from the dealership the car had external damage to the front fender where someone had driven it into a wall, and they never told me about it! They fixed the damage, but I am still appalled at the poor service I redeived. I would never buy another Hyundai again.