Most common 2000 Hyundai Sonata problems
Share of the 276 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Sonata complaints by model year
Best Sonata years: 2025, 2019, 2020. Years to avoid: 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2017. Compare all years →
2000 Hyundai Sonata recalls (4)
Suspension
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…
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…
Air bags › Side/window
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.
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.
Air bags
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring
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…
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the maf sensor connector wiring harness.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2000 Hyundai Sonata:
Front sub-frame corrosion
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation, pe08-029, on April 22, 2008, based on 40 consumer complaints alleging front sub-frame corrosion in model year (my) 1999 through 2002 Hyundai sonata vehicles.complaints describe severe corrosion of the vehicle sub-frame in the area where the right-front lower control arm is attached.in some vehicles, sub-frame corrosion has caused complete or…
Front sub-frame corrosion
In a letter dated April 14, 2009, Hyundai-Kia America technical center, inc (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that hyundaiis conducting a safety recall of model year (my) 1999 through 2004 Hyundai sonata vehicles manufactured prior to November 20, 2003 that are registered and operated in the following salt belt states and the district of columbia: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland,…
What 2000 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Body & structure all 109 →
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.
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
Suspension all 64 →
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
Dt: while driving on interstate at about 55 MPH suddenly vehicle began to spin out of control in rush hour traffic. The car spun around and struck a guard rail and stopped in traffic. No previous problems with the car. It was towed to pep boys for repairs, serviceman noted the rear driver's side control arm broke in half. No explanation as to why this happened, noted this was rare. Car is currently at pep boys for repairs. Contacted Hyundai , who claimed there were no recalls on that car and they could not help.
Air bags all 43 →
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
I purchased a new 2000 Hyundai Sonata gls from schaumburg Hyundai (il) in November 2000, and had existing damage or traffic crashes with the vehicle until on 10/07/2002, when I was forced off the roadway by a truck and struck the side of a rocky mountain head-on. The force was enough to bend the middle of the car's frame and total the car. I was thrust violently forward at impact, and suffered minor neck and back injuries, and had been properly using the seatbelt. However, none of the car's front or side air bags deflated at time of impact. This concerns me greatly since I am a police officer and aware of product defects, and recalls which effect public safety. I brought this to the attention of the schaumburg Hyundai dealer and also Hyundai motor finance, neither of which responded favorably to this concern. I guess it must actually take a death to get their proper attention! …
2000 Hyundai Sonata engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Hyundai Sonata a good car?
Based on 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Sonata rates average: 32% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sonata at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Hyundai Sonata?
The body & structure — 109 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the suspension (64) and air bags (43).
How many recalls does the 2000 Hyundai Sonata have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2000 Hyundai Sonata, the most recent from April 16, 2009 (suspension). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Sonata?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2019 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015 and 2017. See the full Hyundai Sonata years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Hyundai Sonata problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 105,000 miles; 10% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.