Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine began to rev excessively high and the vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated and vibrated. In addition, the automatic transmission shifted violently into gear. There was no power response during acceleration, which resulted in the engine stalling intermittently. The warning indicator also illuminated on the instrument panel intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection, but they were unable to duplicate the failures. The mass damper was replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on six separate occasions for identical failures. The repairs consisted of a complete tune up, replacement of the "output" speed sensor, and the battery was replaced twice; however, the failures continued. …
Frame of 2000 Hyundai Sonata was found during oil change to be severely rusted to the point where vehicle was unsafe to drive. Went to dealership where we were told to contact Hyundai corp. After 2 week period we were told Hyundai would do nothing to correct problem. Went back to dealership and after 3 days were again told nothing would be done to fix problem. The car only had 88,000 miles on it when problem was discovered and still had original muffler. Does frame usually rust out before muffler? Eventually because of need for vehicle were forced to have vehicle fixed out of pocket. Repair shop told us they had repaired several Hyundai sonatas over the last year with rust all in the same spot on the frame and that some couldn't even make it to the shop without a tow. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. The contact was driving approximately 25 MPH when the "check engine" warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and immediately, the engine stalled. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to the mass air flow sensor. The vehicle was repaired for the malfunction. Recall number 00V259001, electrical system, wiring was related to the failure; however, the VIN was excluded. Recently, the failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation without warning. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 90,000. The current mileage was 97,000.
The crankshaft position sensor is faulty. I don't understand how Hyundai can have a recall for this item in their Kia optimas and santa fe 2.5l v-6 engines, but not in the 2.5l v-6 sonatas. The least of the problems is difficulty starting, which seems to be the culmination of the problem. The beginning of the problem is the loss of power and stalling, incredibly dangerous while on the highway traveling at 60 MPH and without warning the car loses power. Last year I spent over $500 for a tune up and spark plug wires. The check engine just came on today after having trouble getting started and had it diagnosed as a p0335 crankshaft position sensor a circuit malfunction. I called several dealerships and the repair is in excess of $400 for labor plus parts.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 25 MPH, the front passenger side tire assembly was falling off the vehicle due to a rusted engine cradle on the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to a service station and they replaced the passenger side driveshaft assembly. After the repair was made, the contact still heard noises. The vehicle was returned to the shop and, upon further inspection, the engine cradle wheel hub assembly was found to be out of place due to rust. The entire wheel rotated while the driver side remained stationary. The failure caused the engine cradle to rust. There is a current investigation (pe08029) for this failure. The current and failure mileages were 129,358.
I was traveling down the highway when without warning my engine simply shut off, and the power assist to the brakes and steering was stopped. I tried moving from the center lane over to the shoulder and was almost rear-ended by a vehicle in the right lane. I was able to pull the car off on the right shoulder and stop. The vehicle would not restart and I had to have it towed to the nearest dealer in the area, pugi Hyundai in downers grove, il. They took the vehicle in for service and later in the morning informed me that the crankshaft position sensor had failed. The cost of repair will be a minimum of $600, and possibly more, depending if they determine the engine needs additional repair parts.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. The contact has been experiencing failure with the sensor plug on her vehicle. She has had to pay $200 each time the vehicle has been repaired. She stated that she is also experiencing failure with the powertrain automatic transmission, which caused her vehicle to stall. She has had to replace her engine and the battery approximately two to three times. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 118,000 and failure mileage was 67,000. The consumer stated replaced the engine 1 time and the battery twice. The dealer stated radio jumping channels. Updated 09/05/07
Tl contact's daughter owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. While the contact's daughter was pulling into the driveway, the passenger side front wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine cradle rusted out where the two bolts were attached to the subframe. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic and he confirmed the failure. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 143,000. Updated 01/23/08 updated
Tl contact owns a 2000 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at any speed, the check engine light illuminates on the instrument panel and the vehicle suddenly shuts off. The failure occurs intermittently and the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 73,899. Updated 10/14/08 the oxygen sensor was replaced. Updated 10/15/08.
Car stalls out in low speed driving, idling, and or when back up. I have been able to avoid an accident with passengers in the vehicle or not in the vehicle while I was driving. I have had oil changed, fluids checked, alternator changed, spark plugs and wires also checked. The car has also had fuel system flushed and problem with stalling persist.
Engine complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 Hyundai Sonata, 11% of the model year's 276 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Hyundai Sonata engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.