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 2001 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
As I was driving down the road at apprx 30 MPH. The car would de celerate. I would have to take my foot off the gas and then put back on to get the car to move. Also at the same time the car would bang into gear from park and into reverse. I was told it needed a new transmission. The car was purchased new out of the showroom with 10 miles on it and 6 months later a new transmission. ( well we were told at the time it was brand new, I have since learned that it was a rebuilt) shame on the dealer for lying to customers. The car did OK till about 3 months ago. The car will decelerate and I have to do what I stated above. Then cant get out of park and the traction control light comes on. This has happened numerous times. A new brake switch was put in and the car was fine for 7 full days and on the 8th day same thing. …
I came to a complete stop after driving only 10mph, my engine cradle dropped down there for smashing through my front axel, and turning in both of my front wheels. Not realizing what happened I continued to drive to a repair shop. Both tires popped. I called a tow truck and paid an outrageous amount to get a tow to a repair shop. I was without a car for 2 weeks while they replied my vehicle which cost me almost $1,300. My insure company would not total out my vehicle because they said it was due to salt corrosion and rust (ware and tear). Did I mention I was on vacation when this happened? $$$. Now my transmission is trouble shooting somehow (151,000 miles). It's having trouble switching gears and it hits pretty hard when it finally does. I have to turn the car off and turn it back on, sometimes this helps sometimes it does. My RPM shot up to 4 or 5 which burns gas like crazy. …
I bought this car new. Less than 4000 miles ago, I was at the dealership to correct a "check engine light" condition, which was fixed under warranty. I was told that at the mileage the car was at I needed routine service on the transmission under terms of the warranty. This was done. I was also told that my serpentine belt and spark plugs were due to be replaced. I was not reminded that my timing belt had to be inspected before 60000 miles. While driving at 65 MPH, the engine stopped running. It was towed to the dealership. I was told that the timing belt had failed causing catastrophic damage to the engine and that since I now had 60255 miles on the car, and had not had the timing belt replaced, the 100000 mile warranty was void and they would not cover any damage. I was informed that the damage to the motor was more than $5000 and Hyundai was not responsible for any of that cost. …
Engine misses and backfires through the intake. The major problem is when the engine is running and it doesn't matter if it is in park, or if you are driving it. I was on my way to work when it malfunctioned. I was sitting at a signal light when the engine accelerator went up to 4200 RPM by itself with no foot on the pedal. I almost got into an accident, I pressed harder on the brake pedal and had to take it out of drive to avoid hitting the car in front of me. The engines rpms change a lot now and will not idle right at all; this car is not safe to drive with these engine problems; and should not be on the highway. I had a pennsylvania certified inspection mechanic look at and drive the car; and he said the car is not safe to drive; and if it would have been due for state inspection that it would have not passed; but failed and would be illegal to drive.
I was driving along and the engine shut off suddenly. Crank shaft sensor failed three separate times in this vehicle. Once at 32,000 miles. Nearly lost control around a 90 degree bend. Second time occurred June 9th, 2005 at 83,000 miles after turning off a highway. Third time it occurred was July 15th, 2005. I was idling and attempted to put it in drive to proceed forward. I had it towed twice in three days to dealer. Each time, the sensor was replaced. The last two times the crank blade was also replaced. None of the times did I expect there to be any problems with driving the vehicle. Now I am worried a lot. The second time, I could tell it was happening since the RPM needle dropped to zero and then it shut off.
The consumer was going about 25 MPH and the check engine light came on and vehicle just died. The vehicle jerked to a stop, then later drove normally. Later, the check engine light went off, and it began to drive normally. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who was not able to duplicate the problem. However, the service manager said there was no problem, but the consumer $135.00 for changing the transmission fluid. After getting the vehicle back on 8/24/04, the vehicle suddenly made a loud grinding metal sound, the dealership claimed it was the trans axle. The consumer stated that they were guessing just to get her out of the dealership.
I bought my 2001 Hyundai Sonata less than 2 years ago. Since that time I have had to replace both window motors, front and rear brakes, timing belt and all tires. I would have thought that a brand new car would be trouble-free (that's why I chose Hyundai, because of the great warranty) however, it appears that is not the case. My car recently broke down on my way home from work, had to be towed and was in for repair for a week (timing belt), which was a huge inconvenience and expense for me. I am now looking for a suitable trade-in for my Hyundai and would not recommend one to friends and family members.
Lower oxygen sensor malfunctioned, causing the "check engine" light to stay on. I have been returning to the suntrup dealership in missouri every since I purchased the car for the same exact problem. And the problem is always the oxygen sensors. I have a 2001 Hyundai Sonata and I have been having the same problems over and over. I had an extended warranty that I purchased with the car for $1,300.00 and I find out on my last visit to the dealership that the warranty company filed bankruptcy. So now I have no warranty on my car and I have lost money for no reason.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The crankshaft sensor failed and was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure recurred two additional times due to the crankshaft and was repaired under warranty. The dealer stated that they would only pay for the part, not the labor. The vehicle has been at the dealer for approximately one week, but has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
While driving, thr vehicle jerked to a stop. It was discovered that speed sensor was defective. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the manufacture will not accept responsibility. The brakes had worn away, one brake pad was missing, there was a loud grinding sound in the rear of the vehicle and the vehicle refused to shift when turning corners. The service dealer found it nessasary to replace the rear oxygen sensor and found that the output speed sensor was faulty.
Engine complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata, 12% of the model year's 205 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Hyundai Sonata engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2001 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 3 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 2001 Hyundai Sonata engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 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.