Add me to the list! I have a 2001 Sonata and have had it to the dealer too many times for them to NOT have noticed the cradle was rusting out. Finally we recently went to have an alignment done (not at a dealer) and they pointed out that the car was not safe to drive. It was so rusted out the engine was ready to fall out. Luckily we have bumper to bumper coverage for 100K. This really almost sounds like a class action suit. Any Attorneys out there interested?

It's been a good car inspite of the problems we've had over the years. It left us stranded a few times with some kind of vapor lock. Wait a few hours and it would start. Albeit lots of smoke and water coming out of the tail pipe.

 

call HMA direct

 

I also have the rust problem.My 2000 Sonata has been pulling to the left, so I took it into my mechanic to realign the wheels. Much to my dismay, he informed me that the engine cradle had rusted a good amount. He wouldn't let me drive it away because he deemed it very unsafe! I am not happy reading these other posts where there is the same problem, and Hyundai is doing nothing about it. I have made a consumer complaint, and will contact a lawyer to see if there is anything there.

 

HUGE Hyundai recall for rust and brake lights:
https://www.hyundaiforum.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=6251

 

Yep, enough people complain and they will recall it. In the meantime, if the dealer/Hyundai says they won't cover it than get it documented in writing. Then drive the car till the engine falls out on the freeway. Sue Hyundai if you live and get rich.

 

There is a recall on it, for the Rust Belt States:

Recall, affecting up to 175,765 1999-2004 Sonata, XG300, and XG350 models, is NHTSA Campaign 09V124000. That recall, limited to America's so-called "Salt Belt" states, is centered around potentially excessive corrosion of the front sub-frame due to winter road salt applications. If unnoticed, the lower control arm may separate from its mount.
Hyundai dealers will inspect, repair, and replace defective or damaged parts at no cost to the owner. In some situations, rust-proofing material will be added to chassis areas to arrest the corrosion process. Owners of affected vehicles may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151, call the NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit SAFERCAR.GOV. Press releases after the jump.

 

Discovered the same problem today on my 2000 Sonata (85K miles, original owner). Steering became erratic. It's now unsafe to drive. I didn't know about this issue because I never got the recall notice.

Anyone driving a 1999-2004 Sonata, GET IT CHECKED NOW!! It could save your life.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/04...as-prompt.html

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls...rue&refurl=rss

 

Thank you JohnCase3

I have been trying to find out how to do this myself, as I can't afford any dealer charges, but your references clearly state it will be done free.

I will call the dealer this coming week to see what they will do. Mine looks to be in good chape, I drilled two 1/2" holes in the back and it was dry inside, and the metal was thick and solid, so it may be saveable.