1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Sonata GLS › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Hyundai Sonata GLS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
46 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries7 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 hyundai sonata GLS. While making a left turn at a traffic light, the front passenger side suspension separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was included in nhtsa action number: ea08016 (structure, suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Structure · Suspension
I own a 1999 hyundai sonata and was informed by my mechanic that the front sub frame on the passenger side IS rusting through, presenting a severe safety risk to the driver and passengers. There IS currently a manufacturer's recall showing for the 2001-2004 model from your investigation. Shouldn't…
I own a 1999 hyundai sonata and was informed by my mechanic that the front sub frame on the passenger side IS rusting through, presenting a severe safety risk to the driver and passengers. There IS currently a manufacturer's recall showing for the 2001-2004 model from your investigation. Shouldn't the 1999 be included due to it having many complaints due to this corrosion issue. The vehicle was purchased in maryland and owned in virginia for a period of time. It also has been in out of virginia for the last ten years where salt IS applied to roadways likely contributing this problem. The vehicle IS currently registered in north carolina and the local hyundai dealership refuses to make the repair. *tr
- Air bags › Side/window
1999 hyundai sonat GLS airbag warning light continues to come on after being worked on by hyundai dealer 10-15 times. was worked on without issue while under warranty with no success. once extended warrenty expired, the dealer then knew that the car needed a new wire harness for about $1000. the…
1999 hyundai sonat GLS airbag warning light continues to come on after being worked on by hyundai dealer 10-15 times. was worked on without issue while under warranty with no success. once extended warrenty expired, the dealer then knew that the car needed a new wire harness for about $1000. the service manager then suggested that I hard -wire the wire harness to get around the connector issue. IS there a recourse to an airbag problkem that has been worked on at least a dozen times? *tr
- Power train › Driveline · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension · Suspension › Front
Vehicle had developed a front end alignment problem, and I scheduled an alignment. The morning before the scheduled alignment, I was pulling out of my driveway to go to work when the right inner cv joint disintegrated. Investigation revealed severe subframe corrosion resulting in the control arm…
Vehicle had developed a front end alignment problem, and I scheduled an alignment. The morning before the scheduled alignment, I was pulling out of my driveway to go to work when the right inner cv joint disintegrated. Investigation revealed severe subframe corrosion resulting in the control arm mount separating from the subframe, causing the cv joint to fail and the vehicle to become inoperable. Nhtsa and hyundai issued a recall in 2009, campaign ID number: 09v124000. However, the state I reside in (nebraska) IS not listed as a "salt belt" state and IS not covered by the recall. Nebraska does indeed use salt on the roads, and the description of the fault and potential results matches exactly with the rust and corrosion on my vehicle's subframe and the results. I believe it likely that there are other motorists in the state of nebraska who are driving these vehicles with this hidden and potentially very dangerous fault. The hyundai dealer has been unable to help me so far with a fault resolution per the recall. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
I have a defective subframe on a 1999 sonata purchased new in iowa and driven there for 4 years. it has completely rusted out on the passenger front side causing steering control arms and drive axle to break loose from vehicle and making vehicle inoperable. this should be covered under hyundai…
I have a defective subframe on a 1999 sonata purchased new in iowa and driven there for 4 years. it has completely rusted out on the passenger front side causing steering control arms and drive axle to break loose from vehicle and making vehicle inoperable. this should be covered under hyundai recall campaign 089. nhtsa campaign ID no. 09V124000. I am getting no response as to if they will cover this damage and replace subframe from the local dealer tamiami hyundai in naples, fl and have also contacted the hyundai customer assistance center 3 times to no avail. I was told by a mechanic that if this would have happened at highway speeds I would have probably lost control of vehicle and it would have rolled. Never since I owned the vehicle was told of this recall and they currently state the vin of the vehicle IS not being shown in the recall list, but it was purchased new in iowa so it should be included. *Tr
- Structure
I own a 1999 hyundai sonata and was informed by my mechanic that the front sub frame on the passenger side IS rusted through, presenting a severe safety risk to the driver and passengers. There IS currently a manufacturer's recall due to this corrosion issue. The vehicle was purchased and driven in…
I own a 1999 hyundai sonata and was informed by my mechanic that the front sub frame on the passenger side IS rusted through, presenting a severe safety risk to the driver and passengers. There IS currently a manufacturer's recall due to this corrosion issue. The vehicle was purchased and driven in minnesota for the last ten years where salt IS applied to roadways likely contributing this problem. The vehicle IS currently registered in georgia and the local hyundai dealership refuses to make the repair. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
On 1 oct 2009 my son was driving his 1999 hyundai sonata GLS from his high school to pick up his sister at the daycare just down the road. upon pulling into the daycare parking lot he heard a loud sound and the front passenger side of the vehicle dropped significantly. he immediately stopped the…
On 1 oct 2009 my son was driving his 1999 hyundai sonata GLS from his high school to pick up his sister at the daycare just down the road. upon pulling into the daycare parking lot he heard a loud sound and the front passenger side of the vehicle dropped significantly. he immediately stopped the vehicle and got out to see if he had hit something or to see exactly what had happened. upon inspection the front passenger side a-frame had completely rusted out of the sub frame of the vehicle causing it to break completely off. thankfully he was traveling at a low rate of speed or it could have caused a major accident or even further damage to the vehicle. upon research it was discovered that there IS a nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v124000 that addresses this same issue, however it looks like it doesn't cover a recall of the 1999 model and when I contacted the dealership they stated there was no recall for this vehicle. you can contact me at thomas.keyser@jcse.mil or at 813-451-6532. i?m highly concerned for the safety for anyone that drives this vehicle and I feel that since this seems to be a systemic issue that it should be covered under the factory recall campaign as this vehicle was originally titled in missouri. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Tires
Driving down the road the car began to pull to the right. Could barely drive to the shop. They found out the frame was rusted so bad it was not drivable. The tire which were new just 3 months ago were totally bald. The car, a 1999 hyundai sonata, IS now not drivable. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving the vehicle suddenly pulled sharply to the right. There was a bad grinding noise when ever we turned a corner. This happened as my wife was coming home from work. I took it to test drive and was surprised with how difficult it was to control. I took it to my mechanic and he said the…
While driving the vehicle suddenly pulled sharply to the right. There was a bad grinding noise when ever we turned a corner. This happened as my wife was coming home from work. I took it to test drive and was surprised with how difficult it was to control. I took it to my mechanic and he said the sub frame was completely rusted through and the vehicle was not safe to operate. He was able to find a used sub frame to replace it and I did save the old sub frame. *Tr
- Structure › Body · Structure › Frame and members · Wheels
The issue IS identical to the one on record for structure issues on this car. While driving the front passenger wheel and it's assembly flew off from the car. The car had been having some steering difficulty's and I was actually bringing it in to the firestone station- it actually happened right in…
The issue IS identical to the one on record for structure issues on this car. While driving the front passenger wheel and it's assembly flew off from the car. The car had been having some steering difficulty's and I was actually bringing it in to the firestone station- it actually happened right in front of the firestone center. The tire arm connecting to the frame was totally rusted out. The price to fix the car will be totally astronomical. There should be no reason that the car would rust out and cause that damage- it IS 10 years old. We had even bought the extra rust package on the car. I or someone else could have been killed and serious damage. Luckily, I am a firefighter and am used to handling vehicles. I believe hyundai should compensate somehow and should be held liable. Why were we never notifies that there was an issue????? *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
1999 hyundai sonata GLS. Car felt like it was hydroplaning without it raining or snowing. Felt like it the steering was out of control. Noticed that right tire was sticking out of the well so I went to have the front tires replaced and aligned. While replacing front tires the mechanic noticed that…
1999 hyundai sonata GLS. Car felt like it was hydroplaning without it raining or snowing. Felt like it the steering was out of control. Noticed that right tire was sticking out of the well so I went to have the front tires replaced and aligned. While replacing front tires the mechanic noticed that the tires bend inward. They could not do the alignment as he felt something was broken on the frame. Referred to an auto body shop. The mechanic informed that the subframe had holes throughout due to rust and rot. He has seen this before with the same make, model, and year of the car. The car IS completely unsafe to drive and was informed that the wheels or engine could fall out at anytime. Also informed that a subframe should not rust or rot. I researched online and found that numerous complaints have been made due to this subframe issue. Contacted the hyundai national line directly and opened up a case# 3505497. Awaiting the outcome at this time. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
I noticed my left front suspension on my 1999 hyundai sonata GLS squeaking loudly while driving city speeds. My mechanic noticed rusty area around suspension control arm, etc. Labeled it as a priority repair for safety reasons. I previously had the complete rear wheel hub replaced because of corrosion a few years ago, too. I have not gone to a hyundai dealer yet so I'm not sure how to proceed from here. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
1999 hyundai sonata GLS the right side frame IS almost completely rusted thru. I caught it before I wrecked the car or ran into someone due to it resting apart. This should not be happening it IS very safe and left alone could cause fatal injuries. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I have a 1999 hyundai sonata which broke down yesterday due badly rusted huge hole on the front right side of the frame. This made the vehicle disabled and can not be driven. this also resulted in the damage to the wheel joints the mechanic told me that the whole front frame…
I have a 1999 hyundai sonata which broke down yesterday due badly rusted huge hole on the front right side of the frame. This made the vehicle disabled and can not be driven. this also resulted in the damage to the wheel joints the mechanic told me that the whole front frame had to be replaced. He also told me that there would be a lot of expense to fix the car. I was reading about the similar problems for the sonata cars that were made during the 1999-2002 were having similar problems and the nhtsa was investigating the matter. please advice me the further courses of action. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front
Noticed that the tires were getting misaligned and the car keeps pulling to the right. finally took the tire off and noticed that the passenger side sub-frame IS rusted all the way through where all the suspension attachments are barely holding in its place. nothing has been done to fix the issue at this moment due to its repair cost vs what the vehicle IS worth. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
Just everyday driving to and from work, the usual speed bumps ( taken at normal speeds for said speed bumps) the steering pulls to the right, significantly, and the front right tire IS at an angle instead of perpendicular to the road. The k-frame has rotted out and caused the front left spindle to bend, making the vehicle undrivable. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
I had absolutely no idea of a problem and there were no symptoms until my "backyard" mechanic, while he was replacing my brake rotors, mentioned the frame where the front passenger wheel connects to the frame was almost rusted through. I took it to the hyundai dealership and they were aware of the…
I had absolutely no idea of a problem and there were no symptoms until my "backyard" mechanic, while he was replacing my brake rotors, mentioned the frame where the front passenger wheel connects to the frame was almost rusted through. I took it to the hyundai dealership and they were aware of the problem. They fixed it and told me they replaced the complete front sub frame, they also called it the engine cradle, and on the paperwork they replaced 62405-38100 cross member and two bolts. They commented "150542 replace the k frame it IS very rusty" the dealer assured me they completely inspected the underside of the vehicle and found no other rust of consequence. They also assured me no components were damaged or needed replacement. this was performed with no cost to me. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Corrosion of front sub-frame let to separation of lower control arm from sub frame. This caused right front wheel to collapse and loss of steering. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 hyundai sonata GLS. the contact stated that there were "half-dollar" sized holes in the frame of the vehicle. there were also cracks in the frame. he called several junk yards to find a frame for the vehicle. each one stated that they were hard to find due to the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 hyundai sonata GLS. the contact stated that there were "half-dollar" sized holes in the frame of the vehicle. there were also cracks in the frame. he called several junk yards to find a frame for the vehicle. each one stated that they were hard to find due to the "trend" of rust and corrosion on this make and model vehicle. there IS currently an open investigation for the hyundai sonata (nhtsa action number pe08029). the failure and current mileages were 96,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
I was driving and slowing down for a stoplight. The car made a loud band and was disabled. The right front tire was bent. After getting home and jacking the car up the lower control arm had broken away from the rusty frame. I think this cause a cvc joint failure. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 hyundai sonata GLS. the contact stated that the frame has rotted out by the control arm on her vehicle. she feels that this IS a safety issue because the tire has fallen off due to the rotted out frame and a serious crash could have occurred. the current and failure mileages were 103,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
I found that you are investigating 1999 sonata subframe rusting. I was informed today 8/2/08 while getting my oil changed,that the subframe needed to be replaced because of rusting. This component IS attached to the front suspension,engine,etc. IS hyundai responsible for the replacement of this part,since it IS a safety issue? *tr
- Structure
1999 hyundai sonata GLS failed pa state inspection due to a rusted k frame ( frame that supports front suspension & motor). This IS a 9 year old car original owner with 205,000. This should not have happened on a 9 year old car from pa. We want to know if there were other complaints from sonata owners with the same problem. As I said, this should not be happening. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal · Power train · Structure
The car (1999 sonata GLS V6) had a front end alignment done by sears july 6, 2008 at kenosha wi. The failure occurred (july 14, 2008) when the car was being driven into the hospital parking garage (waukegan illinois). The car speed was 5 mph when it made a grinding sound and jolted to a stop.…
The car (1999 sonata GLS V6) had a front end alignment done by sears july 6, 2008 at kenosha wi. The failure occurred (july 14, 2008) when the car was being driven into the hospital parking garage (waukegan illinois). The car speed was 5 mph when it made a grinding sound and jolted to a stop. Sparks from under the car were witnessed by security guard who it reported to the driver of car. The car would not start and had to be pushed out of road to prevent blocking traffic. inspection of the vehicle showed the subframe broke from corrosion causing the engine to drop then breaking the axle shaft. the car would not start and had to towed back to home by aaa. Currently have complaint at hyundai dealer where car was purchased. Working with hyundai service manager who states first he has heard of it. The auto technician employed at the shop states IS a common item. The car has been in the shop several times for intermittent air bag light that would come on and remain on. The air bag light could not be found what was causing the problem. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
1999 hyundai sonata GLS sub-frame rusted causing front passenger side wheel to collapse. Ken dixon hyundai located in waldorf, md estimated that the repair will cost me $3,500.00 dollars and that the repair IS not covered under hyundais' 10 year, 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. My hyundai…
1999 hyundai sonata GLS sub-frame rusted causing front passenger side wheel to collapse. Ken dixon hyundai located in waldorf, md estimated that the repair will cost me $3,500.00 dollars and that the repair IS not covered under hyundais' 10 year, 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. My hyundai IS less than 10 yrs old and the mileage IS well under 100,00 miles. This IS ridiculous because this appears to be a manufacturers defect thereby hyundai IS clearly failing to honor their dealer warranty. I would like to contest this decision and seek assistance from your office in resolving this situation with hyundai of america and their neglecting to honor their own warranty. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin.hyundai IS recalling the vehicles to remedy a condition where internal corrosion of the front subframe may lead to separation of the lower control arm at the forward mounting point and/or separation of the axle from the transaxle.this could result in a loss of vehicle control and/or vehicle disablement. The subframes will be inspected in the recalled vehicles using a procedure developed by hyundai to measure metal thickness.parts with perforations from corrosion or with metal below the specified thickness will be replaced with redesigned subframes.if the minimum metal thickness IS met, drainage holes and rust proofing material will be added to the existing subframe. Odi's analysis of complaint data revealed that 98% of the consumer complaints were from vehicles either originally sold or operated in saltbelt states. Similarly 99.7% of the warranty claims were from vehicles originally sold or operated in saltbelt states.odi identified 105 reports of lower control arm detachment and/or axle separation from the transaxle through analysis of warranty and complaint information and consumer interviews.one hundred three (103) of the 105 incidents involved vehicles in states covered by the recall.in addition to the subject vehicles, hyundai also noted in the april 14, 2009 letter that my 2001 through 2004 xg300 and xg350 were also being recalled as they were manufactured with subframes similar in design the subject vehicles.based on hyundai's decision to conduct a safety recall this engineering analysis IS closed.
- Improper frontal air bag performance
Hyundai has received 49 reports from customers stating the frontal air bags did not deploy in a crash for the subject vehicles.examination of suplimental information provided to odi by the manufacturer for the reported cases it appeared that the necessary air bag deployment threshold was not met.there have been no…
Hyundai has received 49 reports from customers stating the frontal air bags did not deploy in a crash for the subject vehicles.examination of suplimental information provided to odi by the manufacturer for the reported cases it appeared that the necessary air bag deployment threshold was not met.there have been no fatal incidents or reports of serious injury as a result of being in a frontal crash and the air bags not deploying.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification remedy of a safety defect in the subject vehicles as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.for further details, refer to odi?s response to the petitioner published in the federal register vol. 68, no. 148, dated august 1, 2003.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10247189This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10235566Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.
- 10230904This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
- 10217258Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard.
- 10217251Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
- 10190044This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
- 10190038This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10183963This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10183960This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. The Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.
- 10178175This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
- 10176182This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
- 10176178This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
- 10174808This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
- 10174807The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
- 10173546This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
- 10172142This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
- 10170883This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bulletin provides physical differences between the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port.
- 10169370The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects vehicles within the blind spot zone and gives off an alarm (visual and audible). The two magnetic radar sensors provide these functions for BSD/BCW: ? Senses other vehicles in the BSD/BCW zone and turns on the BSD/BCW warning lamp for the driver. The warning lamp starts blinking, along with an audible sound, when the driver turns on the turn signal lamp to enter the lane where another vehicle is driving.
- 10167253This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
- 10030984Hyundai: automatic transaxle range switch diagnostic trouble codes p0705 (range switch signal problems), p0707 (range switch open circuit), and p0708 (range switch short circuit or multiple inputs). An improperly adjusted or improperly operating range switch may result in the above mentioned conditions. Malfunction indicator light (mil) illuminated; impossible engine start in p or n.
- 605091This bulletin provides heated outside rearview mirror information.
- 604995Subject regarding cabin air filter.