Skip to content
Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2001 Hyundai Sonata Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
9%of 205 total for the year
Median mileage
69,334miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata, 9% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,334 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I got my car in 2002 it is a 2001 sonota. When you push the gas to pull out in front of traffic this car doesn't want to go! I have almost been in several car accidents when I tell the dealership about the problem they tell me nothing is wrong! Also if you look at the complaints you will see that the air bag light keeps coming on that is a safety problem in its self.”

NHTSA complaint #10165197, filed 2006-08, 13,000 miles

“Ongoing problem where my car jerks and the RPM's go up to 4-5 before my car will even move in which case I am throw forward due to the gears not shifting. This needs to be recalled!”

NHTSA complaint #10359482, filed 2010-10, 80,000 miles

“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? …”

NHTSA complaint #10505488, filed 2013-04, 130,000 miles

“We purchased a 2001 Sonata. We had it three weeks and the coolant system had to be replaced. Now,just after the warranty ran out(50000.) we have to replace the sensors in the transmission. This is crazy. This car gives us more trouble than our other cars that have double the miles. I am sure that we are not the only people who have had such problems. I believe that is why you raised the mileage allowance on the newer ones. I will never buy one of these cars again!”

NHTSA complaint #10112434, filed 2005-03, 62,000 miles

“- the contact stated that whenever she drove the 2001 Hyundai Sonata with 56715 failure mileage the check engine light turned on. The vehicle hesitated and switched into the next gear slowly. The vehicle was put on a diagnostic machine, and the mechanic determined that the transmission failed and it needed to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10186739, filed 2007-04, 56,718 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025318%
2024613%
20231719%
20222425%
20212519%
20202413%
201985%
20184011%
2017567%
2016598%
201513512%
2014557%
2013945%
2012976%
20111735%
2010216%
2009419%
2008143%
200791%
2006222%
200553%
2004105%
2003105%
2002113%
2001189%
2000197%
19991411%
19981224%
1997918%
1996522%
19951523%
1993935%
1992523%
1991724%
1990744%
1989218%

Other parts of the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

Body and structure
69 complaints
Air bags
47 complaints
Suspension
29 complaints
Brakes
24 complaints
Engine cooling
23 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Electrical system
9 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Wheels
6 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Hyundai Sonata

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology