2002 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 325 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 31 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 54 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchAug 7, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 82 MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 SONATA VEHICLES. REPEATED USE OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY CAUSE WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATING. IF THE TOP EDGE OF THE HANDLE HAS VERY THIN CHROME PLATING THAT PORTION OF THE PLATING MAY WEAR AWAY MORE EASILY THAN MORE THICKLY PLATED AREAS AS THE DOOR HANDLE IS USED. THE WORN CHROME PLATING ON THE UPPER EDGE OF THE HANDLE MAY RESULT IN A CRACK OR SEPARATION BETWEEN THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD SURFACES OF THE HANDLE, WHICH MAY FORM A SHARP EDGE.
A SHARP EDGE COULD LACERATE OR OTHERWISE INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CHROME PLATED INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI OF PUERTO RICO AT 1-787-999-3333.
Campaign 09V317000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchMay 21, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 91,350 MY 2002-2003 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES. REPEATED USE OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY CAUSE WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATE. IF THE TOP EDGE OF THE HANDLE HAS VERY THIN CHROME PLATING, THAT PORTION OF THE PLATING MAY WEAR AWAY MORE EASILY THAN MORE THICKLY PLATED AREAS AS THE DOOR HANDLE IS USED. THE WORN CHROME PLATING ON THE UPPER EDGE OF THE HANDLE MAY RESULT IN A CRACK OR SEPARATION BETWEEN THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INBOARD AND OUTBOARD SURFACES OF THE HANDLE, WHICH MAY FORM A SHARP EDGE.
THIS MAY INFLICT LACERATION INJURIES TO ANYONE USING THE DOOR HANDLE.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE CHROME PLATED INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V171000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionApr 16, 2009
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 188,282 MY 2001-2004 SONATA AND MY 2001-2004 XG300 AND XG350 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ROAD SALT APPLIED IN THESE JURISDICTIONS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAY RESULT IN PROGRESSIVE, INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME ON THE VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT IN THINNING OR PERFORATION OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CORROSION IS FREQUENTLY VISIBLE AND OFTEN DISCOVERED DURING INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND OWNERS MAY ALSO HEAR NOISES OR NOTICE TIRE MISALIGNMENT AND STEERING PULL. IF THESE SIGNALS ARE UNDETECTED OR UNHEEDED, THE CORROSION MAY PROGRESS AND THE FORWARD MOUNTING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY DETACH FROM THE SUB-FRAME.
IF THAT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY LOSE DRIVE POWER TO THE WHEELS, AND THE FRONT WHEEL MAY MAKE CONTACT WITH THE FENDER OR WHEEL WELL, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND INSPECT THE FRONT SUB-FRAME FOR CORROSION DAMAGE AND, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW SUB-FRAME THAT INCORPORATES ADDITIONAL HOLES IN THE UPPER AND LOWER PANELS. IF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, THE DEALER WILL ADD DRAINAGE HOLES TO THE SUB-FRAME AND WILL TREAT THE SUB-FRAME WITH RUST-PROOFING MATERIAL TO STOP THE CORROSION PROCESS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 09V124000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageJul 26, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
Campaign 04V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyApr 9, 2004
SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES CONTAIN A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED WERE TO ROLL OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCUR.
FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 04V178000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireMar 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS), IF THE T125/70D-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED ON A FRONT WHEEL POSITION, THE TCS MAY INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATE BEGINNING AT SPEEDS OF 20 MPH.
INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE TCS WILL CAUSE AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE AT THE WHEEL WHERE THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE IS INSTALLED. INADVERTENT BRAKE APPLICATION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE, AND MAY PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN AT SPEEDS ABOVE 20 MPH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE WITH A NEW LARGER DIAMETER T125/80R-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRE AND A NEW TIRE PRESSURE LABEL WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO THE T125/80R-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRE. VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2002 THROUGH DECEMBER 16 2002, ALREADY CONTAIN T125/80R-15 COMPACT SPARE TIRES, WILL ONLY REQUIRE NEW TIRE PRESSURE LABELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 03V097000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowMay 24, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE TO SOME LATERAL ACCELERATIONS THAT ARE NOT CAUSED BY SIDE IMPACTS TO THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS FORCEFULLY SLAMMING A DOOR CLOSED.
INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF A SRS SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG WHEN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH HAS NOT OCCURRED COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SATELLITE SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 02V145000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
24 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 18, 2020, fire
ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020 AFTER SHOPPING IN FOOD STORE, STARTING THE CAT AND COMING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND DRIVING THE CAR FORWARD, I SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. STOP & OPEN THE FRONT HOOD AND SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR FILTER HOUSING AND STARTED TO BURN. SOMEBODY HELPED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOOD AND MY DAILY DRIVER BEFORE THE INCIDENT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 17, 2016
HEADLIGHT WIRE HARNESS ON DRIVERS SIDE IS MELTED. PICTURES TAKEN AND UPLOADED.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 9, 2014
ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2012
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA RADIO COMES ON AND OFF WHEN EVER IT WANTS TO AND I NOTICE WHEN IT RAINS IT MAKES A REALLY LOUD NOISE. I HAVE TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR 3 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS. NOT SURE WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS BUT IT IS VERY ANNOYING. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 17, 2012, fire
ALL THREE REAR BRAKES LIGHTS ON WHEN IGNITION IS SHUT OFF AND SMELL ELECTRICAL WIRE BURN. EVERY DAY NEED TO REMOVE NEGATIVE TERMINAL FROM BATTERY TO SHUT OFF THE THREE REAR BRAKES LIGHTS. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 24, 2012
MY CAR STARTED GETTING ERRATIC IDLING AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO TURN ON. I GOT THE SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES REPLACED AND THEN IT MILD DOWN AFTER AROUND 1WK AFTER, THEN THE ERRATIC IDLING WHILE ON DRIVE OR ON REVERSE STARTED AGAIN. LEFT IT LIKE THAT THINKING IT WAS MAYBE THE FUEL PUMP OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. HAD MY BROTHER THAT IS A MECHANIC CHECK IT AND SAID HE FOUND THE SPARK PLUG WIRES OUT OF SEQUENCE, BUT AFTER HE MADE SURE ALL WERE THE CORRECT ORDER THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN, SAME ERRATIC IDLING AND THIS TIME IT REALLY DID FEEL LIKE SOMETIMES LOOSING POWER. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE THEN THAT I WAS DRIVING, DON'T RECALL THE MPH, BUT IT MUST OF BEEN AROUND 50 - 60 MPH CAUSE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY. THE WHOLE ENGINE SPORADICALLY, IN LESS THAN A SPLIT SECOND, TURNS OFF THEN ON. ALL THE ELECTRIC PANEL AND THE FRONT DASHBOARD AND THE WHOLE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TURNS OFF/ON IN A "BLINK OF AN EYE". IT MADE THE CAR MAKE AN ERRATIC AND SUDDEN STOP, LIKE IF I HAD PUT THE BRAKES COMPLETELY OR THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED THAT SPLIT SECOND. THEN IT WENT BACK ON AND STILL DRIVING. AFTER THAT IT DID IT ABOUT 2 MORE TIMES LIKE AROUND THOSE MINS I WAS DRIVING, ABOUT MINS APART. AFTER THIS HAPPENED, IT'S BEEN GETTING WORSE AND NOW THE POWER SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND I HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE SIDE WITH NO POWER ON CAR. THEN SUDDENLY GETS POWER AGAIN AND I JUST START IT AGAIN. I'VE CHECKED THE CABLES OF BATTERIES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME I CAN'T GET THE CAR CHECKED FOR CODES CAUSE THE ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GETTING RESET SINCE IT LOOSES POWER COMPLETELY AND THEY CAN'T GET ANY CODES UNLESS THE ENGINE LIGHT IS LIT UP. SOMETIMES TURNING SIGNAL OR PUTTING THE BRAKES OR LIGHTS ON MAKE IT STOP OR LOOSE POWER COMPLETELY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Structure, Mar 5, 2011, fire
CORROSION OF SUBFRAME, CAUSING IT TO BREAK AND THEN CATCH FIRE TO THE CAR UNDER THE HOOD, DESTROYING WIRING AND HOSES. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2009
SPEEDOMETER ON 2002 HYUNDAI IS DEFECTIVE, THE DIAL JUST STOPS WORKING DROPPING TO ZERO FOR PERIODS OF TIME - I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP IF MY CAR HAD UNDER 65,000 MILES THEY WOULD FIX IT FREE (WHICH SEEMED TO BE AN AWARENESS OF THE ISSUE IN MAY CAR & OTHERS). *TR
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2009
EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR ON HALLOWEEN 2007, MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I WOULD PUT THE WIPERS ON AND MY RADIO WOULD TURN ON. MY ALARM RANDOMLY GOES OFF AND I CAN'T DISCONNECT IT BECAUSE IT IS TIED IN WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER FOR THE VEHICLE ( I WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC). THE DOORS USED TO LOCK BY THEMSELVES, NOW THEY JUST DON'T WORK ALTOGETHER. THE RADIO CUTS OUT AND RANDOMLY TRIES TO PLAY A CD REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ONE IN IT. FROM THE TIME I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE BACKLIGHT ON THE RADIO NEVER WORKED. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, IT ALL OF A SUDDEN BEGAN WORKING AND WORKS TO THIS DAY. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM FOR THESE REASONS AMONG OTHERS, AND HE REFUSED TO FIX THEM BECAUSE HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2008
THE BATTERY IS OFTEN DRAINED AND CONTINUES TO DO SO ALL THE TIME I'VE RESEARCHED IT ON THE INTERNET AND MANY OWNERS OF THE 2002 HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, POSSIBLY THE IGNITION SWITCH RELAY. MANY HAVE REPLACED BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND PROBLEMS CONTINUE. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY DRAINING AND DYING ALL THE TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A JUMP STARTER FOR MY CAR. I HAVE TO JUMP MY CAR EVERY TIME I USE IT. *TR
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jan 5, 2008
DOORS LOCK REMOTE WONT UNLOCK CAR IF I USE THE KEY TO THE DOOR ALARM GOES OFF AND I CANT SHUT IT OFF. *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC ,WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR, AND THE TIMING BELT. THE MECHANIC MADE THE REPAIRS. HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED THE NEXT DAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR AND THE TIMING BELT. THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALERSHIP THEN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE MODULE ASSY- TIMING AND ALARM SYSTEM WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE MODULE ASSY- TIMING AND ALARM SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAS NOT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE THIS REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 74000 MILES. *AK
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2007
MY 2002 HUNDAI SONATA BLK 4 DOOR AUTOMATIC. I STARTED TO GET IN THE CAR THURS MORNING 2/15/07 AT 4AM. THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WOULD NOT GO IN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. HE DID ADVICE TO PUT A NEW BATTERY IN THE CAR. HE SAID IT WAS TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO HIM FOR SOME TIME. AND FIND HIM VERY REPUTABLE IN THE AREA. HOWEVER, THE TOW MAN ALSO COULD NOT PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR AT HIS SHOP THE KEY WENT IN. BATTERY WORKS GREAT. SO THE NEXT MORNING 2-16-07 THE IGNITION WOULD NOT GO IN AGAIN. I CALLED MY DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THERE. THEY SAID IT DIDN'T DO THAT FOR THEM THAT THE CAR WAS FINE. THEY TRIED THE KEY ALL DAY. THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT THE TIME OF TESTING THE SITUATION THERE. THE CAR IS UNDER A POLICY OF WARRANTY FOR 60,000.00 MILES. HOWEVER, I COULD GIVE THEM $160.00 TO OPEN UP THE IGNITION TO THE TUMBLER. I FEEL THAT IF ITS UNDER WARRANTY THAT THEY SHOULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THERE ONLY SUGGESTION WAS TO TOW IT AGAIN IF IT PERSISTS. I SAID WHAT IF I GET STRANDED, AND YES, I HAVE NO CELL PHONE. THEY SAID JUST CALL THE 800# ANWAYS FOR TOW. SO I WASN'T SATISFIED AT GRAPPONIES IN CONCORD NH. SO I ASKED AUTO FAIR IN MANCHESTER, THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I THINK THAT ITS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE TOW MAN HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS MYSELF. AND THAT WE HAVE TO SEE IF IT HAPPENS FOR THEM, THAT THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST AT THAT TIME. WHEN ITS' UNDER THE WARRANTY. MY FEELING IS THAT BOTH DEALERSHIPS THAT ARE LOCAL DON'T WANT TO EAT THE PART FOR INVENTORY, IF THERE IS NOTHING WRONG W/THE CHIP IN THE TUMBLER. SO I GUESS I HAVE TO JUST CROSS MY FINGERS TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN. GRAPPINE DID MAKE ME A NEW KEY FOR THE IGNITION. SO I'M A FRUSTRATED CONSUMER IN MANCHESTER, NH. *JB
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Dec 26, 2006
1) ENGINE LIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH 2) FAN KNOB FOR HEATING/AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT WORK ON 1 OR 2, IT WILL ONLY WORK ON 3 OR 4. THIS IS A NEW PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment, Feb 16, 2006
WE HAD PURCHASE A 2002 HYUNDAI SANTE FE ON 07/05/05 MOTOR WAY AUTO GROUP. THE CAR STARTED TO RIDE ROUGH. SO WE TOOK IT TO OUR REPAIR GUY, AT THIS TIME WE THOUGH IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. BEFORE HE COULD CHECK ANYTHING I TOOK MY CAR HOME AND IT JUST STOPPED AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AT THIS TIME HE CHANGE THE CRANKSHAFT ASSEMBLY-WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT. A LOT OF COSTLY REPAIRS. HE TOLD US THAT IT IS RARE THAT ALL THOSE SENSORS WENT BAD AT ONE TIME. SO I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT SYSTEM AND I GOT THIS REPORT. HOW DO I GO BY GETTING MY CAR FIX RIGHT.*JB
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2005
DT: THE SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTINGLY STOPS WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER SAYS SHE HAS TRIED TO SEE IF SPEED OR DISTANCE AFFECTS IT. SHE SAYS THERE IS NO REASON THAT SHE CAN SEE TO MAKE IT STOP WORKING. THE CONSUMER HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE 5TH TIME TODAY. THE MANUFACTURER CALLED THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. SHE SAID OTHER ELECTRIC COMPONENTS ARE NOT WORKING AS WELL. THE DOORS, WINDOWS, AND CLOCK ARE SLOWLY GETTING WORSE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONCERNS THAT IT MIGHT LEAD TO SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS, LIKE A FIRE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 24, 2005, crash
8/27/02 BELT NOISE AND BURNING RUBBER SMELL. THE PULLEY BELT WAS REPLACED. 1/33/03 RECALL ON <A ONMOUSEOUT="WINDOW.STATUS=''; RETURN TRUE 'AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION'; RETURN TRUE;" ONMOUSEOUT="WINDOW.STATUS=''; RETURN TRUE;">AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION</A></A> WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. 9/8/03 CAR ENGINE RACED TO 5000-6000 RPMS, HAD TO TURN OFF IGNITION. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN FIND NO EXPLANATION. 9/16/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WHILE IN PARK, ENGINE RACES TO 5000 RPMS. AFTER 3 RESTARTS AT THE IGNITION, THE IDLE RETURNS TO NORMAL. 9/21/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WAIT TO TAKE TO DEALERSHIP. 10/7/03 SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY CAN FIND NO PROBLEM. 10/23/03 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FILL VENT VALVE, REPAIR. 12/18/03 RECALL SERVICE DONE. 5/9/04 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IGNORE, IT GOES OFF AFTER TWO WEEKS. 8/6/04 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IGNORE, IT GOES OFF AFTER TWO WEEKS. 11/4/04 WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO BRAKING. COLLISION OCCURS, ACCELERATION CONTINUES, CAR SPINS OUT OF CONTROL ACROSS TWO LANES AND INTO A GRASSY FIELD. I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR FROM CONTINUING INTO THE FENCEPOST. PATROLMAN SAID THE THROTTLE WAS OPEN. INSURANCE COMPANY VALUED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER COULD NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. AFTER IMPACT THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING AND SHE WAS STILL PRESSING THE BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE PULLED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE OFFICER ON THE SCENE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING. *TC YHE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED.
Suspension, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I HAVE ALREADY FILED ONE COMPLAINT ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SENSORS. IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 9 TIMES PRIOR TO THIS ONE. NOW IT IS A CAM SENSOR AND I BELIEVE A SPEED SENSOR. NOT ONLY THAT BUT BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BAD. IT HAS ROUGHLY 78,000 MILES. YOU CAN ONLY GET PARTS AT A DEALERSHIP. THE PARTS ARE NOT ONLY OVERPRICED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES OUTRAGEOUS PRICES TO DO ANYTHING. YOU CAN UNHOOK THE BATTERY AND THE LIGHT WILL STAY OFF FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON. I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX IT AND THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON IN A SHORTER AMOUNT OF TIME THAN UNHOOKING THE BATTERY. I HAVE SPOKE WITH HYUNDAI WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED AND ALL YOU GET IS WE'LL FIX IT UNTIL THE WARRANTY IS UP THEN YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK. I CAN'T KEEP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF LONG ENOUGH TO EVEN SELL IT. *JB
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2004
ONSUMER STATED EVERY TIME SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE SHE WAS BEING SHOCKED. DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, BUT HDS NOT DETERMINED WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 8, 2003
I HAVE A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN APRIL OF 2002. AS OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR AT 27,700 MILES, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT 5 SEPARATE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IT SHOWED AN OXYGEN SENSOR. WITHIN THE NEXT 100 MILES IT WAS ON AGAIN, THIS TIME IT WAS AN EVAP CODE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP SEAL SO THEY TIGHTENED IT. WITHIN ANOTHER 100 MILES IT CAME ON AGAIN AND WAS ANOTHER OXYGEN SENSOR. IT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS (AND AROUND 9,000 MILES) AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE EVAP CODE AGAIN AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE FUEL CAP. THIS HAD TO BE ORDERED AND I CALLED BACK AFTER THREE WEEKS AND SOMEONE HAD FORGOT TO ORDER IT SO IT AFTER ALL TOOK 3 MONTHS TO REPLACE IT. IN THE MEANTIME THE CAR WAS DETAILED AND THE COMPANY UNHOOKED THE BATTERY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED OFF FOR A LITTLE OVER A MONTH (THE LIGHT WAS ON WHEN IT WENT TO THE DETAIL COMPANY). SO THE FUEL CAP WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN WITHIN 100 MILES AFTER. THIS TIME IT WAS 3 DIFFERENT CODES. ONE FOR ANOTHER OXYGEN SENSOR, ONE FOR A THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR, AND ONE FOR A FUEL INCREMENT SENSOR. I AM AT 47,800 MILES NOW AND I AM TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE A FEW MONTHS TO GET THE OXYGEN SENSOR DUE TO HYUNDAI UPDATING THE SENSOR DUE TO A DEFECT. BY THE TIME MY CAR IS FIXED, THIS TIME THE WARRANTY WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE UP OR CLOSE TO IT AND ALL I CAN GET FROM HYUNDAI IS THAT THEY WILL FIX IT UP TO THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY AND IF THE LIGHT COMES ON AFTER THAT IT IS MY PROBLEM. THEY SAY IT IS NOT A CONCERN DUE TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT EVERY TIME. *LA
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY ALTERNATOR FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE.*AK HOUSER DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE AND CONFIGURATION. ANOTHER DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND DRIVE BELT. ALL WORK WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *PH *JB
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2003
RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER POPS ON AND OFF AT A STOP OR MOVING. WHEN YOU USE THE AC BUTTON, WINDSHIELD WIPER, WINDOWS, AND TURN SIGNALS THE SPEAKER EITHER SHUTS OFF OR TURNS ON. THE RADIO WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE SPEAKER TWICE AND THE WIRING AND WIRING HARNESSES WERE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP WITH AND WITHOUT REPAIRS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AT LEAST 12 TIMES. THE PROBLEM STARTED THE FIRST NIGHT WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2001. THE CAR HAS HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER WINDOW MOTORS, BATTERY, AND REMOTE DOOR LOCKS. I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE SPENT MORE TIME AT THE DEALER TRYING TO GET THE CAR FIXED THEN ACTUALLY ENJOYING THE CAR. I HAVE FILED CASES WITH THE HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE, A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED AT THE CAR, HEARD THE PROBLEM, IN FORMED THE DEALER ON HOW TO FIX IT. I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL 6 DAYS LATER SAYING THE CHIEF MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO HE DID NOT TOUCH IT. EVEN THOUGH THE FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE HEARD THE PROBLEM AND TOLD THEM WHAT TO FIX. I HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP IN THE LEMON LAW, I HAVE SENT A CERTIFIED DEFECT COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER. THE RECEIVED IT APRIL 11 2003 AT 12:00 PM. I AM JUST WAITING ON THERE RESPONSE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE TO MY SELF AND MY FAMILY. TWO VISITS AGO THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK, THE CAR WAS COVERED WITH AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE (MAYBE TREE SAP) ALL OVER THE HOOD, ROOF, AND TRUNK. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION WHILE THE FACTORY REP WAS THERE. THE REP TOLD THEM TO COMPOUND THE CAR OUT AND RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THE CAR WAS WASHED BUT THE SUBSTANCE WAS STILL THERE, NOW WITH SWIRL SCRATCHES IN THE PAINT WHERE THEY TRIED TO UP THE SUBSTANCE OFF THE CAR. DEALER AND CORPORATE WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. THIS WILL BE THE FINAL CASE FOR MY LAWYER AGAINST HYUNDAI. *NLM
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2002
COMPUTER FAILED THREE TIMES. MECHANICS COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. FINALLY WAS REPLACED.*AK