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: structure
88 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Mar 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT AND WOULD ALSO FAIL TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 184,000. *TR UPDATED 5/7/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR COST WAS REIMBURSED. 05/17/2013 *JS
Suspension, Structure, Jan 25, 2013
THE RIGHT SIDE SUB-FRAME OF MY 02 HYUNDAI SONATA I JUST FOUND OUT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED CAUSING THE AXLE TO POP OUT, THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK... I THOUGHT I NEED ALIGNMENT BUT, FOUND OUT THAT I NEED REPLACE SUBFRAME. THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONCE IN A NORTHERN STATE (THAT'S WHERE I BOUGHT IT..IN NEW YORK) I DO NOT THINK THIS UNEVEN RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME IS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT THIS SAME REASON, I AM PLANNING TO CALL HYUNDAI. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 21, 2013
THE RIGHT SIDE SUB-FRAME OF MY 02 HYUNDAI SONATA WE JUST FOUND OUT HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS SEPARATED CAUSING THE AXLE TO POP OUT, THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK...THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONCE IN A NORTHERN STATE (THAT'S WHERE I BOUGHT IT..IN S.DAKOTA) I DO NOT THINK THIS UNEVEN RUSTING OF THE SUBFRAME IS NORMAL. I CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A RECALL OF THIS VEHICLE FOR THE EXACT THIS SAME REASON, I CALLED HYUNDAI AND THE REPRESENTATIVE LIED TO MY EAR THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THAT RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF. THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE AND SHOULDN'T BE SO. I WISH I CAN GET SOME HELP. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Aug 1, 2012
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 45 MPH AND HEARD A LOUD POP IN THE RIGHT FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE VEERED OF TO THE RIGHT AND ON TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL SOMEWHAT BUT IF THERE HAD BEEN PEDESTRIANS IN THAT AREA I AM NOT SURE THERE WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES, THE CAR WAS DRIVEN SLOWLY TO THE NEAREST HYUNDAI DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT AND AFTER ASSESSMENT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED THEREBY POSSIBLY CAUSING A POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND UNKNOWN CONSEQUENCES, DEALER HAS SUBMITTED INFORMATION TO HYUNDAI CORP, THE VEHICLE HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR SAFETY DEFECT. RECALL #089 ISSUED IN APRIL 2008. WE ARE AWAITING HYUNDAIS RESPONSE AS TO THE STATUS OF OUR RECALL REQUEST AS OF 08/01/12. *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
Structure, Feb 28, 2011
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT TEH SUB-FRAME HAD CORRODED AND WOULD NOT PASS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT WERE CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 81,000. TB
Structure, Dec 2, 2010
MY CAR MADE A LOUD THUD WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THEN I HEARD MY TIRE RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME STEERING AND CALLED MY LOCAL GARAGE. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SAW THE SPECS ON THE RECALL AND CALLED MY COMPLAINT INTO HYUNDAI. I THEN HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHERE IT SITS AWAITING REPAIR. *TR
Structure, Nov 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS POINTING OUTWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 122,050.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Sep 25, 2010
WAS DRIVING 2002 SONATA WITH CHILD IN CAR DAUGHTER GOT DIZZY FROM GAS FUMES GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FROM TOP OF TANK,CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR CORP SAID CAR WASN'T COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY,TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WAS TOLD CAR GAS TANK HAD TO BE DROPPED TO FIND THE PROBLEM,HYUNDAI REFUSED TO PAY FOR TANK TO BE DROPPED, FINALLY TOOK IT TO BE FIXED AT A LOCAL SERVICE PERSON ,FOUND THE GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE TANK AT THE HALF WAY MARK,HE FOUND THE TANK WAS LEAKING TO A STRESS CRACK ON THE TANK,I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING THIS MATTER,THERE IS A SAFETY REGARDING STRESS CRACKS ON THE SONATA PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Jun 10, 2010
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, CHROME ON THE GEAR SHIFT KNOB PEELS OFF LEAVING A SHARP EDGE THAT CAUSES LACERATIONS. *TR
Power train, Structure, May 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENTIRE REAR SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD DROP FROM FOURTH GEAR TO FIRST GEAR SUDDENLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE CENSORS; HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
Structure, Apr 26, 2010
FRONT SUB FRAME BROKE AGAIN FOR 2ND TIME ON 2002 SONATA. JUST STOPS ABRUPTLY AND WHEEL COLLAPSES IN AN STEERING LOCKS. HAS BEEN FIXED BY DEALER TWICE NOW. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 29, 2010
1. HIT A POTHOLE, DAY OR TWO LATER NOTICED CAR WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND MAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT 2. MECHANIC NOTICED LARGE HOLE (2"+ DIAMETER) WITH SIGNIFICANT CRACKING IN THE RIGHT SIDE SUBFRAME BEHIND THE WHEEL BY LOWER CONTROL ARM 3. ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 20, 2010, crash
ON MONDAY EVENING 01/18/2010 MY WIFE AND I LEFT OUR HOME WITH OUR 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WE DROVE NO MORE THEN 3 TENTHS OF A MILE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTING PULLING VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT WE THEN TURNED AROUND AND DROVE BACK TOWARD HOME BUT ONLY MADE IT ABOUT 2 TENTHS OF A MILE BEFORE THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED BRINGING US TO A DEAD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THANKFULLY WE WERE ONLY GOING ABOUT 20-25 MPH THE POLICE WERE CALLED FOR TRAFFIC AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO R.J SHORE AUTOMOTIVE BRANFORD CT 06405 THE NEXT MORNING THE OWNER OF R.J.AUTO INFORMED ME THAT MY FRONT ENGINE SUB-FRAME HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION, AND SHOWED ME A PRINT-OUT OF A RECALL FROM HYUNDAI DATED APRIL 14, 2009 THEN STATED HE CALLED THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN BRANFORD CT 06405 BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO PICK UP THE CAR SO I HAD TO PAY $81.41 TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO BRANFORD HYUNDAI. THE STAFF AT THE HYUNDAI HAD NO ANSWERS AND CONTINUED TO STATE YOU WILL HAVE TO CALL THE CORPORATE OFFICE, SO I DID. THE EMPLOYEE CHRIS STATED THAT THERE WERE 200.000 VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN #089 OR #09V124000 AND WE HAVE NOT MAILED OUT ALL OF THE NOTICES (SHAME ON THEM BECAUSE IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR AND IF WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WE COULD HAVE DIED) THE EMPLOYEE THEN CALLED THE BRANFORD HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WOULD TAKE 1 OR 2 WEEKS TO FIX AND NO LOANER OR RENTAL VEHICLE WILL BE PROVIDED I SAID THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DEMANDED A LOANER STILL THE ANSWER WAS NO BUT SOMEHOW THEY MANAGED TO FIX MY CAR ON 01/20/2010 WHEN I PICKED MY VEHICLE UP AT 420PM ON 01/20/2010 MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT ALLOWED TO VIEW WHAT WAS REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY BENT OVER BACKWARDS TO FIX THIS CAR QUICKLY BECAUSE OF MY CALL TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE I STATED (BENT OVER BACKWARDS, SOMEONE COULD HAVE DIED, FROM THIS ACCIDENT) THE MANAGER BOB GUEVERA, AND A CHRIS VAILETTE THEN CALLED THE POLICE AND TOLD US TO NEVER COME BACK AGAIN, TO HAVE THE CORPORATE OFFICE FIX MY CAR NEXT TIME. *TR
Structure, Nov 17, 2009
I HAVE AN 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. MY COMPLETE SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT A FEW YEARS AGO. THE CAR WAS ONLY 3 OR 4 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME. THE COMPLETE SUBFRAME WAS REPLACED ON A HUSH HUSH BASES. I HAVE THE PICS TO PROVE IT. NEVER WILL I BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI OR KIA NEVER. MY GOD MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. BUT WHAT DO THEY CARE IT'S NOT THEIR FAMILY. *TR
Structure, Oct 12, 2009
EXCESSIVE SUB FRAME RUST CAUSED IT TO BRAKE, AND AS A RESULT PRACTICALLY DISABLED DRIVING AND ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY. CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS, AS THE WHEELS ARE ANGLED DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF THE SUB FRAME BENT. *TR
Structure, Oct 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST UNDER THE FRAME OF HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY OTHER VEHICLES WITH RUST UNDER THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WELDED THE RUSTED FRAME ONTO TO THE VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT SINCE HE DID SUCH A GOOD JOB WELDING THE FRAME BACK TOGETHER THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK ON IT. THEY ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER FOR A GUARANTEE IN WRITING THAT THE FRAME WOULD NOT BREAK AGAIN. HE ALSO ASKED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE FRAME WITH A NEW FRAME. THE VIN IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
Structure, Sep 21, 2009
I OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA,ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST2009 I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A LEAKING POWER STEERING LINE.THE MECHANIC WHO WORKED ON MY CAR TOLD ME I BETTER GET A NEW CAR,HE TOLD ME MY SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Sep 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE EXTERIOR REAR PASSENGER DOOR CHROME PLATING DETACHED FROM THE DOOR LANDED ONTO THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. UNINTENDED SEPARATION AND EXPOSURE OF SHARP FRAGMENTS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Aug 30, 2009
REPEATED USE OF INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ON MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA CAUSED WEAR OF THE CHROME PLATING AND HANDLES CRACKED AND THEN HAD SHARP EDGES WHICH CUT MYSELF AND SOME OF MY PASSENGERS AND THEN I HAD TO TAPE THEM. I TOOK CAR BACK TO 2 DEALERS, 1 DIDN'T RESPOND AND THE OTHER FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH A BANDAID, LITERALLY. THEY FIXED IT BY PUTTING A CHROME ADHESIVE PAD OVER EACH OF THEM, WHEN I DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE LOT AND IT WAS PARKED IN THE SUN, THE CHROME PLATED ADHESIVE STRIPS CAME LOOSE. I FEEL THE NEED TO FULLY REPLACE ALL THE DEFECTIVE DOOR HANDLES. THIS DIDN'T RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND ONLY MADE IT WORSE WITH THE DOORHANDLES BEING STICKY AND UNABLE TO OPEN AT TIMES UNTIL YOU STICK THE ADHESIVE STRIP BACK ON. I LOVE MY CAR AND HYUNDAI BUT DON'T THINK THEY DID THE RIGHT THING WITH JUST MASKING THE PROBLEM TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY. PLEASE HELP! NO DEATHS, BUT THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE WHO WERE INJURED BY CUTTING THROUGH THE SKIN AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN BAD SHAPE HAD I TAKEN A HEMOPHILIAC WITH ME AT SOME POINT. *TR
Steering, Structure, Aug 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT AND KEPT PULLING TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENT ISSUES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 144,000.
Structure, Aug 11, 2009
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA BEGAN PULLING HARD TO THE RIGHT ON 8/6/09 SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE THINKING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY ALIGNMENT. I WAS ABLE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT ON 8/10/09. WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ON 8/9/09 MY CAR STARTED TO GET OUT OF CONTROL AND THEN CRASHED INTO THE CURB. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I FOUND OUT THAT THE SUBFRAME AND AXEL WERE BROKEN AND THAT I WOULD BE EXPECTED TO PAY FOR THE AXEL AND LABOR. *TR
Structure, Jul 23, 2009
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED HYUNDAI SONATA IN JANUARY 2008 FROM A DEALER. THIS PAST TUESDAY, THE FRAME OF MY CAR BROKE WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. LUCKILY FOR ME, I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND OUT THAT 1999-2002 SONATA HAD PROBLEM WITH THE CAR FRAME. I CONTACTED THE COMPANY AND WAS ASKED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A HYUNDAI DEALER WHO WOULD FIX THE FRAME FOR ME. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY IS FIXING THE FRAME AT NO COST, I HAD TO RENT A CAR AND I STILL HAVE IT. THE TOTAL CHARGES FOR IT TILL NOW HAVE BEEN $700. I ALSO PAID TWICE FOR GETTING MY CAR TOWED. I REQUESTED THE COMPANY TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE RENTAL CAR CHARGES WHICH THEY DENY DOING. I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN MY SONATA FOR ANOTHER 3-4 YRS. AS I AM A RECENT GRADUATE AND LOOKING FOR A JOB, I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW CAR AND PAY HUGE RENTAL FEE. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY EVEN AFTER THE FRONT FRAME IS FIXED. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN GUIDE ME ABOUT HOW TO APPROACH THIS SITUATION WITH HYUNDAI. I AM SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON RENTAL AND AT THE SAME TIME I WILL HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. *TR
Structure, Jul 16, 2009
FRONT SUBFRAME RUSTING OUT. *TR
Structure, Wheels, Jun 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. AFTER DRIVING 55 MPH, THE DRIVER ARRIVED AT HER DESTINATION AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL WAS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. THE DRIVER HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME ON THE FRONT END, WHICH HOUSES THE SUPPORTS FOR THE WHEELS, WAS RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TIRE DEALER FOR AN ALIGNMENT INSPECTION. THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN THE FRAME HOLDING THE STEERING, WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $1,600. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND IS CURRENTLY ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.