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
Structure, Jun 16, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA SUBFRAME FAILURE. *TR
Structure, May 11, 2009
WHILE CHANGING THE BALL BEARING, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUSTING ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE FRAME. HE WARNED THAT THE CAR WOULD JUST COLLAPSE. THERE WERE 3-4 INCH BIG HOLES IN THE FRAME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED FATAL INJURY. THE CAR IS LESS THAN 7 YEAR OLD FOR SUCH SEVERE RUSTING TO OCCUR. *TR
Structure, Apr 7, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA SUB FRAME CORROSION AND FRONT RT WHEEL COLLAPSED. LOCAL DEALER COVERED COST OF SUB FRAME REPLACEMENT, BUT CHARGED ME FOR A NEW SWAY BAR. FRONT FENDER WAS PUSHED AGAINST PASSENGER DOOR, WHICH HYUNDAI WOULD NOT FIX, AND CAR NOW HAS SEVERE WOBBLING WHEN DRIVEN, UNLIKE BEFORE THE CORROSION. HYUNDAI SAYS IT'S AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM AND MY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM WONDERING WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE AGAINST HYUNDAI, AS THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND DROVE SMOOTHLY BEFORE THIS DAMAGED OCCURRED. LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT, SINCE THE WHEEL LET GO AT A LOW SPEED. *TR
Structure, Mar 17, 2009
MY FRAME ON MY CAR RUSTED THROUGH LEAVING MY CAR SITTING ON MY TIRES LITERALLY! WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TOWN. I HAVE CALLED THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURER AND THEY TOOK DOWN INFORMATION, I AM NOW WAITING ON THE DECISION IF IT WILL COST ME ANYTHING OR NOT. *TR
Structure, Mar 9, 2009
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA LX HAS THE COMMON PROBLEM OF THE SUBFRAME ROTTING OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE CONTROL ARM MOUNTS. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM DURING AN OIL CHANGE AND HAVE TAKEN THE CAR OFF THE ROAD DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES. THE CONTROL ARM HAS NOT LET GO YET, BUT I DO NOT DARE TO DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE RUST. I AM GOING TO BE CONTACTING HYUNDAI TO SEE ABOUT A WARRANTY. *TR
Structure, Jan 25, 2009
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WENT SIDEWAYS WHILE DRIVING AT FULL SPEED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED BUT THE CAR WILL NEED TO BE REPAIRED. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. FROM READING INFORMATION ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Structure, Jan 13, 2009
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED STARE INSPECTION DUE TO RIGHT FRONT ROT ON SUBFRAME. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY ARE GOING TO REPAIR PROBLEM. UNTIL THEN, IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED A CITATION FOR IT NOT BEING INSPECTED . I AM LEFT WITH AN UNINSPECTED AND ROTTED CAR UNTIL THEY CAN TAKE IT IN. HYUNDAI DOES NOT GIVE OUT LOANER CARS! *TR
Structure, Dec 9, 2008
VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SUBFRAME BEING SEVERELY RUSTED IN ON SPECIFIC AREA. FRAME FAILURE AT THAT POINT IS LIKELY TO CAUSE A WHEEL/SUSPENSION FAILURE, MOST LIKELY WHILE BEING PUT UNDER THE STRAIN OF TURNING/BRAKING. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DEFECT IF NEEDED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SUBFRAMES. THERE WAS A LARGE HOLE THAT RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FRAMES, WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM BEING DRIVEN. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME DEFECT AND BELIEVES IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 01/07/09. *LJ THE SWAY BAR ENDS LINKS AND BUSHINGS WERE WORN. UUPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
Structure, Nov 11, 2008
I OWN A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH THE ENGINE CRADLE FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTING OUT. VEHICLE FAILED NH STATE INSPECTION AND IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS POINT. MILEAGE: 123,000. *TR
Structure, Nov 11, 2008
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA/4DR SEDAN/2.4L AU - RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. CAR WAS BEING CHECKED FOR A LEAK AND MECHANIC FOUND DAMAGE. CAR WAS TAKEN OFF THE ROAD UNTIL REPAIRED. NO INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY. *TR
Structure, Nov 8, 2008
SUBFRAME RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. LUCKILY THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING A REPAIR OF A POWER STEERING FAILURE. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT REGARDING THE 1999-2004 SONATA IN HIGH SALT AREAS AND HYUNDAI IS APPARENTLY REPLACING THE FRAME OUT OF WARRANT (MINE WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ANYWAY). I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A FULL RECALL TO PROTECT THOSE WHO ARE OTHERWISE UNAWARE OF THIS DEFECT WHICH HAS CAUSED, IN SOME CASES, WHEEL SEPARATIONS. DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE PART HAD A LARGE HOLE COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRAME. *TR
Structure, Oct 29, 2008
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2002 SONATA, WHEN IT BASICALLY JUST FELL APART. IT SOUNDED LIKE SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE TIRE RIM, BUT ALL 4 TIRES WERE STILL INFLATED. THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE DID LOOK TILTED OUT. IT HAD TO BE TOWED FROM THAT SITE. AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER INSPECTED IT AND STATED HE WAS SURE THAT THE CAR HAD GONE OFF THE ROAD AT SOME POINT BECAUSE THE AXLE WAS BROKEN, THAT TIRE WAS BENT AND THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SCUFFED "SHINY". IT HAD NOT GONE OFF THE ROAD, SO MY MECHANIC TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS RUSTED RIGHT THOUGH AND WHAT HAD HAPPENED (TO MY 16 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD AT NIGHT) WAS THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS SO RUSTED THAT IT CRUMBLED, CAUSING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL AND BREAK THE AXLE AND BEND THE WHEEL! THANKFULLY, SHE HAD ONLY JUST DRIVEN ONTO THE ROAD FROM A DRIVEWAY, SO SHE WASN'T GOING FAST AND THE LANE SHE ENTERED WAS CLEAR. I'D HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD SHE MADE IT TO THE HIGHWAY BEFORE THIS HAPPENED! WHEN WE DISCOVERED ON LINE THAT SO MANY OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 1999-2002 SONATAS, WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL DEALER. HE SAID WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED (15 MILES) TO HIS SERVICE DEPT WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE A HYUNDAI REP TAKE A LOOK AT IT. HE SAID HIS MANAGER HAD BEEN KNOWN TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CRADLE FREE OF CHARGE, BUT HE DOUBTED VERY MUCH THAT THEY'D PAY FOR THE AXLE, WHEEL, AND ANY OTHER DAMAGE INCURRED. AFTER READING ALL THESE OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS, I DON'T KNOW IF I WANT TO BOTHER GOING TO THE TROUBLE OF HAVING MY CAR TOWED TO HYUNDAI. I DEFINITELY FEEL THAT THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO BE MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. (I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN JAN '05 WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY BY A REPUTABLE MECHANIC THESE PAST 3+ YEARS, AND IT NOW HAS A LITTLE OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT). *TR
Structure, Oct 16, 2008
TOOK MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA TO OUR LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR STATE INSPECTION AND HE TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT MY SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT...HE COULD STICK HIS FINGERS ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FRAME. HE SAID IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND TO CALL OUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER. I DID AND THE SERVICE GUY THERE SAID TO BRING IT IN FOR INSPECTION. THAT THEY HAVE IDENTIFIED THE RUSTING OUT OF SONATA SUBFRAMES AS A PROBLEM AND UNDER "GOODWILL"....THEY WILL FIX IT FOR FREE, UNLESS THE CAR HAS BEEN WRECKED. TOLD HIM MY CAR WAS NOT WRECKED....IN FOR STATE INSPECTION ONLY. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY NOTICED WHEN DRIVING MY SONATA THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING VERY BAD....ESPECIALLY WHEN BREAKING ON A HILL. I THOUGHT MAYBE MY BRAKES WERE GOING BAD. NO!!! IT WAS MY RUSTED OUT SUBFRAME. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT FILED. I HAVE TO TAKE MY SONATA TO THE DEALERSHIP IN 5 DAYS SO THEY CAN ORDER A NEW SUBFRAME. THANKFULLY, NONE OF MY FAMILY HAS BEEN INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS.....WHY HASN'T THEIR BEEN A RECALL ON THIS FOR SONATAS???? IS HYUNDAI GOING TO WAIT FOR FATALITIES BEFORE THEY TAKE ACTION??? OUR MECHANIC TOLD US THE ENGINE COULD FALL OFF AND/OR OUR TIRES COULD BREAK OFF WHILE DRIVING. AND WE DON'T DO ALOT OF CITY DRIVING....MAINLY HIGHWAY DRIVING AND MY 17-YEAR OLD SON HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS SONATA. I THANK GOD NOTHING HAPPENED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING THE SONATA. PLEASE RESPOND TO ME ASAP. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL NOW!! I AM CONTACTING OTHER SONATA OWNERS WHO'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE ARE GETTING A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT TOGETHER. *TR
Structure, Oct 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE SUBFRAME BEING CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE UNTIL THEY RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Structure, Oct 5, 2008
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THE DEALER BRAND NEW. I ALWAYS HAVE MY VEHICLES SERVICED PER THE MANUFACTURER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. AS I WAS GETTING MY 90,000 MILE SERVICE WORK ON MY VEHICLE, THE SERVICE TECH NOTICED / STATED THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS COMING APART ( HOLES ) DUE TO RUST; PER THE SERVICE TECH, THE CRADLE NEEDS REPLACING AND THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE CRADLE ( CROSS-MEMBER); AND PERFORM A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHICH I HAD TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP $2,200.00. *TR
Structure, Sep 29, 2008
I HAD MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA IN TO REPAIR A POWER STEERING LINE THAT HAD RUSTED OUT AND WAS LEAKING WHEN THE SHOP DISCOVERED THAT THE CRADLE HAD A FIST SIZED HOLE IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CRADLE. *TR
Structure, Sep 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RUST HOLE NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HOLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Structure, Aug 30, 2008
WENT TO DEALER FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS TOLD MY SUBFRAME WAS ROTTING OUT. THE DEALER STATES THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SUBFRAME UNDER A " GOODWILL WARRANTY" WHEN ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR PROBLEMS WITH THE SUBFRAME OF THESE CARS I WAS TOLD NO. *TR
Structure, Aug 27, 2008
I OWN 2 ,2002 HYUNDAI SONATAS WITH 48,000 ON ONE AND 56,000 ON THE OTHER. THEY ARE BOTH DEVELOPING SEVERE RUST UNDER BOTH VEHICLES. THE WORST ONE APPEARS TO BE STARTING TO CRACK BY THE PASS. SIDE FRAME IN FRONT. WHERE THE AC LEAKS ONTO. THIS AREA IS PART OF THE WELDED FRAME WHICH WILL BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE THIS BAD ON A 6 YEAR OLD CAR. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE OTHER PARTS THAT HAVE ROTTED AWAY SO BAD THAT THERE WAS NOT MUCH LEFT OF THEM. THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS ARE ALSO STARTING TO DEVELOP A FLAKING RUST ON THEM . I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THEM ALSO SOON. I EVEN HAD THESE CARS RUSTPROOFED WHEN NEW. *TR
Structure, Aug 27, 2008
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA, SEVERE ROT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SUBFRAME. 58,000 MILES ON CAR. IT WAS NOT DRIVEABLE SO WAS TOWED TO DEALER. WAS NOT IN ACCIDENT BUT HAD SEVERE ALIGNMENT ISSUES AND POWER STEERING HOSE BREAKAGE AS A RESULT OF THE ROT. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT SUBFRAME WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT ALL OTHER REPAIRS WERE MY RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Structure, Aug 22, 2008
AS I WRITE THIS LETTER, MY 2002 SONATA IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIR OF SEVERE RUSTING AND DETACHMENT OF THE SUB FRAME. I WAS ADVISED A WEEK AGO BY THE MECHANIC PERFORMING AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THAT MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AXLE BOLT WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED REPAIR. HAVING THE EXTENDED HPP WARRANTY, I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHOSE EYES WERE WIDE WITH ABSOLUTE TERROR WHEN HE TOLD ME HOW CLOSE TO DEATH I WOULD HAVE BEEN HAD I NOT BROUGHT IT IN. HE ADVISED ME THAT IF I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR ANOTHER DAY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WILL BE WITHOUT MY CAR FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS. MY DEALER IS OFFERING ME A 'DEALER RENTAL RATE' FOR A LOANER CAR OF $35 A DAY WHICH I BELIEVE IS ADDING INSULT TO INJURY IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. ARE THERE ANY PLANS TO RECALL THIS VEHICLE SO THAT I MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE RENTAL CAR FOR MY INCONVENIENCE? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Aug 18, 2008
ENGINE CRADLE / CROSS MEMBER RUSTED THROUGH ON PASSENGER - SIDE [RIGHT SIDE] OF UNDERCARRIAGE [3 INCHES?] . APPARENT ENGINE LEAK FROM AIR CONDITIONER DESPITE REGULAR [HYUNDAI] MAINTENANCE. *TR
Structure, Jul 30, 2008
RE. DOOR HANDLES: ALL FOUR DOOR HANDLES HAVE SILVER PAINT PEELING. CAR IS 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. AM TAKING CAR TO DEALERSHIP NEXT WEEK FOR ESTIMATE TO REPLACE HANDLES. PAINT JOB OF SONATA IS PERFECT EXCEPT FOR ALL FOUR DOOR HANDLES. *TR
Structure, Jul 21, 2008
TOOK MY CAR TO SHOP TODAY BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING, HARD TO TURN ON CORNERS - THIS FIRST APPEARED YESTERDAY. I WAS HEARING ODD NOISES FROM UNDER THE CAR ON THE WAY TO THE SHOP. MECHANIC PUT CAR ON LIFT AND SHOWED ME HOW THE ENGINE CRADLE/FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. THEY SUSPECT THE PROBLEM STARTED ABOVE AND WORKED THROUGH AS I HAVE BEEN A FANATIC ABOUT REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR - ALWAYS WITH THE SAME SHOP SO THEY KNOW ME AND THE VEHICLE. NOW I'M WAITING TO SEE IF HYUNDAI WILL COVER THIS. *TR