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: suspension
63 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Jun 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSTALLING A NEW AXLE ON THE VEHICLE, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME AND THINNING OF THE SUB-FRAME STEEL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 8, 2013
AFTER HAVING REPAIRS DONE UNDER CAMPAIGN 089 SUB FRAME CORROSION BY HYUNDAI AND PAYING 500.00 FOR AXLE REPAIR, 2WKS LATER THE OPPOSITE WHEEL COLLAPSED OUT OF THE BALL JOINT. 900.00 REPAIR BILL AND DEALER INDICATED THIS WAS NOT RELATED TO THE SUB-FRAME RECALL. THIS IS NOW 2 INCIDENTS WHERE THE WHEELS FELL OFF THE CAR WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING THE CAR. BOTH WERE THANKFULLY AT LOW SPEEDS IN A PARKING LOT. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 8, 2013
WHEEL COLLAPSED INTO WHEEL WELL - REPAIRED UNDER CAMPAIGN 089 SUB FRAME CORROSION BY HYUNDAI. STILL HAD TO REPLACE AXLE AND AXLE BOOT - 500.00 DEALER REPAIR. *TR
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
Suspension, Jan 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Suspension, Jan 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE STARTED TO WOBBLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BE MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 6, 2013
OUR SON WHO WAS DRIVING OUR HYUNDAI 2002 SONATA NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS PULLING AND NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. WE TOOK IT IN TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT AND THE MECHANIC CALLED US AND TOLD US THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO AN ALIGNMENT AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MUCH MORE SERIOUS THAN THAT; THEY TOLD US THAT THE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BECAUSE OF THIS IT ALSO DID DAMAGE TO THE TIRES. WE NOW HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE. I SHUTTER EVERY TIME I THINK WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED TO HIM OR HIS FRIENDS IF HE HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD OR GOD FORBID DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. WE LIVE IN A STATE WHERE SNOW IS A PART OF OUR LIVES; WE ALWAYS WORRY ABOUT DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE BUT WE SHOULD NOT ALSO HAVE TO WORRY THAT OUR VEHICLE'S CRADLE WILL RUST THROUGH POTENTIALLY CAUSING HARM OR EVEN DEATH. *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
Suspension, Jul 26, 2012
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CORROSION AND RUSTING OF THE SUB FRAME RECALL. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN ILLINOIS. HOWEVER, SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN KENTUCKY, WHICH IS NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED STATES. HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMED THE CONSUMER HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, DUE TO THE PRODUCTION DATE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, AS SHE HAS PICTURES SHOWING THE CORROSION AND RUSTING OF THE SUB-FRAME, WHICH HAS SINCE RENDERED THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. ACCORDING TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE VEHICLE HAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SUB-FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH IS WHY THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED AND CAUSED SUCH HORRIBLE WEAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE AFTER MONTHS OF PURCHASING THEM. *JB UPDATED 08/15/12
Steering, Suspension, Mar 15, 2012, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A COUNTY ROAD DOING APPROX. 45 MPH. THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE SUDDENLY TILTED 50 DEGREES INWARD AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE AUTO. AFTER NEARLY MISSING A TELEPHONE POLE, SHE PLOWED INTO A CORN FIELD AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. SHE SUFFERED A SPRAINED WRIST FROM STEERING WHEEL "WHIP" AND BRUISED HER KNEE IN THE ACCIDENT. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE MECHANIC , HE FOUND THAT THE A FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE HAD BROKE IN HALF. THE METAL IN THE FRAME HAD RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE BY PREVIOUS UNDER-CARRIAGE REPAIRS, SUCH AS TIRE CHANGE, OIL CHANGE ETC. THE CAR HAS HAD SUPERB MAINTENANCE THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY AND HAS BEEN BOUGHT AND SOLD WITHIN THE SAME FAMILY SINCE BEING BOUGHT NEW BY THE SON IN 2002. WE LOVE THE CAR AND HAVE ENJOYED THE 123,000 MILES OF DRIVING BUT ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HYUNDAI BECAUSE WE HAVE NO RECORD OF EVER RECEIVING A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. HYUNDAI HAS DECIDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE BUT HAS NOT SAID WHETHER THEY WILL REPAIR THE BODY DAMAGE OR THE TRANSMISSION IF DAMAGED FROM THE INCIDENT. WE COULD NOT GET MOVE THE SHIFTER AFTER THE INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 26, 2012
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA FAILED AT 6 MPH TURNING A CITY STREET CORNER. THE AXLE AND BALL JOINT FELL OFF, TAKING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WITH IT. THIS CAR WAS 'REPAIRED' A FEW YEARS EARLIER WHEN IT WAS RECALLED FOR UNDERCARRIAGE RUST. THEY SPRAYED A RUBBERIZED COATING ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND TOLD ME I WAS GOOD TO GO! WE ALL KNOW, THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP RUST. *TR
Suspension, Feb 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE COLLAPSED WITH THE TIRE POSITIONED OUTWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE SUB FRAME AND LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND TO BE REPAIRED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER, 09V124000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CONSEQUENCE OCCURRED WHILE WAITING FOR THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension, Nov 16, 2011
MONDAY, 11-07-11, RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE INSIDE INCH OF TREAD AND SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE HAD EXTREME WEAR DOWN TO THE METAL WIRES. THIS CONDITION WAS NOT OBSERVABLE FROM THE FRONT OR SIDE OF THE CAR. THE REMAINING TREAD SHOWED NORMAL WEAR. THE LEFT TIRE SHOWS SOME OF THE SAME ABNORMAL WEAR PATTERN AS THE RIGHT, LEAVING ME TO BELIEVE THERE WAS AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. TUESDAY, 11-09-11, REPLACED FRONT RIGHT TIRE. WEDNESDAY, 11-10-11, SCHEDULED AN ALIGNMENT WITH FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE. HOWEVER, AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD BY THEIR MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT RIGHT FRAME WAS CRACKED AND SEPARATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. CONTACTED MYRTLE BEACH HYUNDAI (MBH)TO EXPLAIN PROBLEM, AND TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THURSDAY, 11-11-11, MBH CONFIRMED THAT THE FRAME IS CRACKED AND SEPARATING. TOLD US THAT IT WOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO US BECAUSE OF A RECALL, AND THAT CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. HOWEVER, WE WERE TOLD THAT A NEW REPLACEMENT FRAME PART WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF NEXT WEEK. ALSO, WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY ASSOCIATED PARTS TO REPLACE THE BROKEN FRAME, SUCH AS BOLTS, BUSHINGS, AND ETC. IF THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FURTHERMORE, WE WERE TOLD THAT MBH WOULD NOT PROVIDE US WITH A LOANER VEHICLE DURING THIS RECALL REPAIRS, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. WE ARE ON EXTENDED VACATION AT MYRTLE BEACH, SC AND ONLY HAVE THIS CAR AS OUR ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. RENTED A CAR FROM ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR FOR THE WEEK AT $156.99 PLUS TAXES, ETC. IF CAR RENTAL IS NECESSARY LONGER THAN THE WEEK, THE COST IS $29.99 PLUS TAXES, ETC. PER DAY. IN CONCLUSION, THE RECALL REMEDY OF THIS POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SITUATION, AS MAY BE STATED TO BE FREE OR NO CHARGE TO THE VEHICLE OWNER, IT IS NOT INCLUSIVE OF ALL THE RELATED EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIRS.
Suspension, Sep 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATE 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNUSUAL SCRAPING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE HAD ROTTED. THE CONTACT LOCATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V124000 (SUSPENSION) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT BECAUSE THE CONTACT RESIDED IN SOUTH CAROLINA, THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE HONORED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A SALT BELT STATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN OHIO WHICH ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, WAS A STATE IN WHICH THE RECALL WOULD BE HONORED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Jul 21, 2010
MY 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS, ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN NEW YORK AND NOW REGISTERED IN FLORIDA, RIGHT FRONT SUB-FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED, CRACKED AND NOW ALMOST GONE. STEERING IS EXTREMELY ERRATIC AND SUSPENSION SAGGING DRASTICALLY ON RIGHT WHEEL. VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V124000 SUMMARY COVERS THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER HYUNDAI SAYS THIS VIN ([XXX]) IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL NO. 089 AND COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 21, 2010
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. HAVING PROBLEM PUTTING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE PRESSURE VALVE WAS NOT OPENING CORRECTLY WHEN FUEL WAS ADDED. ALSO, LAST FALL THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS LEANING IN AND HE THOUGHT IT WAS A BROKEN TIE ROD, BUT WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, HE WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.*JB
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
Suspension, Jan 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE SUB-FRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROSION. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURES AS RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000, SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,031. UPDATED 02/03/10 *BF UPDATED 02/11/10.*JB
Suspension, Jan 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A RECALL REMEDY REPAIR UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). THE SUBFRAME HAD EXCESSIVE DAMAGES AND CORROSION. DURING THE RECALL SERVICE REPAIR THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME FOR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 03/14/10 *BF UPDATED 05/06/10.*JB
Suspension, Dec 22, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. THERE WAS A HOLE IN HER UNDERCARRIAGE DUE TO CORROSION. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED BECAUSE HER TIRES WERE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE HER VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT HER VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 09V124000 (SUSPENSION). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 141,000. UPDATED 01/06/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/10.*JB
Suspension, Dec 17, 2009
ALL FOUR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT STRUTS FACTORY INSTALLED ON A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 CYLINDER, HAVE FAILED. VEHICLE HAS 51,000 MILES AND THE STRUTS HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THEIR JOB FOR 15000 MILES. WHEN LOOKED INTO, AT THE DEALERSHIP (VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY) THE DEALERSHIPS POSITION IS THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE STRUTS UNLESS THEY ARE LEAKING. AND IF 1 WAS LEAKING THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE THAT ONE STRUT.... HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH A 2004 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.7 AWD VEHICLE ALSO. THAT VEHICLE HAS 79,000 MILES AND HAVE THE SAME DRIVIBILTY CONDITION. AND WAS TOLD THE SAME EXACT THING ABOUT THE DEALERSHIP/ MANUFACTURER'S POSITION. *TR
Suspension, Nov 2, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH HE NOTICED A LOUD POPPING SOUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE OUTER ARM ASSEMBLY HAD SEPARATED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. 5 DAYS PRIOR, RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER# 09V124000 WAS PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. AFTER THE REPAIR THE STEERING WHEEL HAD BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117049. UPDATED 3/30/2010 UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB